Town Board Minutes

 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
 
 
Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Timothy Stevenson.
 
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 Katherine Buxton & Arlene Vogt.
 
14-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
 
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve minutes from the June 6, 2016 work session.
 
On the question, Councilman Hanley referred to the discussion on the Army Corps of Engineers public hearing on Lexington Green and stated it should read National Fuel wants to be informed of any work that may impact the high pressure gas line, not National Grid.
 
          Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                                 Motion Carried
 
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Minutes #2016-13 of July 11, 2016.
 
Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                                 Motion Carried
 
14-B COMMUNICATIONS

             
1.    Town Attorney re Renewal of ambulance
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to extend the Rural Metro contract for emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to town residents to July 31, 2017.
 
On the question, Councilman Hart stated the town intends to rebid this contract next year.
 
Ayes: All                 Noes: None             Motion Carried
 

 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page two . . .
 
14-B COMMUNICATIONS
 

2.   Town Attorney re Professional Services Agreement with WNY Insurance Agency, LLC
   
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into a professional services agreement with WNY Insurance Agency, LLC to provide professional and technical skills to plan, organize, coordinate  and  implement  a  program to close certain

            workers’ compensation claims, noting the town will pay WNY Insurance Agency, LLC $2500 to commence the work and 10 percent of annual savings attributable to each claim closed as a result of their review and program implementation.
 
          On the question, Councilman Hanley stated he was abstaining from voting on this item because of his personal use of the company.
 
          Ayes: (2) Councilman Hart, Supervisor Meegan                                     Noes: None
 
          Abstentions: (1) Councilman Hanley                                                    Motion Carried
 

3.   Town Attorney re Agreement with SRF Associates for Union Road traffic study
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into an agreement with SRF Associates which incorporates the terms of the attached Corridor Study Proposal, noting the agreement will be subject to legal review and the scope of the work shall not exceed $23,450.

           
            On the question, Councilman Hart stated this is the first step in executing the Comprehensive Plan and will improve the town’s eligibility for grant money. The goal is to slow down Union Road traffic between Center Road and the bridge by Southgate Plaza and create a more walkable community. 
 
          Ayes: All                                       Noes: None                                  Motion Carried
                                                                                                              *APPENDICES*

 
4.   Highway Sup’t. re Appointment of seasonal part-time laborers in Buildings & Grounds Department
 
 
                                                         
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Daniel Barone, Andrew Block, and Patrick Otto as part-time seasonal laborers in the Buildings and Grounds Department effective July 26 – September 15, 2016 at a rate of $9 per hour contingent upon the passing of drug and alcohol testing and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                   Noes: None              Motion Carried

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page three . . .
 
14-B COMMUNICATIONS
 

5.   Chief Denz re Resignation of Gary M. Pauly as part-time Court Security Officer
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the resignation of Gary M. Pauly and terminate him as part-time Court Security Officer effective July 13, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                 Noes: None             Motion Carried
 
6.   Town Clerk re Status change and rate increase for part-time clerks
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time clerks Margaret Pomana and Ellen Zawodzinski to part-time seasonal effective August 1 – October 28, 2016 and increase their hourly rate to $14 effective August 1, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                 Noes: None             Motion Carried
 
 
7.   Youth Service Coordinator re Termination of Recreation summer staff
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate part-time seasonal recreation attendants Morgan Acapelo, Bailey Morgante, Erika Przybyla, Cassandra Webber, Alexis Domros and Eric Kalenda effective July 26, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                 Noes: None             Motion Carried
 
 
8.      Youth Service Coordinator re Annual Queen of Heaven 5K event
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into an agreement with the Diocese of Buffalo and Queen of Heaven Church to host their annual Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying 5K on October 1, 2016.
                                                                                    

            On the question, Councilman Hanley stated he received a phone call from a Main Street resident asking that alternate routes be looked at for races. The caller stated a number of races have been held this year and it inconveniences the residents. Chief Denz commented only one complaint was received out of all the residents affected.
 
          Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                                 Motion Carried
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page four . . .
 
14-B COMMUNICATIONS
 

9.      Highway Sup’t. re Title change for James Eggert to laborer in Highway Department
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate James Eggert as sanitation motor equipment operator and appoint him as highway laborer, Group 1, Step 1, at a rate of $20.41 per hour effective July 26, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                   Noes: None              Motion Carried
 
10.     Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Joseph Demma to Motor Equipment Operator in Sanitation Department
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Joseph Demma as sanitation laborer and appoint him as sanitation motor equipment operator at a rate of $19.64 per hour effective July 26, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                   Noes: None              Motion Carried
 
11.     Highway Sup’t. re Appointment of Timothy Stevenson as full-time sanitation laborer
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Timothy Stevenson as part-time sanitation laborer and appoint him as full-time sanitation laborer at a rate of $18.65 per hour effective July 26, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                   Noes: None              Motion Carried
 
12.     Youth Service Coordinator re Termination of Emily Crowley as part-time recreation attendant
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Emily Crowley as part-time recreation attendant effective July 26, 2016 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.  
 
Ayes: All                   Noes: None              Motion Carried

 
14-C  APPROVAL OF WARRANT
 
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the vouchers submitted for audit, chargeable to the respective funds as follows: General Fund - $272,083.12; Highway Fund - $92,440.23; Special Districts - $8,842.96; Capital Fund - $623,860.62 (vouchers 94814-95365); Trust - $253,836.17 (vouchers 95405-95435)
 
Ayes: All                                       Noes: None                                  Motion Carried
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page five . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
Susan Kims commented/questioned the following issues on behalf of Beverly Leising:
·       Questioned if the town will be holding the school supply drive again this year. Supervisor Meegan responded she will coordinate with the school district for a school supply dropoff again this year.
·       Questioned who is doing the work replacing street lights and what happens with the old bulbs. Supervisor Meegan responded South Buffalo Electric is currently working in Zone 1. Bulbs are collected and disposed of in accordance with environmental laws.
·       Commented that street signs on Mill Road and other streets are obstructed by branches. Highway Supt. Matthew English stated his department has a crew that trims trees.
·       Commented on improper placement of totes causing the driver to stop and reposition the tote and expressed concern that this is costing the town more money. She suggested making stickers for the totes indicating proper placement. Highway Supt. Matthew English responded the contract is based on the number of stops, not the time it takes for collection; stickers would be an additional cost to the town. 
·       Questioned if lifeguards are given authority to enforce rules. Supervisor Meegan responded the pool supervisor and lifeguards enforce the rules.
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
          TOWN EMPLOYEES COMMENDED
         
Councilman Hanley read a letter from Susan Kims thanking the Town Board and town employees for their hard work and dedication to making the town a great place to live.
 
          GIRLS WORLD SERIES SOFTBALL EVENT
Supervisor Meegan commented on the Girls World Series Softball event in which West Seneca partnered with the Town of Amherst and the City of Buffalo to host 100 teams from across the nation. She received numerous compliments on the fields and town employees from the Buildings & Grounds and Highway Departments.  Supervisor Meegan noted that our own West Seneca Magic 16 and under team took first place in their bracket.
          ZOMBIE HOMES
          Supervisor Meegan received correspondence from the Attorney General’s office offering assistance on zombie homes; however, after reviewing the list of opportunities, the town has already implemented five out of six (i.e. Housing Inspector, Housing Court). Supervisor Meegan commented any funding that could be put toward the budget for current salaries or the cost of demolitions would be welcomed. Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo agreed and stated the town is ahead of the curve on these actions.
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page six . . .
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
          COMPUTERS AT SENIOR CENTER
          Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak stated she received quotes on computers for the senior center and will be forwarding this information to the board members for their review and approval.
          RECREATION PROGRAMS UPDATE  
Lauren Masset reported day camp is going well and reminded all about the upcoming Movie in the Park nights on August 5th and 19th.
UPCOMING EVENTS  
          Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo announced the following upcoming events:
·       Erie County drug drop off Tuesday, August 2nd, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. at the Erie County Emergency Services Training and Operations Center, 3359 Broadway, Cheektowaga
·       Disaster Office will be participating with WNY Psychiatric Center for a disaster drill on Wednesday, July 27th, at 9:30 A.M.
HUNTING LICENSES
          Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser announced that hunting licenses go on sale August 1st and the deadline for deer management permits is October 1st.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Chief Denz thanked the community for their support during the power outages. Supervisor Meegan also recognized the fire departments and Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo for their assistance.
          Chief Denz stated Rev. Engels will be holding a police vigil on Monday, August 1st at noon on the hill next to Town Hall.  Supervisor Meegan reminded everyone to wear blue that day.
          RECOGNITION OF TOWN JUSTICE SHANNON E. FILBERT
Councilman Hanley recognized Town Justice Shannon E. Filbert on receiving the Michael F. Dillon award for her distinguished service to the Attorneys for Children Program in the Eighth Judicial District.
          CELEBRATE SUMMER EVENT
Councilman Hart announced the Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club and West Seneca Women’s Club “Celebrate Summer” event to be held Thursday, July 28th at 5:00 P.M. at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The farmers’ market will also be set up around the band shell that night.
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                       TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                             Minutes #2016-14
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                            July 25, 2016
                                                                                          Page seven . . .
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
          EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to recess to executive session at 3:40 P.M. to discuss four personnel and contractual issues.
Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                                 Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 5:15 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
 
          Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 P.M.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                                 Motion Carried
 
 
 
 
_______________________________________
 JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK