Possible annexation of Akron Central School property into Village of Akron explored
Akron Village Board members discussed the potential, of annexing the portion of Akron Central School property not currently in the village, with Interim Superintendent of School Andrea Kersten prior to their meeting on January 8.
Kersten met with the Board to discuss the legal and administrative steps necessary should the District decide they want to request annexation. She also asked for the Board’s perspective on advantages and disadvantages of taking that action.
Trustee Michael Middaugh noted that Emergency Medical Services, Akron Police Department Jurisdiction, as well as electric, water, and sewer extensions in the area where the new athletic complex is planned would benefit from annexation.
Police Chief Rick Lauricella noted that the APD does not have jurisdiction outside of the Village of Akron, and the new complex is in the Town of Newstead, a situaation “potentially detrimental to everyone” He also noted potential parking issues.
Annexation will not affect the Town of Newstead tax base.
Should the ACS Board of Education want to move forward with requesting annexation they will petition the Town of Newstead and a Public Hearing would be necessary. Superintendent Kersten has participated in discussions with the Board of Education will meet with the Town of Newstead as well.
Grant received
A letter from the New York State Department of Health informing the Village they are eligible for a BIL-GS grant award of up to $4,550,000 and BIL-GS interest free financing for $1,950,000 for Water Storage Tank Improvements and TTHM Removal was received. The Board is beginning the process needed to accept the award.
Testing results in May of 2023 showed that the Akron water system exceeded the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM’s). The standard for TTHM’s is 80 micrograms per liter. The average level of TTHM’s over the last year was 108 micrograms per liter.
TTHM’s are a group of chemicals that includes chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and chlorodibromomethane. Trihalomethanes are formed in drinking water during treatment by chlorine, which reacts with certain acids that are in naturally-occurring organic material (e.g., decomposing vegetation such as tree leaves, algae or other aquatic plants) in surface water sources such as rivers and lakes.
The amount of TTHM’s in drinking water can change from day to day, depending on the temperature, the amount of organic material in the water, the amount of chlorine added, and a variety of other factors. Drinking water is disinfected by public water suppliers to kill bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illnesses. For this reason, disinfection of drinking water by chlorination is beneficial to public health.
Warmer than normal temperatures caused higher organics which react with the chlorine used for disinfection. Pre-treatment doses were increased to try to eliminate those organics before they come in contact with chlorine, and recent samples were within the limits.
The Village is conducting a study with MRB Group for a comprehensive plan to reduce these by-products. This work at the Water storage tank is expected to help as well.
Odor mitigation
Village of Akron Board members learned on January 8 that a new stack at I Squared R on Clarence Center Road is expected to mitigate odors that have raised some complaints from residents in recent months.
Mayor Brian Perry reported that a stack, which is 12 feet higher than the existing one, a new blower, and other equipment is expected to address the odors impacting residents in the area. “This is what they and DEC agreed to,” Perry said.
Board members voted to purchase a used street sweeper with the Town of Newstead in an amount not to exceed $13,000 as recommended by the Manager of Public Works Jon Cummings who outlined the potential uses in the Town and Village.
Trustee Darin Schultz reported on the New Year’s Eve Celebration, which was well attended, and noted that the Celebration Committee is already working on the Fourth of July Celebration.
Transformer on order
Board members noted that the village has placed a purchase order for a rewound transformer which matches the transformers at the Village Electric Plant. The transformer is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. Choosing a rewound transformer rather than a new one saved close to a million dollars Mayor Perry noted. It is expected to serve the village as well as a new one. Preparation for its installation is planned to begin next year.
Board members approved building permits for a bathroom remodel at 130 Main St., windows at 142 Buell St., siding at 35 Main St., fence at 10 Hoag Ave., fence at 8 Hoag Ave., and shed at 18 Wesley Dr.
Dumpster renewals were approved for 20 Mechanic St., 81 Buell St., 32-42 Westgae Ave.
Plumbers licenses were renewed for David Muskopf of Cheektowaga, Steven Bower of Clarence Center, James Frey of Clarence Center, Sean Towlson of Lockport, Timothy Harris of Clarence Center, Sean Harris of Clarence Center, James Swanson of Niagara Falls, Daniel Greene of Lancaster, Gary Flanders of Tonawanda, Michael Reed of Tonawanda, Salvatore Musso of Williamsville, Dan Loudenslager of Clarence, Joseph Marchitte of West Seneca, William Penepent of Basom, Gregory Zakrzewski of Gasport, Anthony Cellino of Elma, Mark Utech of Cheektowaga, Rodney Mastrosimone of Rochester, Christopher Cook of Basom, Adam Thompson of Depew.
Public hearing
No one commented during a Public Hearing regarding the temporary impact on Akron Falls Park property adjacent to bridge replacement site. The new bridge will be wider than the current bridge to meet Department of Transportation specifications. That will require going onto county property temporarily, with restoration of any disturbances planned. Final plans for the bridge replacement are in development with bids planned to go out this month and construction completed by this fall. A federal agency still needs to sign off on the project.
Public Comment
Akron Chamber of Commerce President Jacob Halleck thanked the Village for their support of “Light UP Akron.” “It wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is without the Village.” Halleck noted that businesses reported a record number of customers and plans are being developed to make it even larger next year. Mayor Perry expressed appreciation for Jacob, Marybeth Whiting, and the entire Chamber. “It gets better every year,” Perry noted.
Other Action
Board members approved a Grade change for Officer Austin Patterson and appointed chief Richard Lauricella as a civilian overseer of the Constable position formally named OIC/Director/Chief of the constabulary. A payment of $12,180.14 was approved for repairs of equipment at the wastewater treatment plant.