Lewiston Town Board names new Recreation Department director

Cathy Cvijetinovic expected to begin new position Feb. 28

√ Town Board hears no comments on Briar Oaks Estates project

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Monday’s Lewiston Town Board work session was a somewhat quiet one, with personnel issues, including the naming of new Recreation Department director among the limited newsmakers.

Town Supervisor Steve Broderick announced Cathy Cvijetinovic of Grand Island was selected to serve as the new head of the Recreation Department. She succeeds Mike Dashineau who left the position in December.

“The moment I’m excited about: We have a Recreation Director position,” Broderick said. “It’s been open since Jan. 1. … We went to Civil Service; Civil Service did not provide us with three candidates, so we went outside of Civil Service. And we found what I believe to be the best candidate for our Recreation director position. So, at this time, I would like to make a motion to appoint Catherine Cvijetinovic as our new recreation director.”

A motion was made and approved.

Cvijetinovic takes over a multifaceted Recreation Department whose offerings include youth baseball and softball for ages 4-16. In addition, the department sponsors a year-round schedule of supervised and special events for all ages. Fall, winter and spring programs include swimming (open and adult aerobics classes); instructional kids' basketball; open gyms for kids and families; after-hours homework help/tutoring; volleyball and many other activities.

The department also operates the Lewiston Family Ice Rink in Academy Park during the holiday season. And it offers a number of youth programs, including instructional tennis, basketball, swimming and other athletic activities, plus arts and crafts, preschool sessions and field trips.

Broderick said Cvijetinovic previously worked at the Branches of Niagara campground and resort on Grand Island: “She was the director of recreation there since 2017. Her husband works at Niagara University as assistant recreation director and she has a 9-month old.”

“Welcome aboard; we’re excited to have you.”

Broderick said the position pays $46,476 annually, and the town is allowing Cvijetinovic two years to move into Lewiston or any adjoining municipality to adhere to town code on residency requirements. “This is a traditional appointment on her taking the next Civil Service test for recreation director, and she’s aware of that.”

Cvijetinovic is expected to begin her new position Feb. 28.

Other personnel news includes the resignation of Jarred Volker from the Lewiston Police Department, and the rehiring of Josh Salada as a part-time hire with LPD. Still more news included Town Board approval to begin the hiring process of seasonal applicants for 2022 Recreation Department openings. Look for upcoming announcements in the Tribune/Sentinel, as well as posts on the town’s website, www.townoflewiston.us.

In other news from the work session:

•The Town Board opened with a public hearing on the Briar Oaks Estates major subdivision final plat for property owned by Mark and Debra Perry and Briar Oak Circle LLP at 4639 Vrooman Drive.

Kristin Savard, PE, owner of Advanced Design Group, represents the owners. She said the applicant seeks to subdivide the approximately 35-acre property as follows: 12 separate parcels of 11 lots, with one remaining as open land; a 13.7-acre (plus/minus) project area to be subdivided off; a 400-linear-foot (plus/minus) extension of West Park Drive, terminating in a cul-de-sac; and parcel properties ranging in size between 14,541 square-feet and 28.48 acres.

In addition, all public utilities in the development would be constructed under the town’s PIP program and turned over to the town upon completion; the project would be New York State Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System compliant, and include a wet detention pond. No variances are being requested as part of the subdivision process.

The public hearing itself had no comments among Town Hall attendees or Zoom visitors during a very brief session. The board announced no action would be taken on the Briar Oaks Estates project that night.

•Wrapping up, the board approved two projects that were recommended earlier by the Planning Board. That included a site plan/special use permit for Robert Kuhn, owner of a property at 2371 Ridge Road. The approval included conditions on the placement of motorcycles and 4-wheelers in areas 60 feet parallel from Ridge Road and not in the right-of-way on the property.

The second approval was for a special use permit for Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1023 Swann Road, for placement of an electronic message sign with landscaping on the property.