Town Board Minutes

 

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

1250 Union Road                                                           Minutes #2015-05

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

 

 

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 led by Police Lt. Brian Cosgrove.

 

 

ROLL CALL:          Present    -   Sheila M. Meegan              Supervisor

                                                Eugene P. Hart                  Councilman

                                                William P. Hanley, Jr.        Councilman

                                               

Absent    -    None

 

 

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 Susan Haxton, Ferol Webb, Thomas Schieber and Alice Sikorski.

 

Chief Denz presented the annual departmental awards in recognition of outstanding service for 2014 to Detectives Daniel Crowe, James Pappaceno and Philip Swift; Officers Jesse Reed, James Gehen, Scott Daley, Anthony Andolina, Gerald Fibich, David Steinwandel, Daniel Volpe and Robert Deppeler; Buildings & Grounds Department laborer Daniel Walsh.

 


5-A    MINUTES TO BE APPROVED

 


§ 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the February 23, 2015 work session.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 


§ 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2015-04 of February 23, 2015.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 


§ 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the February 18, 2015 bid opening for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Repair Project.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

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5-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 CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A REZONING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5641 SENECA STREET FROM ITS CLASSIFICATION OF C-1 TO C-2 TO CONTINUE OPERATING A CONTRACTOR BUSINESS“ in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.                               (Jordan Kamholtz)

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

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

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Jordan Kamholz stated he operates a landscape construction business with his brother behind his home at 5641 Seneca Street and has been in business since 2004.  There is movement in and out of the property each day during the summer with six employees during peak season. Mr. Kamholz would like to demolish the old building currently being used and construct a slightly larger building for storage of equipment and office space.  Variances were obtained from the Zoning Board of Appeals and he will make some property improvements including addition of landscape screening and partially paving the lot up to the first bay. 

 

Councilman Hanley questioned what is done with construction debris and Mr. Kamholz responded construction debris goes to a C&D facility while biodegradable yard waste and topsoil is returned to their site and repurposed. Approximately 100 yards of topsoil is stored on-site.

 

No comments were received from the public.

 

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 the following resolution:

 

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of West Seneca, as the lead agency acting pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, has reviewed Part I of the Short Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF") prepared by the applicant in connection with the proposed rezoning of the property located at 5641 Seneca Street in the Town of West Seneca ("subject property") from C-1 to C-2 for the purpose of allowing the applicant to continue operating a contractor business (“the project”), and

 

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-B  LEGAL ITEMS

 

1.   (continued)

WHEREAS, upon such review the Town Board has not identified any potentially significant adverse environmental impacts associated with the project, has determined that no Environmental Impact Statement is necessary and that a Negative Declaration is therefore appropriate; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Board reviewed the project on February 12, 2015 and adopted a resolution recommending approval of the requested rezoning to allow for the project; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Town Code, the Town Board further finds that granting a rezoning of the subject property to allow for the project is appropriate for the location and will not adversely affect surrounding properties;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.7(a), the Town Board does hereby adopt a Negative Declaration with respect to the Project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town Board hereby adopts Local Law No. 3 of 2015 changing the zoning classification of the subject property from C-1 to C-2.

 

 

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 CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A REZONING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 245 NORTHWOOD AVENUE FROM ITS CLASSIFICATION OF R-65 to R-65A(S) FOR A HOME OCCUPATION (nail salon)” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.                               (Kristen Stockmaster) 

 

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

 

Kristen Stockmaster stated she resides at 245 Northwood Avenue and is the sole owner/operator of Nail Designs by Kristen which was established in July 2013. Ms. Stockmaster had the opportunity to move to her father’s home and operate her business from that location, but a rezoning is necessary for her home occupation. The building is equipped with a separate bathroom and will need to have a wall added as well as a handicap ramp.  Ms. Stockmaster has one client at a time, but can comfortably fit seven cars in the driveway.

 

 

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-B  LEGAL ITEMS

 

2.   (continued)

 

Councilman Hart questioned if there are any neighbor concerns. Ms. Stockmaster responded that one neighbor was concerned about sidewalks and what other type of business could operate at this location if the property is sold. The Planning Board addressed these concerns and suggested a special permit be added subject to conditions that the home occupation is only for a nail salon and the business take place within the existing structures.

 

Town Attorney John Fenz stated if the nail salon use ceases for one year, the special permit is removed.

 

Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated that if the rezoning and special permit is approved, Ms. Stockmaster will need to get a building permit to install fire protection equipment and a handicap ramp and will be subject to a fire inspection every three years.

 

Supervisor Meegan questioned if there will be a sign advertising the business.  Ms. Stockmaster responded she has a 2’ x 2’ sign she would like to display and noted her car also has advertising on the side.  She works by referrals only so she does not have any additional advertising needs. Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated a 2’ x 2’ sign is acceptable for a home occupation.

 

No comments were received from the public.

 

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

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the following resolution:

 

WHEREAS, the Planning Board reviewed the proposed project for property located at 245 Northwood Avenue in the Town of West Seneca on February 12, 2015 and adopted a resolution recommending the granting of a rezoning and special permit; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Town Code, the Town Board finds that granting a rezoning and special permit for the subject property to allow for the project is appropriate for the location and will not adversely affect surrounding properties;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town Board hereby adopts Local Law No. 4 of 2015 changing the zoning of the subject property from R-65 to R-65A; and

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

1250 Union Road                                                           Minutes #2015-05

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-B  LEGAL ITEMS

 

2.   (continued)

 

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Town Board hereby grants a special permit for a home occupation conditioned upon 1) the home occupation is only for a nail salon; and 2) the business will take place solely within the existing structures.

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

5-C  TABLED ITEMS




 


1.     

Supervisor Meegan re

Termination of F. Deppeler as part-time clerk typist


 


 

Remained on the table.

 


 

 

 

 

5-D  COMMUNICATIONS




 


1.     

Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Tina M. Hawthorne as Town Prosecutor


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Tina M. Hawthorne as Town Prosecutor effective March 10, 2015 at an annual salary of $7,500 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

            On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if the applicant’s resume is posted on the website and Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser stated they normally do not post resumes on the website.

 

          Town Attorney John Fenz noted this position was advertised on the town’s website.

 

          Councilman Hanley thanked Mr. Fenz for filling in as Town Prosecutor without pay. 

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 




 

   2.    Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Director of Recreation II


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to table the appointment of Director of Recreation II.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 

 

 

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 



   3.    Supervisor Meegan re Retirement of Theresa Boltz

 


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the retirement of Theresa Boltz and terminate her as part-time Clerk Typist effective March 1, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried


 

   4.    Supervisor Meegan re Approval for West Seneca Police Benevolent Association Race

 


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the request of the West Seneca Police Benevolent Association (WSPBA) to hold a one mile race on July 22, 2015 on designated streets in the Town of West Seneca.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried


 

  5.    Town Engineer re Bid award for 2015 Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to award the bid for the 2015 Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract to Spanitz Backhoe Service Inc. for a total amount of $136,970.

 

            On the question, Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated this is an annual emergency repair contract and allows issues to be fixed as they arise in the system. The work involves sanitary sewer repairs as well as storm sewer repairs including sink holes, replacement of pipe sections, water line breaks, hydrant replacement, etc.  Mr. Tanner added this is a unit price bid so work is paid for by each job and by hour and will be amended if the cost goes beyond the bid amount.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 




   6.    Town Engineer re Approval of Change Order #1 – East & West Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Change Order #1 as a $23,478.28 deduction to the original contract amount for final quantities on the East & West Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-D    COMMUNICATIONS




 

   7.    Town Engineer re Approval of Change Order #1 – Beechwood Dr. & Hilltop Ct. Road Reconstruction Project

 


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Change Order #1 in the amount of $22,404.95 for additional work on the 2014 Beechwood Drive & Hilltop Court Road Reconstruction Project.

 

            On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if the town has control over fire hydrant installations.  Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the initial plans indicated they could connect to existing lines, but this was not possible due to damaged concrete pipe. Installation of a hydrant was a less expensive solution for repairing the pipe as well as being a public safety benefit. 

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried



 

   8.    Town Engineer re SEQR Review for the 36” Trunk Line/Seneca Street Sewer Siphon


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to solicit on behalf of the Town Board to act as lead agency under SEQR review for the 36” Trunk Line/Seneca Street Sewer Siphon crossing.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried


 

   9.    Highway Sup’t re Appointment of Brian Adams as Sanitation MEO


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Brian Adams as Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as Sanitation MEO at a rate of $19.64 per hour effective March 10, 2015 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 Attendance of Police Captains at the ILEETA Conference

 


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize Captain Robert Sporysz and Captain Patrick Shea to attend the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) training conference, April 20 - 25, 2015 in Wheeling, Illinois, noting the total cost of this training should not exceed $3,000 and there are sufficient funds in the police training courses line item (1.3120.0459) to cover this expense. 

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 

 

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-D    COMMUNICATIONS



 

  11.   Chief Denz re Status Change for Part Time Safety Dispatcher John Pingitore to part-time seasonal


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) John Pingitore to part-time seasonal effective March 1 - 31, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 


  12.   Town Clerk re Approval of the Mathletes Cindy Frank Memorial 5K Run


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the Mathletes Cindy Frank Memorial 5K Run on Saturday, April 18, 2015 with the race beginning at 8:45 A.M. on designated streets in the Town of West Seneca. 

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 


  13.   Sr. Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change for part-time Clerk Typist G. Busse to seasonal


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Clerk Typist Georgiann Busse to part time seasonal effective April 1 - 30, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.   

 

Ayes: All                Noes: None            Motion Carried

 


  14.   Youth Service Coordinator re Acceptance of Non-Exclusive Facilities Usage Permit and License Agreement


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the Non-Exclusive Facilities Usage Permit & License Agreement for all town recreation facilities.

 

 

            On the question, Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated the previous agreement had numerous deficiencies so she worked with Town Attorney John Fenz to create a stronger agreement. Ms. Masset added she is currently reviewing fees associated with all sports organizations & special events held within the town and is comparing to other municipalities to determine fair amounts.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

 

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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5-D    COMMUNICATIONS

 




  15.   Town Attorney re Authorization for Memorandum of Understanding for Mill Road School Classroom Use


 


Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the West Seneca Central School District to allow the town to use certain classroom space and facilities at the Ebenezer Building located at 900 Mill Road.

 

            On the question, Councilman Hart questioned the cost to the town and Town Attorney John Fenz responded there is zero cost, but the town must provide a certificate of liability insurance.

 

          Supervisor Meegan added this is another opportunity for shared services with our schools.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried




 

  16.   Disaster Coordinator re Long reach excavator for emergency flood prevention


 


 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to rent a 1999 John Deere 330LC Long Reach Excavator, truck and operator from OSC Manufacturing & Equipment Services, Inc. at a rate of $2210 per eight (8) hour day, noting this is a sole source situation and the only excavator that could be located in WNY with sufficient reach to achieve flood prevention objectives.

 

          On the question, Disaster Coordinator John Gullo stated the City of Buffalo will be using this excavator first to break ice downstream. The town will then use it at Harlem Road and Union Road bridges over Buffalo Creek and then at Ridge Road bridge over Cazenovia Creek if needed.  Mr. Gullo anticipated beginning use at the end of this week or start of next week depending on the weather.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

5-D  REPORTS

 

  • Jacqueline A Felser, Town Clerk’s report for February 2015 received and filed.
  • John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for February 2015 and plumbing reports for January and February 2015 received and filed.

 

 

 

 

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5-E  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 - $242,191.04; Highway Fund - $26,394.60; Special Districts - $157,081.24; Capital Fund - $510,238.31 (voucher #’s 87599 - 88148); Trust Account - $36,972.80 (voucher #’s 88200 - 88224)

 

Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

          ETHICS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

 

          Dale Clarke questioned the status of the Ethics Committee recommendation.  Supervisor Meegan responded Town Attorney John Fenz is putting together a written response for the Town Board’s review.  Mr. Clarke questioned if there is any conflict of interest on the Planning Board with the upcoming firehall proposal.  Supervisor Meegan responded that a Planning Board member can recuse himself if there is a conflict.

 

          FIRE HYDRANTS

 

          Dale Clarke suggested the Town Board approach the Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) regarding shoveling fire hydrants, noting that fire districts are paying the ECWA for maintenance on the hydrants so they should be doing the shoveling.  Supervisor Meegan suggested the fire companies contact ECWA directly and added that the Town Board will contact ECWA as well.

 

          Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, that the Supervisor’s office draft a letter to ECWA asking that fire hydrants be shoveled in the winter.

 

          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

Karen Lucachik questioned a new fire hydrant at 51 Greenmeadow Drive that appeared to no longer be there.  Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated he has a copy of the ECWA list of hydrants that were lost during the November storm and Highway Sup’t. Matthew English stated he will check on this hydrant tomorrow. 



WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                      TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS

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West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          March 9, 2015

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

          SENECA STREET DEMOLITION

 

          Mary Jane Piechocki expressed her concern over the demolition of the building at 2400 Seneca Street that is causing problems with vibration in her home.  Councilman Hanley responded he contacted the demolition company and was informed that demolition of the underground footer turned into more of a problem than was anticipated due in part to frozen ground.  He will make another contact to find out the status of this project. 

 

          CHILDRENS PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

 

          Beverly Leising questioned the status of the Children’s Psychiatric Center.

 

          Councilman Hart replied that New York State has budgeted to revamp two floors of the downtown site and close the West Seneca site, but he is working with a group that is fighting this move.  He feels there is still an opportunity to block it.  Councilman Hart added that the Western New York delegation is very supportive of keeping the center open, but the support of the public is needed as well.

 

          Town Attorney John Fenz commented that a bill has been approved in the State Senate and is now going to the Assembly regarding municipality sex offender laws, noting that he is keeping an eye on that to make sure sex offender residency requirements are as stringent as they can be.

 

          POTENTIAL FLOODING

 

          Dave Monolopolus commented on the importance of following Supervisor Meegan’s message to be prepared for potential flooding and thanked Highway Sup’t. Matthew English for making sandbags available.  Supervisor Meegan added that pumps are in place in the Lexington Green neighborhood as well as throughout the town where there are flooding possibilities.

         

          SUMMER CAMP FEES

 

          Karen Lucachik questioned who established the fees for summer camp.

 

          Supervisor Meegan responded the Town Board established the fees based on the recreation director’s assessment.

 

          Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated that fees were raised $5 for both residents and non-residents to cover a shortage of about $500 last year.

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

          SUMMER CAMP FEES   (continued)

 

          Mrs. Lucachik noted that Orchard Park charges $180 and she thought West Seneca should raise the cost to more than $105.

 

          Councilman Hart stated that fees will be re-assessed after this summer and may go higher based on demand.

 

          Ms. Masset noted she worked closely with Orchard Park to develop the summer camp program and stated that it took them ten years to break even.

 

          HIRING PRACTICES IN WEST SENECA

 

          Karen Lucachik commented on the hiring practices in West Seneca and questioned how long Brian Adams has worked for the town.  Highway Sup’t. Matthew English responded Mr. Adams has worked for the town for ten years.

 

          Mrs. Lucachik referred to a $16/hour part-time clerical position for the Town Historian and questioned who determined this rate. Supervisor Meegan replied that this hire was done by Town Historian James Pace and the rate was at his request.

 

          HOUGHTON PLACE EASEMENTS AND TOWN HALL PARKING LOT

 

          Karen Lucachik questioned the Houghton Place easements and the parking lot project. 

 

          Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the easements are for the sewer project where they are replacing 18” sewer lines behind the college. This will include some easements along East & West Road where sewers will be replaced.  The project is at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for review now and bidding is anticipated to take place in about a month.  With regard to the parking lot project, Mr. Tanner stated a grant was received from DASNY and the project should begin when weather permits. An engineering crew will give a grade layout, widen the Main Street entrance and the parking lot will be milled, resurfaced and restriped.  The parking lot area in front of the ice rink and library will not be done due to a lack of funding at this time. 

 

Mrs. Lucachik questioned if offices will be relocated over the ice rink lobby.

 

Supervisor Meegan responded this is possible in the future. She hopes to find additional funding to raise the roof over the ice rink lobby to match the roofline of the rink and then house all the recreation offices there.

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

          HOUGHTON PLACE EASEMENTS & TOWN HALL PARKING LOT    (continued)

 

Dale Clarke questioned if a portion of the Houghton College sewer is being renewed, noting that the Town Board did not initially approve that project because the sewers could not handle it.

 

Town Engineer Steven Tanner clarified that the work being done behind Houghton College is not part of the Houghton Place sewer system and is being done to take care of flooding that historically takes place in the areas of East & West Road, Rosewood Drive and Azalea Drive.

 

          SEWER & HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT OVERTIME

 

          Susan Kims questioned who approves overtime in the Sewer Department. Supervisor Meegan responded the sewer maintenance crew overtime is approved by Town Engineer Steven Tanner for sewer calls.

 

          Johanna Guenther questioned if the Highway Department works two or three shifts.

 

          Highway Sup’t. Matthew English responded 98 percent of the employees work 7 to 3:30 pm; however, there are additional employees paid on straight time who patrol the roads during the afternoon and at night. Mr. English added that the overtime callout goes to Highway Department employees first, then the three sewer employees and then Sanitation Department employees.

 

          HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT BUDGET TRANSFER

 

Susan Kims questioned the one-time transfer to the Highway Department and Supervisor Meegan replied this has not been done yet.

 

          STATUS OF ST. BONAVENTURE PURCHASE

 

Susan Kims questioned if the cost analysis on St. Bonaventure was done and Supervisor Meegan responded it is not done yet but the town is well within the time frame.

 

          UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

 

Susan Kims questioned if contract negotiations have started and if changes in healthcare contributions and retiree healthcare coverage is something that may be considered in the town’s contracts.

 

 

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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC

 

UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS   (continued)

 

Supervisor Meegan responded that negotiations have started with the police and the Town Board participates in these negotiations as well as a labor attorney representing the town.  Negotiations are ongoing and everything is being looked at, with several things to be considered including higher employee contributions.

 

PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS

 

          POTENTIAL FLOODING

          Disaster Coordinator John Gullo reminded everyone to be prepared for all types of flooding and elevate possessions in the basement.

          Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated that pumps are deployed to all areas they know are issues with additional pumps ready if needed.  He further commented they cannot stop flooding, but can help minimize the impact of it.

          SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION

Youth Services Coordinator Lauren Masset stated summer day camp is at 40 percent capacity and is filling up quickly, noting that financial aid up to 50 percent is available to those who qualify.

          MASTER PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE

          Councilman Hart commented the Master Plan Review Committee is going well and the draft should be available online.

          SNOW PLOW ROUTE

          Councilman Hart questioned the town’s plow routes and Highway Sup’t. Matthew English responded there are 17 plow routes which cover 234 lane miles and it takes 5-6 hours to complete one route.

          ADJOURNMENT

          Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 P.M.

 

          Ayes:  All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

 

          _______________________________________

             JACQUELINE A. FELSER, TOWN CLERK

 

 

 

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