Only a handful of hardy residents were able to make it out of their buried driveways and attend the Cazenovia Village Board meeting on the evening of March 7. Board members had good news to report, and quickly moved through the agenda items.
Just recently, the village of Cazenovia has been notified by the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation that they will receive a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund for the amount of $133,965. This money will go towards the renovation and preservation of Carpenter’s Barn, at 1 Forman St.
While the Carpenter’s Barn Committee has to match funds awarded by the EPF, this comes as good news, as they had received a Strategic Investment Program grant last year for $250,000. As the weather improves, the committee will look to begin their projects.
The rowing club is currently using the building as their training facility, and have requested permission to inhabit Carpenter’s Barn through Memorial Day.
In other Village Board news:
The board publicly commented for the first time on the report compiled by the Shared Services Committee last year. Mayor Thomas Dougherty did not agree with the notion that consolidating the Cazenovia Police Department and employing the Madison County Sheriffs Office for law enforcement would save the village money.
A public hearing on the tentative 2011-12 village budget will be held at 6:45 p.m. on April 4.
Effective June 1, rates at the village cemetery will increase. Compared to average market prices, plots at Cazenovia’s graveyards are considerably inexpensive, Amy Mann said. A small increase in pricing will net the village more revenue, and still stay economical for those wishing to lay their loved ones to rest, she said.
Water prices will increase for the high-volume users of Cazenovia. While the minimal users will not experience bigger bills, those using large quantities of water will notice a 10-percent increase in their spending. Notifications will be sent out with the April 15 bills, informing residents of the change. Consumers will first see their usage reflected in bills for Oct. 15. The rate-hike is in hopes to procure funds for the eventual replacement of the water pipes from 1890, which currently distribute the village’s water supply.
Village board meetings are conducted the first Monday of each month, in the municipal building at 90 Albany St. The next regular Cazenovia Village Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 4.
