Gowanda trustee sworn in;

adult business local law discussed   

by Mary Pankow

     With Village Clerk Kathy Mohawk doing the honors, John Certis was sworn in as new trustee at the March 8 board meeting. Certis replaces Shannon Lipinski, who recently resigned.

     Police Chief Joe Alessi began his report by expressing his condolences, on behalf of his department, to the Carol Nephew family. Nephew’s son, Leonard Hurkes, was the victim over the weekend of the fatal fire on Chestnut Street.

     Chief Alessi then commended the Gowanda Fire Department, GowandaAmbulance personnel and other fire companies who responded to the fire. He recognized several individuals for their heroic actions: Police Officer Joe LaRosa, the first to arrive on the scene and attempt to rescue the victim; firefighters Biagio Gullo and Ryan Vogtli, who also attempted a rescue. Cathy Camp graciously opened her house so the displaced family had temporary shelter.

     Alessi was also grateful to “Cattaraugus County Sheriffs for covering the village while our department was doing a preliminary investigation alongside the Cattaraugus County Fire Investigation Team; the New York State Police for their assistance.

     “This was a tragic event for everyone.” Alessi added, ‘but when tragedy strikes, its comforting to know you can count on the dedicated men and women from all these emergency services.”

     Trustee and Deputy Mayor Barb Nephew spoke on behalf of the family, thanking the police department and fire department. “I’ve heard stories of heroism. I’ve heard accounts.” She, too, commended all involved and reiterated the gratitude of the family for all everyone did.

     In a completely unrelated matter, a public hearing was held to discuss the proposed Adult Entertainment Business Local Law.

     Attorney Deborah Chadsey explained that while the village cannot prohibit a business of this nature, it can specify where it can be located.

     Currently the village has a moratorium in effect and has not been approached by anyone wishing to establish an adult business.

     According to a map distributed at the meeting, an adult business would have to be located on Industrial Place or the former site of Moench Tanning. Zoned industrial, the locations allow for setbacks, meaning they are not directly adjacent to churches, schools, residences, playgrounds, etc.

     Also distributed at the meeting were copies of the proposed local law, defining what constitutes an adult business, and applicable restrictions.

     Chadsey recommended that a public comment period of a week be kept open so that residents may review the law and submit written commentary. The board agreed. The public comment period on the Adult Entertainment Business Local Law closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.

     In other matters, the board:

   •  Was informed the next VCR meeting is Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
   •  Was told that the next Planning Board meeting is Monday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
   •  Tabled decisions on grievances until the next board meeting.
   •  Learned that the fire department has responded to 26 calls so far this year.
   •  Heard Recreation Director Mark Benton’s report. He said that he hopes to rededicate the Ruth Bareham Building at St. John Park after it’s been painted. Also, Benton plans on being under budget for the year for recreation.
   •  Gratefully acknowledged the donation of a popcorn machine for the recreation program from the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department.
   •  Appointed Charity Simmons and Ken Purdy to the Recreation Commission.
   •  Was informed that the next Recreation Commission meeting is Monday, April 4 at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
   •  Approved the Industrial Appraisal contract for basic inventory and appraisal work at the cost of $4,975.
   •  Approved the expenditure of $1,500 for side brooms and main broom for the Street sweeper.
   •  Approved the bulk water sale agreement with the Town of Perrysburg. Superintendent of Public Works Mike Hutchinson noted that this action corrects a 40-year-old problem that resulted in a win/win situation for both municipalities.
   •  Approved the Tier 3 Level membership with Southern Tier West at a cost of $500.
   •  Agreed to send a letter of support, per a request from the County of Erie Department of Environment and Planning, for the CDBG program, a program that is threatened to be eliminated under President Bush’s budget plan.
   •  Received $101,663.55 from Erie County for the VCR project.
   •  Received $85.27 from AT&T for gross receipts tax.
   •  Received $4,296.87 from Erie County for February sales tax.
   •  Received $33.11 from 1-800-Reconnects for gross receipts tax.
   •  Received a donation from Lorissa and Walt Darling for a bench at Chang-Hu Park in memory of Eva Darling.
   •  Learned that the Village of Gowanda was awarded a Certificate of Merit from Assemblywoman Catharine Young and a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Pat McGee. These certificates signify Gowanda’s participation in the NYS Council on the Arts Grant Program, an effort that earned Gowanda $1,200 in grant funds. (See photo)
   •  Explained the rationale for declining the $2,387 Cattaraugus County Youth Bureau funding.

     The board was informed that funding is expected to decline 10 percent each year; if the funds are accepted, the village cannot charge for any recreational activities, placing the burden on taxpayers; the board can evaluate the situation in a year and reapply for funding, if it is deemed feasible.

     The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building, to be preceded by a workshop at 6 p.m.