Penn Yan schedules public hearings

PENN YAN—The Penn Yan village board scheduled several public hearings for the March 15 village board meeting. The subjects and times are:
• 6 p.m.: Proposed local law providing for alternate members of the Historic Preservation Commission.
• 6:05 p.m.: Proposed local law amending the water chapter of the village code. This would set up new methodology for billing for water using Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU) system.
• 6:10 p.m.: Proposed local law amending the Site Plan Review chapter of village code with respect to the renewal of Site Plan approval.
• 6:15 p.m.; Proposed local law amending village code to change the method of billing for sewer rents.
• 6:20 p.m.:  Proposed local law amending the Ethics Chapter of the village code with respect to voting by Penn Yan Fire Company Volunteer Firefighters who are village trustees.
• 6:25 p.m.: Proposed local law creating boat trailer parking regulations for the sports complex at the Keuka Street boat launch.
• 6:30 p.m.: Proposed increase in rate for sidewalk replacement. The current rate is $4.25 a square foot. The proposed new rate is $5.25 per square foot.
• 6:35 p.m.: Regarding amendment of the Waterfront Development and Conservation (WIC) District regulations.
Details regarding the proposed changes are available in the village office.
In other business:  A local law establishing speed limits, traffic control and required signage on Firehouse Avenue was approved. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour.
• Trustees enacted a new billing policy, effective immediately, regarding collecting funds for the extension or upgrade of electric service. Going forward, the cost of extending or upgrading electric service will be charged to the customer up front.
• Mayor Robert Church discussed a Freedom of Information Law appeal. Rochester resident John Cahill requested lists of all active and honorary firemen in the hose companies for the years 2006 through 2010.Church said he had discussed the lists with the fire chiefs and was told they keep ongoing lists, not year by year. He said the lists were provided. Church said, “We cannot provide lists we do not have.”
• Village resident Robert Hoban outlined his concerns about billing other municipalities that use the Penn Yan sewer system. Hoban maintained Jerusalem should be paying a higher rate. Church said, “I suggest you go to the Municipal Utilities Board.” Church noted the village and Jerusalem are now discussing the issue.  He said, “It’s not that we are not listening to you. You have someone you can go to. It is obviously not going to be a quick process.” Hoban responded, “Tell me where I’m wrong. It should be very clear what the contract says. They never paid. They should pay now.” Church replied, “You were part of drawing up these contracts. How did we get to this point if they were drawn up correctly?” Lawsuits between the two municipalities have not resolved the issue.
• The board approved a request from Elizabeth Hoover for “Pickin in the Street” on Main Street from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20.
• Relay for Life was granted permission to wrap bows at eye level around the light poles on Main Street from the post office to Water and Wagner Streets.
• Brent Bodine was named Director of Public Works and Bill Jensen, Assistant Director of Public Works, effective Friday, Feb. 25. The position of Deputy Assistant Director of Public Works was eliminated.
• The board approved Robert James as a member of Hydrant Hose Company.
The next meeting of the Penn Yan village board will be in the village office building on Elm Street at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.