Island Dispatch, 1993-12-24

              ISLAND DISPATCH  With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716) 773-7676 50c 24 PAGES VOL. S* • NO. 38  DEC. 24, 1993 SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 The Reason For The Season Christians on Grand Island and around the world will celebrate Christmas tomorrow. Certainly the nativity is the most representational symbol of the season and is displayed in millions of homes, on lawns and at churches. Live nativity scenes have always drawn interest, and St. Stephen's presented its re-enactment of the birth of Jesus Christ on the first day of winter, Dec. 21. Pictured are Matthew Beyer as the shepherd, Sandra Beyer as Mary, Mkahlena Beyer as Joseph and Nathaniel Beyer as the baby Jesus. Photo by Mary Stewart GI Blvd. Gulf Station Robbed THE ERIE County Sheriffs Office reports an armed robbery occurred Monday, Dec. 20, at the Gulf gas station at 2211 Grand Island Blvd. at about 8:24 P.M. According to Deputy Mark Rokitka of the Grand Island substation, a man entered the store, displayed what appeared to be a blue snub-nose revolver and demanded the attendant hand over all the money. The attendant surrendered an undetermined amount of cash, and the suspect fled on foot towards the rear of the building. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 years old, six-leet tall, I /()■ pounds, short collar-length hair, a short brown mustache that ends at the corners of bis mouth, clean shaven and wearing a black, waist-length cotton jacket, blue jeans and a black wool cap. The suspect was at the service station earlier in the day, around S P.M. At that time be appeared to be intoxicated and had threatened to return and do harm to the attendant. The first time the suspect was at the station be was wearing a Buffalo Bills jacket and sweat pants. The attendant supplied detectives Mike Pliszka and Paul Czmara with a composite of the suspect. The investigation is continuing. Board Approves 1994 Fire Contract THE TOWN Board Monday unanimously approved contracting with the Grand Island Fire Company for 1994 fire protection, emergency aid and 911 service. Peter A. McMahon, the Fire Company's Board of Directors chairman, during the public hearing which preceded the official action, noted the Company in 1993 answered more than 1000 calls and provided 17,979 man hours or an average of 6.75 hours per volunteer per week. McMahon also said the Company's budget includes purchase of apparatus, vehicle and radio repair and maintenance, telephone services, EMS supplies and the operation of the 911 system. He also noted the town's fire protection tax rate is the second lowest of six area towns. MEK Town Board Holds Final 1993 Meeting THE FINAL 1993 meeting of the Town Board Monday was a lengthy affair, beginning with four public hearings and ending with a number of comments from the audience. A public hearing set for January 3, will consider a proposed local law, Intro #1 for 1994, amending sewer rate rents in sanitary sewer districts. Following public hearings, the board agreed to establish lighting districts 24 and 25, including 13 lots on Lakeview Drive and 17 in Woodstream Meadows. It also approved employing Peter Olrogge as part-time dog control officer substitute and Margaret R. Tyran as part-time deputy town clerk. The board also accepted additions and revisions to the current building fee schedule, recommended by Building Inspector Douglas I .carman for approval at the re-organization meeting in January. I .carman also noted the fire-damaged house at 2771 Staley Road has been demolished but debris still remains on (he site. In other business, the board: • Accepted the resignations of Jeff Stultz from the planning board (he is moving from the Island), and Shirley Scrafin as zoning board of appeals secretary. • Noted Thomas P. Burke has submitted an application to serve on the planning board. • Denied requests for an exception to subdivision regulations to divide property at 2081 West River Road and to eliminate sidewalks in Grand Manor Estates on East River Road. • Approved a concept plan for Island Fun Center on the Boulevard. The board also noted Stale Parks District Director Mario J. Piastru has advised his office has "made the repair needs of River Lea a top priority of our 1994 budget program." MEK Political Sign Law Deferred: Picketing Plan Abandoned AN ATTEMPT to picket Monday's Town Board meeting by Islanders against the proposed law to ban political signs was abandoned when only a few showed up to join the 7 P.M. march, according to one of the instigators. The public hearing at 8 P.M. to consider the issue, however, drew comments from some in favor of the law as welt as those who termed it "unconstitutional." Speaking in favor of some restrictions on the present practice at election time were Michael Sendlbeck, Fred Thompson, Tom Berke and Jeff Stultz. James Mesmcr was joined by Robert Weaver, Jack Hugill, Reid Gibson, Greg Zilliox and Ed Anderson in condemning the law as proposed. "Enforce laws now in effect," Weaver told the board. "Don't tamper with our constitutional rights," Mesmer cautioned. The board, after much comment, agreed to defer action and referred the proposal to the Town Attorney and building and zoning inspectors for further research, such as the possibility of incorporating some of the proposed restrictions into the town's existing sign ordinance. MEK Town Board Honors Paul Klock COUNCILMAN Paul Klock was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Town Board members at the conclusion of Monday's meeting. The session marked the end of Klock's 10--month term as a town official. Republican and Democratic board members were high in their praise of his contributions to board actions since be was appointed in 1992. The Democratic councilman will be succeeded Jan. 1 by Republican Mary Cooke. MEK. t Merry Christmas To You and Yours!