Town Board Minutes

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

1250 Union Road                                                           Minutes #2014-03

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          February 10, 2014

 

Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Chief Denz and the singing of God Bless America by the West Seneca Youth Theater.

 

ROLL CALL:          Present    -   Sheila M. Meegan              Supervisor

                                                Eugene P. Hart                  Councilman

                                                William P. Hanley, Jr.        Councilman

 

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

 

Members of the West Seneca Youth Theater presented a check in the amount of $8465 representing donations received at their recent fundraiser to benefit the Lexington Green area flood victims.

 

The meeting was dedicated to the memory of James Cronin, Donald Kane and Joseph Tripi.

 

 

3-A  MINUTES TO BE APPROVED

 

·                  Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Minutes #2014-02 of January 27, 2014.

 

     Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

·                  Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the December 4, 2013 bid opening for replacement of the fuel pump and system at the Highway Department.

 

     Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

·                  Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve minutes from the January 24, 2014 bid opening for the 2014 Sanitary Sewer Repair Project.

 

     Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

3-B    LEGAL ITEMS

 

1.  Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND CITIZENS FOR OR AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW 2014-01, MODIFICATION TO CHAPTER 101, SOLID WASTE” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

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3-B    LEGAL ITEMS

 

1.          (continued)

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to open the public hearing.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

          Attorney Shawn Martin advised that the Solid Waste local law was changed based on feedback received.  The local law was renumbered #2014-01 and incorporates all the changes.

 

          Susan Kims questioned who pays for the totes if they are damaged and if there are any plans for a program to assist seniors and the disabled with handling their totes.

 

          Highway Supt. Matthew English responded the totes have a 10 year warranty and as soon as they get through the distribution process and exchange program they will be discussing some type of program to assist senior citizens and disabled residents.

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to close the public hearing.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt Local Law #2014-01 modification to Chapter 101, Solid Waste.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                                          *APPENDICES*

 

2.  Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND CITIZENS FOR OR AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW 2014-02, MODIFICATION TO CHAPTER 92, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to open the public hearing.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

          Attorney Shawn Martin stated the Property Maintenance local law was renumbered #2014-02.

 

          No comments were received from the public.

 

 

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          February 10, 2014

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3-B    LEGAL ITEMS

 

2.          (continued)

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to close the public hearing.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt Local Law #2014-02 modification to Chapter 92, Property Maintenance.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                                          *APPENDICES*

 

3.     Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1976 RIDGE ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 296, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-2 TO C-2(S), FOR AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE” in the Town of West Seneca received and filed.                                               (Thomas Shea)   

 

Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

3-C    TABLED ITEMS

 

  1.     Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Board of Plumbing Examiners

 

 

Remained on the table.

 

 

  2.     Supervisor Meegan re Designation of Step 3 Grievance Officer

 

 

Remained on the table.

 

3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

      

1.    Supervisor Meegan re Modern Recycling contract

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to sign the attached contract with Modern Recycling Inc., noting the bid for a one year contract for weekly collection of recyclable materials with four (4) one year renewal options was previously accepted by the Town Board at a special Town Board meeting held on January 17, 2014.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

                                                           *APPENDICES*

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          February 10, 2014

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

2.    Supervisor Meegan re Retirement of Alan Kerner & Anne Rappold

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the retirement of Alan Kerner and terminate him as Working Crew Chief/Deputy Highway Superintendent and accept the retirement of Anne Rappold and terminate her as Highway Maintenance Clerk effective February 28, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

On the question, Highway Supt. Matthew English offered best wishes to Mr. Kerner and Mrs. Rappold on their retirement.

 

Anne Rappold thanked all her co-workers for their kindness over the last 20 years. Al Kerner also commented on his 38½ years of service to the town and thanked the community for their support.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

      

3.    Supervisor Meegan re Building Safety Month proclamation

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached proclamation declaring May 2014 Building Safety Month.

 

On the question, Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated this is in cooperation with the International Code Council that governs the codes throughout the country.  The Town of West Seneca will now be listed on their website and this will afford them other promotions to advertise with.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                                          *APPENDICES*

      

4.    Town Engineer re Smoke testing investigation & report proposal

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the smoke testing investigation and report proposal submitted by Sewer Specialty Services Company, Inc., 2462 New Road, Leicester, New York 14481 in the amount of $32,000 noting work will be completed in order to determine the condition of sewer mains and laterals and funding is budgeted under the $30M capital sewer project.

 

On the question, Councilman Hart questioned what area will be done under Phase IV and if the proposal from Sewer Specialty Services Company was a quote or bid. 

 

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

    4.   (continued)

 

Town Engineer Jason Foote responded that Phase IV will include relining and manhole rehabilitation of the area west of Town Hall and north of Main Street up to Seneca Street.  Sewer Specialty Services Company’s quote is under the procurement amount.

 

Town Attorney Charles Grieco advised the new procurement amount is $35,000.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

      

5.    Town Engineer re Bid award for 2014 Sanitary Sewer Repair Project

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to award the bid for the 2014 Sanitary Sewer Repair Project to CMH Company Inc., 12704 North Road, Alden, NY 14004 at their low total bid amount of $271,895.

 

On the question, Councilman Hart commented on the considerably low bid compared to others.

 

Town Engineer Jason Foote stated he discussed this with the contractor and they are comfortable with it. The dollar amount is not guaranteed; it is based on the number of repairs in a given year and he is expecting it will be less than this amount at the end of the year.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

      

6.    Town Engineer re SEQRA determination for 2014 Sewer Repair Project

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached SEQRA determination resolution for the 2014 Sanitary Sewer Repair Project, noting the work shall be considered a Type II Action in accordance with SEQRA regulations.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

                                                          *APPENDICES*

      

7.    Town Engineer re Bid date for Burchfield Center restroom & storage building

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to set a bid date of March 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM for the following contracts relative to construction of a restroom and storage building at the Burchfield Center:

 

§         procurement contract for purchase of a pre-fabricated storage building

§         concrete and site related work

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

   8.    Highway Supt. re Bid award for fuel pump replacement

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to award the bid for replacement of the fuel pump and fuel system at the Highway Department to The Pump Doctor, 2706 Hemlock Road, Eden, NY 14057 at their low bid amount of $46,000.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

         

   9.    Chief Denz re Termination of Patricia Maw as Matron & part-time Crossing Guard

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Patricia Maw as Police Matron and part-time Crossing Guard effective February 2, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

         

   10.  Chief Denz re Appointment of Kristen Kaminski and Lisa Cudihy as part-time Police Matrons

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to appoint Kristen Kaminski and Lisa Cudihy as Police Matrons at a part-time per diem rate of $10 per hour effective February 11, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 

   11.  Chief Denz re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatcher J. Scanlon to seasonal

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Joshua Scanlon to part-time seasonal effective
February 1 – 28, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                 Noes: None            Motion Carried

         

   12.  Chief Denz re Purchase of six police vehicles

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the purchase of six new police vehicles to replace six police vehicles as part of the annual fleet replacement rotation, noting funding is available through the 2014 police vehicle line 1.3120.0208 and is based on NYS contract pricing.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          February 10, 2014

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

   13.  Town Clerk re Appointment of Margaret Martin as Records Inventory Clerk

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Margaret Martin as Records Inventory Clerk effective February 11, 2014 at an annual salary of $37,323.88, Group 4, Step 5, noting Ms. Martin was appointed provisionally in March 2011 and recently finished with a top score on the Civil Service test and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 

   14.  Town Clerk re Extension of tax collection

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve an extension of the time for collection of 2014 town/county taxes to June 30, 2014, noting this will allow the town to keep the penalties rather than the county receiving them.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

         

   15.  Code Enforcement Officer re Restricted use permit for 1600 North America Drive

 

 

Town Attorney Charles Grieco questioned if a public hearing had been held on this item, noting that if the parcel is located adjacent to a residential zoning district a public hearing is required.

 

Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded there is a piece of town property located between the property in question and the residential zoning district.

 

            Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution issuing a Negative Declaration with regard to the motorcycle safety school project at 1600 North America Drive.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                                *APPENDICES*

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution issuing a restricted use permit for 1600 North America Drive for operation of a motorcycle safety school, subject to conditions as set forth in the resolution.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                                *APPENDICES*

 

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

  16.   Recreation Director re Title change for Lauren Masset to Recreation Supervisor

 

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Lauren Masset as part-time Clerk Typist and appoint Lauren Masset as part-time Recreation Supervisor at a rate of $13.50/HR effective February 10, 2014, noting funding is available in line item #1.7140.0149 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None             Motion Carried

         

   17.  Director of Recreation re Summer Day Camp

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to host a Summer Day Camp located at Veteran’s Park, Monday – Friday from June 30, 2014 until August 8, 2014 between the hours of 9 AM – 4 PM and authorize the Supervisor to sign any necessary paperwork.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None             Motion Carried

              

   18.  Town Engineer re Camelot Square Phase 3 Public Improvement Project

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Town Attorney and Town Comptroller to sign and date the Public Improvement Permit (PIP) application for Phase 3 of the Camelot Square Subdivision, noting the plans have previously been reviewed and approved.

 

            On the question, Councilman Hart noted this is a private construction matter and will be paid for by the contractor. Upon completion of the project, the roads will be dedicated to the town.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                                Motion Carried

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION     

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 7:30 P.M. to discuss a personnel matter with Chief Denz, Comptroller Jean Nihill and Town Attorney Charles Grieco.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

          The board members returned from Executive Session at 8:00 P.M.

 

 

 

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

   19.  Councilman Hart re Public Sector HR Consultants LLC amended contract

 

Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the amended contract with Public Sector HR Consultants LLC noting that certain language was removed from the original contract after review by the town’s labor attorney and because of delays in the review process the term of the contract has been amended to cover the period March 1, 2014 through March 1, 2015; financial and general terms will remain as follows:

 

§         Public Sector HR Consultants LLC shall be retained to provide human resource services for one year at the rate of $1250 per month/$15,000 annually;

§         Public Sector HR Consultants LLC is authorized to develop and implement an employee handbook for use by the employees and management of the town for an additional fee of $6500;

§         Other services upon specific request and authorization will be provided the Town of West Seneca at a rate of $150 per hour or for a project fee mutually agreed upon

 

and further, in accordance with Town Law Section 64(6) the Supervisor shall sign the agreement, file the same with the Town Clerk and provide additional signed copies to Public Sector HR Consultants LLC.

         

          On the question, Supervisor Meegan questioned if the Healthworks paperwork should be scanned and emailed to Public Sector HR Consultants LLC.

 

Councilman Hart understood that all the information had been emailed to Supervisor Meegan.

 

Supervisor Meegan was unaware of receiving anything and will have her secretary check into it.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

   20.  Councilman Hart re Library Board appointments

 

Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to approve the following appointments to the West Seneca Library Board:

 

§            Paul Notaro for a five year term effective January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018;

§            Jennifer Dobe for a five year term effective January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017;

 

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3-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 

20.        (continued)

           

§     Terms of the remaining current members as per motion of the Town Board dated May 7, 2012 are set to expire as follows:

                             Michael Tenhagen – December 31, 2014

Kelly A Clifford – December 31, 2015

Bill Josefiak – December 31, 2016

 

and further, at the request of the Library Director, the Supervisor shall notify the director in writing of the above appointments and clarification of the terms of office for board members.

 

Ayes: All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

   21.  Councilman Hart re Appointment of Linda Kauderer as Deputy Town Comptroller

 

Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Councilman Hanley, on the request of Comptroller Jean Nihill and pursuant to Section 65 of the Civil Service Law, to provisionally appoint Linda Kauderer as Deputy Town Comptroller at a rate of $64,141.85 effective February 11, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

          On the question, Councilman Hart stated this was necessary due to some problems in the Finance Office. Mrs. Kauderer will be temporarily helping to correct the issues and he was not certain how long this will continue.

 

          Ayes: (2) Councilman Hart, Councilman Hanley

 

          Noes: (1) Supervisor Meegan                                                       Motion Carried

 

   22.  Councilman Hart re Leave of absence for Linda Kauderer as Account Clerk-Mini Computer Operator

 

Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Councilman Hanley, that Linda Kauderer be granted a leave of absence as Account Clerk-Mini Computer Operator effective February 11, 2014 through and including January 2, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

          On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated a review will take place on June 1st for the temporary transfer and there will still be requests for proposals for outsourcing payroll.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

                                                                                               

 

 

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3-E   REPORTS

 

·   John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report and plumbing report for January 2014      received and filed.

·               Comptroller Jean Nihill, Revenue/expense comparison control report posted as of February 10, 2014; Operating Fund voucher summary report, Trust voucher summary report & Capital voucher summary report posted as of February 10, 2014 received and filed.

 

ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

SUMMER DAY CAMP

 

David Kims expressed his disappointment that the board members voted to approve the Summer Day Camp without having full knowledge of the anticipated cost.  He questioned if information regarding cost estimates will be forthcoming, noting the original proposal called for none of the parks to be staffed and the presentation at this afternoon’s work session indicated that three parks will be staffed.

 

Recreation Director Craig Kroll responded the initial weekly costs were estimated at $130 per camper, but the established weekly fees are going to be $110 for residents and $125 for non-residents. He noted the town previously spent approximately $80,000 staffing playgrounds and had no incoming revenue. The summer camp requires less staff and will generate some revenue. 

 

Councilman Hart requested that Mr. Kroll work out the program costs and provide that information to the board members and public.

 

Susan Kims questioned the summer camp post hours of 4:00 – 5:00 P.M., noting many parents work until 5:00 P.M.  She felt they would have more participation in the program if they extended the hours until 5:30 P.M.

 

Mr. Kroll responded that part-time seasonal status only allows an employee to work a maximum of 7 hours daily.  The recreation staff will work staggered shifts of 8:00 – 4:00 and 9:00 -5:00 to cover pre and post camp hours.

 

Mary Lou Dietrich commented that St. Bonaventure Church ran a summer camp program and incorporated an extra fee for early drop off and late pick up. She understood why the current hours were in place but thought they could present a problem for residents who work until 5:00 P.M.  She hoped that all options will be looked at going forward.

 

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

FLOODING IN WINCHESTER AREA

 

          Sandy Tedesco addressed the board members regarding flooding that took place in December 2013 in his basement on Gordon Avenue and caused $8000 damage.  He questioned if anything is being done to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

 

Town Engineer Jason Foote responded that the flooding was probably related to the sanitary sewer backup on Mineral Springs Road, noting this has been ongoing since late December and has since been repaired.

 

Mr. Tedesco stated the backup was storm sewer related and also affected his neighbors on Gordon, Aurora and Emporium Avenue.  He was fortunate that his basement only had 8” of water while others had 4’.

 

Supervisor Meegan stated the sewer issue on Mineral Springs Road was within days of receiving notification of Mr. Tedesco’s flooding problem. She will further investigate this issue and contact Mr. Tedesco.

 

Dale Clarke referred to the last Town Board meeting where Harlem Road flooding and the road being blocked off was discussed and stated the problem on Gordon Avenue is related to that incident. After speaking with numerous residents in the area who experienced flooding, he learned all problems were storm related and no one had any sanitary sewer issues.  Mr. Clarke presented photos of a clogged drain and exposed tile which he feels is causing the flooding.  He suggested the Town Board send a letter to National Fuel Gas requesting they clean up the site (grate, tile & drain), noting they had previously maintained this area. He further referred to a drain that needs to be fixed on Emporium Avenue that runs under the NYS Thruway and railroad tracks, drains into the creek and goes nowhere because of blockage.

 

Councilman Hanley responded he had walked the property and many drains were plugged; however, the area Mr. Clarke is referring to is not National Fuel Gas property but is owned by the railroad. In the past, National Fuel Gas maintained this area as a courtesy for the railroad, but stopped cleaning it when they were told by former Councilman Clarke to remove a pipe from the creek or he would have them in court.  Once the pipe was removed they no longer had access to the culvert which is outside of the fence owned by National Fuel Gas.

 

Frank Dlabola stated his home on Emporium Avenue along with the entire Winchester area were flooded in December.  He questioned who will be responsible for cleaning out all the drains in various locations and questioned if drain cleaning could be scheduled annually.

 

Mr. Foote responded that they wanted to get the road back in service, but there is additional work on the sewer that needs to be done.

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

FLOODING IN WINCHESTER AREA   (continued)

 

Highway Supt. Matthew English stated the lines will be cleaned with the sewer jet as soon as they are able to access the area.

 

Councilman Hanley stated the railroad has very strict rules involving advance notification when performing work on their property and there are numerous legalities. 

 

Mr. Dlabola questioned the total cost of the work. 

 

Mr. Foote did not have an exact figure since repairs are still being done.  He explained there are two separate sewer issues, one sanitary and the other storm and he will investigate both problems.

 

DAY OF CARING

 

Mary Lou Dietrich commented on the tremendous amount of support on the Day of Caring benefiting the Lexington Green residents.  She complimented Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo, all the volunteers that showed up to help and Highway Supt. Matthew English for all his efforts with cleanup. Mrs. Dietrich acknowledged Winchester Community Church for everything they have done and continue to do.  She further suggested information regarding the Neighborhood Relief Fund be put on the electronic sign.

 

BATHROOMS AT HARLEM ROAD PARK

 

Mary Lou Dietrich voiced her concern regarding the bathroom doors at Harlem Road Park facing the road, stating it presents a dangerous situation for children with vehicles passing by. She suggested the doors open toward the park where activity can better be monitored by coaches and town employees.

 

Supervisor Meegan thanked Mrs. Dietrich for her comments and stated she will look into it.

 

STATUS OF AMERICORPS PAYMENTS

 

          Karen Lucachik questioned the status of AmeriCorps payments. 

 

Jean Nihill responded payments were received for January and February.

 

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

PLANNING & ZONING BOARD NOTICES

 

Karen Lucachik stated she had inquired in the Town Clerk’s office about posting Planning & Zoning Board notices on the town’s website and was told this is now being handled by the Code Enforcement Office.  She felt the response she received was an indication of a problem between offices and wanted to ensure this is a non-issue.

 

          GARBAGE & RECYCLING TOTES

 

Karen Lucachik was not happy with the color and size of the totes and commented that delivery in the middle of winter was not the best idea. She was also concerned that totes were left in front of vacant homes and suggested they be picked up or moved to the back of the house.

 

Johanna Guenther asked the Town Board to consider providing seniors and disabled residents with assistance in handling the totes.

 

INDUSTRIAL PARK

 

Karen Lucachik referred to the work session held earlier this date and the discussion about reconstruction of North America Drive in the Industrial Park. She commented on how the town owns the road but not the park and questioned who owns it.  She further commented on the ECIDA tax abatements they received and that the park is still not filled.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded the Nanula’s are part owners of the industrial park. Lack of an egress to Route 400 is a reason why the park is not filled and the Town Board is actively pursuing that.

 

FEASIBILITY STUDY STATUS

 

Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the Seneca Mall site feasibility study.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded they will be receiving a draft of the study on February 28th and after it has been reviewed by the board members it will be made public, probably sometime in March.

 

          LIBRARY COMMITTEE

 

Amy Carpenter questioned if the Library Committee has set dates for their meetings and if their minutes are posted.  She commented that some local libraries meet with the county to discuss their needs and thought the town should do a better job in this area.

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

          LIBRARY COMMITTEE   (continued)

 

Councilman Hart responded that the West Seneca Library Committee meets monthly, but the dates change frequently. He referred to Erie County Library’s website for information regarding meeting dates, locations and topics.

 

Supervisor Meegan suggested reaching out to Mr. Notaro to obtain the schedule so the information can be put online.

 

          SEX OFFENDERS ON LEYDECKER ROAD

 

Amy Carpenter stated she is happy that action is being taken regarding placement of sexual predators on Leydecker Road; however, she wishes it had been done sooner.  Since these homes were first built by the state it has been a concern that the rights of citizens would not be considered.

         

WEST SENECA FIRE DEPARTMENTS

 

Beverly Leising questioned if there are any plans to have paid fire departments in West Seneca and referred to previous discussions on this subject.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded there are no such plans and previous discussions involving fire departments had to do with the ambulance contract.

 

SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT

 

Susan Kims questioned if homeowners are notified of defective sewer laterals discovered during the smoke testing process.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded that homeowners are always notified of any sewer lateral issues.

 

PART-TIME SEASONAL STATUS

 

Susan Kims questioned the definition of part-time seasonal and if the town will be obligated to offer health insurance to part-time seasonal employees under the Affordable Care Act.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded that part-time seasonal allows an employee to work full-time (35 hours per week) for five months, noting she misspoke and gave incorrect information at the last meeting.  This health insurance issue was previously discussed with labor counsel and they did not believe it was a concern or that it would impact the town.

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

PART-TIME RECREATION SUPERVISOR

 

Susan Kims questioned if Lauren Masset’s new position as recreation supervisor is full-time.

 

Councilman Hart responded the position is part-time.

         

PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS

 

          SEXUAL OFFENDERS ON LEYDECKER ROAD

 

          Supervisor Meegan read a letter sent to Senator Gallivan’s office outlining her objection to seven sexual offenders/predators being housed on Leydecker Road.  Concerns such as lack of notification to public officials, proximity to places where children congregate and the facility not being secure were some of the issues mentioned.  Supervisor Meegan stated the predators were relocated from Monroe County and commented on the need for increased public awareness. She is working with Senator Gallivan to change the current law in order to better protect the public.

 

FLOODING IN LEXINGTON GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD

 

Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo announced that the Small Business Administration will be coming to town sometime next week to give assistance to people in the Lexington Green area. He further commented on the Code Red system for mass notification of residents that other municipalities have and could be used for both emergency and non-emergency notifications.

 

Supervisor Meegan suggested contacting Grantwriter Connie Miner to see if there is grant money available for instituting the Code Red system.

 

VALENTINES DAY DANCE

 

Recreation Director Craig Kroll stated their will be a Valentine’s Day Dance at the Kiwanis Center on Friday, February 14th for 6th – 8th graders with proceeds to benefit the Neighborhood Relief Fund.

 

BANKS TO CREATE STATEWIDE REGISTRY

 

Supervisor Meegan announced that Attorney General Schneiderman’s office is asking for banks to create a statewide registry to allow municipalities to track abandoned homes and enforce local laws.  She commented on the need for the Town Board to move forward and update the Town Code and asked for Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo’s assistance.

 

 

 

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PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS

 

WEST SENECA RESPONSE COMMITTEE

 

Councilman Hart stated that the West Seneca Response Committee is being formed and will be led by Rev John Klatt of St. John’s Lutheran Church who has extensive experience in neighborhood rebuilding.  The cleanup is done and the rebuild process will be starting.  Volunteer construction crews are coming in from various parts of New York State and around the country and will be providing labor free of charge to the residents (i.e. putting up drywall, insulation, carpeting, wood floors, etc).  People with damage to the structure of their homes will need more professional assistance. The West Seneca Teacher’s Association is hosting the Neighborhood Relief Fund and donations have reached $29,000.  A meeting will be held tomorrow at 4 P.M. and will be the beginning of setting up a process for identifying families most in need.  Gifts cards will be used or materials will be bought and given to residents.  The plan is to make the West Seneca Response Committee a permanent committee and have funds permanently available to assist, noting that it was mainly for Lexington Green, but he will discuss with the committee the possibility of including other areas that had property damage due to flooding.  Councilman Hart stated he wasn’t aware of the problem on Gordon Avenue until recently and commented that if it’s a storm sewer issue it may be covered under homeowner’s insurance.

 

Supervisor Meegan stated that Senator Gallivan sent a letter to Governor Cuomo urging him to assist families by directing an expenditure of funds. Governor Cuomo is reviewing the request but has yet to return an answer.

           

ADJOURNMENT

          Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 P.M.

 

          Ayes:  All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

          _______________________________________

                                                                          JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK

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