John Bentley, Lakewood-Busti police chief, said he planned to contact the state Transportation Department regarding the traffic light timer at Chautauqua Avenue and Route 394. P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

Joe Johnson, Lakewood’s longtime village clerk, will retire on Jan. 1.

Andrea Windoft has been appointed the village’s treasurer, which board members voted during the meeting to re-establish, with Mary Currie elevated into Johnson’s position as village clerk.

During the Lakewood Village Board’s final meeting of the year, held recently, Johnson thanked the village officials he has worked with over the years. Before presenting a framed print by local artist Leslie Calimeri to hang in the Village Board room, Johnson shared an excerpt of a quote by John F. Kennedy from Kennedy’s book “Profiles in Courage,” saying he hoped it would be food for thought for the board and village as it begins its new year.

“We shall need compromises in the days ahead to be sure,” Johnson said, quoting Kennedy. “But these will be, or should be, compromises of issues not principles. We can compromise our political positions, but not ourselves. … Compromise does not mean cowardice.”

In other business, Jack Knowlton, Lakewood Fire Company president, asked John Bentley, Lakewood-Busti police chief, if the timer at the traffic signal at Chautauqua Avenue and Route 394 could be changed to allow more cars to enter onto Route 394 from Chautauqua Avenue before the light turns red again. Bentley told Knowlton he had received that particular complaint a few times and will ask the state Transportation Department to look at the situation.

Bentley also asked for signs at the community park and dog park on East Terrace Avenue that note when the park closes. Bentley said it is important for those visiting the park to know that it closes at 10 p.m. and the signs will also make it easier for police to enforce the 10 p.m. closing time.

Thomas Pilling, public works director, said a NYSERDA grant has helped install energy efficient lights in part of the first floor of the Anthony C. Caprino Building. Lights throughout the Lakewood-Busti Police Department will be changed as well. Pilling said he hopes a second grant can be received to include the basement and the second floor of the building.

Jeff Swanson, village building inspector, reminded board members that Swanson introduced the 5G Cell Service concept a month ago and encouraged board members to consider amending the local zoning law to establish a fee schedule for those who want to build out 5G cell networks. Swanson said he learned about the concept at a zoning conference at Jamestown Community College in November and anticipates 5G wireless network building to begin happening locally soon.

Rich Fischer, who will assume a position on the Lakewood Village Board in January, asked Swanson to examine a property at 51 W. Fairmount Ave., at the corner of Jones Street, to see if the property is violating property maintenance codes. Swanson said Fischer could make a complaint, but that the building inspector would take a look at the property.

Board members approved participation in the state Firefighters’ Cancer Benefit Program Policy. The village will add cancer coverage to its coverage for the 13 eligible interior firefighters at a cost of $51 a month for each of the 13 firefighters.

Edward McCague, acting/deputy mayor, said he attended a meeting with Barton and LoGuidice, the project committee and the public regarding the Green Street Retrofit project. Randall Perry, Chautauqua Lake Watershed and Management Alliance project manager, led the meeting. A plan is still being formed.