Looking to make a move toward a goal of securing a north county water system, the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corporation (CBRDC) reorganized Monday during its first meeting of the year.
The board elected its officers for the upcoming year and also held a brief interview for two executive director candidates. Silver Creek Mayor Kurt Lindstrom nominated Former CBRDC Chair and Hanover Supervisor Kathy Tampio to the paid position currently held by Kory Ahlstrom.
Ahlstrom said if the board chose to keep him on as executive director throughout the remainder of the year, he would be more than welcome to serve.
Dunkirk Town Supervisor Dick Purol sought some information before he made a decision and asked Ahlstrom if he thought he would be able to put forth the same time and attention as he did before in the position. Tampio was asked the same question by the board.
Ahlstrom said if the meetings remained at the same clip they have been, he would have no trouble with the workload. Tampio said she has an open schedule and would be able to devote the time to the position.
Sheridan Town Supervisor Louis Delmonte Sr. recommended each step out of the room for a period of time while the other spoke to the board of their qualifications for the position.
"I believe we are at a crossroads," Tampio said. "We have to decide if we have the time to put into this to make it work right now."
The board moved into executive session while Ahlstrom discussed his qualifications. The board then discussed in private and came to a decision. The 10-member board was missing two members in City of Dunkirk Mayor A.J. Dolce and Hanover Town Supervisor Todd Johnson, but still required six votes for either candidate.
Steger made a motion Tampio be appointed executive director. All were in favor of Tampio taking over except for Fredonia Mayor Steven Keefe, who voted for Ahlstrom to retain his position.
Tampio said she could work out of her home, but City of Dunkirk Development Director Steve Neratko said there may be room for her in a City of Dunkirk office if need be.
Portland Town Supervisor Dan Schrantz was elected to the position of Board Chairman following a nomination by Dick Purol. Louis Delmonte Sr. volunteered and was subsequently elected to the position of Vice Chair, and Don Steger was re-elected as Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer.
To be president, vice president or treasurer, an individual has to be an elected official for one of the municipalities involved. Pomfret Town Deputy Supervisor Pat Christina recommended the group revise its bylaws to help keep knowledgeable people in the group even if they are not an elected official. Ahlstrom added now would be a good time to also invite municipalities like Westfield and Ripley into the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corporation.
The main charge of the group is to work on regional projects that improve or enhance the economic and living conditions of the region. In October, the corporation announced it had received a $150,000 matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The grant life lasts for about a year with a possible chance to extend. The grant would cover the cost of the regional water district's design phase including the legal aspects, municipal agreements, and infrastructure to name a few.
The project is based on the Niagara County Water District which would be operated and owned by all municipalities involved, each with its own vote. Under the proposed project, the City of Dunkirk would most likely be the prime producer of water for the areas included.
According to Tampio, the feasibility study needed to apply for the ARC grant, completed by Chadwick Bay showed that needed improvements to all municipal water plants would total around $38 million, while a regional concept could cost less in an amount around $25 million.
Also during its meeting, the board decided to meet the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 9 at a meeting in the town of Pomfret yet to be determined. Meeting locations will jump from community to community.
The Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corporation is comprised of Dunkirk Town Supervisor Dick Purol, Pomfret Town Supervisor Don Steger, Fredonia Mayor Steven Keefe, Brocton Mayor Dale Abram, Sheridan Town Supervisor Louis Delmonte Sr., Portland Town Supervisor Dan Schrantz, Pomfret Town Deputy Supervisor Pat Christina, Former Chadwick Bay Board Chair and Sheridan Supervisor John Walker, Former CBB Chair and Hanover Supervisor Kathy Tampio, Silver Creek Mayor Kurt Lindstrom, City of Dunkirk Development Director Steve Neratko, City of Dunkirk Mayor A.J. Dolce and Hanover Town Supervisor Todd Johnson.
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