Riga board votes on recycling center; hears plans for Firemen's Convention

Riga board votes on recycling center;
hears plans for Firemen's Convention

About 40 people were in the audience at the June 12 Riga Town Board meeting which began with a presentation about the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Convention by Forrest Skelton. The convention will be held in Churchville July 25 through 28. Skelton told the town board that activities include business meetings, a memorial service for firefighters who have died during the past year, an award ceremony and EMS and fire police training sessions.

A parade is planned for Friday, July 27. Skelton said the convention has not been held in Monroe County since 1990. Town Supervisor Pamela Moore said the convention is a "wonderful way to highlight the community."

Two residents spoke during the open forum. Both addressed the issue of newly appointed Deputy Town Supervisor Gilbert Budd, husband of Moore. Val Christian said, "The best interests of Riga are not served by the best interests of one family."

Bill McCombs wondered if Moore would be posting recently published newspaper articles about the appointment on the town website.

The board passed several resolutions including one to accept three trees for the Sanford Road South Park from the Churchville Lions Club. The trees are in honor of three lifetime members.

Also passed was a resolution to discontinue operation of the Town of Riga Recycling Center. The resolution stated that many people using the center were not Town of Riga residents and that curbside service is provided as well as Waste Management's recycling center at the Mill Seat Landfill. The recycling center will close September 2. Moore cast a nay vote on the resolution stating that she felt the recycling center should not close until December 31. Moore said, "More time is needed to communicate with the public about what other options members of the community might be interested in."

She mentioned innovative programs like sneaker recycling that could be discussed. Moore stated that Riga, as host of the Mill Seat Landfill, should be a model, cutting-edge community on this issue.

Town Board members also passed a resolution to begin phase II of the Gough Road project that involves survey work for a turn-around on the road. The cost of the survey work is not to exceed $1,650.

Moore updated town board members on the status of the Home Rule Message. The town is seeking the Message from the state so landfill revenue can be used with greater flexibility. Moore said that she had received an e-mail from State Assemblywoman Susan John notifying the town that a hurdle has come up over the rebate portion of the Home Rule Message draft. Attorneys for the NY State Assembly said they do not see any way that the state constitution would allow the town to give money back to residents in the absence of taxes by way of a rebate. Moore said she had also spoken with the office of State Senator Jim Alesi. She said the state senate does not scrutinize the Home Rule Messages like the assembly and was willing to move forward. The State Legislature will wrap up its current session on June 21 or 22.

Town Board members Ken Kuter and Bob Ottley said that they needed more time to look over the material and also wanted to seek the advice of Special Counsel Marcia Havens. The board held a special meeting June 14 to discuss how to proceed.