The responsibilities and duties of the animal control officer, and a proposed new law regarding animal control, were discussed at the Jan. 24 Village of Gowanda Board meeting.

     Jack Torrance, chairman of the village Planning Board, updated the village board on planning board activities, which included the rewriting of a local law concerning animals. The revised law would authorize the animal control officer to pick up stray cats. Complaints about felines are common in many municipalities and Gowanda hopes to resolve some of the problems by incorporating a section on stray cats within the proposed law.

     Torrance anticipates that the budget increase resulting from “cat inclusion clause” to be about $500 per year.

     Trustee Dale DeCarlo inquired about the duties of the animal control officer and whether it was a duplication of services since the townships also pay for animal control. However, it was noted that towns usually specify “dog control,” whereas the village’s title is “animal control.” Thus, Mary Dankert, Gowanda’s animal control officer, deals with other situations as well. Two such incidences were the capture of a potbelly pig, and treating and releasing a hawk.

     Attorney Deb Chadsey suggested that the village define the responsibilities of the animal control officer, and ask her to define her responsibilities regarding townships. These factors will assist in establishing a new local law.

     Torrance commented that, regarding animal control laws, the state has no statutes on cats, only dogs.

     The board agreed that the will meet with Dankert to clarify the matter of responsibilities and impact of the new law, if enacted.

     In other matters, the board:

   •  Heard Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer Paul Bowers’ report that indicated for the year 2005, 67 building permits were issued, he conducted 11 fire safety inspections, four business permits were issued, as were three demolition permits. Bowers also logged 54-plus complaints.

   •  Was informed by Police Chief Joe Alessi that for the year 2005, tallies for his department are as follows: 1,994 reportable calls, 203 arrests, 116 traffic arrests, 26 juvenile arrests, 16 warrant arrests (other agencies), 69 violent domestics, 91 motor vehicle accidents, 112 criminal mischief complaints, 144 larcenies, 26 burglaries, 21 assaults, 76 false burglar alarms and 89 harassment complaints.

     Chief Alessi noted that Saturday nights are the busiest for the police department, usually around 7 p.m. They average about 25 complaints.

     Lastly, Alessi commended Sgt. Cooper, and Officers Pat Nixon and Sam Castellano for apprehending the person who allegedly had been breaking into residents’ vehicles.

   •  Approved the hiring of Jeffrey Devinney as a patrol officer. He will replace Police Officer Joe LaRosa.

   •  Approved the signing of the fire contract with the Town of Collins for one year at a cost of $14,183.

   •  Was informed by Trustee Dale DeCarlo that the fire department has responded to six calls so far this year. One call was assisting Springville with the Leland House fire.

     Gowanda’s ladder truck used at the scene.

   •  Authorized the mayor to sign the lease with Gabel Bros. Furniture for the West Main Street parking area.

   •  Agreed to compose a letter of support for the Healthy Community Alliance application to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal for Academy Place funding.

   •  Set a bid opening date of Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. for the St. John Park play structure.

   •  Approved the expenditure of $385 to Penn Power Systems for the maintenance agreement for the Municipal Building’s new generator.

   •  Agreed to send a letter to New York State Department of Corrections notifying them of an impending rate increase for them for wastewater treatment services.

   •  Appointed Ted Andolsek to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

   •  Received $3,081.25 for the 2004 Stop DWI contract.

   •  Received $26.15 from 1-800-RECONNECTS, gross receipts tax.

   •  Received $14.77 from Manhattan Telecommunications, gross receipts tax.

   •  Received $5.46 from Sprint Communications, gross receipts tax.

   •  Received a summary from Cattaraugus County for the 2005 payments made to the village. They are: $5,988.97 for mortgage tax, $38,591.11 for real property tax, $176,572.23 for sales tax, $250 for a contract and $934.45 miscellaneous. Total is $222,336.76.

   •  Agreed to advertise again in the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce booklet for the Spirit of Gowanda awards.

     The next Village of Gowanda Board meeting is Feb. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m., which is also Grievance Day.