Special Guests At Esperance Village Meeting Discuss Playground Grant - Residents Seek Options to Keep Sidewalks Clean During Dog Walks

ESPERANCE — Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Parks started this month’s March 9th regular Esperance VIllage meeting by introducing special guests from Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) Executive Director, Stephen Smith, and Economic Development Specialist Reilly Rich, have been working with Deputy Clerk, Leslie Price, since she reached out about grant monies available for redoing the Village’s playground.

Smith detailed that their MVEDD office is located in the Village of Mohawk (Southern Herkimer County) with a staff of nine and explained the grant program they’re helping with is through The Office of Parks and Recreation, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of NY, is called NY PLAYS, and the grant cycle is coming up.

Rich explained they have been providing technical assistance to Price throughout the grant process and the minimum amount that can be applied for is $100,000, while the maximum amount goes up to $2.5 million. There is a 20% match, which would be $25,000 for the $100,000 that Rich said Price is considering applying for. Smith elaborated, “ We get planning grants from the Federal Government, US Department of Commerce, and we get matching grants from that planning grant from Schoharie County.”

MVEDD made sure the playground qualified for the grant, and assured they will continue helping Price through the process. Rich noted the application is due by June 15th with grants being awarded in August, and estimated the probability of this playground project to be in the works by some point next year.

Part of the application process to NY PLAYS involves obtaining a public meeting resolution to submit with the application. Smith detailed looking for a resolution for them to continue working with Price.

Parks read that it will be, “Resolution number four to accept the MVEDD to apply for the playground grant NY PLAYS Office of Parks, Recreation.” Trustee Paul Roberts made the motion, Trustee Rachel Jeffers seconded, and all were in favor and passed the resolution. Then the floor was opened up to any questions meeting attendees had for Smith and Rich, which led to further discussion and confirmation of Price’s plan being to use this grant to completely renovate the playground with all new equipment. 

Another big meeting discussion for this month happened during privilege of the floor. Three residents came to the meeting looking for assistance with multiple offenders they have witnessed not picking up after their dogs, especially on Main Street sidewalks and on the Church’s lawn, for months now. Mayor Royce Gage said he received a complaint about this from the Church as well on Sunday. The residents in attendance at the meeting shared that they also own dogs, but carry bags with them on walks to keep sidewalks clean for themselves and for others, and they would like to see everyone else do the same. 

A member of the Beautification Committee has already asked one offender nicely to please pick up after their dog, but that hasn’t worked and suggested to Village Officials the implementation of a warning and fine system, as well as the addition of a bin with a bag and sign to remind people to pick up after their dogs.

Parks and the Beautification Committee members plan to order bins on Thursday and Gage said the Village Officials will talk with code enforcer, Cliff Dorrough, and the dog warden after the meeting to see if there is a Village ordinance for this situation. If there isn’t already an ordinance, Parks suggested Dorrough should be able to put one in place.

Dorrough’s Code Officer Report (copies were available at the meeting), included updates about a citation that went out for 120 Charleston Street. A meeting was held with the owner of the property, who contacted the tenant about cleanup. The report stated, “Cars will be gone and no more working on vehicles. When Schoharie County Sheriffs patrol the Village, they will do drive by the property.” 

Dorrough is also weighing options with the Village Officials to help the Esperance Elks, who will be hosting their Installation of Officers that includes a dinner to follow on March 21st. The Elks are seeking a temporary permit so they can run their oil fryer without a suppression system, which is mentioned in the report they have plans to install after the dinner. One option Dorrough suggested was having the event catered without using the kitchen until the suppression system is installed.

Parks confirmed that the milling and cleaning of Cumpston Street paperwork has been approved and the State has given permission, so the work will be underway as soon as Cobleskill Stone can get their crew there. Some were curious what would happen to the millings. Gage conveyed that Cobleskill Stone told him it will have to be shipped out and then can be bought back after for driveways. Gage offered to get in touch with Cobleskill Stone again for more information for the resident who is interested in the millings for her driveway. 

Parks mentioned that over the years, letters for the sign outside the Village Hall have gotten lost or ruined due to weather, etc., and the Beautification Committee is in the process of ordering replacements. 

On the agenda, there were reminders in Old Business that there will be new flags for Main Street and, “We are still looking to purchase Speed Signs for Main Street and one for events that would be mobile.”

Esperance Village meetings are every second Monday of the month; see you next month at 115 Church Street; 7 PM on April 13th. There is also a Budget Hearing planned for Saturday, April 4th at 9 AM. And mark your calendars, the annual Village-wide Garage Sale day will be May 16th.

Esperance Town Board meetings take place at 7 PM every third Thursday of the month at Town Hall (104 Charleston Street); see you there on March 19th.