OBSERVER Photos by Braden Carmen Brocton Village Trustee Ed Bellando, pictured at left, was critical of Mayor Craig Miller (right) at a recent meeting regarding spending practices in the Village.

BROCTON — A recent Village of Brocton meeting began with a bit of contention between Village Trustee Ed Bellando and Mayor Craig Miller regarding spending procedures in the Village.

Bellando was frustrated with Miller for not calling a special meeting before authorizing a payment to make emergency improvements to the Village Hall. The Village instead voted to approve the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to cover the cost of the work retroactively, which Bellando took issue with.

Miller characterized the work as emergency repairs, but Bellando said the work was done a week after Miller alerted the Board of the plans. Bellando pushed Miller on why a special meeting was not called in the days leading up to the work.

“I just want to know why we didn’t follow the normal rules and regulations for the Village and have a special meeting on it,” Bellando said.

Miller responded to Bellando’s criticism by stating he was unsure if there was time to call a special meeting. He later said of the work, “We had to get this done.”

Only one entity expressed an interest to complete the work, which came in under the expected cost. Bellando did not take issue with the work itself, but rather the procedures the Board followed. Bellando also raised concerns with the Village Board approving Fire Department budgets, as Miller and Trustee Bryan Woleben each serve as members of the Brocton Volunteer Fire Department.

“You just keep running the Village the way you want. I don’t care at this point,” Bellando said.

Village Trustee Drew Ransom acknowledged Bellando’s point, saying, “I totally understand where he’s coming from. I feel like there was time that we could’ve called something together. … We’ll do better in the future.”

SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY

Coincidental or not, the Village of Brocton called for a special meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Village Hall, with the intention of discussing several matters that were brought up at its recent meeting that required more time to evaluate.

First among the items on the agenda set for the meeting is an agreement between the Village of Brocton and the Town of Portland to handle its own water billing and maintenance needs. The two municipalities announced their intent to leave an agreement with Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Water Works (CBI) in June.

A contract was recently approved by the Town of Portland to move forward sharing the duties between the two municipalities, but Trustees Ransom and Bellando both had many questions regarding the contract, which was presented shortly before the last meeting.

“I’ve got a ton of questions about this thing,” Ransom said.

Referencing the Portland Town Board’s approval of the contract, Ransom said, “I understand why Portland is quick to jump onboard. It seems like Brocton has a lot of responsibility in here.”

The Village Board will submit questions to Village Attorney Peter Clark to prepare responses by the next meeting.

The Board also wanted the extra two weeks to digest more than 30 minutes of discussion with Highway Superintendent Kenneth Becker regarding issues that need to be addressed at the Village Reservoir. From mowing the steep banks of the area to infrastructure that must be demolished or otherwise addressed, Brocton’s Reservoir needs a lot of work. The Board will likely take action on the matter at the special meeting.

Ransom also brought up another topic for further discussion. After proposing the idea earlier this year, Ransom reiterated his desire for a new sign to be purchased and installed at Ryckman Park. The Village recently replaced damaged playground equipment at the park and formed the Ryckman Park Revitalization Committee to enhance the park in the years to come. Ransom provided the Board with multiple options and prices for a new sign, with the cost ranging from $460 to $1,525. The Board will likely discuss the matter again at the next meeting.

Bellando has also been involved with many discussions regarding the State’s mandates for schools to transition to electric buses in the near future. Bellando believes the Village is not equipped to handle the financial burden of the transition through its electric capabilities.

“Brocton is taking the hit on this because it’s Brocton electricity,” Bellando said.

Village Trustee Kari Doino also shared with the Board that the Youth Recreation Program had a “very successful year.” Between 40-62 children participated in the program, led by Director Maleah Vazquez. Free lunches were provided, and a fundraiser was held to collect approximately $300 for an end of the year party.

Doino also raised concerns about speeding in the village. She suggested speed limit signs to be installed in the Village, and also looked into speed bumps and rumble strips as alternatives. The Village Board was pessimistic regarding her ideas, noting that enforcement is the only way to mitigate the issue. The Board wishes to discuss the matter with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police for assistance.