Ravena board reviews permits, schedules budget hearing, approves transfers and notes burn ban

The Village of Ravena board covered a range of routine municipal matters at its March 17 meeting, including a building‑department update, event planning for the village 250th, a reminder about elections and billing deadlines, a set of budget transfers and a motion to pay audited vouchers totaling $189,978.77.

The building department liaison reported that four building permits were issued in February, generating $491.25 in permit fees and representing an estimated $226,464.72 in construction value. "We're supposed to go out and... do what we call a pre‑permit site inspection before we approve the permit," the liaison said while outlining training and mentorship between Building Inspector Burns and incoming inspector Wollam.

Officials reminded residents that the village remains under water restrictions because the water‑plant project is not yet operating at full capacity; water and sewer bills were mailed and are due April 7 without late fee, with a 5% interest charge applied for the period April 7–May 7. Village elections were announced for March 18 from noon to 9:00 p.m. at 15 Mountain Road, with absentee ballots accepted until 9:00 p.m. but no new applications possible as of the meeting.

Clerk Treasurer Sue King presented several transfers within the adopted 2025–26 budget, including an $8,100 increase to line A2705.1 (donation) and a matching $8,100 increase to A7110.22 (parks pavilion), smaller transfers among street‑maintenance accounts and employee benefits, and a $160 reallocation in the water fund for auditor payroll. A motion was made to pay audited bills for abstract 10‑2‑26 covering vouchers 10‑22 through 10‑59 for $189,978.77; the motion was seconded. The transcript records the motions and seconds but does not include a roll‑call vote tally.

Board members also reviewed community events planning for the village 250th celebration, noting vendor application limits at Greeman's Landing and that reenactors and a fife‑and‑drum company are expected. Park liaison Linda said the Mosher Park pool will need lifeguards for the summer and encouraged applicants to pick up forms at the village office or request one by mail or email.

Board member Sandy reminded residents that the New York State burn ban went into effect March 16 and runs through May 14, advising people to read the ban's specifics online and to exercise caution with contained backyard cooking fires even after the ban lifts. The board thanked Johnny Vasto for installing upgraded audio‑visual equipment to improve remote viewing of meetings. The meeting closed after a motion and second to adjourn.