Town Board News - JULY-DEC. 2008


Previous Town Board News Pages


Town of Grand Island Website











Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Dec. 2008
   Click for Approved 12/15/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - January 5, 2009
   Click for 1/5/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Supervisor Addresses Winter Storms - 2008
By Supervisor Peter McMahon
      Tuesday, December 23, 2008 . . .    I'm happy to say the snow storm was pretty routine here. The Town Highway Department, under the direction of Highway Superintendent Ray Dlugokinski and Deputy Highway Superintendent James Tomkins, did an excellent job, as usual. Highway crews were at work almost around the clock from the beginning of the storm. At the height of the storm, additional snow fighting equipment was placed into service in order to keep the roads open.
   Over 100 parking tickets were issued by the G.I. Police and the Erie County Sheriff's Departments for parking on the street overnight. The winter parking ban goes into effect on Nov. 1st and continues through March 31st. Rigid enforcement of the winter parking ban will continue.
   Grand Island Water Department crews struggled with two major water breaks on Sunday (Dec. 21). The situation was approaching a critical stage early in the morning while crews tried to locate the source of the leaks. Highway crews, working on snow and ice removal, were responsible for locating both of the leaks shortly after daybreak. One leak was located on Bedell Road east of the Library. The other was alongside the Thruway overpass on Whitehaven Road. During the overnight and early morning hours, more than 4,000 gallons of water was being used every minute. That's about four times the normal amount. Water usage dropped to a normal flow of just over 1,000 gallons a minute once the leaks were located and isolated. Water crews braved snow, wind and icy temperatures to repair the leaks. Repair work was completed at about 4 p.m. on Sunday.




Cold War Vets To Receive Property Tax Exemption - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, December 15, 2008 . . .The Town Board, Monday, following a public hearing at which no one spoke, adopted Local Law #5 for 2008 providing for an exemption from real property taxes for residential, real property owners who have rendered military services during the Cold War beginning with the 2010 tax year. This involves any person who served on active duty during the period from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 and was discharged or released under honorable conditions.
      The amount of the exemption will be 15% of the assessed value of the property providing it does not exceed $12,000 or the product of $12,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate of the assessing unit, whichever is less. Persons with a service connected disability will be exempt from taxation to the extent of the product of the assessed value of such property, multiplied by 50% of the disability rating, provided it shall not exceed $40,000.
      A special use application from Terry Mesmer was tabled following a public hearing to consider constructing an addition for an auto repair shop at 2036 Grand Island Blvd. Only one Webb Road resident spoke during the hearing objecting to all the trailers on the property.
      A budget amendment to reflect a $13,536 grant received from the NYS Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was approved. This money was obtained to purchase an automated time and attendance management software system.
      The Town Board agreed to suspend the rules to add an agenda item regarding the proposed Country Club Cottage development. A unanimous vote extended the public comment period on the project for 30 days, beginning Dec. 20 and ending at 5 p.m. Jan. 20.
      The Town Board announced that Astellas Parma Manufacturing would close its plant on or around April 1, 2009 and its 90 employees would be laid off. However, Councilman Gary Roesch said that Invitrogen has bought Astellas and 60 of the former Astellas employees would be retained by Invitrogen.
      Attorneys for the proposed Key Bank at Tops Plaza have asked for the town to modify the scope of work on the traffic study for the site. The letter was referred to the Town Board for review.
      The Town Board tabled a request from Robert and Carolyn Marble for the Town to abandon Avery Ave., a paper street. Though the Planning Board had no objection, it recommended that adjoining owners should be contacted and waive any interest they may have with respect to the property.
      Councilwoman Mary Cooke announced that she would be returning to the town a medical care bonus of $3,454.78. Because she receives her medical insurance from another source, Cooke believes the town incentive, though a cost saving measure to the town which pays $14,152 per person for the least expensive family plan, was never meant to be a source of income if one does not use the benefit. She urged others receiving coverage from other sources to return their bonus as well. Cooke has returned her medical care bonus each year she has served on the board.
      In other business, the board:
• Elected Robert Zacher to the Electrical Examining Board.
• Awarded the refuse and garbage collection and disposal (District #1) to Allied Waste Services in the amount of $1,216,320.
• Awarded the 2008 drainage program project to L.D.C. Construction in the amount $46,573.
• Awarded a bid for a new and unused 2009 9 ft. all season dump box to Viking-Cives in the amount of $22,431.
• Announced that the 2009 Planning Board meetings would be held monthly on the second Monday at 7 p.m. except for Columbus Day when it would meet Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
• Publicly thanked the Recreation Department for its Santa arrival activities.
• Publicly thanked DECA students for their help with food distribution through the Neighbors Foundation.
• Wished all a happy holiday season.




Town Courtroom To Get A Facelift - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, December 15, 2008 . . .Thanks to a $19,757 grant under the state’s Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP), the courtroom at Town Hall will have a makeover in 2009. Councilwoman Mary Cooke announced Monday that all the seats in the courtroom will be reupholstered and carpeting will be installed in the elevated section at the front of the courtroom.
      The JCAP was established by the NYS legislature in 1999 at the request of the Unified Court System, to provide the state’s town and village courts with the resources and equipment necessary to fulfill their critical role in the justice system.




Town Board Meeting Notice - 2009
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meeting:
Wednesday, January 21, 3:30 p.m.
  Re: Workplace Violence



Town Board Meeting Notice - 2009
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meetings:
Monday, January 5th, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, January 12th, 3:30 p.m.
  Re: Code Publishers
Wednesday, January 7th, 4 p.m.
  Re: Meeting with Court Staff




Supplemental Draft EIS - Dec. 2008
   Click for Supplemental Draft EIS PROPOSED COUNTRY CLUB COTTAGES SUBDIVISION .




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Dec. 2008
   Click for Approved 12/1/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - December 2008
   Click for 12/15/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Town Board Meeting Notice - 2008
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meeting:
Monday, December 15th, 3:30 p.m.
Re: Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Foundation Elevations




Public Hearings Set For Vets Tax Cut & Repair Shop Addition - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, December 1, 2008 . . .The Town Board, Monday, set two public hearings for December 15 at 8 p.m. One will consider Local Law #8 that would enact an exemption from real property taxes for Cold War veterans beginning with the 2010 tax year. This involves any person who served on active duty during the period from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991 and was discharged or released under honorable conditions. The amount of the exemption will be 15% of the assessed value of the property providing it does not exceed $12,000 or the product of $12,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate of the assessing unit, whichever is less. Persons with a service connected disability will be exempt from taxation to the extent of the product of the assessed value of such property, multiplied by 50% of the disability rating, provided it shall not exceed $40,000.
      The second public hearing will consider a special use permit application from Terry Mesmer to construct an addition for an auto repair shop at 2038 Grand Island Blvd. The property, belonging to John Simon, was formerly used as auto repair (Marty’s Towing).
      Following a public hearing on Phase 3 (21 lots) of Golf Course Villas at River Oaks at which Michael Metzger spoke on behalf of the developers, Niagara Development Corporation, the Town Board tabled final plat approval pending further review. There is an issue that Metzger mentioned regarding setbacks that are under consideration, but he hoped it wouldn’t delay the project.
      Public improvements were approved for Waterford Park Subdivision (Phase I) for town roads to be known as part of Waterford Park and Stony Point Road that would service the subdivision. Public improvement permits for storm drainage, sanitary sewer and turnaround easements were also approved.
      Town Supervisor Peter McMahon was authorized to sign an engineering proposal agreement with Wendel Dushscherer for the water capital improvement program at a total fee of $217,500.
      Budget transfers and amendments needed to balance each fund in preparation for the year end were approved as follows: General Fund ($70,970), Sewer ($27,010), Water ($7,800). All transfers are being made within the same fund. No additional appropriations of fund balance are necessary.
      Elizabeth Stoklosa appeared before the Town Board to object again to the Country Club Cottage development that is proposed adjacent to her home on Fix Road. She read a lengthy letter citing traffic, soil stability and potential flooding concerns and asked that the Town demand a bond from developer John Stickl to protect the neighboring houses. The public comment period on Country Club Cottages closed at 5 p.m. Dec. 1. McMahon said there were 14 comments received.
      In other business, the Town Board:
• Approved a public improvement permit for a potable water distribution system at Whitehaven Road Campground (Phase I).
• Agreed to purchase polymer for phosphorous removal at the Grand Island Wastewater Plant from CleanWaters Inc. at $0.975 per pound.
• Approved the hiring of Mary Sherrer as a part-time lifeguard for the Recreation Dept’s Sunday family swim at a rate of $7.50 per hour.
• Referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and the Town Engineer a request from Golf Course Villas Homeowners Association for a street light at the corner of Whitehaven Road and Greenside Drive.
• Announced that members of Rotary would be manning Salvation Army kettles at Tops over the next several Saturdays.
• Announced that the Community Chorus would hold a concert 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Trinity Church.
• Announced that Santa would arrive on Grand Island Dec. 13 at Town Hall and there would be activities for children from 6:30-9 p.m.




Eagle Scout Saluted - 2008

Eagle Scout James McDonnell Is shown receiving a proclamation from Supervisor Peter McMahon
Barbara McMichael Photo - Click for larger view
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, December 1, 2008 . . .James McDonnell, accompanied by his parents, Jim and Paula McDonnell, was recognized by the Town Board Monday with a proclamation for his achievement in reaching the highest rank in the Boy Scouts – the prestigious rank Eagle Scout. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 254, sponsored by the Island Presbyterian Church, McDonnell constructed six new Wood Duck nesting boxes for Buckhorn Park and GIS-mapped the locations of new and existing boxes for future maintenance as his Eagle Scout project. McDonnell oversaw a team of 13 and the project took a total of 118 volunteer work hours to complete. James is a senior honor student at Grand Island High School and has plans to study Environmental Engineering or Art History.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Nov. 2008
   Click for Approved 11/17/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - December 2008
   Click for 12/1/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Historic Preservation Advisory Board News - Nov. 2008
   The Town of Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board's photo display of Historic Grand Island Homes is now in the upper lobby of the Grand Island Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road. It will be on display there until the end of the year. The 24 homes featured were identified in a survey of historic structures completed as a project for Erie County in 1981. Both a current photo of the home, as well as the one included in the 1981 survey, are on display.
   A booklet with information on the homes is available for viewers to take. The advisory board members would appreciate corrections and additions to the information that is printed in the booklet. The Advisory Board is also interested in identifying other historic homes on Grand Island and would welcome suggestions.
   Information may be sent to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board at Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 or Emailed to historic@grand-island.ny.us




Old Homes Display Draws Crowd - November 2008

Old Homes Display at River Lea
#2 Donna Walker, Gilbert Williams;
#4 Mary Cooke, Historic Homeowner Robin Shipman
#5 Curt Nestark (left) with friends
#6 Karen Webb talking to Shirley Luther
#7 Historic Homeowner Guyanne Schiffauer and unidentified
#8 Curt Nestark and friend
#9 Sharon Nichols, Donna Walker, Teddy Linenfelser, Carolyn Doebert
#10 Katie and Brad Masters
Click photos for larger view
   The Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board presented a photo display of historic Grand Island homes November 16, 2008 at River Lea in Beaver Island State Park. A continuous crowd came into the 1873 farm house, Grand Island Historical Society Headquarters, which was open throughout for the occasion. The Society's costumed docents were stationed in the various rooms including the dining room where refreshments were served. The Old Homes display has been moved to the upper lobby at Town Hall.
   The next Historical Society event will be a Christmas Season Open House on Sunday, November 30 from 1-4 p.m. Featured will be an old fashion store where visitors will be able to purchase holiday crafts, cookies and much more.




Water Dept. Wins Fluoridation Quality Award - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, November 17, 2008 . . .Grand Island’s Water Department has been awarded the 2007 Centers for Disease Control Water Fluoridation Quality Award. The Town was nominated by the NYS Dept. of Health. The award is given to drinking water systems that fluoridate at the optimal level for 12 consecutive months and consistently report daily and monthly sample results to the Department.




Country Club Cottage Opponents Refute State Environmental Report - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, November 17, 2008 . . .With the end of the public comment period nearing, several people spoke in opposition of John Stickl’s Country Club Cottage proposed development at Monday night’s Town Board meeting.
      Jerry Wochadlo of Fareway Lane referred to the many letters written by citizens opposed to the project. He made a point of saying that the State Draft Environmental Impact Statement left out areas of concern especially hydrological soil problems. Claiming the land was unsuitable for development, he cited a high water table and wetlands that were ignored. Lois Shriver of Amherst pointed to a bulletin board of graphics and statistics in describing a cattail swale, wetlands and an east/west ditch that connects to a Niagara Tributary that were not mapped by the developer. She added that much of the land has standing water.
      Elizabeth Stoklosa of Fix Road said her house was adjacent to the proposed project and explained how the development would have harmful effects on her property. She asserted that traffic had doubled in the past three years at Fix and Baseline and there were many more accidents occurring there. The development would surely increase the number of traffic accidents at this intersection. She said that the development would also change the soil structure because wetlands act as a stabilizer and without them soil can pull away from the foundation and cause flooding. That would mean extra insurance on her part because her property is not listed in a flood plain. Stoklosa also talked about the emergent wetlands and the delicate ecosystem. She displayed photos of loose spotted salamanders that she recently found in her home.
      Supervisor Peter McMahon said all comments would be entered into the record and reviewed by the Town Board.
      The Town Board passed Local Law #4 allowing for rezoning of some school owned Staley Road property from R1-A to M-1 that Invitrogen is interested in purchasing.
      Supervisor McMahon was authorized to file an application for funds, not to exceed $200,000, through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the purpose of developing a connecting trail for the Veterans Park Access Improvement Project. If needed, the application would include a conservation easement to the deed of the assisted property.
      A request by Robert and Rosemary Jellinick of 3760 East River Road to split out a 100x500 ft. parcel from the current 200x500 ft. parcel occupied by their home was denied based on the current zoning ordinance and apparent history of the property. The Planning Board said that to meet the requirements of the current zoning ordinance, the Jellinicks would need to petition for a variance.
      The Town Board set a public hearing for Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. for consideration of final plat approval for Golf Course Villas at River Oaks – Phase 3 (21 lots). Apparently the Niagara Development has re-addressed prior concerns regarding drainage and grading though the Planning Board has suggested that Phase 3 have new deed restrictions regarding variance setbacks.
      In other business, the Board:
• Appointed Cornelius O’Donnell to the Board of Assessment Review for a five-year term expiring Sept. 30, 2013.
• Authorized the Highway Superintendent to bid for one new and unused 2009 9 ft. All Season Dump Box.
• Approved a resolution in support of the Western New York Stormwater Coalition’s submission of a $150,000 grant application for the Local Government Efficiency Grant Program that would consolidate the 44 participating municipal illicit discharge detection and elimination programs into a single initiative.
• Approved a Public Improvement Permit for constructing a sanitary sewer to serve six new lots and a previously granted exception lot for Phase 1 of Scenic Wood Subdivision fronting on Love Road.
• Approved a special use renewal for the keeping of three agricultural animals on six acres by Michael and Judith Schneider of Harvey Road.
• Approved a site plan for a 4,000 sq. ft. storage building for JB Landscaping & Snowplowing at 2569 Whitehaven Rd. with the condition that additional landscaping be added on the southside berm.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Nov. 2008
   Click for Approved 11/3/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Historic Homes Exhibit Moves To Town Hall - 2008
The Neilan House - Click photo for larger view
   November 19, 2008 . . . The photo display of historic Grand Island Homes, first shown Sunday, November 16 in River Lea, has been moved to the Grand Island Town Hall. The display is the work of the Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board whose members would like to identify additional historic homes and welcomes the community's suggestions. Email them to historic@grand-island.ny.us or contact Bill Koch at 773-5977.




Town Board Meeting Notice - 2008
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meetings:
Wednesday, November 19, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 2, 3:30 p.m.
Re: Code Publishers




Town Board Meeting Agenda - November 2008
   Click for 11/17/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Cornell Cooperative Extension - Erie County Funding - 2008
   The Town of Grand Island, in a November 3, 2008 resolution, resolves that funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension be restored to the 2008 funding level. See Town Resolution.




Historic Preservation Board To Present Historic Homes Display - October 2008
Click photo for larger view
    The Town of Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board will present a photo display of historic Grand Island homes on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 1 – 4 PM at River Lea, Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY. The public is invited. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Pictured from left to right in front are: Shirley Luther, Carolyn Doebert, Town Historian Teddy Linenfelser and Advisory Board Chairman Bill Koch; in the back: Joe Macaluso and Sharon Nichols.
   The homes in this display were photographed in 1981 for the Erie County Historic Resources Survey and again this summer. Information about the homes and their inhabitants was gathered from material assembled for the 1981 project as well as from the current owners of these historic homes who answered a questionnaire provided by the Advisory Board. A booklet containing this information will be available for all who attend on Nov. 16.
   The Historic Preservation Advisory Board members are interested in feedback and additional facts about these homes. The Advisory Board would also like to identify additional historic homes for a future photo display and welcomes your suggestions. Email any information or suggestions to historic@grand-island.ny.us, contact Advisory Board Chairman Bill Koch at 773-5977 or send it to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board at 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY, 14072.




Town Earmarks $2.3 Million For Water District Improvements - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, November 3, 2008 . . .A public hearing to consider a resolution for water district improvements in the amount of $2,303,000 was held Monday by the Town Board. The resolution and order was approved as was a resolution to fund the improvements by the issuance of serial bonds in the amount of $2.303,000 to be offset by any federal, state, county and/or local funds. The cost of the improvements will be annually apportioned among the district by the Town Board and paid by the assessment, levy and collection of special assessments from several lots and parcels of land within the district that will benefit from the improvements.
      Town engineers will prepare a map, plan and report on the water district improvements that will include the installation of approximately 2,500 ft. of 16-inch diameter waterline from the plant discharge to Baseline Road and then to Bush Road, the upgrade of tube settlers for the existing concrete coagulation basins at the old site of the water treatment plant and the replacement of the existing accelerator with new concrete sedimentation basins and a new tube settler train located in a new building addition.




SEQR Next Step For Three Town Projects - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, November 3, 2008 . . .After two public hearings Monday at which no one spoke, the Town Board referred preliminary plat approvals for Niagara River Estates on Ransom Road (3 lots) and Farugia Subdivision at Alt Blvd. and Love Road (4 lots) to the Town Board for State Environmental Quality Reviews (SEQR).
      Also referred to the Town Board for SEQR was a request for Upstate Cellular cell tower site plan approval. Michael Ziolkowski thanked the Town Board for hiring an independent consultant on the cell tower projects. He said that in his research on the subject he found good alternatives to monopoles and said the law was specific about not having cell towers in environmentally sensitive neighborhoods and near historic preservation sites.
      An inter-municipal agreement between the Town and Erie County was approved that would give a used vacuum/sewer truck from the Town to Erie County in exchange for striping services provided by the county.
      A resolution requesting Erie County to restore funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension to its 2008 funding level of $295,000 was introduced by Councilwoman Mary Cooke and approved by the Town Board. Cooke explained that Erie County’s withdrawal of funding would result in a loss of $1.3 million from private, state and federal sources, thus affecting soil testing, workforce training for nursery and landscape professionals, Master Gardener, 4-H Youth Development, financial literacy education, Eat Smart New York, Expanded Food and Nutrition Program for food stamp recipients and HeatSmart NY.
      The following Winter and Youth Program hires were approved for the Parks and Recreation Department: (returning) Reba Conway, Kolby Banker, Mike Karpie, Tim Boorady, Molly Hyland, Lisa Huttenmaier, Joe Oliverio, Elizabeth Stanko, Aaron Wood; (new) Joel Klock, Jessica Oyer and Jared Northrup.
      Delinquent water and sewer accounts were added to the 2009 tax roll as follows: $172,214.46 (water), $248,156.17 (sewer), $361. 44 (out of district sewer), $3451.59 (meters), $180 (miscellaneous charges).
      A site plan and grading permit for pond cleaning and enlargement on the Galenza property at 2411 Love Road was approved after giving the pond project a negative environmental declaration. The permit is required because the 60-cubic-yard threshold of material handling is exceeded in the proposed work.
      Speaking during Voice of the People, Sheila Figliotti told about a car accident her daughter had on East River Road and asked that the guardrail on East River Road be extended after the sharp curve as a safety precaution. Fortunately, her daughter did not hit a tree or go into the river but that could have happened and a guardrail would help prevent that from occurring.
      In other business, the Board:
• Agreed to send copies of Traffic Safety Board meeting minutes regarding the Key Bank/Benderson proposal to the town engineer and Planning Board.
• Approved the hiring of Paul Leuchner of East River Road as a part-time crossing guard at the rate of $18.01.
• Agreed to advertise for bids on wastewater treatment plant polymer to be opened 10 a.m. Nov. 19 and for a 2008 drainage program D-37 to be opened at 10 a.m. Dec. 10.
• Referred to the Planning Board and Highway Superintendent a request for the Town to abandon Avery Ave. (a paper street) by Robert and Carolyn Marble at 1324 Glen Avon Rd.
• Announced that volunteers were needed at a tree planting (38 bareroot trees) that will take place at Veterans Park, Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a a.m. to noon.
• Announced Veterans Day activities at Veterans Park Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.




Town Board Workshop Meeting - 2008
Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting - Thursday, November 6th – 7:00 p.m. Re: 2009 Town Budget




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Oct. 2008
   Click for Approved 10/20/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Board Workshop Meetings - 2008
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meetings:
Friday, December 12, 3:30p.m.
Re: Country Club Cottages - DEIS
Monday, November 10, 3:30pm
Monday, November 17, 3:30p.m.
Re: Code Revisions
Wednesday, November 12, - 4:00pm
Re: Meeting with Court Staff



Trick-or-Treat Hours - 2008
      Supervisor Peter McMahon has announced that official Tricks-or-Treat hours on Grand Island will be from 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, October 31st.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - November 2008
   Click for 11/3/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Preliminary Town of GI Budget - 2008
      See Preliminary Town of GI Budget




Town Board Meeting Notice - 2008
Grand Island Town Board
Workshop Meetings:
Friday, October 31, 2008 - 3:30pm
Re: Verizon RF Consultant
Monday, November 3, 2008 – 3:30p.m.
Re: Code Publishers
First Floor Conference Room




Town of Grand Island Confidential Tip Line - 2008
       The Town of Grand Island is pleased to announce the operation of a confidential tip line for the reporting of illegal drug activity within the town. The line is sponsored by the One Island, One Team, One Dream to Be Drug Free Committee. See Confidential Tip Line




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Oct. 2008
   Click for Approved 10/6/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Historic Preservation Board To Present Historic Homes Display - October 2008
Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board members (left) Mary Cooke, Teddy Linenfelser and Sharon Nichols with Joe Macaluso, seated, are shown working on a display of historic Island Homes.
   The Town of Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board will present a photo display of historic Grand Island homes from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008 at River Lea, Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY. The public is invited. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The homes in the display were photographed in 1981 for the Erie County Historic Resources Survey and again this past summer. The Advisory Board would like to identify additional historic homes and welcomes your suggestions. Email them to historic@grand-island.ny.us or contact Bill Koch at 773-5977.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - October 2008
   Click for 10/20/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Passport Day - Town Hall - 2008
      Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel announces that on Saturday, October 11, 2008 the Town Clerk’s office will be open for tax collection and accepting Passport applications from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
      If you would like to process your passport application, bring your certified birth certificate, driver’s license and two blank checks. Applications are available at the Town Clerk’s office, the Post Office, online at www.travel.state.gov or the Town’s website: www.gigov.com
      Children under 16 must be accompanied by both parents. Photos are available at the Clerk’s office for $7.00 per set. Regular acceptance days are Monday – Friday from 9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. or anytime by appointment.
      If you need information, please contact the Clerk’s office at 773-9600 ext. 600.




Town Hall To Be Wireless - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, October 6, 2008 . . .There will soon be wireless computer capabilities not only in town hall but in the parking lot and surrounding Klingel Town Commons. The Town Board, Monday, passed a motion for Supervisor Peter McMahon to sign an agreement with IP Logic for execution of services associated with Round 5 of the Wired Building Program Grant in the amount of $11,577.50. This amount matches funding provided by the Empire State Development Corporation. Councilman Gary Roesch, in introducing the motion, said the wi-fi capabilities would be a great economic development tool for the town. He then thanked the law firm of Hodgson Russ for its donation of $3,000 toward the project.
      There were no ideas from the public regarding projects eligible for a Federal Community Development Grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 during a public hearing on the subject. Supervisor McMahon mentioned several previous projects that were funded with community block grants to benefit low- and moderate-income populations. He cited the new van and kitchen equipment for the senior citizen center.
      A revised site plan for Fuccillo Toyota was referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation. Under the new plan, two landscaping islands that were never built to the north of the building are removed as well as the two to the south. The landscaped berm along the south property was never constructed because vegetation along the south line would make landscaping redundant.
      A public hearing is set for 8 p.m. October 20 to consider a request by Invitrogen Corporation for rezoning a portion of 3325 Stony Point Road that is being bought from the Grand Island School District. The property is approximately 9.85 acres and is currently zoned R1A, low density single-family residential. Invitrogen wants to rezone this piece to M1 along with another parcel already owned by Invitrogen. M1 is light industrial and research, consistent with the current zoning of Invitrogen’s neighboring property at 3175 Staley Road.
      Site plan approval for Key Bank to be located in Tops Plaza as an out-parcel building was referred to the Planning Board, Traffic Safety Advisory Board and Town Attorney for further review. Concerns exist about traffic patterns on Whitehaven Road with the existing driveway plan of a right turn in and right turn out.
      Engineer reports for three projects were referred to the town attorney for preparation of necessary bond resolutions. One project involves the demolition and removal and replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge over Woods Creek leading to the Colonial Driftwood Park. The $100,000 Colonial/Driftwood Park bridge replacement will be financed by the Town through the issuance of a general obligation bond.
      A water capital improvement project, estimated to cost $2,303,000, will also be funded through bonds. The first phase includes incorporation of tube settlers in the existing concrete basins and construction of new concrete sedimentation basins with tube settlers in a building expansion plus demolition of the existing accelator and miscellaneous waterline improvements. The current accelator is experiencing signs of structural failure and with these improvements the plant will produce additional water to meet demand until 2016.
      Bonds are also being sought for the Fisherman’s Landing project in case something unforeseen happens with regard to the funding from the Greenway Fund. The project, estimated to cost $670,000, involves the demolition of an abandoned wastewater treatment plant and the construction of a new Fisherman’s Landing which includes an entrance drive, parking, new landscaping and pedestrian walkways. The Town has received a $267,593 Environmental Protection Fund Grant and a $400,482 Greenway Fund Grant that would cover the anticipated costs.
      John Kackmann applauded the Town Board for its involvement in overseeing the planning for the upcoming South Grand Island bridge reconstruction and re-decking. The two-year, $48-million-project includes reconstruction of the concrete underpinnings and replacement of the bearings that support the steel trusses. Crews are expected to build platforms for the repairs this fall for work that will begin next year. This phase of the project will not affect traffic. The re-decking of the northbound bridge, scheduled for 2010, will involve lane closures at night.
      In other business, the board:
• Awarded a contract for the Veterans Park Concession addition to Ackerman Plumbing in the amount of $89,880.
• Approved public improvement permit for a sewer line for East River Landings – Phase I
• Appointed Dr. Bernard Wakefield to the Planning Board to fill the balance of a term set to expire Dec. 31, 2010.
• Adopted a revised edition of the Grand Island Safety and Health Program manual; copies to be made available to town employees.
• Approved the closing of Baseline Road from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 to accommodate programs by the Grand Island Fire Company in observance of Fire Prevention Week.
• Renewed a special use permit for the keeping of three agricultural animals by Joseph Higgins at 900 Ransom Road.
• Referred to the Planning Board a special use permit request from Jay and Patty Meyer of 2078 Long Road for an indoor pool and water aerobics business.
• Referred to the Cable & Communications Committee an update from Time Warner Cable about the new Switched Digital Video interactive technology being implemented within local franchise areas.




DAV Presents Flags To Town - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, October 6, 2008 . . . Joe Synakowski appeared at the Town Board meeting Monday to present a Grand Island DAV flag to add to the courtroom decor. An American flag, already donated by the DAV, is standing in the Town Hall conference room. Because the DAV has no permanent meeting place to display the flag, members of the Grand Island chapter, founded in 1973, felt Town Hall would be an appropriate home for them. The DAV provides a variety of services in the community: a high school scholarship award, a recently bought van (in conjunction with other service organizations) to transport patients, and fund raising events to help disabled veterans here and across the country.
      Sue Argy announced that a blood drive would be held at the Knights of Columbus October 14 and Gary Roesch invited the public to a Cable & Communications meeting about the Time Warner franchise, being held on Oct. 13. He also said he would get TV antennas for those who send him a name and phone number to help with TV reception for Channel 4 which is now off cable due to a dispute between Lin TV, WIVB’s parent company, and Time Warner.
      Mary Cooke pointed out that volunteers, particularly high schoolers who need three hours of community service, are needed for a fall re-tree event at Veterans Park Saturday, November 8. Thirty-eight trees need to be planted and volunteers should be at the concession stand at 9 a.m. rain or shine unless the rain is a torrential downpour. She also reported that Dollars for Scholars (a 5k Run and one-mile walk) held at Veterans Park would most likely turn into an annual event.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - October 2008
   Click for 10/6/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Town of Grand Island Announces Photo Contest - September 2008
   The Town of Grand Island is revising its web site for 2009, and would like the help of the community to complete an important step in that process. The Town Web Site Committee announces a contest for the photo that will become the new site banner. Photos and drawings depicting anything representative of Grand Island are requested. Photo entries must be submitted in color, jpg format, and no smaller than 800 x 200 pixels. Photos are to be submitted to Liz Zilbauer at ezilbauer@grand-island.ny.us by 5 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2008. Drawings or photo discs may be dropped off at the Supervisor’s Office in Town Hall. There is no limit to the number of entries an individual can make. The winner will receive formal recognition and a photo credit on his or her published work. Questions may be directed to the address listed above or 773-9600 x 658.




CANCELLATION - Town Board Workshop Meetings - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meetings:
• Wednesday, September 17 – 3:30 p.m. - Re: Town Insurance Policy
• Monday, September 22 – 3:30 p.m
• Tuesday, September 23 – 3:30 p.m. CANCELLED




Town Board Workshop Meeting - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting:
• Wednesday, September 24 – 3:30 p.m. - Re: Award Bid for Harvey Road Culvert Replacement


Town Board Workshop Meeting - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting:
• Monday, September 29 – 7:00 p.m. - Re: School Board/Town Board Joint Meeting
Location to be announced




Walgreen’s Site Plan Approved - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, September 15, 2008 . . . Upon recommendation from the Planning Board, the Town Board, Monday, voted to approve the site plan for Walgreens at 2320 Grand Island Blvd. contingent upon approval of the Town Engineer. In order to make the project work, Walgreen’s will have shared access with HSBC and has provided HSBC a written agreement with regard to parking (no such agreement with Pizza Hut). There will be a one-way access only around the building. Screening will be a solid masonry wall with a two-foot wrought iron fence. Extensive landscaping is planned as well as a decorative pedestrian walkway to Grand Island Blvd.
      Site plan requirements were waived for Grand Island Rod & Gun Club’s request to construct a 50’x30’ storage building because it is replacing two smaller storage buildings that will be demolished and removed.
      A request to abandon the paper street adjacent to the Hill property at 2448 First St. was approved with the condition it be attached to the Hill property and be subject to the approval of the Town Attorney. No future development is planned and there is no public objection. The Hill family owns property on both sides of the paper street.
      A 4,200 sq. ft. warehouse expansion at American Records Management, 401 Lang Blvd., got the green light as did a request to repair a retaining wall at 365 East River Road.
      Discussed was the fact that East River Landings – Phase I (3 lots), already approved, would be contingent on the riverside of Lot #1 being included in a future phase. Property owners will also have to comply if, at some future date, the town requires sidewalks.
      A revised submission of a site plan for Phase VI of Hugill Storage was approved contingent on clarification of the Town Attorney and subject to approval of the Zoning Board. Proposed is a 96’x20’ building that replaces an earlier two-building (30’x70’ and 20’x60’) plan.
      Plans for a a Key Bank at Tops Plaza were tabled based on much discussion about ingress and egress and the proposed driveway onto Whitehaven Road and the controversy surrounding whether it should be a full access driveway or right in and right out only. A motion was made to submit the revised site plan to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board.
      In other business, the Board:
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the Erie County Dept. of Central Police Services’ 2008 STOP-DWI Court Payments program.
• Adopted a resolution as amended by the Town Attorney and authorized the supervisor to sign the project amendment extending the NYS Dept. of State’s funding for the Scenic Woods/Bicentennial Park Master Plan through Dec. 31.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a Statement of Work for the Verizon Wireless proposed tower near Fix and West River Parkway (town to be reimbursed for costs).
• Approved a polling lease agreement in the amount of $800 between the Erie County Board of Elections and the Town for the use of town properties (Town Hall, Nike Base, Highway Garage, and the Library) for the 2008 Primary and General elections.
• Received the Highway Department’s inventory on machinery, tools and equipment.
• Approved placing the following vehicles in the Roy Teitsworth Auction at the Hamburg Fairgrounds October 11 (1997 highway spreader, 1990 Ford dump chassis, 1999 Ford Pickup F150, 1992 Ford Salter Chassis, 1987 GMC Brigadier).
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a Supplemental Agreement with the NYS Dept. of Transportation and the NYS Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the linear trail improvements and extension of trails through Buckhorn Park that is part of the Bike Trail Connect project.
• Granted a special use renewal for the keeping of an agricultural animal by Gail Villani at 5302 East River Rd.
• Agreed to award the traffic signal inspection and emergency service contract to J.J. Emergency Electric in the amount of $900 for the first year and $1,050 for the second year.
• Referred to the Zoning Board a request for a special use variance at 2078 Long Road for enclosing a new inground pool for therapy purposes and for offering in-home water aerobics to four to six students.
• Referred to the Town Board a request for changes in the recreational zoning law to allow for additional structures at the Niagara Falls Campground on Whitehaven Road.
• Announced that Grand Island schools ranked 10 out of more than 200 districts according to Business First.
• Announced that the Great Lakes Beach Sweep will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon with refreshments served afterwards at Riverside-Salem Environmental Chapel on West River.
• Announced that a joint school/town board meeting will take place September 29.




Long Road Cellular Tower Proposal Tabled - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, September 15, 2008 . . .Despite a recommendation from the Planning Board for a cellular tower site plan proposal on Long Road, the Board decided to table any action pending further review.
Currently, Verizon Wireless has three applications for towers in the town – one on Fix Road, one on Sandy Beach and one for 2770 Long Road. The one at the Fix Road site is in the process of having application details reviewed.
At Sandy Beach there are two sites the town is interested in, one off Bedell Road (part of Veterans Park) and the school district property on Huth Road. A previous application for property off Huth Road at Presbyterian Church and Garden Parkway has been withdrawn.
The Long Road site is in the northwest corner of the Island, zoned M-1, with the 105 ft. monopole proposed location more than 500 ft. from any house, school or historic structure. Should that site be approved the tower would be 60’ ft from the property line and would be designed in a way that if it collapses it would fall within itself. A variance may be required because the fall zone is not within the leased area. The School Board initially had concerns about the location but the property is quite deep.
Presently, there is no application for a tower at the Nike Base, but a potential future site of a tower may be possible south of Whitehaven Road.




Scout, Crop Walk and Family Dinners Saluted - 2008

(left) Town Board members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Rev. Paul E. Robinson representing Crop Walk, and Board members Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke.


(left) Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout David McMichael and his parents, Barbara and Dennis McMichael.


(left) Town Board members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Dan Stinson of One Island, One Team, and Board members Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke.

      Mary Stewart Photos - Click for larger view

By Joelle Logue
      Monday, September 15, 2008 . . .The Town Board presented three proclamations Monday night in recognition of Eagle Scout David McMichael who was accompanied by his parents, the Rev. Paul Robinson of the Grand Island Ministerium who promoted the CROP Walk, and Dan Stinson from One Island, One Team promoting family dinners as a positive effect on children.
      McMichael, a member of Boy Scout Troop 254, sponsored by the Island Presbyterian Church, achieved Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in scouting. For his project, he procured and planted more than 60 small shrubs and saplings around the Penn Dixie Fossil site in Hamburg with the help of 13 volunteers. The project took a total of 101 hours.
      This year’s 21st annual CROP Walk (Community Response to Overcome Poverty) will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, September 28 in Beaver Island State Park. Last year Islanders raised $4300 with 25 percent of the proceeds staying to help with Island outreach initiatives. Rev. Robinson said he would like to see the whole Island get involved for this worthwhile cause.
      September 22 is proclaimed Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children. The Town Board cited that frequent family dining is associated with lower rates of teen smoking, drinking, illegal drug use and prescription drug abuse. According to a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Drug Abuse, the correlation between frequent family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse is well documented.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Sept. 2008
   Click for Approved 9/2/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Board Workshop Meetings - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meetings:
• Wednesday, September 17 – 3:30 p.m. - Re: Town Insurance Policy
• Monday, September 22 – 3:30 p.m
• Tuesday, September 23 – 3:30 p.m. CANCELLED




Town Board Meeting Agenda - September 2008
   Click for 9/15/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Sept. 2008
   Click for Unapproved 9/2/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - August 2008
   Click for Approved 8/18/08 Town Board Meeting Minutes.




Town Hall Gardens - 2008

Mary Stewart Photo - Click for large view
       When entering Grand Island Town Hall one can not help but notice the beautiful landscaping, thanks to Jim Linenfelser. Jim has been employed by the town as Town Hall Caretaker for nine years and has used his landscaping talents to make the town hall entrance a showcase of beauty. This photo was taken on Monday, September 1, 2008.




School Tax Bills Mailed - September 2008
   Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel announced that the 2008/2009 School Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have changed banks, have paid off your mortgage or do not have an escrow account and did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 773-9600 ext. 620. The office will be open Saturday, October 11, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk. The last day to pay without penalty is October 15. Envelopes must show a legible postmark of October 15 to be accepted on time. Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made October 16 and later. Payments can be made until December 1, 2008. After this date, payments must be sent to the County.


Town Board Meeting Agenda - September 2008
   Click for 9/2/08 Town Board Meeting Agenda.




Change In Taxable Status Date - 2008
   See "CHANGE IN TAXABLE STATUS DATE FOR THE 25 TOWNS LOCATED IN ERIE COUNTY"




Supervisor Addresses Sunday's Flooding - 2008
By Supervisor Peter McMahon
      Wednesday, August 27, 2008 . . .    I can't confirm the amount of rainfall we had, during a short period, on Sunday (Aug. 24). I do know that the amount of poor drainage flooding is the worst I can remember. The rainfall overwhelmed both the storm water and sanitary sewer systems in only a few minutes. Early in the storm, the Wastewater and the Highway Departments had workers on duty. They were joined by Town Engineer John Whitney and Deputy Highway Superintendent Jim Tomkins.
   Highway Department workers concentrated their efforts on storm drains in an effort to control flooding on the roads. The worst area was in an area including Grandyle Village, the Falconwood area and the Duplexes. Significant poor drainage flooding occurred on Carl Road, at several intersections on Broadway, Schwegler Rd., Carter Drive and Carol Lane. Most of the flooding had receded by 7 p.m.
   Wastewater employees were faced with high levels in lift stations which serve the areas mentioned above and south of Fix Road, east of the Beaver Island Parkway. When the roads flood, rainwater enters the sanitary sewers through manhole covers. The resulting increased flow leads to system overload. The electricity quickly cycled on and off several times at the north end of Grand Island. This caused the emergency generator at the master lift station to cycle. The rapid switching back and forth caused the pumps to go offline. Employees manually reset the pumps without any major impact on the system.
   Streams and creeks throughout the Island were running at peak flows. Low lying areas around these creeks also experienced flooding. About 1/3 of the parking lot at Town Hall was under water during the storm. A couple of Town Hall offices, including the Town Clerks, suffered minor flooding. The problem was quickly controlled by the custodian with the assistance of the Highway Department and Town Engineer.
   Minor communications difficulties were encountered when the Verizon Wireless system either shut down or became overwhelmed, making calls on the system impossible. The Grand Island Fire Company's communications system was used during the period that Verizon Wireless experienced delays or was unavailable.
   Editor's Note: See also "Flood Story/Photos"




Town Board Workshop Meeting - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting, Wednesday, September 3rd – 3 p.m. - Re: River Oaks Projects




Public Hearings Top Town Agenda - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 18, 2008 . . .Following three public hearings Monday, the Town Board approved the closing of Park Place between residences #106 and #132 to all traffic except emergency vehicles for the purpose of a block party August 23 from 1:30-8 p.m. It also gave final plat approval for Grand Park Vue, Section V (20 lots) and issued a public improvement permit (to construct waterline, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and roadway) subject to the approval of the town engineer on a wetlands issue. Questions by two neighboring residents of the Section V, regarding size of lots, deed restrictions, wetlands and a retention pond, were fielded by Al Hopkins who is the development’s engineer.
      Speaking at the third public hearing on final plat approval for East River Landings, Phase I (4 lots), Ron Case asked if the developer was aware of a quick claim deed he received from the prior owners of the property concerning a piece of the circular driveway and a piece of land not in Phase I. The Town referred further consideration of the final plat to the Town Attorney and Town Engineer to resolve the ownership issue.
      Public hearings on the following were set for 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2:
• The closing of Jen Court (between residences 58 and 41) for a block party Sept. 6 from 2-11 p.m.
• Final plat approval for Oakwood Estates, Section 4 (7 lots).
• Local Law #6 pertaining to flood damage prevention that would allow the Town to continue participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Final plat approval for Scenic Woods Subdivision, Phase I
      A budget adjustment of $1500. was approved to cover the cost of the new camera equipment necessary to handle the volume of passport photos taken each year in the Town Clerk’s office.
      In other business, the board:
• Referred a letter back to the Town Board from Wayne Clinton notifying the Town that he would be retiring as Sr. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator effective December 12, 2008.
• Approved an extension of time for Jack and Carol Hugill to keep an RV at the Storage Facility on Bedell Road.
• Approved a tower permit renewal for AT&T Mobility for its telecommunications tower on Carl Road.
• Referred back to the Town Board for further review an Erie County Board Executive summary of a proposed law that would create a regional Planning Board.
• Announced that Grand Island was ranked first in Business First as a well rounded inter-suburb of Buffalo.




Major Expansion Slated For Starline, USA, Inc. - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 18, 2008 . . . The Town Board, Monday, granted site plan approval to Starline USA, Inc. at 3036 Alt Blvd. for two 1,100 sq. ft. office additions and a 35,029 sq. ft. warehouse. The warehouse additions will mirror the warehouse built earlier. According to Councilman Gary Roesch, this is a great plus for Grand Island. Plans are under way for the Canadian company to move the major thrust of its business to Grand Island. Starline is a major manufacturer of 676 items over several product lines including bags, beverageware, business items, gift sets, homestyles, tools, lifestyles, online watches, seasonal and environmentally friendly items plus other novelty items that lend themselves to logos of companies wanting to market their brand with a particular piece of merchandise.
      Site plan approvals were also granted to Auto-Fix at 2038 Grand Island Blvd. for a 1612 sq. ft. expansion to an existing building in order accommodate three more bays and six more parking places, and to Invitrogen at 3175 Staley Road for a 20,776 sq. ft. warehouse expansion.




Fisherman’s Landing Funding Formally Approved - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 18, 2008 . . .A letter formally announcing the release of $400,482 in funding to support the development of the Fisherman’s Landing project was received in the town July 31. The project is consistent with the adopted Niagara Greenway Plan and Fisherman’s Landing will provide a recreational asset to the river.
      According to Mary Cooke, development of the land will most likely begin in the spring.




Town Salutes Lions Club White Cane Sale & Day of Caring - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 18, 2008 . . .Members of the Lions Club attended Monday’s Town Board meeting to receive a proclamation acknowledging August 22-23 as White Cane Days in the Town. Donations from this fundraiser are used to support local and international programs and services for those who are blind, hearing impaired and others with physical and other disabilities. The Lions Club of Grand Island traditionally holds a yearly picnic for the disabled at the Buffalo Launch Club where boat rides, games and other activities entertain disabled kids from throughout Western New York. All Islanders are urged to buy the white canes during White Cane Days.
      Grand Island Parks & Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, Day of Caring coordinator, received a proclamation citing APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC volunteers for their role in Day of Caring activities at the Golden Age Center August 20. These volunteers served lunch to the senior citizens and led games such as tennis, golf, bingo and cards. Day of Caring is a yearly event sponsored by the United Way in which volunteer donors assist United Way recipients by providing services and helping with needed projects.





Supervisor Announces Lane Restrictions - 2008
   Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon announces exit and overpass information from the following NYS Thruway Authority construction bulletin. This involves closures and lane restrictions on the Whitehaven Road Northbound exit ramp and Beaver Island overpass.
• Monday, Aug 25th, 8-10am. The northbound Whitehaven Rd. exit ramp will be closed while the pavement is milled.
• Monday, Aug 25th, 10am - 2pm. There will be lane restrictions in place on the Beaver Island Overpass for pavement milling
• Tuesday, Aug 26th, 9am - noon. There will be lane restrictions in place on the Beaver Island Overpass for paving work.
• Wednesday, Aug 27th, 9am - 11am. The northbound Whitehaven Rd. exit ramp will be closed for paving.




Legal Notice
Scenic Woods Subdivision Phase 1 - 2008
   Click for Public Hearing 9/2/08.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes
   Click for Approved Minutes August 4, 2008 Meeting.




Town Board Workshop Meeting - 2008
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting, Thursday, September 11th – 3:30p.m. - Re: Code Revisions


Town Board Meeting Agenda - August 2008
   Click for 8/18/08 Town Board Meeting.




Town Employee Appreciation Picnic - 2008
     
(Left) Councilman Gary Roesch and Supervisor Peter McMahon manned the grill.
Jodi Robinson photos - Click for larger view
   The annual employee appreciation picnic was hosted by the town's elected officials on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. A pleasant 70-degree temperature and clear and sunny skies made it an enjoyable occasion. The menu included grilled hot dogs, salads, baked goods and beverages.





Grand Island is Number Three in NY State for Venison Donation Program to Feed the Hungry - 2008

Patricia A. Frentzel
   When buying your hunting or fishing license at the Town Clerk’s office, have you been asked if you’d like to donate to the “Venison Donation Coalition”? If you said yes, you helped Grand Island become #3 in New York State to raise money in the effort to feed the hungry.
   Town Clerk, Patricia A. Frentzel stated that at a recent NYS Town Clerk’s Association Conference, one of the top 10 towns in NYS to raise dollars for the “Venison Donation Coalition” for the second year in a row was Grand Island.
   “Last year we were #8. We are proud that out of the 933 Towns that participate in this program, residents here on Grand Island who buy fishing and hunting licenses through our office are very generous and have helped us in this worthwhile cause”.
   The Venison Donation Coalition is a partnership of many agencies and services that use the donated deer, process it at no cost to the hunter or farmer and distribute it to soup kitchens, food pantries and needy families throughout New York State. Each $1.00 donation feeds 4 people. For more information contact www.venisondonation.com.





Hunting Licenses Go on Sale August 18th - 2008
   Town Clerk, Patricia A. Frentzel announces that the 2008-2009 Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Licenses may be purchased beginning August 18, 2008 at 8:30a.m. in the Grand Island Town Hall.
   New this year is the Jr. Hunting privilege. This allows 14- and 15-year-olds to hunt big game with a mentor starting with the 2008-2009 hunting season. Additionally, this change allows persons less than 12 years of age to participate in trapping activities with a mentor without having taken trapper education. At 12 years old, trapper education is required. Please contact the Town Clerk’s office for more information.





Town Assessment Roll Available - 2008
   The 2008 Assessment Roll for the Town of Grand Island is now available for inspection on-line. Go to the Town of Grand Island Website and click the “On Line Assessment Information” button. See also Online Assessment.




Three Proclamations Presented by Town Board - 2008

(left) Town Board members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Edward H. Sadowski with his mother and grandmother, Diane and Irene Sadowski, and his father and grandfather Henry and Kazimierz Sadowski.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for "full" view
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 4, 2008 . . . Recognition of events and accomplishments began Monday’s Town Board meeting. Eagle Scout Edward Sadowski, accompanied by his parents and grandparents, was cited for his attainment of the most prestigious rank in the Boy Scouts. A member of Troop 652, sponsored by St. Andrew’s Holy Name Society, Edward completed an Eagle Scout project that involved seven other troop members in building three benches for Beaver Island Trail that runs from River Lea to Ferry Village. The project took 136 hours.
      Dolly D’Orazio accepted the proclamation recognizing National Night Out that occurred Tuesday night, August 5. It was the 8th annual Grand Island National Night Out that included participation by the Grand Island Fire Company, Police Department, Erie County Sheriff’s Dept., Historical Society, US Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Traffic Safety Advisory Board, CERT, Parks and Recreation, NYS Police, GIFTS, and One Island – One Team. The family oriented event, celebrating safety and promoting police-community partnerships in an effort to create a safer nation, was held at the Marion Klingel Town Common featuring activities such as child ID kits, car seat inspections, crafts, a basket raffle, band concert and hot dog sale.

(left) Town Board members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Joe Synakowski and Board Member Mary Cooke
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for large view
By Joelle Logue
      Joe Synakowski, representing the 82nd Airborne Division Association, accepted the proclamation citing August 16 as National Airborne Day. Of particular importance to Grand Island is remembering Pfc. Charles DeGlopper, a member of Company “C” First Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, who was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroics during World War II in LaFiere, France. He died for actions above and beyond the call of duty on June 9, 1944. Also remembered is Lt. Col. Terrance K. Crowe, a trained Airborne Trooper serving with the 98th Division, who was killed by hostile fire while part of an offensive operation in Tal Afar, Iraq June 7, 2005. The US Senate passed the National Airborne Day Resolution on July 6, 2004.




Town Schedules Three Public Hearings - 2008
By Joelle Logue
      Monday, August 4, 2008 . . .The Town Board, Monday, scheduled three public hearings for 8 p.m. Monday, August 18. One is to consider a request from residents of Park Place, Bonnywoods and Forest Creek Estates to close Park Place August 23 between house numbers #106 and #132 from 1:30-8 p.m. for the purpose of holding a block party. This is the fourth year the neighborhood has held the event and last year 80 people attended.
      A second public hearing will consider final plat approval for Phase I of East River Landings (four lots) and a third public hearing is to consider final plat approval for Grand Park Vue – Section V (20 lots).
      A policy regarding cell phone usage was adopted that is in adherence with NYS law. All town employees driving a town vehicle are not to use cell phones while driving unless hands-free equipment is utilized.
      A request to abandon a paper street adjacent to property located at 2448 First St. is being referred to the Planning Board and Highway Superintendent for review and recommendation.
      The Town Board adopted a resolution to support the nomination of the International Joint Commission (IJC) that has advanced the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Agenda for a Stockholm Water Prize. The 2009 Stockholm Water Prize award would complement the IJC announcement that the key centenary celebrations for the Boundary Waters Treaty will take place in Niagara in June 2009. The IJC, which facilitates cooperation and assists governments in wisely managing a shared waterway, was created by Canada and the US through the Boundary Waters Treaty in 1909 because it recognized that each country is affected by the other’s actions in lake and river systems along the border.
      In other business, the board:
• Approved a request from Parks & Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro to hold an auction of surplus items on Saturday, September 13.
• Approved a budget amendment to allow for Erie County grant funds of $49,886 recently received to be applied to the Golden Age Center’s recent bus purchase.
• Referred to the Zoning officer and Town Attorney for review and recommendation a violation of an occupied mobile home at 2761 Bedell Road.
• Appointed Peter Sukmanowski as a police officer, Grade 5, Step A, effective August 5.
• Authorized the supervisor to write a letter of support for Memorial Medical Center to initiate a non-emergent ambulance transport service.





Public Hearings - August 7, 2008
   For the purpose of hearing objections to or for the granting of appeals, the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold the following public hearings on August 7, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variance will be considered:
  • William Gondek, a variance for the construction of an 8' x 16' deck in the front yard setback at 1220 East River Road.
  • Carolyn Marble, a variance for the installation of a 24' round swimming pool in the front yard set back at 1324 Glen Avon.
  • Raymond Dlugokinski, a variance for construction of a 13' by 22' garage which will be attached to the existing home.
  • Kenneth Shobert, a variance to raise the roof and enclose the front porch at 4178 East River Road.
  • Colleen and James Fisher, a variance for the installation of an above ground pool in the front yard setback at 1960 Creekside Drive


    Town Board Meeting Agenda - August 2008
       Click for     8/4/08 Town Board Meeting.




    Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes
       Click for     Approved Minutes July 7, 2008 Meeting.




    Town Board Action - 2008
    Complaints Of Dust Clouds on Whitehaven Road Voiced - 2008
    By Joelle Logue
          Monday, July 21, 2008 . . .A large pond excavation on the proposed site of a Whitehaven Road campground was on the minds of Francis and Claudia Preve during Monday night’s Town Board meeting. Complaining about constant truckloads of clay traversing Whitehaven Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. over the last month and a half, Preve said that attempts by the developers to keep Whitehaven Road and the surrounding neighborhood free of dust and mud had failed. He invited members of the Town Board and the press to come see for themselves. Supervisor Peter McMahon, who had been monitoring the site, said he would continue to check on the activity there.
          Preve also got clarification on an agreement between the town and the developers regarding $200,000 from the sale of the clay that must be used for completion of the campground. He also learned that hydrants were metered for water usage by the developers for use in cleaning the streets.
          Following a public hearing at which no one spoke, the Town Board granted a special use permit to Caitlin Doldan of 1505 Huth Road for the keeping of two agricultural animals. A special use renewal was also approved for National Fuel’s natural gas regulator/metering station at 1589 Stony Point Road.
          The Town Board, in response to an increase in burglaries and larcenies and an increase in drug and alcohol abuse among young residents, adopted a resolution in support of the town applying for the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Operation Impact Tools Grant Program to help with crime prevention efforts.
          A site plan for a wastewater treatment facility expansion at Invitrogen, 3175 Staley Road, was approved. The 2,125 sq. ft. addition is minor in size and is in a remote location on the site.
          Supervisor McMahon announced that another $400,000 has been approved for the development of Fisherman’s Park at the South Grand Island Bridge. That added to the $200,000 from Waterfront Revitalization will fully fund the project. He also announced that the Power Authority will build a fish habitat on the site.
    In other business, the Board:
    • Referred to the Planning Board and Town Board for review a recommendation from the Environmental Conservation Commission to establish an Enhanced Environmental District along a creek that runs east of Beaver Island State Parkway between Fix and Bush roads.
    • Agreed to re-bid the police car to save close to $4000 over the NYS bid by buying locally.
    • Adopted a resolution authorizing the Court’s application for the 2008 NYS Unified Court Assistance Program Grant up to the maximum amount available.
    • Referred to the code enforcement officer correspondence from William Briggs inquiring about doing 3rd party electrical inspections.
    • Accepted an activity report from Zoning Officer John McCarthy on items worked on between January 1 and June 30, 2008.
    • Appointed Kenneth Killian to the Architectural Review Advisory Board to fill a term that expires Dec. 31, 2009.
    • Announced that Paddles Up (canoeing and kayaking) will be held at Beaver Island Park Saturday complete with displays, a Native American Departure Ceremony, and a lunch and tour of River Lea.




    Eagle Scout Recognized With Proclamation - 2008

    (left) Town Board members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Scott Chown with parents, Ann and Ted Chown and Board Members Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke
    Mary Stewart Photo - Click for large view
    By Joelle Logue
          Monday, July 21, 2008 . . .Scott Matthew Chown, accompanied by his proud parents, received a proclamation of congratulations from the Town Board Monday for attaining the highest and most prestigious rank in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout.
          A member of Boy Scout Troop 630, sponsored by St. Stephen Church, Chown led 27 troop members in organizing the storage garage of Compass House, a home for runaway and troubled teens. He arranged for the donation of a PODS unit, built two shelving units, and cleaned and reorganized donated supplies. A total of 230 man hours was used for the project.




    Town Board Workshop Meetings - July 2008
       Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008 -Re: Grand Island Police Department
       Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008 - Re: Revisions to Code Book


    Town Board Meeting Agenda - July 2008
       Click for     7/21/08 Town Board Meeting.




    Joint Town Board/School Board Meeting - 2008
    By Jodi Robinson
    Town Board members present: Gary Roesch, Mary Cooke, Richard Crawford
    Absent: Peter McMahon and Sue Argy.
    School Board members present: Myrna Blair, Richard Little Jr., Glenn Bobeck, George Casey, Neil Seaman, Tom Franz, Superintendent Robert Christmann;
    Absent: James Hanna.
          Monday, July 14, 2008 . . .The joint town/ school board meeting held in the Connor Middle School theater began with a brief discussion of the possibility of a joint transportation facility between the town and school district. It was decided that a meeting be held in the near future with two members of the town board, members of the school board and an architect from Cannon Design, to discuss feasibility issues. Cannon Design is the designated architect for Capital Project Planning. Another aspect of the capital project plan is the discussion of future needs in outdoor and indoor space that could be shared by the town and schools. Getting together members of the town and school boards and other interested parties in a brainstorming exercise/wish list would be beneficial to the town.
       Councilwoman Mary Cooke spoke of the proposed town property tax reassessment that is in the planning stage. The last reassessment took place in 1986. There is a $250,000 expense involved in the reassessment project. When the reassessment is up to date, Councilwoman Cooke said the usual outcome for properties "is one-third lower, one-third the same and one-third higher." The future goal is to keep the new assessment current all times. Councilman Cooke also mentioned to the school board that it would be wise for the district to "stay away from big projects and keep budgets neutral" when the reassessment takes place.
       A request for proposal for the GIFTS before/afterschool program and counseling program will be written up for the 2009-2010 school year. At this time the YWCA of the Tonawandas is under contract for the program.
          The Town Board also addressed the following:
    • The board did not sign the proposed Cable Television Franchise Renewal Agreement with Time Warner Cable because the cable company did not take into account the changes the town asked for. The town has contacted Verizon.
    •A new developmentally disabled home planned for 54 Continental Lane is planned. The question of is there a "saturation point" as far as the number of group homes is not applicable as the homes are not in close proximity to each other. The district noted that 103% of costs for transporting students of the homes is reimbursed.
    • The proposed roundabout for the corner of Staley Rd. and Grand Island Blvd. is in the hands of the NYDOT. A report will be forthcoming.
    • The I-190 will be closed from Monday, July 21st to Friday, July 25th from 9:30 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. for resurfacing. The alternate route will be Grand Island Blvd.
    • Councilman Gary Roesch announced that APP Pharmaceuticals has purchased the Astellas building and 25 acres on Staley Rd. In doing so APP has saved 40 jobs. APP has taken over the PILOT (Payment In Leiu of Taxes) program which gives them a 50% tax abatement for seven years.
    • Councilwoman Mary Cooke invited everyone to attend the weekly Tuesday concerts in the Klingel Town commons. The concerts begin at 7 p.m.
    • Councilman Dick Crawford noted the town bond rating went from A2 to the excellent A1 rating.




    Moody's Upgrades Town's Bond Rating To A1 - July 2008
       Click for     Upgrades.




    Special Meaning For American Flag - 2008
    Kevin Cobello Photo
    Click for complete view
          The American Flag that flew at Grand Island Town Hall this 4th of July - and that will remain flying until it is too worn and must be retired, has extra special meaning for one Grand Island family. It was the flag that draped the casket of a loved one 22 years ago. Over the winter David Paszkiewicz decided that the flag from his father’s casket 22 years ago needed to come off the closet shelf and be flown. Too large for a typical home flag pole, he asked Councilwoman Mary Cooke if the town could possibly use it. Cooke took the flag to Town Hall caretaker Jim Linenfelser who made the necessary adjustments so the flag could be flown on the flag pole at Town Hall. It was installed in time for the July 4th festivities and will fly for as long as it stays in good condition. When it becomes too worn it will be appropriately retired. Kevin Cobello from the Town’s Engineering and Water Resources Department took a beautiful photo of the flag flying on the Town Hall flagpole. Cooke presented a letter of thanks to Paszkiewicz, his wife, Geri, and son, Jake, from the Town Board, along with the photo. Cooke said, “The Town Board is grateful for the generous donation of such a special flag and honored to fly it. It is a great idea to fly the flag at Town Hall and we are pleased to be able to honor the memory and service of Mr. Paszkiewicz’s father.”




    Town Board Action - 2008
    Town Sets Public Hearing On Special Use Permit, Okays Renewals - 2008
    By Joelle Logue
          Monday, July 7, 2008 . . .The Town Board, Monday, operating with a skeleton crew (Peter McMahon & Gary Roesch both excused), set a public hearing for 8 p.m. Monday, July 21 to consider a special use application from Caitlin Doldan for the keeping of two horses on 3.5 acres at 1505 Huth Road. Also approved were special use renewals for the parking lot at Sandy Beach Yacht Club, 1851 Winter Road; the keeping of two horses by Patricia Burg at 3030 Stony Point Road; and the keeping of three horses by Florence Prawel at 2400 Fix Road.
          Authorization for the supervisor to sign the water supply and sanitary sewage contracts for Beaver Island State Park with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation was approved. The rates for 2008 are as follows: water ($3.74 per 1,000 gallons), wastewater ($8.33 per 1,000 gallons).
          The Town Board appointed Brian Pettitt of Alt Blvd. as the senior water plant operator (permanent non-competitive promotion) at the starting rate of $27.30 per hour effective July 31. Pettitt fills the position vacated by Daniel Moran. Also appointed was Gregory Stephan of Love Road as water plant operator trainee at the starting rate of $17.47 per hour effective July 8.
          In other business, the Town Board:
    • Accepted were the 2007 Audited Financial Statements for the Town as prepared by Bonadio & Co., LLP and dated June 23, 2008.
    • Appointed Christopher Russell to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board to fill an unexpired term ending December 31, 2008.
    • Referred back to the Town Board and Cable and Communications Committee information regarding the recently proposed Cable Television Franchise Renewal Agreement.
    • Referred to the Town Board and Town Attorney a letter from Joan Papaj outlining concerns regarding an Individual Residential Alternative Home proposed for 54 Continental Lane.
    • Announced that a joint Town Board/School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 14 at the Veronica Connor Middle School, Room 113.
    • Thanked all personnel, volunteers and participants who contributed to the success of the town’s July 4th activities.




    Town Board Action - 2008
    Town Salutes Friends of Lynnette & an Irish Visitor - 2008
    By Joelle Logue
          Monday, July 7, 2008 . . . The Town Board, Monday, led by Deputy Supervisor Dick Crawford in the absence of Supervisor Peter McMahon, presented two proclamations. Recognizing that the Friends of Lynnette have for 14 years held a bike tour in memory of Lynnette Grisanti, the Town Board declared Saturday, July 12 as Friends of Lynnette Bike Tour Day. The board further encouraged all Islanders to participate in the 15th annual tour to remember Lynnette and her 8-week old grandson, Billy Gugino Jr., who were lost to cancer. More than $50,000 has been donated to cancer fighting causes as a result of the bike tour. Many members of Lynnette’s family were on hand to receive the proclamation.
          Kelsey Farah Donaghy, a young girl hosted by the Dreiss Family through the Belfast Summer Relief Program, was also recognized. The summer program, begun in 1975, has sent children from war-torn Belfast to Western New York for six-week summer vacations. Kelsey arrived June 25 and will stay until August 4. The Town declared July 8 as Kelsey Farah Donaghy Day and gave the proclamation to Kelsey as a remembrance of her trip to Grand Island.




    Town Board/School Board Joint Meeting - Monday, July 14, 2008
    A Town Board/School Board Joint Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2008. Location: Connor Middle School Room 113


    Town Board Workshop Meeting - Wednesday, August 6, 2008
    Grand Island Town Board Workshop meeting, 4 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008, town hall, Re: Meeting with Court Staff.



    JAN.-JUNE 2009 News
    JAN.-JUNE 2008 News
    JAN.-JUNE 2007 News
    JULY-DECEMBER 2007 News
    JULY-DEC. 2006 News
    JAN.-JUNE 2006 News
    JULY-DEC. 2005 News
    JAN-JUNE 2005 News
    JULY-DEC. 2004 News
    JAN-JUNE. 2004 News
    2003 News
    2002 News
    2001 News

    Other Grand Island Pages to Visit:
    Churches | Email Directory | Government | Groups
    GIHS Grad List | Guestbook | Please sign in! | Local Artists | Photo Album | Town History | Useful Links
    | Website Design | Wildlife | Isledegrande's Home Page | GIECOM.NET'S Home Page  
    Please Email News Releases to Teddy Linenfelser, Thank You.

    This website is sponsored by

    GIECOM.NET
    1869 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, New York, 14072-1803 USA
    Copyright © 1995-2008 All rights reserved.




    eXTReMe Tracker