Depew trustees approve fire-training use of apparatus, authorize DPW mowing of vacant properties and appoint van driver; claims approved

The Village of Depew Board of Trustees on July 14 approved several routine actions including permission for the Depew Volunteer Fire Department to conduct live-fire training, authorization for the Department of Public Works to mow listed vacant or foreclosed properties with the cost added to property tax bills, and the appointment of a part-time senior citizens van driver, Mayor Kevin Peterson said.

The approvals were taken as separate motions and carried by voice or roll-call votes. The board also approved audited claims and accounts submitted by the finance committee and later entered — and then left — an executive session to discuss a legal matter; the board said no decisions were made in executive session.

Why it matters: the motions let the fire department use apparatus for training, allow the village to clear nuisance vegetation on properties that did not comply with orders to remedy and recover costs through property tax billing, and…