Infrastructure tops village
CDBG rating in Gowanda
by Karen Blake
Gowanda Village Board members made their final decision Tuesday on selection of projects for the Community Development Block Grants, ranking storm drainage on Caroline and Allen streets number one, the Erie Avenue water project number two, and Rural Transit as number three.
After a public hearing, the board accepted the “DRAFT” new village “SIGN LAW,” Local Law No. 1-2004, replacing Section 30-34 of the Village Code, regulating provisions and standards for type, size, height, placement, etc. of all signs in all districts of the village.
The purpose of this local law “balances the need to protect public safety and welfare, the need for a well-maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate identification, communication and advertising”
“No sign shall be placed or constructed on any property within the Village of Gowanda that is not in compliance with this Local Law or other applicable provisions of the Gowanda Village Code.” There are a number of exemptions that do not require a permit, including historical markers, address signs, seasonal displays, temporary signs for official notices, political signs, for sale, rent, or sold signs, garage sale, etc.
No notices shall be posted on public property within the Village of Gowanda except on designated bulletin boards.
The draft plan will be forwarded to the county planning board for review.
Village Trustee Barb Nephew commended the planning board and Chairman Jack Torrance for the tremendous amount of time, effort and research that went into the new sign law.
In other matters, Gowanda Police Chief Joseph Alessi reminded residents that Halloween hours are on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be the annual Halloween parade at 5 p.m. starting in the parking lot behind Art’s Store and proceeding to the fire hall. He cautioned participants to have fun but to stay safe. Village curfew is at 10 p.m., he added.
Folks were also reminded to go to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, and that the Kiwanis is sponsoring an Election Day Spaghetti Dinner at the Gowanda American Legion from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Trustee Nephew said that village fall tree planting will start next week, about 22 trees will be planted, and volunteers are welcome. They will meet at St. John Park, will start about 8:30 a.m. and are usually done by noon.
A Gowanda Planning Board Summary Report to the board included further discussion on the proposed adult business local law, village Web site status, and recommendations on updating the 1999 Master Plan. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15.
During public participation, questions were asked about the status of the Armes building and the demolition of the old Creekside Restaurant.
Mayor Richard Klancer said no one had bid on the Armes building and it will be turned back to the county.
Village Public Works Superintendent Mike Hutchinson explained, regarding the demolition of the Creekside Restaurant, they needed to get joint permits from the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) and the Army Corps of Engineers and then go out for bids. Hutchinson said demolition could probably be done in winter if the DEC allows. He said there are concerns that if the building is taken down, the creek might rise before the rip-rap is in place to stabilize the bank, since the basement will leave a big hole. “It will be a challenge,” he commented.
In other business, the board heard from Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Gary Brecker who recommended approval of three building permits for partial fences inside back yards for dog fences on South Chapel, Buffalo Street, and Dawson Drive; a deck on the back of a garage on Buffalo Street; and a 10x13 metal shed in a rear yard on Aldrich Street. He also advised an application for installing a 5-foot-high, two-sided sign on the front lawn of the Gowanda PennySaver/News be referred to the planning board.
The board also:
• Approved a motion to amend the budget providing for rebuilding the grinder in the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the cost not to exceed $14,850.
• Noted the fire report with 102 calls so far this year.
• Approved a new copy machine purchase, accepting the low bid of $4,347 from Eagle Systems for a Yashiba copier; the old one will be used in the board room. Village Clerk Kathy Mohawk was thanked for the great job she did on this.
• Approved creation of the new Sewer Equipment Reserve Fund of $150,000, subject to referendum.
• Approved putting the Johnson and Maple streets water project, and sewer plant equipment out to bids.
• Noted the village received $115,000 reimbursement in CHIPS highway aid.
• Noted Gowanda School District is still looking for ideas on how to reconfigure athletic fields including possible modifications to Hillis Field.
• Noted change for Gowanda Ski Club under Village Recreation Program - Holiday Valley gave wrong quotes. Prices will be cheaper. People already signed up will get refunds. The last day to register for the ski program is Monday, Nov. 1 in the village board room from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Noted Recreation Program Director Mark Benton is working on a new “after-school weight training program” for boys and girls grades 7-12.
The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building, preceded by a workshop at 6 p.m.