Wheatfield discusses Article 75 hearing

by Susan Mikula Campbell

The Wheatfield Town Board, after a relatively quiet meeting on Monday went into executive session to discuss personnel matters involving the planned Article 75 hearing affecting its Recreation Department.

Earlier this month, the board decided to temporarily suspend Recreation Director Ed Sturgeon pending the Civil Service hearing. Since it is a personnel matter, full details are not being released.

After Monday's executive session, the board returned to approve designating attorney Tom Burgasser as hearing officer for the Article 75 hearing and to put out a request for proposals for operation of the Fairmount Park snack bar.

Councilman Gil Doucet asked that the town's Budget Director Ed Mongold prepare an audit of the town's Teen Center program, as well as the day camp and snack bar in Fairmount Park, so that interim Recreation Director Mike Ranalli can have a fresh start.

In other matters:

•Ranalli reported summer camp has begun at both the Youth Center and at Fairmount Park, and will continue until August. Tennis camp will start in July. The Wheatfield Town Picnic will be Aug. 25.

•Personnel actions at the meeting included the re-appointment of Brigette Grawe as town assessor for a six-year term; the appointment of Michael Klock of Newfane as building inspector; the designation of Arletta Sharples as a recreation leader to act as head lifeguard; and the designation of Michael Richbart as tennis instructor.

•Highway Superintendent Art Kroening and County Legislator Dave Godfrey reported that the county is planning a weight limit on the Bergholz Creek bridge on Niagara Road that would mean big trucks would no longer be driving through the hamlet.

•Engineer Tim Zuber reported on the Planning Board's meetings this month, including a site plan review submitted for the construction of two office buildings at 3020 Niagara Falls Blvd. at Mavis Drive. Planned are an immediate care facility and an office building. A site plan review was also received for Zito Custom Shop at 2315 Niagara Road. No action was taken on either matter.

•Justin Higner, volunteer liaison for the board with the North Tonawanda Library, reported that a recent candidate announcement mentioned problems with library services in the town. Library relations remain very good, he said, and he has been told by library officials that the doors of the library remain very open to Wheatfield residents.

•Cliffe praised the Wheatfield Garden Club for the work they did this year to make the Town Hall campus beautiful, especially at the Community Center. Cliffe also congratulated new Eagle Scout Daniel Gurnett of Wheatfield.

•The next Wheatfield Town Board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 8.