News

The Town of Grand Island has been awarded the Erie County Environmental Management Council’s 2022 Environmental Excellence Award for the Town’s Nature Trails expansion project. 

The award was announced through an Earth Day Press Release, and the attached letter provides more detail about the Award.
Letter

Erie County's Press release

Employment Opportunity

The Town of Grand Island is seeking to hire a Laborer on a Full Time Conditional Basis in the Wastewater Department.
This Laborer position involves performing routine manual and related work as required.

Minimum Qualification:

1. Ability to follow instructions, ability to lift heavy weights, willingness to perform routine manual work, willingness to work under all weather conditions at all hours of the day, physical endurance, and good physical condition.
2. Six months experience in heavy manual labor or any equivalent combination of experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work. Possession of a NYS CDL while not required will be considered a plus.

Salary Range - $18.98 – $23.58 per hour
Erie County residency required

Resumes to be submitted to
Robert H. Westfall, PE, Town Engineer,
Town of Grand Island, 2255 Baseline Road,
Grand Island, NY 14072
and must be received by the close of business on March 11, 2022.

February 1, 2022

 FROM:           Highway Superintendent – Richard Crawford

Reminder to ALL RESIDENTS,

The Town of Grand Island Highway Department “NO PARKING” law is in effect November 1, thru March 31, 2022

Please observe our “No Parking” restrictions on all public highways between the hours of 2:00 a.m. thru 7:00 a.m. from November 1, 2021 thru March 31, 2022.

This allows us to give you effective snow plowing in all areas of the town. Our Town of Grand Island Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department enforce this ordinance.

A Message from Highway Department

All roads are open with debris scattered on shoulders with large trees and branches. 

We will be out with multiple crews removing the tree/branches from the wind event.

Grand Island, NY. Dec. 2, 2021 - As Town Supervisor of the Town of Grand Island, I cannot place my support behind the mandatory mask mandate issued by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.  Personally, I wear a mask where required and support vaccinations.  However, I feel that the mandate will damage our businesses by forcing our residents to cross the bridge to Niagara County, where the mandate doesn’t exist.  I have received several pleas from local businesses and residents asking me not to support the mandate.  While I recognize that the Covid-19 Pandemic virus has become a widespread global disease that will likely never be eradicated, I believe that managing it by declaring a State of Emergency and declaring mandates every time a new variant and/or spike in cases arises is counterproductive. I also believe that doing so has negative impacts on mental and general well-being.  It will place negative impacts on businesses and schools including their ability to cope with and manage what will likely be regular occurrences in the coming months and years.

I also recognize that this virus will continue to be part of our every-day life and must no longer be used to infringe on individual rights and freedom by declaring a State of Emergency, issuing mandates, and ultimately closing public access to local businesses.

Actions associated with mandates decrease capacity, eliminate jobs, and severely limit the ability to hire.

I believe that a long-term management plan is required to manage the Covid-19 virus and suggest that Erie County and New York State prepare plans that proactively address hospital capacity issues that do not impact the health and well-being of our residents by suspending certain procedures.  I ask the County and State to allocate ARPA funds to increase hospital capacity to meet the increases.

Due to Grand Island’s proximity to neighboring Niagara County, I feel that this mandate will cause economic damage to our residents and businesses.  Therefore, I support proposed legislation in the New York State Senate that would require approval by the Town Board of the County Executive’s or County Health Board’s extension of a State of Emergency beyond 30 days within our Town.

Thank you.
Richard Crawford
Highway Superintendent
(716) 773-9632 – Office

No action will be taken on the 2780 Long Road Project by the Town Board on Monday, October 18. 
Therefore, public comments will not be heard on this item at this meeting. 
A workshop is scheduled for Friday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. for this project.

Tonawanda Community Environmental Benefit Program 

Voting is open through Sunday residents of Grand Island, Kenmore, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda and Riverside are eligible to vote for the proposed projects of their choice listed under the Tonawanda Community Benefit Fund. 
There are several projects for Grand Island. 
Niagara River Greenway has one of the projects listed. We are proposing to work with the schools in these communities to help supplement curriculum with hands on experiences teaching them more about the valuable asset our fresh water provides and how we can help to maintain it, by improving the greenspaces within the Niagara River Corridor.  The money we are requesting will go to the schools to bring in many different organizations to help them plan and implement an environmental project, like planting trees / native plants, rain gardens or pollinator gardens, removing invasive species, etc.  It will also go towards field trips, guest speakers or other hands on activities. Please click the link https://tonawanda.wishpondpages.com/ and vote for us!  You must scroll down to the Tier 2 projects.

2021-2022 SCHOOL TAX NOTICE

 PATRICIA A. FRENTZEL, TOWN CLERK, RECEIVED THE TAX ROLL AND WARRANT  
FOR THE COLLECTION OF SCHOOL TAXES

 TAXES WILL BE COLLECTED IN
THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
2255 Baseline Road
Grand Island Town Hall

 Additional Hours for Convenience
Saturday, October 9, 2021     9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Monday, October 11, 2021     Office Closed
Thursday, October 14, 2021     8:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Friday, October 15, 2021     8:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

 LAST DAY FOR PAYMENT WITHOUT PENALTY IS
OCTOBER 15, 2021

Town Clerk Patricia A. Frentzel announced that the 2021/22 School Tax Bills have been mailed. 

If you have changed banks, have paid off your mortgage or do not have an escrow account and did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 773-9600 ext. 620.  The regular office hours are 8:30am - 4:30pm.  The office will be open Saturday, October 9, 2021, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  Checks should be made payable to Town Clerk.  The last day to pay without penalty is October 15.  The office will be open until 6:00pm on Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15, 2021.  Envelopes must show a legible postmark of October 15 to be accepted on time.  Taxpayers should call the office for correct amounts for payments made October 16 and later.  Payments can be made until November 30, 2021.  After this date, payments must be sent to the County.

The 2021-2022 GRAND ISLAND SCHOOL BILLS ARE IN THE MAIL! 
Taxes are due by October 15, 2021.

Thanks to the following volunteers who year after year assist Town Clerk and her deputies preparing the tax bills for mailing.
L – R First Row:  Linda Clark, Martha Mueller, Suzanne Mueller
L- R Back Row:  Lorraine Wilcox, Kathy Lechner, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel, Jean Schlegal, Pat Ehinger, Jeri Benzing

The Town of Grand Island is looking to form a Complete Streets Committee.

The purpose of The Complete Streets Committee is to develop an Implementation Plan based on our Town Board approved policy. Those interested would need a willingness and work collaboratively with others to help future roadways and road projects as accessible as possible for roadway users. There will be an opportunity to work with town employees and other community members on developing processes, guidelines, and recommendations as it related to roadways and trail systems.

The Town of Grand Island also has a vacancy to fill on The Board of Architectural Review.

At the request of the Town building inspector, this board reviews applications for building permits for excessive uniformity, dissimilarity, inappropriateness, or poor quality of design, to determine if the exterior appearance of the proposed building or home is appropriate for the location in which it is planned. 

Please send your resume and or qualifications to the attention of Rhonda Diehl by Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Email: rdiehl@grand-island.ny.us Or mail or Drop off to: Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072

July 4^th Celebration

Fellow Islanders:

This year, the July 4^th Parade and Dick Bessel Independence Day Run will be held on Saturday, July 3^rd.  Due to safety concerns and NYSDOT requirements, we are asking that you do not set up chairs, tents, etc. until the day of the event.  Any such unattended items placed in the NYSDOT Right-of-Way prior to the date of the event will be removed and placed at the Town Highway Department, 1820 Whitehaven Road.  If they are not picked up by Monday, July 5^th, they will be discarded.

Your cooperation with this matter is greatly appreciated.

John C. Whitney, P.E.
Town Supervisor

CARETAKER

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  

Performs routine janitorial and maintenance work in the municipality’s buildings and related grounds; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

Employees in this class do manual work requiring physical endurance and perform a variety of routine and repetitive tasks on a continuous basis.  Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-ranking employee who makes assignments and reviews work.  Supervision may be exercised over a small number of cleaning personnel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK (Illustrative Only)

• Cleans and services buildings by sweeping and mopping halls, offices, stairways, lavatories and related rooms
• Collects and disposes of refuse and services lavatories for maintenance of sanitary conditions
• Washes walls and windows; cleans lighting fixtures; moves furniture and equipment
• Makes minor repairs to buildings and equipment such as unplugging toilets, replacing light bulbs, repairing furniture
• Cuts grass, prunes shrubbery; keeps areas in orderly clean condition
• May assist in maintaining recreational areas by taking care of baseball fields, natural ice rinks, tennis courts, etc.
• May tend to a small furnace, remove ashes, shovel snow and sweep walks

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Good knowledge of building cleaning and maintenance supplies and procedures
• Working knowledge of the maintenance and repair of buildings, fixtures and equipment
• Ability to make a variety of simple repairs and adjustments to buildings and equipment
• Ability to supervise the work of cleaning personnel and to maintain simple records
• Ability to get along well with others; industry and dependability; good physical condition

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

*Completion of a standard grammar school course and one year of experience in general janitorial work.  Candidates must be in good physical condition and must be able to perform satisfactorily the duties of the positions which often require considerable physical effort.

*NOTE: The position is in the Labor Class and the acceptable training and experience noted above is only advisory.

AFSCME 2021 Pay Rates
Starting Pay is $17.49

Resumes to be submitted by June 24, 2021 to:
Richard "Dick" Crawford Jr., Superintendent of Highways
Grand Island Highway Dept.
1820 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 
or email: rcrawford@grand-island.ny.us

 WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern;

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19;

WHEREAS, cases of COVID-19 continue to occur in Erie County, and more are expected to continue;

WHEREAS, the Governor has declared a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York and the County Executive has declared a State of Emergency for Erie County; and 

WHEREAS, the Town of Grand Island is addressing the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and visitors;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John C. Whitney, Town Supervisor of the Town of Grand Island, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Laws of the State of New York, hereby find, pursuant to Section 24(1) of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, that there is a public emergency in the Town of Grand Island and that the public safety is imperiled thereby, and hereby declare a local state of emergency within the Town of Grand Island, effective immediately;

IN ADDITION, this declaration shall remain in effect for 30 days, unless earlier rescinded; 

FURTHER, I hereby issue an emergency order that all provisions of the Town of Grand Island Code which would restrict or require review and/or approval for outdoor dining, including but not limited to, Section 407-162, are hereby suspended to allow the following:  Existing restaurants that had been operating immediately prior to the Governor’s NY Pause orders may utilize outdoor seating in connection with their operations provided, however, that the Code Enforcement Officer reviews, for safety, the specific location proposed for outdoor dining and grants approval (which may only be withheld if there is a customer safety concern), and applicable state guidance is followed regarding social distancing (use of masks, tables located 6 feet away from each other, etc.).  This suspension is temporary and is in response to the pandemic.  No use of land pursuant to this order shall create any vested right to continue any operations upon expiration or rescission of this order.   

IN ADDITION, additional emergency orders may be issued in light of further developments in responding to this disaster, pursuant to Section 24, Article 2-B of the Executive Law. 

GIVEN, this 7th day of June, 2021.

FULL DOCUMENT

The GI Technology Advisory Board is seeking additional information from residents
regarding Internet services on GI. 
Please take a moment to fill out the survey!
Survey

Press Release: Large Scale Effort to Clean Up Grand Island Planned for April 24th 

            On Saturday, April 24^th, from 9am until 12pm, The Town of Grand Island and The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce are partnering with civic groups, local agencies, and environmentally-minded residents to participate in the 2^nd Annual Clean UP Grand Island.

“Putting litter in its proper place during both last year’s Clean UP and everyday helps build community pride and shows respect for our Island environment, which we describe as the "Heart of the Niagara", shared citizen committee member, Debbie Whalen. It was Mrs. Whalen’s concern with the litter throughout the Island last year, when shared with Councilwoman Jennifer Baney and Highway Superintendent Dick Crawford, that served as a catalyst for the creation of this event, now in its second year.

“Regardless of where in the world you live, chances are, litter is a problem”, stated Superintendent Crawford.  “It is estimated that 9 billion tons of litter ends up in the ocean every year. Litter that ends up outside of the landfill pollutes our natural ecosystem and wildlife.  Everyone is encouraged to protect our environment and dispose of trash properly.”

            Eric Fiebelkorn expressed a greater interest in engaging the Chamber of Commerce this year. He will be reaching out to local chamber members and encouraging them, as a business or as a group of business owners, to participate in the chance to beautify the community. 

            During this time, residents are encouraged to clean their homes and yards and dispose of excess trash, passenger car tires, and any items that could hold water and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Volunteers will be needed for some additional clean-up areas that have been identified and are listed below, as well as on the Town of Grand Island Website and Facebook page. 

            Underage volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to wear proper attire (gloves, work boots), sunscreen, insect repellent and stay hydrated. Wear a mask if social distancing cannot be accomplished. Due to the wet spring and tall grass areas, we encourage all to be very mindful of ticks. Additionally, groups wishing to work along heavily trafficked roads should speak with Highway Superintendent Crawford to be aware of regulations and safety practices required.

            If you have any questions, please contact Dick Crawford, Highway Superintendent, at 716-773-9632, Jennifer Baney, Town Councilwoman, at 716-622-9006 or Eric Fiebelkorn at 319-7292. Send in your photos of your family clean-up to jbaney@grand-island.ny.us if you are okay with your pictures being shared on social media and are interested in winning prizes. Businesses, groups, and families will all be eligible to win, and we look forward to showcasing what is sure to be a wonderful community event.  

The April 5^th Town of Grand Island Workshop Meeting and Town Board Meeting will be
conducted via ZOOM and streamed live on the Town’s website www.grandislandny.us 

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE AT TOWN HALL.
The Workshop Meeting will begin at 6:00p.m. and the Town Board Meeting will begin ay 8:00p.m.

The ZOOM Information is listed below:
Topic: Town Board Meeting 4.5.2021
Time: Apr 5, 2021 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487339580?pwd=L1BrbWtqUXYveWlSRkxlajhCaWJTZz09

Meeting ID: 814 8733 9580
Passcode: 263972
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A Public Information Meeting will be held on
 Monday, April 5, 2021 AT 8:00 P.M.
in the Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
for the Purpose of Obtaining Public Input and Comment on
the Proposed Police Reform Action Plan
All interested persons may attend at said time and place and be heard thereon.

Message from Commissioner of Grand Island Police Department, Supervisor John C. Whitney, PE
Police Reform Action Plan: Town of Grand Island Police Department

Energy Progress Updates:

          In an effort to make good use of resources and remain a financially responsible community, The Town of Grand Island is proud to announce their participation in NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Community Leadership Round and is a registered Climate Smart Community. Responsible energy choices, educational programming, actions outlined and taken within the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, as well other authorized actions, all qualify The Town of Grand Island to pursue these designations. While these distinctions on their own are worthy of pursuit, they also assist the town in their attempts at grant funding, often earning points or credits on related funding applications. During a time when funding sources are not as plentiful and we attempt to provide an ever increasing level of service to our residents, effort towards these designations is time well spent. In the coming months, documentation of accomplished tasks will continue and a Climate Smart Community Task Force will be formed. For questions related to any of these projects, please contact Councilwoman Jennifer Baney, Clean Energy Coordinator for The Town of Grand Island.

The regular meeting of the Planning Board on February 8, 2021 is cancelled. 
The next regularly scheduled meeting is on March 8, 2021.

The Erie County Police Reform Committee has created a survey which will allow an opportunity for participation of all Erie County residents. The survey will assist the group in making the best possible recommendations.
Erie County Sheriff's Office Police Reform Citizen Survey 2021

12/30/20

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced grant awards totaling $1.4 million for urban forestry projects across the state to help communities’ inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. The grants are part of DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents.

“Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Governor Andrew Cuomo is investing in the health of New York’s communities through the State's Environmental Protection Fund, providing crucial assistance for our state’s vital forests to thrive.”

The 38 projects to receive funding were selected from a total of 154 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders. The urban forestry grants complement DEC's ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl. Over the last nine years, New York State has funded more than $11.4 million in grants to support projects with a total value of more than $18.3 million.

WESTERN NEW YORK

Cattaraugus County

• City of Olean - $32,750; Tree Inventory and Management Plan

Erie County

• Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Inc. - $75,000; Tree Maintenance
• Cornell Cooperative Extension Erie County - $22,342; Education
• Village of Depew - $25,617; Tree Inventory and Management Plan
• Town of Grand Island - $50,000; Tree Inventory and Management Plan

Niagara County

• City of North Tonawanda - $50,000; Tree Inventory and Management Plan