Tonight (2017-02-21) was a meeting of the Honeoye Falls Board of Trustees.
By pattern, tonights meeting should have happened yesterday (Monday). But that was just one of a number of oddities tonight. Different day, different people, longer then usual, conference calls, much was unusual. It worked out, and I’m just glad I was able to Observe this meeting.
A number of regular people were missing. Two of the trustees were away, Jim and Jerry. Mike the lawyer and Conan the student were also away. Reasons varied (vacation, sickness, family crisis), but regulars were not there. Mike did show up part way through, using the wonders that are modern telephones.
On the other hand, we had some extra faces for the night. Gary and Andy were there to present, a couple (who’s names I missed) wanted to talk about their house/restaurant, and the new fire chief. So total number in the room was slightly higher then normal.
For all those reasons (and more), Rick (Mayor) did some agenda shuffling. Everything on the agenda was dealt with, but the order was all over the place. For example, regular reports are normally early on. Tonight they were right before the end. I’ll try to comment in the actual order things happened, not that it should matter.
Gary was there to discuss the museum collection and condition. I’ve known him and his family for a while, so it was nice ot have the chance to catch up before the meeting started. I’m sure my mother will be glad to know his family is doing well. But that wasn’t what he was there to talk about.
He talked about steps that could be taken to maximize the useful lifespan of the village museum collection. It made for amusing stories to hear about squirrels and similar adventures. Perhaps you should visit the museum yourself, I recommend Sunday afternoons.
Next was Mark, the newly elected fire chief. He gave a summary of what he wants to focus on in his job. Besides the obvious, minimizing fire damage. Pretty even split between stuff that will need to be replaced at some point (million dollars for a big truck) and things that can be done to increase the number of firefighters (side story about the hat he received as part of his training 23 years ago). I can fully understand the need to replace equipment as it gets old, and all the better to plan for it in advance (surprises are bad). But some of that stuff is expensive. Of course, so is having your house burn down.
That was followed by Ed (ambulance chief). He has presented often enough before, so tonight he focused on the need to cover for injured staff. Ironic in a way, medical staff being injured, causing difficulties for medical organization. But that aside, apparently she is/was the only person that could (legally) handle certain drug related functions for the ambulance. Plans are in place to cover for the short term, until a permanent solution can be put in place. As if we need another reason to avoid injuring ourselves.
One thing I noticed in both fire and ambulance was a need for more people. Details varied, but both organizations expressed a desire for help, so that they in turn could help us. Not a challenge everyone is up for, but if you can fight fires or care for the sick, I’m sure they would appreciate any assistance.
The (potential) future owners of 12 Monroe Street were there to talk about their plans for creating a restaurant below the residence. Currently not allowed on that lot, hence the discussion. No action was taken, but it has been interesting watching this couple work towards this idea. Previously they wanted to do this in the former (or is it current?) Oppedisano’s Bootery, but now want it across from the fire hall. Seems like a nice idea, and I hope it goes well for them.
Another potential code change pertains to the Traditional Village district. In particular, changes are being discussed to allow for storage units to be built next to the former GM plant. I’ll need to get a copy of the draft so I can read up before the meeting. Must be educated before making comments. Which is why the draft (and all relevant documents for a meeting) should be on the website. Unfortunately, some people don’t share this opinion.
The above two items did cause me to think about how the village has a history of changing the code for new businesses. Either through lot specific variances or more global code changes. In general a good idea, although the devil can be in the details. Tonight I mentioned to the board that it would be great if the code could be changed preemptively. Make the changes such that what would be allowed, is what is actually allowed. Thus no need for a change to occur. I like to think it’s a nice idea, but I am asking them to predict the future. And there are plenty of other things to keep the village government busy, reacting may be the only practical option.
A number of dates were discussed that you may want to put on your calendar. March 21st will be the village election. We get to pick a Mayor, two Trustees, and I believe a Justice. And the village’s annual meeting will be April 3rd. It will most likely happen at 6:30PM, following the budget approval at 6PM, but exact timing may change. While the meeting itself tends to be boring, there are cookies and good conversations afterwards (followed by the planning board meeting). Of course, I may have these dates wrong, so make sure to check the village’s official calendar to be sure.
With that the board went into executive session and I (and the rest of the audience) had to leave. At least the rain took a break for my walk home.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the February 21th, 2017 meeting of the Honeoye Falls Board of Trustees.
Link to agenda on Village website.
Link to agenda stored on this site, should the village lose their copy.