Julie Troutman

The committee discussed several initiatives, including the Regional Bike Master Plan (RBMP) Implementation Program Application and the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) application for a safe routes to schools community trail. Updates were provided regarding the Northtown Community Trails project. Additionally, the committee reviewed potential configurations for street safety improvements on Paramount Parkway and Wood Crest Boulevard and Highland Parkway, and planned future coordination with the Police Department regarding a micromobility safety campaign.

The Annual Action Plan for the Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda Consortium outlines the strategic use of CDBG and HOME funds to address housing and community development priorities. Key objectives include improving housing stock through rehabilitation, providing affordable homeownership opportunities, generating new affordable housing units, supporting community service needs, reducing homelessness risk, and promoting fair housing. The plan details specific projects and activities aimed at benefiting low- to moderate-income persons, enhancing neighborhood revitalization, and fostering sustainable community development across the consortium.

The 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for the Town of Tonawanda aims to address housing and community development needs using CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds. Three overarching objectives guide the plan: providing decent affordable housing, creating suitable living environments, and creating economic opportunities. The plan focuses on low- and moderate-income individuals and households, as well as special needs populations. Key strategies include preserving affordable housing, increasing housing opportunities, improving infrastructure, enhancing public services, and expanding economic opportunities. Outcomes will be measured by improvements in availability/accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of housing and community resources.

The organizational meeting covered several key areas. The board made 2025 Supervisor appointments and Town Board assignments, including committee assignments for various areas such as Public Safety, Youth, Parks and Recreation, Water Resources, Highway, Planning/Development, and Purchasing. Resolutions were adopted to establish meeting schedules for 2025, approve the 2025 Rules of Order, approve 2025 salaries and rates of pay, approve the standard workday for retirement reporting purposes, approve bi-weekly payrolls and payroll period dates, approve 2025 holidays, approve 2025 employee benefits and health insurance benefits, approve rules, orders, and regulations governing the operation of the Police Department, Paramedic Unit, and Public Safety Dispatch Unit, approve dishonesty/faithful performance insurance coverage, authorize the Supervisor to execute Memorandums of Agreement regarding military leave, approve policies restricting personal use of employer-provided vehicles and regarding employer-provided cell phones, approve purchasing procedures and expense reimbursement policy, approve the Information Technology Equipment Disposal Policy, approve the re-appointment of the Town Assessor, approve the appointment of the Town Comptroller, approve the appointment of the Town Attorney, and approve the rules, orders, and regulations governing the operation of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, Paramedic Unit and Public Safety Dispatch Unit.