Town Board Minutes
1250 Union Road Minutes #2014-10
West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 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.
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.
The meeting was dedicated to the memory of Maureen Reddington McBride, Master Sargeant John J Colpoys Jr., Yolanda Sasha, Helen Whelan.
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the May 12, 2014 work session.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2014-09 of May 12, 2014.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS
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Chief Denz re Appointment of Matthew C. Leitzel as Police Officer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Matthew C. Leitzel as Police Officer effective June 3, 2014 at the training rate of $22.28/HR and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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Chief Denz re Appointment of Joshua D. Scanlon as Police Officer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to appoint Joshua D. Scanlon as Police Officer effective June 3, 2014 at the training rate of $22.28/HR and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser administered the oath of office to Police Officers Joshua Scanlon and Matthew Leitzel.
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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10-B HELD OVER PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Re: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1881 RIDGE ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NOS. 294 & 336, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-1(S), TO ALLOW FOR A TRUCK RENTAL OPERATION” in the Town of West Seneca.
The petitioner was not present at the meeting and no comments were received from the public.
This item was held over until the next meeting.
10-C LEGAL ITEMS
1. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2421 CLINTON STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 1, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-2 TO C-2 (S), FOR AN OIL CHANGE FACILITY” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
2. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED RESOLUTION, SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW UNUSED 2013 INTERSTATE MODEL 102SDGN 50-TON CAPACITY EQUIPMENT TRAILER AT A COST OF $62,030 FROM THE HIGHWAY RESERVE FUND” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
10-D COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Supervisor Meegan re National Grid Reconstruction Project |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the request of the West Seneca Environmental Commission to act as the “in-lieu agent” for the Gardenville Station Wetland Mitigation Credits to be used on projects that will include habitat protection and enhancement within the Town, noting the “in-lieu” credits accepted from National Grid will be calculated and finalized in the Wetland Impact Analysis and the preliminary estimate is approximately $70,000. |
On the question, Councilman Hart stated that National Grid will be rebuilding the Gardenville power station, which will have an impact on some wetlands. In exchange for that and in accordance with Army Corps of Engineers guidelines, National Grid will pay the town a designated amount of money based on total acreage of the property. That money will be used to help protect wetlands elsewhere in town or on other environmental projects.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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10-D COMMUNICATIONS
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2. Grant Writer re Grant Application for Strategic Development Plan |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Supervisor to sign an application for funds from the Empire State Development Corporation for the Strategic Planning & Feasibility Study. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
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3. Town Engineer re Appointment of Joseph Clifford as summer intern in the Engineering Department |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Joseph P. Clifford as part-time summer help in the Engineering Department effective June 2 - August 29, 2014 at a rate of $11/HR and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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4. Town Engineer re Bid request for Stephenson St., Beechwood Dr. & Hilltop Court reconstruction |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Engineering Department to bid the Stephenson Street, Beechwood Drive and Hilltop Court reconstruction and restoration projects. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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5. Town Engineer re 2013 Phase 2 & 3 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, change order #3 |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve change order #3 for the 2013 Phase 2 & 3 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project in an amount not to exceed $975,000 to United Survey, Inc. for additional sanitary sewer rehabilitation work in specified areas of town. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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6. Highway Supt. re Appointment of Robert Schultz as seasonal laborer in Highway Department |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Robert Schultz as part-time seasonal laborer in the Highway Department effective June 9 – September 14, 2014 at a rate of $10/HR and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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10-D COMMUNICATIONS
6. On the question, Councilman Hanley questioned if Mr. Schultz is retired from the town and why they would not offer this job to a high school student.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Mr. Schultz is retired from the town, but is hired as summer help each year. Highway Supt. Matthew English chooses his own hires for his department.
Councilman Hanley understood Mr. Schultz was recently recruiting individuals at the highway garage to run for the Democratic Committee and he was not in favor of his appointment.
Councilman Hart also stated he was disturbed by reports he had received on this activity.
Ayes: (1) Supervisor Meegan
Noes: (2) Councilman Hart, Councilman Hanley Motion Denied
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7. Highway Supt. re Appointment of part-time seasonal laborers in Highway Department |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint the following part-time seasonal laborers in the Highway Department effective June 9 – August 29, 2014 at a rate of $8/HR: |
Joshua Andrzejewski Thomas S. Gioia MacKenzie Szakaes
Steven Andrzejewski Adam Karyczak Michael Verrastro
Kyle Folger Norman Locher Steven Whitlow
Zachary Giacobello Nicholas Nabozny
and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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8. Highway Supt. re Appointment of part-time seasonal laborers in Buildings & Grounds Department |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to appoint the following part-time seasonal laborers in the Buildings and Grounds Department effective June 9 – August 29, 2014 at a rate of $8/HR: |
Devin Chavanne Evan Kennedy Tyler Sullivan Ian Kennedy
Liam Kelly Joseph Reville Michael Zuchowski
and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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10-D COMMUNICATIONS
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11. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for 117 French Road |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to refer the rezoning request for 117 French Road to the Planning Board for recommendation. |
On the question, Town Attorney Charles Grieco advised that referral to the Planning Board is mandatory. The Planning Board will make a recommendation and the rezoning request will then come back to the Town Board for a public hearing before a final decision is made. If approved, the project will return to the Planning Board for site plan approval.
Supervisor Meegan encouraged residents with any questions or concerns to attend the Planning Board meeting.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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12. Director of Recreation re Summer program appointments & status change in the Recreation Dept. |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the following personnel appointments and changes in the Recreation Department effective June 2 – September 12, 2014: · appoint Joan Jordan, Kristine Capodagli and Deborah A. Sturm as part time seasonal bus drivers at a rate of $10.60/HR · appoint the attached list of part time seasonal recreation attendants and lifeguards · change the status of Michael Talluto to part-time seasonal recreation supervisor and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
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13. Director of Recreation re Title change for Faith Leone as Recreation Attendant |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Faith Leone as part-time clerk typist and appoint Faith Leone as part-time recreation attendant at a rate of $8.75/HR with seasonal status effective June 2 – September 12, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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10-D COMMUNICATIONS
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14. Director of Recreation re Title change for Grace Reedy as Clerk Typist |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Grace Reedy as part-time recreation attendant and appoint Grace Reedy as part-time clerk typist at a rate of $10/HR with seasonal status effective June 2 – September 12, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned the title change between Faith Leone and Grace Reedy.
Recreation Director Craig Kroll stated that Faith Leone works as part-time clerk typist, but will be working as a camp counselor for the summer camp. Grace Reedy is the part-time ID clerk for the winter and then works as part-time clerk typist for the summer months.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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15. Chief Denz re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatchers |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatchers Richard Miller and David Pangallo to part-time seasonal effective June 1 – 30, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie county Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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16. Town Attorney re Amendment to Cazenovia Creek Ice Control Structure agreement |
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Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to adopt the following resolution amending the Cazenovia Creek Ice Control Structure agreement. |
WHEREAS, the State of New York and the Town of West Seneca entered into an agreement approved by the New York State Comptroller’s Office on June 11, 2003 (“Agreement”) to develop the Cazenovia Creek Ice Control Project (“Project”) pursuant to the authority contained in Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948, as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Department of the Army (herein after called the “Government”) and the State entered into an agreement on May 9, 2003 for the construction of the Project; and
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10-D COMMUNICATIONS
16. (continued)
WHEREAS, subsequent to the construction of the Project, a design deficiency correction was approved for construction by the Division Engineer, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division by memorandum dated December 6, 2012 pursuant to the authority contained in Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of 1948, as amended, 33 U.S.C.701s; and
WHEREAS, in order to complete construction of the design deficiency correction, the State and the Town must amend the Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”) to provide for the cost-sharing and other provisions governing said construction; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute Amendment No. 1 by and between the State and the Town on behalf of the Town.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
10-E REPORTS
· John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for April 2014 received and filed.
10-F APPROVAL OF WARRANT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the vouchers submitted for audit, chargeable to the respective funds as follows:
General Fund - $463,766.19; Highway Fund - $100,694.22; Special Districts - $158,326.74; Capital Fund - $847,255.07 (voucher #’s 83563 – 84389); Trust & Agency Fund - $34,368.03 (voucher #’s 84323-84353)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SALE OF CHINA AT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
Beverly Leising questioned if the china at the senior citizen center had been sold.
Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak stated there was old china sitting in the basement at the senior citizens center for many years. A few years ago the seniors were going to throw it away. The caterer for the dinner dances was interested in buying it, so she sold some of it to the caterer for $200 and that money was used to pay for entertainment for the Christmas Party.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
DEER POPULATION
Beverly Leising questioned if the deer population has been reduced in town.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the City of Lackawanna has been thinning the herd along the Fisher Road area and permits have also been issued for other specific areas of town, but there were no numbers available.
Chief Denz commented that the number of car/deer accidents was slightly down for 2013.
Marion Morgan questioned what thinning the herd entails.
Supervisor Meegan responded that permits are issued to allow specific persons to go out with night vision, shoot the deer and take them to the food pantry and City Mission.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ISSUES
Mary Lou Dietrich complimented Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo and his office for their work on cleaning up neighborhoods in town and commented on the need for more follow through in the court with property maintenance issues.
FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT TOWN PARKS
Mary Lou Dietrich commented on the condition of town parks on the west side of town, specifically Tim Russert Park that only has a slide, gazebo and walking path. She suggested when funding becomes available it be used for adding a spray pad and basketball court to Tim Russert Park.
Councilman Hart stated the town is currently going through a master plan revision, and they will be looking at the west side of town. Mrs. Dietrich will have an opportunity to come before that committee and express her suggestions.
Councilman Hanley stated that he visited a number of parks and agreed that some are better equipped than others.
Supervisor Meegan commented that Tim Russert Park is a beautiful park. She further noted that a lot of vandalism has occurred to equipment at various parks in town.
Linda Toy stated the tables in the gazebo at Tim Russert Park were vandalized years ago and were never fixed. She further commented on the poor condition and numerous potholes on Grace Avenue.
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
NEW POLICE OFFICERS
Karen Lucachik questioned if the two new police officers hired at this meeting are replacements.
Chief Denz responded that the new officers are replacing Detectives Mary Caulfield and Richard Cotter who recently retired.
INSTANT TICKETING SYSTEM
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of the instant ticketing system for code violations.
Supervisor Meegan stated they are interested in purchasing the ticketing system, but it is new so they are waiting for the bugs to be worked out. Lackawanna is currently using the system and there are other municipalities also waiting to see how it works before investing in it.
RECREATION POSITIONS
Karen Lucachik referred to a recent hiring of a pool supervisor to replace Matt Melski and questioned if Mr. Melski is still employed by the town.
Recreation Director Craig Kroll responded that the new hire filled the pool supervisor position formerly held by Matt Melski. Mr. Melski is still working as youth coordinator for the YES program, but will be leaving soon.
STATUS OF AMERICORPS PAYMENTS
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of the AmeriCorps payment and the outstanding balance.
Supervisor Meegan responded that a payment was received for May and Town Attorney Charles Grieco is working with Mike Casciano of AmeriCorps on the balance.
Mrs. Lucachik commented that AmeriCorps took over $2 million from the town and will never be able to pay it all back, but she hoped the town will get the most possible back from them.
Supervisor Meegan responded she has been fighting that fight since becoming a Town Board member.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
STATUS OF BURCHFIELD STEPS
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of the Burchfield steps.
Supervisor Meegan responded the steps and comfort station should be installed by the end of July.
STATUS OF SPCA
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of the SPCA project.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Governor Cuomo and Senator Gallivan have assisted with funding so the project is going forward.
RESIGNATION OF TOWN COMPTROLLER
Karen Lucachik referred to the resignation of Comptroller Jean Nihill and commented that it is fortunate Councilman Hart is taking care of that department.
Councilman Hart stated Supervisor Meegan has a lot to do under the circumstances and he is doing what he can to help. Supervisor Meegan will be doing the first level of approval on vouchers and he will do the second level. Payroll transfers are being handled by Supervisor Meegan and the office clerks do the payroll.
Mrs. Lucachik commented no one knows the reason why Mrs. Nihill left the job other than what was stated in the newspaper.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the reason Mrs. Nihill gave for her resignation was not factual. It had nothing to do with the Supervisor’s office and although she could comment further, Supervisor Meegan preferred to move forward in a positive direction at this point and the board members have been discussing a replacement.
DEVELOPMENT OF SENECA MALL SITE
Linda Toy referred to the proposed development of the former Seneca Mall site and stated she does not want to be in a position like Irondequoit where Pyramid started the project and left it, noting they left West Seneca before.
Supervisor Meegan responded that they have been working on this and the board will not allow that to happen.
Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the feasibility study on the former Seneca Mall site.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
DEVELOPMENT OF SENECA MALL SITE (continued)
Supervisor Meegan responded the feasibility study is not yet a public document.
Mrs. Carpenter encouraged fellow taxpayers to get involved and commented on a recent news article announcing that the former Seneca Mall site is being considered for Seneca Place, a mixed use development and possibly new stadium for the Buffalo Bills. She did not believe young professionals would want to live next to the NYS Thruway when they could live downtown where their jobs are and the nightlife is. Empty nesters will also not want to live next to a stadium that plans to hold 200 events annually. Mrs. Carpenter was opposed to giving the developer, Scott Congel, a 30 year tax break and commented on other housing and business developments in town that have received tax breaks with little to show for job creation. She commented on the length of time it has taken for the feasibility study to be completed and the $30,000 cost and suggested they could have used basic common sense instead. Mrs. Carpenter thought the site should be used to build something quaint and attractive (i.e. Niagara on the Lake). She was disappointed that town government was not more transparent, noting that she learned about the proposed project from the news rather than at a town meeting. Mrs. Carpenter stated the public has asked for transparency, yet some topics that should be discussed openly in public are discussed in Executive Session. She further commented on the involvement of Steve Pigeon in the proposed project and suggested he stay out of town government and town politics.
Dave Kims questioned the purpose of a strategic plan and stated he did not see the sense in spending more money on it until they see the feasibility study.
Supervisor Meegan stated the feasibility study was on the project Mr. Congel proposed for the property he currently owns. The Town Board has a responsibility to determine whether the project has “life” to it, is sustainable, and is not something that will be gone in five years. The board members have submitted several questions in response to the feasibility study and the developer has then responded several times. The stadium project was never a discussion with the Town Board, but they are meeting individually with the developer on the original proposal.
Councilman Hart stated the original proposal was for construction of a community center which included twin ice rinks, swimming pools, indoor tracks, a retail corridor, etc. The feasibility study was to determine if projected revenues are legitimate and sustainable and if construction costs are accurate for that proposal and there are questions on that. The strategic plan will cover the whole area and address potential projects at the Seneca Mall site. Councilman Hart noted there is no final project, just concepts and ideas. He further stated the project must be something the town can afford to do and that will benefit the town. Councilman Hart stated there is a lot of work and no definite time frame, but Supervisor Meegan, Councilman Hanley and he are being very cautious and working hard on it.
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West Seneca, NY 14224 June 2, 2014
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
DEVELOPMENT OF SENECA MALL SITE (continued)
Eugene Jerge expressed his opposition to allowing a tax free stadium and did not believe the town should be giving tax breaks.
Supervisor Meegan stated the stadium is not part of the proposal to the town.
Councilman Hart also noted the town does not give tax breaks; the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) gives tax breaks and the town has no say in that.
Arlene Vogt questioned why the feasibility study is not discussed in public.
Councilman Hart stated they are in negotiations on the feasibility study and it is not a public document yet.
PORTER SYSTEM FOR TOTES
Susan Kims questioned if rollout of the totes is complete, and if so, whether there has been any decision on the porter system for senior citizens and the disabled.
Supervisor Meegan responded that rollout of the totes is complete and Highway Supt. Matthew English is working out a porter system.
Mrs. Kims referred to the Town Code concerning storage of totes and questioned if anything will be done to address situations where totes are being stored in a location that is visible from the street.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded that this is an educational process and his office will be addressing it in the future.
STATUS OF RESTROOM UPDATE AT SENIOR CENTER
Susan Kims questioned the status of the new bathrooms at the senior center.
Supervisor Meegan responded that funding was received for the new bathrooms and the engineers have worked out the design, but she was not sure when that project will be started.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
HUMAN RESOURCE POSITION
Susan Kims referred to a question at the previous meeting as to whether former councilman John Rusinski could work in the Human Resource Department for the town.
Councilman Hart responded that according to the Ethics Code an elected official cannot appear before the Town Board within one year of leaving office.
RETIRED EMPLOYEES HEALTH INSURANCE
Susan Kims referred to an item in the organization meeting minutes regarding payment of 100 percent of health insurance benefits for employees retired on or after January 1, 1992 and questioned if it was retroactive.
Supervisor Meegan stated that motion is on the organization meeting agenda every year.
Councilman Hart thought that the motion was for retired employees prior to 1992 that are protected from contract renegotiations.
Mrs. Kims questioned if this affected their Medicare Part B.
Supervisor Meegan responded they are reimbursed for Medicare Part B.
SEQR FOR MORATORIUM ON DEVELOPMENT OF ANAEROBIC WASTE PROJECTS
Susan Kims commented that the Town of Wheatfield’s website indicates that a SEQR is needed for the moratorium relative to development of anaerobic waste projects.
Town Attorney Charles Grieco advised that SEQR is not needed to enact a land use moratorium because it is a Type II action. Mr. Grieco stated his firm is working with the Town of Wheatfield and they did not do a SEQR for the moratorium, but SEQR is required for the next step.
SAFETY FEATURES AT QUASAR
Susan Kims questioned if Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo was aware of any safety features at Quasar to prevent runoffs and if he was aware of the holding tanks.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated he was not the sole inspector on the project and only walked through at the end of the project for final inspection. He will check the drawings.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AGENDAS
Susan Kims noted that Planning Board and Zoning Board agendas are not available at their meetings and applications are no longer able to be viewed on the town’s website.
Supervisor Meegan stated she has received a number of comments on this, noting the secretaries to both boards are new appointments this year. The board members have had discussions on this issue.
Mrs. Kims further requested contact information for the Planning & Zoning Board members and suggested it be listed on the website.
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser stated only the Planning Board and Zoning Board members’ names are on the website, but she could furnish their contact information.
Councilman Hanley noted that Zoning Board Chairman Tim Elling had requested that his email address be added to the website.
RECYCLING AT SENIOR CENTER
Johanna Guenther referred to a recent article in the Buffalo News that listed West Seneca as fifth with regard to recycling and commented that the town can and should do better. Mrs. Guenther further stated an employee at the senior center recently put a bag of shredded paper in the dumpster. She questioned why there are no garbage and recycling bins at the senior center, noting plastic plates and utensils could be recycled along with paper and aluminum food trays and this would save on the cost of dumpsters.
Supervisor Meegan noted that the Buffalo News article was based on information from 2012, prior to the garbage and recycling totes being distributed. Currently, recycling in town is up and tipping fees are down. Supervisor Meegan further stated that recycling containers will be distributed to all town buildings.
Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak stated they do recycle and noted that the employee simply made a mistake. She further stated that Erie County tried using food bins that could be washed, but they were too heavy, not cost effective, and it was also a health issue.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
FRENCH ROAD REZONING
A resident of Clinton Street referred to the proposed rezoning of 117 French Road and questioned how the residents will know what is on the Planning Board agenda. She further questioned why this rezoning is proceeding to the Planning Board when it appeared at the meeting they attended at the Burchfield Center that it would not.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the Planning Board agenda is on the town’s website. The residents are invited to speak at the meeting and can write letters if they are unable to attend. Letters are read at the meeting and become part of the record.
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser stated that comments and concerns can be sent to her by email and she will forward them on to the Planning & Zoning Board members.
Councilman Hart stated that the Planning Board will make a recommendation to approve or deny the proposed rezoning and the application then comes to a public hearing before the Town Board for final approval or denial.
Town Attorney Charles Grieco explained that if an application for a rezoning is filed, in accordance with Town Code the Town Board must refer it to the Planning Board. If they do not follow proper procedures, the petitioner can sue the town.
TAX BREAKS ON TOWN PROJECTS
Arlene Voit questioned if Houghton College and the senior apartments on Southwestern Blvd. pay taxes.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded there are no tax breaks on the Young project at the Houghton College site, but the People Inc. project may have a tax break.
Supervisor Meegan stated the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) approved a tax break on the senior apartments on Southwestern Blvd.
Councilman Hart noted the project at the Houghton College site will pay $200,000 to $300,000 in taxes and receive no services from the town. They were also required to pay 4:1 mitigation costs on the sewers.
Dolores Stefanacci commented on Erie County granting tax breaks and suggested eliminating levels of government since they don’t work together.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the Town of West Seneca has asked many times, but they still do not have a seat on the ECIDA.
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PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
HIGHWAY SUP’T. HIRING POLICY
Supervisor Meegan asked Town Attorney Charles Grieco to check on the Highway Supt’s. ability to hire in his department.
DETECTIVE BUREAU COMMENDED
Chief Denz commended the Detective Bureau on a recent conviction received on a homicide case from last year.
VEHICLE LARCENIES
Chief Denz commented there have been a number of vehicles larcenies and suggested locking doors to deter the crime.
RIBBON CUTTING FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo announced there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Emergency Operations Center on June 17th at 5:30 P.M. The public is invited.
ODENBACH SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Recreation Director Craig Kroll announced the Odenbach Soccer Tournament will be held at the soccer complex this weekend.
BASEBALL OPENING DAY
Councilman Hanley commented on opening day for baseball held on Saturday at Firemen’s Park and complimented Mr. Kroll on his work at putting together a great day.
Supervisor Meegan noted that Local 17 is using their volunteer apprentice program to install a 90’ diamond at Firemen’s Park.
TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
Councilman Hart stated he is hoping for better transparency in town government, noting he is available by telephone or email, answers every call, and will always be as transparent as possible under the law. He commented that Supervisor Meegan and Councilman Hanley are also working very hard on transparency and the current Town Board does a much better job than previous administrations.
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PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
HAZARDOUS WASTE DROPOFF
Supervisor Meegan announced that Erie Community College South Campus is hosting a hazardous waste drop-off day on Saturday, June 14th, 9 AM to 2 PM.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK