The Village of Brockport has established a police chief selection committee; it is now in the process of seeking committee members. As proposed by Mayor Mary Ann Thorpe, the committee will be comprised of two village trustees, two Brockport police officers, two residents at large, one educator, one member of the clergy, and one merchant.

The committee’s charge will be to assist in the search for and evaluation of candidates for police chief. Police Chief Gary Zimmer will retire as of June 17, although the selection of his replacement will likely stretch well into the summer. "The idea is to reach out and make this a more community-based process," Thorpe said. Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact Clerk Leslie Morelli at the village hall.

In other business from the May 21 village board meeting: A verbal report from the Department of Environmental Conservation stated that testing of groundwater and soils just east of the Havenwood tract has proven negative for contamination. The board expects the verbal report to be followed up by a written summary. Brockport had requested the DEC test the area before giving approval to a new subdivision there. In a related subject, the village’s engineer has determined that the Havenwood bridge is structurally sound enough to support the weight of large machinery.

Canalside Rentals, a Fairport-based company specializing in the rental of canoes, kayaks and bicycles, received approval from the village to operate on the northwest corner of the Main Street canal bridge. Actually, the village’s approval was a mere formality as the plan was already approved by the Canal Corp. A prefabricated shed will be erected on the site to store equipment. The private enterprise will be a seasonal operation with both guided and independent programs available.

The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has agreed to develop a public health action plan for Brockport in regards to contamination left in the village by former manufacturers. Thorpe said that the plan should be developed over the next two months and then presented to the public. Village representatives and residents, and local health officials have been requesting assistance from the ATSDR since last fall, Thorpe said.

Public hearings have been established for Thursday, June 7; Tuesday, July 17; and Wednesday, August 1, all at 7 p.m. at the village hall, regarding the establishment of a municipal utility corporation. Power Alternatives will present information on the formation of a municipal utility providing electricity and possibly gas; residents will vote on the issue, probably in the fall. If established, each individual property owner will have the option to sign on with the municipal utility or stay with the current utility supplier.

The annual Canal Trek will make a stop in Brockport on July 24. Volunteers are needed to help host a meal for the 50 to 100 participants expected to spend the night in the village. Contact the village hall for more information.

A work day will be held on July 7 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Utica Street playground. Volunteers are needed to help install the second phase of new playground equipment.