City Council approves contract for up to $403,000 for Channel flooding mitigation effort on Chadakoin River...
The Jamestown City Council has approved hiring a Buffalo firm to do the engineering work on the Jones-and-Gifford Ave. -- Washington St. Flooding Mitigation Project. Lawmakers voted unanimously last night to approve the contract with C-&-S Engineers for up to $403,000. Prior to the vote... Conservation Director Twan Leenders from the EverWild Land Trust -- the former Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy -- said he supported the project... but, did want to make sure the wetlands there remain because they still provide many benefits. Leenders says there needs to be a "healthy environmental review taking place." Resident Doug Champ echoed those sentiments... noting that there would not be a full environmental study done under the project's current designation. Councilman Russ Bonfiglio says the nine channels have suffered 50 years of neglect and need to be cleaned out. However... he says the environment must be preserved. Finance Committee Chairman Doug Scotchmer says 80% of the cost... which is about $100,000 lower than was originally expected... will be reimbursed by the New York State Department of Transporation.
Council approves several appointments Monday night...
City lawmakers Monday night also approved the promotion of Deputy City Clerk Leann Jordan to Acting City Clerk and Treasurer. Jordan was sworn-in by Clerk/Treasurer Jennifer John... who has returned for a short time after being on maternity leave. John will help with the transition for Jordan... and, will spend more time with family. Also Monday night... City Council approved two appointments to fill seats held by the late Tony Dolce on the Jamestown Local Development Corporation... and, the Board of Public Utitilities. Mayor Kim Ecklund appointed Brent Sheldon to the JLDC board... and, Andrew Faulkner to be on the BPU. All were approved in 8-1 votes.
County Health Dept. still dealing with first Measles case in county in more than 30 years...
No other details have been released on the first "lab-confirmed" case of measles in more than 30 years in Chautauqua County. The County Health Department first reported the case Monday afternoon... and, says they are taking "pro-active" steps to respond to the case. Officials say they're also working to reduce the risk of further spread... and, ensure residents have access to the information they need. Leaders say they are -- "working with the individual and appropriate health care partners to identify people who may have been exposed and provide guidance to those who may be at risk." They are also working to provide "access to vaccination, education, and treatment recommendations when necessary, while helping ensure individuals and families can access assistance and support as needed." Officials have not said where the case is located... or information on who was infected. They remind residents that measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air. People who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms... and, contact their health care provider or the Health Department for guidance. For more information... call 753-4491... and, a list of clinic sites is available at their website at HealthyCHQ.com.
Legislature approves three-feet buffer motor vehicle will have to give "non-motorized" vehicles and pedestrians...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has approved a local law requiring motor vehicle operators maintain a "safe space" of three feet when overtaking non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. Lawmakers approved the measure recently, 17-1 after some discussion. Jamestown Democrat Tom Nelson fully supported the measure... saying that protecting the health and safety of residents is one of their biggest tasks. Discussion drifted -- at times -- to E-bikes and scooters... which have become an issue in many localities. Jamestown resident Anthony Tota spoke to that as well... saying they're created a hazard for motorists on the road. The lone "no" vote came from Westfield Republican Fred Johnson... who was concerned about enforcement. Sheriff Jim Quattrone also expressed concern over enforcement... and, noted that his deputies are fully-aware of laws regarding motorized and non-motorized vehicles. However... he says sometimes they don't have the resources to deal with every violation.
Pittsburgh, Pa. man arrested for drunk driving after being stopped for speeding in Mayville...
A Pittsburgh, Pa. man has been arrested for drunk driving after being pulled over for speeding in the village of Mayville. Sheriff's officers say they stopped 31 year-old Peter Way on North Erie Street shortly before 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the speeding violation. Deputies say they found that Way was driving while under the influence of alcohol... and, he was arrested for DWI... Speed in zone... and, consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He's to answer to the charges in Chautauqua Town Court at a later date.
TAKE 5 winning ticket sold in Lakewood...
A winning ticket for last Saturday's TAKE 5 Evening drawing was sold in Lakewood. The New York State Lottery says the winning ticket was purchased at the Crosby's Mini-mart at 5 East Fairmount Ave. It was worth $31,989 dollars. The lottery says TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing.
