Penn Yan’s Village Board held two meetings in August, covering a range of business from public event approvals and infrastructure projects to staffing changes at the water treatment plant. The board also approved several grant applications and discussed updates on paving, parks, and public safety initiatives.
Water plant resignations and recruitment
At a special meeting on August 28, the board accepted the resignations of Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator Matthew Fritz, effective September 11, and William Wigsten, effective September 22.
In response, the board voted to begin recruitment for one chief operator, one operator, and three part-time operator positions. Trustees also authorized the Director of Public Works to take any necessary actions—subject to approval from the mayor and clerk-treasurer—to keep the plant running smoothly.
Public events approved
During the August 19 meeting, trustees approved several upcoming community events:
- Penn Yan Rotary Pickleball Tournament on September 27 at the Boat Launch courts (rain date September 28), with reduced fees and required documentation for final approval.
- Yates County Chamber of Commerce Community Table Dinner on September 6, including a Main Street bridge closure. The event is already sold out.
- Downtown Business Council’s Trunk or Treat on October 18 and Fall Festival on November 1, with street closures, fee waivers or reductions, and event safety plans.
Infrastructure and grant actions
Trustees approved a series of grant applications and resolutions tied to utility and infrastructure work:
- Applications for WIIA grants for the Outlet Trail Interceptor Sewer Replacement and Sewer Headworks and Force Main projects.
- An NBRC grant application for Water Treatment Plant improvements.
- A resolution to move forward with annexation of territory into the village, including SEQR review in September and a public hearing in October.
The board also signed off on multiple change orders for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Project, including added costs for concrete removal, hazardous soil disposal, design updates, and labor.
Appointments and personnel moves
Benjamin Lerman was appointed as an alternate member of the Historic Preservation Commission through April 2026. Nicholas Houghtaling was permanently appointed as a Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator following completion of his probationary period.
To support succession planning in the police department, trustees approved the creation of a new full-time officer position and appointed Gabriel Wood to the role at $32.67 per hour, effective September 8, with a one-year probation.
Fire department equipment listing approved
Following extended discussion, the board approved listing a 1991 Pierce ladder truck for sale with Firetec at a price of $45,000. The agreement includes a 10% commission and added contract terms for payment and right of withdrawal. The department had considered listing with Auctions International but ultimately moved forward with Firetec.
The board also approved a $12,620.10 change order for the ladder truck build.
Public works and DRI project updates
Director of Public Works Melissa Gerhardt reported that the Lake Street playground would be completed within the week, and dock construction should wrap by the end of September, with a grand opening expected in October.
Street paving is scheduled for late September or early October on Sunset, Crescent, South Avenue (from Lake Street to Brown), and Hamilton. North Avenue will be paved in the spring. Orchard Lane was postponed due to pending utility work.
The board approved:
- Paving the Village Hall and Lake Street Park parking lots,
- A change order for concrete slab removal at Lake Street Park,
- A five-year agreement with Yates County covering the use of county vehicles and equipment.
Other actions
- Drawdown #11 of $23,395.09 was approved for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks CDBG project.
- Payment agreements totaling $8,485.25 were accepted.
- Sewer bill forgiveness was granted for three properties due to water damage not entering the sewer system.
- Staff were approved to attend multiple upcoming training sessions in Morrisville, Henrietta, Syracuse, Seneca Falls, Rochester, and Canandaigua.
Committee updates and reports
The Community Revitalization Committee approved a business façade improvement grant of up to $15,000 for Eugene Berardo at 18 Main Street, pending available funding.
Code Enforcement Officer James Marshall reported that 127 Garfield had been approved for sale, with ownership expected to transfer within a week. He plans to follow up on the property after the sale.
Police Chief Thomas Dunham reported that mental health calls were down and parking violations had increased.
The board entered closed sessions during both meetings for legal and personnel matters.
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