Signs, kennels, assessment laws changing

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 17, 2008

The Wheatfield Town Board on Monday approved changes in its signage and kennel laws, plus set a public hearing on a proposal seeking property tax relief for residents making home improvements.

A public hearing was scheduled for 7 p.m. April 28 on a proposed assessment tax break for residents planning to make home improvements up to a value of $80,000.

The exemption percentage would range from 100 percent the first year to 12.5 percent the eighth year, before the full value of the improvement was added to the assessment. County and school taxes are based on assessments.

Supervisor Timothy Demler said the exemption would cover “anything you would get a building permit for … a pool, shed, garage or add-on.”

Since the average home improvement in the town is about $60,000, the average tax savings would be $4,600 in new taxes, Demler said.

Demler said the City of Tonawanda last week enacted the same law, which is based on state guidelines. He called the move for property tax relief “long overdue for residents,” and added that it “hopefully, also will spark the local economy.”

In response to a question from the audience, Demler said that Attorney Robert O’Toole is drafting a similar incentive for commercial taxpayers.

In regard to the signage law, O’Toole explained that the change takes into account new technology that allows for attractive intermittent flashing signs, such as those at JT Wheatfield’s and The Summit mall. When the law was written, it prohibited the older technology of signs with strobe lights or flashing lights that were distracting to motorists, he said.

The amendment to the zoning law concerning kennels and animal boarding requires that these facilities have special permits, and that dog runs be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Demler said he received a call from an existing kennel owner asking that the starting time be 7 or 7:30 a.m., but the board decided to stay with 8 a.m. to lessen morning noise for neighbors.

One tearful resident asked that something be done about what she called a puppy mill operating next to her home, saying the dogs were not pets and changed often. She said the stench from dog fecal matter was unbearable and told the board the owner was cutting the necks of ducks so the dogs had something to chew on.

In other matters:

•The board awarded the contract for emergency repair of the Inducon/Vantage Pointe pump station to low bidder, Nichols, Long & Moore Corp. for $39,850. Demler said a recent accidental discharge of 8,000 gallons of acid into the sewer system, none of which left the industrial park system, ate the pump away. The company that did the discharge, United Biochemicals, will be responsible for the cost of all repairs and replacements as well as any fines levied by the DEC and Department of Health.

•The board did not take action, allowing further public comment, on an eminent domain proceeding for the Siegmann property on Witmer Road. The town wants to purchase 35.5 acres next to the Town Hall property for future public park use. O’Toole said a lawsuit between the property owner and another prospective purchaser is holding up the town’s contract.

•Engineer Tim Walck reported that the Planning Board has received a request from Tim Hortons to open a store at the former Barney’s Grandsons location at Cayuga and Walmore roads.

•The board’s next regular meeting is May 19. Before the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., the board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on plans for a public water main extension along Captain’s Way and will hear a report at 7:15 p.m. on the results of the recent Recreation Department survey. Deadline to return surveys is Friday, April 18.

•Recreation Director Ed Sturgeon reported that the tutoring program started two months ago at the new Youth Center is taking off, with tutoring offered every night the center is open.

•Highway Superintendent Arthur Kroening reported that a household hazardous waste/tire drop/electronics recycling day will be held May 17. Notices with details will be sent to residents.

•Assessor Brigette Grawe said change of assessment notices will go out in the beginning of May and a grievance day (appointments are necessary) will be held May 27.

•Board member Larry Helwig announced that the annual Liberty Drive cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. May 3 at the Frontier Fire Hall.