Diana L. Brodie-Anderson

The meeting included reviews of General Municipal Law Section 239 (l) & (m) Referrals, specifically addressing a Use Variance in the Town of Ellicottville for converting a commercial building into a multi-dwelling unit, requiring review of existing well and septic systems. Approvals were also granted for architectural reviews in the Village of Ellicottville concerning Firehall Additions and Alterations, a Single-Family Detached Dwelling in a floodplain zone, and a Special Use Permit for converting a rear property area to residential use. Department reports detailed activity on the MAP Grant for Small Business, progress on Land Bank property demolitions, planning for a Code Enforcement training session, and the status of the RAISE grant and housing study. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Agricultural district inclusion period, the Farmer-Neighbor dinner, and the ARC Kiosks grant. The board also discussed restructuring the STW committee and nominated an officer for Secretary.

The meeting addressed several key actions adopted by voice vote. Key resolutions involved the acceptance of bids for bridge structural steel, and corrugated beam guide railing, box beam, cable guide railing, bridge and culvert post, bridge railing, and transition sections, with contracts authorized for various vendors for terms spanning 2026-2027. The board authorized the Chair to execute grant documents with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for a Municipal Waste Reduction and/or Recycling Project, despite the grant term covering 2020. A contract renewal was authorized for forestry management services with Generations Forestry, Inc. for the term 2026-2027. No-cost time extensions were authorized for hazard mitigation planning services with Tetra Tech, Inc. (extended to May 31, 2026) and for Safe Streets and Roads for All funding with the U.S. Department of Transportation (extended to July 31, 2027). A contract renewal was authorized with Schindler Elevator Corporation for DPW Facility and Jail elevator maintenance/inspection services for the term 2026-2031. Several contracts were approved for Community Services Board programs, including veteran peer-to-peer support, ongoing integrated supported employment services, substance abuse program funds, medical director services, and mental health social worker services for Gowanda Central School District. Contracts were authorized for GIS-based software solutions with Schneider Geospatial, LLC, and for renewing GIS software licenses with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI). Additionally, a contract was authorized for aerial photography software and support services with Pictometry International Corp. d/b/a Eagleview. The board also formally appointed Michael Prinino as Commissioner of Public Works for a four-year term commencing February 25, 2026, and appointed James E. Adsit as Director, Department of Buildings and Grounds, commencing April 1, 2026.

The document outlines several prefiled resolutions primarily related to the Department of Public Works, scheduled for committee meetings on March 4, 2026. Key items include bid acceptances for various materials such as crushed stone, rock rip rap, processed gravel, concrete catch basins, portland cement concrete, and geotextile fabric. It also covers bid acceptance for the replacement of the roofing system at the Cattaraugus County Olean Office Building. Furthermore, several resolutions authorize the Chair to execute contracts or contract amendments for services including consultant design services for bridge replacement, senior nutrition program meals, social adult day services, legal services for elderly residents, and case management services for homeless individuals. There are also resolutions authorizing no-cost time extensions with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and approving a contract for Scribe Support Staff for the Mental Health Clinic & PROS Program.

The meeting commenced with the election of current officers to retain their positions as Chairman and Vice Chairman. A primary discussion centered on the review of 30-Day Inclusion Requests for parcels seeking entry into the agricultural district. Following the review, the board approved a specific list of 24 parcels for inclusion. Discussions also covered the need for educational materials, such as an Ag District 'facts sheet,' regarding the benefits and qualifications for landowners participating in the program. Future educational programming, potentially held in the Fall, was suggested. Separately, the date for the Farmer Neighbor Dinner was confirmed for April 15th, 2026. Agency updates included Farm Bureau resolutions passing and Cornell Cooperative Extension announcing hiring needs and various educational programs, noting the loss of nutrition programming due to budget cuts. During the Open Forum, concerns regarding upcoming issues like electric vehicles, data centers, and battery storage were raised. It was noted that property assessed values and subsequent property taxes could substantially increase for farmers removing land from agricultural assessment for solar projects.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the Call to Order, the Election of Officers for Chairman and Vice Chairman, and a detailed Review of 30-Day Inclusions for numerous landowners concerning parcel acreage, current land use, soil composition, municipality, and the board's recommendation. Further agenda items cover a Farmer Neighbor Dinner, Agency Updates from the Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, and Southern Tier West, an Open Forum for member-presented issues, scheduling the Upcoming Meeting, and Adjournment.