Sparse turnout for CDBG public hearing
by Mary Pankow
Although turnout for the Oct. 11 public hearing on Community Development Block Grant funding was almost non-existent, several project ideas were discussed among Village of Gowanda Board and audience members. Gowanda is eligible for up to $90,000 of federal funding under this program.
Trustee Carol Sheibley brought up the idea of a generator for the water plant on Point Peter Road that could be utilized in times of power outages.
Mayor Dick Klancer noted that the Rural Transit Van is always listed as a project.
Resident Pat Wick asked about a transit system for those who need transportation to Buffalo for medical appointments, or for people trying to get to work and suffering because of high fuel prices. Some, she said, run out of money for gas by mid-week, making it almost impossible for them to get to their job.
Trustee Barb Nephew remarked that someone had approached her on re-establishing bus service in Gowanda, and perhaps a Park and Ride area.
Trustee Sheibley noted that CDBG funds are expected to be cut by 6 percent because of all the recent disasters. She acquired this information from Community Development Moderator Mark Lee.
The village board will hold a special meeting to discuss projects for CDBG funding and prioritize them accordingly. The application deadline is Oct. 31.
In other matters, the board:
• Was informed that Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Paul Bowers has been conducting inspections. Also, a business permit for The Chop Shop at 48 Caroline Road was approved.
• Heard Police Chief Joe Alessi's report that listed 187 calls, 34 arrests, four motor vehicle accidents, eight violent domestics, two burglaries and eight assists for other agencies.
Chief Alessi stated that there has been a rash of bicycle larcenies. He urges everyone to lock up their bikes. Bikes have even been stolen on school grounds.
The chief announced that there will be a Neighborhood Watch meeting on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building Board Room. All are welcome.
Volunteers are also needed to assist the police department on Halloween.
Carl Bley has been appointed new community officer.
Officer Dana Torres scored 299 out of 300 in a firearms qualifier.
Alessi expressed his department’s gratitude to Chief Thompson and the Seneca Marshals for their assistance in recovering a 4-wheeler that was stolen from College Street last month.
Lastly, Gowanda Police Department is working with the State Police Major Crime Unit on the Slovenian Club burglary.
• Was informed by Trustee Barb Nephew that she has applied to the Cattaraugus Count Arts Council for grant funding for Music in the Park and the Heritage Harvest Festival. She is requesting $ 1,800 for next year. (The village received $ 1,200 for this year’s activities.)
• Was informed by Trustee Dale DeCarlo that Gowanda Fire Department has responded to 106 calls so far this year.
He asks that motorists exercise caution during power outages when firefighters are directing traffic.
• Approved the expenditure of $750 for materials so that Hidi Hose members can replace the ceiling and walls in the fire hall’s engine room.
• Was given an update on the water department instrumentation project by Trustee Carol Sheibley. The water portion is complete, but the reservoir portion of the project is still in process. This project will reduce over time and will pay for itself within two years.
• Announced water line flushing will take place between Oct. 17 and 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents may experience low water pressure and/or cloudiness.
• Approved the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner for the village offices at a cost of $250.
• Approved the request from Village Clerk Kathy Mohawk to attend a seminar on Excel Basics on Dec. 14 in Buffalo at a cost of $79.
• Announced the Oct. 28 cat clinic has been cancelled.
• Approved the request from Trustee Nephew to work on a DEC tree-planting grant, with the Tree Committee’s help, for $7,500 in funding.
• Received $73.98 from AT&T Communications for gross receipts tax.
• Received $13,691.41 from Erie County for July, August and September sales tax.
• Received $30.58 from 1-800-RECONNECTS for service fee.
• Received $7.64 and $7.20 from TRINSIC Communications for gross receipts tax.
• Received $17.47 from IDT Corporation for gross receipts tax.
• Received $161.90 from MCI for gross receipts tax.
• Received $75.00 from the Office of the State Controller for fines collected for the month of August.
• Received $4,384.14 from NYSEG for return of utility tax.
The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building.