Highlights from the Angola Village Board Meeting

By Evelyn Eriksen

The Angola Village Board met on January 16, 2007.

     Community Communications A dedicated group of parents and educators approached the village board with concerns about the possible realigning of the WT Hoag School from elementary classes to a rental property for BOCES training for high school students. Their main questions would have to be answered by the superintendent of schools, Mr. Rabey, and the school board; but they felt it was their civic responsibility to inform the village of their concerns for one of the village schools. They reported that the transparency of the issue was a concern. Evidently the information about the ongoing discussion of school closing/realigning could only be found on a web page under the Attendance Committee Report. The group will be at the next School Board meeting – February 13 at 7pm – when the Attendance Committee report will be presented to the School Board to voice their concerns. They encouraged other interested residents to also attend. Communications Mayor Hub Frawley reported that one part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was not approved. Of a total approved county wide of over 218 million dollars, the $48,000 project for sidewalks and curbs on North Main was not accepted. However, due in part to letters of support from village residents, the water line replacement project on Maple and School streets will be funded. According to Trustee John Wilson the 1910 water lines are due to be replaced and the improvement will affect flow and turbidity [cloudiness of the water] positively. The portion of the village’s support of Rural Metro Transit Service will also be funded. The DEC Urban Forestry Representative Fran Dustin, has advised Mayor Frawley that tree planting monies will not be available. The DEC encourages the village to apply again this year, as the DEC had exceeded their available funding for these worthy projects. Trustee William Houston had tickets for Band Aid- a fundraising event coordinated by The Buffalo Aqua Club- to be held at the Evans Center Volunteer Fire Company for the benefit of Claddagh Commission’s Day Habilitation Volunteer Program. The Buffalo Aqua Club (www.buffaloaquaclub.org) has coordinated fundraising for many local and international causes and works closely with the Buffalo River Keepers (www.bnriverkeeper.org) in promoting environmental concerns of local rivers, tributaries, and Lake Erie. Trustee Houston also shared a letter in support of Lake Shore Hospital which he sent to Governor Eliot Spitzer. The letter reads, in part: “... Commission failed to consider many factors that will have a direct impact on... Travel times... Impact on psychiatry and substance abuse programs... Availability on health professionals... Availability of Volunteer First Responders... Financial implications including loss of jobs and economic factors.” Mr. Houston urges the governor to “... Reconsider the voluntary rightsizing plan that was jointly filed by TLC Health Network and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital...” Local residents are encouraged to follow and participate in the Lake Shore Hospital’s current crisis. Department Head Reports Trustees Wilson and Houston attended the North East Southtowns- Solid Waste Management meeting (NEST). Planning Board Director and newly elected Evans Town Councilman, Paul Cooper was also in attendance. Evans and Angola were cited as early recycling leaders. Trustee Houston was victorious after two years of diligence in getting a broken electric pole removed from Mill Street near the CAO building. He remarked that Goya will be meeting with the board to discuss an expansion project. In other local business, the Whistle Stop Bake Shop invited all to an open house celebrating its Grand Opening to be held on Saturday, January 27. Trustee Mike Stockman reports that Lake Shore Community Education is planning youth and parent programs with The Angola Library. He is in contact with Noelle Cardos of the NYS Parks and Recreation Department concerning planned improvements to Herman Park. Trails, bathrooms, a shelter pavilion and improvements to the basketball court are being discussed. Trustee John Wilson has gotten a response from complaints of a crumbling structure at the CSX bridge on Big Sister Creek. CSX has evaluated the bridge itself and found it to be structurally sound. There is a concern that the concrete abutments are crumbling and depositing sections in the creek. CSX will be conducting further investigation into the problem Trustee Jonica DiMartino reports that the Middle School, under the direction of Principal Scott Smith is coordinating hanging flyers in businesses around the village and in the village halll. The theme is a continuation of the Rachael’s Challenge program, “Looking for the best in others and eliminating prejudice.” Fire Commissioner Lynne Kaminski reports that the clock timer on the siren is being worked out with the assistance of Trustee Wilson. The Angola Fire Hall will host the High School Band’s Can and Bottle Drive February 10th. Mrs. Kaminski, a Middle School teacher, is hopeful that the can and bottle drive will continue the chain reaction of kindness, as propounded by Rachael’s Challenge. The board approved a recommendation to replace two of the Chief’s vehicles with refurbished light bars. The total cost will be $1,000. Due to the Fire Company’s research, the potential savings is over $1,500 if the units were to be purchased new. Planning Department Heads Bill Herrod and Paul Cooper reported on the expansion of Goya which will be before the village board Thursday January 18. Mr. Cooper also stressed the educational value of the upcoming series of four workshop seminars for small businesses in the community and individuals who might consider starting their own business. The collective expertise of the speakers in these free seminars will have a very positive influence on local business development. The seminars begin Thursday evening at 7, at the New Angola Theater. A list of dates and times has been published in the Town Crier. Department of Public Works General Crew Chief Jeff Kaminski reports the need to replace a computer module on one of the snow removal trucks with a manual set up. The board approved the conversion at a cost of $1,800.

Resolutions • Regretfully approved the resignation of Lieutenant Thomas Crupe effective January 20th, 2007. Officer Crupe will join the Evans Police Force.

• Approved the appointment of Police Officer Matthew Stonitsch for a full time position effective February 3, 2007. Officer Stonitsch has been a part time officer.

• Approved the appointment of William Houston as Village of Angola NEST Representative. John Wilson will act as Alternate Representative for the year 2007.

• Approved the appointments for the part time position of Water Meter Reader for David Skoczylas and Michael Hehir effective January 16th, 2007.

• Approved the negative environmental declaration of the long form State Environmental Quality Review Assessment (SEQRA) for the purpose of demolition at 83-87 North Main Street, Angola.

• Approved the lease/ purchase agreement for a police vehicle with Delacy Ford for a 2006 Crown Victoria. The Mayor is authorized to sign an agreement totaling $24,336.00 to be paid in semiannual installments of $6,381.17 over a two year period.

• Approved the revised fee schedule as provided by Code Enforcement Supervisor Charles LaBarbera. The fees will be consistent area wide, within the Town of Evans, the villages of Farnham and Angola. Fees as stated will be effective January 18th, 2007 The new fee schedule covers: building, repairs, demolition, rental, fire, flood plain, pools, garages, farm buildings, signs, certificates, correspondence, and special inspections. Adjourned the meeting in honor of the memory of Anna Martorana, Ph.D., former Mayor of the Village of Farnham. Mr. Houston said that she served our communities with great respect. The next regular board meeting will be held February 5th at 7:30pm. All are invited to attend.

Highlights from the Farnham Village Board Meeting

     The Village of Farnham Board of Trustees met in regular session on January 16, 2007. Trustee Virginia Schilling was absent. Village Recreation Park Project – Our application for $90,000 in funds for the 2007/2008 Community Development Block Grant was not approved. There was a site tour with Project Selection Committee in December. Money was approved. It appears we are on a three year cycle. Unfortunately the CDBG is the only funding source available for the park grant. Mid-year we may qualify for funding if any other project is not ready to proceed. Quality Communities Grant Application – The Village of Farnham, as part of the Southtowns Community Enhancement Coalition, has received notice of a Shared Municipal Services Incentive award for $27, 750 to implement our not-for-profit status.  Lake Shore Central School Joint Board Work Session – Ongoing meetings will continue to be held. Received correspondence from Superintendent Rabey about building a relationship for bulk purchases. The Village needs to look at the quantities and benefit to savings versus administration. Farnham School Project – A pre-bid walkthrough was held on January 9th with approximately ten contracting firms attending, along with a representative from Malcolm Pirnie (Village’s consulting firm), Mayor Caber, and Chris Pawenski and Ken Swanekamp, representatives from Erie County Environment and Planning. A subsequent walkthrough is being planned to answer further questions from contractors, along with the questions presented to our consulting firm of Malcolm Pirnie. Bids for the demolition of the former Farnham Elementary School are due by January 19th at 3:00 pm, with tentative award on January 26th. The successful bidder will begin submittals to New York State Department of Labor for their Asbestos Plan, and to the Village of Farnham for their Health and Safety Plan, Certificates of Insurance, and Project Plan and schedule prior to receiving a Notice to Proceed with demolition. Bid documents indicate that the contractors have 45 days from notice to proceed. It is reasonable to believe that by March demolition will begin.

In other matters, the Board:

• Rescheduled a Public Hearing on a proposed Local Law #1-2007 on “Code Administration and Enforcement” for February 20th at 7:45 pm. The Trustees and the Code Enforcement Officer need to get comments back to the Village Attorney by February 2nd, 2007.

• Opted out of training requirements for the Village of Farnham Planning and Zoning Board members under Chapter 662 of laws enacted by the New York State Legislature in 2006.

• Approved the 2007 update of Code Enforcement Fees as submitted by Code Enforcement Office Charles J. LaBarbera. It has been ten years since building fees were updated. The fees, primarily contractor types rather than residential, have been reviewed with Hamburg, Evans and Angola. Trustee Tony Krtanjek reported that the Property Maintenance Law is up for review. A draft was handed out. The final draft should be done by the February Village Board Meeting, with a Public Hearing in March. Trustee Krtanjek stated that he would like to pass it [the draft] as law. Trustee Krtanjek is also working on a Playground Law. Trustee George Cordia reported that a heavier fence has been put around the basketball court at the Village Park. He is also working on getting information about a flag pole for the park – How high it should be, what type of bracing will be needed, etc. Because we have no additional funding, the Village is not able to proceed on other park projects at this time. Trustee Cordia will try to find out if there are any Veteran’s agencies/programs to see if we can obtain funding through Congressman Higgins’ office. Trustee Jere Hoisington reported that he has fielded many questions regarding the garbage. It was clearly identified in the Pennysaver and posted at the post office and Village Hall. Ray Dunkel requested that we talk to the garbage men to move cans back after they are emptied to prevent them from traveling across the road. DPW REPORT – Josh Nolan is still filling in for Ellsworth Nolan, who is out due to a back problem, along with the help of Trustee Cordia and Scott Cordia. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT - Wednesday, January 17th, there will be no office hours at the Village of Farnham for Code Enforcement. Chuck LaBarbera will be on vacation February 14th, 20th and March 1st – any urgent questions or concerns should be addressed with Paul Ryerse of the Town of Evans or Gary Brechter of the Town of Brant. FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT – Annual Firemen installation banquet will be on Saturday, February 10th. - The application process for firemen in the Village of Farnham will be reviewed and modifications will be put in process after it is reviewed by the Village Attorney Bill Trask.

by Evelyn Eriksen The Evans Board, led by Deputy Superintendent Karen Erickson met January 17th, 2007. Cub Scouts working to achieve a special badge lead the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and sat with the town board during part of the proceedings at Wednesday’s Town Board meeting. Privilege of the Floor Robert Palmer requested clarification of the newly recommended building codes. He was advised by Town Attorney Grant Zajas that he code changes (later discussed by the board during resolutions) would amend Town Code chapter 70, Building Codes. Mr. Palmer asked the board if there was any new information regarding the Sheriff Department’s use of a heliport on Versailles Road. He complained of continued noise, especially when the helicopter is headed West and Eastbound. Councilman Erickson advised Mr. Palmer that legislator Reynolds was looking into the matter as it is a county issue, and he will subsequently inform the board of what kind of progress the town might be able to make on the issue. Communications The board accepted the requests for attendance at the New York State Association of Towns training sessions in New York City February 18-21, 2007. Town officials will attend. The board accepted and approved the request to attend the Judges and Clerks Annual Association meeting in New York City February 18-21, 2007. Judges Barone and Cooper and two court clerks will attend. A Public Hearing for February 7, at 7:50pm was approved after acceptance of a letter from Sandra Brant, Planning Department Chair regarding a request for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review to build a tower at 6929 Erie Road, Derby, New York. The proposed tower will serve Upstate Cellular Network, dba Verizon Wireless Inc.. The tower is proposed for 125 feet, expandable to 145 feet. Department Reports Councilman Michael Spence reports that the ice rink has had a slow start this Winter, but that plans are in the works to continue to build on the general idea. Its current location will be moved next season- towards Pavilion #1, the volleyball, and tennis courts. Plans are being developed to use it in it Summer as a roller hockey rink. As long as the weather is cold enough, the rink will be maintained. Councilman Spence also reminds everyone of the ability of the Town Clerk’s office to take passport photos. Passports for travel to all locations other than Mexico and Canada are required after January 23rd 2007. Councilman Kathy Bartus reports that the Town of Evans Youth Court, facilitated by Town Clerk Carol Meissner, has suspended operation due to the overlapping of the functions of the Youth Court by a number of programs that have been instituted at the Lake Shore Central Schools in the recent past. The Youth Court can be reinstated when it might be needed. Councilman Paul Cooper reports that Rose Trask and he have been appointed town representatives for the North East Southtowns- Solid Waste Management (NEST) board. He said that NEST congratulated the early efforts of the Town of Evans toward recycling and recognizes the town as a leader in paper recycling initiatives. Most Precious Blood school and students, the town and the village were spoken of as having long term interests in recycling. Public Hearings A public Hearing was held for the benefit of moving funds within the Pension Reserve Fund. No comments were made during the open session. Six separate fund accounts will be moved to better facilitate pension funding. A Public Hearing was held for the request of a Special Use Permit for D&L Trucking and Excavating, 8563 Erie Road, Angola, New York. The board will review all comments made and determine their findings at a later date. Concerns were heard about prior compliance, land values, water shed run off, truck maintenance, and parking/storage. All questions were responded to by David Laskowski, owner, to the board.

Resolutions

• Resolved to hold a Public Hearing on February 21, 2007 at 7:50pm to consider Proposed Local Law 31 of the year 2007 to consider the amendment of the town code to incorporate provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

• Authorized the Supervisor of the Town of Evans to sign the Coordinated Assessment Program agreement to provide assessment services to the Town of North Collins. The agreement will carry through December 31, 2012.

• Approved the expenditure of $7,200. for the purpose of Meals On Wheels for the calendar year 2007.

• Approved the expenditure to Community Concern of Evans and Brant the sum of $41,400. for the calendar year 2007.

• Approved the expenditure of $2,250. for the calendar year 2007 to the Angola Public Library for operational costs.

• Approved the expenditure of $5,000 for the calendar year 2007 to Southtowns HAZ-MAT. The agreement covers the Town of Evans excluding the Village of Angola.

• Authorized Wendel Duscherer, Inc., an engineering and architectural firm, to conduct a coordinated review, etc. regarding consolidation of Evans Water Consolidation with the Erie County Water Authority.

• Approved the appointment of Karen Ryerse as part time clerk.

• Approved the adjustment, as recommended, of fees within the Building Code. Fees will now be consistent through the Town of Evans, the Villages of Angola, and Farnham.

Licenses The board approved licenses to:

• Henry Laskowski, dba Henri’s Restaurant, for restaurant- refreshment.

• Joe Voltz, dba Joey V’s Pizza, for refreshment

• Eugene Wachala, dba Pasquale’s, for refreshment

• Vincent Cala, dba Cala’s Kitchen & Catering, for refreshment

• Lake Erie Beach Fire Company, for refreshment, amusement and live band

• Gary Ballowe, dba South Shore Beach Club, for refreshment, amusement and live band

Adjourned the meeting to Work Sessions on Wednesday January 24th and 31st. The next regular board meeting will be February 7, 2007 at 7:30pm. All are invited to attend.