Board discusses parks, pools, creek
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Parks and pools were the topics of discussion at the Williamsville Village Board work session on Monday night.

Mayor Mary Lowther informed the board of a cleanup and idea session that will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Garrison Park.

"The big toy in the park is almost 20 years old," Lowther said, noting that the Department of Public works is looking to repair the slide that sustained damage in the October Storm. "The older kids love it, but we're looking into possibly finding something that is more younger-age appropriate."

Lowther will also listen to input from residents at the cleanup session.

Trustee Bea Slick noted that a new ground covering is needed in Garrison Park as well, and she suggested that the village possibly use rubber gravel or mats.

The board also discussed the need for a sign at the park's wading pool regarding an age limit for children playing in the pool unsupervised.

"There are parents who are leaving their children at the pool all day," Lowther said, noting that the pool attendant is required to give attention to children who are not accompanied by an adult instead of watching the rest of the pool.

A sign will now be posted at the pool saying that children under 12 will not be allowed in the pool without supervision from a parent or responsible guardian.

The Ellicott Creek debris removal also began on Monday.

Tree branches and debris from the October storm are being taken out of the creek by hand and hauled away by the DPW.

The village has also received a letter from Sen. Hillary Clinton regarding her quest for money to cover the cost of stump removal.

The village is already using money secured by Sen. Mary Lou Rath for costs not covered by FEMA to remove stumps, but the additional money from Clinton will go to tree re-planting in the fall, according to Lowther.

"Hopefully we'll have some good news down the road," Lowther said.

The meeting was the final one for Slick and Trustee Richard Sweeney.

"It's been a pleasure to fulfill the opportunity to represent the community," Sweeney said.

Slick echoed those statements and noted her desire to stay involved in village government.

"The experience of seeing the bigger picture working together instills in me a deeper need to preserve the village as it is," she said.

The village's annual reorganizational meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 2 at Village Hall, 5565 Main St. During that session, the board will set its regular meeting schedule for the next year.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com