Village of Horseheads

The Board of Trustees discussed various unfinished business topics, including the bulk water facility, water infrastructure, personnel, property management, public safety, utility audits, and regulatory prohibitions for e-vapes and e-bikes. New business items included the review of a draft social media policy, approval of budget transfers, and setting a public hearing for a proposed local law regarding a moratorium on data processing centers. The meeting also covered financials, committee reports, and department updates.

The meeting featured a presentation from EJ Prescott regarding a water leak detection system. The Board discussed the capabilities of the zone scan AI leak detection loggers, which are designed to pinpoint leaks in water mains by listening for consistent acoustic signatures. The presenter explained the technical aspects, maintenance, subscription costs, and accuracy of the system, noting its effectiveness even in rocky soil and for various pipe materials. The discussion also covered how the data is analyzed in the cloud, the ease of installation, and real-world case studies demonstrating significant savings in water loss revenue for other municipalities.

The agenda for the meeting covers a variety of municipal items, including a leak detection system update from EJ Prescott, a water infrastructure presentation by Fagan, and the awarding of a columbarium bid. Additional business items include reports on cemetery rules and regulations, bulk water facilities, water infrastructure status, personnel matters, the LRC property on South Avenue, a DPW study, development of a unified public safety station, surplus policies, utility audits, e-vape and e-bike prohibition laws, fund reserve balance, overnight parking regulations at Hanover Square, workplace policies regarding gender-based violence, and the implementation of one-way traffic on Carroll Street. The meeting also includes financial reviews, committee reports, and department updates.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered various operational and policy matters, including the adoption of a fund balance policy, authorization for the disposal of surplus DPW equipment, and the approval of participation in the Chemung County Fire Mutual Aid Plan. Discussion took place regarding potential traffic flow improvements for Carroll Street, a one-year moratorium on motorized mobility devices in village parks, and the designation of Chemung County as the lead agency for the County Comprehensive Plan. Budget transfers were authorized, and departmental updates were provided concerning personnel, parade preparations, and fire service calls. Additionally, the Board authorized the use of official letterhead for a private resident communication regarding Chemung County legislative redistricting at no cost to the village.

The meeting focused on several traffic and parking issues, including the establishment of an overnight parking ban in Hanover Square, which was agreed to be from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. to accommodate local businesses. The commission also discussed village parking lot fees, setting a rate of $300 per year or $25 per month for residential use, and outlined the implementation of parking permits. Regarding student parking on Fletcher and Pine Street, the commission decided to uphold a previous 2018 decision to allow parking, which includes plans for the removal of outdated signage and new parking sign installations on Center Street. Additionally, the commission addressed a complaint regarding traffic safety and increased police presence on E Street.