OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Dunkirk Town Board member Shari Miller supported an internship program between the Town and the State University of New York at Fredonia.

A new opportunity for college students at SUNY Fredonia could be coming to the Town of Dunkirk in the near future. The Town of Dunkirk is seeking a partnership with SUNY Fredonia to employ an intern to assist the Town Clerk’s office.

“I really see a relationship between the Town of Dunkirk and (SUNY Fredonia) as being very valuable. We certainly can give some students some bullet points to put on their resumes,” said Dunkirk Town Council member Shari Miller, a SUNY Fredonia employee.

Town Board member Phil Leone noted he employed interns for college credit at his law office in the past. “It was a great thing. I think it is a good idea,” Leone said.

Also of note, the Town Board approved one of its own, Bob Price, to do the necessary electrical upgrades at the Town Hall and Court. After the Town received a quote from Muck Electric in the amount of $4,958.75, Price, a formerly licensed electrician prior to his retirement from contracting work, volunteered to do the work himself at a fraction of the cost.

“We have someone that has the experience and the knowledge who is willing to do it. I think it’s a fiscally responsible path for the Town of Dunkirk,” said Miller.

The Town Board approved a payment to Price for time and materials not to exceed $2,000 for the necessary work outlined in the previously quoted proposal. Price abstained from the vote.

“I think that’s fantastic. It’s less than half the price,” Miller said. “I think we should make a motion before Bob changes his mind.”

Also at its recent meeting, the Dunkirk Town Board approved changes to the Employee Handbook, including updates to the sick day policy.

The next meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board will be Tuesday, July 16, with a public hearing for a local law to implement changes to the Town Zoning Book beginning at 5 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow. The Town Board has also scheduled a workshop for Wednesday, July 17, at 6:15 p.m., to discuss the upcoming year’s budget. A Town Hall meeting was set for Monday, July 29 at 6 p.m., to entertain public input on issues in the Town.