by Lisa Sanford
In light of two recent flash flooding events in May and June, public comment was frequent and concerned at the June meeting of the Canisteo Village Board. During a 30 minute public comment session multiple residents both commended village officials for their quick response to flash flooding that took place on June 9, yet also expressed concerns with significant inequities in pipe and grate flow capacity across the village, and depreciating property values that may follow the three major flash flooding episodes over the last year. Mayor Richard McInroy reports that the board is looking at an engineering study that could provide potential recommendations, and is seeking grant funding for the $50,000 cost. He also urges residents to bring these concerns to Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski’s scheduled town hall to be held June 26 at 6 PM at the Canisteo American Legion.
In other matters:
Following lengthy discussion, a memorandum of understanding with Canisteo Police Sergeant-in-Charge James Giglio was unanimously approved. This provides a $10,000 stipend compensating Giglio’s additional administrative duties during the ten month leave of former Chief Kyle Amidon. The stipend will cover any additional time accrued by Sergeant Giglio in this bridge position, pending a Civil Service ruling on the village board’s recommendation of a 19-hour per week position to handle administrative and grant-writing duties.
Trustee James Dineen reported that by a resident vote of 145-44, the village now has a flag commemorating the Living Sign and designed by Canisteo-Greenwood High School student Declan McAneney. The flag now flies at the village park.
Summer market days in the park have been approved for the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
The board approved $6600 from a NYSERDA grant to purchase pole saws, blowers, push mowers and string trimmers for use by the DPW and fire department.
FEMA Disaster Debby funding is now complete following receipt of $50,855 for emergency response costs from last August’s flooding.
With trustee Robert Hammond abstaining, the board approved costs for Sergeant Giglio and K9 dog Smitty to attend October training and receive New York State and national (NAPWDA) certification. Concerns were expressed regarding time away from village availability for Giglio, Smitty and the patrol vehicle.
The Water Leak Adjustment policy and application were approved and can be accessed on the Village website.
Following a meeting with county emergency services officials, Mayor McInroy recommended the board affiliate with NY Responds, a mass notification system with no cost to the village. The board unanimously approved the recommendation.
A public hearing to discuss a Community Development Block Grant with potential to provide financial support for village water and flooding issues will be held at 6:50 PM on July 8, prior to the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
