District accepts $70,000 bid for storm cleanup
Board recognizes efforts of emergency responders
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The storm cleanup efforts continue on Williamsville Central School District grounds with Board of Education approval on Dec. 12 of a $69,850 bid from Scott Lawn Yard, in Sanborn, for tree restoration and removal services.

Thomas R. Maturski, assistant superintendent for finance and management services, said dangerous trees near the schools were taken care of following the storm, and this funding is for assessing the overall damage of the remaining trees.

“The tree trimming they are doing is broken down into two categories, removal of trees that are damaged beyond saving and removing hanging branches,” Maturski said, adding that with the assistance of a certified arborist, 203 trees on school grounds have been marked for attention.

“ It is our intent to do this work to salvage as many trees as possible by trimming damaged trees now so that they have the best chance to survive,” he said.

According to the resolution, stump grinding will also be paid for in this bid.

“This is a major cost; the only others were personnel and the collapse of three baseball backstops,” Maturski said.

The board awarded a bid of $23,528 to L.A. Steelcraft Products Inc. for two baseball backstops at East High School.

While cleanup continues, the board took time to reflect on the frightening moments of Oct. 12 when the snow was piling up and tree limbs were littering the streets. They acknowledged three town leaders who stepped up the moment conditions became dangerous.

During the Dec. 12 meeting, the School Board thanked Emergency Services Director Jim Zymanek and Assistant Police Chief John Askey for their efforts. Police Chief John Moslow was also acknowledged but unable to attend the meeting.

“We are honored to publicly acknowledge three officials from the Town of Amherst who demonstrated superior leadership during the recent October Storm,” Superintendent Howard Smith said. “Police Chief John Moslow, Assistant Police Chief John Askey, and James Zymanek, director of emergency services and safety, worked together to coordinate the emergency response throughout the town.”

Smith added that as early as the first night of the storm, Moslow recognized the potential impact that it would have on schools and contacted each of the three superintendents.

“He involved us in daily briefings where we received the best information available in order to make important decisions regarding the status of our schools,” he said. “This significant, widespread emergency demanded an unparalleled response. From the onset, the teamwork, coordination and leadership demonstrated by these individuals and their staff members were incredible.”

He said it is important to acknowledge that safety and security does not just happen by chance, especially in a crisis situation.

“It is the result of untold hours of planning by law enforcement, fire, and emergency personnel, working in conjunction with others in the community — including our schools — to keep the community safe,” Smith said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their tireless service on our behalf, each and every day.”

Following the recognition, Zymanek and Askey said the success in handling the disaster was simply the result of teamwork.

The next board meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 in the board room, 105 Casey Road.