Local public services continue, though in modified form

Public services the Akron-Newstead community relies on continue during this time of social distancing, however the way in which they are provided reflects concern for public and individual safety.

In the third meeting of the Public Safety team coordinating day-to-day Akron -Newstead response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members reported implementing a variety of ways to continue to provide public services while maintaining social distancing policies.

“As we know, this is a difficult time for everyone. Many thanks to our Town and village elected officials, department heads and our emergency coordinator team (Dan Kowalik, Joe Hawes and Mike Mutter),” Town of Newstead Supervisor David Cummings said of the ongoing response to the pandemic.

“They all are helping navigate through the special conditions due to the state of emergency that I have given in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The state of emergency allows the town government to be flexible with actions necessary to run and protect the community. When FEMA money becomes available, the town is in a better position to be compensated by the federal government for any extra expenditures due to the pandemic. We do have our first confirmed case in The Town of Newstead. So, it is here in Newstead. Please follow the various precautions that we have received from the different levels of government. I pray you will be safe and healthy during this trying time. Please be wise, safe and patient when thinking about the health and safety of others,” Cummings encouraged.

Town of Newstead

The Newstead Town Hall, Clarence Center, Rd. continues to keep its doors shut to public foot traffic and has reduced hours and reduced staffing. They are asking residents to use the drop box, the mail or online portal to conduct business.  Staff are working Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the building to process mail and answer phones and address appointments.

Town Code Enforcement officer is in from 9 to 2 daily to take calls and handle CEO related matters.

The Town Assessor is handling assessment questions on email and phone.

The Town Highway Department began working three man crews every other day and keeping appropriate distances on Monday of this week.  Newstead Town Court is closed.

The Akron-Newstead Senior Center is closed to the public, with decisions on this closure made on a week to week basis.  One person is available to take calls and answer emails from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Village of Akron

Village of Akron Manager of Public Works, Jon Cummings reports that water and wastewater treatment plants continue to run without any difficulties.  Staff members at those plants are alternating their shifts to maintain separation.  The Village Electric crew linemen are stationed at home, reporting on an on-call basis, two lineman only unless a third is needed to handle the situation.  The Electric substation on Eckerson Ave. is monitored daily and is operating normally.

Streets department personnel are stationed at home.  Yard waste collection began March 30 with a one-man crew.

The village is patrolled daily to determine any needs.

The Akron Village Hall remains closed to the public with all transactions by phone, mail, online banking, or drop box. The Village of Akron moved has reduced the number of staff members at the Village Hall, Main Street, at any given time.  The Village Clerk, Village Treasurer, and Building and Code Enforcement Officer’s office is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a revolving basis, to handle critical business.  Conversations with CEO Mike Borth are by appointment only.

First Responders

Fire Companies are maintaining social distancing policies and Residents seeking first aid will continue to find expanded safety protocols in place, with all calls for assistance treated as potential infectious disease situations.  Questions relative to recent travel, exposure to anyone who may have the virus, symptoms of the person requesting assistance, are all the new normal.  First responders interact with those needing help on a one-to-one basis, as much as possible, to minimize risk of the patient or first responder exposure and additional precautions will be evident to protect all present.

N95’s, gowns, surgical masks, gloves and goggles or face shields, as well as alcohol spray and hand sanitizer are among the supplies needed by local fire companies.

Akron Central School

Akron Central School continues to distribute meals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.  800 breakfast and lunches total 1,600 meals for one day of consumption or 8,000 per five-day week.  The Food Pantry of Western New York is expected to set up a distribution truck in the elementary parking lot in the near future and volunteers are needed. (see related story)

Staff are working from home or in social distanced settings.

Remote learning for all students is underway, while the State Education department has not issued any new reporting, it is expected that school closures will be extended and the district continues to work with teachers and families to plan for an extended cessation of school.

Arrangements are in place to handle child care needs for emergency responders, health care workers, and essential personnel through Rattles to Reading.

Emergency Services

Town of Newstead and Village of Akron Emergency Services Coordinator Dan Kowalik is leading the team made up of critical local government, school, and first responder representatives as the community navigates the COVID-19 threat.

Joining Kowalik in leading the team are Deputy Emergency Services Coordinators Mike Mutter and Joe Hawes.  The Emergency Service Coordinators handle the coordination of services in the event of an emergency in the Akron-Newstead area.  They work closely with local officials and County, State and Federal officials to set up any necessary command centers and shelters.  They are highly trained local volunteer firemen who are cross trained in incident command management able to handle a Federal level 1 incident under the National Incident Management System [ NIMS ] which this Emergency has been declared.

Hawes is monitoring supply needs and submitting requests and updates as needed.

Mutter, is working closely with first responders.  Residents seeking first aid will find expanded safety protocols in place, with all calls for assistance treated as potential infectious disease situations.  Questions relative to recent travel, exposure to anyone who may have the virus, symptoms of the person requesting assistance, are all the new normal.  First responders will interact with those needing help on a one-to-one basis, as much as possible, to minimize risk of the patient or first responder exposure and additional precautions will be evident to protect all present. Both Fire Companies joined together this past Saturday and had N 95 Fit Test Training Class for the new masks they received during the past week.

Protocols in place are being updated and coordinated across agencies to ensure there are healthy responders available to assist in emergency situations and that essential services continue without interruption.  Also being updated are continuity of operations plans and safety protocol for village and town employees whose jobs require contact with the general population.

Regularly scheduled meetings and communication is ensuring that all are aware of the most current information relative to keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 situation.

For assistance:

Kowalik has announced that if any Akron-Newstead residents need anything they can call the Town Hall at 716-542-4573 Ext 213.