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Engineering, building officials cite need for part‑time sewer inspector and new camera truck to comply with DEC I&I work
Summary
Building and planning leaders told the Town Board the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) expects follow‑up house inspections tied to an I&I consent order. Officials said a part‑time sewer inspector and replacement of an aging video‑inspection truck would speed compliance.
Don (head of Building, Plumbing and Housing) and Pat Bowen, Town Engineer, said Cheektowaga must catch up on privately‑owned inflow and infiltration (I&I) inspections flagged by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Don told the board the town has performed thousands of time‑of‑sale I&I inspections over the last eight years but that DEC has also issued a separate list of properties flagged for follow‑up. “If we do have to get more aggressive on it,” Don said, “I may have to hire 1 part‑time sewer inspector,” and he asked for flexibility to use part‑time hires if DEC enforcement ramps up.
Pat Bowen and Don explained that the sewer department’s video‑inspection vehicle is now about 10 years old and that replacement parts and the onboard camera technology are deteriorating. Bowen said replacing the TV inspection truck will help the town verify main and connection conditions, speed repairs and reduce outside contractor expense. The department currently sometimes hires a subcontractor for lateral inspections that the town’s camera cannot reach.
Both officials described plans to move permitting systems to a new Granicus platform; Don said the implementation will require staff training and some overtime while records and inspection workflows are migrated.
No formal vote occurred. Engineering and building leaders will return cost estimates and a staffing plan for the board to consider in the capital and operating budget.
