OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Village Clerk and Treasurer Roxanne Astry, left, and Mayor Bill Dorman react to a story prior to the most recent Cassadaga Village Board of Trustees meeting.

CASSADAGA — Code enforcement is a hot topic in the village because of the ongoing saga of short-term rental properties.

Now, the village knows who it eventually wants to take on that role.

Jason Luce was recently hired on a part-time basis while he completes his training and certification in code enforcement. He will eventually take over all the responsibilities held in the village by former code enforcement officer Wendy Spinuzza, who has stayed on to help the transition after she submitted her resignation.

“He’s really head over heels in this. He’s dedicated,” said Deputy Mayor Bill Astry, who also noted Luce’s people skills and connections in the area with others who have code enforcement experience. “We’re enthused by (Luce) and he’s enthused our way.

We’re doing the best we can do,” Astry added.

Luce was officially hired at the most recent Cassadaga Village Board of Trustees meeting, with all present members of the board in favor of the appointment. Trustee Rachyl Krupa was the only board member not in attendance at the meeting.

Sean Seibert, the only member of the public to attend the most recent Village Board meeting, respectfully questioned the board’s decision.

“Why hire the building inspector as an employee, rather than an independent contractor?” Seibert asked. “It seems like a much more expensive way to get those services when you have to pay everything that goes along with paying an employee.”

The initial response to Seibert’s question was that the village had an employee on staff in the past. That was followed by an explanation that there would be less interest in the position if it was only a per diem position without any additional benefits.

“We want to encourage someone to invest in staying here with their time,” added Trustee Mark Wilson.

Seibert spoke to his experience as an independent contractor and said the village could have benefited financially from not hiring someone as a village employee.

“My concern is, as a resident, trying to get the best bang for the buck,” said Seibert.

Also at the most recent Board of Trustees meeting, it was shared that the bathhouse at the beach, designed by Chris Cooke, was put out for bid requests.

The much more spacious new bathhouse will have two family bathrooms, with handicap accessibility, changing tables, and an outside shower.

The Village Board is confident the total cost will be below the allotted funds for the project. The Village Board hopes the project can be finished by the spring.