By Lukas Brinkerhoff

November 26, 2007 | WELLSVILLE -- The disputed City Council elections could go to court and a judge could rule to have new elections, according to City Manager Don Hartle, but that is the worst-case scenario.

Hartle said that as of Monday night the recount of ballots did not change the outcome of the election.

The election is being disputed due to a four-vote difference between Jackie D. Orton and Councilman Lynn P. Cooper. Hartle said they couldn't confirm whether everyone who voted as a Wellsville resident actually lives within city boundaries, and there is no way to determine that fact.

Hartle updated the council on the election canvass and recount during its weekly meeting Tuesday.

The council voted to set the fee for the stormwater utility at $3. Councilwoman Marcene Parker made the motion "to start at $3 effective Jan. 1st, 2008." Her motion was unanimously approved by the council. Councilman Ron Case was absent and did not vote.

Hartle explained other cities in the valley are doing it at $3. Hartle said the fee would cover implementation, enforcement and maintenance of the stormwater utility.

Hartle said, "We owe it to the citizens of Wellsville to try and do it for $3 a month."

In other news, the public was absent from two public hearings to receive public input on the adoption of the Sexually Oriented Business and Employee Licensing ordinance. The council unanimously voted to accept the amendments which allow sexually oriented businesses to operate within a manufacturing zone as a conditional use.

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