In August, Town Comptroller Ed Mongold and I made a trip on behalf of the town residents to meet with representatives of Moody’s Investor Service in New York City in an effort to maintain or improve our current bond rating.

The last time a town supervisor went to New York to meet with Moody’s was when Carl Calabrese made the trip in 1997. I am happy to report back to you that the trip was a huge success.

Initially, we were informed that they were considering downgrading the town’s bond rating due to the budget practices in place from 2002 to 2006. However, after listening to our presentation and learning of the new budget practices the town has instituted, including the implementation of a four-year budget plan, the town was notified last week that our bond rating was being upgraded to Aa2.

This outstanding rating has improved our efforts to obtain bonds and bond anticipation notes at the lowest rates.

I would like to thank the Town Board, our department heads and all of our town employees who have worked together to find innovative ways to improve our financial picture. I am pleased to report that even during these tough economic times, we have been able to keep taxes down and improve our bond rating.

In 2007 the Town Board, after much debate and public input, amended our garbage container law, making the use of “totes” mandatory. The change in the law was necessary due to increased rodent sightings in our community and throughout Erie County, which became a public health concern. At the same time, we began a public information campaign to inform the residents about the proper use of bird feeders and other unidentified feeding sources, which are secondary sources of food for the rodents.

Since rodents require six to eight ounces of water a day to survive, our dry summer has certainly contributed to the increase in sightings as the rodents move more often in their search for water.

The town is beginning a re-education program on the proper use of the totes and bird feeders. All rodent sightings should be reported to the Erie County Health Department at 961-6800.

Please contact the Highway or Building Department, which will assist you with questions on the proper procedures for the totes and bird feeders. The town’s website will have additional information regarding these issues and can be visited at www. tonawanda. ny. us.

Lastly, Chief of Police Anthony Palombo has advised me that there has been more than the usual amount of vehicle entries and thefts in recent months and is reminding everyone to lock their vehicle doors and remove any valuables. This applies to vehicles in driveways and garages.