February 25th, 2019
HORNELL, NY – Due to the recent rash of drug arrests occurring within dwellings in the city and the fact that the activity poses a threat to the occupants and nearby residents in the form of fires and such, the city has agreed to allow code inspectors into the homes immediately after an arrest. The newly passed code amendment will allow inspections to assure that dangerous chemicals or drug paraphernalia are not present, and the home poses no threat to future occupants or nearby neighbors. Also, the owner of the home will be subject to a fine of up to $250 for allowing the criminal activity to exist within their property. This new policy will take effect immediately.
The Hornell Common Council held a Public Hearing Monday night and following in regular session immediately passed a renewal agreement between Time Warner Cable Northeast (Also known as Charter Communications) and the city. The agreement is for 10 years, when it must be renewed again. According to Mayor John Buckley, Time Warner has complied with all terms and conditions in their last agreement, and can reasonably meet future cable related needs, taking into the account the cost of meeting needs and services provided.
The city officially committed to advance the bridge project on East Main Street over Chauncey Run. They agreed to allocate $273,000 to pay for the initial costs which include cost of design, Right of Way Incidentals, Acquisition phase work, and any subsequent work until the money is used up. The bridge will eventually be funded 95% federally and 5% Non-Federal. If the bridge exceeds the amount agreed upon, the council will immediately convene and appropriate more money as needed to continue the project.
Also approved will be a new roof permit fee within the city. The new fee will be $40 or $.05 per square foot, whichever is greater. According to code officers Bud Burdette and Larry Bacon, this was long needed to ensure that weekend contractors abide by insurance requirements and the current code of no more that two layers of shingles per household rules.
Other resolutions passed had to do with budget amendments and scheduling of public hearings on future projects.
