PORTER – What seemed to be a simple request – the Cambria Volunteer Fire Company wants to borrow town generators for an upcoming dog show – triggered a debate about impropriety during a meeting of the Town Board Monday night.
Board members are concerned about allowing town property to be used by a private organization, such as volunteer fire companies.
“Personally, I’d just like to donate it to them, but I worry about everyone else wanting to use it,” said board member Joseph Fleckenstein.
“The [state] Comptroller’s Office watches this very carefully,” added Town Attorney Michael Dowd.
“You have to be very careful to make sure there is some public benefit,” Dowd added, and asked whether an organization such as the American Kennel Club was putting on the show, or if the Cambria Volunteer Fire Department was host of the event.
According to the request, the Fire Department was hosting the event.
The company wants use of a few generators to power motor homes parked on the Fire Department grounds, from Sept. 13-16.
Board members agreed to base their decision on the advice of an attorney.
Dowd suggested the generators may have to be rented.
“If it was someone just asking to use a generator for a wedding or something like that, then it would be easy. The answer would be no,” Dowd said.
In another matter, Town Supervisor Merton K. Wiepert said new recycling totes are expected to be distributed to residents by the end of the year.
Wiepert said the state will be refunding half of what the town pays for the totes, but it will take longer than a year to get the grant money, so the town will have to pay upfront for any costs.
Seminars and newsletters are planned by Modern Landfill to educate residents on their use., the board was informed
email: nfischer@buffnews.com