Town Board News - JANUARY - JUNE, 2004


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Attention Hunters! New Licensing Procedures - 2004
   Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel has announced that electronically issued DECALS hunting licenses are on sale in the Town Clerk's Office. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All hunters must bring a current New York State driver's license.
   Good news - Deer Management Permits will now be issued at the point of sale, by random selection, until October 1. No more mail-in applications! In October, any remaining permits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
   Call the Town Clerk's Office at 773-9600, Ext. 600 for further information.




Unapproved Town Board Minutes - July 26, 2004 Workshop Meeting
Michael Eisenhauer Part-time Code Enforcement Officer
   A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to appoint Michael Eisenhauer Part-time Code Enforcement Officer, Grade B, Step 1, effective Tuesday, July 27, 2004. Click Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, July 26, 2004 Town Board Workshop meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Minutes - July 19, 2004 Meeting
   Click Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, July 19, 2004 Town Board meeting.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - July 26, 2004
   Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 9:00 A.M. Monday, July 26 Town Board agenda workshop #33.




New Townwide Zoning Code Adopted! - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   The new Town of Grand Island Zoning Code, a 141-page document, was adopted and officially went into effect Monday, July 19, 2004. This historic moment, nine years in the making, came and went with little fanfare though recent years were marked by numerous public hearings and neighborhood disputes about what was proposed by the Comprehensive Master Plan of 1995 and what actually resulted.
   The new zoning, designed to prevent spot development and sprawl, concentrates more dense housing and commercial building in and around the town center while insuring that residential areas remain just that. It also plans for open space and recreational areas. However, the density proposed by the Master Plan is far less than was adopted, frustrating town center landowners who would have liked to build town houses and patio homes.
   The vote to adopt was 4-1 with Councilman Dan Robillard casting the "no" vote. While agreeing that it was a good document, Robillard questioned liability issues and asked Attorney Dan Spitzer if Hodgson Russ, who did the legal work on the code, would put its money behind the document in the event the town be sued. Spitzer replied that the code was legal and any possible lawsuits could only arise from improper implementation of the code.
   Among the last zoning issues to be resolved were as follows:
• M-2 was revised to M-1 on the north side of Whitehaven Road west of Alt Blvd.
• M-2 was revised to M-1 on the Grimm property for Federal Storage on the east side of Baseline south of the Thruway.
• M-1 was revised to M-2 on the Lexo property on the north side of Bedell Road just west of the Thruway.
• Adult uses were revised from a Principal Use in M-2 to a Special Permit in M-2.
• Additional section numbers were added to the text "as reserved" to allow for future additions.




Statewide DWI Campaign Announced - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   Supervisor Peter McMahon informed the town board Monday that August 27-September 12 will be the state's "Safe and Sober" campaign dates that ties in with the national "You Drink & Drive, You Lose" campaign. Towns are being asked to vigorously enforce laws relating to driving while impaired with special emphasis on underage drinking and the sale of alcohol to minors. The announcement was referred to the Grand Island Police Dept. to plan its involvement in the project.
   In other traffic-related issues, the board authorized "Child Handicapped" signs on Marjorie Drive and Monica Road and a new stop sign and street name sign at the northwest corner of River Oaks Drive and Hazelwood Lane.
   No one spoke during two public hearings regarding a special use permit for the keeping of four horses by Mark and Marcia Lange of 2303 Staley Road and the establishment of a lighting district (#36) for Park Place Subdivision Phase II. The special use permit was referred to the planning board. Hearing no objection to the lighting district, the board approved it.
   A special use renewal was approved for Andrea Magro to run a day care center at 2880 Grand Island Blvd. Final plat approval was given for Park Place Subdivision - Phase V and Oakwood Estates - Section 3. In addition, site plan approval was given to American Pharmaceutical Partners Inc. at 3159 Staley Road for expansion of a single story warehouse and concept approval was granted for Island Landings Subdivision (six lots).
   The town agreed to abandon 360 feet of a paper street, Westwood Drive, east of 4th St. as long as the parcels be combined into one lot. A site plan for the building of two sets of garages at Country Glenn Apartments on Bedell Road was approved as was a revised site plan and special use modification for the Cellular Tower at 3078 Staley Road where a fenced compound area will be enlarged to accommodate three new equipment cabinets for the co-location of additional antennas.
   In other business, the town board:
• Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with Stearns & Wheler for evaluation of the Baseline Master Lift Station and forcemain at a cost of $16,100.
• Agreed to auction five town vehicles at an auction to be held October 9, 2004 as long as no other department can use them.
• Accepted a report from the highway department detailing savings of $13,200 for in-house maintenance and repair of town equipment.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a service agreement renewal with Lotepro Environmental Systems for the oxygen generation system at the wastewater treatment plant on a fee for call basis.
• Accepted with regret the resignations of Marion Stuart from the Assessors Department, Michael Hilliker from the Grand Island Police Department, and Clark Nesbitt from the Cable and Communications Committee.
• Announced that Sue Novits would be taking a medical leave of absence.




Town Board Agenda - July 19, 2004
   Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - July 19, 2004
   Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2004 Town Board agenda workshop #30.




Bicycle Route Guide Available - 2004

   A Bicycle Route Guide, produced by the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council, has been made available by Supervisor Peter McMahon at several locations including town hall, Chamber of Commerce office, Grand Island Memorial Library and the Isledegrande.com office.
   The guide includes the benefits of cycling; a list of Erie and Niagara County bicycle dealers, repairs and rental; information on trail signs, properly fitted bike helmets and international border crossing; and a large bicycle trail map.
   To view the map, or for information on local bike clubs and resources, visit the www.gbnrtc.org website.




Unofficial Town Board Minutes - July 6, 2004 Meeting
   Click Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, July 6, 2004 Town Board meeting.




Town Board Minutes - Approved - June 21, 2004 Meeting
   Click Town Board Minutes for the approved minutes of the Monday, June 21, 2004 Town Board meeting.




Town Urges Support of 11th Annual Bike Tour - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   Members of the family of Lynnette Grisanti and her grandson Billy Gugino Jr., both who died of cancer - Billy when he was just eight weeks old, were recognized Tuesday by the Town Board. Supervisor Peter McMahon presented a proclamation supporting a Bike Tour to benefit the Friends of Children with Cancer at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
   The 11th Annual Friends of Lynnette Bike Tour will take place on Grand Island Saturday, July 17 with registration at the Nike Base, 3278 Whitehaven Road, beginning at 8:15 a.m. For further information, contact Barbara Nowakowski at 773-9483 or Renee Gugino at 773-3321. Citizens are urged to participate in this worthy cause. Cited was the fact that 550,000 Americans die each year of cancer.




Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day Set - 2004
By Joelle Logue
    Praxair in Tonawanda will host a household hazardous waste drop-off day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2004. Items may be dropped off in the south lot on Woodward Avenue (off Military).
   Free disposal of oil-based paints (10 gal. limit), paint thinners and solvents (two gal. limit), batteries, oil, antifreeze, gasoline, propane tanks and cylinders, mercury, automobile tires (limit of 8 without rims) and lawn, garden and pool chemicals is offered. No latex paint or alkaline batteries will be accepted.
   For more information, call the HHW hotline at 858-6800.




Town Employees To Wear ID Badges - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   An identification badge policy (#38) was adopted at Tuesday's (7/6/04) Town Board meeting. The policy will require all town employees to wear ID badges when contact with the public is likely unless the wearing of the badge would constitute a safety hazard.
   ID badges will be furnished by the town to all town employees and must be returned upon termination of employment or when otherwise requested. Lost ID badges must be reported to department heads and the payroll coordinator. Failure to report a missing badge in a timely manner could result in disciplinary actions. Compliance with this policy is the responsibility of the department heads.
   This policy will help Island residents in distinguishing town employees and is implemented as a safety and awareness measure.




Town Adopts SEQRA Findings Statement For Townwide Rezoning - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   In a move to finally rezone Grand Island, the Town Board Tuesday, July 6, 2004 adopted the State Environmental Quality Review Act Findings Statement that is required by law. It is expected that the rezoning will be adopted at the next board meeting scheduled for July 21 at 8 p.m.
   This rezoning has been in the works since completion of the Grand Island Comprehensive Plan in 1995 and the proposed map plan has gone through numerous revisions to what was originally proposed. Many public hearings have taken place over the past several years to get to the point of adoption in trying to satisfy concerns over the proposed rezoning. The Town Board as lead agency is now finally ready to vote.
   In a description of the action in the Findings Statement, the rezoning is to "provide for the orderly growth of the Town of Grand Island and to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public." The proposed zoning code sets requirements on the use of land and size, height and bulk of uses.
   The major impact outlined in the Findings Statement concerns the amount of development that will occur under the proposed Zoning Code. That is being described as equal or less than permitted under the current code. "This is because growth is focused in areas that are already developed or immediately adjacent to developed areas. The utilization of cluster developments and Enhanced Environmental Districts will provide more open space than would have occurred under the current code."
   No one spoke during public hearings on final plat approval for Park Place Subdivision - Phase V (14 lots) and final plat approval for Oakwood Estates - Phase 3 (14 lots). Both items were referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.
   Also referred to the Planning Board was a request for site plan approval for an expansion at American Pharmaceuticals at 3159 Staley Road (a powder building) and a request for preliminary approval of Island Landings Subdivision No. 103.
   Two public hearings have been set for July 19 at 8 p.m. - one regarding establishment of a lighting district for Park Place Subdivision Phase II and another regarding a special use permit for the keeping of horses by Mark and Marcia Lang at 2303 Staley Road. Special use renewals were approved for the parking lot at Sandy Beach Yacht Club, a cellular antenna by Cingular Wireless on a water tower at 85 Carl Road, the keeping of horses by Florence Prawel at 993 Whitehaven Road, and the keeping of horses by Thomas Thompson at 2487 Long Road.
   In other action, the board:
• Rescinded the appointment of Diane Nesbitt of East Park to the clerk/typist position in accounting and water billing and named Diane Blum to temporarily help out with the water billing.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a consent agreement changing attorneys (Robert M. Lippman, Esq.) in a lawsuit between Christopher Oursler as administrator of Julie Oursler's estate and Robert E. Brennan of Mallwitz's Island Lanes.
• Dedicated Hazelwood Lane as a town road.
• Referred to the Planning Board a request to abandon the paper street known as Westwood Drive.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Kimberly Glessner from the Board of Ethics Committee and the resignations of George and Eileen Minton as crossing guards. Replacements will be sought through advertising.
• Authorized Heritate Preservation & Interpretation Inc. to complete a cultural resource investigation required for Bike Trail Connect Project at a cost of $8225 to be funded from a grant.
• Approved a revised site plan request to delay paving the rear of 2995 Grand Island Blvd. until next spring.
• Agreed to accept bids for six modem hand readers and related software in order to streamline the town's payroll and human resources functions. Bids are due July 16.
• Referred to the sign committee a complaint by Paul Leuchner concerning the posting of unlawful signs on town right of ways.




Town Board Agenda - July 6, 2004
   Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




July 3-4 Road Closings - July 2004
   Grand Island Supervisor Peter McMahon has issued the following road closing over the holiday weekend.
• July 3rd PARADE
Grand Island Blvd - Staley to Baseline - 8:45 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.
Whitehaven Rd. - Baseline to East of G.I. Blvd - 8:45 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.
Webb Rd - entire length - 8:45 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.
• July 3rd ROAD RACE
Baseline Rd. - G.I. Blvd. to Alvin Rd. - 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• July 4th - Fireworks (parking restrictions) start at dusk
Alvin Rd. - Fuccillo Chevrolet to Whitehaven
Whitehaven Rd. - West of Alvin to Baseline
Baseline Rd - Whitehaven to G.I. Blvd.
G.I. Blvd. - Whitehaven to Bedell
• July 4th - Fireworks ( road closings)
NYS Thruway ramp from Whitehaven Rd. to I-190 northbound from 9 p.m. until end of the fireworks
Rain Date for Fireworks is Monday, July 5th at dusk




Beware Of Solicitors Representing Town - July 6, 2004
   It has been brought to the attention of Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon that Grand Island residents have received calls from someone requesting an appointment to inspect home foundations. Those receiving such calls are advised to call the Town of Grand Island before scheduling an inspection. The Town of Grand Island does not solicit appoints for inspections.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - July 6, 2004
   Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2004 Town Board agenda workshop #30.





Economic Development Advisory Board News - 2004
   The Town's Economic Development Advisory Board, created by the town board in January 2004, is made up of seven members. They are Chairman Jerry Doane, Vice Chairman Roy Gerard, John Bonora, Bev Kinney, Mike Heftka, Hank Carroll and Ted Bates. Mary Sommer serves as secretary.
   The mission of the Advisory Board is to proactively develop Grand Island's business community. It is charged with helping existing business survive and prosper, identifying and attracting new businesses that are compatible with our environment and working with economic development opportunities as they occur.
   Early projects included several small business workshops with various topics including taxes, retirement plans, funding sources, advertising and marketing.
   Current projects of the Economic Development Advisory Board are:
• Joint development of a website for economic development with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
• A site finder for prospective businesses and developers
• Composing a survey for existing businesses on the Island
• Guest speakers program featuring other town supervisors, developers, economic development professionals and community leaders
• Seeking grants for economic development
   Meetings, open to the public, are usually held twice a month. The next meeting will take place at 7:15 p.m. July 22 in the Town Hall conference center and will feature guest speaker Paul Ciminelli.





Town Board Workshop #29 - June 28, 2004
   MEETING NOTICE
The Town Board Workshop #29 of Monday, June 28, 2004 will be held at 9 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. The subject will be SEQR Review of Island Meadows Subdivision 3A and 3B




Erie County Sheriff's Police Integrity Survey Reviewed - June 2004

Fred Claus Photo - Click for larger view
   Chris Clark, Senior Executive Assistant, Erie County Sheriff's Office, led a meeting in the Grand Island Memorial Library Tuesday, June 22, 2004, where discussion was held on the Erie County Sheriff’s survey on police integrity, and the progress made so far. Mr. Clark mentioned that surveys could be submitted online by going to www.erie.gov/sheriff/survey/default.asp. Copies of the survey will be available at the Grand Island Memorial Library, Bedell Road, through the middle of July. Copies may also be picked up at the town hall. Volunteers will be on hand at this weekend's Island Happenings copies of the survey will be made available.




Candidates Chastised In Letter From District Attorney - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   Candidates who used questionable pre-election activities prior to the 2003 election will not be prosecuted according to District Attorney Frank Clark in a letter to Grand Island Independence Party Chairman Mike Sendlbeck dated June 15, 2004. However, he asserted that the candidates in question who he did not name (Robin Swedish and Kevin Rustowicz) violated the spirit of the Election Law by soliciting potential voters to submit absentee ballots, completing various portions of the applications themselves and by acting as the voters' agents to accept the actual ballot and deliver it to them. He wrote that "many of these ballots were filled out incorrectly and did not set forth a sufficient basis for the issuance of an absentee ballot."
   Clark added that the Board of Elections was not without fault as the absentee ballots were not properly screened and he blamed the ambiguous wording of the actual absentee ballot application for providing a loophole by which individuals can attempt to obtain ballots inappropriately.
   Sendlbeck appeared at the Town Board meeting Monday to ask for a response from the town's Ethics Committee regarding the activity of the candidates and read from portions of Clark's letter. Supervisor Peter McMahon said the town board had not heard from the committee regarding the pre-election activities and would question the Ethics Committee regarding written complaints sent by Sendlbeck.




Town Police To Receive New Radios - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   Through a special grant from Senator Byron Brown's office, the town police will receive $4000 for the purchase of new police radios. Because it is a matching grant, the town board approved a budget amendment to add $4000 from the appropriated fund balance to cover the total cost of $8000.
   Supervisor Peter McMahon was authorized Monday to sign a grant application prepared by J. O'Connell & Associates that would provide financial assistance for the development of Veterans Park and to sign the revised 2004 Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan Implementation grant application. A license agreement for National Fuel, Niagara Mohawk, Verizon and Adelphia to cross the town bike paths in order to provide utility services was also approved.
   Special use renewals were approved for the keeping of horses by individuals at the following locations: 2919 Staley Road (David Fisher), 5302 East River Road (Laura and Steven Gorchek), 3387 Staley Road (Charles Galante), 3030 Stony Point Rd. (Patricia Burg). A fifth special use renewal was approved for a professional office building at 2695 Grand Island Blvd. for N. Bruce Allen.
   Public hearings were set for 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 6 regarding final plat approval of Park Place Subdivision, Phase IV (14 lots) and for final plat approval of Oakwood Estates, Section 3 (14 lots).
   An approved revised site plan at the cellular tower, 1083 Whitehaven Road, will include enlarging the fenced compound area by 10x17 ft. to accommodate three new equipment cabinets required to facilitate the co-location of additional antennas at the 123 ft. level.
   The town agreed to bid out the sale of 105 shares of common stock and 266 shares of preferred stock in Lodigian, Inc. resulting from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Holiday Inn. The stock is worth approximately $8500, far less than the $37,000 owed in unpaid water and sewer bills. Proceeds of the sale will be credited to the water and sewer funds proportionate to the written off bill.
   In other business, the board:
• Approved 10 returning part -time employees and nine new part-time hires for the summer recreation program. Included is a swimming instructor and two lifeguards.
• Approved a request for a police officer to facilitate pedestrians crossing Whitehaven Road during the craft show, KidBiz and Isle Happening activities slated for Saturday, June 26 at Tops Market and Town Center.
• Re-approved an updated map cover request from C.T. Enterprises for cluster #16 of Fairway Greens, River Oaks.
• Announced that the Traffic Safety Advisory Board would be promoting a safety message of "Be Seen! Where White After Dark."
• Announced that the next Town Board Meeting would be held Tuesday, July 6 at 8 p.m.




Parade On The 3rd, Fireworks On The 4th - 2004
By Joelle Logue
   The town board announced Monday (June 21, 2004) that the Grand Island Independence Day Parade and Road Race will take place Saturday morning, July 3, instead of Sunday, July 4 so as not to interfere with Island church services. However the fireworks at Martin's Fantasy Island will be held Sunday evening at dusk (or approximately 9:30 p.m.) with a rain date of Monday, July 5.
   As in the past several years, Fujisawa Healthcare has donated $5000 to the town for the fireworks display. The town has contracted with Skylighters of Western New York to conduct the public display that will compare in scope to last year's impressive pyrotechnics.





Public Hearings - July 1, 2004
   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 July 1, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variances will be considered:
  • Terry Freiermuth, a variance to permit construction of a building with less side yard setback than required on property located at 3419 Greenway Road.
  • Shawn Smith, a variance to permit construction of an addition with less side yard setback than required on property located at 732 Kirkwood Drive.
  • Douglas and Denise Morash, a variance to permit construction of dock and boat lift in the front yard setback on property located at 3430 East River Road.
  • Paula Thompson, a variance to permit construction of a new deck with less side yard and front yard setback on property located at 3505 Warner Drive.
  • Richard Rugg, a variance to construct and modify a home with less shoreline set back than required on property located at 2396 West Oakfield Road.
  • Chris Belter, a variance to permit construction of a home 32' in height on property located at 106 Park Place.


    Town Board Minutes - Approved - June 7, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the approved minutes of the Monday, June 7, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Unofficial Town Board Minutes - June 21, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, June 21, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - June 23, 2004
       Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 Town Board agenda workshop #28.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - June 21, 2004
       Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Town Board Agenda - June 21, 2004
       Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Town Board Zoning Workshop Agenda - June 23, 2004
       Click Town Board Zoning Workshop Agenda for the 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 Town Board Workshop Meeting.




    Zoning Workshop - June 2004
        The Grand Island Town Board will hold a Zoning Workshop 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 in the Golden Age Center.


    Meeting To Address County Sheriff's Survey On Police Integrity - June 22, 2004
       The Town Board has announced that a public meeting seeking additional input for Erie County Sheriff’s survey on police integrity will be held June 22 at 7 p.m. in the Grand Island Memorial Library.


    Town Board Minutes - May 17, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the approved minutes of the Monday, May 17, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Island War Hero To Be Remembered In Special Ceremony - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Since this year marks the 60th anniversary of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient PFC Charles N. DeGlopper’s heroic death on the battlefield during World War II, the Town Board Monday proclaimed Saturday June 12 as a special day of remembrance. A service commemorating his life and supreme sacrifice will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery (Stony Point near Whitehaven Road) at 2 p.m. followed by an open house (3-6 p.m.) at the VFW Post named in his honor at 2121 Grand Island Blvd. Memorabilia from DeGlopper’s life will be featured.
       From 6-10 p.m. the VFW Post will host a dance honoring all the World War II era veterans. The dance is open to the public, there is no admission charge and snacks and drinks will be available.
       The Town Board also proclaimed June as Meaghan’s Miracle Month in the town by citing numerous events that will take place to offset medical expenses for Meaghan Grotz, a 16-year-old honor student at Grand Island High School with cystic fibrosis who needs a double lung transplant. Scheduled are a 5K walk along West River on June 19 and an event at the Rod & Gun Club on June 27.
       A third proclamation was one regarding the second Annual Relay for Life set for June 11-12. This two-day event will feature more than 50 teams that will work toward a goal of raising $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.
       See photos below.




    Board Requests Location Changes For Polling Districts 2, 3 And 11 - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board will ask the Board of Elections for permission to make a permanent change for residents who formerly voted at Huth Road School and the Grand Island High School to allow them to vote at the Grand Island Memorial Library on Bedell Road. The polling location changes would effect Districts 2, 3 and 11.
       It had been previously reported that the changes had been made official.




    Town Restricts Parking At Town Hall Terrace - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       No one spoke during a public hearing regarding prohibiting parking at Town Hall Terrace across from existing homes 2129 to 2139 and the town board unanimously elected to adopt a local law to put up “no parking” signs as had been requested by Town Hall Terrace residents.
       A bond resolution to make further improvements to the sewer district not to exceed $1,240,000 and to authorize the issuance of serial bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,240,000 was unanimously approved. The funds will be used to install a new floor mounted Cannon mixing system in the digester, replace the Clarifier including existing mechanicals along with weirs, baffles and walkways, replace Pump Station 7 with a wet well mounted pump station including apparatus, site work and other improvements.
       Change order #3 regarding water treatment plant filter control improvements was approved allowing for the installation of a pH monitoring system that interfaces with the new work at a net increase to the contract in the amount of $3,460. Relatedly the board approved additional engineering costs in the amount of $550 to affect that change order.
       The 2003 Drainage Program will be given an extension until August 30, 2004 for completion due to the fact the June 30 deadline could not be met due to inclement weather and the restriction of the DEC’s constraints that did not allow work in the protected creek before June 15.
       In other business, the board:
    • Upgraded Mark Dlugokinski in the highway department from laborer to MEO effective May 24.
    • Awarded the bid for the Veterans Park Enhancement Project to Northeast Diversification Inc. at a cost of $338,492.50.
    • Authorized the supervisor to sign agreement with the county for a $500 donation to the Senior Citizens Center for an automatic external defibrillator.
    • Authorized the supervisor to sign a memorandum of understanding with the GIFTS (Grand Island Families, Town, School) program.
    • Announced a correction in pay for Hakim G. Hawramee of the Engineering Dept. as $21.84 per hour.
    • Announced that a public meeting seeking additional input for Erie County Sheriff’s survey on police integrity will be held June 22 at 7 p.m. in the Grand Island Memorial Library.
    • Acknowledged that an environmental assessment by the federal government to install upper Niagara River remote video surveillance systems was under way.
    • Approved the hiring of two part-time seasonal laborers for the Wastewater Department at $8 per hour, 40 hours a week.
    • Announced the town was a recipient of a matching grant for a bulletproof vest program in the amount of $4,485.
    • Approved an increase of $9,000 for the Enrichment & Referral Center.
    • Approved the hiring of two part time seasonal instructors for the Summer Nature Program funded by the Erie County Youth/Connections Grant – Susan Szczublewski of Driftwood and Roger Wright of Fix Rd.
    • Referred to the town attorney a request by St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church to hang a banner over Grand Island Blvd. advertising its Chicken Barbecue.
    • Announced that the Lions Club Picnic for special children will be held Wednesday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buffalo Launch Club.




    Town Board Minutes - June 7, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, June 7, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Proclaims Saturday, June 12, 2004 “CHARLES N. DEGLOPPER DAY” - 2004

    Shown from left are Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, VFW Judge Advocate Joe Synakowski, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Anita and Ray DeGlopper, Councilmembers Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke.
    Fred Claus Photo
       A proclamation was read at Monday's town board meeting in recognition and remembrance of Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper, killed on June 9, 1944. The Board proclaimed Saturday, June 12, 2004 as “Charles N. DeGlopper Day.” Click DeGlopper Day Proclamation for the complete and most interesting proclamation.
       A Memorial Service at 2 p.m Saturday, June 12, 2004 in Maple Grove Cemetery, Stony Point near Whitehaven, will be conducted by the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of the Island's World War II Hero. Following the service at the cemetery, VFW Post 9249 will host an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Post, 2121 Grand Island Blvd. A dance honoring World War II veterans will also be held at the Post from 6-10 p.m.




    Meaghan's Miracle Month Proclaimed By Town Board - June 2004

    Fred Claus Photo - Click photo for larger view
       The Town Board, by a proclamation has designated June 2004 as Meaghan's Miracle Month. Supervisor Peter McMahon is shown reading the proclamation during the June 7th town board meeting. From left are Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, Supervisor McMahon, Meaghan Grotz's father Tim Grotz and her uncle, Dan Drexelius, Councilman Richard Crawford, and Councilwoman Mary Cooke.
       For more information about Meaghan and the Grotz family's plight, and how you can help, click Double Lung Transplant Story.




    Proclamation Recognizes Relay For Life Volunteers - 2004

    Fred Claus Photo - Click photo for larger view
       The Grand Island Town Board, at its Monday, June 7, 2004, meeting presented a proclamation recognizing Grand Island's efforts on behalf of the Island's annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Grand Island High School. Shown are Mary Dunbar-Daluisio (center) and fellow coordinator Councilman Gary Roesch (second from left) joined by Councilman Dan Robillard, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Councilman Richard Crawford and Councilwoman Mary Cooke as Supervisor Peter A. McMahon reads the proclamation and thanks the pair for their efforts.
       A relay will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2004 and continue overnight ending at 8 a.m. the following morning. Proceeds from the event go to support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - June 7, 2004
       Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 Town Board Meeting.





    Town Clerk Registers 90 Student Voters - June 2004
       Grand Island High School seniors were given the opportunity to register to vote on May 26, 2004, when Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel went to the school and processed approximately 90 new voters. Students planning on going to college in the fall were also given absentee ballot applications so they could participate in the upcoming presidential election in November.



    Town Board Agenda - June 7, 2004
       Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 Town Board Meeting.





    Town Clerk Announces Cancellation of Inspectors School - June 2004
       According to Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel, the Erie County Board of Elections has delayed all scheduled Inspectors Schools for 2004 until August. The June 10 class on Grand Island has been cancelled.





    Openings On Town Of Grand Island Public Safety Advisory Board - May 2004
       The Town of Grand Island has created a Public Safety Advisory Board. The Public Safety Advisory Board will have input on a broad range of issues relating to public safety. The Board will include six members appointed by the Town Board from the general public. These At Large Members will serve three-year terms. The first responsibility of the Public Safety Advisory Board will be an update of the Town’s Emergency Plans.
       Any member of the public interested in serving on this new advisory board should apply in writing to the Town Board c/o Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island. Include a brief description of any education or experience which you feel would benefit the Board. All replies received prior to June 11th, 2004 will be considered.
       For additional information contact any member of the Town Board.





    Public Hearings - June 3, 2004
       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 June 3, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variances will be considered:
  • Heather Muggli, a variance to permit construction of a fence on property located at 125 Jamestown Road.
  • Darren and Patricia Gress, a variance to permit the construction of a home 32' in height on the premises located at 76 Park Place.
  • Kevin Duguay, a variance to permit construction of rear addition on property located at 5472 East River Road.
  • Jemi, Inc., a variance to permit construction a building with less side yard setback than required on property located at 1738 Grand Island Blvd.
  • Gregory Prior, a variance to permit construction of a metal awning on property located at 1240 East River Road.
  • Thomas Koltoniak, a variance to permit construction of an addition with less side yard setback than required on property located at 1085 West River Road.
  • Wendy McCaffrey, a variance to permit construction of a fence in the rear yard with less side yard setback than required on property located at 4184 East River Road.
  • Gregg S. Horowitz, a variance to permit construction of a home and barn on property located at 2653 Staley Road.




    Town Adopts Patriot Act, Opposes Elijah’s Law - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board Monday adopted a resolution for the town to participate in the Patriot Plan Tax Extension for those called to active duty. Thus real property taxes owed by anyone deployed by the military or by the spouse or domestic partner of the deployed would have a 90 day extension to pay such taxes.
       On the other hand, the town board unanimously voted to oppose Elijah’s Law – a bill that would require every dog owner in the state to obtain liability insurance for his/her pet. The bill also singles out certain breeds and sizes of dogs to be more dangerous than others. The board felt the bill was particularly punitive against dog owners and would put an undue burden on municipalities to enforce the law.
       Supervisor Peter McMahon was authorized to sign an agreement for the town to participate in an online permitting process whereby applicants could apply for permits via the Internet thus streamlining the permitting process. He was also authorized to sign an agreement with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services for access to DNA records in the state DNA Index System to insure a timely exchange of information.
       Special use renewals were approved as follows: for Sprint Sites USA at 3078 Staley Road and 318 Baseline Road; for a restaurant at 2749 Grand Island Blvd.; for the keeping of horses by David and Laurie Williams at 2175 Staley Road; and for agricultural uses by Leo & Elizabeth Hopkins at 555 Ransom Road and by Daniel Robillard at 423 Ransom Road.
       Final plat approval was granted for Section 4D (22 lots) at Ransom Village and site plan approvals were granted Grand Island Physical Therapy at 1801 Grand Island Blvd and for a 12,000 ft. proposed commercial plaza at 1738 Grand Island Blvd. Given conditional plat approval were Grand Park Vue Subdivision - Section IV (21 lots) and Island Meadows Subdivision – Section 3A & 3B (45 sublots). A waiver of subdivision regulations was granted to James Lorentz and Elsie Clark to split a lot at 2555 Staley Road.
       A resolution was passed regarding the lowering of the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph on the following roads - Long Road west of Grand Island Blvd., Ransom Road east of Sturbridge, Whitehaven Road west of Alvin, Whitehaven west of Stony Point and all of Alvin Road. Traffic Safety Advisory Board liaison Dick Crawford will set up a meeting with Erie Commissioner of Public Works Maria Lehman for consideration of these speed limit reductions that are in keeping with the current speed limits on throughout the town.    In other business, the board:
    • Scheduled Assessment Grievance Day for Thursday, June 3.
    • Changed the name of the Cable TV Committee to Communications & Cable TV Committee.
    • Set a public hearing for June 7 at 8 p.m. to hear opinions on putting up “no parking” signs on Town Hall Terrace across from existing homes 2129 to 2139.
    • Appointed Diane Nesbitt of East Park to the clerk/typist position in accounting and water billing effective June 1 at Grade 8, Step B.
    • Announced the re-hiring of Andrew Savoy-Burke as summer help in the Highway Department effective May 17 at a rate of $8.50 per hour.
    • Approved the selling back of three weeks of vacation time by David Stamler in the Highway Department.
    • Authorized the supervisor to renew the HVAC Preventive Maintenance contract for Grand Island Town Hall with M.J. Mechanical Services at a cost of $3650.
    • Approved the hiring of Hakim Hawramee as principal engineer assistant at the grade 8 start rate of $23.23 per hour and the hiring of Kasey William Morgan as an engineering aide intern at a rate of $11 per hour.
    • Approved the hiring of three maintenance workers and six program workers by the Parks and Recreation Dept. as part-time seasonal staff.
    • Approved the closing of the West River Service Road between Long and Staley roads June 19 for a walk to benefit Grand Island High School Junior Meaghan Grotz who is in need of a double lung transplant.
    • Announced the passage of a new county law that would require local law enforcement agencies to temporarily impound vehicles of persons arrested for DWI.




    Public Safety Advisory Board Established - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Supervisor Peter McMahon announced Monday, May 17, 2004, the formation of a Public Safety Advisory Board that will consist of six members at large from the community who will serve with the following: Town Supervisor, two members of the town board, chairs or a representative from the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and the GI Citizens Corps Council, Fire Chief, town engineer, certified team leader, and GI Police officer in charge.
       Among the committee’s duties will be to review the town’s comprehensive emergency plan and any other matters impacting public safety. Candidates for members at large should indicate their interest in a letter to the supervisor by June 1.




    Four Proclamations Presented Monday - 2004
     
    Eagle Scout – Joseph Michael Fusco III and (right) Family and Eagle Scout – Michael McQuown Siegel and Family.
     
    (left) 1st Assistant Fire Chief Chris Soluri accepts WNY Firefighter’s Day proclamation; and (right) VFW Buddy Poppy Days Pictured left are Joe Synakowski (VFW), Council Member Dan Robillard, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Kester Bleich (VFW), Buddy Poppy Chairperson Wally Wigdorski, VFW Ladies Auxiliary member Kathy Blake, Don Richards (VFW), Council Members Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
    Dan McMahon Photos - Click for larger view
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board Monday, May 17, 2004, saluted two Eagle Scouts, and proclaimed WNY Firefighters Day and VFW Buddy Poppy Days.
       Scouts Joseph Michael Fusco III and Michael McQuown Siegel of Boy Scout Troop 630 were recognized by the Town Board for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest and most prestigious rank in Boy Scouting. As part of his Eagle Scout requirements, Eagle Scout Fusco completed a flag retirement project that involved preparing a flag collection barrel, sorting and counting the flags and then conducting a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, 2003. Eagle Scout Siegel designed and constructed three portable animal release cages for the Tejas Wildlife Refuge Inc. in East Concord, New York. They will be shared with the Messenger Woods Animal Hospital.
       The town board also proclaimed Wednesday, June 2 as Firefighters Day to honor the work of the volunteer firefighters who serve Grand Island. On that day a special edition of the Buffalo News will increase public awareness of the firefighter’s contribution to the community and proceeds from the sale will benefit WNY firefighters.
       Proclaimed as VFW Buddy Poppy Days are May 27, 28 and 29. Islanders are urged to buy the Buddy Poppies that are assembled by disabled veterans with proceeds going for the benefit of widows and orphans of deceased veterans and for disabled and needy veterans at the National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.




    VFW To Conduct Memorial Day Gravesite Services - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       As part of Memorial Day ceremonies on Grand Island May 31, the honor guard of the Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will conduct gravesite services at the following locations and times:
    • Whitehaven Cemetery, East River Rd. (near Holiday Inn) 7:40-7:50 a.m.
    • Maple Grove Cemetery (resting place of Congressional Medal of Honor winner Charles N. DeGlopper), Stony Point Road near Whitehaven from 7:55 to 8:05 a.m.
    • Staley Cemetery, West River near Staley, 8:15 to 8:25 a.m.
    • Assumption Cemetery, Whitehaven Road near 4th St., 8:30 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
    • Trinity Cemetery, Whitehaven Road at Old Trinity Church, 8:45 to 8:55 a.m.
    • St. Stephen's Cemetery, Baseline Road behind the old St. Stephen's Church, 8:55 to 9:10 a.m.
       Times for the cemetery services are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions.
       Following these solemn visits, a ceremony will be held at DeGlopper Park, Grand Island Blvd & Baseline Rd. at 10 a.m. All Islanders are urged to attend to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.




    Town Board Minutes (Approved) - May 3, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the "approved" minutes of the Monday, May 3, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - May 17, 2004
       Click Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Town Board Agenda - May 17, 2004
       Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Attention Grand Island Property Owners! - May 2004
        In order to bring the Town of Grand Island’s zoning code in alignment with the 1995 Comprehensive Plan, a revised code has been drafted. Under this proposed document your property’s zoning may change.
       Click for more information on the     Town Zoning Meeting being held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004 in Kaegebein School.




    Final Public Hearing On Townwide Rezoning Set - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board has scheduled what it hopes will be the last public hearing on townwide rezoning that was initiated with the adoption of a Town Comprehensive Plan in 1995. The hearing will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004 in the Kaegebein School Auditorium. Two letters, on the Town Board agenda Monday, May 3, 2004, were referred to the town attorney and town board regarding the zoning of undeveloped property near Webb Road and will be made part of the record from the June 3 hearing.
       Both letters, one by John Simon and a second by Susan and Randon Hillock, oppose the town board action of April 19 that requires a 195' buffer between two residential zones. Simon wrote that he felt a 59' buffer along the southern property line between his property and Webb Road was a generous offer and would satisfy the 10 percent recreational requirement.
       The Hillocks contend that current zoning code does not require a buffer between two residential zones and that taking 195' of their property would prevent them from developing the property as planned. The Hillocks further asked that the board review the history that went into the planning of this property to be Town Center Medium Density Residential (TCMR) and to keep it in accordance with that designation as it has been over the 10-year development of the townwide rezoning.




    Town Board Action Was Quick Business - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       In twenty minutes the Town Board, Monday, May 3, 2400, knocked off 14 agenda items, approved a consent agenda and minutes from three workshops and one meeting.
       Supervisor Peter McMahon was authorized to renew the yearly contract with grant consultant J O'Connell & Associates at a cost of $6500 per quarter. The supervisor pointed out that in the five-year association with the grant consultant, $1.2 million in grant money was obtained. In a workshop session that preceded the meeting, the board set a May 28, 2004 meeting with the grant consultant, town board and department heads to identify projects that might be funded.
       An annual report on Grand Island's storm sewer systems is available for public comment until May 13. Copies of the report are on file at the Town Clerk's office and the Grand Island Memorial Library. The State Department of Environmental Conservation requires regulated, municipal, separate storm sewer systems to obtain coverage under a state pollutant discharge elimination system for the discharge of storm water from town sewer systems. The town is working with the WNY Stormwater Coalition in developing the Storm Management Plan for Grand Island that must be fully operational by January 8, 2008.
       A change order calling for the installation of two differential pressure transmitters, electrical relays in the control panels, and one day of field time for Niabco Equipment Company to troubleshoot existing equipment that interfaces with the new work was approved causing a net increase to the contract in the amount of $4023.50.
       Items referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation were as follows: a 12,000 foot addition to a commercial plaza at 1738 Grand Island Blvd. for a single story brick-faced building; 20 sublots to Grand Vue Park Subdivision north of Long Road; a site plan for Grand Island Physical Therapy at 1801 Grand Island Blvd.; and a request to waive subdivision regulations for James Lorentz and Elsie Clark at 2555 Staley Road.
       In other business, the board:
    • Approved the rehiring of Nicholas Covatto of Laurie Lane as summer help in the Highway Department at a rate of $8.75 per hour.
    • Accepted with regret the resignations of Robert D'Orsaneo as a van driver at the Golden Age Center and Robert Marinucci as chairman of the Youth Advisory Board.
    • Approved the combining of three lots owned by James and Lynn Marie Panepinto on First and Second streets to allow for construction of a tennis court and shed.
    • Announced that Saturday, May 7 was opening day for Little League, the Letter Carriers Food Drive to benefit the Neighbors Foundation, and the grand opening for Dollar Tree.




    Three Proclamations Honor May Events - 2004

    Click photos for larger view
    Golden Age Club President Maisie Dommell accepted the"Older Americans Month" citation - Mark Bullock receiving Lions Club proclamation - Fire Chief Greg Butcher receiving proclamation citing May 16-22 as EMS week
    Dan McMahon Photo
    By Joelle Logue
       Members of the Golden Age Center were present at Monday's Town Board meeting not only to lead the session in the Pledge of Allegiance but to receive a proclamation citing May as "Older Americans Month." Golden Age Club President Maisie Dommell accepted the citation on behalf of the Club that began in 1959 and has been providing services for seniors ever since.
       The Lions Club of Grand Island was also cited for its "Recycle for Sight" drive that takes place in May. The Lions will be collecting used eyeglasses and cases as well as hearing aids. Donations of these items may be made at the Town Hall, Grand Island Optical and the Golden Age Center.
       Fire Chief Greg Butcher was on hand to receive a proclamation citing May 16-22 as EMS week. The lifesaving efforts of emergency medical personnel such as paramedics, EMTs and physicians were highly praised.




    Town Board Minutes (Approved) - April 19, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the "approved" minutes of the Monday, April 19, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Minutes - May 3, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, May 3, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - May 3, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2004 Town Board Workshop agenda.




    Town Board Agenda - May 3, 2004
       Click Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2004 Town Board Meeting.





    Public Hearings - May 6, 2004
       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 May 6, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variances will be considered:
  • Gary Bueme, a variance to permit construction of an accessory structure at 2238 Fix Road.
  • Ross Arsenault, a variance to permit construction of covered patio on property located at 733 Kirkwood Drive.
  • Terence McCue, a variance to permit construction of a deck with less side yard set back than required on property located at 2067 East River Road.
  • Richard L. Angstadt, a variance to permit construction of a garage with less side yard set back than required at 3991 East River Road.
  • Gregory T. Caruana, a variance to permit construction of an accessory structure at 2768 Fix Road
  • Irad Ramadan, a variance to permit construction of a structure to an attached garage with less side yard set back on premises located at 262 Tracey Lane.
  • Richard Stypich, a variance to permit construction of a stairway and deck from East River Road on premises located at 2750 East River Road.
  • Florentino Rivera, a variance to permit construction of a home on a lot with less depth than required on premises located at Second Avenue.
  • Kang Sulchwinder, a variance to permit the construction of a home 34' in height on the premises located at 5010 East River Road.




    Town Board Action - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board, Monday, April 19, 2004, held two public hearings at which no one spoke. The first concerned creation of Majestic Woods Subdivision Lighting District No. 39 which the board approved and the second regarded final plat for Ransom Village Section 4D (22 lots) which the board referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.
       Supervisor Peter McMahon was authorized to size the Sprint Co-location agreement that will permit Sprint to sub-lease space on its tower for Cingular Wireless and to sign a grant application for Justice Court Assistance from the state.
       Site plan approval was given for Acquest Development to proceed with a one-story office building for the Dept. of Homeland Security at 201 Lang Blvd. It was announced that this building would stay on the tax rolls. Also approved was a site plan for Executive Carpet Cleaning at 110 Industrial Drive with the conditions that the applicant complies with all engineering requirements and screens a dumpster if one is installed. Site plan approval for DiVal Safety at 2995 Grand Island Blvd. had the conditions including a tree that must be planted in accordance with the Grand Island Blvd. planting schedule.
       A recreational pond for Vincent Spada at 458 Ransom Road was approved as long as a side slope was modified to be five on one for the first five feet of depth, and outdoor seating at Brick Oven, 2375 Grand Island Blvd. was also approved on the condition that any required parking spaces would be replaced.
       In other business, the board:
    • Approved outdoor seating at Quiznos Subs, 2164 Grand Island Blvd. (three or four tables with two or three seats each).
    • Received a letter of resignation from Clerk Typist Elaine Dodge who will retire April 24.
    • Approved nine part-time seasonal maintenance hires and four summer program hires for the recreation department.
    • Authorized the town engineer to bid documents for the Veterans Parks Enhancement Project on April 30 and open bids at 10 a.m. May 19.
    • Approved special use renewal for the keeping of five horses by James and Kathy Lorentz of 2555 Staley Road.
    • Announced that free training for the Citizens Corp Council that prepares individuals, 18 and over, to help with emergencies, terrorist acts and teaches self-preservation would begin 7 p.m. May 6 at Grand Island Fire Headquarters and would continue for several weeks on Thursdays.




    County Sets Recycling Days - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       A household hazardous waste drop-off day will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2004 at Erie Community College North Campus. Acceptable items for free, proper disposal are oil base paints (limit of 10 gallons), pesticides, solvents, gasoline, motor oil and antifreeze, lead acid and rechargeable batteries, propane tanks and cylinders, auto tires (limit of eight without rims) and mercury.
       Those bringing items to recycle should enter from Wehrle Drive and must certify that their hazardous waste is household generated. Commercial or industrial waste and latex paint will not be accepted.
       An electronics recycling day is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15 at Erie Community College North Campus. Items accepted include (CPUs (hard drive), CRTs or monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, televisions, cell phones, fluorescent bulbs and ballasts and appliances. There is a limit of two computer systems and two TV units per household.




    Final Public Hearing Set On Town-wide Rezoning - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Following a workshop Monday that preceded the town board meeting to iron out pockets of problem rezoning, the town board scheduled a public hearing for Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 7 p.m. with the location to be announced.
       An area discussed was the George Smith property at Whitehaven and Harvey, an 11-acre parcel north of Spicer Creek, which is currently zoned M-1. Residents want the land rezoned R1-C (100x200 lot size requirements) to match the zoning on the east side of Bonny Woods Dr. and the developer wants the new R2 classification to permit patio homes. In a 4-1 decision, the board voted to rezone to R1-D (80x160), the same as the lots on Harvey. It was suggested to the developers that they could request a zoning change to R-2 in the site plan process.
       The other area under consideration was the Webb Road area where residents want protection from originally planned R-2 development. The board suggested a compromise that would provide for a 195 ft. zone of R1-D and allow for cluster development on the rest of the land which would be zoned TCMR (town center medium residential). Landowner Sue Hillock asked that the board look at the history of the land in question which has been recommended in every plan for the last 10 years as R-2 to permit medium density development. Hillock said too much land would be taken away and that there was no where in the code that required a buffer between two types of residential.




    Town Adopts Hikes In Fee Schedule - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       
       Changes in the town's fee schedule, adopted at Monday's town board meeting, will impact dog owners, residents who are building, plumbing and electrical work and those who use town recreation facilities.
       The Building Permit fees increased as follows:
    • For accessory buildings and structures, per square feet of floor area stays at 10 cents but the minimum jumps from $25 to $40.
    • Minimum fee for residents who are adding on, altering or renovating double from $50 to $100.
    • Repairs to miscellaneous structures, chimneys and sidewalks up to $1000 of cost rose from $25 to $40 and swimming pools increased from $25 to $40.
    • One and two-family dwellings went from $25 to $40 and accessory structures went from $10 to $25.
    •Applications for Certificate of Occupancy for single residential rose from $35 to $50 and accessory structures were increased from $10 to $25.
       Some fees decreased with respect to electrician and plumber's licenses..
    •Electricians will pay $40 instead of $50, and the electrician examination fee (special) was cut in half from $100 to $50.
    •Master plumber exam fees also were reduced, from $100 to $75 for the exam and from $200 to $100 for the special exam. However, fees for journeyman plumbers increased as follows: license from $25 to $50, exam fee from $25 to $50 and exam fee (special) from $50 to $75.
       Plumbing fee changes were as follows:
    • $5 per fixture with a minimum of $25; conductor line installation/repair from $15 to $25; site drainage pipe installation (up to 200 l.f.) from $20 to $40 and site drainage pipe installation (per 100 l.f. after the initial 200 l.f.) from $5 to $15.
       Dog licenses have already increased from $2.50 to $5 and impoundment fees are as follows:
    • first impoundment for first 24 hours, $25
    • second impoundment, $50
    • third impoundment, $75. These are up from $18, $30 and $40 respectively.
       New fees also go into effect for users of town recreational facilities. Per one time use of the Community Center will cost $20, a one-time use of the gazebo is priced at $20, non-resident fees for sports registrations and teams are $10 per person, non-resident use of the recreation facilities per special use is $50, and daily usage of the concession stand at Veterans Park will cost $15.




    Town Board Minutes (Approved) - April 5, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the "approved" minutes of the Monday, April 5, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Workshop - April 27, 2004
       The Grand Island Town Board has scheduled a Town Board Workshop #18 for 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, 2004 in the town hall conference room.
    • Executive Session Re: Department Reorganization


    Town Board Minutes - April 19, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, April 19, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Agenda - April 19, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Town Board Agenda Workshop - April 19, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda Workshop for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2004 Town Board Agenda Workshop.




    Town Board Agenda - April 19, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2004 Town Board Meeting.




    Town Approves Fuccillo's Toyota Dealership Project - April 2004
       The Grand Island Town Board, on Friday, April 9, 2004 at a special meeting, approved the Fuccillo Automotive Group's Grand Island Toyota Dealership.
       "Late on Thursday we received word that the US Army Corps of Engineers would approve the modification to Fuccillo's original wetlands mitigation plan," Supervisor Peter A. McMahon said. "The modification allows them to fill in 2.65 acres of wetland on Alvin Road in return for the creation of 7.65 acres of new wetlands in Scenic Woods. The Corps permit requires a New York DEC water quality approval which is expected in the next two weeks," the supervisor said.
       According to Supervisor McMahon, the Town Board issued a SEQR negative declaration for the project on Friday. The negative declaration means that those environmental impacts which cannot be eliminated have been reduced or mitigated. Following the SEQR proceeding, the Town Board also approved the Fuccillo Toyota site plan. The site plan contains some conditions designed to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts.
       Construction on the non-wetland portion of the site could begin next week. Work in the wetland area will not begin until Fuccillo has all the required permits in their hands. The new dealership is expected to open by September 1, 2004.




    Appointments to Youth Advisory Board Announced - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The following individuals, Monday, were named to the Youth Advisory Board for the year ending December 31, 2004: Kristin Cadro, Harry Carter, Councilman Dick Crawford, Nancy Heftka, Donna Lavallee, Timothy Lavallee, Heather Maras, Robert Marinucci, Emily Pifer, Caitlyn Quider, Paula Reger, Reg Schopp, Christina Warner and Ronald C. Warner Jr.
       Maras is the school liaison and Crawford is the town liaison.




    Fuccillo Project Supporters Urged To Act Today - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Wed., Apr. 7, 2004 . . . Wetlands issues may have a significant impact in the Fuccillo Automotive Group's plans to expand their dealership on Alvin Road. A request by Fuccillo to modify the original wetlands mitigation permit by creating 7.65 acres of new wetlands on the Scenic Woods Property is being decided now by the EPA and the U.S. Wildlife Service both of which will make recommendation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
       Anyone in favor of the project is urged to contact Mr. Dan Montella, Chief of the EPA Region 2 wetlands protection section by calling (212) 637-3801 and Mr. David Stillwell, Field Supervisor for Fish and Wildlife in Cortland, NY. The Washington office of Fish & Wildlife has indicated there is no legal prohibition for using Scenic Woods but has left the decision up to Cortland. Phone calls to the above individuals need to be made today (Wednesday).
       At Monday's (Apr. 5, 2004) town board meeting, a letter of support for the project was received from the Economic Advisory Board and a favorable petition was filed by the Chamber of Commerce. The town has been named lead agency for the project.




    Local Law Adopted & Public Hearings Set - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       No one commented during a public hearing Monday, April 5, 2004 on proposed Local #1 regarding a partial tax exemption from real property taxes for senior citizens and disabled persons with limited incomes. This law, which was unanimously adopted by the town board, applies to those over 65 who have an annual income under $32,400 per year.
       Public hearings were set for 8 p.m. Monday, April 19 concerning creation of Majestic Woods Subdivision Lighting District No. 39 and final plat approval for Ransom Village Subdivision Phase 4 D (22 lots). The public is invited to the town meeting and may be heard on these issues.
       Three special use renewals for the keeping of horses were approved for Carol M. Merckel of 2324 East River Road, Diane Schooping of 2450 Whitehaven Road and Sherwood and Florence Prawel of 2400 Fix Road.
       Referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation were site plans for a one-story wood frame storage building with driveway for Executive Carpet Cleaning at 110 Industrial Drive; a one-story office building and appurtenant facilities by Acquest Development for Dept. of Homeland Security at 201 Lang Blvd.; a one-story office building reflecting change of use at 2995 Grand Island Blvd. for DiVal Safety; and for a recreational pond at 458 Ransom Road at the request of Vincent Spada.
       Also, referred to the Planning Board was a request for conditional plat approval for 45 sublots in Section 3A and 3B of Island Meadows Subdivision; and requests for outside seating by Quizno's Restaurant in the Tops Plaza and the Brick Oven Restaurant at 2375 Grand Island Blvd.
       The town board awarded Hohl Industrial Services the bid of $662,450 as the general contractor for the wastewater treatment plant digester cleaning & mixing equipment rehabilitation and clarifier equipment rehabilitation project. Frey Electric Construction will handle the electrical component for $14,675. Change orders for the water treatment plant filter control improvements for both the general contractor and the electrical contractor were approved. The changes extend the completion date from May 1 to May 15, 2004.
    In other business, the town board:
    • Awarded the Red Jacket area sewer lining project to Intercounty Paving Assoc. for the bid of $222,635 and authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with URS Corporation for outlining the scope of services on the Red Jacket area sewer rehab in the amount of $14,750.
    • Approved the subdivision map cover for Spicer Creek Townhouses Parcel ‘L” on Whitehaven Road.
    • Authorized the supervisor to sign the lease agreement between IsleChem, LLC and the GI Economic Development Advisory Board for space used by the board to promote Grand Island economic development.
    • Established a $100 petty cash fund for Reality Café and agreed to help set it up and audit it.
    • Approved budget transfers in the general fund, highway fund, sewer, water and refuse fund that had no impact on the tax rate.
    • Appointed Mark Nemeth town prosecutor. He replaces Kevin Kinney who served 18 years.
    • Supported a resolution for the elimination of the sunset provision of the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund from which the town has received technical assistance, training and publications totaling $90,000 since 1991.
    • Approved loaning four voting machines to the Grand Island School District for its school budget and trustee vote on May 18.
    • Received a petition from the Chamber of Commerce supporting the expansion of Fuccillo Automotive Group on Alvin Road and a letter of support from the Economic Development Advisory Board. The town has been designated the lead agency under SEQRA on the Fuccillo Toyota project.




    Compost Bins Available April 24 - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Erie County Department of Environment and Planning announces that earth machine backyard compost bins will be for sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2004 at Boulevard Mall (front parking lots of J.C. Penney and Kaufmann’s) and Tops Friendly Market, 7660 Transit Road, while supplies last. County residents can purchase the bins for $35 plus tax.
       All sales are between the vendor, Norseman Plastics, and the consumer. The Earth Machine normally retails for $80, thus this sale offers quite a savings. Cash or checks are accepted, no credit cards. Also for sale are kitchen scrap pails.




    Eagle Scouts Recognized By The Town - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Two Eagle Scouts from Troop 254, sponsored by Island Presbyterian Church, were honored Monday with proclamations praising their achievement in reaching a much coveted Scouting goal.
       To achieve Eagle Scout status, Scouts must earn a number of badges and complete a project. Robert Goris built 10 bat houses for the Recreation Department to use throughout the town and Timothy Szczykutowicz made repairs to the walking trails at Buckhorn State Park. Both projects met community outreach criteria.




    Town Board Agenda - April 5, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004 Town Board workshop.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - April 5, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004 Town Board workshop agenda.




    Deadline Approaching For Star And Senior Star Exemptions - 2004
       An announcement from the Town of Grand Island Assessors Office states that May 3, 2004 is the cutoff date for all Basic Star, Senior Star and Veterans tax exemptions to be added to the assessment roll for School Tax year 2004/2005, and Town/County Tax year 2005. Those eligible, who have not already done so, are asked to bring their paperwork to the Assessors Office at Town Hall on or before Monday, May 3, 2004.




    Employment Opportunity - Town of Grand Island - 2004
       The Town of Grand Island is seeking a Full Time Conditional Permanent Principal Engineer Assistant. This engineering technician position involves assisting civil/sanitary engineers by compiling data, making surveys and inspections and preparing drawings.

    Minimum Qualification:
    A. Graduation from a two (2) year college or technical school with an Associate’s degree in civil engineering or construction technology or completion of two (2) years of a four (4) year course leading to a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
    AND

    B. A MINIMUM of two (2) years of practical experience in the civil/sanitary engineering field (required).

    Salary Range - $21.84 – $24.32 per hour

    Resumes to be submitted to John C. Whitney, PE, Town Engineer, Town of Grand Island, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 by April 2nd, 2004.


    GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD AGENDA – WORKSHOP #13 - March 23, 2004
       The Grand Island Town Board Agenda Workshop #13 will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004. The agenda follows:
    I ZONING ISSUES – MAP
       A. Whitehaven & Harvey – South Side
       B. Whitehaven & Harvey – North Side
       C. Whitehaven & East River
       D. Webb Road – North to Town Center
       E. 4150 East River Road
    II ZONING ISSUES – CODE
    III SR. CITIZEN VAN - SPONSORSHIP


    Town Board Workshops - March 22-23, 2004
       The Grand Island Town Board has scheduled the following Workshops:
    • Monday, March 22, 2004 at 12 p.m. Re: Teamster's Improper Practices - Conference Room
    • Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Re: Zoning Issues - Court Room


    Town Board Minutes - March 15, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, March 15, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Agenda - March 15, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2004 Town Board agenda.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - March 15, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2004 Town Board workshop agenda.




    Major Improvements At
    Vets Park To Be Completed By Summer 2004
       The Grand Island Town Board has authorized improvements to and embellishment of Veterans Park at a cost not to exceed $350,000. Expected to be completed by the beginning of summer 2004 will be the construction of two softball fields complete with drainage, fencing, backstops, and skinned infields. Also part of the project is the construction of additional asphalt parking area for approximately eighty vehicles complete with concrete curbs and storm drainage facilities, along with landscaping of approximately twelve acres of grassed lawn areas between and around the athletic fields.
       A $50,000 grant obtained by State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and a $150,000 matching grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will fund the project.
       "I think it is a piece of the master plan, and we are doing it in increments," Supervisor Peter A. McMahon explained. "As we find the funding, we'll take up the next step," he said.


    Town Board Minutes (Approved) - February 2, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the "approved" minutes of the Monday, February 2, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Minutes - March 1, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, March 1, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - March 1, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 Town Board workshop agenda.




    Town Board Agenda - March 1, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 Town Board agenda.





    Public Hearings - March 4, 2004
       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 March 4, 2004 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variances will be considered:
    • David E. Farmer, a variance to permit construction of a 4-car garage in a new home located at 2725 Fix Road.
    • Robert and Elizabeth Beach, a variance to permit construction of an in-law apartment in area of single family homes on premises located at 2763 West River Road.
    • William and Marge Shaffer, a variance to permit construction of a 3-car garage where a 3-car garage already exists at 2653 Staley Road.


    TOWN OF GRAND ISLAND - TOWN PROSECUTOR – PART TIME - February 2004
       The Town of Grand Island has an immediate opening for a Part Time Town Prosecutor. Duties include weekly Town Court, filing motions, and Town trials. Salary $10,500/year. Familiarity with V&T, Penal Law and Town Law desired. Experience helpful. Members of the New York State Bar may apply in writing with curriculum vitae to Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, N.Y. 14072





    Islanders Urged To Properly Dispose Of Batteries - 2004
    Members of the Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, shown putting batteries into the recycling box are (seated) Dorothy Westhafer; (standing left) Commission Vice-Chairman Ed Standora, Joanne Carr (organizer of the recycling project), Tom Gilmore, Commission Secretary Tom Burke and Sam Akinbami. Commission members unable to attend are Chairman Chuck Lawrence, Mark Lazeration and Rochelle Smith
       Grand Island, according to members of the town's Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, has joined "Charge Up To Recyle," a program that will enable Islanders to recyle used, rechargeable batteries.
       Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries (up to 2 lbs. each) are commonly found in many portable electronics used in business, such as cellular phones, laptop computers, two-way radios, bar code readers and portable printers. Such batteries are also found in household electronics. They are in cordless phones, cordless power tools and camcorders. When these batteries are no longer rechargeable, Islanders can now safely recycle them.
       By participating in the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), Grand Isand will be helping to conserve the earth's natural resources and to prevent rechargeable batteries from entering the country's landfills.
       "So, businesses, town agencies and you, the public, can help to keep rechargeable batteries out of landfills. All that has to be done is to dispose of them properly and safely," a Commission spokesman said this week.
       Grand Island sites for disposal:
    • Downstairs lobby of Grand Island Town Hall
    • Lobby of the Grand Island Senior Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road.
       Boxes for battery collection are clearly marked, and directions for proper disposal are with the boxes.




    Town Board Minutes (unapproved - February 2, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the unapproved minutes of the Monday, February 2, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Town Board News - February 2, 2004
       Click     Town Board Meeting for Buffalo News story on Fuccillo Chevrolet Expansion.




    Town Board Agenda - February 2, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the 8 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2004 Town Board agenda.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - February 2, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2004 Town Board Workshop agenda.




    Town Board Minutes - January 5, 2004 Meeting
       Click     Town Board Minutes for the complete minutes of the Monday, January 5, 2004 Town Board meeting.




    Goris Keeps Watch On Isle Government
    By Joelle Logue
       Questioning the way the Town Board conducts its business was the topic of Chuck Goris' comments at Tuesday's (Jan. 20) meeting. He criticized the board for the lack of information shared at the meetings especially since most attendees to the bi-monthly board meetings are students from Grand Island High School Civic classes who are required to visit town hall to learn how local government is run. Instead of reading what each agenda item is about, the board votes on items without any explanation except in a few instances where there may be controversy or opposition among board members.
       Past Supervisor James Pax took time to read particulars about each agenda item which made the meetings much more lengthy. Even consent agenda items were considered individually. Under Supervisor Peter McMahon, the consent agenda is voted upon as one item without discussion. Occasionally, a board member will make a comment about a particular item but that seldom happens.
       But Supervisor McMahon says his way is more efficient and a timesaver. The homework is done in workshop sessions prior to the board meetings and at other publicly scheduled workshops that are open to the public. He said if students attended workshops they would get a better idea as to what is involved in the decision-making process and added that council members would sign students' attendance sheets for attending workshops.
       Council member Gary Roesch said he spent more than two hours going over agenda items prior to the Tuesday meeting and didn't need discussion at the meeting to determine a vote.
       Goris, who is a stickler for rules governing the Freedom of Information Act, is also critical of the board's lengthy executive sessions that are not open to the public. He claims items listed as executive session items are not specific enough as required by law and that some items being discussed should be done so in open sessions.
       At the December 15, 2003 meeting of the town board, action was taken upon a letter from Goris regarding the town's overcharging for copies of documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The board agreed to immediately reduce the fees to 25 cents per copy and give refunds to anyone who has been overcharged.




    Town Board Report
    Sewer & Water Rates Set For 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Tues., January 20, 2004 Town Board Meeting. . .Following a public hearing at which no one spoke, the town board Tuesday set sewer rents at $4.20 per 1000 gallons of water used and water rates at $2.65 per 1000 gallons used.
       The board also granted a special use renewal for the Sprint communication tower alongside the bikepath north of Bedell Road. This item has been on the agenda for several months pending resolution of a landscaping issue but the town attorney recommended that the landscaping be dealt with as a lease issue.
       A request from Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel to consolidate the election districts for the Primary on Tuesday, March 4, 2004 was approved. Though all polling places will be open, there will only be one voting machine at each district with the exception of the Family Life Center on Love Road where there will be two machines.
       Final plat approval was given for Phase IV of Park Place Subdivision consisting of 18 lots, but no action was taken to give conditional approval of Oakwood Estates at River Oaks due to the fact it has been tabled by the Planning Board.
       Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon was authorized to sign the agreement for an engineering inspection of the salt storage building by Abate Associates at a cost of $4500. The evaluation is at the request of Town Engineer John Whitney who recommended that this type of structure be evaluated because the NYS DOT has had some collapse.
       Approval was given to advertise for bids on a 2004 pick-up truck for use by the Parks and Recreation Department for plowing and towing. The bids will be advertised January 23 with the bids to be open Wednesday, February 11.
       The Grand Island Independence Day Parade usually set for July 4 will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2004 in order to avoid conflict with church services on July 4.
       In personnel issues, the town Board tabled the following appointments: part-time clerk in the Zoning Dept. and appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Community Enrichment Council, Youth Advisory Board and Cable TV Committee. The adoption of a fee schedule for 2004 was also tabled.
        A Town Board workshop on further rezoning issues will be held Tuesday, January 27 at 1 p.m.




    Isle Coyote Control & Conservation Program Updated - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Animal Control Officer Greg Butcher filed a coyote and conservation program report that was accepted by the Town Board during its meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004. In it he stated that since the mid-December press conference, there have been four coyote complaints and seven sightings. None of the four complaints resulted in the need for the use of trappers. Instruction was given in all four circumstances.
       He also reported that Legislator Chuck Swanick's office will be doing a townwide mailing that will assist in the general education process of the public as regards coyote concerns.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - January 27, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 Town Board Workshop agenda.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - January 21, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the January 21, 2004 Town Board Workshop agenda.




    Town Board Workshop - Town Wide Rezoning - January 27, 2004
       The Town Board has scheduled a workshop at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2004 in the conference room to continue discussions on the town wide rezoning. When the zoning issues are finished, the 2004 capital plan will be finalized.




    2004 Town/County Tax Bills Mailed
    Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel announced that the 2004 Town/County 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 or 622. The office will be open extras hours on Thursday, February 12, Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 17. Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk. The last day to pay without penalty is February 17. Envelopes must show a legible postmark of February 17 to be accepted on time. Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made February 18 and later. Personal checks are not accepted after June 15 and payments can be made until June 30, 2004. After this date, payments must be sent to the County.


    Town Board Agenda - January 20, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the January 20, 2004 Town Board agenda.




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - January 20, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the January 20, 2004 Town Board Workshop agenda.





    Town Clerk Appoints Deputies - 2004
    Jodi Hayes Robinson Photo
    Newly elected Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel (center) recently made appointments for her clerk positions. They are (left) Sally Kaiser, Michelle Wing, Diane Darmofalski and Betty Lantz. All are full time deputy clerks except Mrs. Kaiser who is part-time. Ms. Lantz will serve as deputy registrar of vital statistics and Mrs. Wing and Mrs. Darmofalski will be subregistrars of vital statistics. Over 40 Island residents applied for employment in the town clerk's office.




    Town of Grand Island Advisory Board Openings - 2004
    Crawford Continues As Deputy Supervisor
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town of Grand Island has current openings on the Cable TV Committee, the Community Enrichment Council, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and the Youth Advisory Board.
       Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to a board should submit a letter of interest to:
    Supervisor Peter A. McMahon
    Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road
       Please include any relevant experience or special talent in the letter. The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2004. For additional information, contact any member of the Town Board.




    Town Reorganizes For 2004
    Crawford Continues As Deputy Supervisor
    By Joelle Logue
       Mon., January 5, 2004 Town Board Meeting. . . Supervisor Peter McMahon again named Dick Crawford Jr. as his deputy supervisor during the town's reorganization meeting held Monday, January 5. Crawford begins his third four-year term on the council. The board welcomed new council member Gary Roesch and new Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel. Except for McMahon, the council is now represented by all Republicans.
       McMahon asked for and was granted a 60-day extension for filing the Supervisor's Financial Report for the fiscal year 2003. He also re-appointed Diane Nesbitt as his secretary for the new year.
       The town board adopted a resolution that declared all operation and maintenance costs and all capital costs, net of water rents and other revenues, would be apportioned against the assessed land valuation of each of the properties or parcels of land within the Consolidated Water District.
       The town board also took action on the following:
    • Set mileage at 37.5 cents per mile for town officials performing duties for the town in 2004.
    • Authorized membership at the NYS Association of Towns Meeting in New York City by those department heads and/or elected officials with necessary funds in the budget; and authorized the supervisor to cast one vote for the town at the meeting. Mary Cooke, who plans to attend, was named alternate delegate.
    • Renewed the town's membership in the Association of Erie County Governments.
    • Set petty cash funds as follows: town clerk ($700), sewer and water ($100), town justices ($100), highway dept. ($100), recreation dept. ($100).
    • Set town clerk's office hours as 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays except when the office is closed on holidays.
    • Set bond amounts for town personnel: supervisor ($250,000), town clerk ($250,000), deputy town clerks ($250,000), supervising accountant ($250,000), Court clerks/town justices ($100,000), and a blanket bond for each other bonded employee ($5000).
    • Designated the Island Dispatch and Buffalo News as the official newspapers for the town.
    • Designated M&T Trust Company, HSBC Bank, MBIA CLASS, Chase Manhattan Bank and Fleet National Bank as depositories for the town.
    • Named Fiddler and Company as audit counselors.
    • Set town board meetings for the first and third Mondays of each month at 8 p.m. unless it falls on a holiday in which case it will be held on Tuesday. Workshops will precede the meetings at 6:30 p.m. There is no meeting the third Monday in February due to the Association of Towns conference.
    • Designated Supervisor Peter McMahon as budget officer for the town, and as liaison to and police commissioner of the Grand Island Police Dept.
    • Agreed to retain the law firm of Hodgson, Russ, Andrews, Woods & Goodyear LLP, Peter C. Godfrey, Esq. Of Counsel as attorneys for the town.




    Town Sets Public Hearing On Water And Sewer Rents - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The Town Board, Monday, January 5, 2004 suspended rules to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, January 20 at 8 p.m. to set sewer and water rents for 2004. There is no Monday Town Board meeting on the 19th due to the Martin Luther King holiday. No one spoke during a public hearing on the final plat for Park Place Subdivision. The board referred the request for approval to the Planning Board.
       In personnel matters, the board adopted a revision to the harassment section of the Human Resources Policies and Procedures that broadens the term harassment to include all forms of harassment and discrimination. This is intended to reaffirm the town's commitment to equal opportunity and to provide a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment based on sex (with or without sexual conduct), race, color, creed, national origin, age, marital status, Vietnam or disabled veteran status, disability or other categories protected by law.
       The board also authorized the supervisor to sign an amendment to the Flexibile Benefits Plan that will change the provisions governing the amount of benefit dollars to be allocated to each participant under the plan and the amount available to each participant under the plan's cash-out option.
       Approval to spend town highway funds in the amount of $226,000 for general repairs upon 73.16 miles to town roads was approved. A cost savings plan submitted by Highway Superintendent Ray Dlugokinski showed a surplus of $27,000 to the fact the Highway Department is handling its own fleet maintenance.
       Approval was given to "Grand Crafts on the Island" Chair Robin Swedish to hold the annual craft show June 26-27 at Town Commons.




    Supervisor And Town Board Appoint - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       The following appointments were made during the reorganization meeting of the town of Grand Island Monday. Supervisor Peter McMahon named the following committees:
    • Special Districts, Peter McMahon (chair), Mary Cooke, John Whitney and Wayne Clinton; Audit Committee, Mary Cooke (chair) and Gary Roesch; Sidewalk & Bikepath Committee, McMahon (chair); Historic Preservation Committee, Cooke (chair), Joan Bodkin, William Koch, Shirley Luther, Joseph Macaluso, Tim Mordaunt, Teddy Linenfelser and Barbi Lare; Personnel Committee, McMahon & Crawford.
    • The Supervisor's Economic Development Committee has now become an official advisory board with members appointed by the town board. Those with three year terms expiring 2006 are Jerry Doane, John Bonora and Roy Gerard; serving two year terms are Bev Kinney, Mike Heftka and Hank Carroll; serving a one year term are Ted Bates, Mary Sommer and John White. The chairperson will be elected at the first meeting.
    • Cooke was named liaison to the Environmental Conservation Board and Human Rights Commission; Roesch to Economic Development, Community Enrichment and Cable TV; Crawford to Traffic Safety Advisory Board, Library Trustees, and Youth Board; Dan Robillard to Architectural Review Board, Planning Board and Parks & Recreation Board; McMahon to Long Range Planning Commission.
    • New Town Clerk Patti Frentzel appointed the following as full time deputy clerks: Betty Lantz, Michelle Wing and E. Diane Darmofalski; and appointed Sally Kaiser, part-time clerk. Lantz will be deputy registrar of vital statistics and Wing and Darmofalski will be subregistrars of vital statistics.
    • Douglas Learman was reappointed Building Inspector and Kevin Koch as Deputy Building Inspector.
    • Town Attorney Peter Godfrey and Supervisor's Secretary Diane Nesbitt were appointed Harassment Complaint Officers.
    ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
    • Dario A. Violanti to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.
    • Maria Przystal to the Human Rights Commission for a five-year term.
    • Richard Earne as a Library Trustee for a five-year term
    • Peter Morelock to the Planning Board for a seven-year term and Robert Westfall for a two-year term.
    • James Mysilwiec and Betty Harris to the Traffic Safety and Advisory Board for a three-year term.
    • Rochelle Smith to the Environment Commission for a five-year term.
    • Frank Kedzielawa to the Board of Ethics for a vie-year term.
       Appointments to the Youth Advisory Board, Cable TV Committee, Community Enrichment Council and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board were tabled.




    County Sets Computer Recycling Day - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       Erie County will sponsor a computer recycling day at three locations from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 10, 2004. In addition to computers, cell phones and Christmas trees will be accepted for disposal at Como Lake Park, Chestnut Ridge Park and Delaware Park.




    Town Holidays Designated - 2004
    By Joelle Logue
       All town offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays, as set forth in the various union bargaining units:
    Martin Luther King Day (Monday, Jan. 19), President's Day (Monday, Feb. 16), Good Friday (1/2 day Friday, April 9), Memorial Day (Monday, May 31), Independence Day (Monday, July 5), Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6), Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 11), Election Day (presidential elections only, Tuesday, Nov. 2), Veterans Day (Thursday, Nov. 11), Thanksgiving and day after (Thursday & Friday, Nov. 25-26), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Thursday and Friday, Dec. 23-24), New Year's Eve (1/2 day Thursday, Dec. 31), New Year's Day (Friday, Jan. 1).




    Town Board Workshop Agenda - January 5, 2004
       Click     Town Board Workshop Agenda for the January 5, 2004 Town Board Meeting agenda.




    Town Board Agenda - January 5, 2004
       Click     Town Board Agenda for the January 5, 2004 Town Board Meeting agenda.




    Town Justice Hon. Randy White Installs Town Officials - 2004
    Click photos for larger view
    Pattie Frentzel and Hon. Randy White; Sybil Kennedy and Hon. Randy White; Gary Roesch and Hon. Randy White

    Click photos for larger view
    Councilman Dick Crawford and Hon. Eric Reimann; Supervisor McMahon and Hon. Randy White; (group) left front Gary Roesch, Sybil Kennedy, Peter McMahon, Pattie Frentzel and standing, Dick Crawford and Hon. Eric Reimann
       Town Justice Hon. Randall D. White officially installed Grand Island's supervisor, two councilmen, town justice and town clerk on January 1, 2004 in the Charlotte Sidway School dining room. Former Town Justice, Hon. Eric L. Reimann was Master of Ceremonies for the noon event attended by well over 100 residents and friends. New Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel's mother, Barbara Anderson, made a surprise visit from her home in Florida and newly elected Councilman Gary Roesch's children, Todd and Greg from Florida and Tracy from Anchorage, Alaska, witnessed the swearing in. Mrs. Frentzel made the Presentation of Certificates of Elections, her first official task as town clerk. Father Paul M. Nogaro gave the Invocation and the Benediction.

    2003 News
    2002 News
    2001 News

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