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Town Board News - JANUARY - JUNE 2009

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Town Approved Altered Key Bank Site Plan - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 15, 2009 . . .The Town Board in a 3-2 vote, Monday, approved a site plan for Key Bank at Tops Plaza that eliminated the right-in driveway from Whitehaven Road. It wasn’t what Attorney Sean Hopkins or Mary Ellen Walter of Key Bank wanted to hear because they had, over an 18-month period, already conceded a full access driveway onto Whitehaven and a limited right-in/right-out access plus a re-angling of the driveway to make it clearer to motorists. And they argued their points at the beginning of the meeting, adding that the newest revision of the site plan had cleared the following boards: Planning Board, Architectural Review and Traffic Safety. The right-in driveway had also gotten the green light from NYS DOT and Erie County Public Works.
      However, for three members of the Town Board (Supervisor Peter McMahon, Dick Crawford and Mary Cooke), the convenience issue for Key Bank could not justify the threat to public safety and the adverse impact to traffic on Whitehaven Road. According to Hopkins, the decision to eliminate the Whitehaven access may jeopardize the project.
      Though no one spoke at a public hearing about the proposed rezoning of 2555 Grand Island Blvd. from B-1 to R-3 for the construction of a two-story, multi-family, senior citizen apartment building by Redtek Development, there were concerns aired during the public comment period at the end of the meeting by Dorothy Rowswell as to the nature of the project. According to documents filed, the proposed 83,000 sq. ft. apartment structure would house 48 two-bedroom units and 35 one-bedroom units, various community rooms, 40 garage units and 20 storage units. Mary Cooke said that the project could be described as a bridge between subsidized housing and high-end housing. However, the developer withdrew the plans from the Planning Board meeting that could mean Redtek might not proceed with the plan or is re-evaluating the plan. The project was referred to the Town Board for further review.
      During the public hearing regarding the establishment of a lighting district for Majestic Woods Subdivision, a concern by John Betker Jr., a state trooper who lives on Majestic Woods Drive, about the placement of the last light on the street resulted in the Town Board referring the issue to the Town Engineer.
      A bond resolution was adopted authorizing the reconstruction of and construction of various roads within the town at a maximum estimated cost not to exceed one million dollars. The town also authorized the issuance of serial bonds to fund the road projects not to exceed one million dollars with said amount to be offset by any federal, state, county and/or local funds received.
      The Town Board approved a transfer of $8000 from the Trust and Agency Fund to Parks and Recreation for the purpose of constructing a path and restoring the grounds at Ransom Village to improve a play unit that sets back off the of Park Lane where the ground access is rough and has a moderate drainage problem.
      Supervisor McMahon was authorized to sign a Water/Wastewater Mutual Aid Agreement (WARN) joining a response network of water/wastewater providers. By becoming a participant, Grand Island would respond to incidents that may impact health or safety and require aid or assistance in the form of personnel, equipment and supplies from outside the area of impact.
      Summer hires for the Youth program were approved as follows: six returning, five new, two nature instructors, three lifeguard and three swimming instructors (Kolby Banker, Reba Conway, Matt Klock, Kelsey Mash, Elizabeth Stanko, Kathleen Gilmore, Roger Wright, Susan Szczublewski, Casey Carminati, Simarjot Cheeman, Liam Dodd, Susan Head, Chris McDonnell, Pat Kostenbauder, Fayne Certo, Michelle Turner, Lauren Fonte, James Sica, Scott Rogers, Brian Bobak).
      In other business, the Board:
• Accepted with regret the resignation of Zoning Officer John McCarthy effective June 26 and agreed to advertise for the position.
• Approved a resolution to clarify the name of White Oak Terrace located in Fairway Greens on map covers at no cost to the town.
• Renewed tower permits with Crown Castle USA for Sprint telecommunications towers at 3078 Staley Road and at the Bedell Road Bike Path.
• Approved a special use permit for the keeping of an agricultural animal by Gail Villani at 5302 East River Road.
• Authorized the advertising of bids for the Grand Island Memorial Library Parking lot reconstruction with bids due on July 1 at 10 a.m.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a memorandum of understanding to renew its participation in the local Emergency Management Mutual Aid Assistance Program.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with NYS Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Project that includes improving sidewalks and bike paths along Love Road and East Park in the area of Kaegebein School.
• Approved a request from Joseph Cinelli of 2809 Love Road to combine two lots to give him sufficient room to build an addition to his home with the condition that he file the appropriate paperwork with Erie County.
• Announced that a matching grant of $86,963 is being recommended for funding under the Recreational Trails Program for the Veteran’s Park Access Improvement Project.
• Announced that the Lawnmower races are being reinstated and will take place Sunday, June 21 on the West River Service Road.
• Announced that the Great American Clean Up aimed at cleaning up Grand Island Blvd. would begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at Town Hall.
• Announced that Isle Happenings would take place June 27 at the Marion Klingel Town Common from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Town Proclaims DAV Forget-Me-Not Days - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 15, 2009 . . .Disabled American Veterans, Grand Island chapter 168, Commander Joseph Synakowski and Dave Birt, were on hand to receive a proclamation from Town Board declaring June 18-20 as DAV Forget-Me-Not Days. The little blue flowers are sold every year with proceeds going for local support of veterans and their families, specific needs at the VA Hospital, the DAV Transportation network and other community projects.

Girl Scout Gold Awardees Honored - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 15, 2009 . . .Eight girls as part of Scout Troop 1217 earned the Gold Award for organizing and implementing the G.I.R.L.S. 6th grade mentoring program that took 200 hours of time over a three-year period. The program’s goal is to instill in its participants self-confidence and the ability to withstand peer pressure.
     The Gold Award is the most prestigious national honor bestowed on a member of the Girl Scouts. A proclamation recognizing their achievement was bestowed on the following during Monday night’s Town Board meeting: Kaitlyn Affuso, Rhianna Broady, Sarah Dolan, Suzanne Eisenberger, Kate Garten, Sara Grana, Deanna Paternostro and Rebecca Zimmerman.

County To Sponsor Household Hazardous Waste Day - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 15, 2009 . . .A drop-off day for household hazardous waste has been scheduled for Erie County residents at Erie Community College South Campus (Orchard Park) Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items accepted are as follows: pesticides, fertilizers, pool and household chemicals/cleaners, oil-based paints, spray cans, oil, gasoline, kerosene, anti-freeze, paint thinner, stripper and solvents, batteries, mercury and propane tansk and cylinders. No tires, latex paint, computers, appliances, commercial and industrial wastes will be accepted.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - July 1, 2009
   Click for 6/1/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., June 15, 2009
   Click for 6/15/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Key Bank Site Plan Still Not Approved - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 1, 2009 . . .Despite an appearance and request to approve the site plan for Key Bank at Tops Plaza, Attorney Sean Hopkins who represents KeyCorp for the project made no inroads on the Town Board Monday night. The site plan remains on the table for further review. The sticking point for the Town Board, according to Supervisor Peter McMahon, is the proposed driveway off Whitehaven Road that is deemed unsafe for car and pedestrian traffic. Ross Kaiser of Kaiser Funeral Home objects to the driveway as well. He feels it is too close to the Funeral Home’s east entrance. McMahon said a possible solution might be to move the driveway to the west side of the funeral home.
      Following a public hearing at which no one spoke, the Town Board approved to the closing of Wallace Drive between Huth Road and South Park for a block party Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 p.m. and agreed to remind the Recreation Department that barricades would be needed.
      A recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee to rezone two business district parcels just north of and parallel to Webb Road to R-3 was referred to the Town Board for further review. This area falls at the southernmost end of the proposed Central Business District. The R-3 designation would include the incorporation of performance standards applicable to R-3 zoning.
      In other business, the board:
• Appointed Mike Ziolkowski to the Cable/Communications Committee for the balance of a vacated term set to expire December 31, 2015.
• Adopted a Workplace Violence Policy and Prevention Program.
• Announced that the Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board and Grand Island Historical Society would be holding a free historical photo exhibit and reception at River Lea Sunday, June 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of the Boundary Waters Treaty (1909-2009).

Senior Citizen Apartment Project to be Aired - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 1, 2009 . . .A public hearing will be held Monday, June 15 at 8 p.m. to consider rezoning of 2555 Grand Island Boulevard from B-1 to R-3 for the construction of a two-story multi-family senior citizen apartment building by Redtek Development. The proposed 83,000 sq. ft. apartment structure would house 48 two-bedroom units and 35 one-bedroom units, various community rooms, 40 garage units and 20 storage units.
      Another public hearing on June 15 will consider the creation of a lighting district for Majestic Woods Subdivision.

Proclamations Honor War Hero, Relay for Life - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, June 1, 2009 . . .A proclamation in honor of Private 1st Class Charles N. DeGlopper was presented to DAV Commander Joseph Synakowski of the 82nd Airborne Monday in remembrance of DeGlopper’s heroic death when he saved members of his squadron by diverting attention away from them during a battle at LaFiere, Normandy, France June 9, 1944. DeGlopper was awarded the nation’s highest medal, the Congressional Medal of Honor. A remembrance ceremony will be held at his gravesite in Maple Grove Cemetery at 11 a.m. June 9.
      A second proclamation declared June 5 and 6 Relay for Life Days on Grand Island. More than 60 teams will participate in the 7th annual event that benefits the American Cancer Society and all Islanders are encouraged to support and enjoy the entertainment the Relay offers for this worthy cause.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - May 18, 2009
   Click for 5/18/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., June 1, 2009
   Click for 6/1/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - May 4, 2009
   Click for 5/4/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Urges Islanders To Support Buddy Poppy Days - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, May 18, 2009 . . .Proclaiming May 21, 22 and 23 VFW Buddy Poppy Days on Grand Island, Town Board members, Monday, recognized members of the VFW (Commander Ray Briggs and Richard Lozo) and pulled out dollars to buy their Buddy Poppies. This annual distribution gratefully acknowledges men and women who have risked their lives in defense of freedom.
      The Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans with proceeds benefiting widows and orphans of deceased veterans and for disabled and needy veterans. The Buddy Poppy represents “honoring the dead by helping the living.” Islanders are urged to wear a Buddy Poppy, especially on Memorial Day.

Waterfront Park Subdivision Phase II Approved - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, May 18, 2009 . . .Following a public hearing, Monday, at which no one spoke, the Town Board granted final plat approval to Waterford Subdivision - Phase II (15 lots). Originally Phase I of Waterford Park included 30 lots and was previously approved by the Town, but due to the economic downturn only 15 lots were developed. Phase II is a request to develop the remaining 15 lots.
      A special use renewal was granted to Parkland Enterprises for the still incomplete service station and convenience store at the corner of Stony Point and Ransom roads. However, Councilman Dick Crawford asked that a status report be provided on the project.
      Final Plat approval was given for a revised Phase I of East River Landings that includes three lots. A fourth lot may be developed at a later date following resolution of some legal issues around utility installation.
      A public hearing has been set for 8 p.m. Monday, June 1 to consider a request to close Wallace Drive between Huth Road and South Park for a block party Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 p.m.
      The Town Board authorized Supervisor Peter McMahon to write a letter in support of a Re-Tree Western New York grant application from the Niagara Greenway Commission that would benefit Grand Island.
      The proposed Key Bank site in Tops Plaza was again tabled, but a revised site plan has been submitted to and approved by the Planning Board. The site plan has been modified to provide three additional landscaped islands to help with traffic control and patterns.
      Islanders were urged to observe Memorial Day by attending the ceremony at DeGlopper Park at 10 a.m. and all were reminded that the VFW would be at all the Island’s cemeteries to honor the war dead prior to the DeGlopper Park memorial service.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., May 18, 2009
   Click for 5/18/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Apr. 20, 2009
   Click for 4/20/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., May 4, 2009
   Click for 5/4/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

"The State of Grand Island" - Business Breakfast - May 20, 2009
   The Grand Island Economic Development Advisory Board, in conjunction with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce presents its bi-annual Business Breakfast Meeing, "The State of Grand Island," from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 20 in the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. The event, focusing on the ecomomical state of Grand Island, is free and open to Island business owners. There will be a complimentary continental breakfast served and egistration is required at 773-3651.

Town To Seek Dunlop Restoration For Third Time - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, April 20, 2009 . . .The Town Board, following a public hearing Monday, authorized Supervisor Peter McMahon to sign and submit an application for a Restore New York grant of $2.5 million for the necessary restoration of the Dunlop Building. The longtime eyesore at 2761 Long Road is a 74,000 square foot building on some 27 acres that has been in a state of decline for years. John Hurld, who spoke in favor of the grant, asked if it was possible that the building would be demolished. Although the Restore NY Grant is mainly for restoration purposes, demolition or reconstruction is a possibility according to McMahon.
      The expensive part of the restoration project would be the asbestos removal and the installation of sewers on an adjacent lot both of which are integral to the development of the Grand Island Gateway Center proposed in the Town’s Zoning and Comprehensive Plan. Owners of the building and adjacent former Acquest property will contribute the required cost share of restoration. This is the third time the Town has sought Restore New York funding for this project. Councilman Gary Roesch reported that the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Advisory Board had both submitted letters of support for the funding.
      Two other public hearings, at which no one spoke, resulted in granting final plat approval for the Niagara River Estates – Section 4 (3 lots – Pax subdivision); and referring to Town Board for further review a revised final plat for East River Landings.
      Site plan approval for a 5,700 sq. ft. addition for a new laboratory at Life Technologies at 3175 Staley road was granted. The addition will be at the rear of the building, screened from the road. Roesch praised the project and the company’s efforts to shift work from other places to Grand Island. The new addition, assisted by an abatement package, will add much needed jobs to the local economy.
      A special use renewal was approved for a Bed and Breakfast run by Glen Wallace on North Colony Road. A delay in granting the approval was caused by an unlicensed vehicle that is now licensed, parked on the property.
      In other business, the Board:
• Approved the hiring of Colin Gallagher and Erik Billica as seasonal full time employees in the Water Department and Tim Burns as a seasonal full time employee in the Wastewater Department at a rate of $8.25 per hour beginning May 4.
• Announced that Saturday, May 2, the Town Clerk’s office would hold special hours for passport applications.
• Announced that there are a few vacancies on the town’s advisory boards and to contact Town Board members for anyone interested to contact Town Board members on specifics.
• Announced that comments would be welcome regarding the Town of Grand Island’s website.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2009
   Click for 4/6/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., April 20, 2009
   Click for 4/20/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Town Board Sets Three Public Hearings - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, April 6, 2009 . . .The Town Board, Monday, set three public hearings for 8 p.m. April 20: - one to air public comments on the Restore NY grant application for the former Hooker Chemical office building (along with construction of certain infrastructure); another regarding final plat approval for the proposed Pax subdivision; and one to air comments on a revised final plat approval for East River Landings.
      An exception to subdivision requirements was waived for proposed parking lot modifications at the VFW Post 9249 at 2121 Grand Island Blvd. The VFW plans to pave a 50x53 ft. area adjacent to the rear pavilion. Exception to site plan requirements was also granted for a proposed partial change of occupancy at 2119 Grand Island Blvd. to accommodate the paving of a 40x40 ft. area adjacent to the rear of the building. This would allow for a flower shop to occupy approximately 66 percent of the building.
      Referred to the Town Board, Town Attorney and Long Range Planning Committee, was a letter from John Simon favoring rezoning of his property under the proposed Central Business District plan and outlining allowable uses he would entertain. He wrote that he would be willing to place a deed restriction on his property so that it remains within the accepted uses described in the plan. Simon also wrote about the history of abuses on the property by Webb Road Construction and cited the fact that he personally removed 500 tires, seven truckloads of concrete and two truckloads of scrap iron. He wrote that he cleaned up the dump with the purpose of installing a driving range but that came to halt when the town split his property rendering it useless. He added that since the property’s overhaul, several Webb Road residents have illegally used his property as a dump.
      A recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee to the rezoning of parcels 37.03-1-37.11 and 37.03-1-13.211 from their current zoning to R-3 was referred to the Town Attorney. These parcels, just north of and parallel to Webb Road currently carry between them four different zoning classifications.
      A letter from Hopkins & Sorgi , attorneys, asking for a resolution confirming that River Oaks had satisfied the open space and parkland/recreation fee requirements for the River Oaks project was referred the Town Attorney for legal advice.
      Requests to hire the following part-time maintenance recreation attendants for 19 hours per week from April 7 through May 2 was approved: Shaun Quinn, Tim Digati, Neil Hoffman, Andy Pappano, Kyle Moody, Frank Strano, John Loos, David Cole. These attendants were also approved as returning part-time seasonal workers at 40 hrs. per week from May 4 to Oct. 2. Ray Billica was approved as a seasonal worker (max 820 hrs. May, June, Sept. and Oct. plus 80 hours to earn a pesticide/herbicide license). Gerald Peete was approved for 19 hrs. a week for April 7-Sept. 30; Clifford Smith for 40 hrs. a week from April 7-Aug. 21 and Anne Dyet at 19 hrs. a week from April 7 to Oct. Permission was also given to move Thomas Cecere to Seasonal Çrew Chief from May 5-August 14.
      Deputy Supervisor Dick Crawford led other town councilmen in presenting Supervisor Peter McMahon with a plaque from the NYS Chapter of the American Public Works Dept. citing McMahon as Elected Officer of the Year. The award was given for McMahon’s outstanding support to the engineering staff. Town Engineer John Whitney was also recognized. He is an officer on the board of the NYS American Public Works Chapter.
      In other business, the board:
• Awarded the Ferrous Chloride contract for the wastewater department to Water Elements, LLC at cost of $0.945 per lb. of iron.
• Extended completion date fro the 2008 drainage program from March 30 to September 15 due to work limitations on the creek cleaning imposed by the NYSDEC Permit.
• Authorized the advertisement of bids for the Colonial Driftwood Park Bridge replacement with a deadline of April 29 at 10 a.m.
• Referred to the Town Board the Parks & Recreation Annual Report for 2008.
• Tabled renewal of a special use permit for a bed and breakfast operated by Glen Wallace at 917 North Colony Road in order to address an unlicensed vehicle on the property.
• Approved renewal of a special use permit for two agricultural animals on three acres for Carol Merckel at 2324 East River Road.
• Accepted with regret the resignations of Roy Gerard from the Economic Development Advisory Board and Bernard Wakefield from the Planning Board.
• Approved the closing of Whitehaven Road from Baseline to Grand Island Blvd. from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. on June 27 and for providing barricades, police support, porta potties, garbage cans, picnic tables and bleachers for Isle Happenings and KidBiz.

DECA Students Recognized For Excellence - 2009

(left) Council Members Sue Argy and Gary Roesch, School Board member George Casey, Supervisor Peter McMahon, Business Teacher Cheryl Chamberlain and students
Mary Stewart Photo - Click for larger view
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, April 6, 2009 . . . Many of the DECA marketing students from Grand Island High School, who advanced to the NYS Career Conference in Rochester March 4-6 and brought home 16 medals with four earning state or national standings, were on hand Monday to accept proclamations from the Town Board declaring April 7 Grand Island Central School District Day in their honor.
      DECA is a national association of more than 400,000 marketing students who compete against each other on a regional, state and national level. The DECA business curriculum is interwoven into the school’s programs to better prepare them for competitive events and for future life experiences.
      Hillary Figler and Susan Head who each earned three medals in the Travel and Tourism Team will be traveling to Anaheim this month for the International Career Development Conference. Both were national qualifiers. Other participants in the state conference were as follows: Amanda Camizzi (food marketing medal winner), Jessica Sharrow (one on one business marketing), Kathryn Raiser and Kaitlin Incorvia (hospitality services team medals), Sarah Dolan, Maggie Shonitsky and Courtney Silsby (decision making human resources), Nicole Carrao (decision making marketing), Sonia Brar (decision making marketing medal), Lauren Fonte (job interview medal – 1st in state), Tara Hook (job interview medal), Benjamin Soos (public speaking medal), Sydney Dudish (public speaking extemporan), Kelly Hooven (broadcast advertising), Rhianna Broady (broadcast advertising medal), Anmol Grewal (visual advertising medal), and Rachel Surdi (chapter scrapbook medal – 3rd in state).

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., April 6, 2009
   Click for 4/6/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Webb Road Residents Want Central Business District Redefined - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, March 16, 2009 . . .A public hearing, Monday, on proposed Local Law #2 identifying three business districts and the rezoning of those properties, brought out some familiar faces (Grand Island Blvd. business owners Andy Chambers and John Simon and Webb Road residents) who hadn’t been to many Town Board meetings since the often heated discussions preceding the adoption of the Town Center Plan in 2000.
      Tim Wellence, leading a cadre of other Webb Road residents, opposed anything that would change the character of the Webb Road homes and says the property should be zoned R1-D. He wants the southern end of the Central Business District that encompasses the area between 2109 Grand Island Blvd. (Monroe Muffler) and 2475 Grand Island Blvd. (Jackson Music Center), moved north away from Webb Road. Colleen Huff agrees contending that there are plenty of empty store fronts available in already established business districts. She believes development should be concentrated rather than extended. Several other Webb Road residents, Terry Swain, Steve Kovacs, Bob Sy and Martin Graves, also added comments in agreement with Wellence.
      But John Simon, who fought long and hard for a business classification during the Master Plan process and who has land in a split zoned area near the Webb Road residents, said that zoning should follow property lines. He favors the rezoning for business.
      The Town Center Business District is described as the entire length of Grand Island Blvd. with the Central District already identified above, the Southern District (Monroe Muffler to the South Grand Island Bridge), and the Northern District (Jackson Music to the North Grand Island Bridge.
      As proposed the following would be permitted uses in the North and South Districts: restaurants up to 5000 sq. ft.; banks; credit unions; personal service establishments; dance, art, music or photo studios, professional businesses, animal hospitals or veterinary clinics; gas stations; car washes; motor vehicle repair shops; convenience stores; drive through businesses; nurseries; retail stores up to 5000 sq. ft.; retail plazas and mixed use facilities up to 15,000 sq. ft.; houses of worship; public and private schools; parks and playgrounds; clubs and lodges; nursery schools and day care centers; civic buildings; indoor recreation facilities; some recreational enterprises not conducted entirely within an enclosed building; motels and motor courts; bed and breakfasts; assisted and independent living facilities; medical clinics; research facilities; single family detached residencies (less than 8 units per acre); duplex residences; multi-family residential developments (less than 8 units per acre); light manufacturing.
      Allowable special uses in the North and South Business Districts would be: bars and taverns; campgrounds; hotels; single family attached homes (8-10 units per acre); multi-family residential developments (8-10 units per acre), restaurants over 5000 sq. ft.; kennels; new or used car sales; trailer sales; boats or recreational vehicles and accessory repair departments; retail stores from 5000 to 15,000 sq. ft.; retail stores or plazas and mixed use facilities from 15,000 to 30,000 sq. ft.; essential public services.
      Permitted uses in the Central Business District would be: restaurants of all sizes; banks; credit unions; personal service establishments; dance, art, music and photo studios; professional businesses; animal hospitals or veterinary clinics; retail stores and plazas including mixed use facilities up to 30,000 sq. ft.; houses of worship; public and private schools, parks and playgrounds; clubs and lodges; nursery schools and day care centers plus other educational facilities; civic buildings; bars and taverns; indoor recreational facilities; hotels and bed and breakfasts; assisted and independent living facilities; medical clinics and outpatient facilities; laboratories and research facilities; single family homes (8-16 units per acre); multi-family residential developments (8-16 units per acre).
      Allowable special uses in the Central Business District would be: gas stations; motor vehicle repair places; car wash businesses; convenience stores and drive through businesses; retail stores, plazas and mixed use facilities over 60,000 sq. ft.; essential public services; commercial recreational enterprises not conducted entirely within a closed building; motels and motor courts; single family homes of more than 16 units per acre; multi-family residential developments of more than 16 units per acre.
      The Town Board referred comments from the Public Hearing to the Long Range Planning Committee for review and announced that the written comments on the three business districts would be accepted until 5 p.m. March 25.

Town Opposes Part Of Governor’s Proposed Budget Bill - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, March 16, 2009 . . .The Town Board, Monday, adopted a resolution in opposition to part of the Governor’s Budget Bill that would permit town boards to convert the office of Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent from elected positions to appointments, subject to a permissive referendum. Cited was the fact that Municipal Home Rule already provides for a town to change those positions from elected posts to appointed posts by a mandatory referendum.
      The resolution further asserts that a permissive referendum process, as proposed, is cumbersome, efficient and time-consuming, and that there is no cost efficiency in an appointed position versus an elected position because the duties and overhead are the same. The resolution will be forwarded to Governor Paterson, the WNY delegation of the NYS Senate and Assembly, the Honorable Sheldon Silver and the Honorable Malcolm Smith.
      In other business, the board:
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a contract for telephone services with One Communication, subject to the approval of the town attorney, at a savings of $400 a month over the current telephone costs.
• Referred to the Town Board for consideration at a March 18 workshop, the proposed Local Law #1 of 2009 regarding a six-month moratorium on ponds.
• Referred to the Town Board appointments to the Cable/Communications Committee and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
• Announced that the Lions Club 40th Annual Spaghetti Dinner to benefit the Lions Club annual summer picnic for disabled children will be held March 30.
• Announced that the Library Used Book Sale would take place the evening of March 27 for members, and March 28 for the public.
• Announced that the Library was holding three sessions to get feedback from the community on what Islanders want from the library – March 31 from 7-9 p.m. at the Library, April 2 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Golden Age Center, and April 4 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Library.

Town Board Salutes Eagle Scout Zachary Adams - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, March 16, 2009 . . .New Eagle Scout Zachary Stephen Adams, accompanied by his parents, was presented a proclamation congratulating him for attaining Boy Scouts’ highest and most prestigious rank during Monday’s Town Board meeting.
      A member of Boy Scout Troop 630, sponsored by St. Stephen’s Church, Adams completed an Eagle Scout project that involved constructing a kiosk in Buckhorn State Park that displays information on various plant and animal species inhabiting Grand Island. He led a group of 30 volunteers who worked a total of 180 hours on the project.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Mar. 2, 2009
   Click for 3/2/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., March 16, 2009
   Click for 3/16/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Passport Day In The USA (And Grand Island) - 2009
      The Grand Island Town Clerk’s Office is hosting a Passport Fair at Town Hall on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. The Grand Island Town Clerk’s Office is joining the Department of State in celebrating “Passport Day in the USA,” a national passport acceptance and outreach event.
      On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry.
      Information on the cost and how to apply for a passport book and/or a passport card is available at travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.
Event:    Passport Day in the USA Passport Fair
Date:    Saturday, March 28, 2009
Time:    10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where:  Grand Island Town Clerk’s Office
    2255 Baseline Road
    Grand Island, NY 14072
    716-773-9600 ext. 600

Objections To Proposed Pond Moratorium Aired - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, March 5, 2009 . . .During a public hearing on a proposed Local Law to prohibit the construction or expansion of ponds and mines in the town brought some concerned comments from Jim Lorentz of Staley Road who approached some town board members in November to discuss a pond project on his property. He feels that the moratorium, as an issue at this time, is a personal one to prevent him from constructing his pond. He asked many questions including what other studies were being done on environmental issues and what the cost of such a study might be. He asserted that traffic impacts and drainage problems are caused by other development such as the expansion of businesses and new residential subdivisions.
      The six-month moratorium would allow the Town Board to review mining activity and pond creation to address safety concerns from those ponds improperly built and those that may not have been properly filled. The intent is to protect the physical infrastructure of the Town and the health and welfare of the Town’s residents. The Supervisor would solicit proposals from one or more geologists or engineers to study the impact of mining on the physical structure of the Island and to study and recommend standards for proper drainage of ponds and proper construction of ponds with regard to safety of uses.
      Jim Daigler, though not an Island resident, also spoke because he is involved in permitting ponds. He said the proposed law airs nothing new and there will be no new findings from further study. He believes that of the 14,000 acres that comprise the Island, no more than 30 plus acres are ponds. The increase of ponds should be reconciled with traffic and drainage impacts brought on by the increase of jobs from expanding businesses and subdivision growth.
      The proposed moratorium was referred to back to the Town Board for further review.
      A public hearing at 8 p.m. March 16 will air comments on the rezoning of business districts within the Town, conforming them to the adopted Design and Performance Standards and Permitted Use Matrix. This rezoning would clearly define the three business districts.
      Correspondence on a proposal to establish an Erie County Planning Board from Erie County Clerk Robert Graber was referred to the Town Board for review. Referring to the Erie Niagara Framework for Regional Growth, a proposed resolution calls for the concept of a Strategic Development Act that would establish an Erie County Planning Board to handle approximately $900 million that will be spent on infrastructure over the next 25 years if current trends continue.
      Additional budget transfers of $71,665 for the General Fund, $30,000 for Highway, $50,624 for Sewer and $6,335 for Water were approved. Also approved were budgeted amendments for the Wastewater fund as follows: $52,000 increase in appropriated fund balance and a $52,000 increase for Sewer O&M Rep/Maint. Equipment.
      In other business, the board:
• Appointed Charles Michaux to the Board of Ethics for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31 2013.
• Appointed William Warren to the Parks and Recreation Board for the balance of a vacated term expiring Dec. 31, 2011.
• Appointed James Szakacs to the Parks and Recreation Board for the balance of a vacated term expiring Dec. 31, 2013.
• Appointed Tim Philips as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a one-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2009.
• Appointed Norm Mrkall to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board for the balance of a term expiring Dec. 31, 2011.
• Approved the creation of two part-time positions for the Recreation Dept. – seasonal recreation attendant and seasonal laborer.
• Authorized the advertising of bids for the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s ferrous chloride to be opened 10 a.m. March 19.
• Referred to the Town Attorney and Town Board a letter from Attorney Maurice C. Doyle regarding the sale of a parcel of land to be subdivided at 2819 Staley Road.
• Referred to the Town Engineer and Town Board a letter from Raymond P. Kot II Esq. regarding his suggestion to clean out Woods Creek Tributary which he deems essential to the peak water table levels and which would, therefore, prevent accelerated damage to roadbeds, sidewalks and driveways.
• Accepted wetlands dedication for River Meadows Subdivision.
• Announced that the Town Hall now has wi-fi capabilities inside and outside in the parking lot and Klingel Town Common.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - Feb. 2, 2009
   Click for 2/2/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., March 2, 2009
   Click for 3/2/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Long Range Planning Committee Meeting - 2009
   The Long Range Planning Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, February 25th downstairs at the Town Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Chairman Jim Sharpe will be discussing the attached recommendations for the business section of the bridge to bridge plan. See "Business section/Comprehensive Plan."

Deadline Approaching For All Property Tax Exemptions - February 2009
    March 1st is the deadline for all Basic STAR, Enhanced/Senior STAR and Veterans property tax exemptions to be added to the assessment roll for School tax year 2009/2010 and Town/County tax year 2010. If you have not already done so, please bring your paperwork to the Assessors office at Town Hall on or before Monday, March 2, 2009.

Town To Air Pond Moratorium Law - 2009
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, February 2, 2009 . . .A local law enacting a six-month moratorium on the construction and expansion of ponds and mines in the Town of Grand Island will be aired at the next Town Board meeting, Monday, March 2 at 8 p.m. Prior to that it will be reviewed by the Planning Board Monday, Feb. 9.
      A six-month moratorium in 1986, not backed by law, that banned the selling of topsoil off the Island resulted in a $1.5 Million lawsuit brought by River Oaks Marine, Inc. that cost the town over a million dollars in damages. This time the Town Board is trying to get it right by passing a Local Law that would hold up in court.
      The law is precipitated by an engineering report that asserts because Grand Island is a finite geological resource, ponds and other water-based reclamation improvements present difficult drainage issues and gradually erodes the Island itself. The report also refers to the intense truck traffic used in removing topsoil adds to the already over-capacity traffic on the Island’s bridges.
      The six-month moratorium would allow the Board to review mining activity and pond creation to address safety concerns from those ponds improperly built and those that may not have been properly filled. The intent is to protect the physical infrastructure of the Town and the health and welfare of the Town’s residents. The Supervisor would solicit proposals from one or more geologists or engineers to study the impact of mining on the physical structure of the Island and to study and recommend standards for proper drainage of ponds and proper construction of ponds with regard to safety of uses.
      A draft of the law that is yet to be finalized prohibits, for six months, the creation or expansion of Mining/Excavation Overlay zones, approval of site plans for mining or excavating in Mining/Excavation Overlay Zones, approval of any subdivision or preliminary plat or issuance of any grading permit or building permit proposing the creation of any pond greater than 1/3 of an acre, or expanding an existing pond by more than 1/3 of an acre. According to the draft, the Town Board could grant waivers, in its sole discretion, where such excavations are necessary for drainage purposes only for subdivisions and site plans.

Citizen Corps & CERT Team Recognized - 2009

Disaster Prepared Month Proclamation: (left) Council Members Sue Argy, Gary Roesch, CERTS members Michael Duff and Tracy Stein, Council Member Richard Crawford, CERTS members Frank Brusino, Steve Stouter and Nicole Gerber, Council Member Mary Cook and CERTS member Hank Carroll.
Dan McMahon Photo - Click for larger view
    By Joelle Logue
      Monday, February 2, 2009 . . .The Town Board, Monday, proclaimed February as Disaster Preparedness Month in the town and recognized members of the Grand Island Citizen Corps and Grand Island Community Response Team. Both of these groups were the first-established organizations of their kind in Western New York and play a huge role in making the community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds.
      The mission of these volunteers is to harness the power of every individual through education and training, making each self-sufficient and knowledgeable in order to assist others in times of emergency.
      The Town Board urges all citizens to participate in the programs offered in the community for Disaster Preparedness and First Aid.
      In other business, the Board:
• Authorized the supervisor to sign contracts with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for water and wastewater services for Beaver Island State Park.
• Authorized the supervisor to submit PO-17 forms to Erie County Personnel for two positions for the Recreation Dept.: part-time seasonal recreation attendant and part-time seasonal laborer.
• Authorized the supervisor to sign a license agreement, as approved by the Town Attorney, with National Fuel Gas for a three-month easement to install a gas line for an emergency generator that would serve the cell tower facility at 318 Baseline Road (the water treatment plan).
• Announced that residents should keep sidewalks clear of snow.
• Announced that $60 million is being sought from the federal economic stimulus plan for Grand Island projects.

Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2009
   Click for 1/20/09 Approved Town Board Meeting Minutes.

Town Board MEETING NOTICE - February 2009
Grand Island Town Board

Workshop Meetings:
Friday, February 6, 3:30p.m.
Re: Substance Abuse 
Thursday, February 12, 3:30p.m.
Re: Recreation Scheduling, Code Publishers

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Mon., February 2, 2009
   Click for 2/2/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Town Officials Announce Errors In 2009 Property Tax Bills - January 2009
   Grand Island Town officials participated in a conference call with Erie County officials to receive an update on the matter of errors on the 2009 property tax bills. Grand Island was one of 13 communities where the 2009 tax bills were incorrect. Three of the communities were overcharged while the remaining ten were undercharged. Grand Island was one of the ten communities that were undercharged. A clerical error resulted in Grand Island taxpayers being billed $15,000 for costs associated with Island students attending Community Colleges outside of Erie County. The correct amount of the bill should have been $491,000.
   Section 520, of the real property tax law, allows Erie County to collect the shortage next year, as an “omitted tax.” That means that Island taxpayers should pay the amount shown on the 2009 tax bill they already received. The mistake will be corrected and the 2009 shortfall of $476,000 will be added to the 2010 tax bills. Taxpayers cannot make any additional payment this year.
   Taxpayers can contact any member of the Town Board or Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel for answers to any questions they may have.
   The following was reported in the Buffalo News this week: Erie County has set up a telephone hotline for inquiries about the recent property-tax billing error. The hotline number is 858-8575, and it begins with a recorded message that takes people through the basics of the recent snafu.
   See 1/27/09 Buffalo News for story.

Town Board Meeting Notice - January 30, 2009
   Grand Island Town Board Workshop Meeting:
Friday, January 30, 3:30 p.m.
Re: Code Publishers and Workplace Violence

Town/County Tax Bills Mailed - 2009
   Town Clerk Patricia Frentzel has announced that the 2009 Town/County Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have changed banks, have paid off your mortgage or do not have an escrow account and did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 773-9600 ext. 620 or 600. The office will be open extras hours on Saturday, February 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, February 17 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk. The last day to pay without penalty is February 17. Envelopes must show a legible postmark of February 17 to be accepted on time. Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made February 16 and later. Payments may be made until June 30, 2009. After this date, payments must be sent to the County.
   ONLINE TAX RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS - SERVICE FEES APPLY www.gigov.com :
   Click for "Tax Information 2009"
DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED AT COUNTER - SERVICE FEES APPLY

Town Board Meeting Agenda - Tues., January 20, 2009
   Click for 1/20/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

Town Board Action - 2009
Supervisor, Town Board Appoint - 2009
   Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 . . .The following appointments were made during the reorganization meeting of the Town of Grand Island Monday.
   Supervisor Peter McMahon appointed Richard Crawford Jr. as Deputy Supervisor for 2009.
   Supervisor Peter McMahon named the following committees:
Audit: Mary Cooke (Chair) and Gary Roesch
Personnel Committee: Supervisor Peter McMahon, Richard Crawford Jr.
Sidewalk & Bike Path Committee: Chair Peter McMahon
    Town Engineer John Whitney
    Traffic Safety Advisory Board, Councilwoman Mary Cooke
    Highway Supt. Ray Dlugokinski
     Planning Board Frank Sturniolo
    Recreation Director Linda Tufillaro
Special Districts: Peter McMahon (chair), Councilwoman Mary Cooke, Town Engineer John Whitney
  Water Dept.: Sr. Plant Operator Brian Pettitt
  Water Dept.: Working Crew Chief Don Hoover
  Wastewater Dept.: Chief Plant Operator Ian James
  Wastewater Dept.: Working Crew Chief Mike Braun
    Advisory Board Appointments
• Architectural Review Board: Richard Szafran for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
• Commission for Conservation of the Environment: Rochelle Smith reappointed for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
• Economic Development Advisory Board: LuJean Jennings, M.D. and Bev Kinney reappointed for three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2012.
• Historical Preservation Board: Joseph Macaluso reappointed for four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2013, Shirley Luther reappointed for two-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2011 and Town Historian Teddy Linenfelser for a one-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2009.
• Human Rights: Maria Przystal reappointed for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
• Library Trustees: Richard Earne reappointed for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
• Planning Board: Sarah Cashimere reappointed for a seven-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2016.
• Traffic Safety: Jack Burns, Christopher Russell and Gary Tollner re-appointed for three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2012.
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Dario Violanti reappointed for a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014.
    Robert Mesmer was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the balance of the term, expiring December 31, 2010
    Douglas Learman was re-appointed Code Enforcement Officer, Kevin Koch as Deputy Code Enforcement Officer and Michael Eisenhauer as Code Enforcement Officer B Part Time.
    Town Attorney Peter Godfrey and Payroll Clerk Diane Nesbitt were appointed Harassment Complaint Officers.
    Teddy Linenfelser was re-appointed Town Historian for 2009.
    Supervisor Peter A. McMahon was appointed Liaison and Police Commissioner of the Grand Island Police Department for 2009
    Town Board liaisons:
   Gary Roesch (Economic Development, Planning Board and Communications & Cable/Communication, Golden Age Club and Safety Committee)
   Mary Cooke (Environmental Conservation Board, Historical Preservation and Human Rights)
   Richard W. Crawford Jr. (Traffic Safety Advisory Board, Library Trustees, Citizens Corps)
   Susan J. Argy (Architectural Review Board, Parks & Recreation Board)
   Peter A. McMahon (Long Range Planning Committee)
    Citizen Corps Council: Dorothy Bitner, Frank Brusino, Gregory Butcher, Hank Carroll, James T. Glass, Carol Jones, Nancy Koch, Richard Stoll, Stephen Stouter and Dan McMahon (ex-officio).
    Hodgson Russ, LL, Peter C. Godfrey, Esq. of Counsel appointed town attorneys for 2009
    Gregory Butcher was appointed Deputy Disaster Coordinator for 2009
    James Tomkins was reappointed Deputy Highway Superintendent.
    Patricia Frentzel was reappointed Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Town for a four-year term set to expire Dec. 31, 2011.
    Karen Cooney appointed Deputy Town Clerk for 2009
    Diane Darmofalski appointed Deputy Town Clerk for 2009
    Betty Lantz appointed Deputy Town Clerk for 2009
    Sally Kaiser appointed Part Time Clerk for 2009

Town Board Meeting Agenda - January 5, 2009
   Click for 1/5/09 Town Board Meeting Agenda.

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