The Penn Yan Village Board moved key projects forward during its April 15 meeting, approving a tentative water and sewer budget and greenlighting several major community events.
Mayor Danny Condella opened the meeting, which included a public hearing on the tentative municipal utilities water and sewer budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Clerk/Treasurer Holly Easling presented an overview, noting a proposed 4.7% increase for residential customers, about $70 annually. The board discussed the ongoing Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks and Forcemain project, with new debt service now totaling $7.615 million after an additional $1.43 million bond resolution was introduced.
Following the hearing, the board approved setting a special meeting on April 29 to finalize the water and sewer budgets. Trustees also discussed potential impacts if contract extensions with wholesale customers were not secured, possibly raising Village resident rates by 17%.
The board approved a series of events, including the Finger Lakes Fit 5K on June 7, the Downtown Business Council’s Cruisin’ Night on June 6, and the Operation Graduation motorcade on June 20. In a nod to the importance of local traditions, the board voted to waive certain fees to support these activities. Trustee Kevin McLoud emphasized the value these events bring to downtown businesses.
In administrative matters, trustees approved general fund budget adoption with a 5.99% tax levy increase and use of $221,000 in fund balance. They also re-levied delinquent water, sewer, and property maintenance charges to county taxes and authorized an amended bond resolution related to the wastewater project.
Personnel changes included the permanent appointment of Joshua Jones as Building Maintenance Mechanic, the appointment of seasonal workers, and the retroactive acceptance of Gregory Doan’s voluntary step down from Director of Parks and Facilities. Stacey Gerhardt was appointed as a seasonal Recreation Supervisor.
On the legal side, the board adopted resolutions to propose local laws updating Planning and Zoning Board terms and mandating fire safety inspections for short-term rentals, setting public hearings for May 20.
Other highlights included approving sidewalk service permits for downtown businesses, setting public safety meeting times, and finalizing municipal utilities agreements. Public Works Chair Teresa Hoban announced a groundbreaking for the Lake Street Park DRI project scheduled for April 21.
The meeting concluded with acceptance of Police Officer Brad Cole’s resignation, authorization to recruit a replacement, and adjournment following two closed sessions discussing legal counsel matters and employee work history.
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