Brush pick-up returns to weekly in Village of Akron

Brush pick-up in the Village of Akron, which was scheduled weekly in recent years, is returning to a weekly schedule according to Manager of Public Works Jon Cummings’ report at Monday’s Akron Village Board meeting.

Cummings indicated residents did not give much cooperation to the effort to go to monthly brush pick-ups, so returning to the weekly schedule is the best option.  He also noted allowing residents to drop off brush at the compost site will end with the change, however, if someone is faced with a significant amount of brush that needs attention he encourages them to call the Department of Public Works to see what can be worked out to expedite its removal.

Yard waste is picked up weekly in the Village, as well.  Cummings noted the importance of keeping lawn clippings separate from brush and encourages residents to help the composting efforts by adhering to that requirement.

Moratorium extended

The Sewer Moratorium in place since April of 2005, was extended for another six months until December 31, 2021, with the same conditions as the last extension as per the recommendation of the Water Wastewater Committee.

Up to 50 permits to connect to Village sewer over the next six months are allowed under the moratorium.

The moratorium, was put in place following notification from the New York State DEC that, until significant progress is made in reducing inflow and infiltration into the village sewer system and until the SPDES permit limit for flow is consistently met, the Village should not consider any additional development within its service area.

The Village Board determined at that time that it was necessary to restrict the granting of building and other related permits that would increase the amount of sewage needed to be treated for a six month period while they identified and implemented a plan to rectify the situation.

They indicated their belief that the benefits to the community in maintaining the status quo during the moratorium period outweighed the potential burden on landowners and project sponsors. That moratorium has been extended every six months since that time, with additional permits available with each extension.

Significant progress has been made over the last several years, the Village has met their SPDES permit consistently, and it is expected that once upgrades at the plant are complete, and sufficient data collected, the moratorium will be lifted.

Retirement recognized

Mayor Carl Patterson recognized the May 28 retirement of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Bob Lucia with appreciation for the last twenty plus years of service to Village residents.

Grant app submitted

Trustee Brian Perry reported that a grant application for help with reconstructing the State Street bridge has been submitted.  The Village expects notice of whether the application is successful in the Fall.

Perry also shared that Clark Paterson Lee is working on a cost proposal for design work on East Avenue infrastructure and that the Village is working closely with Senator Rath and Assemblyman Norris to look for state and federal funding for waterlines.

Crowd concerns

Akron Police Chief Rick Lauricella raised concerns over the potential crowd size for Fourth of July fireworks on July 3.  He told Board members the APD can handle traffic at Skyline and Buell and Skyline and Crittenden but cannot provide security in Veterans Park as requested by the Town of Newstead.

EMO Kowalik also shared concerns over the potential number of vehicles and people from outside of the community because of the cancellation of fireworks in neighboring communities.

Lauricella also raised concerns over recent cases of criminal mischief which included broken rear windows on cars parked on Clinton Street.

Action items

Board members authorized the step increase for full time Police Officer Robert S. Johnston on his anniversary of June 7.

Approved hanging the Akron Chamber of Commerce sidewalk sale banner across Main Street.

Authorized the purchase of a chlorine analyzer from Holland Chemical in the amount of $9,450.00 and a quote for a repair to the control panel on the boiler at the Village Hall.

Building permits

Building permits were approved for a driveway/sidewalk at 6 Sylvan Pkwy, interior remodel at 21 Marshall Ave., fence at 11 Pearl Pl, fence at 12600 Clarence Center Rd., roof at 48 East Ave., Sanitary Sewer at 84 Bloomingdale Ave., driveway replacement at 141 Main St., and pool at 32 Front St.