CDBG suggestions heard in Gowanda

by Mary Pankow

     A number of suggestions were offered by those attending the Village of Gowanda Board of Trustee’s Community Development Block Grant public hearing Oct. 12. With a possible $90,000 in grant funding available, these projects were suggested to the board for consideration:

     Aaron Markham asked that CDBG funds be used for heating, plumbing and electrical work in the Hollywood Theater. He noted that this work is necessary before other interior projects can be done. Architect plans will be submitted within the week for the board to review.

     Carol Sheibley suggested a sidewalk project. A survey done approximately three years ago indicated that sidewalk replacement is needed in various locations.

     Phil Palen asked about replacing sidewalks on South Water Street, especially since some VCR work will be done in that area.

     Mike Hutchinson suggested a joint project with the Town of Collins for the Erie Avenue water district and supplying those residents with water.

     Dale DeCarlo noted that the Rural Transit van is always a consideration for CDBG funds.

     The board will consider the suggestions and make a decision at the next meeting. The CDBG application deadline is Nov. 1.

     In an unrelated matter, a Park Street resident told the board that his neighbors’ barking dog problem has resurfaced. The animals are housed outside once again and have resumed their nuisance barking.

     "I'm just seeking relief from this,” the man stated.

     Mayor Dick Klancer said he will speak with Animal Control Officer Mary Dankert on the matter.

     In other matters, the board:

   •  Was told by Police Chief Joe Alessi that in September his department logged 159 complaints, 20 arrests, 25 traffic tickets, 13 warrants and four motor vehicle accidents.
   •  Was informed that the Recreation Commission is exploring the possibility of offering ballroom dancing classes for adults.
   •  Agreed to charge $1 per child for rollerskating and $2 per adult for men’s basketball. Trustee DeCarlo cast the only dissenting vote.
   •  Announced a meeting regarding Zoar Valley rescues is set for Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the county building in Little Valley.
   •  Reminded residents to have their chimneys cleaned. Gowanda Fire Department recently responded to two chimney fires.
   •  Was informed by Treasurer Cindy Schilling that the audited financial statements are available for review in the village office.
   •  Agreed to increase the fire protection contracts 5 percent for 2005, and increase the contracts by 7 percent for 2006-2008.
   •  Was told by Superintendent of Public Works Mike Hutchinson that the water leak on Johnson Street has been repaired.
     Hutchinson also noted that the water department will be flushing lines from Oct. 18 to Oct. 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   •  Heard that the highway department has begun leaf pick-up.
   •  Was informed that the damaged garage door at the sewer plant needs replacing. Hamburg Overhead Door was the low bidder. The work will cost between $1,900 and $2,900 depending on the condition of the frame and support mechanism.
   •  Received $58.83 from DFT Local for municipal surcharge.
   •  Received $3,922.64 from Erie County for September sales tax.
   •  Received $151 .43 from MCI for gross tax receipts.
   •  Announced the next VCR Committee meeting is Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
   •  Learned that the Alternative to Incarceration group cleaned up Chang-Hu Park Oct. 10. Trustee Barb Nephew exclaimed that they did “a great job” getting the park ready for the winter.
   •  Approved the purchase of trees for the fall planting not to exceed $2,000.
   •  Approved submitting an application to the Cattaraugus County Arts Council for grant funds.
   •  Announced that the Cattaraugus County Health Department is reviewing the plans for the Maple/South Chapel/Johnson streets waterline project.
   •  Approved the request by Hutchinson for him and Engineer Mark Burr to submit a letter of intent for hazard mitigation projects.

     The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building, to be preceded by a workshop at 6 p.m.