Town Board Minutes
Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Highway Supt. Matthew English.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
William P. Hanley Jr. Councilman
Charles D. Grieco Attorney for the Town
Jacqueline A. Felser Town Clerk
John Gullo Code Enforcement Officer
Daniel M. Denz Police Chief
Steven Tanner Town Engineer
Mary Josefiak Sr. Rec. Therapist of Sr. Services
Lauren Masset Recreation Supervisor
Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.
WINTER STORM UPDATE
Ø Supervisor Meegan commended Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo, Highway Supt. Matthew English & Chief Denz on a phenomenal job with the recent winter storm, along with Town Engineer Steven Tanner on his work with flooding issues.
Mr. Gullo thanked everyone for their assistance with the storm, noting he is reaching out to begin the reimbursement process on a federal level.
Mr. Tanner stated extra pumps were rented to assist with any potential flooding issues.
CAT LEGISLATION
Ø Councilman Hart introduced Joseph Smith and Peter Reese representing the UB Law School project for animal welfare.
Mr. Smith spoke on behalf of the SUNY Buffalo Animal Law Project which was founded in 2013 and stated they are working on implementation of a trap/neuter/vaccinate/return (TNVR) feral & community cat program. A model ordinance addressing the issue of feral cats has been drafted and the City of Buffalo was first to pass the ordinance and allocated $50,000. They are asking all municipalities in Erie County to consider adopting an ordinance, noting the TNVR cost is $60 as opposed to $106 for holding and euthanizing cats. The Village of Williamsville, City of North Tonawanda and Amherst are working with the Erie County Legislature for support. The project is supported by the SPCA, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Operation Pets, etc.
Councilman Hanley questioned how they can tell if a cat has been treated.
Mr. Smith responded part of the TNVR process is to ear tip the cat as a way to identify cats that have been treated. Studies have shown that once cats receive the TNVR treatment they will not go back to a trap.
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Councilman Hart questioned how they tell the difference between a roaming cat owned by a resident and a free roaming feral cat.
Mr. Smith responded it is sometimes difficult to identify the difference; however, the process does work and is beneficial to both the animal and the community. Mr. Smith offered his services to work with the legal department, analyze current laws and assist during the public hearing process.
Edie Offhaus of Feral Cat Focus of WNY reiterated that TNVR is the best practice and that over 65 town residents currently use this method. Ms. Offhaus asked that the board members show their support, give their stamp of approval and adopt the ordinance.
Highway Supt. Matthew English questioned who is contacted when a cat is trapped.
Ms. Offhaus responded her organization makes their name and phone number available and they are working to educate individuals on trapping, feeding and overall care with the goal of keeping the number of feral cats down.
Supervisor Meegan stated board members will review the information and ordinance and decide if a public hearing will be scheduled.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to recess to Executive Session at 3:30 P.M. to discuss personnel issues & legal issues.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from Executive Session at 4:45 P.M.
The work session concluded at 4:45 P.M.
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK