At the latest meeting, the Village Board put its money where its mouth is. The Village Board has approved a contract for staffing services through Silver Creek Emergency Squad, Inc., and the Village of Silver Creek pertaining to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Emergency Vehicle Drivers.

The contract will be for one year with an option for renewal each year. Once signed by both parties, the contract will be on file. The contract was drafted in cooperation with attorney Brad Pinsky, who is also advising the Village on its joint fire district between the Sunset Bay and Silver Creek fire departments.

While the charges are not expected to be exorbitant, the contract represents a sign of good faith and appreciation for drivers and EMTs who can often dedicate several hours transporting a patient to receive medical care. As a volunteer company, the work was previously unpaid. So far this year, there have been more than 20 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls in each month, including 50 EMS calls combined between March and April. The Silver Creek Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to 360 EMS calls a year ago.

Also of note, Code Enforcement in the Village of Silver Creek will now be handled through the Town of Hanover Code Enforcement Office, located at the Hanover Town Hall. The Village will pay a monthly fee for such services, beginning at $1,000 monthly. Fees will be collected by the Town on behalf of the Village. John Kennedy has been dismissed from his role as Silver Creek Code Enforcement Officer.

Silver Creek Mayor Jeff Hornburg frequently offers his support of the village’s Fire Department and Emergency Squad at Village Board meetings.

Silver Creek resident Anna Frederickson urged the Village to enforce the Village Code pertaining to illegal on-street and curbside parking. Hornburg responded that he will raise the issue to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

The Village is in discussions with the Town of Hanover after assuming leadership of the annual Silver Creek Yard Sale, which was previously hosted by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. The Village is hopeful to continue to provide scholarships with the money generated from the event.

The next Mobile Food Pantry event, sponsored by the Silver Creek Food Pantry, the Village of Silver Creek, and Feedmore WNY, will be on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the village municipal parking lot. The event is free of charge to residents of Silver Creek and other nearby communities.

The Village Board also reserved the date for the 58th annual Festival of Grapes, set for Sept. 11-14 in the Village Square, Ball Park, and Pavilion. The Village Board also authorized the Silver Creek Kiwanis Club to hold its annual Children’s Fair on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Silver Creek Village Board is Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.