Town Board News - JULY-DECEMBER, 2005


Previous Town Board News Pages


Town of Grand Island Website



Town Board Meetings Through December 2006.




Town Board Agenda - January 3, 2006
   A Grand Island Town Board Meeting #1 will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2006. Click for January 3 Meeting Agenda.






Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - December 5, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes December 5, 2005 Meeting.




December 21st Town Board Workshop Meeting Cancelled - 2005
   The Town Board workshop scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21st has been cancelled. The interviews that were scheduled for advisory board openings will be rescheduled to January 3, 2006.




Town Board Report - 2005
   Monday, December 19, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, read a proclamation recognizing Christopher Kenneth Hamm on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The board adopt Local Law Intro #5/2005 to remove Mid Island (Loop) Parkway from Town’s Official Map. Under the topic of Enrichment & Referral it was decided that the YWCA will take provide outreach and counseling services and that the last day of employment for two Town part-time employees will be December 31, 2005. Supervisor Peter A. McMahon was authorized to execute a non precedent setting agreement with CSEA allowing an employee to sell back 40 hours of vacation, subject to approval of the Town Attorney. The town board elected Eric Ackerman, Frank Grandinetti, Sr., and Gerry Soto to represent them on the Board of Plumbing Examiners. George Newman was appointed to serve a two year term to the Electrical Examining Board for Grand Island with the term expiring December 31, 2007. Councilman Dan Robillard, attending his last town board meeting of his four-year term said, it was an honor and privilege to serve residents for four years as councilman. The supervisor presented him with certificate of appreciation for his years of service.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - December 19, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes December 19, 2005 Meeting.




Town Board Agenda - December 19, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Meeting #23 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2005. Click for December 19 Meeting Agenda.






Grand Island Planning Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, December 12, 2005
   Click for 12/12/05 Planning Board Meeting Agenda.




Grand Island Town Board Meeting Notice - Wednesday, December 21, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 in the Conference Room regarding Advisory Board Appointments.


Grand Island Town Board Meeting Notice - Tuesday, December 13, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop will be held at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2005 in the Conference Room regarding SEQR. This Workshop has been rescheduled from 12/14/05.




Water And Sewer Rents Set For 2006 - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, December 5, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, adopted water and sewer rents for 2006 as follows: Water, $2.70 per 1,000 gallons; Sewer, $4.40 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
   It was agreed that a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the town’s formal participation in meetings of the Western New York Stormwater Coalition should be signed by the supervisor.
   A resolution was adopted in support of the Town of Tonawanda’s efforts to obtain funding from the Quality Communities Grant Program. A portion of the grant will be used to pay for a consultant for the Niagara Greenway Commission that is designed to help communities along the river.
   Referred to the town attorney was a request by Cingular to amend its tower lease with the town. Cingular no longer needs the tower at 80 Carl Road and is proposing a rent abatement for up to 24 months and the right to sublease the tower without town approval. If Cingular is successful with the sale of the lease, it guarantees a 10 percent increase over the current lease pricing.
   Mary Cooke, Ray Dlugokinski, Mark Frentzel and Sue Argy, recently elected town officials, were granted permission to use the Golden Age Center on January 1, 2006 at noon for the inauguration ceremony and reception.
   The Town Board approved the Highway Superintendent’s acceptance of a bid from Fleet Maintenance Inc. in the amount of $58,973 for a new 2006 L-8511 Sterling heavy duty cab and chassis single axle plow truck.
   Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro’s request to hire four part-time recreation workers for programs and two lifeguards was granted. The new hires will work no more than 19 hours a week at salaries of $6.50 per hour for recreation attendants and $6.70 per hour for lifeguards.
   Several budget amendments were approved to balance each fund in preparation for the year end: $103,762 in the General Fund and $23,832 in Highway. All transfers are being made within the same fund. A budget amendment to accommodate the first half of the NYS Records Management Grant in the amount of $5,329 was properly appropriated and placed into the various departments’ budgets accordingly. The final half of the Erie County Youth Grant for Youth Services in the amount of $5000 was received and placed into the Enrichment and Referral’s budget to cover the costs for the summer science program.
   Referred to the Town Engineer was a letter from Fire Chief Greg Butcher who was concerned that plans for Waterford Park Subdivision indicated that the names of Enola and Stony Point roads would be changed when extended into the subdivision. The name changes, he felt, may cause unneeded delays in emergency response time. The Town Board is recommending that the extension of the roads retain the same names to avoid any confusion.
   Granted by the board was a request by Nextel Wireless Communications to co-locate on a tower at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club, 1083 Whitehaven Road. The project consists of co-locating up to 12 panel antenna on the existing monopole and the placement of a single 9x16 t. equipment shelter immediately adjacent to it.
   The last Town Board meeting of the year will be held Monday, December 19 at 8 p.m. Gary Roesch, who will not be in attendance at the meeting, wished everyone happy holidays and reminded residents that as of Dec. 1 Veterans Park Road will not be maintained through the winter.




Two Named To Planning Board, Other Candidates Sought - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, December 5, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, announced the appointments of two Planning Board members. Robert Starzynski of Deerwood Lane will serve a term that expires December 31, 2006 and Frank Sturniolo of Tracey Lane will serve a term that expires December 31, 2007. Councilman Gary Roesch said there were a number of worthy candidates for the Planning Board and that the decision was difficult. He thanked all who applied.
   Candidates for most of the Town’s advisory boards are being sought now for the coming year. Letters of interest should be mailed or dropped off to Supervisor Peter McMahon at the Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 21, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes November 21, 2005 Meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - December 5, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes December 5, 2005 Meeting.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - December 5, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #66 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2005. Click for December 5 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Nov. 21, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes Nov. 21 Meeting.




Town Board Agenda - December 5, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #22 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, December 5, 2005 Meeting Agenda.






Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Nov. 7, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes Nov. 7 Meeting.




TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING NOTICE - 2005
   A Town Board Workshop #65 will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2005. Agenda follows:
I  ROLL CALL
II  REVIEW 5-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN
IV  ADJOURN




Town Budget, Fire Co. Contract Adopted - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 21, 2005 . . . The Town Board approved the 2006 Town Budget Monday and authorized Supervisor McMahon to sign the Fire Company Contract in the amount of $820,205. The General Fund goes up by 1.9%, Fire Protection by 7.2%, Highway by 3.9%, Sewer District by 51.9%. There was a 7.9% decrease in the Water District Fund, and a 3.9% decrease in Refuse and Garbage fees. Lighting fees vary by districts.
   Several resolutions were approved regarding Hidden Oaks Subdivision Phase II. Authorized was the termination and release of part of the public drainage easement for Phase II and the acceptance of the sanitary sewer and public drainage easements. The Town Board also accepted the annexed deed of dedication of the town highway to be known as part of Oakridge Road.
   Site plan approval was given to River Oaks Golf Club for a 15x60 ft. maintenance garage expansion and map covers were re-approved for Fareway Greens Townhouses – Cluster 20. Also getting a nod was David Brody who was granted exception to subdivision regulations permitting him to split vacant land into two lots on Love Road and for Niagara Falls Campground on Whitehaven Road to re-zone a narrow strip of land from CR to R1-A. The Buffalo Launch Club was given site plan approval to build a gazebo and Whitehaven Road Campgrounds was given minor subdivision preliminary plat approval for four lots.
   The Town agreed to abandon interest in land that was earmarked as a future street to accommodate Bill Torchia’s request to create a 120x287 ft. lot west of 2940 Bedell Road. Referred to the Town Board and Town Attorney was a recommendation from the Planning Board for the town to consider revising Section 49-120B of the Zoning Code as follows: “Any new or expanded use , or change in use, greater than 300 square feet, in the R-2, R-2A or R-3 Residential Districts.”
   In other business, the Town Board:
• Authorized the supervisor to sign amended Plan Documents which reflect health benefit changes.
• Adopted Erie County’s All Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Authorized the supervisor to sign agreements permitting both Verizon and Nextel to co-locate on the tower at the water treatment plant.
• Reinstated Spencer O’Boyle, who has been released from military service, to the position of principal engineer assistant, step 9, year 3, effective Jan. 1, 2006.
• Accepted with regrets the resignation of Patricia Fike from her crossing guard position and the resignation of Paul Belter from the Parks and Recreation Board and Long Range Planning Committee.
• Referred to the Engineering Department a complaint from Laurie Oishei of Ward Park Road regarding constant flooding and ineffective storm drains.




Residents Crowd Town Meeting To Oppose Re-zoning Land Southwest Of Fix & Baseline - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 21, 2005 . . . There were only a few empty seats at Monday’s Town Board meeting as residents adjacent to the land southwest of Fix and Baseline came en masse to protest attempts by developer John Stickl to re-zone 28.5 acres from R1-D to R-2. The public hearing which took more than an hour, began with Stickl explaining his plan to build single family, detached homes on smaller, more affordable lots to serve the needs of those who want to downsize (senior citizens and singles). Under R-2 zoning, lot sizes may be 70x120, R1-D requirements are 80x160. Stickl described a tasteful country or park-like setting with carriage or cottage style homes (single floor ranch) and stipulated there would be no attached housing or duplexes.
   Two others, Diane Pelosi and Linda McGowan, spoke briefly in favor of the project, but most attendees were there to air concerns about the development being inconsistent with the neighborhood, increased traffic, falling land values and the future implications of R-2 zoning which does permit attached homes and duplexes.
   The 1995 Master Plan intended for R-2 housing in the Town Center rather than outlying areas, but early in the mapping phase there was resident resistance to patio home development in the Webb Road area and developers interested in building attached housing there were denied.
   Supervisor Peter McMahon indicated he had 15 pieces of correspondence from those opposing the rezoning all of which would be entered into the record. First to speak against the project was Glen Bobeck who called the public hearing premature and accused the Town Board of not following proper procedure. He said there was no site plan, no environmental review and asked that the project be subject to future public hearings. He submitted a petition against the project for the record.
   Tim Worrall emphasized the fact that rezoning to R-2 would open the door to future changes in the way the property could be developed including the possibility of attached dwellings and duplexes and added that wetlands and poor drainage should prevent extensive development on this parcel. He presented 30 letters in opposition.
   Stickl is proposing an 87 single family home community with the main road leading to Baseline and connections to Country Club and Fairlawn. Some argued that the density of the project heralded a potential traffic problem.
   Kim Tetreault, who said she aligned herself with the residents opposing the rezoning, asked that someone on the Town Board take the lead in calling a meeting between Stickl and the residents so that concerns could be raised and questions answered.
   Supervisor Peter McMahon said this would be done and the Town Board referred the rezoning request back to the Town Board, to the Town Attorney and the Planning Board for review.




Town Board Agenda - November 21, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #21 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, November 21, 2005 Meeting Agenda.






Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - November 7, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes November 7, 2005 Meeting.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - November 21, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #62 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2005. Click for November 21 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






MEETING NOTICE - S.E.Q.R. Workshop- November 18, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board S.E.Q.R. Workshop will be held 9 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2005. this is a postponement from Nov. 16th.


Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - October 17, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes October 17, 2005 Meeting.




Planning Board Agenda - November 14, 2005 Meeting
   A Grand Island Planning Board Meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2005 in the downstairs conference room in the town hall. Click for Planning Board Agenda 11/14/05.






Utility Costs Hike Taxes For Residents - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Thursday, November 10, 2005 . . . Grand Island taxpayers are looking at a nine percent tax increase for 2006 and could face a dramatically higher rate should the county cut its services to the town, mainly the sheriff patrols. The worst case scenario would mean a half million dollar increase to the 2006 budget on November 20 when the town board votes. That translates into an 80 cent raise per thousand of assessed value to the property holders. All eyes are on the county legislature and control board whose actions will directly impact each and everyone’s pocketbook.
   Increases to the budget, not including the uncertainty of figures from the county, are due to hikes in utility costs. The biggest rate increase comes from the fire protection district, 7.2% over last year, to be paid out in quarterly payments of $205,051.25 for a total of $820,205. According to Councilman Dick Crawford and Councilwoman Mary Cooke, cost increases in fuel and the fact that Fire Company Headquarters needs a new roof are contributing factors for the severe hike. Fire Company officials and the Town Board have decided to meet quarterly to anticipate and plan better for equipment needs and capital improvements.
   An overall tax rate hike in four lighting districts that use gas caused a $4,047 increase in the Lighting District budget line from what was originally proposed and utility costs are blamed for the 1.9 percent increase over last year in the General Fund and a 3.9% increase in the Highway Fund. The latter, fortunately, is offset by a 3.9 percent decrease in the Refuse and Garbage District even if the line item has increased $1,764 due to an increase in the number of homes. There is no change in the unit cost.
   In terms of the county impact, should the Control Board decide to take over and cut services to the towns, the Town Board will be forced to increase taxes as mentioned above. And, if after the budget is adopted and those cuts are restored, there is no legal recourse to revert back to the originally proposed budget.
   Speaking in favor of both the Town Budget and the Fire Company contract was Fire Company Board of Directors Chairman Michael Dallessandro who both thanked the town for its support and promised to deliver first rate services as in the past.
   The Fire Company Contract and Budget were referred back to the Town Board for review.
   In other business, the board:
• Entered into the record a letter from Code Enforcement Officer Doug Learman requesting increased staffing to handle mandated inspections and other required duties and claimed that lack of proper staffing is having an accumulated negative affect on public safety in the community and will result in higher insurance premiums.
• Approved the hiring of Dan Stinson as an outreach worker, part-time at $20 per hour.




Two Town Board Meetings Announced - November 2005
MEETING NOTICE #1
Grand Island Town Board -Workshop
Monday, November 28, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Conference Room
Re: 2006 Reorganization Meeting
MEETING NOTICE #2
Grand Island Town Board -Workshop
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
2:30 p.m.
Conference Room
Re: 2006 Capital Projects


Town Board Agenda Workshop - November 10, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board agenda workshop #61 will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2005 in the town hall. Click for November 10, 2005 Agenda Workshop Agenda.






More Roads To Be Resurfaced - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 7, 2005 . . . Due to favorable unit pricing and some under runs of quantities, Highway Superintendent Ray Dlugokinski requested that Autumnwood, Calvano and Middle roads should be resurfaced resulting in an additional $58,464 added to the contract. In addition, the water plant driveway will be resurfaced at a cost of $7,908 as well as the low lift driveway at a cost of $2,760. The funds for these additions to the road project are available in the highway and water budgets.




Use Of Town Vehicles & Equipment Prohibited - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 7, 2005 . . . Human Resources Policy & Procedure Policy #40 which prohibits personal use of town equipment and vehicles was adopted Monday by the Town Board. Supervisor Peter McMahon will make copies available to the collective bargaining units and all town employees. The policy also addresses disposal of town property.
   Employees may be able to obtain property and equipment that is no longer useful to the town such as scrap water meters, scrap tools, metal and other scrap materials, only if permission is secured from his or her direct supervisor. An accounting ledger must include the approximate weight, make-up of materials, a visual description, the employee’s name assigned to the disposal, and the prescribed method of disposal. If any monetary value is associated with the scrap materials, that money, in the form of a check or cash made payable to the town, should promptly be turned over to the town.
   Noncompliance with this new policy will result in the forfeiture of an employee’s continued employment at the discretion of the Town Board. Those in violation will be liable for repayment of monies deemed lost due to the use of such property or equipment and shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
   Supervisor McMahon officially appointed his new secretary, Elizabeth Zilbauer of Baseline Road, for the remainder of the year at Grade 6, Step A. Zilbauer replaces Diane Nesbitt who has assumed payroll duties for the town.
   The Town Board approved seeking a County Community Development Block Grant to make necessary repairs and improvements to the façade of the Golden Age Center building which serves 2,542 senior citizens and is located at the former Nike Army Base. A van to serve the center, in the amount of $35,675, will also be a priority if the Community Block grant is awarded.
   A public hearing is set for 8 p.m. November 21 for comment on a petition by John Stickl Construction Company to rezone 28.5 acres of land southwest of Fix Road and Baseline from R-1D to R-2.
   Consumers in arrears of paying water, sewer, out of district sewer, meter and other miscellaneous charges will have those bills added to the 2005 tax rolls. The following amounts have been added: for water ($226,543.24), sewer ($311,965.71), out of district sewer ($1.434), meters ($930), miscellaneous ($45).
   Referred to the Planning Board was a request from Bill Torchia of 2940 Bedell Road for the Town to abandon interest in a parcel of land and a request from Chuck and Mary Internicola of 2960 Bedell Road for exception to subdivision regulations regarding that same parcel of land.
   In other business, the board:
• Approved special use renewals for the keeping of three agricultural animals by Paul Ianni at 828 East River Road and by Michael and Judith Schneider at 1952 Harvey Road.
• Approved site plan revisions (parking lot layout, seasonal steel garden house canopy, smaller 5000 sq. ft. split face block building) at 2920 Grand Island Boulevard (Wayside Nursery)
• Approved a request for the Highway Dept. to bid for one new and unused 2005 L8511 Sterling, Tilt Hood, diesel engine, heavy duty, single axle plow truck with heavy duty cap or equal.
• Authorized the advertising for bids to be open November 28 for the hauling of sludge from the Grand Island Treatment Plant to Niagara Falls and/or Buffalo Sewer Authority.
• Authorized the updating of the plaque on the monument in DeGlopper Park to include the name of Lt. Col Terrence Crowe subject to final design approval by the Town Board.
• Referred to the Town Board a petition from River Oaks PUD to amend the zoning map to modify zoning lines.




Changes Added To Town Facilities' Improvement Contract - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 7, 2005 . . . Twelve changes were approved to the Performance Service Contract totaling an additional $120,366 to be taken out of the contingency budget. Additions are: to furnish and install a new exterior windbreak at the NYS Police entrance, adding new main doors on the east, west and north sides of the building, replace a signal at Stony Point and Whitehaven, install an additional exit sign at the Golden Age Center, provide replacement flood lights at the wastewater treatment plant.
   Also, to troubleshoot the control panel and make necessary repairs at the Whitehaven Pump Station, install new power poles for computer network at Town Hall, repair the sluice gate and replace shaft for the sluice gate at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, upgrade the existing radio system to incorporate the new SCADA system, re-zone and balance zones 6, 8 & 10 and re-balance the remaining zones in the HVAC system at Town Hall, and install new cooling tower at the wastewater treatment plant.




Open Enrollment For Ag. District Landowners Through November 30 - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 7, 2005 . . . The county legislature has set till November 30 as the annual 30-day within which a landowner may request predominantly viable agricultural land for inclusion to certified agricultural district.
   Landowners may obtain a copy of a form to be filled out accordingly at Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel’s office or through Planner John S. Opalka at the Erie County Dept. of Environment and Planning (858-6229).




Fields Named, Soccer Team Recognized - 2005
      
Lt. Martin Prast     Cpl. Robert B. Luther     Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, November 7, 2005 . . . Little League diamonds were officially named Monday for three men who served in the Armed Forces, two of whom made the supreme sacrifice in the defense of this nation. Field #2 will be re-titled honoring the memory of Lt. Martin Prast, Field 3 will honor Cpl. Robert B. Luther and Field #4 will honor Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe.
    Lt. Prast had already earned the Purple Heart twice when he was severely injured and permanent disabled by a booby trap on January 30th, 1970. His death on January 30, 1998 was the direct result of his heroic actions in the service.
   Pfc. Robert B. Luther was 21 years old when he was killed at Khe Go Bridge, Vietnam on Mother's Day, May 10, 1970.
   Lt. Col. Crowe lost his life on June 7, 2005 while serving as an Army Reserve officer in the war in Iraq.
   Nancy Sandford, sister of Robert Luther, thanked the Town Board for recognizing these men in this way. Also attending the meeting was Robert’s mother, Shirley Luther.
   The Girls Varsity Soccer Team was honored with a proclamation that cited its outstanding season and 6th appearance at the Section VI Championships next Saturday in Rochester which could set up a possible 4th trip to the Final Four. The team posted 26-0 scores in the last four play-off games and boasts a 21-1 record.




Town Board Agenda Workshop - November 7, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board agenda workshop meeting #60 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, November 7, 2005 Workshop Agenda.






Town Board Agenda - November 7, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #20 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, November 7, 2005 Meeting Agenda.






General Election 2005
   Click for General Election 2005 polls information.




Town Board Workshop Today - October 2005
   MEETING NOTICE
Grand Island Town Board Workshop #59 is being held at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2005 in the town hall conference room. The meeting is in regard to Community Development Block Grant - Sign Grant.


Election Inspectors Needed! - October 2005
   Attention! Registered Democrats and Republicans - Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel has announced the need for Election Inspectors for the November 8, 2005 general election. Contact Mrs. Frentzel at 773-9600 ext 622 for more information.


Proposed 2006 Budget for the Town of Grand Island - October 2005
   Click for Proposed 2006 Budget for the Town of Grand Island.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - October 3, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes October 3, 2005 Meeting.




Town Of Grand Island Advisory Board Opening - 2005
   The Town of Grand Island has two openings on the PLANNING BOARD. Any member of the community who is interested in serving on this advisory board should submit a letter of interest, including relevant experience, education or training, to Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, New York 14072.
   Letters received prior to 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 14, 2005 will be considered. For additional information contact any member of the Town Board.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - October 17, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes October 17, 2005 Meeting.




Final Tax Day Without Penalty - 2005

Town Clerk Patty Frentzel, Deputy Town Clerk Sally Kaiser and unidentified taxpayers.
Dan McMahon Photo
   Monday, October 17, 2005 was the final day to pay Grand Island School Tax bills without a penalty. Town Clerk Patty Frentzel saw a very large turnout for the final day. For those taxpayers who have not paid their school taxes as yet, they will have an automatic penalty added to their bill when they stop by to pay.




2006 Budget Hearings Set For November 10 - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, October 17, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, scheduled public hearings at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 10 for the 2006 Town Preliminary Budget and the Fire Company Contract. Those wishing to speak on any aspect of the town budget (detailed in an article last week) may do so then.
   A public hearing on removing the Mid Island (Loop) Parkway from the town’s official map elicited some comment. Traffic Safety Advisory Board Chair Lawrence Kieffer voiced concerns about alternate access needed as development progresses in that area and questioned the need for so many all way stop signs that he felt would impede traffic flow. Diane Dinsmore said she felt the Loop Road served no purpose and that it was not needed. James Dinsmore said the removal of the road from the map would help with further development of the area. The matter was referred to the Town Board and Erie County for comment and approval.
   Betty Harris was the lone speaker regarding Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. She suggested a proposal be submitted for weatherization needs in the face of rising fuel bills.
   There was no comment during a public hearing regarding final plat approval for River Meadows Subdivision – Section V and that matter was referred back to the Town Board for action.
   The Town Board authorized Supervisor Peter McMahon to sign the snowplowing contract as it pertains to county roads on the Island. The rate has been set at $2,393 per lane mile for the 2005-2006 season and $2,532 per lane mile for the 2006-2007 season. Town Attorney Peter Godfrey was frank when he said in the workshop prior to Town Board that the contract was good as long as the county had money and we should be prepared to assume costs if the county falters.
   Referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board was a concern by residents regarding high rates of speed by cars traveling down Park Lane and their request for a stop sign at the corner of Park Lane and Sandpiper.
   Revisions to the site plan by Parkland Enterprises at 1441 Ransom Road were approved. Changes include downsizing of the canopy and concrete pad, relocating the driveway further east to clear an existing power pole, removing a number of concrete curbs and a change in guardrail design at the drainage ditch as requested by the Erie County Dept. of Public Works.
   Final plat approval for Park Place Subdivision – Phase VIII (14 lots) was also approved by the Town Board.
   Tabled subject to Erie County approval were several items including the rezoning of a parcel of land at Niagara Falls Campground on Whitehaven Road, splitting lots on vacant land on Love Road by David Brody, preliminary plat approval of Waterford Park Subdivision, site plan approval for a gazebo at the Buffalo Launch Club, and preliminary plat approval for a minor subdivision at Whitehaven Road campgrounds.
   During the public comment period, Doug Smith of Hennepin Road reported on suspicious activity at 1282 Stony Point including a delivery of a truckload of Formica to the address.
   In other business, the board:
• Referred to the Town Attorney final plat approval of River Meadows Subdivision – Section 5
• Granted site plan approval for installation of a camera on a communication tower at 4231 West River Parkway.
• Authorized the supervisor to renew a purchasing contract with the City of Niagara Falls for water and wastewater chemicals.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Jean Greinert from the Planning Board and agreed to advertise for individuals to fill two vacancies on that board.




Halloween Happenings - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, October 17, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, announced that official Halloween trick or treat hours will be 5-8 p.m. Monday, October 31st.
   Councilman Dick Crawford announced that the Lions Club is encouraging trick or treaters to pick up used eyewear and hearing aids from homes they visit. A Halloween party for young children will be hosted by the Lions Club at Tops from 6-9 p.m. on Halloween.




Democratic Election Inspectors Needed! - October 2005
   Attention! Registered Democrats - Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel has announced the need for Democratic Election Inspectors for the November 8, 2005 general election. Contact Mrs. Frentzel at 773-9600 ext 622 for more information.


Town Board Agenda - October 17, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #19 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, October 17, 2005 Meeting Agenda.






Public Hearing Set On Proposed Loop Road - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, October 3, 2005 . . .A public hearing has been set for Monday, October 17 at 8 p.m. for the purpose of hearing comments regarding eliminating the proposed Mid-Island Parkway (loop road) from the Master Plan and zoning map.
   The primary purpose of the Loop Road was to alleviate traffic on East River Road and to distribute traffic elements of the current road system effectively. The Long Range Planning Committee, in its five-year review of the Master Plan, has concluded that traffic counts on East River do not approach levels which would require mitigation. Furthermore, there is very little land on East River suitable or zoned for development and that the proposed Loop Road would add to the travel distance for most of its users. Additionally, construction of the Loop Road would very likely increase congestion at Staley and Grand Island Blvd.
   The proposed Loop Road crosses land that is currently protected by enhanced environmental overlay districts and/or held in trust by the WNY Land Conservancy. Neither of these parcels can be legally used by a parkway. Estimated costs of the proposed road is $1,200,000 per mile and does not include funds to reconstruct the Staley-Grand Island Blvd. intersection, wetlands mitigation or right of way acquisition.
   Two other public hearings will take place October 17, one to hear recommendations for a Community Development Block Grant and another regarding final plat approval for River Meadows Subdivision – Phase V.
   No one spoke at the public hearing regarding placement of a stop sign on the northeast corner of circle road Park Place and Park Place, and the stop sign was approved for installation.
   Referred to the Planning Board were a request by Robert Funk to split a lot on vacant land on Love Road and a request to split a lot by Donald Loder at 2307 Bedell Road.
   Referred to the town attorney was a property line issue relative to a pond in the backyard of Douglas Galenza at 2411 Love Road. Also referred to the town attorney notice from Attorney Jeffrey Friedman that Curtis and Michelle Gilson have filed Chapter 13 and that a debt owed the town in the amount of $880 has not been filed.
   The Town Board voted to advise John Stickl to seek Zoning Board approval for size changes he wants to make on adjacent properties at 3971 and 3965 East River Road.
   In other business, the board:
• Approved a mileage reimbursement increase from 40.5 cents a mile to 48.5 cents per mile for all business miles driven from September 1-December 31, 2005.
• Approved the Recreation Department’s request to conduct a town auction of surplus items at the Nike Base Saturday, October 15.
• Authorized the signing of a grant certification agreement for the Community Assistance Program Grant in the amount of $50,000 to construct a lavatory at Veterans Park
• Granted a special use permit renewal for the keeping of three agricultural animals on 4.35 acres by Joseph Higgins at 900 Ransom Road.
• Appointed James Federspiel as water plant helper effective October 4.
• Granted conditional approval of Golf Course Villas at River Oaks subject to approval of the landscape plan yet to be submitted and requiring lights only at intersections.
• Amended minutes of two previous town board meetings where comments from the public were omitted.




Book Contest Champions Honored - 2005

Winning readers are shown with Town Board members Dan Robillard, Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford in the rear.
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, October 3, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, congratulated members of the Grand Island Library team who won Erie County Libraries’ 7th annual Battle of the Books, by presenting proclamations to all involved.
   Twenty-six teams representing 23 county libraries and 252 middle school students competed in the contest based on six books read and studied over the summer. Grand Island won the championship, defeating the team from Eden Library in a very exciting 10-minute lightning round.
   Team members were Dallas Broady, Chris Brownschidle, Michael Chauby, James Cooke, Tim Dyet, Kearney Erhard, Emma Henderson, Taylor Kaufman, Haroon Khawar, Meredith Stone, Brendan Stone and Alyssa Yaeger. Team coaches were Marie Volpe and Anne Slater who were assisted by Rachel Bailey, Monique D’Hand, Toni Kaufman, Rachel Lombardo and Kacey White.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - September 19, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes September 19, 2005 Meeting.




Sheriff’s Patrol Issue Impacts Town Budget Process - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Wednesday, October 5, 2005 . . .What’s keeping the Grand Island 2006 budget proposal from being finalized is the big question about Erie County Sheriff’s Patrol Services. According to a release on budget issues from Supervisor Peter McMahon, to replace "existing services with our own police force has a first year cost of approximately half a million dollars. And even that amount only provides two officers on duty 24-7. We’d still need to find all the support services that are necessary in addition to the road patrols. This first year cost would require an additional 80c per $1000 assessed valuation. We anticipate those costs in later years could grow even higher."
   The Erie County Legislature has approved County Executive Joel Giambra’s four-year plan which phases out patrol services over the next four years with the first cuts coming in 2007. This would delay the financial impact to Grand Island for one year. This vote passed 8 to 7, however, one of the legislators who voted in favor said he will not vote in favor when the 2006 budget comes up at the end of October. If that happens, the likelihood is that the decision will be up to the Erie County Financial Stability Advisory Board.
   According to Supervisor McMahon, "This is a very difficult year from a budgeting standpoint. There’s so much uncertainty at the county level. Their decisions have the potential to dramatically impact local governments and their deadlines are almost identical to ours. We might actually go to within a day or two of our state mandated deadlines before we know what the county or the control board is going to do. We may well be forced to make last minute changes in our budget to account for actions at the county level."
   Presently, the town board is considering holding the 2006 budget public hearing after the election, on Thursday, November 10. The date will be formalized at the October 17 Town Board meeting.
   Another uncertainty in the ongoing negotiations with the Grand Island Fire Company over the town’s 2006 contract which also could impact the 2006 tax rate.
   McMahon lists other budget highlights below:
1. General Fund – appropriations to increase by just over $168,000 from $5,381,287 to $5,549,476 setting the tax rate at five cents higher ($2.67 to $2.72 per $1000 of assessed value), a 1.9% increase.
2. Highway Fund – Up by just over $215,000 from $2,116,965 to $2,332,448 due to increase in cost of oil. The highway tax rate will increase by eleven cents per $1000 of assessed value (from $2.81 to $2.92) which is a 3.9% increase.
3. Water Fund – Appropriations increase $60,500. The water tax rate, which covers only capital improvements to the system and based only on land value will drop 50 cents from $6.28 to $5.78 per thousand of land value. The 2006 user rate is proposed to remain unchanged at $2.70 per 1,000 gallons.
4. Sewer Fund – appropriations will increase by just under $220,000 from $2,471,032 to $2,690,999. The sewer tax rate, which covers 90% of capital improvements, will increase $1.94 from $3.74 to $5.68 per $1,000 of land value. The sewer user rate, which covers 10% of capital improvements and all operations and maintenance, will increase 5% from $4.20 to $4.25 per 1,000 gallons of water.
5. Solid Waste Disposal – Rate drops to $5.00 from $128 to $123 per unit.
6. Lighting Districts – vary by district
   In summary according to McMahon, based on the known costs (minus the fire contract and sheriff’s patrol issues), taxes for a house with a market value of $175,000 in a sewer district will total $33 more than in 2005. The same house, outside a sewer district, will pay $8.72 more, an increase of less than one percent.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - October 3, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes October 3, 2005 Meeting.




PUBLIC HEARING - Notice To The Citizens Of The Town Of Grand Island - 2005
   A Public Hearing will be held on Monday, October 17, 2005 at 8:00 P.M. at the Grand Island Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road, regarding the use of Federal Community Development funds in the Town of Grand Island.
   The Town of Grand Island is eligible for a Federal Community Development grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
   The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for citizens to express community development and housing needs and to discuss possible projects which would benefit low and moderate-income persons in the Town of Grand Island.
   Citizens are urged to attend this meeting to make known their views and/or written proposals on the Town of Grand Island’s selection of potential projects to be submitted for possible funding by the Federal Community Development Grant Program.
   The Hearing will also present a review of prior Community Development projects and expenditures and a discussion of eligible activities. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible. Those needing special arrangements should call the Town at 773-9600 Extension 622 by October 13, 2005.


Town Board Workshop Agenda - October 3, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board #56 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2005 in the town hall. Click for Monday, October 3, 2005 Meeting Agenda.






Town Board Workshop Agenda - October 3, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #56 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2005 in the town hall conference room. Click for Monday, October 3, 2005 Workshop Meeting Agenda.







Public Hearing - October 6, 2005
   For the purpose of hearing objections to or for the granting of appeals, the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold the following public hearing on October 6, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The following variance will be considered:
• Wayne Riggs, a variance to construct a garage at 796 Ransom Rd.
• Charles Sorce, a variance to construct a home with less front yard set back at 249 Oakridge
• Stephen and Gail Cavanaugh, a variance to construct a covered entryway 5' into the front yard setback at 3350 Calvano Dr.
• St. Stephen's Church, a variance for installation of a double sided illuminated sign with less set back than required at 2080 Baseline Road.
• Paul Long, a variance for side, front and rear yard set backs to have a single-family residence on a sub standard lot measuring 45' x 111' at 359 East River Road.
• James Daigler, a variance for the construction of a utility barn at 2343 Staley Road.
• Florentino River, a variance for construction of a single family home on a lot with less depth than required and also the removal of a condition of a previous variance on Second Avenue.


Plaques Awarded To Colonial Drive Neighborhood Youngsters - September 2005
Shown (left) are Councilman Dan Robillard, Plaque Recipient Grace Kulikowski, Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, Councilwoman Mary Cooke, Councilman Gary Roesch and Supervisor Peter McMahon.
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
   Grace Kulikowski and Mary Kneer had an idea in the spring to improve the neighborhood park near their homes. The girls wrote a letter to Supervisor Peter McMahon requesting improvements to the Colonial Drive Playground. One thing led to another and a group consisting of Invitrogen employees, town employees, elected officials and neighborhood kids spent the morning of Thursday, July 28, 2005 sprucing up the playground. Benches, swings, soccer goals and a pavilion were painted. Lines were drawn to mark the playing field. New mulch was placed around the different equipment and just recently a field of wild flowers was planted. On Friday, September 23, 2005 plaques were presented to thank the girls for leading the way in making their neighborhood playground much nicer for their peers. Mary Kneer was unable to make the presentation as she was at a field trip.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - September 26, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #54 will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2005 in the town hall conference room. Click for September 26 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes September 6, 2005 Meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - September 19, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes September 19, 2005 Meeting.




Isledegrande.com Recognized For Five Years Of Service - 2005
By Joelle Logue

Click for full photo showing, from left, Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Isledegrande.com Editor Teddy Linenfelser, Dan McMahon and Jodi Robinson of Isledegrande.com, Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.
   Monday, September 19, 2005 . . . One of two proclamations presented by the Town Board Monday was in recognition of the 5th anniversary of Isledegrande.com, the web site devoted strictly to Grand Island news. Reg Schopp, with Teddy Linenfelser as editor, began the online newspaper five years ago on October 28, 2000. The bulk of the news is updated weekly, but timely happenings are handled daily for the most up-to-date news of the Island.
   Growing in readership month after month, Isledegrande.com achieved a new record of 14,116 hits for the month of July. In celebration of the five-year anniversary, readers of Isledegrande.com are invited to a birthday bash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 1 at 1871 Whitehaven Road.
   On hand to accept the proclamation were Editor Teddy Linenfelser, Schools Liaison/Marketing/Web Site Design Representative Jodi Robinson and Marketing Representative Dan McMahon.




Land Issues Top Town Board Agenda - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, September 19, 2005 . . . Following a public hearing at which no one spoke, the Town Board, Monday, referred to the Planning Board a request by Niagara Falls Campground to re-zone a parcel of land from commercial to residential on Whitehaven Road in order to extend two five-acre lots.
   In two separate resolutions, the Town Board, authorized the dedication of a road and permanent easements for sanitary sewer and public drainage for Park Vue Subdivision. Final plat approval was given to Park Place Subdivision – Phase V II (21 lots) and a Public Improvement Permit was authorized for roads and sewers. Site plan approval was given to Tom Williams of 140 White Tail Run regarding a retaining wall and pond that was constructed on the property.
   Subject to filing the necessary paperwork, the Town Board approved the combining of two lots under one address by Thomas and Wendy Slowe at 1939 Bedell Road in order to build an addition to their existing residence.
   Exception to subdivision regulations was granted to Elaine Pariso who wants to split a lot out of two parcels of land at the Whitehaven Road Campground Subdivision. The back area of the two parcels will be used to extend the camp ground.
   Tabled were conditional approval of Golf Course Villas and preliminary plat approval for New England Village. More information and detail is needed before decisions can be rendered.
   In other business, the board:
• Re-appointed Charles H. Meyer Jr. to the Board of Assessment Review for a 5-year term to expire on September 30, 2010.
• Set a public hearing for 8 p.m. October 3 to consider a local law to add a stop sign on the circle road of Park Place and Park Place.
• Awarded a bid for Grand Island Blvd. sanitary sewer construction to C. Destro Development Co. in the amount of $789,125
• Re-approved co-location of Omnipoint Communications on existing tower at 1083 Whitehaven Road.
• Announced that Grand Island received a Management Records grant in the amount of $10,659 to hire a Becky Sommer-Stufkosky, file clerk for a year, to organize the town’s active records.
• Approved the hiring of Patricia Philips as a part-time receptionist at the Golden Age Center.
• Received the inventory for highway department machinery, tools and equipment from Highway Supt. Ray Dlugokinski.




Speed Limits Reduced On Several Isle Roadways - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, September 19, 2005 . . . Traffic Safety Advisory Board requests to reduce speed limits on Isle roads were approved by the state and announced Monday. The most dramatic reduction is from 55 mph to 40 mph on Ransom Road between East River and Sturbridge Lane. This will impact high school students driving on Ransom and Councilman Dick Crawford suggested that the town do a PR campaign to make drivers aware of the changes.
   Other reductions are as follows: 40 mph on Long Road between West River Road and Grand Island Boulevard; 45 mph on Alvin Road between Baseline and Whitehaven roads; 45 mph on Whitehaven between West River and Alvin roads; 45 mph on Whitehaven between East River and Stony Point roads; and 45 mph on Bush Road between Baseline Road and a point 0.9+/ west of Baseline.
   The speed limit reduction on Whitehaven from 55 to 45 mph may solve concerns by Richard Wall of Forest Creek who thinks there are too many access roads to Whitehaven within a short distance. He spoke during a public hearing regarding final plat approval for Park Place Subdivision that is seeking an access road extending Bonnywoods Crossing out to Whitehaven in order to alleviate traffic on Harvey and Forest Creek. Victor O’Brien, engineer for the subdivision, and James Dinsmore spoke in favor of Phase VIII of the project which the Town Board referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.




Proclamation Read For Rev. Kevin Backus, National Association of Nouthetic Counselors - 2005

(left) Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Rev. Kevin Backus, Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.
   Monday, September 19, 2005 . . . A proclamation was read by Supervisor Peter McMahon and presented to Rev. Kevin Backus at the September 19th town board meeting for his part in bringing the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors Annual Conference to Grand Island. The conference of Nouthetic Counselors, who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in men and women and who counsel those in conflict, will be held October 3-5 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. One thousand are expected to attend.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - September 19, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #52 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 in the town hall conference room. Click for Monday, September 19 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






Town Board Meeting Agenda - Monday, September 19, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #17 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 in the Town Hall. Click for September 19 Meeting Agenda.




Attention Hunters - Sept. 2005
   Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel announces that licenses are now on sale at the Town Clerk’s Office during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The application deadline for Deer Management Permits is October 1, 2005. Hunters must present drivers license for proof of residency to purchase license. Senior Licenses are $5.00 for hunters 65 years or older. Big Game season opening day for the Southern Zone has been changed from Monday to Saturday, November 19, 2005. The season will close on a Sunday. This change allows young hunters and others who are unable to take time off from work or school to hunt on opening day.




2005/2006 School Tax Bills Have Been Mailed - Sept. 2005
   Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel announced that the 2005/2006 School Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have changed banks, have paid off your mortgage or do not have an escrow account and did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 773-9600 ext. 620. The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2005. Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk. The last day to pay without penalty is October 17. Envelopes must show a legible postmark of October 17 to be accepted on time. Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made October 18 and later. Personal checks are not accepted after November 15 and payments can be made until November 30, 2005. After this date, payments must be sent to the County.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - August 15, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes August 15, 2005 Meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes September 6, 2005 Meeting.




Planning Board Agenda - September 12, 2005 Meeting
   For the Planning Board Meeting Agenda for the 7:30 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2005 meeting, click Planning Board 9/12/05. The meeting will be held in the down stairs conference room.




Eagle Scouts Recognized - 2005
By Joelle Logue

Shown from left are Councilmen Gary Roesch and Dan Robillard, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Timothy Burns, Jack and Sandy Burns (Timothy's parents), Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford, and Mike Wegrzyn.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.

Shown from left are Councilmen Gary Roesch and Dan Robillard, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Keith M. Wegrzyn, Mike and Sue Wegrzyn (Keith's parents), Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.
   Tuesday, September 6, 2005 . . . Boy Scouts Timothy Burns and Keith Wegrzyn were presented proclamations from the Town Board Tuesday in honor of their achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Both Scouts belong to Troop 630 sponsored by St. Stephen’s R.C. Church.
   Timothy’s project involved sanding and painting more than 50 Recreation Department trash receptacles and stenciling GI Recreation Department on each one of them. Keith was responsible for helping to furnish and landscape a home with donated materials from local and neighborhood merchants via the Community Missions of Niagara in Niagara Falls.
   The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious in the Boy Scouts of America organization.




Personnel Issues Top Town Board Agenda - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Tuesday, September 6, 2005 . . . Diane Nesbitt of East Park Road, secretary to Supervisor Peter McMahon, was appointed payroll clerk effective September 26 at her current rate of pay, $20.64. A new secretary to the supervisor is being sought but at a lower pay grade. The reduction from $20.46 to $14.29 per hour (from Grade 8 to Grade 6) is based on the transfer of payroll and labor relation’s duties that will now be the duties of the payroll clerk.
   James Pedlow, presently serving a probationary period as water plant helper, will return to the Wastewater Treatment Plant as an operator effective September 7. The hiring of a water plant helper to replace Pedlow was tabled at Tuesday’s meeting. Pedlow’s return as a Wastewater Treatment Plant operator causes an excess in staffing, but the Town Board referred back to them a resolution that would have reduced the number of wastewater treatment plant operators from five to four by September 21.
   Emily Dinsmore was approved as a new hire in the Recreation Department as an attendant, part-time at Reality Café with a salary rate of $6.55 an hour effective September 7.
   Susan Quagliana was approved as a crossing guard at East Park and Broadway to replace Mary Williams who retired. In addition, Luz Maria Suarez and Patricia Fike were approved as subsitute guards bringing the total of substitutes to six.
   Following a public hearing regarding final plat approval for Park Place Subdivision - Phase VII (21 lots) at which Jim Dinsmore spoke in favor, the project was referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation. A public hearing is set for 8 p.m. September 19 for Park Place Subdivision – Phase VIII (14 lots).
   A public hearing has been scheduled for 8 p.m. September 19 regarding a petition from Niagara Falls Campground to amend the zoning map in order to purchase a small piece of land and to change the zoning classification from CR (commercial recreation) to R1-A (residential).
   In other business, the board:
• Accepted a bid of $108,995 for replacing the roof on the Golden Age Center.
• Granted a special use renewal allowing a horse at 3440 Stony Point Road owned by John Ventry
• Renewed the HVAC maintenance agreement with M.J. Mechanical at a cost of $2000 per year for the Library and Parks Buildings.
• Approved drafting a local law for a stop sign on the northeast corner of the circle road Park Place and Park Place.
• Announced that a poppy sale will take place this weekend in commemoration of September 11 and a candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on September 11 at the VFW.
• Approved the closing of Baseline Road between Whitehaven and Grand Island Blvd.between 5-8 p.m. October 14 for activities associated with the annual Fire Company Open House in observance of Fire Prevention Month.




CERT Training Sessions Announced - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Tuesday, September 6, 2005 . . . Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training sessions to be held at the Erie County Police Training Academy, 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28. Attendees will receive training in areas such as emergency preparedness, fire safety, emergency medical operations, light search and rescue, CERT organization, disaster psychology, and terrorism culminating in a course review and disaster simulation.
   The Disaster Simulation Exercise will take place Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Erie County Fire Training Academy, 3359 Broadway, Cheektowaga.
   Training sessions are sponsored by a grant to Niagara University from the Corporation for National & Community Service. All trainees agree to enroll as Border Community Service volunteers and participate in service and/or training totaling 65 hours following their training. To register for CERT Training, call 851-1800.




Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day Is Saturday - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Tuesday, September 6, 2005 . . . Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day is Saturday.
   Erie County will sponsor the final 2005 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day Saturday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Honeywell Specialty Materials Company, 20 Peabody St. in Buffalo.
   Acceptable items for free, proper disposal are oil base paints (limit 10 gallons), pesticides and pool chemicals (limit 2 gals.), solvents (2 gals.), gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, lead acid and rechargeable batteries, propane tanks and mercury.
   The following items will not be accepted: latex paint, tires, computer equipment, electronics, appliances, commercial or industrial waste.
   Resident requiring more information can call the Erie County Household Hazardous Waste 24-hour information line at 858-6800 or visit the web site at www.erie.gov/environment.




Town’s Flood Map To Be Updated - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Tuesday, September 6, 2005 . . .Grand Island’s flood mapping priorities were the topic of a meeting held with representatives of the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation – Division of Water. New floodplain maps will be updated using a variety of methods and detailed studies will have a full engineering analysis with redelineations based on existing studies.
   The Island’s priorities listed in order of importance are as follows:
1. Spicer Creek a detailed restudy from its confluence with the Niagara River to about 2,700 feet upstream of Harvey Road.
2. Woods Creek and its tributaries to be updated and extended about 0.7 miles upstream of Stony Point Road crossing including the manhole elevation at the intersection of Ransom and Stony Point.
3. Entire length of Gun Creek due to new development in the area.
4. The entire length of the unnamed creek located near Stony Point and Huth Road should be studied.




TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING NOTICES - 2005
   The following schedule of Town Board Workshops has been announced:
• 3:30 p.m. - Thursday, September 15, 2005 - Conference Room - Re: Enrichment & Referral

• 8-11:00a.m. - Saturday, September 24, 2005 - Conference Room - Re: 2006 Budget

• 1:30 p.m. - Monday, September 26, 2005 - Conference Room - Re: 2006 Budget

• 1:30p.m. - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - Conference Room - Re: 2006 Budget





Town of Grand Island - Employment Opportunity - Secretary to the Supervisor -
Posted September 7, 2005
   The Town of Grand Island has an employment opportunity as a full time Secretary to the Supervisor. Click Secretary to the Supervisor for complete information.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - September 6, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #49 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2005 in the town hall conference room. Click for Tuesday, September 6 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






Town Board Meeting Agenda - Tuesday, September 6, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #16 will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2005 in the Town Hall. Click for September 6 Meeting Agenda.




Machines Used Primary Day - Not Paper Ballots - 2005
   Residents inn the Town of Grand Island will use machines to vote on Primary Day, not paper ballots. Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel announced that the Erie County Board of Elections has contacted the town and will be setting up machines for Primary Day, Tuesday, September 13, 2005. Voters on Grand Island will vote at their regular polling location.
   According to Mrs. Frentzel, it is important to note voters in District 3 will return to the Grand Island High School to vote and should enter via the front door. The Grand Island Memorial Library will continue to be the voting location for voters in District 2 and 11. Voters at Kaegebein will enter at the rear doors.
   In addition, voters who will be away on election day may obtain an absentee ballot application at the Town Clerk’s office from 8:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
   For more election information, contact Patricia Frentzel at 773-9600 ext. 600.




Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting Report - August 2005
By John L. Bonora
   Monday, August 23, 2005 . . .The EDAB met on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at the town hall. Guest speakers from the BNE (Buffalo Niagara Enterprise) and the ECIDA (Erie County Industrial Development Agency) gave presentations. Charlie Webb, with the ECIDA explained that it is a privatized non-profit organization, that provides money for companies from grants and tax exempt financing. Many requests for information come from perspective companies including financing questions and this agency will help us provide financing solutions to these companies. Future meetings are already planned with the ECIDA and with a separate Committee from EDAB to better understand all the financing options.
   The BNE is a marketing organization that partners with economic development groups. They help to bring to light all the positive reasons for a perspective company to relocate or expand to a certain location. The BNE will be a critical partner with EDAB as we move forward with our website development and our listings on Sitefinder. One of the greatest resources that the Island has is the concentration of Life Sciences companies located here. The BNE receives many requests from these companies in the form of site requirements and they match these requests with sites we currently have listed on Sitefinder. That number is now more than 30 sites and will continue to grow. We will be meeting again soon with the BNE to further strengthen our relationship.
   It is important for Grand Island’s economic development for companies to not only see available sites listed but to be able to match these sites with their companies' needs. The next step is to explore financing options and our alliances with these two agencies are critical. In the past Grand Island has been left out of the loop and it the goal of the EDAB to prevent this from happening in the future. As we align ourselves with various important agencies we will be better positioned to further our economic development.
   The EDAB meets on the second Thursday of every month at the town hall and the public is welcome to attend.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - August 1, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes August 1 Meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - August 15, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes August 15 Meeting.




Two Fallen Heroes Recognized In National Airborne Day Observance - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, August 15, 2005 . . . Grand Island has observed National Airborne Day each year in memory of World War II hero Charles N. DeGlopper who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor while serving as a member of Company "C" First Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at La Fiere, France June 9, 1944. DeGlopper attracted enemy fire to himself in order to give other members of the Battalion the opportunity to get out of harm’s way.
   From now on National Airborne Day will also salute Lt. Col. Terrance K. Crowe, trained Airborne Trooper serving with the 98th division and killed by hostile fire while part of the offensive operations in Tal Afar, Iraq on June 7, 2005.
   The Town Board, Monday, therefore proclaimed August 16 as National Airborne Day in the Town of Grand Island. That date commemorates the first official Army parachute jump. The 82nd Airborne Division was the first to be organized from the success of the Parachute Test Platoon and the airborne training program has continued in active service since its creation.
   Grand Island is the birthplace and final resting place of Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper and Terrance K. Crowe.




Bids Awarded For Town Contracts - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, August 15, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, announced that contracts were awarded to Quackenbush Company, Inc. in the amount of $895,000 for general work on the Master Lift Station modifications, and Tunney Electric, Inc. was awarded the electrical work on the project in the amount of $18,400.
   Sam Long’s Landscaping was awarded two drainage projects totaling close to $6,000. The first is located on Garden Parkway and involves 250 LF of 6-inch backyard drainage and three yard drains. The second is located at 211 South Lane and consists of 170 LF of 8-inch backyard drainage.
   Grand Island Greatscape was awarded a bid in the amount of $5,656 for work on the lot adjacent to Veterans Park. The award is subject to Greatscape having proof of adequate insurance coverage.
   A pilot project to control cattails in the town will be funded from the 2005 Drainage budget. White’s Turf Crew was awarded the bid in the amount of $4,800 for three town owned locations including the ditch at the Town Hall and water treatment plant.
   A change order in the amount $522 to provide labor, material and supervision to provide 3M Scotchtint Window film in the town supervisor’s office was approved as part of the Performance Service Contract.
   The Board authorized the advertising of bids for the Grand Island Boulevard Sanitary Sewer construction with bids to be open Wednesday, September 14 at 10 a.m. The advertising for bids regarding the Golden Age Center roof replacement were also authorized with bids to be open August 31 at 10 a.m.
   Hidden Oaks Subdivision – Phase 2 for ten lots on Oakridge Road off Fix Road was given final plat approval. A Public Improvement Permit was also approved for Phase II allowing for sanitary sewer, water line, storm sewer and roadwork. Final plat approval was also given for Park Place Subdivision – Phase VII (21 lots).
   The Town Board accepted the annexed Deed of Dedication of the Town Highway to be known as part of Majestic Woods Drive upon approval of the town attorney and highway superintendent, and passed a resolution accepting turnaround public drainage and sanitary sewer easements for Part II of Majestic Woods Subdivision.
   In personnel matters, James Daluisio of 1320 Whitehaven Road has been hired by the Highway Department effective August 21 per union salary contract. Dan Stinson’s resignation as outreach worker in the Enrichment & Referral/GIFTS Dept. was accepted with regret. The re-creation of "Assistant Municipal Engineer" position will be re-established in the CSEA bargaining unit as Grade 9 of the contract. A salary range for payroll clerk will be Grade 4A as follows: Step A ($12.44 per hour), Step B ($13,37), Step C ($15.37), Step D ($18.44), Step E ($22.12). Town Engineer John Whitney was given approval to advertise and hire a replacement for principal engineer assistant Hakim Hawramee who resigned effective August 10.
   In other matters, the board:
• Referred to the Town Board a request from Grand Island Central Schools for the donation of six voting machines to the district since the Town will be getting newer ones.
• Extended the Local Waterfront Revitalization agreement with the State to March 31, 2006 so work can be completed.
• Granted special use renewal for the keeping of horses by Cathleen Shaw at 3054 Stony Point Road.
• Approved a budget amendment to apply the first half of the 2005 Erie County Grant for Youth Services ($5000) to the summer science program.
• Amended Conservation easement to reconcile with new development.
• Named Doug Scheid Planning Board Chair to replace Robert Westfall who resigned to take a position with the town as Assistant Municipal Engineer.
• Approved the rezoning of 359 East River Road from B-2 to R-1E to allow Paul Long to convert the second floor of his boathouse into a summer cottage residence.




Advisory Board Members Sought - August 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Several vacancies exist on the town’s advisory boards and the Town Board will advertise for individuals interested in serving to write letters of interest and send them to Supervisor Peter McMahon at Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road by September 1. Boards needing members are as follows:
Architectural Review Board (1), Cable/Communications (2), Parks and Recreation (1), Planning Board (1), and Traffic Safety (1). Click Town Notice - Advisory Board Openings.




LEGAL NOTICE - August 2005
   Notice is hereby given that pursuant to a Resolution of the Town Board of the Town of Grand Island, Erie County, New York, sealed Proposals will be received and considered by the Town Board on August 31, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. Local Time at the Town Hall for furnishing all materials and equipment together with all labor for the Golden Age Center Roof Replacement in the Town of Grand Island, New York. Click for complete Legal Notice.




Town of Grand Island EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - 2005
   The Town of Grand Island is seeking a Full Time Contingent Permanent Principal Engineer Assistant. This engineering technician position involves assisting civil/sanitary engineers by compiling data, making surveys and inspections and preparing drawings. Click Employment Opportunity for further information.




Town Board Workshop Agenda - August 15, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop #48 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2005 in the town hall conference room. Click for August 15 Workshop Meeting Agenda.






Town Board Meeting Agenda - August 15, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #15 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2005 in the Town Hall. Click for August 15 Meeting Agenda.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - July 18, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes July 18 Meeting.




Town Employee Appreciation Picnic - 2005
  
(Left) Sandy Hingston and Diane Nesbit - J.T. Tompkins and Dick Crawford
  
Jodi Robinson photos - Click for larger view
   The Town's elected officials host an employee appreciation picnic every year. This year's picnic was held Thursday, August 4, 2005 under the trees, next to the gazebo. Over fifty retired employees were also invited. While a nice breeze kept everyone fairly cool, hot dogs were being grilled and tables of delicious salads, baked goods and beverages were available for lunch. The officials provide all the refreshments and do the set-up and clean-up




Attention Voters - Primary Election Tuesday, September 13, 2005
   Click Primary Election 9/13/05 for polling information.




Planning Board Agenda - August 8, 2005 Meeting
   For the Planning Board Meeting Agenda for the 7:30 p.m., Monday, August 8, 2005 meeting, click Planning Board 8/8/05. The meeting will be held in the down stairs conference room.




Town Facilities Improvements Added To Project - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, August 1, 2005 . . .Change orders amounting to an increased cost of some $83,000 were approved at Monday's town board meeting with monies coming from a healthy contingency budget line. Added to the Performance Service Contract that provides for energy-saving improvements and upgrades to the town’s facilities are as follows:
• $1,595 to furnish and install Spandrel panels in the State Police locker room.
• $19,690 for asbestos abatement caulking removals at Town Hall.
• $3,626 to provide labor, material and supervision for the VFD & Motors Sequence of Operations for pumps at the water and wastewater plants.
• $11,858 to provide for the 125 hp VSD (variable speed drives) in lieu of the 75 hp VSDs for pumps at water and wastewater plants.
• $51,814 to replace ceiling tile, grid, lighting fixtures and HVAC grilles/diffusers in the accounting area and new diffusers and lighting fixtures for the court room.
• $3,125 to remove and replace the 10-inch plug valve at the wastewater treatment plant.
• $4,200 for the initial inspection and evaluation of the Sluice Gate at the wastewater treatment plant.
   There were also change orders for credits of $4000 and $8400 for insurance credits.
   Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel was authorized to petition Erie County Board of Elections to allow consolidation of voting districts for Primary Election Day, September 13. The cost-saving effort would provide for all the opening of all polling places, but consolidate election districts thereby reducing the number of election inspectors and voting machines per location.
   Final plat approval of Hidden Oaks – Phase 2 (10 lots) was referred to the Planning Board following a public hearing at which developer Randon Hillock and Jim Dinsmore spoke in favor of the project. Hillock talked about the benefits of the project including the increased tax base and additional jobs, and how the Hidden Oaks subdivision had provided thousands of dollars for improvements at Buckhorn State Park.
   A request to close a portion of Park Place for a block party on August 7 from 1:30-8 p.m. was approved after a public hearing at which no one spoke.
   In other business, the board:
• Re-approved final plat for Majestic Woods Subdivision – Phase 2 and the map cover for Fairway Greens of River Oaks Phase II – Cluster 18.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Hakin Hawramee as principal engineer assistant.
• Announced the hiring of Robert Westfall of Staley Road as Assistant Municipal Engineer at $24.75 per hour effective August 22.
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Joan James, part-time employee at the Senior Center and authorized advertising for her replacement.
• Granted a special use renewal for National Fuel Gas to operate a natural gas regulator/metering station at 1589 Stony Point Road.
• Approved the selling back of four weeks vacation time for David Stamler, a Highway Dept. employee.




Blue Star Service Banners For Families Of Active Military Personnel - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, August 1, 2005 . . .The American Legion Post 1346 is providing Blue Star Service Banners to be displayed in a window, or inside the home of a person currently serving in the Armed Forces. The banner is free for families of a service person who is deployed overseas and connected to Grand Island through home, school, etc. The cloth banners, blue star on a white field with a red border, are available by calling Dave Birt at 773-5300 or Shorty Vanthoff at 773-7915.
   The banner was designed and patented by a World War I Army officer in 1917 and became widely used on the home front in both World War I and World War II. The American Legion rekindled this program in 2001.
   More than one star may appear on the banner, each star representing an active duty service person in the family. A Gold Star commemorates the supreme sacrifice (one who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Workplaces, organizations and institutions may also display banners to honor their members called to serve in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, active Reserve components and National Guard.




Town Adopts Waterfront Consistency Review Law - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, August 1, 2005 . . . In order to provide a framework for agencies of the town to consider policies and purposes contained in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for possible projects that impact the shoreline, the Town Board, Monday, adopted the Waterfront Consistency Review Law. The unanimous vote followed a public hearing at which no one spoke in favor or against the law.
   The intent of the law is to ensure a proper balance between the preservation of natural resources and the need to accommodate population growth and economic development in coastal areas.
   Listed below are 18 guidelines that would impact any projects or actions along the Grand Island shoreline:
1. Revitalize the deteriorated and underutilized waterfront areas of the Island.
2. Retain and promote commercial and recreational water-dependent uses.
3. Ensure that development occurs where adequate public infrastructure is available to reduce health and population hazards.
4. Expedite permit procedures trough coordinated actions and incorporation of new regulations within existing procedures.
5. Protect significant and locally important fish and wildlife habitats from human disruption and chemical contamination.
6. Minimize flooding and erosion hazards through non-structural means, carefully selected, long-term structural measures and appropriate citing of structures.
7. Safeguard economic, social and environmental interests in the coastal area when major actions are undertaken.
8. Maintain and improve public access to the shoreline and to water-related recreational facilities while protecting the environment.
9. Protect and restore historic and archeological resources.
10. Protect and upgrade scenic resources.
11. Site and construct energy facilities in a manner which will be compatible with the environment and contingent upon the need for a waterfront or water location.
12. Prevent ice management practices which could damage significant fish and wildlife and their habitat.
13. Prepare for the onshore impacts of exploration, extraction, transportation and storage of oil and gas that may be discovered.
14. Protect surface and groundwater from direct and indirect storage of pollutants and from overuse.
15. Perform dredging and place dredge spoil in a manner protective of natural resources.
16. Handle and dispose of solid and hazardous wastes and effluent in a manner which will not adversely affect the environment.
17. Protect air quality.
18. Protect freshwater wetlands.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - August 1, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes August 1 Meeting.




Invitrogen Corporate Volunteer Day Helps Colonial Drive Playgound and Nike Base - July 2005
    
Left photo: Grace Kulikowski (left) and Mary Kneer - Center photo: J.J. Krieger (left) and Phil Wendt from Young Life - Right photo: From left, Curt Mancuso, Stephanie Young and Dedric Johnson of Invitrogen
    
Jodi Robinson Photos - Click for larger view
   Grace Kulikowski and Mary Kneer were very excited and splattered with paint as their pet project started to come together, Thursday morning, July 28, 2005. The girls wrote a letter to Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon earlier in the year requesting help fixing up their neighborhood park, the Colonial Drive playground. Around the same time, Invitrogen employees contacted the Town Hall to see if there were any Town projects which they could work on as part of their Corporate Global Volunteer Day. Timing is everything and this was a perfect match. Volunteers spent the morning spreading new mulch under the playground equipment, weeding, painting numerous items including benches, picnic tables, swing sets, an awning and the soccer goals. Members of Young Life were also recruited to help at the park.
   The day began at 9 a.m. at the Nike base for breakfast. While most of the volunteers headed to the Colonial Drive playground, others stayed behind and painted the recreation building. Everyone met back at the Nike Base for lunch provided by Town Recreation Department employees. Many thanks to Invitrogen Corporation for spending the day improving our island!




Town Board Meeting Agenda - August 1, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #14 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2005 in the Town Hall. Click for August 1 Meeting Agenda.





TOWN OF GRAND ISLAND ASSISTANT MUNICIPAL ENGINEER
Posted July 20, 2005
   The Town of Grand Island is seeking a qualified individual for an opening in the Engineering Department. Minimum qualifications include Bachelor’s degree in Engineering plus a minimum of three years satisfactory experience in Engineering, one of which must have been in a supervisory capacity. Starting salary is $24.75/hr.
   Interested persons should submit a detailed resume to Town Engineer, John Whitney, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, N.Y. 14072. Preference may be granted to Grand Island residents. Applications received by 1 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2005 will be considered.
   For additional information, contact Mr. Whitney at (716) 773-9600, ext. 629.




Town Recognizes Eagle Scouts - 2005
By Joelle Logue

Shown from left are Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, Eagle Scout Anthony Albano, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Louis Albano, Lori Albano (Scouts' mother), Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.

Shown from left are Councilmen Dan Robillard and Gary Roesch, Mark Mertz (father of Elliot), Supervisor Peter McMahon, Eagle Scout Elliot Mertz, Janice Mertz, Councilmen Mary Cooke and Dick Crawford.
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for a larger view.
   Monday, July 18, 2005 . . .The Town Board, Monday, handed out proclamations citing the accomplishments of three Eagle Scouts, the most Supervisor Peter McMahon remembered ever recognized by the Town Board at one meeting. Those attaining the esteemed rank were all members of Troop 652 that is sponsored by St. Andrew’s Church and the Holy Name Society.
   Brothers Anthony and Louis Albano chose painting to accomplish their Eagle Scout projects. Anthony painted the outside of the Golden Age Center while Louis painted fire hydrants. Elliot Mertz chose as his Eagle Scout project the revitalization of the Nature Trail at Beaver Island State Park. All were thanked for their community service.




Town Board Action
Public Hearings Set For August 1 - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, July 18, 2005 . . .Three public hearings will kick off the first Town Board meeting in August. One will be on Local Law Intro #3 designed to assure that the agencies of the Town consider policies and purposes of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program when reviewing projects in the coastal area.
   A second will concern final plat approval of Hidden Oaks Subdivision – Phase 2 (10 lots) on Oakridge Road off of Fix Road, and a third is to hear comment on closing a portion of Park Place for a block party scheduled for August 7 from 1:30 to 8 p.m. The public hearings will take place Monday, August 1 at 8 p.m.
   A public hearing concerning the rezoning of Paul Long’s property at 359 East River Road from B-2 to R-1E so he can convert a boat house into a residence received only positive comment from Sharon Nichols. Additional support in the form of letters from Dr. Jan Errick, Rebecca Roche, and David and Barbara Birt were entered into the record. The matter was referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.
   Approved Monday was the proposed lighting and the revised configuration of Fuccillo’s Hyundai dealership. A new plan is to expand the 30,780 sq. ft. building to 40,900 sq ft. by expanding the rear service bays, along with a possible second floor for a total of 45,550 sq. ft. building. The existing Chevrolet dealership will relocate to this building and Hyundai will take over the Chevrolet building. Also new lighting will limit reflection of light into the atmosphere and surrounding residential areas. The Town Board granted the plan subject to approval of the landscaping design.
   Preliminary re-approval of Island Landings located between Baseline, Bush and Ferry roads and the South State Parkway was granted. It involves the development of 29 acres into eight lots of three acres minimum. A previously proposed plan provided for 140 ft. wide lots that proved to be unmarketable.
   Also re-approved were map covers for Spicer Creek Townhouses – Parcel P.
   A resolution to purchase three additional Ethernet Hand Readers (time clocks), three communication switches for phone line installation and a one-year maintenance package from Victor Liberator Time Systems was approved by the board. The three additional bio-metric hand readers will make nine in all as six were previously purchased and are in the process of being installed. These improvements to the computer and communication systems have enhanced the town’s server system and customized software to the town’s needs. Currently, Internet lines are being upgraded to either DSL or Cable at all town facilities.
   During a workshop prior to the Town Board meeting, it was decided that Town Employee Appreciation Day (a picnic lunch hosted by the Town Board) would be held Thursday, August 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   In other business, the board:
• Approved Change Order #9 to the wastewater treatment plant improvements for additional work the contractor provided in regards to sewage pumps for a net increase of $24,067.43.
• Awarded the bid for Highway Garage parking lot reconstruction to Louis Del Prince & Sons, Inc. at a cost of $163,300.25.
• Authorized a request to advertise for bids on Master Lift Station modifications (force main replacement and pump station rehabilitation) with bids to be opened on Wednesday, August 10 at 10 a.m.
• Renewed a special use permit as a Tower Permit for Cingular Wireless for its cellular antenna on the existing water tower at 85 Carl Road.
• Authorized the supervisor to file the necessary paperwork to create the position of payroll clerk and to request the Grand Island resident Civil Service list.




Residents Urged To Help Stop Spread Of Loosestrife - 2005
  
Click photos for larger view
   Members of Grand Island's Commission for the Conservation of the Environment are removing purple loosestrife from Woods Creek in the Town Common. Blooms should be cut, bagged and placed in the garbage to prevent the spread of this invasive plant. Clockwise from left: Jim Tomkins, Ed Standora, Paul Leuchner, Dorothy Westhafer, Mark Lazeration, Sam Akinbami and Rochelle Smith. Smaller group clockwise from left: Joanne Carr, Jim Tomkins, Paul Leuchner and Rochelle Smith.
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, July 18, 2005 . . .Isle residents are asked to help stop the spread of Loosestrife, a plant that degrades wetlands. Despite its pretty, purple-pink spikes, this Asiatic, invasive plant advances rapidly, destroying wetlands that songbirds, reptiles and other aquatic species rely on for survival. Loosestrife’s roots are extensive and create a dense web that chokes out other plant life. Once the flower petals drop from the bottom of the spike, new seeds are already forming.
   It is best to bend spikes over a plastic bag and cut into the bag thus preventing any petals from reaching the ground. After that, residents are advised to cut stems to the ground or preferably pull them out by the root ball.




Engineering Department To Be Renamed, New Position Created - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, July 19, 2005 . . .With the position of Director of Water/Wastewater currently vacant and management responsibilities currently handled by senior plant operators and working crew chiefs, the Town Board, Monday, approved creating a new position, Assistant Municipal Engineer at a starting salary of $24.75 an hour.
   The board also changed the name of the Engineering Department to Department of Engineering and Water Resources thus transferring the water and wastewater management responsibilities from the Water/Wastewater Director to the newly named department.
   The new Assistant Municipal Engineer will be hired from the current Grand Island Resident Civil Service list. In the absence of a resident list, the town engineer is authorized to advertise, interview and hire someone for the new position.




Lunch At Nike Base Will Reward Invitrogen’s Volunteer Efforts - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Monday, July 19, 2005 . . . As part of Invitrogen’s Global Volunteer Day July 28th, 60 to 150 employees have offered to help make improvements to the Colonial Park playground. Among the tasks to be taken on are removing graffiti, cleaning up a ditch, replacing a sign, planting grass and flowers and fixing up a tree house.
   This community service project is much appreciated and the Town Board approved providing refreshments at the Nike Base for the volunteers during a workshop held prior to the Town Board meeting on Monday.




Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - July 5, 2005
   Click for Approved Minutes July 5 Meeting.




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - July 18, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes July 18 Meeting.




Town Board Workshop Notice - July 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board Workshop will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005 in the Town Hall Conference Room regarding Zoning Changes.



Seneca Land Claim Appeal Denied - 2005
By Joelle Logue
   Tuesday, July 19, 2005 . . .The United States Court of appeals for the 2nd Circuit denied a petition for a rehearing by the appellants in the Seneca Nation land claim of Grand Island and other islands in the Niagara River. The decision was rendered July 8 and leaves only one final option for the plaintiffs who include the Seneca Nation, the U.S. Department of Justice and others. They can file a petition for Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court that has the sole discretion about whether or not to hear the case.
   "We are certainly very pleased that the Court of Appeals has upheld the decision of the three judge panel. It moves us one step closer to the end of this issue," said Supervisor Peter McMahon who announced the decision at the end of Monday’s Town Board meeting.
   McMahon said in a release issued Monday that the Island "suffered significant economic damage as a direct result of this land claim, and he thanked the people of Grand Island for all their support and to the town board and legal advisors "to fight for what’s right."
   In September 2004, a three-judge panel from the 2nd Circuit upheld the decision of Federal District Court Judge Richard Arcara who dismissed the Seneca Nation land claim filed in the early 1990s.




Town Board Meeting Agenda - July 18, 2005
   A Grand Island Town Board meeting #13 will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2005 in the Town Hall. Click for July 18 Meeting Agenda.




Town Earns Excellent Moody's Investor Services Bond Rating - July 2005
   Moody’s Investor Services, late Tuesday afternoon, notified Town of Grand Island officials that they would be rating an upcoming bond issue as A2. The Moody’s announcement highlighted the Town’s strong financial position which is bolstered by conservative budgeting, demonstrated market access, a manageable debt burden and a stable tax base.
   “This Moody’s rating is the result of an effort by all Town officials and employees to control expenses, find ways to improve service delivery and to do effective long-range planning,” Town Supervisor Peter McMahon said today. “In light of what’s happened recently in other municipalities, everyone should be proud of this accomplishment,” he said.
   “The upcoming bond issue is a consolidation of a number of capital projects which have been temporarily financed with Bond Anticipation Notes. The current bond market pricing makes this the right time to convert temporary financing into long-term permanent bonds,” the Supervisor added.
   Michael Neumeister, a senior vice president and principal with Capital Market Advisors LLC said in an email to the Town, “Great report … in particular the analyst highlighted to me the Town’s conservative budgeting this past year and your strong financial position.”
   “Our Moody’s rating will have a direct and measurable impact on the interest rates which we will have to pay on the bonds. The higher the rating, the lower the interest rate,” Supervisor McMahon said. “Our current A2 rating puts us in the same rating class as many much larger towns such as Lancaster and West Seneca,” he concluded.
   "This A2 rating just indicates all of the hard work and effort that the Grand Island Town Board, staff and employees put into budgeting and controlling costs while giving the taxpayers the services they desire at a reasonable cost," stated Councilman Dan Robillard.
   "I'm most pleased with the A2 bond rating," Councilmember Mary Cooke said today. "This rating did not happen based on one event or a short time frame, but rather constant attention to detail and conservative budgeting over a long period of time. It is the result of Town employees and the Town Board working together to develop efficiencies wherever we can find them. I'm looking forward to continuing this same strategy as we formulate the 2006 budget and continue to work on the capital plan," Mrs. Cooke said.
   "This year's budget process was extremely difficult and still is, not knowing what services the county is going to pass on to the various municipalities," Councilman Gary Roesch said. "Giambria and the legislature have to submit to the control board a 4-year plan by early fall of this year. That will help in determination what our additional expenses will be for 2006," he said. "I would like to thank the department heads for working with the Town Board and understanding our spending concerns and constraints that they had to make. They will more than likely be asked to do the same next year," Councilman Roesch said.
   "As a board member, I have always felt that it is our number one priority and fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayer to prepare and submit a budget and business plan that follows a conservative approach," Councilman Dick Crawford said. "We are responsible for all combined budgets throughout the Town departments at an amount that exceeds 14 million dollars. This conservative approach has allowed us to keep a handle on revenues and appropriations through an open budget process with our department heads. We will continue to watch these dollars and maintain our commitment of providing superior services at the lowest cost," Crawford said.
   Bidding on the bond issue will take place on Thursday, July 14, 2005.





Town Recreation Attendant Part-Time
Posted July 7, 2005
   Town of Grand Island - Reality Cafe is seeking qualified candidates to provide supervision, site management of facility safety standards. A youth center environment schedule includes Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday evenings, 3 to 5 hours per night. Desirable qualifications include a College Degree and experience working with young adults. Mail letter of interest including qualifications to:
Town Supervisor Peter McMahon
2255 Baseline Road
Grand Island, New York 10472
Letters received prior to July 22, 2005 will be considered.




Planning Board Agenda - July 11, 2005 Meeting
   For the Planning Board Meeting Agenda for the 7:30 p.m., Monday, July 11, 2005 meeting, click Planning Board 7/11/05




Unapproved Town Board Meeting Minutes - July 5, 2005
   Click for Unapproved Minutes July 5 Meeting.

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