GOWANDA - Residents in Gowanda are still raising questions regarding the garbage sticker elimination in the village. Resident Irene Koch came to the meeting to discuss the garbage stickers as well as burning in the village.
The village approved at a May board meeting to eliminate garbage stickers for smaller bags. The village will only provide stickers for larger bags, 30 gallons, at a cost of $2 instead of $1.25 for the smaller bags or a 13 gallon bag.
Koch said many elderly residents and those who live alone benefit from the smaller garbage stickers and Koch asked why the village was eliminating the small stickers.
"There are a lot of single (people) and not just seniors ... they use the (larger) bags and they are half full," Koch said.
According to Mayor Heather McKeever, many residents were abusing the stickers by placing a small bag sticker on a large bag.
"We've had this discussion for many years," she said.
Koch said the elimination of the smaller stickers is not equitable for residents or the village. McKeever said the consolidation was not the village's intention to make a profit.
McKeever also said the program is on a trial basis and the board will revisit the issue after a year has passed.
Koch also had another issue regarding camp fire within the village. Koch suggested the village have an ordinance regarding fires.
"I think its irresponsible for municipalities not to make their own regulations on (camp fires)," Koch said.
Koch said in the past, there were ordinances regarding camp fires but since the ordinances have been re-done, there are not addressed. McKeever will talk to Gowanda Police to see if they have received any complaints on the matter and will address the matter at a later time.
In other business:
A moment of silence was held for Rose Mary Harris, Adolf Namlik and Ken Steklasa who have all passed away recently.
McKeever provided an update on the High Street project saying the construction has been completed. She thanked Gernatt Gravel, Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation (GARC), Gowanda Highway Department and Water Department for all of their help throughout the project.
The Kiwanis Club gave $500 for the summer recreation program to help cover transportation costs.
The board discussed moving a "Children At Play" sign on Caroline Street after receiving a letter from 8-year-old Abigail Valone who was concerned the current sign could not be seen.
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