By NICOLE GUGINO
OBSERVER Assistant News Editor
DAYTON - Residents had several complaints for the Dayton Town Board.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino
Pictured is the property which was discussed at the Dayton Town Board meeting Tuesday, the ownership of which is of question.
The first question asked of the board was the ownership of the Cottage Grange and the playground which used to be the grange's property.
The matter of contention is a "dangerous" tree limb on the playground which residents believe could be dangerous if children played on it.
Town Supervisor Mark Smith explained the town is not sure who is responsible for the land; Gowanda Central School, Cattaraugus County or the New York State Grange. He said it has been a mystery the town attorney has been working on for some time.
Smith said the town is not interested in taking ownership of the playground, as it does not want to put the burden of the cost of the upkeep and mowing on the tax payers. However, the town would like to hold someone responsible for taking care of the property until it is returned to the tax rolls.
Smith said he would consider going to a school board meeting, because he has talked to the school's attorney and the school board president and has come up with no answers so far.
Another Markhams resident asked the board if the town can mandate water testing in his area where several people said their water is undrinkable. He said his water tested high in sodium and he would like to know if others' water is the same and find the source.
Smith said the town cannot do anything about it and the neighbors will have to agree individually to get their water tested.
In other business:
The board authorized Town Justice Colleen Arbeiter to apply for a grant for court security through the Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP).
Smith confirmed Code Enforcement Officer Frank Watson's office hours are Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the town hall.
Animal Control Officer Kathy Hagner reported there will be a free rabies clinic at the County Highway Barn in Markhams Sept. 4.
Highway Superintendent Brian Taber reported the $16,000 grader, which the board approved the purchase of at its June meeting to replace the one that broke, is working well.
Smith reported court will not be held Sept. 13 as it is primary day.
The next town board meeting will be held Aug. 14.
