Public invited to speak on new roof, condemning of properties

by Susan Mikula Campbell

The Wheatfield Town Board will hold three public hearings prior to its next meeting on Monday, July 11.

The first at 6:45 p.m. will be on issuing a $225,000 bond to replace the roof at the town's water/sewer building. Cost of the project is expected to be about $160,000 and the town will only borrow what is needed, according to Edward Mongold, budget director.

The next two hearings will be on condemning two dilapidated properties that neighbors have been complaining about.

At 7 p.m., the property at 2488 Reynolds Street will be discussed. Supervisor Bob Cliffe said someone started renovations on the old house about a year and a half ago, but didn't finish. The building is now considered a safety hazard.

At 7:15 p.m., the public hearing will be on the 7468 Townline Road property. The back of the building was burned in a fire about two ears ago and not repaired, Cliffe said.

In other matters discussed at the Town Board meeting on Monday, June 27:

•David Lazarz presented the board with a report on ending the fluoridation of water in the county and promised to return to the next meeting to discuss it after the board has a chance to review it.

•Arlene Mante, senior citizen director, announced the seniors are participating in the Jammies for GIs program and are seeking donations of items that can be used by hospitalized soldiers. They will be helping the local American Legion Riders pack the truck the motorcycle riders will escort to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., in August.

•A resident reported that impatient drivers are causing a dangerous situation at the corner of Walmore and Lockport roads by speeding and driving on the shoulder of the road. He's even seen a big dump truck blowing through a red light. Cliffe promised to talk with the Niagara County Sheriff's deputy assigned to the town about stepping up surveillance in that area.

•The board renewed the town's insurance policies with Traveler's Insurance with a $120,774 premium. Robert O'Toole, town attorney said it was only a slight increase, due to the town's long association with the company. He added that the town has had a good loss ratio until some recent spurious lawsuits brought against the town.

•The board authorized the issuance of five model home permits to Rosal Homes for the Parkside Estates subdivision north of Fairmount Park.

•The board approved a contract with NFP & Sons to repair a water line leak at Shawnee and Klemer Roads for $18,000, with an add-on of $8,000 for a new valve.