Village of Angola Recognizes Town Crier’s 10th Anniversary

Highlights from the Angola Village Board Meeting

by Evelyn Eriksen

     Village of Angola Board of Trustees met in a Regular Board Meeting on March 5, 2007. All members were present. Alice Escott, Editor of The Town Crier accepted a proclamation from Mayor Howard “Hub” Frawley at the start of Monday’s regular Board Meeting. The Proclamation congratulates the Village of Angola’s paper of record, The Town Crier, for its ten year anniversary milestone of service to our community. Mayor Frawley commented on “The Crier’s” significant contributions to continual development efforts of Main Street in Angola by placing their business right in the middle of the business district. He also thanked Ms. Escott for “The Crier’s” continued efforts at promoting the village in its weekly publication. He also said that the Towns of Evans and Brant have benefitted by the presence of “The Crier” in its commitment to our community’s continuing dialogue. Visitors Lisa O’Connor passionately addressed the board and asked for clarification as to why board members were not present at the Lake Shore School Board meeting the past week. At that meeting, the School Board heard a proposal regarding the future plans for the area’s five elementary schools. Ms. O’Connor stated that Brant’s Supervisor, Len Pero submitted a written statement. She had hoped that the village officials- being that the Hoag, Waugh, and Brant schools were most under scrutiny at that meeting- had been there to show support for the village schools remaining open. She said that at the School Board meeting, Mr. Jerry Gloss made the statement to the effect: ‘That children at the Hoag School, if moved to Waugh would not be “displaced” since they were only moving a few blocks.’ Ms. O’Connor asked the Village Board for help and representation, and not to be told that they have done all that they can do, when Brant was able to send a representative and a letter. She said that the School Board would be holding a work session on the next night (Tuesday March 6) and that Mr. Pero’s letter was included for discussion at that work session and entered into the minutes. Mayor Frawley appreciated Ms. O’Connor’s statements and said that they are aware of all that the School Board had discussed. He said that the Village is not interested in seeing a building closed, whether it is a school or a business, as was evident by their efforts with Most Precious Blood. Mr. Frawley said that there was a letter prepared by Trustee Houston and signed by all the Village Board members to deliver to the School Board, and Lake Shore Superintendent Jeffrey Rabey the next morning. Trustee William Houston then read the letter, which begins that the Village Board feels that any such closing would have a negative impact on the entire school community. It continues to offer suggestions for the School Board to consider. Some points are: the need to continually maintain a closed building, which would not ultimately realize any savings, and excess classrooms in the Waugh School, which might be used for specific activities including classroom, ancillary, and continuing education support. Trustees Mike Stockman and John Wilson said that they had both spoke to the members of the School Board on their own time. Trustee Jonica DiMartino thanked Ms. O’Connor for her passion and asked her to keep it going forward, as it is heartbreaking to lose your old school, and our children deserve the best we can offer. Visitor Jill Barrett, who is on the School Board said that she respects all opinions and that the School Board intends to take all aspects of their situation into consideration. Trustee Houston said that reading the Attendance Meeting Reports online at the school web site is very educational. Visitor Sam Mogavero thanked the DPW for their outstanding help in clearing out fire plugs from all the snow. He said he went in there to ask for equipment to open it up, and the DPW made sure that it was done within the hour. Robert Beck addressed the board with an update on the scheduled Angola Volunteer Fire Department’s 125 year celebration. A parade and carnival are planned for July 20 and 21st. Crash Cadillac will perform that Friday from 8-12. On Saturday, a parade including approximately 30 local volunteer fire companies will commence at 5:30 pm. He claims that this parade will be larger than that at the Silver Creek Grape Festival! Trustee Stockman said that he gives Mr. Beck full marks for quality events. Trustee Houston asked about the security of a beer tent in the fire hall, and if local school bands would be available. Mr. Beck said that the Erie County All Star Band, sponsored by Pepsi had been contacted. He said that $3,000 in music had already been scheduled for the event. Bands from Pennsylvania and Fort Erie will be participating. Mr. Beck then asked, as a citizen, why plows are sent out when there is very little snow on the street. Trustees Wilson and Houston, and DPW Crew Chief Jeff Kaminski responded by saying that the plows are sent out as requested by the Police Departments. Further, the crews, when sent, are assigned for a minimum of two hours for both plowing and salting, as needed. As a matter of public safety narrow intersections and other roadways are check carefully by the Police Department for hazardous conditions. Communications The Boy Scouts, Erie Shore District, thanked the Village Of Angola for their commitment to their recent Niagara Frontier Council Family Leadership and Sons Breakfast. Trustee Houston reports that he received a suggestion from Legislator Bob Reynolds to submit a master plan for creek side erosion and prevention to the DEC. Mr. Houston’s original concern, in his request for Erie County assistance, was for stones and rocks along the banks at Herman Park. He was advised that the county does not stock pile stones, but orders them as needed. Committee Reports Trustee Bill Houston reports that he has been assigned as a new Census representative. He mentioned that an accurate count was what he was after. He said that due to the 2004 Census New York lost a representative because 100,000 people were not counted which were actually living in the state. Mr. Houston also reports that recycling guidelines and bins in the blue and white village colors, are available at the Village Hall. He says that Assemblyman Quinn and State Senator Volker have assisted in approving a new contract for standards for street lights to finish the Commercial Street street scaping. The contract provides for historic-looking lights, wiring, and street furniture. At the Town Planning Department, Mr. Houston met with Jack Buckholtz of Bergman Associates in Rochester to discuss the water needs for development at the intended retail site at Lake Avenue and Route 5. Mr. Buckholtz provided Mr. Houston with a set of aerial pictures of the area. Trustee Mike Stockman commented on the board’s recent trip to Albany, where they met with Senator Volker and others. He reports that at the evening’s meeting with the Angola Fire Company the Village Board felt the entities were on the same page. He said a Ladder Truck is in the foreseeable future, based on what was discussed. The Depot Committee will be holding a raffle for the Nickel Plate Caboose refurbishment. 1,000 tickets will be available at $5. each for several top prizes. Trustee John Wilson reports that the NYCOM Meeting went well and connections, seminars, and educational material was presented which outlined a wonderful program for village municipalities. Trustee Jonica DiMartino reports progress on the Oil/Water separator needed for the DPW, Police and Fire Departments. She says that work on the Herman Park stream bank stabilization will be a priority in developing the park. So far much positive feedback has been received on very positive results for the park. She reports that meeting in Albany with Governor Spitzer, Comptroller DiNapoli, and Lt. Governor David Paterson was a great opportunity to hear ideas and visions for the state. She mentioned specifically pension funds and where state help could help in reworking that equation for the small governments in the towns and villages. She says that Bob Pelli, of Hamburg, and AJ Wright of Assemblyman Quinn’s Office will be coordinating more efforts together for the Walk The Villages program. Mayor Frawley reports that the City of Buffalo and the county are working out the Xspand contract and what they are going to do in a 30 day review. He and Richard Tobey, Economic Development Coordinator from Buffalo, spoke up and made that motion for a resolution to the Xspand property take overs. The Mayor will continue to try to release buildings in Angola’s business district from Xspand and lien situations so that they may be purchased and developed. He asked all trustees to attend the next meeting on March 22nd. Mayor Frawley reports that on March 1st 4 members of the village planning, and zoning boards took classes at the Erie County Environmental Training Center to fulfill a state requirement. They are working on another training session to be held in April at the New Angola Theater. The Mayor also reports the receipt of $14769.20 from FEMA and New York State due to the filing of DPW paperwork following the October storm. Also, thanks to DPW Chief Jeff Kaminski, the Fire Company can realize $1,712.40 for their contributions of fire rescue equipment, chief vehicle and equipment use. Two generators used were also compensated. The credit for these uses will be accredited to the Angola Fire Company. If the money is not used, at the end of the year it will go into its Equipment Account. Police Chief Puckhaber reports 338 Police Calls, 21 tickets and traffic violations written, 10 criminal arrests, and 20 Police Reports. He also reports that the County has allocated money for computer communications equipment for the new police vehicle. Department of Public Works reports that there are 120 tons of salt left. Fire Commissioner Lynne Kaminski thanked the board for the Friday meeting. She said that one more item needed to be requested, a $50 bit to work a valve on #4, for truck maintenance. She thanked Trustee Jonica DiMartino, saying “We will miss you when you’re gone. We appreciate all you’ve done these past three years.” Resolutions 1 Authorized an address for Goya Foods expansion. A new address for the current building lot of 275 South Main was approved. 2 Approved Volunteer Angola Fire Department 1st Chief Kris Young as Emergency disaster Coordinator for the Village of Angola. Mr. Young’s appointment is effective March 5, 2007. 3 Approved the 30 day posting for Fireman’s Service Award Program. All year 2006 active volunteer firefighters names will be posted for review for a period of at least 30 days for review by member. The list will be returned to the Village of Angola with changes at the end of that period. 4 Approved the rezone of property from R-1 residential, to I industrial at SBL# parcels: 251.07-5-8, 9,10,11,12,13,14.1, 15, and an approximately 120’ x 214’ portion of parcel: 251.07-5-16.1. These properties total approximately 8.73 acres. A negative SEQR review has been recorded for the property, which is intended for use of warehousing. This rezoning amends Chapter 30, Article II Section 30.22 “Zoning Map”, and is adopted as Local Law #1 for the year 2007. 5 Approved Local Law #2 for the year 2007 entitled “Administration and Enforcement of the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code”. 6 Resolved the issuance of a negative SEQR declaration for the expansion of a Goya Foods facility. The Village Board is lead agency in the review of the project. The meeting was adjourned to a work session of the inter-municipal workshop March 6 at 7 pm and March 8th at 5 pm. The next scheduled Village of Angola Board meeting will be Monday March 19th at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to attend all regular board meetings. Village elections will be held Tuesday, March 20th from 12 noon through 9 pm. Clerk Treasurer Linda Giancarlo reminds all the Village Hall will be open for elections, and not general business on that day.

Highlights from the Evans Town Board Meeting

     The Evans Town Board met on March 7, 2007. Councilman Karen Erickson was absent. Privilege of the Floor Before opening the meeting to the Privlege of the Floor, Supervisor Robert Catalino read a statement from the Association of Towns of the State of New York Town Law Manual, which he will read at each meeting before the Privilege of the Floor. “A town board meeting is a serious matter. The Open Meetings Law gives the public the right to attend town board meetings and to listen to town board deliberations. However, the public may not participate in the meeting except upon the invitation of the board...” Marie Jewett addressed the Board with accounts of accidents and mishaps on Eden Evans Center Road. She reports that persons are driving along the shoulder causing serious consequences for drivers and residents. A jeep flipped earlier this week. Residents are cautious about checking their mailboxes because of several near misses. Supervisor Robert Catalino replied that the road is heaving in a way that concerns the Town of Evans and Evans Police. He said that this will be addressed and it is a major concern, not just for the safety issues, but this may impact funding for the Hike and Bike Path project. He said they will see what they can legally do. Police Chief Ferguson replied that the Police will increase their visible presence on Eden Evans Center Road. He had spoken to the County on Monday and will make a third request, and pass this on the Legislator Reynolds again tomorrow. Supervisor Catalino then asked Police Chief Ferguson and Disaster Coordinator Charles Danzi to monitor the creeks as the weather promises to warm dramatically this week. Cheri Hahn addressed the board to thank Police Officer Lt. Danzi for support after an accident she had on Route 20. A crow bar was flung into her window. She also wanted to thank the Highway Department for their assistance in bringing cinders for the Lake Bay community’s unpaved roads. She was appreciative that the crews delivered to the totes and there was no waste because of their care. Communications Approved the Kuebler-Voelker minor subdivision at 1551 Eden-Evans Center Committee and Department Head Reports Councilman Spence commended the Evans Police for the all their actions over the busy weekend (situation on Church Road). The Department doesn’t get much recognition but they are there when they need to be to keep us safe. Mr. Spence also reminded all that Passports are available at the Town Hall, a one stop shop. He then delivered the big news- The Easter Bunny is coming! The bunny and the candy will appear at the Evans Town Park on March 31st (Rain Date - April 7th). There will be a 10 am start- get there 15 minutes earlier, or risk missing the candy. Three age groups 3-4 year olds, 5-7 year olds, and 8-10 year olds will race to find the prize. Councilman Kathy Bartus reports there were three letters of commendation for the Evans Police force. Officers Ernest Masullo, Mike Masullo, Peter Smith, Dan Bluff, and Bruce Green Jr. are to be commended for their bravery and good police work. Mrs. Bartus would like to remind seniors and others who might need a non-license ID that the DMV is available during business hours in the Town Hall. Councilman Paul Cooper reports that he and three others from the zoning and planning departments attended a 3 1/2 hour course on rules and procedures. These course hours are part of the continuing education requirement for planning, zoning, and building personnel. Mr. Cooper reports that the NEST recycling organization will take part in the home show at the Hamburg Fair Grounds March 22-25th. They will demonstrate home composting. Mr. Cooper also wants to get the word out for The Fresh Air Camp. The camp provides a space for nearly 600 children to experience the sand and sun in Evans every Summer. Saint Vincent DePaul Society is asking for assistance to support the Fresh Air Camp. They are looking to raise approximately $80,000. March 28 the Town is preparing a Disaster Preparedness Drill to include all the Fire Departments and organizations in the Town. Town Clerk Carol Meissner reports February receipts of $8, 053.89. Diana Cafferty, Receiver of Taxes reports February Water receipts of $133,726.65. Resolutions 1. Declared a Parks Department vehicle, a 1997 Ford Taurus, as surplus. 2. Resolved to support the series of community business development workshops with $250 in funds. The Town of Evans, Village of Angola, Friends of the Village, Inc. and the Evant-Brant Chamber of Commerce collaborated to offer the series. The success of this first series has inspired the groups to continue to offer more workshops through 2007. 3. Approved the appointment of Judith Dutchess as part time clerk effective immediately. Licenses The board approved a license for Thomas Perkins dba East Evans Country Depot- Refreshment and Live Band. The meeting was adjourned to work sessions March 14th and a Regular Town Board Meeting March 21st at 7:30 pm. The public is invited to all regular meetings.

Highlights from the Town of Brant Special Board Meeting