by Mary Pankow

     Gowanda Police Chief Joe Alessi issued a warning to business owners at the Nov. 9 Village of Gowanda Board meeting. Chief Alessi stated that an Internet scam has taken advantage of two local businesses and he asks that everyone take precautions when conducting e-business.

     According to the police chief, the scam involves the country of Nigeria and counterfeit money orders and checks. He advises everyone to clear the checks before sending any merchandise and to never send money for shipping unless the shipping agent is a reputable dealer such as Fed-Ex or UPS.

     Alessi also gave the department report for October. Activities were as follows: 178 complaints, 20 arrests, 29 traffic tickets issued, seven warrant requests and two motor vehicle accidents.

     He also gave a breakdown of the arrests: one petit larceny, six revoked licenses, two suspended registrations, one criminal mischief, two bad checks, one disorderly conduct, two assaults, one sexual assault, three trespassings and one warrant arrest.

     Gowanda Police officers assisted other agencies (Cattaraugus County Sheriffs, Erie County Sheriffs and New York State Police) on 10 occasions in October.

     On a special note, Chief Alessi announced his department is accessible by e-mail at jjalessi@adelphia.net.

     In other matters, the board:    •  Approved entering into a contract with Keystone Ridge Design for VCR streetscape lighting not to exceed $58,432.
   •  Agreed to look into having the village clock on the Municipal Building put back in operating order, per the request of village resident Carol Sheibley.
   •  Received $10,000 from Erie County Legislator Steve McCarville for the Recreation Program.
   •  Received a $10,000 member item from Senator Pat McGee for the St. John Park play structure.
   •  Announced that the roller skating program is going well with approximately 85 skaters participating each Friday night.
   •  Announced the ski program sign-up has been extended until Thanksgiving.
   •  Appointed Sean Gabel and Jennifer Gernatt to run the Saturday morning recreation program at $10 an hour.
   •  Heard that Gowanda Fire Department has responded to 109 calls so far this year.
   •  Noted that Gowanda Fire Department received $3,000 from Legislator McCarville for equipment.
   •  Announced the Hidi Turkey Party is Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
   •  Agreed to a two-year extension on the waste collection contract with Waste Management.
   •  Received correspondence from the state Department of Transportation regarding the West Main Street repaving project. The old striping will be restored to avoid confusion at the traffic light. Also, the village is to submit a cost estimate for raising the manholes to pavement level. The state has agreed to pay for the materials and the village is to do the work.    •  Noted leaf pick-up is continuing.
   •  Approved the event application from Immanuel Lutheran Church and School to hold a Living Nativity at Chang-Hu Park on Dec. 19.
   •  Agreed to relevy the 2004 village taxes on the county bills.
   •  Noted that winter parking restrictions are in effect.
   •  Received $37,431.09 from Cattaraugus County for third-quarter sales tax.
   •  Received $12,330.94 from Erie County for October sales tax.
   •  Approved village elections on March 15, 2005 from noon to 9 p.m. to elect a mayor and two trustees. Terms are for two years.
   •  Announced that fall tree planting is finished.

     The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building to be preceded by a workshop at 6 p.m.