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SILVER CREEK - The holiday season is a time for giving - and some Silver Creek residents still need help recovering what was lost in the Aug. 8 flood.

At the Village Board's Monday meeting, Mayor Kurt Lindstrom asked for assistance from anyone able to contribute for at least 25 to 30 homes requiring repair.

"Donations of insulation, two gas furnaces, 2-by-4s and 2-by-8s are needed," Lindstrom said. "We're also looking for time to be donated possibly by retired electricians, plumbers and contractors, as well as cash."

The mayor announced an account has been set up at Community Bank, 228 Central Ave. in Silver Creek, for Recovery of Chautauqua County (ROCC), with funds to be used locally. Those wishing to make donations should contact Donna Roof at 934-4353.

"Thank you to everyone that helped our community get back to the point where we're at now," Lindstrom said. "Our residents are very grateful, as is the board."

In other matters:

Streets Department Foreman Ralph Crawford reminded homeowners they are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks in the winter and asked children to refrain from playing in the snowbanks near the roadways. Trustee Anna Frederickson added that residents, while plowing their driveways, should avoid plowing the snow onto the sidewalks. Police Chief Timothy Roche said citations will be issued to anyone creating hazardous conditions by irresponsible snow removal.

Silver Creek resident Andrew Volk commented on the Petri's Baking warehouse project and asked the board to consider all options for the project's location, proposed to be constructed on Babcock Avenue.

"I'm against it, I'm not in favor of it, I just think it's a pretty big undertaking for that specific area - being in a flood zone, being close to residential, increased truck traffic," Volk said.

Lindstrom called the situation a "Catch-22," explaining that stringent post-9/11 Department of Homeland Security requirements led to the proposal for the warehouse to be located on that specific property.

"The Department of Health is requiring it, Homeland Security wants it on the same property," Lindstrom said. "There's an anti-bioterrorism issue."

Volk also voiced his concerns about the Streets Department's timely removal of snow in front of his Monroe Street home, where drifting often becomes a problem. Volk asked the Police Department to report the snow drifts when they see them while they are patrolling his street. He said a large drift in front of his home was there without being cleared for more than a day.

The board agreed to allow the Village of Silver Creek Police Department to replace clothing and materials lost in the flood.

Robert Lazarczyk was allowed permission to attend DARE instructors School in Montour Falls from Feb. 1-12.

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