Avery Faulkner

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key municipal matters. The Mayor announced plans to apply for a Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) Grant to enhance Davis Park with a larger bandshell. The Fire Chief's January report was reviewed, detailing 51 total incidents, and the Board subsequently approved Resolution #2-2026, declaring an emergency need to replace the fire department ambulance following an accident in December 2025. The Board authorized the Mayor to enter into an MOU with the Fire Association regarding the ambulance purchase and repayment terms, and approved two membership applications for the Falconer Jr. Company. Code Enforcement reported on issuing two building permits and seven violation letters for unregistered vehicles. The DPW report highlighted a busy winter with snow removal and noted the delivery of a new generator for the Fire Hall. The Library Board recommended Amanda Bajdo for the provisional Library Director position pending a Civil Service exam and recommended pursuing E-Rate pricing for internet services to achieve cost savings. Financially, the Board approved Resolution #1-2026, a Budget Modification transferring $192,000 from the NYCLASS Ambulance/EMS account towards the new ambulance purchase. The Board also consented to Falconer Central School District's designation as the lead agency for their 2026 capital improvement project for SEQRA purposes. Committee updates included discussions on the 2026 Farmers Market draft rules, including forming a non-profit arm, and the Planning Board's ongoing work to update the village's sign law. Finally, the Board approved multiple Abstract #9 payments for the General Fund, Cemetery Fund, and Library Fund.

The meeting followed the Annual Organizational Meeting. Key discussions included a review of the Fire Chief's December report, detailing 61 total incidents, and the 2025 annual report showing 134 fire incidents and 624 rescue/EMS incidents. An update was provided on an ambulance accident from December 20th, noting that damage assessment is pending a manufacturer representative's visit. The Code Enforcement report for December was reviewed, noting one building permit issued. The DPW report highlighted snow removal activities and the removal of Christmas decorations. The Library Director reported on a Mini-Grant received for bilingual books and upcoming events. Committee discussions covered the Fire Advisory Board's budget planning, the relocation of Chautauqua Soap Company, and scheduling for the upcoming Farmers Market. The Planning Board is continuing work on updating the village's sign law. Historian Brenda Cavallaro presented on the history of firefighting buckets. Old business included updates on the 2026 Garbage/Recycling Calendar and pursuing funding for the sanitary sewer improvement project. New business involved appointing the Treasurer as Village Tax Collector and the Clerk as Deputy Village Tax Collector. Abstract payments for the General Fund, Cemetery Fund, Library Fund, and General Fund Hand Items were approved.

The Annual Organizational Meeting addressed several procedural and administrative items. Key actions included designating the Jamestown Post-Journal as the official newspaper and setting the regular monthly meeting schedule for the second Monday at 6:00 p.m., with provisions for Monday holidays. The Board designated Community Bank, M&T Bank, and NYCLASS as village depositories. Authorization was granted for advance payment of certain recurring claims, and approval was given for municipal officials to attend training sessions. Furthermore, the IRS mileage allowance rate was set at $0.725 per mile starting January 1, 2026. The Village's Procurement Policy, Disaster Plan, Public Emergency Plan, and participation in the Chautauqua County Mutual Aid Agreement were also approved, along with the Mayor's Committee appointments.

The meeting agenda included receiving reports from various departments, including Fire, Code Enforcement, D.P.W., Library, and Finance, as well as updates from the Legal Counsel. Committee discussions covered reports on Public Safety, Downtown Development, Farmers' Market, Parks & Recreation, Pine Hill Cemetery, Planning/Zoning Board, and Historian News. Old business involved the 2026 Garbage/Recycling Calendar and an update on the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant for the Sanitary Sewer System Improvement Project. New business included updating the Village of Falconer Contact List and a motion to appoint the Treasurer as Tax Collector and the Clerk as Deputy Tax Collector. Correspondence included an Abstract Audit review. The board was scheduled to review and approve several Abstract #8 payments for the General Fund, Cemetery Fund, and Library Fund.

The Annual Organizational Meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to re-elected officials. Key actions taken involved designating the Jamestown Post-Journal as the official newspaper, setting the regular Board of Trustees meeting schedule for the second Monday at 6:00 p.m. monthly (with adjustments for holidays), and designating Community Bank, M&T Bank, and NYCLASS as village depositories. The Board authorized advance payment for specific recurring charges, approved municipal officials' attendance at training sessions, set the IRS mileage allowance rate to $0.725 per mile effective January 1, 2026, and approved the Village of Falconer's Procurement Policy, Disaster Plan, Public Emergency Plan, and participation in the Chautauqua County Mutual Aid Agreement. The Mayor's committee appointments were approved, and the date for the 2027 Organizational Meeting was set for January 11, 2027.