Ashley M. Debbins

The meeting commenced with the call to order and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the September 8th meeting and the authorization to pay abstract of audited vouchers from various funds totaling $162,628.91 for the period of August 26, 2025, to September 22, 2025. Correspondence reviewed involved a building permit report from the Town of Lancaster, approval for a community blood drive and a Halloween parade, referral of a Christmasville Fire Truck Parade application to committee, and notification from the New York State Department of Transportation regarding crosswalk enhancement requests. Resolutions approved the temporary hiring of a clerk for Public Works assistance, the engagement letter for the annual audit services by Dresser and Malaki LLP, the issuance of an RFP for architectural/engineering services for facility condition assessments, and the creation and appointment of three part-time Assistant Fire Chiefs. The board also approved the contract with Mr. Salvatore for the Kyuga Creek Park band shell project, set a public hearing for October 14th regarding a local law to amend speed limits on St. Mary Street, and scheduled a future public hearing for the adoption of a model energy law. Committee reports covered updates on grants (ZEV, USDA forest service tree planting, DEEC tree planting, Central Avenue grant, CDBG splash pad project), the successful annual Fall Fest, and the receipt of a donation for splash pad improvements (benches and tables). The Superintendent reported on ongoing sewer smoke testing.

The meeting involved a public hearing to consider a request for variance from village codes by Daryl Skelton regarding the location of an 8 by 12 greenhouse at 38 Grand Avenue. The petitioner sought relief from setback requirements (Section 350-33A and Section 350-33E) concerning location in a front yard/required sideyard and proximity to the dwelling (less than 10 feet). The request was ultimately granted without contingencies. The board confirmed that the petitioner must adhere to uplift requirements for anchoring the structure.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and pledge of allegiance, followed by a fire safety announcement and roll call. Key discussions included the approval of previous minutes from the December 8th meeting and the authorization for the treasurer to pay claims against various funds, totaling over $215,000. Correspondence reviews led to approvals for purchasing a CAT loader for DPW and awarding a contract for a level three charging station at Kauga Creek Park. The Board also approved membership changes for the Fire Department, including a new member and an acceptance of resignation. Resolutions addressed executing a grant agreement with the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation for an infiltration and inflow improvement study, authorizing a local match for the same project, approving a contract for the Plumb Bottom Creek Culver Rehabilitation Project, establishing dog control services with the town of Lancaster through 2030, and approving supplemental agreement funding for Safe Routes for All Central Avenue improvements. The Board also approved an event application for the New Year's Eve event. Committee reports covered updates on paperwork streets, future meetings with legal counsel, and the implementation of a new FOB access system. A public hearing was held regarding the 2025 Village of Lancaster and Village of Depw joint comprehensive plan update, during which public input was solicited and discussed, highlighting walkability as a key concern for residents.

The primary discussion focused on the Local Option Alternative Pension (LOAP) program and the steps required to place proposed changes on a referendum for taxpayers. Key options reviewed included increasing the service credit earning period from 30 to 40 years, lowering the benefit entitlement age from 65 to 62, or implementing both changes. Financial impacts were presented, estimating a 0.84% tax increase for the service year extension, a 0.48% increase for the age reduction, and a 1.37% increase for both combined. Significant discussion occurred regarding the logistical conflict between the 90-day advance notice required by the county for referendum language and the 10-to-60-day window permitted after resolution approval. The board considered potential election dates, favoring holding the vote during a regular election in March to maximize taxpayer turnout, despite the fire department's preference for an earlier date this year. The board also addressed who would fund promotional mailers, concluding that the village's obligation is limited to official notification, while the fire department would be responsible for any campaign materials.

Key discussions during the work session included reviewing abstract audited vouchers and correspondence. Correspondence included a report from the town building department and a recommendation to appoint Carson Burke to permanent status as a DPW laborer. The board addressed planning commission recommendations for change in use applications for Label Associates and Simply Boba. Resolutions covered authorizing bids for the Pleasant Avenue sanitary sewer lateral rehabilitation project, executing a contract for an EV charging station installation, and appointing Margaret Gisco as Clerk to the Village Justice Court. Committee reports included updates on outreach to Mr. Shut regarding firm work, praise for DPW's snow removal efforts, plans for the Clark Street crosswalk, and a temporary postponement of the signage code public hearing pending review by HPC. The sewer committee discussed cleaning up old items and moving forward with the Pleasant Avenue sewer project bid authorization. Grants committee discussed the Plumb Bottom Creek culvert project progress, requested changes to the comprehensive plan from Erie County, approving a contract for park chargers, and pursuing a grant for fire department gear washers/dryers. Other items included GIS responsibilities, which were determined not to necessitate a dedicated position, and updates on code enforcement regarding flood plain compliance and delinquency notices.