A packed agenda kept Penn Yan village leaders busy during their January meeting, with decisions ranging from park naming to budget planning and major infrastructure updates.
The Village Board met Jan. 20 at Village Hall and approved a series of motions tied to parks, utilities, finances, and public safety. Trustees also entered executive and closed sessions to discuss personnel matters and legal issues.
One of the most visible decisions involved the Lake Street Park improvement project. Village officials announced the park is expected to open in early March, with railing installation set to begin the following week. The project recently earned the American Public Works Association’s Project of the Year Award in the Structures category for small cities and rural communities.
After reviewing results from a public naming survey, the board voted to name the park Walkerbilt Park. Officials said Walkerbilt received the most support, narrowly edging out Pudgie’s Park.
The board also granted permission for Friends of the Outlet to install a swing bench along the Keuka Outlet Trail near the Seneca Street trailhead. Trustees approved withholding $500 from a cleaning deposit related to the Starshine event to cover village labor and trash disposal costs.
Several resolutions moved the village’s budget process forward. Trustees set a public hearing on a proposed local law to override the state tax cap for the 2026–2027 village budget. The board also advanced environmental review steps tied to updating the village code.
Utility-related business made up a large portion of the meeting. Trustees approved more than a dozen motions covering electric account write-offs, equipment surplus sales, safety training, hydrant disposal, sewer forgiveness, and the purchase of a new water department vehicle. The board also accepted payment agreements totaling more than $10,000.
In public safety updates, officials announced the village fire department has received a new ladder truck. Training is expected to continue into early March before it is placed into service. The board also approved the removal of three individuals from the fire department roster and declared a police department vehicle surplus for sale.
Trustees approved multiple administrative and financial actions, including a mileage reimbursement rate increase, a seasonal recreation supervisor appointment, budget amendments, and agreements for bond counsel and legal representation.
During public comment, one resident raised concerns about a fire hydrant wrapped in plastic at the corner of Clinton and Lawrence streets. The director of public works said she would look into the issue and report back.
The meeting ended with additional executive and closed sessions, followed by authorization for the mayor to execute an agreement related to leasing the Elm Street ball field outfield fence. The board adjourned shortly after 7:30 p.m.
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