New Albion Councilwoman Marilyn Wasmund informed her fellow council members at their regular September meeting that she would not be running for office this November. Originally elected to her position in November 1975, Mrs. Wasmund said she felt that 36 consecutive years on the board was probably enough.
It was just 2 years ago that the town honored Mrs. Wasmund with their Citizen-of-the-Year Award. At that time, it was pointed out she had served her community in various capacities for well over half a century, from the time she first joined the Cattaraugus Firemen's Auxiliary in 1957, as the young wife of husband, Dave Wasmund.
After Mrs. Wasmund's unexpected announcement, Town Supervisor Loyd Chilson spoke for both himself and the council as he told her they all respected her decision, but that she would be sorely missed.
As the board turned to its regular business, Highway Superintendent Gerald Cobo reported that his department had finished oiling and stoning town roads for the present year.
"Although a couple of miles on Snyder Hill remain to be done," he said, "this year's funds for this work are exhausted."
He said there remained some roadside mowing and brush cutting still scheduled for the fall months, in addition to some ditch grading. Those were still in the budget, he said.
Cobo then described a grader he'd personally inspected in Pennsylvania recently. He said it fit the town's needs, and would cost around $39,000. In addition, he thought that the old 1980 grader could be traded in for $10,000.
The Highway Department also needed a new sander, the Super told the board. He suggested paying for it out of the equipment fund and consigning the old sander to a municipal auction.
"What we make from that old sander could bring the final price for the new sander to around $3,000 or $4,000," he said.
The board authorized both purchases.
Cobo finished his report by telling the board that the Highway Department would soon be ending its summer four-day work week schedule. He explained that the men enjoy the shorter work week. "But," he added, "I think they'll be glad to see it end now, with the days getting so short."
In other business:
Clerk Rose LaQuay pointed out to the council that the town does not have a "Solicitor's Permit" on file. She wondered if they wanted to adopt one.
The clerk also asked about the respective responsibilities of the town board and the planning board. She said that since she takes notes at these meetings, she needs clarification. Mayor Chilson and Councilman Michael Weishan explained that it is the function of the planning board to make recommendations to the town board. It is the function of the town board to act upon these recommendations as the council persons see fit.
Mrs. McQuay also asked all board members to submit projections of their anticipated budget requests in advance of upcoming budget meetings.
The town's attorney, Ashley Smith, attended the meeting to determine whether or not the council wanted her to be present at the following evening's court proceedings. They confirmed that they did.
Ms Smith also offered a suggestion to the town court, saying she felt strongly that any correspondence the court conducts with outside parties should be verified. "I suggest the court do one of two things," she said. "Either send a certified letter, or sign a notarized affidavit of mailing."