Work Session

1250 Union Road                                                             Work Session

Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Steven Tanner.

                                                  Mary Josefiak                    Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services                           

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

 

Ø Mr. Hickman discussed the benefits and merits of an every other week recycling collection program, noting this is something other municipalities throughout Niagara and Erie County have already transitioned to. It is an opportunity for the town to contain costs and reduce future costs by saving an estimated over $100,000 the first year and avoiding costs of that amount the following years. It usually takes 3 to 4 months to work out kinks in the transition, such as residents exchanging the bins for different sizes as well as learning the new collection schedule. Modern Recycling offers support for the change by mailing brochures to residents, conducting informational meetings, providing a toll free number to their offices and offering to handle all phone inquiries. A calendar of the pickup schedule will be available on the town’s website and Modern’s website and residents will receive a new schedule every year. The town will be responsible for changing the size of recycling bins for residents and there is no limit on the number of recycling bins that will be picked up at one location.

 

Ø SPCA project is underway; DePaul project at 2400 Seneca Street is about ¾ finished

Ø Housing Inspector Doug Busse began his annual tour of the town going street by street looking for property maintenance violations

Ø Shared services agreement with NYSDOT - will formalize the current relationship the town has with the state with regard to aspects of road maintenance and clearing including salt, equipment, etc.; also defines allocation of liability

Ø Vacant houses have been reduced to well under 50

 

1250 Union Road                                                             Work Session

 

 

Ø Rosewood Drive bid opening next week; will use Code Red to notify residents of start date

Ø Audit with the US Environmental Protection Agency and NYSDEC - reviewed the town’s entire sewer system and looked at a few overflows; they would like to see the overflow at the high school eliminated. Mr. Tanner encouraged the DEC to approve the plans the town has presented that should remedy the situation. He will advise the Town Board when the audit report is received.

Ø Library & Community Center is now a $9.4 million project; Mr. Tanner will work with Town Attorney John Fenz to get bonding in place; currently $1.2 million in grant money received and $1.4 million from the energy savings contract; $8.1 million bond anticipation note will be required; decisions need to be made on the design of the façade

Ø Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) is bidding the painting of the water tank at Sunshine Park; will include repair of the ladders and stairs, abatement of any lead that is present and fixing of seams; the town may have to repay the cost which could be approximately $250,000

 

Ø Suggested amending the solicitor/peddler ordinance relative to time and fees in order to protect residents’ best interests

Ø Requested executive session to discuss labor negotiations

Ø Registration for swimming and summer fun programs started

Ø Summer day camp almost full

 

Ø Prescription Drug Drop Off on Saturday, April 30^th at the senior center

Ø Awareness event – Addiction in our Zip Code on Wednesday, April 20^th at 6:30pm at the senior center

Ø Councilman Hart commented on a need for new computers at the senior center. Supervisor Meegan stated it would be a more cost effective option to look at slim clients.

 

Ø Grantwriter Connie Miner indicated the potential of applying for the COPS grant; Police Department is in a good position to receive funding

Ø Highway Supt. Matthew English was named head coach for Timon hockey

1250 Union Road                                                             Work Session

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to executive session at 3:40 P.M. to discuss union negotiations and recycling contract changes.

 

Ayes: All                               Noes: None                                 Motion Carried

 

The board members returned from executive session at 5:05 P.M.

The work session concluded at 5:05 P.M.

 

 

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