Playground Lot Paved, Short-Term Rental Safety Discussed - Tax Cap Public Hearing Oct 8

BOVINA - The parking lot between the Bovina playground and fire station has been paved, Fire Chief Kevin Brown announced at a board meeting on Sept. 10.

Now that the lot is paved, Brown hopes to keep it in good condition by putting up 'no turn around signs.' In reviewing videos over a week he counted 25 vehicles that used the lot to turn around. The issue, Brown explains, is that when drivers come to a stop and crank their wheels it damages the pavement. If the signage discourages some people from using the area it would be helpful, he said.

"Where should we turn around," asked Councilmember Jillienne LaFever who uses the spot during school bus drop-off.   

Councilmember Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart announced she often uses the area to turn around. "The streets are narrow," she said. She continued to explain the area is a convenient turnaround and other options could be dangerous. 

Brown explained the signs would be to discourage visitors from turning around there while locals - who understand the issue and how to properly turn around - could still use the space. He added that people could use the Fire Department driveway to turn around or go just outside of town.

Supervisor Tina Molé questioned if it would be legal for the town to put up signage. 

Highway Superintendent Edward Weber believes the spot under the dead-end sign that was suggested would be too low according to code. Weber plans to look into the issue.

In another discussion, a resident asked the board to consider safety protocols for short-term rental properties. The individual explained that if certain fire safety protocol is not followed someone could get hurt.

Molé noted that Bovina has a lot of short-term rental properties. She recalled the town discussed this in the past and was waiting to see if the County would come up with something as they were also discussing the issue. Molé plans to follow up with the County. 

In the meantime, the planning board will also look into creating regulations. Councilmember Marni Greenberg suggested starting by reviewing other towns that have developed short-term rental protocols. 

Molé noted the County has a list of registered short-term rentals in the town that they can review. Another thing to review would be the extra workload for code officers and clerks, said Molé. She also noted that some towns require a local contact for emergency services for all rental registrations.

Greenberg noted that responders to the town comprehensive plan survey noted short-term rentals and she would take a look at what those responses were.  

The planning board will come up with a recommendation for the board to review at which point a public hearing will be set before a vote. 

In another discussion, the council set a public hearing to override the 2% tax cap increase on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Molé said the local law is required if the town needs to exceed the mandated tax cap. Most towns pass this law ahead of time just in case since it requires roughly two months to pass a local law, she explained. "We usually don't go over," she added. Anticipated growths of the budget include a 3% salary and benefit increase and additional funding for the cemeteries. A budget workshop is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.

In other business:

Issues with the electric bill of over $5,000 have been resolved. The bill has now been taken down to $2,233.

One individual asked for the community center bathroom facilities to be reviewed for better handicap access.

The highway department will research alternative uniform services. The current service, says Weber, has been not fulfilling orders properly and overcharging. Margaretville, Andes, and Lamont Engineering have all experienced issues with the service, he said. The issue is expected to be discussed at the budget hearing.

The next regular meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 8 following the public hearing at 6 p.m.