LAKEWOOD - In order to meet a federal government mandate, the Lakewood-Busti Police Department is buying a new radio system.
On Monday, the Lakewood Village Board approved John Bentley, Lakewood-Busti Police Department chief, to purchase the new radios for no more than $43,000. The chief asked for the purchase to comply with the Federal Communications Commission regulations for all police and fire departments to upgrade to a narrowband radio system by Jan. 1.
Bentley said the police department will join Jamestown and Ellicott officials on the purchase of the radios from Eagle Radio to receive a discount based on the quantity being purchased. Bentley said he has $10,000 in his budget from asset forfeiture money to help pay for the radios. He said Andrea Windoft, village treasurer, has notified him there is money in other areas of the village's budget to pay for the rest of the purchase price.
The chief said he will buy a radio for all officers in the department and an extra one in case it is needed during a time when one needs to be repaired. He said all officers need one because at times - like during the village's Fourth of July celebration and during the Busti Apple Festival - all officers are on duty.
During an August discussion on the radio purchase, Bentley said the radios being purchased will be made by Motorola. He also said Eagle Radio has been providing service to the Lakewood-Busti Police Department for more than 25 years.
In other village business, Charles Smith, village building inspector, said construction on the proposed Olive Garden Restaurant could start this week. In July, the Lakewood Village Board approved the site plan and special-use permit for the new business. It will be constructed in the former location of Firestone Auto Center near the Chautauqua Mall along Fairmount Avenue. The business is scheduled to open sometime this fall.