County to remove trees from creek
Village sets budget public hearings
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Several trees and limbs fell into Ellicott Creek during the October storm, and with spring just around the corner, residents have expressed concern about flooding to the mayor and trustees.

Village of Williamsville officials have been working closely with Erie County to remove the fallen branches and trees from the creek. The county has the ability to obtain certain permits and equipment to remove the limbs from the problem areas, Mayor Mary Lowther said.

"In many instances it will take specialized equipment to remove large trees that are partly in the water along the banks," Lowther stated in an e-mail. "It's going to be a good-sized job, but I am confident that the county will assist our residents in the removal process."

During the Village Board meeting held Monday, the trustees set three public hearings regarding the upcoming 2007-08 budget.

A public hearing will be held at 7:35 p.m. Monday, March 26 in Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville, for the Glen Park Activities Fund and Debt Service Fund budgets; another public hearing will be held at 7:40 p.m. Monday, March 26 regarding the Sewer Fund budget and the sewer rent rates; and lastly at 7:45 p.m., the same evening for the Water Fund budget.

In other action:

The Village Board voted to abolish all labor-exempt civil service positions of laborer in the Village of Williamsville Department of Public Works. Instead, the positions will hold the title motor equipment operator. The new title and responsibilities became effective March 12.

Lowther stated that Williamsville needed to have the workforce up to a higher level in order to comply with the needs of the village.

Due to employee retirements in the Water Department, officials thought it would be an opportune time to look at the DPW capabilities and strengthen it where possible. Therefore, training employees as motor equipment operators instead of laborers would better suit the village's needs, Lowther said.

"This reorganization will enhance the professionalism and flexibility of our staff," the mayor stated.

The next Village Board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 26 in Village Hall.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com