by Richard Westlund
News Correspondent

     Two years ago, in September 2007, the Collins Town Board hired an investigator to look into allegations of town employees’ misconduct, misuse and misappropriation of town equipment and supplies. From time to time since then they have had executive sessions apparently discussing the progress of that investigation.They now have received the final report/analysis from the investigator they hired.

     At the end of their Sept. 8 meeting, the town board went into executive session again to discuss this final report, while a number of interested citizens waited to hear the results. They came out of the session with the simple statement that they wished to make no comment at that time. Audience members were told that interested parties could fill out a request with the town clerk to view the report, which was said to contain probably over 300 pages, or purchase a copy of it at 25 cents a page.

     Town Clerk Becky Jo Summers reported 377 transactions in her office in August for a total of $13,375.28, of which the town’s share is $3,770.91. Summers reminded everyone once again that the cost of a lifetime sportsman’s license is going to increase from $600 to $765 on Sept. 30. Seniors over 65 may purchase them for $50. Lifetime licenses include doe and turkey permits.

     Councilwoman Mary Clark reported that the summer youth program attendance in the first three weeks averaged 106 kids in Collins, and 38 in Collins Center. The last three weeks averaged 83 in Collins and 31 in Collins Center. She also stated that the winter program, which begins Oct. 23, will be reduced to a five-month period due to budget and other restraints.

     All in attendance at the meeting were informed of a drop-off day for electronic equipment, textiles and bicycles at Erie Community College South on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     In other matters, the board:

  •  Approved change order #5 for the town hall renovation, which covered a number of modifications and raised the total cost from $489,470 to $492,854.
  •  Agreed to the purchase of a new 3-inch trash pump for the water department from the lowest bidder, Gator Equipment. of Holland, for $1,215, delivered.
  •  Changed the start time of the next meeting to 7:30 p.m. to allow for other use of the room at that time.

     The next regular meeting of the Collins Town Council will be on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Collins Public Library.