Olean council approves multiple resolutions; proclamation recognizes Fair Housing Month

The Olean Common Council on April 22 adopted several resolutions that authorize funding transfers, amend local rules and approve bond authorizations for capital projects. The council also issued a proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Month and reaffirmed local fair-housing contacts.

Key votes at a glance

- Resolution 43-25: Amend City of Olean Code of Ordinances section 2-177 to require city financial books to be closed and final financial statements delivered to the common council by Sept. 1. Outcome: passed unanimously.

- PL48-25: Authorize transfer of $4,694.46 of uncommitted program income from state-administered CDBG first-time homebuyer accounts into Capital Fund 165 for purchase of ADA picnic tables for city parks. Motion introduced by Mayor William J. Aiello. Outcome: passed unanimously.

- Resolution (agenda/order and public comment): Amend Code sections to change the order of the common council agenda and limit public comment to three minutes per speaker (section 2-60). The council discussed retaining ability to extend time by motion. Outcome: passed (motion and roll-call recorded as favorable by council members present).

- Resolution 45-25: Amend City Code section 2-176 to set guidance for sales tax projections in annual budgets at not to exceed 98% of prior-year receipts. Outcome: passed unanimously.

- Resolution 50-25: Authorize issuance of serial bonds in aggregate principal amounts not to exceed $2,148,105 for city projects and specifically authorize up to $977,158 for pool rehabilitation at the William O. Smith Recreation Center; amounts may be offset by federal, state, county or local funds and bond anticipation notes are delegated under the Local Finance Law. Motion by Alderman Robinson; second by Alderman Crawford. Outcome: passed unanimously (roll call recorded in the transcript: all voting members present recorded yes).

- Resolution 53-25: Authorize installation of a memorial bench for Kathy Marzak in Lincoln Park. Outcome: passed (motion recorded as approved).

- Proclamation: Mayor William J. Aiello read a proclamation designating April 2025 as Fair Housing Month, reiterated the Fair Housing Act and New York State protections, and identified Carrie Kerper as the city’s fair housing contact and community development program coordinator at the Department of Community Development (Olean Municipal Building, 101 E. 8th St., Olean). The proclamation and accompanying statement were entered into the record.

Procedural notes: Several resolutions were discussed briefly; most passed unanimously on roll-call or unanimous voice vote. Council members discussed process language for public-comment timing and agreed that a motion by two council members can extend the speaking time when needed.

Taper: Council adjourned after the evening’s business; members and the mayor later joined public-comment discussions about wastewater and a joint task force with the Seneca Nation.