Town Board Minutes

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          November 18, 2013

Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Town Attorney Shawn Martin.

Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.

 

Ø      Draft presentation concerning conversion of water system from lease managed to direct service. A public information meeting will be held to start the communication process which ultimately will be decided by the public. Mr. Henry explained the only difference between direct service and lease managed is that the town is responsible for all capital improvements in a leased managed area; there is no difference in water rates. The town applied for and has received $400,000 in grant money to implement this plan. The plan will allow the eight existing water districts to remain until the debt in each of these districts is retired. Legal aspects need to be reviewed and an overlay district created.   Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) has provided the town with a list of things that need to be completed prior to direct service conversion. There will be an approximate increase in cost of $10 to $15 per quarter; $40 to $60 a unit per year.

 

Councilman Rusinski questioned if the permissive referendum will only be for the eight leased districts and if it is possible to do this incrementally vs. doing it as a whole.

 

Mr. Henry responded the referendum will only be for the leased districts and the process could be done incrementally; however, District 2 would probably never be turned over to direct service if done this way. A substantial amount of capital improvements are not being addressed in this small district due to cost. Larger districts such as District 1, 3 & 4

 

 

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          November 18, 2013

 

 

will help absorb costs incurred in District 2. Overall district approval vs. individual district approval is necessary. Mr. Henry suggested a public information meeting be scheduled on December 16^th along with press releases and posting of information on the town’s website. He will meet with Town Attorney Shawn Martin to put together an overlay district.

 

Councilman Rusinski commented on the importance of educating the public so they know exactly what they are voting on.

 

Ø      Seneca Mall feasibility study – 80 percent of information requested has been received and he anticipated receiving the remaining information tomorrow. They still need to know where they got background information concerning the revenue.

 

Ø      Town Engineer Jason Foote advised that the Leydecker Road/East & West Road sewer project has started and the next phase of the sewer lining project is being designed.

 

 

Ø      Received a request from two Orchard Park High School students who are West Seneca residents interested in 15 hours of internship. Board members advised no Town Board approval is required.

 

Ø      Requested executive session for two personnel matters.

 

 

Ø      Requested executive session for three litigation matters.

 

Ø      Public skate taking place during the day.

Ø      Hockey sign up for over 30 will start at the end of December.

 

Ø      Santa breakfast on Sunday, December 15^th.

Ø      Work on parking lot will resume in the spring.

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          November 18, 2013

 

 

Ø      Commented on proposed library project and stated the Town Board is not committed to the proposed building; however, the design is part of a planning process enabling the town to be ready if state aid becomes available. The library would become a town center, possibly incorporating the Supervisor’s office, Finance Department, Town Clerk’s Office and Code Enforcement Office.