LITTLE VALLEY — A new, smaller Cattaraugus County Legislature elected Andrew Burr, a Republican of Gowanda, as chairman on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
The newly redistricted legislature’s 15 members are all Republican since Democrats did not nominate any candidates in any of the five new districts.
Burr was vice chairman for the past four years under Chairman Howard VanRensselaer of Randolph, who was not permitted to run for re-election after having served three consecutive four-year terms.
“I’m going to do and listen diligently to everyone,” Burr said in brief remarks. He said he plans to build on the progress made over the past four years.
Burr said that due to fewer legislators this term, the Finance Committee would have seven members, while other committees would have five.
Republicans elected Michael Brisky, R-Franklinville, the former majority leader, as the incoming vice chairman. The post carries with it the chairmanship of the powerful Finance Committee.
Burr was nominated by Brisky and seconded by Rick Smith of Olean. Brisky was nominated by Ginger Schroder of Farmersville and seconded by Joseph Boberg of Delevan.
Burr is expected to announce committee assignments in the coming weeks as legislators submit their requests.
Brisky thanked his colleagues and pledged to “do the best job we can going forward.” He said the past four years were full of accomplishments.
Brisky announced that Olean Republican Kelly Andreano, who is starting her second four-year term, to the majority leader post. Norman Marsh, R-Little Valley, a former chairman who had flirted with running for chairman, was named assistant majority leader. Legislator Don Benson, R-Allegany, was named Republican whip.
Andreano thanked legislators for having the confidence to elect her majority leader. She pointed to lawmakers’ “untapped potential” — especially in economic development. She said the county must ramp up its economic development efforts in the coming years and “to continue to invest in infrastructure.”
Brisky also welcomed three new legislators: Steve Teachman of Olean in District 5, Jeffrey Stoltenberg of South Dayton in District 1 and Timothy Nagle of Randolph in District 3.
The other 12 legislators were all re-elected including Andreano, Smith and Frank Higgins, all of Olean in District 5, which also includes the towns of Olean, Portville and Hinsdale.
Much of the meeting included approving contracts with different agencies provided for in the county budget. They included:
• Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, $82,873.
• Salamanca Rail Museum, $10,200.
• Cattaraugus County SPCA, $153,000.
• Empire Animal Rescue Society, $61,200.
• Catt County Cat Nippers, $20,000.
• Tri-County Arts Council, $11,730.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension, $262,518.
• Cattaraugus County Land Bank Corp., $300,000.
• Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs, $2,400.
• Southern Tier West, $24,970.
• BOCES Student Government Program, $8,000.
• Soil and Water Conservation District, $145,042.
• Watershed maintenance, $11.604.
• Mercy Flight, $7,650.
• Fly-Car, $15,300.
Legislators also named Shane Pancio of Olean to a vacancy on the Board of Health created when Spondra Fox did not seek reappointment.
Legislators also introduced the first local law of the year to set processing fees for tax title property. It amends a fee schedule last set 20 years ago.
A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Jan 24 in the James J. Snyder Legislative Chambers on the third floor of the County Center.
