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Depew trustees appoint recreation crew chief, approve fire-department memberships and $805,700 in payments
Summary
At its Jan. 26 meeting the Village of Depew Board of Trustees appointed John Kress as recreation working crew chief, accepted a senior-center van driver’s resignation, approved two Depew Volunteer Fire Department memberships, authorized tree removal at 1414 Regal, and approved claims totaling $805,700.16.
The Village of Depew Board of Trustees on Jan. 26 appointed John Kress as the recreation department’s working crew chief, accepted the resignation of senior-center van driver John Safie, approved new memberships for the Depew Volunteer Fire Department and its junior firefighter program, authorized a DPW tree removal at 1414 Regal that may be billed to the property tax roll if unpaid, and approved claims totaling $805,700.16.
The appointments and resolutions were routine and carried on roll call. Mayor Kevin J. Peterson introduced the first resolution, saying, “I, Mayor Kevin J. Peterson, do hereby appoint John Kress to the position of working crew chief for the recreation department for the salary stated in the budget effective 02/27/2026.” The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment.
Why it matters: the working crew chief is a designated point person within the recreation staff responsible for day-to-day direction of crews and on-site decisions; the board emphasized that this is a reassignment of an existing employee rather than a new hire. The resignation accepted was effective Jan. 21, 2026; trustees asked staff to publicize the opening for the senior-center van driver.
Votes at a glance: The board approved each resolution by roll call. The claims and accounts were approved after the finance committee presented totals: General Fund $303,972.80; Community Development $1,996; Superfund $2; Capital Projects $499,729.36 — a combined total of $805,700.16.
Public-safety and community updates: Police Chief McNamara reported four new officers recently graduated from the academy who are now in training and encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors during the cold. Fire Chief Brian Musilak reported 17 calls since the last meeting (28 year to date), noted crews will be shoveling hydrants, welcomed new members Simon Sahaya and Aiden, and urged caution with space heaters and generators.
Community center and facilities: Tom Sweeney, speaking about the community center, said bookings are steady and described plans to replace a smoke detector with a heat detector at a second-floor hairdresser tenant to reduce false alarms. He said the board is seeking quotes for site and civil work and an ADA ramp to the building’s rear, with work expected in two phases this spring/summer.
The meeting concluded with approval of claims and a motion to adjourn at 7:29 p.m., following a moment of silence for the mother of DPW employee Jeff Morgan and the grandmother of Recreation staff member Jeff Morgan Jr.
