More sign problems in Gowanda

by Mary Pankow

     By the looks of things, someone either wanted to take a sentimental journey or add to their bizarre collection of memorabilia after the discovery of a missing Sesquicentennial sign.

     Sign Chairman Anna Sage informed the Village of Gowanda Board July 13 that the sign had been taken around June 30. The thief, or thieves, removed the sign - without tromping on the flowers or digging up the ground - but replaced the screws! There is now an empty signpost.

     Sage spoke with the businesswoman who made the sign to commemorate Gowanda’s 150th anniversary celebration in 1998, and she would be able to recreate the sign. (The original sign cost $230.)

     The board asked Sage to get cost estimates; in the meantime, they will see if insurance will cover the loss.

     It was then on to discussion of another celebration ... the celebration of fall and fall harvest with the second annual scarecrow contest.

     Alice Tschopp announced that this year’s event takes place Saturday, Sept. 18. In addition to the scarecrow contest, there will be a scarecrow stroll and a concert featuring John Wilder.

     Contest categories include residential, business, school and organization with prizes of $40, $30 and $20 being awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners, respectively. Event planners hope to make Gowanda the scarecrow capital.

     At 6:30 p.m., John Wilder will perform in front of the Hollywood Theater. West Main Street will be closed from 5:30 to 8 p.m. that evening. Winners of the scarecrow contest will be announced at the concert.

     In an unrelated matter, John Dedloff inquired about the hiring practices for summer recreation staff. He questioned why a particular person hadn’t been hired, saying he felt she was very qualified.

     The board responded that the 16 staff members were hired through the interview process conducted by the Recreation Commission, with at least one village board member in attendance. Preference was given to village residents, then to those outside the village who met the qualifications and interviewed well.

     In other matters, the village board:

  •Approved a number of building permits, a demolition permit for the former EZ Shop canopy at 65 Buffalo St., a demolition permit for Verizon to raze two wooden storage buildings on South Water Street and installation of an elevator in the Gowanda Free Methodist Church.
  •Read the report from Police Chief Joe Alessi, who noted the following for June: 138 complaints, 16 arrests, 19 traffic tickets, four domestics and four motor vehicle accidents.

     Also, Officer Ron Russell completed New York State Bike School at UB and is now certified. Officer Larry McCormick also attended the bike school via Blasdell Police Department and is certified for Gowanda.

     To date, Gowanda now has four certified bike officers: Joe Alessi, Mike Insalaco, Russell and McCormick.

     Gowanda Police Department will be holding a child safety seat check sometime soon.

     Officer Rich Cooper was recognized by Erie County Stop DWI unit as one of 10 officers in Erie County honored for their efforts in the fight against DWI.

  •Approved the request for payment from Stuart Brown Associates for writing a grant.
  •Noted that 252 kids have signed up for the summer recreation program. The program is going well with many activities for all ages.
  •Announced that volunteers are needed to deliver lunches to the summer recreation program. Taking approximately a half hour, the lunches are transported from the L.K. Painter Community Center to, Gowanda Middle School. No heavy lifting is involved. Those interested should call the village office.
  •Was told that the Firemen’s Convention plans are coming along well. Over 50 fire departments are expected.

     Also, the fire department received $5,000 from Erie County Legislator Steve McCarville’s office. The fire chief and others will discuss what to use the funds for.

  •Agreed to allow New York State to develop the Hill Street well for prison water supply at no cost to the village.
  •Noted the Chapel Street/Maple Street Water Project is still in the design phase.
  •Was told by Superintendent of Public Works Mike Hutchinson that the Commercial Street storm drain project is underway. The project should be complete by the end of August.

     Also, regarding the former Creekside Restaurant, a contract with Erie County to demolish the building should arrive next week. The board proceeded to approve Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for engineering services for the demolition.

  •Approved moving forward with the proposed sign law.
  •Approved submitting bid requests for street lighting (VCR activity) with tentative Aug. 5 bid opening.
  •Approved the Walk with TLC Night on Aug. 19.
  •Announced a cat spaying/neutering clinic will take place Oct. 29 behind Allison’s in the Municipal Parking Lot area.
  •Approved sending the same donated amount as last year to Gowanda Lions Club for their flag program.
  •Approved the use of Chang-Hu Park for a wedding on Aug. 7.
  •Approved the request from Gowanda Free Library to use Chang-Hu Park July 31 from 2-4 p.m. for an Allegheny River Indian Dancers presentation.
  •Received $10,850.81 from Erie County for June sales tax.
  •Received $58.66 from DFT Local Service, municipal surcharges.
  •Received $3,661.01 from NYSEG.
  •Received $5.18 from TalkAmerica, gross receipts tax.
  •Received $87.93 from AT&T, gross receipts tax.
     The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The meeting will be preceded by a workshop at 6 p.m.