Penn Yan officials voiced support for creating a permanent emergency warming center while also approving several events and infrastructure actions during a Feb. 17 Village Board meeting.
The board authorized Mayor Danny Condella to sign a letter supporting Keuka Advocacy Services as it seeks grant funding to establish the warming center in Penn Yan.
During the meeting, Keuka Advocacy Services representative Connie Glover told the board her organization recently opened its office as a temporary warming center during a severe cold spell. Several people stayed overnight while others stopped in throughout the day, she said, prompting the push for a permanent site.
Business owners also raised concerns about pigeon waste along a stretch of Main Street between Cam’s and the laundromat. Restaurant owner Chet Thompson presented a petition from local shop and property owners asking the village for help addressing the issue.
Thompson said the problem has created public health concerns and called for a coordinated effort among businesses and the village. Mayor Condella said officials have been exploring deterrent options, including bird spikes, and may involve the county in future discussions.
The board also approved several upcoming events.
Officials gave conditional approval for the Finger Lakes Fit 5K scheduled for June 6 along the Keuka Outlet Trail and the Keuka Arts Festival planned for June 13–14 at Lake Street Park and the nearby boat launch area.
In other business, the board adopted a local law allowing the village to override the state tax cap if needed during the upcoming budget process. The public hearing on the measure drew no comments before the board approved it by roll call vote.
Village officials also discussed rising electricity costs. Director of Public Works Melissa Gerhardt said reduced supply and higher winter demand have driven up wholesale power prices, which residents will begin seeing reflected in March bills.
Gerhardt said the village’s electric system recently completed the first phase of a voltage conversion project designed to strengthen the grid and improve reliability during high-demand periods.
The board also made several personnel decisions, including appointing Rosemary Cahill to the Tree Board and confirming appointments within the police, wastewater and water departments after probationary periods were completed.
The meeting concluded with executive sessions to discuss employee work history before adjourning at 7:20 p.m.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].