Objections To Mesmer Hangar Heard
By Joelle Logue
December 16, 2002 . . .Kristine Lavango and Chuck Goris went on record during Monday's town board meeting to object to the proposed 44x49 ft. hangar that is part of a revised site plan to the Mesmer airstrip at 2548 Love Road. Both questioned why the hangar was not part of the original site plan and pointed out that there is already a detached garage and another freestanding storage building on the corner lot. To add a hangar would further devalue nearby property values, Goris insisted.
In a memo to the town board, the town engineer advised that under the current zoning, private airports require a special use permit in a R1-A district and the definition of a private airport includes a "shelter for the maintenance of not more than two aircraft." After some discussion among town board members, attorney Peter Godfrey advised the town board to take no action until the Planning Board considers the revised site plan.
A temporary Certificate of Occupancy was approved for Tops Express. Fulfillment of site plan requirements include 40 ft. of sidewalk, trees, striping on the parking lot and one sewer system test, none of which can be completed until spring.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on Island-wide Zoning Code revisions was adopted 4-1 with Councilman Dan Robillard voting against the FEIS. No comments were made during a public hearing on the 2003 special districts roll and it passed unanimously as published.
Town Engineer John Phillips, who has been with the town for 28 years, announced he will retire December 30. John Whitney will step into his spot January 1. Also filling vacancies are Kevin Koch as the new fire inspector and Michael Braun as wastewater working crew chief. Ten other appointments were tabled due to union negotiations.
Site plans were approved for a 40x36 ft. addition to the rear of the existing building at Marty's Towing, 1741 Baseline Road; a fill permit for Ransom Village Subdivision, and construction of a 1990 linear earth berm at River Oaks on Whitehaven Road across from Spicer Creek Townhouses as long as the berm is topsoiled, graded and seeded.
Subdivision regulations were waived for Lincoln and Barbara Nutting to split a parcel, owned by William Dixon, adjacent to their property at 3722 East River Road. Mr. Dixon's house is located on the river side and the Nuttings are planning to purchase the road side property and to keep the lot separate.
In requests for the town's abandonment of Fourth St., a paper street, the highway superintendent advised the Planning Board that abandonment of approximately 150 ft. of Fourth St. that is directly adjacent to the portion already abandoned will not impact Highway operations. However, the first 50 ft. of Fourth St., measured northerly from Westwood must be retained.
In other business, the board:
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
8:00 a.m. – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2002
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
RE: REORGANIZATION
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD AGENDA – WORKSHOP #46
6:30 P.M. – Monday, December 16, 2002
I MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Labor Negotiations – Update
B. Personnel – Appointments and Promotions
C. Legal Counsel – Advice
II AGENDA REVIEW
III NEW ITEMS
A. People to People – Student Ambassador Funding Request
B. Holiday Greeting – Ad?
C. Parking Restrictions – Vets Park
D. Map Order Form - ?
E. Pesticide Policy – Action?
F. Nike Base Tennis Court Lights
G. Vets Park – Maintenance Building – Costs (Workshop 12/19)
H. Small Business Ass’t. – Advisory Board
I. NYSERDA Water Study – Exec Summary (Workshop 12/19)
J. Fast Track Permitting
IV CONTINUING ITEMS
A. Bonding – Mining/Ponds
B. Update Honor Roll – DeGlopper Monument
C. Drainage
1. Town Wide
2. Neighborhood
D. Sign Ordinance
E. Plumbing Ordinance
F. Town Hall Signs
V ROUNDTABLE
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 23 Date: DECEMBER 16, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: New Apostolic Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Rustowicz
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of December 2, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. 2002 SPECIAL DISTRICTS ASSESSMENT ROLL
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes of Meeting: November 7, 2002
2. Board of Architectural Review - Minutes of Meeting: November 12, 2002
3. Recreation Advisory Board - Minutes of Meetings: August 26, September 30 & October 28, 2002
4. Seneca Nation of Indians v. New York State, et al. - Latest Civil Action 11/22/02
5. Sprint - Notice to Cell Site Landlords
6. Building Permits - November 2002
7. 2003 HEAP Information
8. Golden Age Center - Usage of Facilities and Vehicles for November 2002
9. Planning Board - Minutes of Meeting: November 11, 2002
10. NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation - Veterans Park Grant
Application Denial
11. NYS Unified Court System - Notification of Grant Award for Justice Court
12. American Farmland Trust Publication
13. Erie County Computer Recycle Event
14. Adelphia - Status of Franchise Fee Audit
15. Traffic Safety Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: November 12, 2002
16. Reality Café Attendance Report - November 2002
17. 2003 Cutoff Dates - Submission of Vouchers for Regular Audit
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Monthly Report - November 2002
2. 2002 STOP-DWI Contract Between County of Erie and Town of Grand Island
3. Award Bid - Workman’s Compensation
4. Peace Bridge Project
5. Appointment - Grand Island Police Department
6. Town Engineer Retirement Letter
7. Town Insurance Bids
8. Retirements - Appointments
COUNCILMAN ROBILLARD
9. Resolution Adopting Complaint Form for the Town of Grand Island
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Budget Transfer
PLANNING BOARD
2. Marty’s Towing 1741 Baseline Road - Site Plan Approval Building Addition
3. Lincoln & Barbara Nutting - Exception to Subdivision Regulations for Lot Adjacent to 3772 East River Road
4. Michael Samland 2944 Westwood - Abandonment of Paper Street
5. Bill Torchia 2940 Bedell Road - Abandonment of Paper Street 6. Retirements
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
7. Site Plan Approval - River Oaks Construction of Earth Berm
8. Site Plan Approval - Fill Permit for Ransom Village Subdivision
9. Site Plan Approval - Mesmer 2548 Love Road
10. Town Wide Web Based Geographic Information System
TOWN ENGINEER & TOWN ATTORNEY
11. Adopt FEIS Zoning Code Revisions
TOWN ATTORNEY
12. Majestic Woods Subdivision - Road Dedication
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DOUGLAS LEARMAN
13. Electrical Election
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RAY DLUGOKINSKI
14. Deputy Highway Superintendent’s Retirement
TOWN ACCOUNTANT PAM WHITNEY
15. Budget Amendment Erie County Grant - GI Foundation
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
ROBERT WEAVER
1. Rezoning Objection - East River and Whitehaven
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Cecelia H. Weselak
Alex Szur
Mabel E. Sanders
Islanders Pack Peace Bridge Meeting, Impact Vote
By Joelle Logue
December 7, 2002 . . .A strong presence of Grand Island citizens at last Saturday's Peace Bridge meeting held in WNED-TV studios changed the public ranking of new Peace Bridge locations. This was the fourth public workshop in a series scheduled by the Peace Bridge Authority's binational review. The Island coalition, some 200 strong, was vocal and emphatic about the fact Islanders do not want the new bridge near the town. Keeping the bridge in its current location ranked first after Saturday while one of the International Railroad Bridge alternatives was second.
Registered for the public hearing were 719 people and many took the ranking forms home to complete. Thus, the voting from Saturday's meeting is incomplete and mailed in forms will be accepted if they are postmarked by December 17, 2002. Final results will be available on the web site www.PeaceBridgeX.com
In commenting on the meeting, Supervisor Peter A. McMahon said, "The entire town board was very pleased with the turn out and results of the voting." He applauded the efforts of citizen groups from West River, the Oakfield area, Towerwood-Bronson area and Ferry Village. Also Quality Quest, the Chamber of Commerce and the Buffalo Launch Club had a positive impact on Saturday's meeting.
A core group of Islanders led by Paul Leuchner, Mary Beth Bush, Margaret Conway, Liz Lutnick and John Sobol worked tirelessly for the past week getting flyers distributed and answering questions about the proposals. A speaker's meeting held December 5 at Town Hall, with 80 people in attendance, prepared everyone for Saturday's meeting and provided detailed information on sites and impacts.
McMahon further indicated that a pro-active group of Islanders will be paying close attention to the process and keeping others informed about bridge plans that might effect the Island. Though organizers of the review process indicated that plans involving Grand Island had been removed from the selection process weeks ago, McMahon said those sites are still listed on the Peace Bridge Authority's web site.
Upcoming meetings with Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, County Legislator Chuck Swanick and the Consultant Team are planned and another town meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 7 p.m. for all interested. Also, public hearings to garner more public input are planned by the Peace Bridge Authority with the next workshop to be held in late January 2003 or early February.
Tonawanda Citizens Join GI Quality Quest To Combat Bridge
The Citizens for a Green Tonawanda (CGNT) have joined forces with Quality Quest to combat the ill conceived notion of putting bridges on Grand Island or in the environmentally sensitive areas south of Grand Island. Their website contains a great deal of information so I would recommend that you consider establishing a link to their site. Here is their address: Citizens for a Green Tonawanda
Letters Offer Insight To Peace Bridge Proposals
Dec. 11, 2002. . .The following letters have been written by Island resident Paul Leuchner, US Army Corps of Engineers, who offers much knowledge and insight into the Peace Bridge Expansion Project in relationship to Grand Island.
Click the following titles:
Buffalo News: “Peace Bridge Site Selection Process Imperils Strawberry Island”
Island Dispatch: "Schimminger's Folly"
First Grand Island Public Meeting: Letter of Comment Presented at the First Grand Island Public Meeting on the Peace Bridge Expansion Project
Letter, Workshop #4: Letter of Comment to be Entered into the Official Record for Collaborative Workshop #4
Island Dispatch: “Islander’s Working for the Common Good”
December 2002 Peace Bridge Meetings
Island residents holding a ballot for the Peace Bridge expansion project may attend a meeting in Town Hall 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2002 to have any questions about filling out the ballot answered. Interested Island residents may also attend a Peace Bridge expansion project meeting in Town Hall 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17 when a process will be formed on how to proceed with future information on the project.
Peace Bridge Meeting Update - Dec. 8, 2002 Article
Bridge Debate - Grand Island Residents Vote, Changing Site Rankings
By LOU MICHEL
Click Bridge Debate.
Planning Board Meeting Agenda
The Grand Island Planning Board will meet in the Town Hall Conference Room at 7:30 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2002. Click Planning Board for complete agenda.
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
3:15 P.M. – Thursday., December 19, 2002
Town Hall Conference Room
Re: Water Department NYSERDA Study
Veterans Park Maintenance Building
Peace Bridge Alert
Click for full view of map.Island residents should be aware that powerful special interest groups are pushing five alternative sites for a new Peace Bridge with significant negative impacts on our community. A bus or buses will leave town hall at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2002 whereby Island residents needing a ride will be transported to the Public Vote taking place at the WNED Studios. Bus transportation is limited and those interested are asked to call 773-9600 ext. 616 by Wednesday, December 4 at 5 p.m.
A group of residents working to educate other residents has listed the following as reasons to vote against locating the Peace Bridge as shown on the map: higher taxes, air & noise pollution, traffic congestion, lower property values, major roads closed, neighborhoods isolated, homes condemned, significant environmental harm, a billion dollars of excess costs, increased public safety risks, and traffic jams at South Bridge. Please scroll down for more information. Click for More Maps.
Buffalo News Article - Dec.7
Islanders Urged to Attend Peace Bridge Meeting
By Joelle Logue
December 2, 2002 . . .Supervisor Peter McMahon and Councilwoman Mary Cooke reminded Islanders Monday that there will be an important meeting regarding the various Peace Bridge plans being considered on Saturday, December 7 at WNED Studios. The public will have an opportunity to vote on five out of 30 alternate sites being recommended for further consideration. Two of the plans negatively impact Grand Island.
Grand Island Plan I, according to McMahon, has a bridge crossing the east Niagara River near the Buffalo Launch Club. A six lane road will link with the Parkway through East Oakfield and cross the river into Canada. Also planned is a huge truck facility on the Island with the whole project taking $15 to $20 million off the tax base.
Grand Island Plan II will result in an additional 7,000 trucks on the South Grand Island Bridge daily. Both plans would devastate the Island by causing traffic jams, lowering property values, increasing public safety risks including air and noise pollution, elevating taxes plus much more. Thus, Islanders are urged to arrive at WNED (next to Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo) before 8 a.m. as seating will be limited and vote for the following: EBNP-1, EPEP-1, EBEP-2, EBNP-2 and EBXP-1, all of which exclude Grand Island in the planning process.
To prepare for Saturday's meeting, Islanders are invited to Town Hall Thursday, Dec, 5 at 7 p.m. More information is also available on the Internet: http://darius.pce.net/bridgealert/ and http://www.grand-island.ny.us. Anyone in need of a ride to Saturday's meeting in Buffalo is asked to call Supervisor McMahon at 773-9600, Ext. 616 by 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2002.
Fire Company Contract Approved, Hear New EPA Rules
By Joelle Logue
December 2, 2002 . . .Hearing no public comment on the 2003 Fire Company contract, the town board, Monday, authorized the supervisor to sign the contract that will begin January 1 and end December 31, 2003. The Fire Company will receive $673,500 for services including answering all fire and first calls, providing 911 service and maintaining all fire equipment.
Supervisor Peter McMahon announced that the US EPA has adopted new and comprehensive rules regarding stormwater system cleaning and maintenance programs, pollution control programs including construction sites and public education programs. Research for funding the new rules through establishment of a town-wide special district for drainage will be done by the town attorney who will work with the town engineer and highway superintendent. A report is due back to the town board after January 1, 2003.
A public hearing has been set for 8 p.m. Monday, December 16 on the Special Districts Assessment Roll which can be inspected at the Town Hall.
The town board voted to spend $5,315 to prevent computer viruses from disrupting operations. This will involve the purchase and installation of an Exchange Server with software and backup. The money will come out of the Computer Budget line that has an available balance of $8,400.
Due to the fact Water Superintendent John Martin has retired, the town board referred some emergency plans and vulnerability assessments that need to be completed to the wastewater superintendent. Involved is re-doing the Emergency Response Plan, publishing public notices for two consecutive weeks the plan is available for review and comment, and file a copy with the NYS Dept. of Health marked "Confidential" by December 31.
In other business, the board:
Veterans Park Priorities and Parking Discussed
By Joelle Logue
December 2, 2002 . . .Town Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, in a memo to the town board, wrote that parking is a high priority need in Veterans Park and hopes the parking can be addressed with the $50,000 enhancement grant from the state. She also requested that the town board approve "No Parking" along Veterans Park and Island drives for safety reasons. The town board will hear comments on the banning of parking along the road leading to the parking areas 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2003.
Other priorities listed by Tufillaro, in addition to the parking area with drainage and receivers, curbs and landscaping were as follows: a new softball diamond including backstop, dug outs, fencing and landscaping; bridges over Woods Creek and creek bank enhancement. Listed as future projects were a trail within park boundaries and additional leisure facilities such as skate park, bocce ball, etc.
The town board, Monday, also referred to the town accountant a request from Tufillaro to establish an account line for the purpose of holding funds for the aesthetic development of Veterans Park. Withdrawals from this line item would be limited to visual amenities such as planning and design, plants, trees, signs, pots, etc. The monies for this account line would come from donations and fees that are collected from park users such as the fee that Little League pays for the concession stand and donations from individuals, businesses and civic organizations.
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD AGENDA – WORKSHOP #45 6:30 P.M. – Mon., December 2, 2002
I CODE ENFORCEMENT CONCERNS
II AGENDA REVIEW
A. Personnel - Appointment at Golden Age
B. Exchange Server
III NEW ITEMS A. Procurement – Update
B. Pesticide Policy (Proposal)
C. Majestic Woods – Conservation Easement
D. Chamber of Commerce – Citizen of the Year – Ad and Nomination
E. Assessor’s Office – Staffing
F. Nike Base Tennis Courts – Lights
G. Reality Café – Request for Larger Space
H. Veteran’s Park – Maintenance Building – Cost Estimates
I. Fuccillo – Balloons on Cars
J. Coalition for Women’s Appointments
K. Small Business Assistance Center Advisory Board
L. NYSERDA Study – Executive Summary
M. Employment – Residency Requirement
IV CONTINUING ITEMS
A. Bonding – Mining/Ponds
B. Update Honor Roll – DeGlopper Monument
C. Drainage
1. Town Wide
2. Neighborhood
D. Sign Ordinance
E. Plumbing ordinance
F. Town Hall Signs
V ROUNDTABLE
Peace Bridge Proposals Could Mean Disaster For Island
Local Peace Bridge Meeting Fills Court Room
Dan McMahon Photo
By Teddy Linenfelser
Peace Bridge alternatives, which could drastically affect Grand Island, were discussed at a well attended meeting in the Town Hall courtroom Tuesday evening (Nov. 26, 2002). Also reviewed was a long list of other proposed sites which span an area from Lake Erie to the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Ontario. All international truck traffic that now crosses the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, or the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge will be diverted to whatever site is chosen.
Alternative GI-1 will enter the Island from the West River at West Oakfield Road and cross slightly north to the East River in the area of the Buffalo Launch Club/Towerwood Road area. Alternative GI-1 proposes a new highway connection across the southern portion of Grand Island and would impact relatively dense residential development, and a portion of Beaver Island State Park. This alternative could also result in a new US Plaza to be located on the abandoned Tonawanda Coke Plant site in Tonawanda, which has known contamination and is considered a brownfield site. The new Canadian Plaza would be located in a rural-residential portion of the Town of Fort Erie. 
Alternative GI-2 will enter the Island from West River somewhere between Love and Staley roads. Alternative GI-2 proposes a new I-190 Interchange and US Plaza in an undeveloped portion of the Town of Grand Island surrounded by residential and recreational (Park) uses. The new Canadian Plaza would be located in the southern, rural part of the City of Niagara Falls.The Peace Bridge Authority will hold a public vote on the proposed Peace Bridge sites, including those on or near Grand Island, at WNED Studios in Buffalo on December 7, 2002 between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There is limited seating capacity, therefore Island residents are encouraged to be at WNED Studios, 140 Lower Terrace, Buffalo by 8 a.m. A presentation of the proposed sites will be made, followed by a public comment period and the selection by ballot of five sites for further consideration.
Here are three other alternatives that exist slightly farther south in the Niagara River.
Click Here PeaceBridge.com or Bridge Alert for further information.
For Buffalo News coverage of the Nov. 26, 2002 meeting, click News Story.
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 22 Date: DECEMBER 2, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: Bible Presbyterian Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Rustowicz
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of November 18, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. GRAND ISLAND FIRE COMPANY CONTRACT
CONSENT AGENDA
1. New York Power Authority Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2216
2. Grand Island Youth Advisory Board Minutes of Meeting: October 1, 2002
3. Grand Island Traffic Safety Advisory Board Minutes of Meeting: October 8, 2002
4. Erie County Environmental Management Council 2002 State of the Environment Report
5. Grand Island Central School District Girls Soccer Team State Championship Competition
6. NYS Assemblyman Robin Schimminger- Proposed Changes AEMT Paramedics Training
7. NYS Assemblyman Sam Hoyt - CCAP Grant for Veterans Park
8. Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc. - SPDES Permit
9. NYS Assemblyman Richard Smith - Local Share Seneca Nation Casino Revenue
10. Reality Café: November 2002 Attendance
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
EPA Stormwater Rules
Computer Security
Erie County Personnel - Creation of Position: Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator
Erie County Division of Highways Snow Removal and Ice Control Contract 2000-2005
NYS Department of Public Service - Meeting re Adelphia Cable Communications
Adelphia - Commercial Business Rate Change
Appoint Full-Time Recreation Attendant at Golden Age Center
COUNCILMAN CRAWFORD
8. Garden Parkway Drainage
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN ASSESSOR DAVID UNMACK
Set Public Hearing for Special Districts Assessment Roll
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RAYMOND DLUGOKINSKI
Employee Retirement
3. New Hire
RECREATION DIRECTOR LINDA TUFILLARO
4. Part Time Winter Hire
Hire Recreation Attendant
Veterans Park Enhancement Project
Division for Youth Reimbursement
Parking - Veterans Park Area
Creating Account of Funds for Aesthetic Development of Veterans Park
ENRICHMENT & REFERRAL CENTER
Letter of Resignation
REALITY CAFE
Leave of Absence
WATER SUPERINTENDENT JOHN MARTIN
12. Emergency Plans and Vulnerability Assessments
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
LINCOLN AND BARBARA NUTTING
Exception to Subdivision Regulations - Vacant Lot Adjacent to 3722 East River Road
ANDREW T. CONTA
2. Removal of U.S. Postal Collection Boxes
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Highway Superintendent - Advertise For Bids for New 2003 Warner Swasey Gradall and New 2003 Mobile Road Sweeper
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Bernice Ciszek
John ‘Jack’ Costanzo
Marjorie (Blackmore) Gilmore
Margaret M. Ragnar
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2002 - 3:15 PM
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
Pay Raises Are Cut To Increase Drainage Improvements
By Joelle Logue
November 18, 2002 . . .The Town Board Monday passed amendments to the budget proposed by the three Republicans. A resolution by Council Kevin Rustowicz to cut the tax rate by 10 percent failed to garner any support and was solidly criticized by other town board members for lacking a plan to make the cuts. It was the same resolution made by Rustowicz last year.
The amendments brought forth by Dick Crawford, Mary Cooke and Dan Robillard will not change the proposed budget rate but instead give additional funds to the Drainage Improvements Program. An increase of $25,000 for drainage will come from eliminating a 2.5% pay raise across the board and eliminating a proposed increase in part time help for the town clerk's office. It also cut the town's legal fees by $10,000 and excluded the Youth Advisory Board line item of $1350 due to the fact the board did not submit a budget on time.
In commenting on the budget, Crawford said "conservative approaches over the past years have kept fund balances at adequate levels to prevent double-digit tax increases and that increases in the town tax rate have been minimal since 1994."
Next year's budget for general and highway has a combined tax rate of $4.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, an increase of 4.6 percent over this year. There is a 10.4 percent decrease in the water budget and water rates remain the same at $2.45 per 1,000 gallons used. The sewer budget also shows a decrease, 10.5 percent with sewer rates staying the same at $3.70 per 1,000 gallons. The garbage and refuse fund is $715,000, up a $1 from this year, and lighting is $154,043.
The 2003 budget includes double-digit increases in health care and insurance. The increase in the pension fund contribution could top $300,000 due to poor stock market performance. The assessed value of Grand Island homes is about 62 percent of fair market value.
Committees Formed, Fire Company Budget Hearing Set
By Joelle Logue
November 18, 2002 . . .Supervisor Peter McMahon announced Monday that a Supervisor's Committee on Citizens' Corps will be formed and would include several pieces and be a self-help community guide for preparedness in case of a widespread disaster. Among the pieces is a Neighborhood Watch system already partially in place in the community, a Medical Reserve Corps, and a Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) which would guide individuals to help themselves. Citizen volunteers with military and police expertise would also be called upon to assist in times of an emergency when surrounding communities are also affected by a disaster involving Western New York as a whole. Interested citizens are asked to contact the supervisor and a preliminary meeting date will be announced at the next town board meeting.
Another committee to address Peace Bridge location plans will formally be put in place to deal with the Peace Bridge Authority as it considers sites for a new international bridge. Several citizens are already actively involved and others are invited to join. A meeting will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at Town Hall and all are invited to come and participate in strategies. Councilwoman Mary Cooke and Supervisor Peter McMahon reminded residents that consultants will be meeting on bridge plans Saturday, December 7, 2002 at WNED Studios and urged Islanders to be there to vote down proposals that impact Grand Island.
A public hearing on the 2003 Fire Company Contract will take place at the next town board meeting, 8 p.m. Monday, December 2. The Fire Company budget is $673,500 to be paid quarterly by the town and the money will be used for the maintenance and upkeep of its fire-fighting equipment. The Fire Company will respond to all fire and first aid calls and operate a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) as part of the Erie County E-911 system. In addition, the town will be named as additional insured under the Fire Company's insurance policy and the fire company will maintain liability insurance in the amount of $6 million.
Special use permits were renewed for a construction yard operated by John Lexo at 2527 Bedell Road, the keeping of five horses by Shirley Schultz at 2661 Fix Road, and the keeping of a horse by Robert Luthringer at 2723 Staley Road.
A revised site plan for a recreational pond expansion by Gary Halliwell at 1925 Bedell Road was approved provided the pond did not exceed .33 acres and with the understanding that the work would be subject to inspection by the building department and that safety postings would be installed.
Site plan approval was given for proposed berms at River Oaks Golf Course on Whitehaven Road and a revised site plan for VIP Pharmaceuticals' expanded parking lot was given the green light with modifications to the storm drainage detention facility, added trees and concrete gutters.
In other business, the board:
Peace Bridge Meeting Tuesday
An open meeting will be held in Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 to discuss the Peace Bridge alternatives, which effect Grand Island. The meeting will discuss the Peace Bridge staff recommendations for alternate sites on or near the Island.
This meeting will continue to develop strategy for the December 7th public vote on the thirty alternate sites including those on or near Grand Island. The public is encouraged to attend to get the facts.
IMMEDIATE OPENING
Town of Grand Island Clerk Typist - Part-Time
Nov. 21, 2002. . . The Town of Grand Island is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Clerk Typist part-time in the Enrichment and Referral Department nineteen hours per week. You must possess a high school diploma and be proficient in Word and Excel. Starting salary is $8.00/ hr. A letter of interest including qualifications to:
Kim Auger
Enrichment & Referral Department
2255 Baseline Road
Grand Island, N.Y. 14072
Letter received prior to December 6, 2002 will be considered.
IMMEDIATE OPENING
Town of Grand Island Recreation Attendant - Part Time
Nov. 21, 2002. . .The Town of Grand Island - Reality Café is seeking qualified candidates to provide supervision, site management and maintenance of facility safety standards. A youth center environment schedule includes five hours per week on Friday and/or Saturday evening. Desirable qualifications include a college degree and experience working with young adults. Starting pay is $6.02/hr. A letter of interest including qualifications to:
Town Supervisor Peter McMahon
2255 Baseline Road
Grand Island, N.Y. 14072
Letters received prior to December 6th will be considered.
Peace Bridge Expansion Project Update -
Over 100 Residents Attend Meeting
The following has been provided by Supervisor Peter A. McMahon, following the public meeting of November 13, 2002.
Approximately 100 people, mostly residents of Grand Island, filled the courtroom at Town Hall on Thursday (Nov. 13, 2002) evening to hear a presentation on plans for expansion of the Peace Bridge. The meeting, which was arranged by the Grand Island Town Board, brought the Peace Bridge consultants to the Island to review the five proposals which impact Grand Island and to answer questions from the public.
Vincent P. "Jake" Lamb, Peace Bridge expansion project manager, reviewed the five proposed sites on or near Grand Island. Two of the proposals actually cross the Island while the remaining three cross the Niagara River near the south tip of the Island, in the vicinity of Strawberry Island. During his presentation, Lamb acknowledged a meeting with Grand Island officials last July during which a number of significant objections and issues were raised. He also displayed a copy of a resolution, adopted by the Grand Island Town Board, which formally requested that the consultants drop any consideration of the five sites. As a result of the Town Board's opposition, Lamb said that they would not be recommending either of the two sites that actually cross the Island.
More than a dozen people spoke in opposition to one or more of the five sites. It was clear from the public comments, that there are significant environmental issues with each of the five sites. In the case of the two proposed Grand Island sites, the concerns included traffic, noise, pollution, access issues, property values, security issues, wetland disturbance and various impacts to the habitat in the East branch of the Niagara River near Strawberry Island. A number of significant environmental concerns were raised for the three sites South of Grand Island. The major issues involved nesting and migratory birds including the largest rookery for Blue Heron in the State of New York, internationally recognized spawning grounds for muskellunge, along with all of the issues which were previously mentioned.
Sometime next week, the Peace Bridge consultants will release a staff report which will include their recommendations on which site should be given further study. Copies of the staff report will be available on the Peace Bridge expansion project website, www.PeaceBridgeX.com. The report should be available on or about November 20, 2002.
The next step in the process will be a meeting on Saturday, December 7, 2002 when public participants will be voting to select five final sites for further consideration. Among the voters' choices will be the two sites on Grand Island and the three sites immediately south of the Island. Concerned residents have already begun working to make sure that Islanders attend the meeting and cast their votes. In the past, public participation at the Peace Bridge expansion meetings has averaged around 200 people per meeting. Organizers hope to have at least that many Grand Island residents in attendance on December 7.
A committee has been formed to coordinate efforts to keep the Peace Bridge off Grand Island. Anyone interested in serving on this committee or who can attend the meeting on December 7 is asked to contact any member of the Town Board. Residents can send an email to townboard@gand-island.ny.us or call 773-9600, ext. #616 and are asked to provide their name and phone number.
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 21 Date: NOVEMBER 18, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: St. Timothy Lutheran Church
PLEDGE: Councilwoman Cooke
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
PROCLAMATIONS:
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of November 4, 2002 Town Board Meeting of November 6, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M. NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. New York State Police - Click It or Ticket Campaign Support
2. Building Permits - October 2002
3. Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes of Meeting: October 3, 2002
4. Golden Age Center - Usage of Vehicles and Facilities for October 2002
5. Animal Control Statistics - September and October 2002
6. Planning Board - Minutes of Meeting: October 14, 2002
7. CTC Progress Report
8. Board of Architectural Review - Minutes of Meeting: October 14, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Adopt 2003 Budget
2. Formation of a Supervisor’s Committee on Citizen Corps
3. Grand Island Fire Company Contract - Set Public Hearing
4. Appoint Temporary Senior Water Plant Operator
5. Empire State Games 2003
COUNCILMAN RUSTOWICZ
6. Resolution for 2003 Property Tax Reduction
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewals:
A. John C. Lexo 2527 Bedell Road - Construction Yard
B. Shirley Schultz 2661 Fix Road - Five (5) Horses
C. Robert Luthringer 2723 Staley Road - Keeping of One (1) Horse
PLANNING BOARD
2. Revised Site Plan - Gary Halliwell 1925 Bedell Road for Recreational Pond Expansion
3. Site Plan Approval - River Oaks Golf Course 201 & 817 Whitehaven Road
4. Revised Site Plan - VIP Pharmaceuticals 300 Alt Boulevard
5. Site Plan Approval - Fred and Bonnie Albrecht 3510 East River Road
6. Abandonment of Paper Street - Bill Torchia 2940 Bedell Road
TOWN ACCOUNTANT PAM WHITNEY
7. Budget Amendment - Reality Café
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RAY DLUGOKINSKI
8. Employee Position Upgrade
9. New Hire
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
10. Re-approval Majestic Woods Subdivision Phase 1
11. Site Plan Approval - Proposed Building Addition at 1741 Baseline Road
12. P.I.P. for Oakwood Estates at River Oaks
TOWN ATTORNEY
13. Lease Agreement for Grand Island Small Business Assistant Center
WASTEWATER WAYNE CLINTON
14. Authorize to Extend Sludge Hauling Contract
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
MICHAEL A. JUDD
1. Legal Advertisements on Town Web Site
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Gladys (Giering) Sloan
Laura M. Conboy
Barbara J. (Smith) Study
Lewis Frankenfield
Gay Marie (Walker) Macro
Town of Grand Island Advisory Board Openings
The Town of Grand Island may have vacancies on one or more advisory boards in 2003. Advisory boards include Architectural Review Board, Board of Ethics, Cable TV Committee, Commission for Conservation of the Environment, Community Enrichment Council, Economic Development Committee, Historical Preservation Committee, Human Right Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Board, Traffic Safety Advisory Board, Youth Advisory Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Anyone interested in being considered for appointment to a board should submit a letter of interest to:
Supervisor Peter McMahon
Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road
Please include any relevant experience or special talent in the letter. The application deadline is December 6th, 2002. For more information contact any member of the Town Board.
Planning Board Meeting Agenda
The Grand Island Planning Board will meet in the Town Hall Conference Room at 7:30 p.m., Monday, November 11, 2002. Click Planning Board for complete agenda.
2003 Town Budget Approved
November 6, 2002 . . .A public hearing on the proposed 2003 town budget held Wednesday evening, November 6 in Town Hall was attended by town board members, the deputy town clerk and the town attorney only. Supervisor Peter A. McMahon read the following figures for the General Fund:
Total appropriation amount: $4,879,173
Amount to be raised by taxation: $1,556,351
Tax Rate: $2,656 per thousand A. V.
With no one appearing in the affirmative or the negative, the supervisor declared the General Fund budget hearing closed.
All other proposed budget figures were also approved. Click Town Budget 2003 for exact figures.
Public Information Meeting Date: NOVEMBER 14, 2002
A public meeting regarding the Peace Bridge Expansion Project is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2002 in the Grand Island Town Hall Courtroom.
Spending Cap Put In Place Thru End Of Year
By Joelle Logue
November 4, 2002 . . .After much discussion Monday regarding the semantics of a proposed spending cap through December 2002 proposed by Council members Mary Cooke, Dick Crawford and Dan Robillard, the board passed a resolution to have all expenditures over $500 submitted to the supervisor for approval. The action was prompted by uncertainty over an inflated pension fund that the town is facing in 2003, an estimated increase of $250,000 over this year.
An amendment to the resolution by Councilman Kevin Rustowicz called for a freeze on all expenditures and asked that the supervisor provide a report justifying those expenditures he approved. Rustowicz also added that a freeze be put on all hiring with the exception of essential personnel.
The Republicans agreed to the addition of the supervisor's report but were unwilling to freeze all expenditures including hiring. The resolution passed 3-1 with Rustowicz opposing.
Special use renewals were approved for the following: Jennifer Shanor for the keeping of five horses and a barn at 2855 Staley Road; Susan Fadel for three horses at 2773 Love Road; Michael and Judith Schneider for three horses at 1952 Harvey Road; and David Wunsch for two horses at 3072 Stony Point Road.
Sent to the Planning Board for review and recommendation were site plans for proposed berms at River Oaks Golf Course, proposed fill for a lot north of Fred and Bonnie Albrecht's residence at 3510 East River Road, and proposed expansion of a parking lot to allow for 59 new spaces at VIP Pharmaceuticals, 3000 Alt Blvd.
In other business, the board:
Town Employee Evaluation Program Approved
By Joelle Logue
November 4, 2002 . . .Following a year of work developing an employee evaluation form, the town board Monday approved a process to evaluate employees upon completion of evaluator training.
As part of the town's Human Resources policies and procedures, the purpose of the evaluation program is "to insure that each town employee gets advice from an immediate supervisor on how to do a better job and to enable each town employee to discuss with his/her supervisor opportunities to provide a greater contribution and/or areas in which the employee feels more development would be beneficial."
The policy provides that at the end of the probationary period and annually all employees will undergo a performance appraisal conducted by each employee's department head or, for employees who answer directly to the town board, by the board or its designee. These appraisals are designed to give employees a better understanding of what is expected of them and add perspective on how he or she is doing. Development goals and steps to reach these goals are also discussed. Several forms will be used to evaluate an employee's performance on a variety of levels.
Isle Peace Bridge Possibilities Prompt Town Resolution
By Joelle Logue
November 4, 2002 . . .Five plans to position the Peace Bridge on or near Grand Island have prompted the town board to send a strong message to the Bridge Authority in the form of a resolution. Monday the town board stated that any project site on or near the town of Grand Island would involve significant, inescapable and extremely negative consequences for the community and its environment. A resolution urging the Peace Bridge Expansion Project Committee to focus their future selection activities on bridge and plaza designs in and around the alternatives that are closer to Buffalo and the existing Peace Bridge (plans 1 thru 8) was approved unanimously.
The Grand Island locations are secondary to eight primary sites in the design selection process, but the mere possibility of the bridge locating here has town officials and residents concerned that the safety and tranquility of the Island is threatened by these proposals.
Mary Beth Bush of West Oakfield spoke regarding the upcoming meeting with the Bridge Authority slated for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002 at Town Hall. She expressed the importance of Island residents rallying in opposition of any Grand Island bridge plan and hopes to see an overflow crowd in attendance. Councilwoman Mary Cooke also urged residents to attend the fourth workshop on the Peace Bridge proposals set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002 at WNED Studios when a revote will be taken on bridge preferences. Cooke added that she knows there is a healthy contingent of Buffalo residents who are organized and will be on hand to vote for alternative plans to the eight primary selections.
Councilman Dick Crawford, standing in for Supervisor Peter McMahon, suggested that to move the location of the Peace Bridge would obviously cost far more than building a new bridge in the present location.
Advisory Board Members Sought
By Joelle Logue
November 4, 2002 . . .The town board, Monday, authorized the supervisor to advertise for 2003 Advisory Board positions. Those wishing to serve on any of town's advisory boards are asked to send letters of interest to Supervisor Peter McMahon, 2255 Baseline Road by 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 27.
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD AGENDA – WORKSHOP # 38
6:30 P.M. – Monday, November 4, 2002
I MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Personnel Matter
B. Contract Negotiations – Update
C. Legal Matter – Update
II AGENDA REVIEW
III NEW ITEMS
A. Town Board Workshop Schedule – see attached with note
B. Legal Services – RFQ
C. Welcome to Grand Island Signs – Chamber of Commerce Request
D. Nike Base – Tennis Court Lights
E. Small Business Assistance Advisory Board
F. Dunlop Building – Update
G. Garden Parkway Drainage
H. Policies
1. Recreation/Athletic Field Use
2. Water Meter Reading
I. Time Capsule – Location?
IV CONTINUING ITEMS
A. Bonding – Mining/Ponds
B. Update Honor Roll – DeGlopper Monument
C. Drainage
1. Town Wide
2. Neighborhood
D. Sign Ordinance
E. Plumbing Ordinance
F. Town Hall Signs
G. Holiday Decorations – Town Center
H. Citizen Patrol
V ROUNDTABLE
Public Hearing On Proposed 2003 Town Budget Set
By Joelle Logue
October 28, 2002 . . .Grand Island taxpayers will be able to comment on the proposed 2003 town budget during a public hearing scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2002 in Town Hall.
Increases in the proposed general fund budget including a 2.5 percent raise for all town employees, a 16 percent increase in health insurance and a retirement-incentive buyback increase that is budgeted at $300,000 (up $249,000 from this year) result in a proposed 1.6% increase in the total tax rate. The huge increase attributed to retirement is due to the stock market being down, however McMahon says Albany is expecting it to rebound somewhat over the next year. "We will be watching this very closely," McMahon added.
As far as special districts go, the proposed water budget ($2,305,157) shows a decrease of 65 cents and the sewer fund ($2398,755) is recommended at a 55 cent decrease per $1000 of assessed valuation.
The proposed garbage fund, at $715,600, is up 1.8 percent over this year. The lighting budget is set at $140,000, unchanged from last year as is fire protection budgeted at $692,752. Highway is budgeted at $1,656,017.
The town board will hold another budget workshop Friday, Nov. 8, 2002 at 4 p.m. to consider any comments made at Wednesday's public hearing. Click Town Budget 2003 for exact figures.
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 20 Date: NOVEMBER 4, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: Whitehaven Baptist Church
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: Whitehaven Baptist Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Robillard
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of October 21, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M. NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Ottaviano & Sansone, L.L.P. - Proposed Wilson Farms Store at Ransom/Stony Point
2. State University at Albany-2002 Annual Report of Center for Technology in Government
3. DOT to Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation re. Sidewalk Extension of Parkway
4. Minutes of ECEMC Meeting: September 17, 2002 & Report on October 19, 2002
5. Grand Island Youth Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: September 12, 2002
6. Fujisawa Health Care, Inc.- Application to DEC for a SPDES Permit
7. Erie County - Fully Executed Copy of STOP - DWI Contract for 2001
8. Seneca Nation of Indians v NYS, et al. - Second Circuit of Court of Appeals
9. Erie County Comptroller - Sales Tax Revenues for October 2002
10. Operation ABC Mobilization/ Click It or Ticket Program
11. Reality Café Attendance
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
TOWN BOARD
1. Peace Bridge Resolution
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
2. Monthly Report - October 2002
3. Insurance Program
4. 2003 Advisory Board Openings
5. Employee Evaluation Program
COUNCILPERSONS COOKE, CRAWFORD & ROBILLARD
6. Budget Freeze
COUNCILMAN CRAWFORD
7. Signage
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewals:
A. Jennifer L. Shanor 2855 Staley Road - Five (5) Horses & One Barn
B. Susan Fadel 2773 Love Road - Keep Three (3) Equine Animals (Horses)
C. Michael & Judith Schneider 1952 Harvey Road - Keeping of Three (3) Horses
D. David Wunsch 3072 Stony Point - Keeping of Two (2) Horses
WATER SUPERINTENDENT JOHN MARTIN
2. Delinquent Water and Sewer Accounts for 2003 Tax Rolls
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RAY DLUGOKINSKI
3. Appointment of Temporary Working Crew Chiefs 4. New Hire
WASTEWATER SUPERINTENDENT WAYNE CLINTON
5. Renew Co-op Resolution with City of Niagara Falls for Chemical Purchases
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
6. Site Plan Approval - Proposed Berms River Oaks Golf Course 201 & 817 Whitehaven
7. Site Plan Approval - Proposed Fill at 3510 East River Road
8. Revised Site Plan - VIP Pharmaceuticals 3000 Alt Boulevard
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL NONE
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Highway Superintendent Request to Advertise for Bids - 2003 Grade All & 2003 Sweeper
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Lillian Mesmer
Larry Playfair Honored by Town Board
As a surprise to Larry Playfair, he and the Playfair family were specially recognized at the Town Board meeting on Monday, October 21, 2002 when a Town Proclamation was read honoring Mr. Playfair for being named to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. The Playfair Family has lived on Grand Island for several years and has been active in town projects and activities.
School Board Recognized By Town Board
The Grand Island School Board was recognized Monday, October 21, 2002 for their service to Grand Island by a Proclamation for "School Board Recognition" during the coming month. Supervisor Peter McMahon is shown left with School Board President Jeri Schopp, and School Board members David Goris and Myrna Blair who were on hand for the presentation.
Town Board News - 10/21/02
Click Town Board Story for coverage of the October 21, 2002 town board meeting.
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2002
6:30 PM
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
RE: 2003 BUDGET
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
TOWN BOARD, TOWN ENGINEER, AND ARCHITECT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2002
3:00 PM
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2002
8:00 AM
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
RE: PROPOSED CHANGES ZONING CODE AND MAP
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 19 Date: OCTOBER 21, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: St. Martin-In-The-Fields Episcopal Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Rustowicz
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
PROCLAMATIONS:
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of October 7, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Conservation Commission - Minutes of Meeting: September 9, 2002
2. CTC Communications - Notice of Voluntary Chapter 11 Filing
3. State Department of Health - Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
4. Erie County Home Energy Assistance Program Meetings
5. Safety Committee Minutes: August 28, 2002
6. Traffic Safety Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: September 10, 2002
7. Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes of Meeting: September 5, 2002
8. Library Board of Trustees - Minutes of Meeting: July 11, 2002
9. Board of Architectural Review - Minutes of Meeting: September 9, 2002
10. Planning Board - Minutes of Meeting: September 9, 2002
11. Erie County Division of Budget, Management & Finance-2003 Town Budget Deadline
12. County of Erie - Oral Rabies Vaccine Program
13. Civil Action - Seneca Nation v. State of New York State, et al
14. "Operation Safe Stop" Report
15. State Office of Real Property Services - Distribution of 2002 Star Program
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Supervisor’s Report - September 2002
2. Proposed Stop Sign at Red Jacket & East Park
3. Public Service Commission re Cable Television Franchise
Set Public Hearing – 2003 Budget
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewal: Paul Ianni 828 East River Road for Keeping of Three (3) Riding Horses on 4 Acres
PLANNING BOARD
2. Town Hall Terrace - Revised Site Plan
3. Michael Samland 2944 Westwood - Abandonment of Fourth Street
4. Granson Geis 2920 Stony Point - Residence Access and House Number
5. Bill Torchia 2940 Bedell Road - Abandonment of Fourth Street
6. Design Standards From Zoning Law - Site Plan Approval Jurisdiction
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
7. Revised Site Plan - Recreational Pond Expansion for 1925 Bedell Road
8. P.I.P. for Tops Express at 2130 Grand Island Boulevard
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
9. Employee’s Retirement Letter
10. Advertise for Bids - 2002 Grade All & 2003 Road Sweeper
REALITY CAFÉ
11. Request for Larger Quarters
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
G.I.F.T.S.
1. Approval of Proposed 2003 Erie County Youth Grant Application
TRUDY O’CONNOR
2. Petition to Retain Residential Zoning - Niagara Sailing Club on East River Road
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Michael Giambra
Mary A. Killian
Dolores S. Rogers
Hoyt Announces $50,000 Grant For Vet's Park
Shown from left are Councilman Dan Robillard, Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro, Assemblymen Sam Hoyt, Supervisor Peter McMahon and Councilwoman Mary Cooke.
Barbi Lare Photo
Assemblymember Sam Hoyt presented the Town of Grand Island with $50,000 in state grant money for improvements to one of Grand Island's most popular recreation areas, Veteran's Park. The funding will go towards a new softball field in the park.
"Quality of life is why people choose to live on Grand Island. I hope that investing in a softball field will be a home run for enhancing recreational opportunities for the families of Grand Island," Hoyt said Tuesday (Oct. 15, 2002).
Veteran's Park is a 126-acre plot that was originally donated, in part, by the Jerome Funk family. Through a grant to Grand Island, the Funks contributed 100 acres to the town to be used as a park. Local developers donated the other 26 acres to complete this popular site. The park has been a favorite of bikers, joggers and picnickers for a number of years. Veteran's Park on Bedell Road also houses eight Little League baseball fields, 10 soccer fields, one Little League football field, two basketball courts, two volleyball courts and a seasonal ice rink. In addition, the park is also home to the Grand Island Memorial Library.
The $50,000 capital grant, derived from the Restore New York program, will be the largest contribution to building a state-fo-the-art softball field in Vet's Park. The entire project has a price tag of approximately $60,000, the rest of which will be footed by the Town of Grand Island.
Town of Grand Island Supervisor Peter A. McMahon stated this week that, "We're very pleased to have Sam's help again, especially on this particular project. Our youth softball program is growing by leaps and bounds and the diamond is desperately in need of repair."
"It's great! A softball diamond is needed and wanted by both the adults and children of our community," Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro said. "I'm so glad to see it happening in Veteran's Park," she said.
Re-zoning Issues Bring Large Crowd To Public Hearing
By Joelle Logue
October 7, 2002 . . .Nearly eight years after the adoption of the Comprehensive Master Plan and after two lengthy public hearings over the summer, the subject of re-zoning on Grand Island still musters a huge audience. So it was Monday when another hearing, this time on the Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DSGEIS) and zoning map caused an overflow crowd to listen from the lobby. Changes to the zoning due to those summer hearings forced yet another hearing and comments from nearly 30 speakers and led to the board referring the DSFEIS back to the board for further review. In addition, the public has a 10-day written comment period that ends October 17, 2002 at 5 p.m.
If the town board makes few to no changes to the existing plan, the FEIS could possibly be adopted at the October 21, 2002 meeting with the adoption of the findings following at the November 4 meeting. But most speaking at Monday's meeting want more tweaking and want the town board to take its time.
Most of the comments centered around three trouble spots. One is the hamlet described in the new zoning which a proposed Wilson Farms project at the corner of Ransom and Stony Point roads would jeopardize according to opposition voiced Monday. Another is the Niagara Sailing Club on East River Road that is presently zoned residential but is to change to B1. That zoning change came from the state Water Revitalization plan devised to create more public access to the river around Grand Island. However, apparently there are deed restrictions to keep it residential and those will be checked.
The third spot is the Webb Road area where residents are demanding a 200 ft. buffer against a plan for moderate density (six units to acre) which had originally been designated high density (12 units per acre) as recommended by the Master Plan. Thus, both the Webb Road residents and those owning the vacant land next to them are unhappy with the changes.
William W. Tuyn, a planner with Jeffrey Palumbo law office and representing Webb Road residents, said residents are concerned there will be an apartment complex next to them and asked that the current zoning of residential stay in place.
However, John Simon, owner of vacant land on Webb Road wants to build a driving range and Sue and Randy Hillock, who also own land on Webb Road, had hoped to build townhouses under the Master Plan proposed zoning of 12 units per acre. In addressing the town board, Mrs. Hillock wondered why the board was lessening density in other areas according to the plan but not keeping with high density in the center of town that was recommended after thousands of dollars worth of studies.
The new zoning schedule provides for 24 classifications of zoning rather than the six currently used now.
Owners Now Responsible For Vet Fees When Pet Is Impounded
By Joelle Logue
No comments were made during a public hearing held Monday, October 7, 2002 on proposed Local Law 3 2002 which makes owners liable for veterinary fees incurred during the time a pet is impounded. The town board, hearing no opposition, unanimously passed the law.
Ideas for using community block grant funding will be entertained at a public hearing scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2002 at 8 p.m. during the regularly scheduled Town Board meeting.
The town board recognized, via a proclamation, the efforts of the Bridgeview Garden Club which distributed more than 400 bookmarks detailing the history of the White Oak trees on Grand Island and for facilitating the planting of more than two dozen oak trees throughout the community.
Four special use renewals were granted: one to Joseph Higgins at 900 Ransom Road for the keeping of three horses on 4.35 acres; another to Cathleen Shaw at 3054 Stony Point for the keeping of two horses on 3.5 acres; one to Lee and Jolie Celano at 2341 Falls Link Road for the keeping of two horses on 3.4 acres; and, lastly, to Kathleen Doldan at 1505 Huth for the keeping of horses on 3.38 acres (presently there are none).
Water Department appointments were as follows: Donald Hoover as working crew chief effective October 8 at $20.69 per hour and Robert Alaimo as maintenance worker effective October 8. A laborer's position will now be posted in the Water Department for the vacancy opened up by Alaimo.
The board accepted the public streets and easements for Park Place Subdivision - Phase II contingent on the following: complete disinfection and bacterial tests of waterline be done; benches are poured in all sanitary manholes; storm sewer and waterline under south turnaround wings are extended, south turnaround wings are constructed and final inspection be completed by water, wastewater and highway departments.
In a workshop prior to the town board meeting, the board set budget workshops for October 15 at 7:30 p.m., October 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19, 2002 from 7:30-10:30 a.m.
In other business, the board:
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 18 Date: OCTOBER 7, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: Trinity United Methodist Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Crawford
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
PROCLAMATIONS:
BRIDGEVIEW GARDEN CLUB
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of September 16, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. LOCAL LAW INTRO # 3 of 2002 ASSESSMENT OF VETERINARY SERVICES FOR IMPOUNDED DOGS
2. PROPOSED NEW ZONING CODE AND MAP FOR TOWN OF GRAND ISLAND CONSENT AGENDA
1. Youth Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: June 4, 2002
2. New York State Police - "Operation Safe-Stop"
3. Conservation Commission - Minutes of Meetings: June 12 & Aug. 8, 2002
4. Animal Control Statistics - August 2002
5. Town of Ithaca - Fee Schedule Analysis
6. Inventory for Highway Department Machinery, Tools and Equipment
7. WebTrends - Report of Grand Island Website
8. Golden Age Center - Usage of Vehicles and Facilities for September 2002
9. Building Permits - September 2002
10. Erie County Commission on the Status of Women - Talent Bank Survey Results
11. Civil Action - Seneca Nation of Indians vs. the State of New York
12. BFI - Recyclable Contamination
13. Department of Environment & Planning - Annual Community Assessment/2001 Program
14. Erie County Sales Tax Distribution for September 2002
15. ECIDA November 4, 2002 Public Hearing for 2002 Invitrogen Corporation Project
16. State Attorney General’s Office - Fourth Annual Neighborhood Watch Conference
17. Reality Café Attendance Report
18. Town of Grand Island: EPCRA Consent Agreement/Final Order
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Housing and Community Development Act Contract with Erie County
2. Set Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant
3. Board of Assessment Review Appointment
4. Water Department Working Crew Chief
5. C.S.E.A. Memorandum of Agreement Regarding Code Enforcement Officers
6. "The Grand Crafts on the Island" for June 28-29, 2003
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewals:
A. Joseph Higgins 900 Ransom Road - Three Horses on 4.35 Acres/Conditions
B. Cathleen Shaw 3054 Stony Point - Personal Use of Two Horses
C. Lee & Joie Celano 2341 Falls Link - Keeping up to Three Equine Animals
D. Kathleen Doldan 1505 Huth - House Two Horses on 3.385 Acres
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
2. Boiler Replacement at Grand Island Library
3. Town Hall Terrace- New Apartments
CONSERVATION COMMISSION/PESTICIDE SUBCOMMITTEE
4. Town Pesticide Use
RECREATION DIRECTOR LINDA TUFILLARO
5. Set Date for Town Auction Items
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
6. Master Plan/Autumnwood Trails
7. Maintenance Building Plan
TOWN ATTORNEY
8. Acceptance of Public Streets and Related Easements - Park Place Subdivision Sec. 2
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
DIANE HASSAN
1. Stop Sign Request
MICHAEL SAMLAND
2. Abandonment of Paper Street
G. GRANSON GEIS
3. Residence Access and House Number
BILL TORCHIA
4. Abandonment of Paper Street
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Sheila A. Martin
Edith E. (Ernst) Andrews
Supervisor Recommends 2003 Budget Figures
From the Office of Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon. . .September 30, 2002
"In the General Fund, Department Head appropriation requests totaled $5,431,899. I’m recommending appropriations totaling $4,942,039. The proposed tax rate is $2.656 per $1,000 of Assessed Value, which is an increase of 5.7% over the current year.
"There are significant increases in appropriations for the retirement incentive including buybacks ($148,481). We estimate health insurance premium increases at 15% ($100,948) and general insurance premium increases at 20% ($22,000). The proposed budget contains a 2.5% increase in wages.
"On the General Fund revenue side, we’re proposing very modest increases in sales and mortgage tax revenue. Other revenues are projected at current levels.
"In the Highway Fund, the recommended appropriations total $1,659,830 that would require a tax rate of $2.34 per $1,000, which is a 3.4% increase over this year.
"The Highway Fund appropriations show increases for retirement costs and the same level of increases for insurance coverage. These three items total $95,148. Highway Fund revenue projections remain unchanged.
"Copies of the Fire Protection and Debt Service Funds are also attached. Copies of the Water and Wastewater Budgets were provided to you on September 12th.
"The Sewer Fund tax rate was recommended at $4.71 per $1,000 (based only on the land value). The current sewer tax rate is $5.26. The tax rate recommended is a 55¢ per $1,000 or 10.5% decrease. Sewer rents remain unchanged at $3.70 per 1,000 gallons of water used.
"The Water Fund tax rate was recommended at $5.63 per $1,000 of land value. That compares with a tax rate of $6.28 in the current year. The recommended decrease in the Water Fund tax rate is 65¢ per $1,000 or 10.4%. Water Rents remain unchanged at $2.45 per 1,000 gallons used."
Dates will be set for Budget Workshops and the Public Hearing during the October 7, 2002 Workshop.
CANCELLED - Public Information Meeting
The public information meeting regarding Peace Bridge Alternatives and scheduled for October 10, 2002 has been cancelled.
Hearing On Isle-wide Rezoning Set
By Joelle Logue
Sept. 17, 2002 . . .The town board, Monday, set a public hearing for 8 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2002 on the proposed new zoning code, including a zoning map and the Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DSGEIS). In addition, comments on the code and the DSGEIS will be accepted in writing until 5 p.m. October 17 in the office of the Town Clerk. The zoning map can be viewed online at Grand-Island.ny.us and maps are available to view as well in the Town Clerk's office and the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Due to the importance of such a broad re-zoning, the town is hoping to have post cards sent to all property owners regarding the hearing. Mailing labels are being sought through the State Real Property Office and if the town gets them in time, the cards will be sent.
The town also set a public hearing for October 7 on proposed Local Law 3 that would charge necessary veterinary fees for impounded dogs to the owner. Those fees, if needed to protect the health and welfare of the dog, would be added to the impoundment fee.
Representatives from Tops were on hand Monday to hear the board approve their site plan for Tops Express at 2130 Grand Island Blvd. A driveway will be allowed to accommodate delivery trucks, 40 percent will be landscaped and DEC and EPA requirements will be met. A sidewalk will be constructed and an island will be striped. A concrete gutter was part of the original proposal and that issue will be resolved.
In other business, the board:
GI Business Assistance Center Lease Approved
By Joelle Logue
The Supervisor's Economic Development Committee got a green light Monday (Sept. 16, 2002) when the town board approved the signing of a 3-month lease with IsleChem (formerly Occidental Chemical) on Long Road. Dr. Charles Rader of IsleChem has generously offered to donate office space and equipment and permit use of training rooms, a conference center, computers and local phone service to the Assistance Center for the purpose of attracting new businesses to the Island.
The lease and release of $3000 of donated money by M&T Bank are subject to a 30-day permissive referendum and approval of the lease by the town attorney. A 12-month lease beginning January 1, 2003 and release of additional donated money by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt in the amount of $10,000 will be figured into the town budget for 2003.
Hunting License Deadline Extended
Computer glitches related to a new computer system for generating hunting licenses have made getting a hunting license difficult for many and the deadline for licenses has been extended to October 15.
The Department of Environmental Conservation said that unfortunately there was no time to fix the glitches in the new computer system before launching it the end of August. Interruptions in the program were noted throughout the state and, in many places, hunters found themselves waiting for hours. Others ran out of time and had to leave empty-handed.
"It's been a really tough couple of weeks," said Grand Island Town Clerk Nancy Samrany. "I've spent a lot of time in the foyer apologizing to hunters. Some of them have had to come back three or four times."
However, Samrany reported that license supplies are now available in the town clerk's office and it's business as usual for issuing hunting licenses.
2002/2003 School Tax Bills Mailed
Town Clerk Nancy Samrany announced that the 2002/2003 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 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Saturday, October 12, 2002. Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk. The last day to pay without penalty is October 15, 2002. Envelopes must show a legible postmark of October 15, 2002 to be accepted on time. Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made October 16, 2002 and later. Personal checks are not accepted after November 15, 2002 and payments can be made until December 2, 2002. After this date, payments must be sent to the County.
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 17 Date: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church
PLEDGE: Councilwoman Cooke
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of September 3, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M. NONE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. State Comptroller’s Office - Satellite Teleconference for Town Clerks
2. Golden Age Center - Usage of Facilities and Vehicles for August 2002
3. Building Permits - August 2002
4. Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes of Meeting: August 1, 2002
5. Board of Architectural Review - Minutes of Meeting: August 12, 2002
6. Traffic Safety Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: August 13, 2002
7. State University at Albany - E-Government "pioneers" Report
8. Assemblyman Hoyt’s Request to NYS DOT for Extending Sidewalks at Parkway
9. Reality Café Attendance Report
10. Planning Board - Minutes of Meeting: August 12, 2002
11. Safety Committee - Minutes of Meeting: August 28, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Supervisor Monthly Report - August 2002
2. New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides - Survey of Playground Equipment
3. U.S. EPA, ACC, NYSCA & LEPC - Plant Security Seminar
4. Department of State - Reimbursement for Code Enforcement Training
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewal: Dean & Ronald Duguay 2858 Staley Road - Keeping of One or More Riding Animals on 12.5 Acres
PLANNING BOARD
2. Special Use Permit - Michael Lawton 3588 Stony Point Road for Home Occupation
3. Revised Site Plan - Fuccillo Chevrolet 2000 Alvin Road
4. Exception to Subdivision Regulations - William & Gail Click 1070 Alt Boulevard
5. Final Plat Approval - Ransom Village Section 4 C (14 lots)
6. Site Plan Approval - B. Pariso Transport 2647 Whitehaven Road
7. Site Plan Approval - Tops Express 2130 Grand Island Boulevard
8. Invitrogen Site Plan Approval
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
9. P.I.P. for Ransom Village Section 4C (14 lots)
TOWN ATTORNEY
10. Local Law Intro # 3 of 2002 - Veterinary Fees for Impounded Animals
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL NONE
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Grand Island Business Assistance Center
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
Edward H. Lenhard
Monsignor Richard A. Graeber
John E. "Jack" Thompson
Donald R. Crowell
PLANNING BOARD MEETING - AGENDA: SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 7:30 PM/CONFERENCE ROOM
APPROVE MINUTES: Planning Board Meeting – August 12, 2002
APPROVE VOUCHER: A. Ehde, Recording Secretary - $87.64
REFERRALS
1. Town Board MICHAEL A. LAWTON – 3588 STONY POINT RD. - SPECIAL USE PERMIT – HOME OCCUPATION
2. Town Board FUCILLO CHEVROLET – 2000 ALVIN RD. - REVISED SITE PLAN
3. Town Board WILLIAM AND GAIL CLICK – 1070 ALT BLVD. - EXCEPTION TO SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
4. Town Board RANSOM VILLAGE – SECTION 4C (14 LOTS) - FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
5. Town Board B. PARISO TRANSPORT – 2647 WHITEHAVEN RD. - SITE PLAN APPROVAL
COMMUNICATIONS – OTHER OFFICIALS
1. Town Board MINUTES – August 5, 19, 2002
2. Board of Arch. MINUTES – July 8, 2002
Review
3. Supervisor McMahon NYS QUALITY COMMUNITIES, QUALITY COASTS CONFERENCE - OCTOBER 22, 23, 2002
4. Supervisor McMahon NY PLANNING FEDERATION PLANNING & ZONING CONFERENCE - SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 2
COMMUNICATIONS – OTHERS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Town Board TOPS EXPRESS – 2130 GRAND ISLAND BLVD. - SITE PLAN APPROVAL
2. Town Engineer REVISED DRAFT ZONING MAP – dated May 28, 2002
3. Town Engineer REVISED LWRP/NOVEMBER 2000
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 - 3:30 PM
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
REORGANIZATION - EXECUTIVE SESSION
Isle To Remember 9/11/01
By Joelle Logue
Sept. 3, 2002 . . .The Grand Island Ministerium will hold a commemorative service 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at Trinity Church. The hour long service will be in remembrance of the tragic events of one year ago when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killing thousands of Americans. Following that, the VFW will hold a candlelight vigil outside the Post on Grand Island Blvd. at 8:30 p.m. All are welcome and urged to attend.
In addition, Supervisor Peter McMahon announced Tuesday that the governor's office is encouraging gestures of unity consistent with observances taking place in New York City. Each school and religious institution is asked to toll their bells at 10:29 a.m. and for all to observe moments of silence at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:59 a.m. and 10:29 a.m. Those times coincide with the impact of the planes on the twin towers and the towers collapsing. Citizens are also asked to turn their lights on when driving on that date.
No one spoke at public hearings Tuesday regarding final plat approval for Ransom Village - Section 4 C, and in response to Amy Drive residents' request to close the road for a block party September 7. Final plat approval was referred to the Planning Board for review and recommendation and the Amy Drive Road closing was granted subject to emergency vehicles gaining access if needed. The road will be closed from noon to dusk and a raindate has been set for September 8.
Special use renewals were granted to Gene Ryshkus to operate Grand Island Garden Center at 2120 Alvin Road and to John Ventry for keeping a horse at 3440 Stony Point Road.
A temporary Certificate of Occupancy was issued to Fuccillo Chevrolet at 2000 Alvin Road even though a revised site plan has been referred to the Planning Board for consideration September 9. The revised site plan leaves out several landscaping islands, concrete gutter detention basins and a top course of pavement for the entire parking lot that were part of the original site plan.
A public improvement permit for 70 ft. of sanitary sewer at 4961 East River Road was approved as were revised map covers for Park Place Subdivision, Phase 2 & 3. Revisions to Phase 2 involve the elimination of sublot 41 and the widening of the frontage of sublots 42, 43 and 44. Revisions to Phase 3 involve eliminating sublot 55 and the addition of some sanitary sewer easements.
In other business, the board:
Computer Recycling Date Planned
By Joelle Logue
Erie County will accept CPUs (hard drives), CRTS or monitors, keyboards, mice and printers for recycling Saturday, September 14, 2002 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Erie Community College's North Campus, 6205 Main St. in Williamsville. TVs, VCRs or stereos will be not be allowed and no commercial and industrial waste will be accepted.
Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day Set
By Joelle Logue
Erie County and the City of Buffalo will co-sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off day Saturday, September 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Buffalo Color Corporation. Those bringing items should enter the site at Lee Street off Elk.
Allowable items for free disposal are oil based paints, pesticides, solvents, gasoline, used motor oil and antifreeze, lead acid and dry cell batteries, propane tanks and cylinders, auto tires and mercury. Also allowed are up to eight auto tires without rims per vehicle.
Commercial or industrial waste and latex paint will not be accepted. Oil base paints are limited to 10 gallons and solvents limited to two gallons.
Those needing additional information should call Erie County Household Hazardous Waste 24-hour Hotline at 858-6800 or visit the website at www.erie.gov
Oral Rabies Vaccine To Be Dropped Here
By Joelle Logue
Erie County has informed town officials that helicopters will be used to drop rabies vaccine along the shoreline, power lines and stream corridors on Grand Island September 10-12, 2002 in the fight to combat raccoon rabies. Personnel from Cornell University will supplement the airdrop by hand placing vaccine packets. The schedule may change if weather conditions delay the aircraft scheduled in other parts of Canada and the New England area.
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 16 Date: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: New Apostolic Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Robillard
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of August 19, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL - RANSOM VILLAGE SECTION 4C
2. APPLICATION FOR A BLOCK PARTY - AMY DRIVE
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Animal Control Statistics - January Thru June 2002 and July 2002
2. Erie County Health Department - Oral Rabies Vaccine Airdrop
3. County Department of Environment & Planning - Computer Recycling Day
4. Peace Bridge Expansion Project News
5. NYSDEC - Notice of Application by T. Schulte for Dock at 2550 East River Road
6. NYS Humane Association & Police Department/Investigating Animal Cruelty Workshop
7. County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day - September 7, 2002
8. NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation-Grant Money for Veterans Park
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Observance of September 11, 2001
2. Resignation from Youth Board
3. Code Enforcement Officer
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewals:
A. Gene Ryshkus/Grand Island Garden Center 2120 Alvin Road
B. John Ventry 3440 Stony Point Road - One Horse on 2+ Acres
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
2. P.I.P. for Lettiere at 4961 East River Road
3. Revised Map Covers - Park Place Subdivision Phase 2 & 3
4. Site Plan Approval - Pariso Transport at 2647 Whitehaven
ENRICHMENT & REFERRAL CENTER
5. Hire Outreach Worker
BUILDING INSPECTOR DOUGLAS LEARMAN
6. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - Fuccillo Chevrolet Alvin Road
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
STICKL CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.
1. Final Approval - Spicer Creek Townhouses Parcel "D"
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Grand Island Business Assistance Center
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of:
George E. Casey, Jr.
Seth Millard Walck
Town of Grand Island
Recreation Attendant - Full Time
The Town of Grand Island - Recreation & Parks Department is seeking qualified candidates to provide routine and/or unskilled work in connection with the conduct of activities and/or the care of physical facilities while in use. This is the beginning level for work in the field of recreation and involves the performance of routine tasks under direct supervision. This position will require evening, weekend and holiday availability in working with programs for adults and children.
Candidates will need a working knowledge of several types of sports and games, working knowledge of first aid, ability to comprehend, remember and follow detailed instructions; interest in recreation work; good physical condition. Experience: completion of high school, work experience and training. Starting pay is $10.80/hr. A letter of interest including qualifications to:
2255 Baseline Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
Pataki Announces $150,000 Grant For Vets Park
New York Governor George Pataki has announced a $150,000 Grant to the Town of Grand Island for Enhancements to Veterans Park. The grant represents almost two-thirds of the original amount requested by the Town. This is the second grant to Grand Island announced by the Governor in the past week. The earlier grant was a $480,000 grant for bicycle paths and picnic areas on the north end of the Island.
“We’re extremely fortunate to be awarded the two grants,” Town Supervisor Peter A. McMahon said on Wednesday, August 21, 2002. “Together they will allow us to significantly improve recreational opportunities which will serve all of our residents needs,” McMahon added.
Items under consideration for the Veterans Park Grant include construction of a softball field, a canoe launch on Woods Creek and access pathways from Veterans Park to Sandy Beach. Additional parking and landscaping are other possibilities.
“With these two grants from Governor Pataki, the whole community wins. It affords our Town the opportunity to turn some much needed projects and programs at Veterans Park into a reality,” Councilman Dan Robillard stated.
Mesmer Airstrip Cleared For Take Off
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 19, 2002 . . . Despite forceful arguments from Kristine Lavango and Michael Judd to ask the town board to reject the revised site plan for Robert Mesmer's airstrip at 2548 Love Road, the board approved the plan in a 4-1 vote Monday. Councilman Kevin Rustowicz continued his opposition of the project by stating "it was not in the best interests of the neighborhood."
The approval is the last major obstacle for Mesmer to construct a 1,470 ft. airstrip on 16-acres. Revisions to the site plan moved the airstrip 150 ft. southwest of the original plan and further from away from nearby homes.
According to town attorney Daniel Spitzer, the revised site plan meets every requirement in the statement of findings and all conditions of SEQRA. The FAA and DOT have signed off on the project and the airstrip is a permitted special use for the property.
Apparently, confusion surrounds the 20 to one clearance required by the FAA which residents against the airstrip insist is not being met. But Spitzer explained that the 20 to one isn't necessarily horizontal distance but fans out vertically as the plane takes off. Lavango said the town as lead agency on the project should reject the plan on buffer and clearance grounds, and feels the town is ignoring huge safety and property value issues. She threatened legal action from the residents. Judd called the airstrip "anti-environmental."
The town board first approved the revised plan as not having any negative environmental impacts and then approved the plan itself giving Mesmer the go ahead. New zoning, presently being considered to match the Master Plan adopted in 1995, would have given the town board legal means to oppose the project. The fact that an airstrip is not cohesive in a residential area would be reason enough to turn it down. Councilman Dick Crawford said under the present zoning code the board could not turn down the plan.
Local Law Bans Parking On Roads Surrounding High School
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 19, 2002 . . .Several people spoke in favor of parking restrictions near Grand Island Central High School on Ransom Road during a public hearing Monday night, but most felt they weren't restrictive enough. Keith Tripi called the parking a nuisance and a hazard not only during weekdays but weekends and evenings also. Frank Burkhart agreed, calling for a 24-hour ban during the week. He also requested the town draft a memo to the school board asking for increased parking areas.
Pat Garten and Mike Heftka, International and Continental Lane residents, emphasized that the safety of children came first over the convenience of student parking on roadways. Other residents near the high school complained about parking that took place on both sides of the road leaving only one lane for cars, garbage trucks and mailmen to maneuver. Students walking to school were denied shoulder access due to parking on both sides of Ransom Road. Parents of soccer players and visitors to the school for special events who parked along the side of the road were cited as problems along with student drivers.
Under the new law, which was the work of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board, school personnel and town board members, parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the following locations: Ransom Road - Sturbridge east for 1/2 mile; Ransom Road -Tracey Lane west for 1/2 mile; the entire length of Sturbridge, International, Continental, Brandywine, Park, Sandra, Sandpiper, Cobblestone, Surrey Run; Tracey Lane from Sandra for 1/4 mile south; Laurie Lane from Sandra for 1/4 mile south; all of Foxcroft and Windham.
Councilman Dick Crawford emphasized that the parking ban was a start but it would take a lot of monitoring and follow up for it to work. Councilwoman Mary Cooke asked residents to report any problems.
Approval For Fee Refunds Gets Teeth
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 19, 2002 . . . A resolution by Councilman Dan Robillard to return fees paid for zoning variances or special use applications that weren't necessary will become a new local law. The procedure will involve a voucher, signed by the Zoning or Planning Board Chair and processed through the normal audit system. First to benefit from the refunds will be Winkler Drive residents and Shirley Schultz of Fix Road for unnecessary zoning variances and Larry Chism of Bedell Road for an unnecessary special use application.
Pest Control Home Business Brings Controversy
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 19, 2002 . . .A public hearing regarding a special use application for Michael Lawton of 3588 Stony Point Road to store office documents and conduct monthly training for certification of licensed pest control employees brought much comment Monday. Immediate neighbors to the left and right of Lawton spoke in favor of the application citing him as a good neighbor, caring and well respected, but others objected not to the man himself but to his business, Trust Pest Control.
Donald Kline presented a petition of 18 names objecting to the special use permit and complaining about traffic and congestion on the street. He was also concerned about a storage building Lawton has built and whether it contained pesticides that would present a danger to the neighborhood. Questioned also was the frequency of the training sessions, suggesting that they were much more frequent than once a month. Angie Tollner agreed with him stating he shouldn't run a business in an A1 residential area and objected to the service vehicles advertising his business.
Rev. Kevin Backus vouched for Lawton citing him a good and generous churchgoer who offered his home to visiting ministers and using the outside building to store church items and materials. He asked the board to investigate all comments before deciding.
The application was referred to the Planning Board which will meet Monday, September 9, 2002 in Town Hall.
A less contentious public hearing concerned a request for street closure of Schutt Court for a Block Party Saturday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It was granted providing emergency vehicles would have access.
On recommendation from the Planning Board, the Town Board denied an exception to subdivision regulations to subdivide a lot for Mary and Michael Fifolt of 394 Ransom Road. Denial was based on the fact that a lot greater than five acres can not be subdivided until sewers are available. Also denied was a revised site plan to increase a recreational pond originally approved at .13 acres in size to .32 acres. The revised site plan was submitted after the fact and the Planning Board discussed establishing a time table for resubmitting the pond to a properly graded and seeded condition.
Twenty items need to be addressed before the Planning Board rules on a site plan for Tops Express at 2130 Grand Island Blvd. Proposed is the development of two acres of an eight acre parcel that is separate from where the supermarket is located. Tops will retain ownership. Planned is construction of a 44x24' building along with the gas pumps. Beverages and snacks will be sold. There is an exit for right hand turn only. Discussion surrounded the very large approach to the building and the ability to control access.
A special use for the keeping of horses by Robert Wakefield at 2413 Staley Road was approved as well as a waiver of subdivision regulations to split property at Pinto Equipment, 2409 Whitehaven Road so land can be sold to Randy Gleave for a landscaping business.
Final plat approval was granted to Majestic Woods Subdivision with the condition that the Conservation Easement be applicable for lots 28 through 51. Also approved was a site plan to construct a 1500 square foot addition to the existing transmitter at Fox 29 WUTV at 951 Whitehaven Road.
Referred to the Planning Board was a request by Fuccillo Chevrolet to omit the top surface of the asphalt parking area to the site plan for 2000 Alvin Road. A request to divide property at 1070 Alt Blvd. from William and Gail Glick for a single family dwelling was also referred to the Planning Board.
In other business, the board:
Town To Advertise For Jobs
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 19, 2002 . . .Upcoming retirements in the town's water, wastewater, highway and recreation departments have prompted the town to begin advertising for positions. Advertising will begin immediately and closing date for letter of interest and resumes will be September 13, 2002. Interviews will be held the weeks of September 23 and 30th allowing for replacements to be effective for the October 7, 2002 town board meeting.
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2002 - 9:00 AM
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
RE: HEADS OF BARGAINING UNITS - EXECUTIVE SESSION
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2002 - 9:00 AM & 11 AM
TOWN HALL
RE: EMPLOYEES INFORMATION MEETING - EXECUTIVE SESSION
GRAND ISLAND TOWN BOARD AGENDA WORKSHOP #29- 6:30 P.M. – Monday, August 19, 2002
I MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Personnel Issue
B. Property Purchase/Sale
II AGENDA REVIEW
III NEW ITEMS
A. Employee Evaluation – Review Form
B. Peace Bridge Alternatives – Comment
C. Fee Responsibilities – Impounded Animals
D. 2002 Capital Budget
1. Highway
2. Recreation
E. Drainage Issue Garden Parkway
F. 2002 YTD Sales Tax Revenue – Update
G. Zoning Officer – Six Month Activity Report
H. General Code Publishers – Format Comments
I. Recreation/Athletic Field – Policy
J. Water Meter Policy – FYI
K. Pesticides - Town Property
IV CONTINUING ITEMS
A. Bonding – Mining/Ponds
B. Update Honor Roll – DeGlopper Monument
C. Drainage
1. Townwide
2. Neighborhood
D. Sign Ordinance
E. Plumbing Ordinance
F. Town Hall Signs
G. Holiday Decorations – Town Center
H. Mobile Eye Patrol
V ROUNDTABLE
PUBLIC MEETING NO. 15 Date: AUGUST 19, 2002
ROLL CALL:
INVOCATION: Bible Presbyterian Church
PLEDGE: Councilman Rustowicz
PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
APPROVE MINUTES: Town Board Meeting of August 5, 2002
SUBMIT CLAIMS FOR AUDIT
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8:00 P.M.
1. SPECIAL USE APPLICATION - MICHAEL A. LAWTON 3588 STONY POINT ROAD FOR HOME OCCUPATION
2. SCHUTT COURT RESIDENTS - REQUEST FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR BLOCK PARTY
3. PARKING RESTRICTIONS NEAR GRAND ISLAND CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Planning Board - Minutes of Meeting: July 8, 2002
2. Public Hearing/Erie County Industrial Development Agency - 2002 Invitrogen Corporation Project
3. Notice of Appeal re: Seneca Nation of Indians vs. New York State, et. al.
4. Golden Age Center - Usage of Facilities for July 2002
5. Building Permits - July 2002
6. Board of Architectural Review - Minutes of Meeting: July 8, 2002
7. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) & DEIS
8. Zoning Board of Appeals - Minutes of Meeting: July 11, 2002
9. State Board of Real Property Services - Final State Equalization Rate for 2002
10. Notice of Conditional Cross-Appeal - Seneca Nation vs. New York State, et. al.
11. Traffic Safety Advisory Board - Minutes of Meeting: July 9, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD
SUPERVISOR McMAHON
1. Appoint Permanent Golden Age Director - Barbara Gannon
2. Recreation Attendant - Advertise Position
3. Grand Island Business Assistance Center
COUNCILMAN CRAWFORD
4. Advertising for Future Hirings for the Town of Grand Island
COUNCILMAN ROBILLARD
5. Town Refund Policy on Variances and Permits
COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER OFFICIALS
TOWN CLERK NANCY SAMRANY
1. Special Use Renewal: Robert Wakefield 2413 Staley Road - Keeping of One or More Riding Animals
PLANNING BOARD
2. Mary & Michael Fifolt 394 Ransom Road - Exception to Subdivision Regulations
3. Gary Halliwell 1925 Bedell Road - Revised Site Plan for Recreational Pond
4. Tops Express 2130 Grand Island Boulevard - Site Plan Approval
5. Pinto Equipment 2409 Whitehaven - Exception to Subdivision Regulations
6. Majestic Woods Subdivision - Final Plat Approval
TOWN ENGINEER JOHN PHILLIPS
7. HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contract for Library & Parks Building
8. Revised Site Plan - Fox 29 Station 951 Whitehaven Road
9. Final Plat Approval - Ransom Village Section 4C
10. Revised Site Plan - Fuccillo Chevrolet 2000 Alvin Road
11. Revised Site Plan - Mesmer Airstrip 2548 Love Road
TOWN ATTORNEY PETER GODFREY
12. Authorize Sale of Town Property
13. Resolution Reaffirm Authority of Deputy Town Clerk
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT RAY DLUGOKINSKI
14. Deaf Child Area Sign Request
TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD
15. Speed Limit on Webb Road
GOLDEN AGE DIRECTOR BARBARA GANNON
16. Advertise Recreation Attendant Part-Time
COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL
WILLIAM & GAIL CLICK
1. Exception to Subdivision Regulations at 1070 Alt Boulevard
LAURIE YARNES
2. Request for Street Closure for Block Party
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Majestic Woods Subdivision - Final Plat Approval
2. P.I.P. - Majestic Woods Subdivision
FROM THE FLOOR:
FROM THE TOWN BOARD:
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT
In Memory of: All Island Residents Who Have Passed Away This Year
Grant To Fund Bike and Pedestrian Path
Gov. George E. Pataki, during a late-afternoon news conference, Monday, August 12, 2002 in front of the DL&W terminal in Buffalo, announced a federal grant of $481,135 for the Town of Grand Island's bike and pedestrian path. The grant money will allow the town to connect the Island's bike path from Bedell Road to Buckhorn Park. The federal grant was among 18 totaling $9 million - and including several other bike paths - that Pataki earmarked for Western New York communities.
The money for various "revitalization and improvement" projects comes from two federal programs that let localities decide how the money is spent, said Pataki, who was joined by Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-Clarence, State Sen. Byron Brown, D-Buffalo, and State Sen. George Maziarz, R-North Tonawanda. Grand Island Supervisor Peter A. McMahon was also in attendance.
GRAND ISLAND PLANNING BOARD MEETING
AGENDA - 7:30 PM – Monday, AUGUST 12, 2002 - TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
APPROVE MINUTES: Planning Board Meeting – July 8, 2002
APPROVE VOUCHER: A. Ehde, Recording Secretary - $76.69
1. Town Board - MARY & MICHAEL FIFOLT – 394 RANSOM RD. EXCEPTION TO SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
2. Town Board -GARY HALLIWELL - 1925 BEDELL RD. REVISED SITE PLAN – RECREATIONAL POND
3. Town Board - TOPS EXPRESS – 2130 GRAND ISLAND BLVD. SITE PLAN APPROVAL
4. Town Board - PINTO EQUIPMENT – 2409 WHITEHAVEN RD. EXCEPTION TO SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
1. Town Board MINUTES – June 11, 19, July 1, 15, 2002
2. Board of Arch. MINUTES – June 10, 2002
Review
3. Zoning Board of - MINUTES – June 6, July 11, 2002
Appeals
4. Conservation Comm. CONSERVATION EASEMENT DRAFT FOR MAJESTIC WOODS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Town Board - MAJESTIC WOODS SUBDIVISION -FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
2. Town Engineer - REVISED DRAFT ZONING MAP – dated May 28, 2002
3. Town Engineer - REVISED LWRP/NOVEMBER 2000
Economic Development Committee Pitches New Business Deal
By Joelle Logue
Aug. 5, 2002 . . The incubator project, formerly planned for town leased property on Whitehaven Road (formerly Rockwood Brothers) and advocated by the Supervisor's Economic Development Committee, has been replaced with a new proposal that was described to town board members during Monday's workshop session. Economic Development Committee Chair Mike Heftka, former