Island Dispatch, 2006-10-13

              Island Dispatch $1.00 For Home Delivery of the Island Dispatch Call 773-7676 iM pj Frontier %a ler Publications proud publishers of Niagara-V/heatfield Tribune Island Dispatch Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Grand Island Penny Saver www.wnypapers.com October 13,2006 24 Pages V01.62 No. 30 Grandparents breakfast page 10 Vikings thrashed page 15 Grinders in spotlight page 24 Grand Island boy, 6, rescued from tree Story and photo by Ray Pauley Grand Island Fire Company When 6-year-old Jack Slazyk of International Drive had the day off from school on Monday, he and some friends thought it would be . a great idea to climb the big pine tree down the street, as they had done many times before. This time, however, Jack climbed more than 30 feet to the uppermost branches, much further than he had ever gone. The thin branches swayed under his weight and he was unable to safely descend. Meanwhile, a friend's mother alerted a 9-11 dispatcher, who initiated a Grand Island Fire Company emergency response at 11:27 a.m. The first rescue units arrived on location within four minutes, according to Assistant Fire Chief Chris Soluri. Ladder 6 was used to extricate the young boy from his precarious perch, and he thanked his rescuers when his feet were firmly planted on the ground. A precautionary medical evaluation at the scene disclosed no injuries. Jack's parents, Tim and Andrea Slazyk, were extremely thankful that there were no serious consequences, but have advised him that his tree climbing adventures are "over for the year." In addition, Jack and his family have received an open invitation to attend GIFC's Fire Prevention Open House today, Friday, Oct 13. Firefighters Englert and Lanthier guide Jack Slazyk, 6, down the extended ladder of Ladder 6 after he was extricated from the upper branches of a blue spruce tree on Monday. Jack Slazyk is seen with his rescuers from the Grand Island Fire Company. Open House: It's Huge Who: island Fire Company What: Open House When: Today, from 5 to 8 p.m. Where: Fire 2275 Baseline Highlights: Displays of firefighfing and lifesaving procedures and equipment and hose practice for youngsters. There also is a drawing for six children from each of the Island's elementary schools to win a ride to school in a reai fire truck. Ethics Board: Scheid resignation closes book on 'Conflict of interest' Story and photo by Karen Keefe West River Road resident Roger Cook thought it was odd when, on June 19, the chairman of the Grand Island Planning Board got up before the Town Board and argued in favor of a new housing development Cooke wrote to Supervisor Peter McMahon, then to the town's Ethics Board and to state officials about his concerns over a possible conflict of interest. Was it proper for Douglas Scheid - principal of Scheid Architectural in Buffalo - to take off his Planning Board chiefs hat, put on his architect"s hat, and advocate for his client, Waterford Park developer Tom Giambra? Although Scheid had recused himself from all Planning Board votes on the matter, Cook wanted to know if, by virtue of his position, Scheid would have special access to the town officials - influence that could outweigh the residents' concerns. At that same Town Board meeting, neighbors expressed worries about potential traffic impact from the proposed 70 new homes off the East River Road Scurve between Broadway and Fix roads. Architect Scheid, arguing for Giambra's plans, countered the residents' arguments against those same plans. Playing by the Rules "My beef isn't against. Mr. Scheid, a dedicated public servant," Cook says. "It's the accountability of our public officers, that they have to play by the rules." Scheid is for the rules, too. "I think it's very good that the town of Grand Island has an Ethics Code," he says."The problem it poses - anyone who acts in an agency capacity for any other entity may be precluded from the boards. That's a little disappointing for someone who has served in an unbiased way for so long." Scheid was on the Zoning Board of Appeals for about eight years before serving on the Planning Board for about 2 and 1/2 years. He says he's a strong believer in public service, but does .not personally enjoy being involved in West River Road resident Roger Cook, at Town Hall on Wednesday for an Ethics Board meeting, stopped by the Town Clerk's Office to pay his property taxes after the Ethics Board went into a closed-door, executive session. Cook's complaint about a possible violation of the town Ethics Code was on the board's agenda. continued on page 2 KutzbachjPN Associate Broker BfjU #1 Island Agent W^^H #1 Company in WHY 743-73 M or 628-1719 Q. Do you need to buy or * sell a home? A • Call Linda Kutzbach, l**fc*she knows how and would love to help you. M, »' JIMHB^HMiIHH i |p-# piMada£fc» MCall Joan for a FREE No Obligation Market Analysis on your home