Village of Akron moves forward with Code Enforcement backup plan
Village of Akron Board members moved forward with implementing their Code Enforcement officer backup plan to handle situation when Akron Code Enforcement Officer Michael Borth is not available due to vacation, training, illness, conflict of interest situations or other reasons, during their meeting Monday.
The Board took action to move forward with hiring a qualified person or company to serve as back up to Borth in December, and following interviews with candidates for that back-up position, voted to hire Kevin Paquin and Joseph Kowalik as backup code enforcement on an hourly, occasional basis, with a rate to be determined and with mileage covered..
In November, a local resident had raised concerns over conflicts of interest when Borth has personal projects requiring permits. Village Attorney Andrew Borden assured the resident at that meeting that all reviews in those situations will be conducted by independent parties and transparent.
This action identifies the independent parties.
Main Street Streetscape
Akron Village Board members are expected to continue discussing a streetscape plan for an ADA sidewalk, aprons, and crosswalks project on Main Street and are hoping residents will submit their preferences/ideas.
Public comment will be welcome during the 6 p.m. work session on February 22 and ideas can be turned into the Village Clerk prior to the 22nd.
Recommendations for the plan were printed in the January 21 issue of the AKRON BUGLE. Decisions include brick patterns, colors, layouts, trees or planters, style of planters, pinch point at entrance to the Village, and other design items.
Alison Koopman will present her ideas of the concrete colors and styles.
Police reform
Chief of Police Rick Lauricella reported on receipt of several surveys which he will incorporate into the police reform plan which will be subject of a public hearing on February 22.
A Stakeholders meeting to discuss the mandated Police Reform and Reinvention by Governor Cuomo will be held that evening at 6 p.m. in the Village Hall with the Village’s updated Police plan to be reviewed prior to the public hearing at 7 p.m.
Wastewater treatment plant
Construction of Phase 2 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Lewis Rd. is underway, with UV treatment channels under construction.
Eckerson Ave. property
A number of projects are expected on Village of Akron Eckerson Ave. property in the spring. Village Attorney Andrew Borden noted that the Rotary Club of Akron-Newstead is having a design of a building for the site with features from the original train depot prepared to meet some of the projected needs for public use at that site.
Borden also indicated he hopes to get together with public works on site work coordination for spring.
Tree trimming
Manager of Public Works Jon Cummings reported on tree evaluations, removal of trees, and plans for an outside firm to help in the removal of two large trees. He also noted a brush clearing project on village owned property to prove access to the sewer line.
Trustees Forrestel and Middaugh looked at the trees which are set to be removed.
Action items
Board members authorized the Deputy Mayor to appoint Linda Wiltberger, Debra Hilton, Derek Carlson, and Christopher Devaney as Election Inspectors for the Village of Akron Elections on March 16, 2021.
A dumpster permit renewal was approved for Knapp Road.
Sales tax
Board members received a letter from Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw regarding Sales Tax. Trustee Brian Perry indicated the Sales Tax shortfall due to COVID-19 was less than expected, putting the village in a better than expected position.