Cleanup goes town-wide

by Susan Mikula Campbell

Spring cleaning comes to Town of Niagara on April 21 with the first town-wide cleanup day.

Councilman Charles Teixeira reported at the Town Board's March 15 meeting that the local cleanup, organized by Cheryl Reed of the Belden Center Block Club, is expanding to affect all neighborhoods.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the town garage on Lockport Road to be issued gloves, a safety vest and a wristband. Lunch will be served in Veterans Memorial Park after the cleanup.

Teixeira said the town is reaching out to churches and social groups, as well as youngsters who need credit for community service - "anybody interested who wants to volunteer their help." Call 297-2150, ext. 142.

In other matters:

•On Thursday, before the board meeting, Supervisor Steve Richards and some town employees met with representatives of the FBI on an ongoing matter under investigation. Richards declined to give details, only stating, "I will confirm that the FBI requested to meet with me to discuss town business."

•The Town of Niagara joined Wheatfield in resuming its payments for service to the SPCA of Niagara.

Richards said he had received a letter from the SPCA's spokesman, lawyer Paul Cambria, asking if any town residents were interested in serving on the group's new board of directors.

•The board authorized the Highway Department to set a permit fee to install new culvert pipe. Cost will be $75 if it goes through a driveway and $50 if it does not go through a driveway.

Highway Superintendent Bob Herman said that the town has not previously had a permit fee, but like other towns is facing skyrocketing costs for stone and blacktop.

•The board accepted a change order to add 10 more solar LED lights for Veterans Memorial Park to its contract with CRA Engineering. The $149,500 cost will be covered by the $400,000 grant from the New York Power Authority previously arranged by Richards. The lights are on order and should be installed by the end of June, Richards said.

•The board accepted the resignation of Recreation Director Lee Wallace with thanks for his years of service.

•The board approved the appointment of Bob McDermott to the vacancy on the town's Zoning Board of Appeals.

•The board ended the meeting with an executive session to discuss union contract matters.