Island Dispatch, 1995-05-19

              THE ISLAND DISPATCH  May 19, 1995 650 Vol. 52* No. 07 We work for YOU! 90lnag Your Needs With Complete Insurance & Financial Services GEO.J.ESSENBURG & SON, INC. ( THE')* 92-2*7* \#*« J "Serving WNY Since 1821--icea Wi|»i Et— Mmm Xam., MY Furniture Inc. Interior Design Service Hon: Mob.. Wed. * Thin. 9-9 Pri. • Sat. 9 k> 5 • Turn. 9 lit Norn 6001 Porter Rd r.ner Pucksrd Pttu • NF, NY 14304 297^«6« 24 Pages Isle Promotes National Safe Boating Week IN RECOGNITION of National Safe Boating Week, Supervisor James Pax presented a proclamation to United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 3-5 Public Affairs Staff Officer Chris Gress and her husband, Ray Gress, Jr., communications staff officer. May 20-26 has been designated National Safe Boating Week by President Clinton. During this week an emphasis is placed on safe boating awareness, and the importance of wearing a life jacket. At the Coast Guard Auxiliary's request, Supervisor Pax agreed to assist in making Island residents aware of safe boating practices. On behalf of National Safe Boating Week, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5 of Grand Island is offering free courtesy marine examinations, litis examination is a courtesy to all pleasure boat owners and operators to help assure that their vessels are safe and meet federal and state requirements. Vessel examiners can also relay information regarding some of the new requirements set up by New York State in 1995. A United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Examination Safety decal is awarded for display on a vessel that meets all the requirements. Those interested in receiving an examination may contact Ray Gress Jr. at 773-5222, or bring their boats to one of the following sites: River Oaks Marina (May 20) from 11 A.M.-2 P.M., Anchor Marine (May 24) from 5-8 P.M., Beaver Island Marine (May 25) from 5-8 P.M. Town Supervisor James Pax declares Grand Island Safe Boating Week (May 20-26) in recognition of the national observance by presenting a proclamation to Coast Guard officers Chris and Ray Gress at Big Six Marina. Town Seeks Sidewalks On Thruway Overpasses SIDEWALKS will be constructed on Thruway overpasses here if the County agrees with a resolution approved by the Town Board Monday. Presented by Councilwoman Mary S. Cooke, the request, sent to the Thruway Authority and the County Public Works Department asks that consideration be given to installing walkways in their reconstruction and renovation plans. The resolution states that since the Erie County Department of Public Works is reviewing preliminary concept work for the reconstruction/renovation of the Baseline Road Bridge near Huth Road and the fact that the town is interested in establishing a network of pedestrian pathways throughout Grand Island, the Sidewalk and Bikepath Committee recommends a six foot sidewalk be part of the reconstruction /renovation of the Baseline Road Bridge. MEK Watch For Dispatch 51st Anniversary Edition THE GRAND Island Dispatch will be delivered to every home and business on Grand Island Friday, May 26. This special edition is the annual historical issue highlighting a look back on 50 years of Dispatch news and featuring informative and entertaining extras such as the Grand Island High School's publication, 77i«r Bridge. Celebrating its 51st year of delivering Grand Island news to you, the Dispatch next week is one you won't want to miss. Niagara Frontier Publications kicks off its next half century of providing local news and views in words and pictures with Islandwide blanket coverage of the 1995 historical edition. Police Force Reduction Sparks Board Meeting IT WAS item No. 6 on Monday's town board meeting agenda that turned a usually quiet audience into a disruptive force. The item read: "Grand Island Part Time Police Department Downsize" and called for reducing the 11 -man unit to seven. The board, in a 4-1 vote, approved trimming the force with Councilman James R. Sharpe voting against the action. About 11 spectators, despite the fact there was no public hearing on the issue, let it be known in no uncertain terms they were not in favor of removing the last four hired parttime officers from the force. Sandra K. Styka, a candidate for town justice, was especially adamant to the point that she was ordered from the meeting. Two former supervisors, Democrat Martin Prast and Republican LaVerne "Bunny" Luther, supported the move. Prast said, "We have been dealing with the problem since 1988." Luther recalled that when constables were replaced by paid police, seven was found to be an adequate number to work with state, county and parks lawmen patrolling the Island. Supervisor James Pax previously had commented to the press that again reducing the number to seven would save the town about $25,000 yearly. He also noted the Island is covered by state troopers, Erie County Deputy sheriffs and park police and that "seven is a better number. Otherwise we have a duplication of services." Town police losing their status may seek to have the matter of downsizing settled by a referendum vote. Meanwhile, Monday's town board action will take effect June Ist MEKlingel Board Sets Public Hearings, Approves Auditing Bills THE NEXT town board meeting slated for Tuesday, June 6 will be preceded by public hearings to consider rezoning 1741 Baseline Road from M-16 to B-2 to allow towing, light repairs and the storage of vehicles on the property. A second hearing will permit input on approving proposed Local Law #2 for 1995 concerning senior citizen tax exemptions. The board Monday agreed to authorize Troy & Banks Consulting Firm to begin an audit of utility bills for the town in line with information obtained by Councilwoman Mary S. Cooke, who learned the town may be entitled to refund money and reduced rates. The board, in other business: • Agreed to disallow distribution of flyers, political literature, candy, food, etc -t the July 4th parade. • Noted communication from Woodstream Meadows, sponsors of the Adopt-A-Ilighway program on Grand Island Blvd., stating it will schedule a cleanup along that highway "in the near future." • Agreed to employ Thomas Cecere II as a full time recreation attendant. • Gave permission to Odds-N- Ends store to fly banners during its grand reopening May 14-31. • Approved a six month leave of absence for Recreation Department receptionist Arlene Clarke. • Referred to Town Attorney Will Wiles the matter of downsizing sewer improvements on East River Road near Stony Point Road from 1100 to 970 lineal feet. • Agreed to advertise May 26 for bids on infrastructure improvements in Veterans Park. • Approved re-subdividing eight lots in Forest Creed subdivision, final plat approval of the four lot Grand Meadows subdivision, conditional site plan for a two-unit duplex by Benchmark Builders at 2927 Grand Island Boulevard and for a boat storage building at Anchor Marine, 1501 Ferry Road. Also approved having a stop sign installed on South Lane at North Lane as recommended by Highway Supt Norman Mrkall. MEK Town Meetings: Monday, May 22: • Park & Rec. Advisory Board, 7 P.M., Administration BHg-Rcc. Tuesday, May 23: • Env. Conservation Committee, 7 P.M., Conference Room Weekend At A Glance Saturday CAR WASH, BAKED COODS/HOTDOGS, Tops 11 A.M.-3 PM. SNEAK PREVIEW, Martin's Fantasy Island, 11:30 AM. to 8:30 PM. BLC FLAG RAISING CEREMONY, Buffalo Launch Club. AM SNEAK PREVIEW, Martin's Fantasy Island, 11:30 AM. to 8:30 PH. Ilil Wi Til 1 I if ****** * ».'•'•'•*•