Cheektowaga supervisors reopen capital-project planning; three road and drainage bids eyed for fall

Supervisor Brian Nowak told the Town of Cheektowaga Board that the town should restart discussions this fall about a set of infrastructure needs and the financing options for them, but that no binding decisions would be made at the meeting.

The board reviewed three previously prepared notices to bidders: resurfacing work on Beale Avenue estimated at about $350,000; drainage improvements for Trudy and Jane estimated at $400,000; and a road reconstruction on Raymond Avenue with an engineering estimate around $2.25 million but a supervisor caution that rising asphalt prices could add an additional $50,000–$100,000.

Why it matters: the three projects together would represent a multi‑million dollar outlay and board members said they must decide whether to pay from current highway and drainage reserves, carry costs into the 2026 budget, or pursue bonding. Nowak said engineering staff had reviewed the estimates and believed the Beale and drainage figures remained accurate, while Raymond’s cost was more sensitive to oil‑linked asphalt pricing.

Board members pressed for clearer prioritization and more data. One council member asked that departments (sewer, highway, engineering) deliver a graded, ranked list of infrastructure needs so the board can choose projects on the basis of condition rather than location. Nowak said staff would compile a capital‑projects list and an equipment/vehicle replacement plan and that he had discussed the items with highway and department managers.

Timing and procurement: several members favored releasing notices to bidders in November so contractors finishing summer work would be available; the board discussed scheduling final actions at a special meeting in November (the supervisor suggested the first meeting in November) after preliminary budget work in October. Nowak said the goal would be to have notices out in November and, if needed, to bid in December for work planned the following year.

Funding sources and constraints: the supervisor noted that the packet lists funds in town highway accounts (the board referenced "500" highway accounts) and the master drainage district ("400" account) as potential sources. He warned that some reserves could be affected by the transition from 2025 into the 2026 budget year, and that the board might consider bonding, use of available highway/drainage reserves, or applying for state or, remotely, federal funds. Nowak said he had briefed state lawmakers about another infrastructure need: he brought Senator April Baskin to the main pump station on George Urban and said the senator’s office was working to identify possible state funding for that pump‑station work; he also said he had spoken with Assembly Member Shudlinski about the town’s needs.

Operational details and next steps: the supervisor and staff (Brian Krauss and Dennis, named in discussion) will coordinate to confirm which specific account will fund each project when/if bids are awarded. Board members asked staff for photos or documentation of the road segments under consideration; staff agreed to supply photos, particularly for Raymond Avenue. The supervisor emphasized that the board was not committing to construction at the meeting but wanted to provide guidance so department heads could plan.

A follow‑up schedule: the board set an expectation to revisit the items in November, with special meetings on Oct. 9–10 scheduled for budget discussions that would inform final funding decisions. If staff confirm reserves and the board wishes to proceed, notices to bidders would be placed in November and bids evaluated in December for work in the coming year.

Speakers quoted or cited in the discussion were Supervisor Brian Nowak and several council members who requested prioritization and scheduling details; other staff and lawmakers were referenced in the discussion.

Ending: board members directed staff to deliver a prioritized list of capital projects and a vehicle/equipment replacement schedule and to prepare documentation (photos and updated cost estimates) so the board can consider formal actions at the November meeting.