Mayor Jaroszynski: Recapping 2020-21
Greetings,
During the past year, our Village and our Nation have endured the Global Pandemic, COVID-19. I want to take a moment to commend everyone for following Local, State and Federal guidelines so that we may continue to work our way out of this pandemic.
This past year has been a challenging one for all of us, from cancellation of parades, summer recreation programs and summer band concerts, to curtailing our Village and Library hours.
I, along with our Village Board of Trustees, have been carefully watching Village expenses and revenues during this time, to make sure purchases are done for absolute necessity while being fiscally responsible by holding off other projects and equipment purchases that are not essential. I wish to also commend Village Treasurer Larry Trask and Village Clerk Anna Fales for their diligent work during this time and for being a tremendous support to the Board and me.
2020 also brought some changes in Personnel to our Village. Highway Superintendent, Peter Fuller, retired in September and Deputy Supt. Carl Caprino was promoted to the Superintendent position. Congratulations Carl! Also, because of this change, there was a need to hire two new employees in the highway department. I am proud that we were able to fill those positions with two recent Falconer Central School graduates, Eric Kanouff and Brenton Yager. Welcome aboard Eric and Brenton! Village Highway employee, Avery Faulkner was also promoted to Deputy Highway Supt.
In 2019 our Code Enforcement Officer, Alan Gustafson Sr., resigned to take a position with another municipality in Chautauqua County. As a result, we hired Village resident Robert “Bob” Vorris. Bob has completed all the necessary state requirements for certification as Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Inspections. We are immensely proud of Bob for his willingness to learn and his dedication to the Village. Our goal in 2021 is to start fire inspections back up for businesses and industries located in the Village.
The Village Board of Trustees had a vacancy in early 2020. Village resident, Kipp Reynolds was appointed to fill this position. Kipp ran for election in November of 2020 and won, congratulations Kipp!
Deputy Mayor and Trustee, Mike Steele resigned from the Board at the end of 2020. Mike had served the Village well and his experience and knowledge will certainly be missed. Mike’s replacement on the Board will be another longtime resident, Anthony “Skip” Cavallaro. Welcome Skip.
During 2020 we were able to have some fun activities. In June of 2020, we had a Senior Graduation vehicle parade through the Village that was coordinated with Falconer Central School, This was highly successful, and the School and Village hope to do this again in 2021. In September, Falconer School’s Music Department Teacher, Michelle Battaglia had a “pop-up” patriotic band concert in Davis Park for Labor Day.
In December of 2020, former Falconer Fire Chief Bryce Webster coordinated a “Santa comes to Falconer” vehicle parade through the Village streets. This was also very well received and enjoyed by Village residents and children.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our Village Library Director Laurie Becker and her staff during this pandemic. Laurie and her staff, after a 100% shutdown, started with limited hours and curbside delivery to now being back open for normal hours. Laurie and her staff made it seem effortless.
Our Falconer Volunteer Fire Department had a change in leadership after elections were held in December 2020. Our new Chief is Eric Yager, 1st Assistant, Keith Babcock, 2nd Assistant, Avery Faulkner and 3rd Assistant, Tyler Stimson. Congratulations to everyone.
In 2020 the Village Board approved the purchase of a new 2021 Pierce Fire Engine Pumper to replace an aging engine in the Department. This was done after a recommendation from The Fire Advisory Board and Truck Committee. The Engine is due to arrive in Fall of 2021.
I look forward to seeing what 2021 brings, from honoring our Veterans on Memorial Day to our summer recreation program. I will keep everyone informed by way of this page or other announcements. Please keep wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands! Thank you!
Mayor James M. Jaroszynski