Code Enforcement Needed For Unregistered Vehicles In Margaretville, Officials Say - Food Truck Regulations Tabled

MARGARETVILLE - Margaretville Trustee Iris Meed sparked a discussion about unregistered vehicle violations at the regular monthly meeting on Oct. 21. She noted this is not the first time she has raised the concern with the board.

Mayor John Hubbell said there are at least eight vehicles around the village that are in violation. Although New York State code permits at least one unregistered vehicle on a property, the village code supersedes it, which does not allow any unregistered vehicles.

Trustee Jeff Warren suggested enforcing fees or increasing the fee structure. He said this is an ongoing issue with repeat offenders, and that better enforcement could address it.

Hubbell said the legislation could be adjusted, with the help of the village attorney and a scheduled public hearing. However, he noted the current offenders would have to be addressed before the law is adjusted.

Code Enforcement Officer Hiram Davis will be asked to issue citations to all violators in the village. Those in violation will have 14 days to remove the vehicle or register it.

Warren volunteered to review the law and draft suggested changes. He further requested to review cannabis regulations against any new State legislation that has been passed. Warren worried the village is not benefiting from the increased sales tax from opting into cannabis sales.

Hubbell echoed his concern, stating he believes all the revenue is going to the County. "I am attempting to figure that out," he said.

Mayors in Delaware County have gotten together to request that the County share sales tax revenue with towns and villages. The discussion has been ongoing, with some Supervisors believing the funds should stay as is and be used to lift up the county as a whole.

Hubbell said while the discussion is ongoing, he hears the County has scheduled a public hearing to exceed the 2% tax cap for the 2026 budget. "I am not sure what that is about," he said, but hoped that if not this budget season, the discussion would at least continue.

Food Trucks

In another discussion, trustees decided to table dialogue on proposed food truck licensing. The code officer is expected to attend next month's meeting to discuss the differences between licensing requirements and zoning regulations. Trustees are exploring alternative options following concerns raised by residents and business owners at the public hearing in September.

Other Business

The minutes from September were not approved. The approval was tabled until the next meeting due to issues with the wording of adjustments to cemetery plot regulations.

Residents can vote for a vision statement and submit project ideas for the $4.5 million NY Forward grant application on the website, margaretvillenyforward.com.

The Margaretville Central School District parade was approved for Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. from the school to the bank and back. Trick-or-Treating is scheduled for that evening.

A parade along Main Street for Dia De Los Muertos was approved for Saturday, Nov. 1, pending Fire Department availability.

The Village sold a tractor to Jimmy Stewart, the winning bidder, for $3,100.

The school has attempted to address speeding issues in front of the building by suspending students' parking privileges for speeding. Three students have had privileges revoked, reported Hubbell.

The Local Flood Analysis was delayed due to increased costs, leading to contract renegotiations, said Hubbell.

The next village board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m.