Town Board Minutes
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 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 Asst. Chief Michael Boehringer.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
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 all the service men and women who have served our country and continue to serve.
9-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2015-08 of April 20, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
9-B LEGAL ITEMS
1.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED INCREASE AND IMPROVEMENT OF WATER SYSTEM FACILITIES OF WATER DISTRICTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 IN THE TOWN OF WEST SENECA IN PREPARATION FOR THE EVENTUAL CONVERSION TO A DIRECT SERVICE CONTRACT WITH ERIE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY” 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
Town Engineer Steven Tanner gave a power point presentation on the conversion of the water system from lease managed to direct service (copy attached) and outlined the improvements required by Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) to accomplish the conversion.
Mr. Tanner noted no additions will be made to the list of improvements as long as the work is done in the next two years. Work on this project should begin in July and be completed by November 2016 with the transfer to ECWA to take place in January 2017.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page two . . .
9-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. (continued)
Councilman Hart referred to the annual repairs currently ongoing and questioned how many linear feet is the town’s responsibility if the conversion is not done.
Mr. Tanner responded there are 60-65 miles of watermain and the town is currently repairing approximately 10 percent of that.
Councilman Hart stated the remainder of this watermain will need updates in the future and commented on significant legacy costs if the system is still maintained by the town. He questioned if there are any negatives to the water system conversion.
Mr. Tanner responded the town will still have to pay hydrant maintenance fees and those costs will go up approximately $30 to $40 per hydrant by going to direct service.
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 Hanley, to adopt the attached resolution for the increase and improvement of water system facilities for Water Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 pursuant to Section 202-b of Town Law.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached bond resolution appropriating $8,000,000 for the increase and improvement of water system facilities for Water Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9, authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $7,600,000 bonds to finance a portion of said appropriation and authorizing application of $400,000 New York State Local Government Efficiency grant funds expected to be received by the town on behalf of the districts to be expended towards the cost of said object or purpose.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page three . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Title Change for Caroline Keane |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the title of part-time recreation attendant Caroline Keane to part-time seasonal clerk effective May 11, 2015 at a rate of $10.00/hr. and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
2. Supervisor Meegan re Status change for Lauren Masset |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset to part-time seasonal effective May 11, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
3. Supervisor Meegan re Friends of the West Seneca Library Yard Sale
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the request from the Friends of the West Seneca Public Library to hold their annual yard sale on property adjacent to the library along Union Road on Saturday August 15, 2015 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
4. Supervisor Meegan re “Dash for Devin” 5K Run/Walk
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the “Dash for Devin” 5K Run/Walk to be held on Sunday, June 21, 2015 beginning at 9:00 AM on designated streets in the Town of West Seneca, noting this is with the approval of the Police Chief and Highway Superintendent.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
5. Supervisor Meegan re Kiwanis Club of West Seneca Annual Arts and Craft Show |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the Kiwanis Club of West Seneca Annual Arts and Craft show to be held July 18-19, 2015 on Town Hall grounds.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page four . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
6. Councilman Hart re “Miss Emily Week” Resolution |
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Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to adopt the attached resolution proclaiming May 11-16, 2015 as “Miss Emily’s Week”.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
7. Town Attorney re Public Hearing for proposed Local Law No. 5: Tree Ordinance
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to schedule a public hearing on June 1, 2015, at 7:00 PM to hear all persons interested in the proposed Local Law No. 5, amending Chapter 110: Trees of the Town Code.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
8. Town Attorney re Public Hearing for proposed Local Law No. 6: Personnel Policies |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to schedule a public hearing on June 1, 2015, at 7:00 PM to hear all persons interested in the proposed Local Law No. 6, amending Chapter 25: Personnel Policies of the Town Code.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
9. Town Attorney re Western New York Officials Association Agreement for Little Loop Football |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into an agreement with the Western New York Officials Association to provide services of professional officials to officiate football games in West Seneca Little Loop, Inc.’s town-wide league, noting the town has historically reimbursed West Seneca Little Loop for the cost of officiating its games.
On the question, Supervisor Meegan noted the officiating costs are $4000 with no additional costs being paid by the town for the Little Loop football program.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page five . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
10. Town Engineer re Princeton Estates Subdivision lighting for Phases 3 & 4
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the Princeton Estates Subdivision lighting for Phases 3 & 4 (sublot Nos. 38-49, 137-140, & 145-152; 24 lots total) completed by Cimato Brothers Construction, Inc., and further authorize the Finance Department to return the performance guarantee monies to the developer, Marrano Homes, in the amount of $29,825.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
11. Town Engineer re Change order for Burchfield comfort station |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the attached change order for the Burchfield comfort station in the amount of $16,466.85 for a concrete switchback ramp, stairs and railings, noting the building was raised previously to give additional clearance out of the flood plain elevation and now requires these modifications to be handicap accessible.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned when this project will be completed.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded they anticipate the work to be finished in three weeks, noting this does not include stairs from the parking lot to the building. He has received two estimates for the stairs ($6,600 and $10,000) and is waiting for a third estimate.
Councilman Hart questioned if portable restrooms will be available in the interim and Supervisor Meegan stated they are already on site.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
12. Chief Denz re Status change for part time Public Safety Dispatcher J. McCullough to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) James McCullough to part-time seasonal effective May 1 – 31, 2015 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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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page six . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
13. Code Enforcement Officer re Change of title for Doug Busse |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Doug Busse as Laborer and appoint Doug Busse as provisional Housing Inspector, Group 7, Step 1, effective May 11, 2015 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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Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo gave a power point presentation on Item #’s 14 - 19 indicating the unsafe conditions that needed to be addressed.
14. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at 120 Edson Street, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met with the responsible person replying and relinquishing the property to the town; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
15. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at 99 Aurora Avenue, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
16. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at 149 Edson Street, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page seven . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
17. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at 94 Dirkson Avenue, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
18. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at the unattached garage at 74 Columbia Parkway, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
19. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for removal of the unsafe conditions at the unattached garage at 26 Ludwig Avenue, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying; and further, the expenses will be placed on the tax assessment rolls.
No comments were received from the public.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
20. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for Queens Landing Subdivision |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to refer the rezoning request for Queens Landing Subdivision from R-65 to R-50 to permit a residential townhouse development to the Planning Board for their recommendation.
On the question, Supervisor Meegan noted there is some concern about the sewer taps for this development.
Town Attorney John Fenz responded this motion is only to refer the item to the Planning Board for their review.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page eight . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
21. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for Creekbend Townhomes |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to refer the rezoning request for 75 Schaefer Road from R-75 to R-50 to allow a 56-unit townhome development to the Planning Board for their recommendation.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
22. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for 2544 Clinton Street |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to refer the rezoning request for 2544 Clinton Street from M-1 to R-60A for an apartment complex to the Planning Board for their recommendation.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
23. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for 2602 Clinton Street |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to refer the rezoning request for 2602 Clinton Street from M-1 to C-2 to utilize the existing building for commercial/office use to the Planning Board for their recommendation.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
24. Youth Service Coordinator re Learn to Skate Usage Permit & License Agreement |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the attached agreement with Joan Disbrow on behalf of Learn to Skate for the 2015-16 season.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
25. Youth Service Coordinator re Status change for part time Clerk Typist G. Reedy to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time Clerk Typist Grace Reedy to part time seasonal effective May 18 – September 28, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page nine . . .
9-C COMMUNICATIONS
26. Youth Service Coordinator re Status change for part-time Pool Supervisor N. Osmond to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time pool supervisor Nathaniel P. Osmond to part-time seasonal effective May 12 – September 1, 2015 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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27. Youth Service Coordinator re Status change for Recreation Attendant J. Piniewski to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time recreation attendant Jillian Piniewski to part-time seasonal effective May 12 – September 1, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
28. Highway Sup’t re Buildings and Grounds Summer Help |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Michael Balla, Ryan Greeley, Raymond Ignasiak, Liam Kelly, Evan Kennedy, Jeremy Krawczyk, Joseph Reville and Chase Weber as part-time seasonal laborers in the Buildings and Grounds Department at a rate of $8.75 per hour effective May 18 – August 28, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
29. Finance Department re 2014 Year-End Budget Transfer Request |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the attached 2014 year end budgetary transfers.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES*
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9-D REPORTS
- Jacqueline A. Felser, Town Clerk’s monthly report for April 2015 received and filed.
- John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report and plumbing report for April 2015 received and filed.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page ten . . .
9-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 - $380,800.05; Highway Fund - $71,172.01; Special Districts - $46,755.81; Capital Fund - $342,060.86 (voucher #’s 87450 - 89013); Trust & Agency Fund - $37,979.63 (voucher #’s 88919 - 88961)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
RESIDENTIAL SIGN
Steven Zatko requested permission to put a 3’ x 5’ sign in front of his house for the month of October to display names of those affected by breast cancer.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated he will place this item on the next Town Board Agenda and Town Attorney John Fenz will present a formal proposal with his recommendation.
QUASAR AND NEW YORK PRIZE GRANT PROGRAM
Doug Kroll commented on a discussion at a previous Town Board meeting concerning running electrical cables to Town Hall and other town buildings from a generating station in the Industrial Park and stated he considers this an odd idea when generators were just installed at the Highway Department, Town Hall and Senior Center.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the process currently being discussed is called New York Prize, a state-sponsored grant program the town is pursuing. The grant would fund a microgrid program in town that could provide electricity during emergency situations and incorporates newer, larger-capacity solar panels that can store power for times of need. The microgrid will also have the ability to generate power using sources from local facilities such as Quasar.
Mr. Kroll expressed concern about the use of equate at the Quasar plant and commented the Marilla Town Board voted unanimously against using equate. He suggested contacting Senator Gallivan and ask that he sponsor Home Rule Bill A5260 to add state support to this position.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page eleven . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
QUASAR AND NEW YORK PRIZE GRANT PROGRAM (continued)
Mr. Tanner stated Quasar indicated to the town they will be using sewage leftover from dairy processing, which if processed properly does not have the issues related to equate. Mr. Tanner does not feel this is a danger and stated it is heavily regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Supervisor Meegan commented the products going into the plant at this location are from Rosina Meats, Rich Products and other local restaurants.
Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the moratorium on Quasar and if only energy is being produced at the facility, not fertilizer.
Supervisor Meegan responded the moratorium expired, but she did not believe Quasar is running 100 percent at this point because they only run the system when it has reached full capacity. She further confirmed only energy is currently being produced.
Susan Kims referred to the covered dump trucks coming into Quasar and questioned if they are carrying sewage sludge. She further questioned if Quasar anticipates producing energy soon.
Mr. Tanner responded Quasar’s permit is written for food and dairy waste. The DEC oversees testing of sludge and sewage waste is highly regulated if it is being brought in. Mr. Tanner further stated production of energy is imminent.
SPCA LOCATION IN WEST SENECA
Amy Carpenter requested an update on the proposed SPCA location in West Seneca.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded the infrastructure is being put in at this time and building drawings are being redone.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner added there were issues with the sewer in some areas of the property so they are working on modified building designs that won’t impact the sewer system, noting this might slow progress a bit.
TOWN HALL MESSAGE BOARD
Amy Carpenter suggested upcoming events be posted on the front message board (i.e. tree ordinance meeting) to assist in public awareness.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-09
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 11, 2015
Page twelve . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
RURAL METRO CONTRACT
Supervisor Meegan expressed concern that the town is not currently under contract with Rural Metro. Town Attorney John Fenz responded he will take the necessary action to address this.
SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS
Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated week 2 for Summer Day Camp is full and the lowest week is Week 1. Summer jobs are posted and interviews are currently being conducted. Youth Theater is presenting Legally Blonde on May 22nd and 23rd at West Seneca East High School. Recreation programs are on display at the library this month for the public to view.
WEST SENECA STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
Councilman Hart stated the next West Seneca Stakeholders Meeting is May 19th at 1 P.M. at the United Methodist Church on Seneca Street.
BUFFALO CREEK TREATY COMMEMORATION CEREMONY
Supervisor Meegan noted the Buffalo Creek Treaty Commemoration Ceremony will take place at Burchfield Nature and Art Center on Friday, May 15th at 11 A.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK