At its Sept. 23 meeting, the Cicero Town Board announced that it will be able to save money on planting trees as part of Phase III of the Brewerton Revitalization Project.
Parks and Recreation Director Jody Rogers said the town will purchase five Japanese lilac trees from Northern Nurseries as part of National Grid’s “10,000 Trees … And Growing!” program.
The town will be reimbursed $50 for each tree that is still alive when National Grid checks on them four to six months after planting.
Helen Carroll, chair of the Brewerton Revitalization Committee, presented the board with $1,375 in donations the committee had collected to pay for the trees.
The town board also voted to pay $6,535.20 to Caccamise Electric for lights at Riverfront Park and $147,555.25 to Environmental Paving Solutions (EPS) for improvements to Bennett Street’s sidewalks, curbing and lights.
Board considers full-time assessor
The board is considering reconfiguring the assessor’s office to include a full-time assessor, a full-time appraisal aide and a part-time assessment clerk.
If the board approves, Karen Tavernese would be appointed to the full-time assessor position at a starting rate of $60,000 per year.
Councilor Dick Cushman said changing the assessor’s position from part-time to full-time would save the town about $11,000 per year.
“This is the fiscally responsible thing to do,” Cushman said.
Councilor Mike Becallo asked for more time to discuss the issue.
“I don’t believe we should be talking about this,” he said, adding that he wanted an executive session in the future to discuss this personnel issue.
Councilor Mark Venesky supported Becallo’s request and the board will discuss the possible changes to the assessor’s office at a later date.
Flu clinic
The parks and recreation department will hold an influenza vaccination clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at the town hall.
The cost is $25 for those without insurance. To pre-register, call 699-5233.
