Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
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 Chief Gehen.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
Eugene P. Hart Councilman
John M. Rusinski 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 Ann M McParlane, William A Delmont, Dorothy M Maslanka, Shannon V Long, Eleanore D Kaczmarek, Clarice R Zygaj and Bryce M Buchholz.
8-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2012-07 of April 16, 2012.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the April 16, 2012 work session.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
8-B TABLED ITEMS
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1. Councilman Hart re Extension of Shared Assessor Agreement
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Remained on the table.
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8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Supervisor Meegan re Energy performance contract
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Town of West Seneca to enter into an energy performance contract with the John W Danforth Company and obtain third party financing necessary to execute the contract.
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On the question, Councilman Hart stated that the $9 million project will be financed through a municipal lease and it will be budget neutral and should not involve any increase in taxes.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page two . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
1. (continued)
Supervisor Meegan noted that $6.2 million will go towards the sewer project and 200 people will be put to work.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES*
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2. Supervisor Meegan re Library Board appointments
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to reappoint Paul Notaro as President of the West Seneca Library Board effective January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2013; and further, appoint Jennifer Dobe, Bill Josefiak, Michael Tenhagen and Kelly A Clifford as members of the West Seneca Library Board with five year terms to be determined at the next Library Board meeting.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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3. Supervisor Meegan re Terms for members of Planning & Zoning Board
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, pursuant to NYS Town Law, Section 271, items #4 & #5 (Planning Board) and NYS Town Law, Section 267, items #4 & #5 (Zoning Board of Appeals), to correct the expiration date for all member’s terms of office as follows:
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Planning Board - Robert Niederpruem 12/31/2016
Donald Mendola 12/31/2012
Gerald Greenan 12/31/2013
James F Rathmann 12/31/2014
Anthony Nigro 12/31/2015
Joseph Sherman 12/31/2017
Joseph R Ciancio 12/31/2018
Zoning Board - David Monolopolus 12/31/2013
Michael Harmon 12/31/2012
Sandra Rosenswie 12/31/2014
Evelyn Hicks 12/31/2015
Michael Hughes 12/31/2016
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page three . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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4. Supervisor Meegan re Creation of Court Clerk position
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to create the position of Court Clerk and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski noted they were not creating a new position. There was a retirement and the job title was being changed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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4a. Town Justices re Appointment of Maureen Murphy as full-time Court Clerk
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Maureen Murphy as Clerk to the Town Justice and appoint Maureen Murphy as Court Clerk effective May 8, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel, noting that Ms. Murphy is ranked #1 on the Civil Service list.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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4b. Town Justices re Appointment of Mary Jean Fitzgerald as Clerk to the Town Justice
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to terminate Mary Jean Fitzgerald as part-time paralegal in the Town Attorney’s office and appoint Mary Jean Fitzgerald as Clerk to the Town Justice effective May 8, 2012 at an annual salary of $37,673.86 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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5. Town Attorney re Fourteen Holy Helpers Summer Fest
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to authorize 14 Holy Helpers Parish to utilize the Highway Department parking lot and Burchfield parking lot for their summer festival as follows: Friday, August 17th from 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.; Saturday, August 18th from 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.; and Sunday, August 19th from 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. conditioned on the following: the parish shall provide the church with a certificate of insurance naming the town as an additional insured as well as hiring an off duty police officer to be present one-half hour before until one-half hour after the event to provide security for town property and equipment on site.
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page four . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
5. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if 14 Holy Helpers Church is required to hire a West Seneca police officer and why they would not use the auxiliary police.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated these are the same conditions that were imposed on the church last year.
Chief Gehen questioned if any alcohol or gambling is involved, noting there are policies concerning off duty employment for police officers.
Mr. Martin stated the purpose of hiring the officers is for them to stand guard at the Highway Department and Burchfield Center.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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6. Town Engineer re Sanitary Sewer Project SEQRA review & determination
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached SEQRA resolution and determination of Type 2 action relative to the construction of improvements to the town sewer system.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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7. Town Engineer re Sanitary Sewer Project bond resolution
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the issuance of general revenue bonds of the Town of West Seneca, Erie County, New York, and also authorizing the issuance of bond anticipation notes to finance the construction of certain common improvements and increases to sanitary sewer facilities to serve town sewer districts 5, 13 and 20.
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On the question, Councilman Hart noted that the bond anticipation notes are issued for 15 years and they will eventually be retired and serial bonds will be issued for 40 years, the useful life of the project.
Town Engineer Richard Henry responded that the serial bonds will actually be 30 years and they hoped to go to long term financing well in advance of 15 years.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page five . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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8. Town Engineer re Highway Garage improvements SEQRA review & determination
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to adopt the attached SEQRA resolution and determination of Type 2 action relative to the construction of improvements to the town highway garage.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned why glass blocks were being installed on the highway garage instead of regular windows.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated that as a bid alternate glass block windows will be installed on the second floor roof on the east elevation of the garage. Right now half of the windows on that side are glass block and half are regular windows. The windows are not operable and only serve to let light into the garage. Along with security, there is energy efficiency gained with the use of glass block windows. Currently there are flashing issues that exist and water is staying behind the brick which will further degrade it, so this is a perfect opportunity to change the windows.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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9. Town Engineer re Highway Garage Improvements bond resolution
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town of West Seneca, Erie County, New York, and also authorizing the issuance of bond anticipation notes to finance the rehabilitation of a garage to house vehicles, equipment and working areas for the town Highway Department.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski questioned if this will be put out for bid.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded that it will be put out for bid and there will be two separate contracts for this project – one for the masonry restoration work and panel work and one for the roofing work.
Councilman Hart thought that the bond anticipation notes could only be issued for five years on this project rather than 15 years.
Town Engineer Richard Henry responded that because this was a class “B” building they could go longer term.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page six . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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10. Town Engineer re Request for ownership of properties on Lein Avenue
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the purchase of land on Lein Avenue currently owned by Erie County in order to maintain existing storm water drainage through the properties.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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11. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Mark Kerner to Highway Heavy Motor Equipment Operator
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Mark Kerner as Highway MEO and appoint Mark Kerner as Highway Heavy Motor Equipment Operator, Group 5, Step 5, at a rate of $26.49 per hour effective May 1, 2012 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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12. Highway Sup’t. re Appointment of Colin Brown as part-time seasonal laborer in Sanitation Department
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to change Colin Brown from part-time seasonal laborer in the Buildings & Grounds Department to part-time seasonal laborer in the Sanitation Department effective May 7 – September 16, 2012 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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13. Highway Sup’t. re Appointment of part-time seasonal laborers in Sanitation Department
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Andrew Maj and Andrew Herbek as part-time seasonal laborers in the Sanitation Department effective May 7 – September 16, 2012 at a rate of $7.25 per hour 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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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page seven . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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14. Chief Gehen re Resignation of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher James Kavanaugh
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to accept the resignation of James Kavanaugh and terminate him as part-time Public Safety Dispatcher effective April 27, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel, noting that Mr. Kavanaugh has served the Town of West Seneca for the last 16 years.
On the question, Councilman Rusinski stated that Mr. Kavanaugh did a terrific job as a dispatcher and he wished him well in his retirement.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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15. Chief Gehen re Resignation of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Greg Lake
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to accept the resignation of Greg Lake and terminate him as part-time Public Safety Dispatcher effective April 28, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel, noting that Mr. Lake has found full-time employment as a police officer in the City of Atlanta, Georgia.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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16. Chief Gehen re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Diane Nowicki to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Diane Nowicki to part-time seasonal effective May 1 – 31, 2012 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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17. Town Clerk re Reappointment of Kathleen Gullo as Marriage Officer
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to reappoint Kathleen M Gullo as a Marriage Officer for the Town of West Seneca for a four year term expiring April 30, 2016.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if this is a paid position and if there can be more than one marriage officer for the town.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page eight . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
17. (continued)
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser responded that there can be more than one marriage officer. The town does not pay Mrs. Gullo, but she is allowed to charge up to $75 per ceremony.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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18. Town Clerk re Purchase of scanners
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to authorize the purchase of a Kyocera TASKalfa 2420w wide scale imaging system for the Code Enforcement Office at a cost of $9850 and a Kyocera FS-1128 imaging system for the Town Clerk’s Office at a cost of $735 from WNY Imaging Systems, 350 Cayuga Road, Suite 140, Buffalo, NY 14225, noting that both purchases are fully funded under the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund grant awarded to the town and are available in line item 001.1410.0442.3333.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned what the wide scale machine will be used for.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded that his office will share the machine with the Engineering Department and it will be used to print and scan oversized plans.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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19. Town Clerk re Budgetary transfer request
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to approve a budget transfer of $7065 from Acct. 001.1410.0442.3333 Records Management Expense to Acct. 001.1410.0139.3333 Salary PT Clerical.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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20. Code Enforcement Officer re Electronic message board at 1744 Union Road
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, pursuant to Section 120-44.4.G of the Town Code, to approve an electronic message board at the Gardenview Restaurant located at 1744 Union Road.
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On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated that the Gardenview Restaurant currently has an electronic sign and this will be an enhancement to it.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page nine . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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21. Finance Office re Funding of Capital Reserves
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to adopt the attached resolutions to fund the following established capital reserves in the General and Highway Funds, noting the funding levels are based on the Highway Sup’t’s. five year capital equipment plan for the Highway Fund and equipment replacement plans for the General Fund:
Highway Fund - $2,500,000 – source of funding is the unreserved fund balance
General Fund - $700,000 – source of funding is a transfer from the reserve established for payment of judgments and claims
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On the question, Councilman Hart stated that the board members spent a lot of time working on a plan and this is a tax neutral approach in an attempt to keep taxes down. There are excess monies available and this is a good way to fund these purchases going forward.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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22. Finance Office re Budgetary transfer request
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve budget transfers as follows: $12,400 from Acct. 001.1670.0480 Central Printing-Computer Software to Acct. 001.1315.0216 Comptroller-Computer Software and $1,200 from Acct. 001.1670.0200 Central Printing-Equipment to Acct. 001.1315.0200 Comptroller-Equipment.
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On the question, Laura Landers stated that KVS representatives will be giving department heads a demonstration on the paperless voucher system at the May 21, 2012 work session at 5:15 P.M.
Councilman Hart suggested an afternoon session to train additional employees on the system and avoid overtime costs.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page ten . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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23. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Approval of parade for boys baseball
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve a parade to take place on East & West Road on Saturday, May 26, 2012 from Reserve Fire Hall to Firemen’s Park, Home of Boys Baseball, noting that this will be the official opening of the Boys Baseball season as well as the start of their fundraising efforts to develop the new ball diamonds planned for the park.
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On the question, Highway Supt. Matthew English stated they are not able to get the required permits in time to hold this parade on May 26th.
The motion was rescinded.
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24. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Termination of Julia Krezmien as part-time ID clerk
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to terminate Julia Krezmien as part-time recreation ID clerk effective April 30, 2012 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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25. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Appointment of Lee Ann Piniewski as part-time food service worker
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Lee Ann Piniewski as part-time food service worker effective May 1, 2012 at a rate of $7.25 per hour 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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26. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Title change for Sarah Flattery from part-time Clerk Typist to full-time Recreation Leader
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan to terminate Sarah Flattery as part-time Clerk Typist effective May 7, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
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27. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Pay rate change for Terrie Boltz
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the rate of pay for part-time Clerk Typist Terrie Boltz from $9 to $10 per hour and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page eleven . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
27. On the question, Councilman Rusinski questioned the reason for the rate increase.
Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services Mary Josefiak responded that this will bring Mrs. Boltz salary in line with the other part-time Clerk Typists.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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28. Finance Office re Training for Finance Department Personnel
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize two personnel in the Finance Department to attend training on the VQC report writer at KVS offices in the month of May at a cost of $750.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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29. Councilman Hart re Grant amendment for Police Department Expansion
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Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to adopt the attached resolution to amend the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) Community Capital Assistance Program (CCAP) grant for ice rink rehabilitation to be used for the Police Department expansion.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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8-D 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 - $371,743.60; Highway Fund - $88,760.59; Special Districts - $1,212,997.13 (voucher #’s 72607-72894); Trust & Agency Fund - $92,806.95 (voucher #’s 72592-72903); Capital Fund - $0
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
8-E REPORTS
· John A Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s revised report for March 2012 received and filed
· Jacqueline A Felser, Town Clerk’s report for April 2012 received and filed
· John A Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report and Plumbing report for April 2012 received and filed
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page twelve . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
GRANT AMENDMENTS
Beverly Leising referred to Item #29 and a discussion at the January 23, 2012 work session about changing the ice rink grant to use for the police department expansion. She questioned why the Town Board did not act quicker on this issue.
Councilman Hart stated there was a communication problem and it is now being corrected.
Mrs. Leising referred to the grant for the gps units and questioned if a letter was sent to change that grant for the purchase of security cameras.
Supervisor Meegan responded that a letter requesting a change in intent was sent to the Dormitory Association of the State of New York in September 2011.
QUESTIONS ON JW DANFORTH’S PRESENTATION
Beverly Leising referred to the statement that 200 jobs will be created with the sewer improvements that will be made and questioned if preference will be given to West Seneca residents.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated that part of the reason JW Danforth was awarded the project was because they gave preference to companies that had employees who lived within a 25 mile radius of West Seneca. JW Danforth has 22 employees that live in West Seneca and they will also try to hire West Seneca students as interns.
HIGHWAY GARAGE IMPROVEMENTS
Beverly Leising questioned the start date for the highway garage improvements.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner outlined the timeline for the highway garage improvements and stated the project was expected to be completed by October 2012.
DEPARTMENT HEAD SALARY
Beverly Leising questioned if Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services Mary Josefiak received overtime for the extra hours she puts in.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Mrs. Josefiak is a department head and department heads do not receive overtime.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page thirteen . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Tom Brooks questioned the work in Sewer Districts 3 & 13 and whether the proposed $9 million project discussed at the work session before this meeting will be assessed on the residents.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the $9 million was for an energy performance project, part of which includes $6.2 million that will go towards sewer work at no cost to the residents. Bonding for the $30 million sewer project was approved earlier at this meeting.
Mr. Brooks questioned why everyone that dumps sewage into Sewer District 13 doesn’t contribute to the cost of improvements. He also questioned the various sewer taxes on his property tax bill.
Town Engineer Richard Henry stated that everyone that dumps into Sewer District #13 contributes to its cost. He further offered to talk with Mr. Brooks after the meeting to explain the sewer charges on his tax bill.
STATUS OF AMERICORPS PAYMENTS
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of AmeriCorps monthly payments and the sale of the house on School Street.
Laura Landers of the Finance Department stated she did not receive the $8000 payment for May yet and nothing from the sale of the house.
Supervisor Meegan stated that she and Town Attorney Shawn Martin will be meeting with AmeriCorps representatives this Thursday at 9 A.M. concerning the sale of the house.
MEETING WITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Karen Lucachik questioned if the meeting between Supervisor Meegan and the school district to discuss the Peer Counseling program and duplication of services had taken place yet.
Supervisor Meegan responded that they are meeting tomorrow.
POSTING OF SENIOR APARTMENTS ON TOWN WEBSITE
Karen Lucachik suggested that all senior apartments in town be listed on the town website and include whether or not they are subsidized.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page fourteen . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Karen Lucachik referred to County Executive Mark Poloncarz’ critical comments about Industrial Development Agencies (IDA) and stated she agreed with him and did not believe Erie County should be making decisions for West Seneca. Mrs. Lucachik referred to one instance in town where someone received a generous tax break and understood this individual wanted to meet with town supervisors other than those that had their own IDA’S. She questioned if Supervisor Meegan had met with him yet.
Supervisor Meegan stated she had met with the individual a few weeks ago. She further stated there is a bill being proposed in the NYS Assembly to address this issue and she is fully supportive of it.
LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Amy Carpenter referred to the Library Board appointments and questioned the length of the terms, if the town received resumes for the individuals and if minutes from their meetings are on the town website.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the Library Board members’ terms are staggered over five years and they will decide for themselves whose term expires each year. Eleven resumes were received and the individuals were randomly chosen.
Councilman Hart stated he is the liaison for the library and will make sure their minutes are posted on the town website.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT SAVINGS
Amy Carpenter questioned if Highway Sup’t. Matthew English had a figure on the amount saved on overtime for the winter months and if a monthly report of his department is submitted to the Town Board.
Mr. English responded that $199,000 was saved on salt, $40,000 on fuel, and $275,000 on overtime. The only money his department takes in is for recycling bins so there is no monthly report prepared other than a payroll report.
ADDITIONAL BALL DIAMONDS PROPOSED FOR FIREMEN’S PARK
Amy Carpenter referred to the additional baseball diamonds proposed for Firemen’s Park and expressed concerns about their plans to raise money. She referred to the soccer park situation and questioned if there were any contracts with the baseball association.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page fifteen . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
ADDITIONAL BALL DIAMONDS PROPOSED FOR FIREMEN’S PARK (continued)
Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated the town is supporting the project but has committed no funds to it. The baseball association needs to raise the money.
Mrs. Carpenter commented on the improvements taking place at the ball diamonds behind Veterans Memorial Park and the lack of parking.
Supervisor Meegan stated there were plans to increase parking at Veterans Memorial Park.
HOUGHTON COLLEGE PROPERTY
Arlene Vogt questioned if Bryan Young will be parking his construction vehicles on the Houghton College property.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated that Mr. Young will not be parking his equipment at the Houghton College property.
SLIPLINING AND REPAIRS TO SEWERS
Arlene Voit questioned if sliplining and repairs will both be done on the sewers and how long sliplining lasts.
Town Engineer Richard Henry responded that both sliplining and repairs will be made. Sliplining was done on Orchard Park Road in 1999 – 2000 and when it was videoed recently it was found that it is still in good shape.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Gary Mackiewicz referred to the Comprehensive Plan and questioned how important it was for the town to follow it.
Supervisor Meegan stated the Comprehensive Plan is an advisory reference, not law, and it is very important to refer to it as many times as possible.
Mr. Mackiewicz questioned who is responsible for enforcing zoning.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcement of zoning.
Mr. Mackiewicz questioned why the Comprehensive Plan is being revisited and what was used prior to 2003.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page sixteen . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (continued)
Supervisor Meegan stated that the Comprehensive Plan should be reexamined every five years and changes implemented as necessary.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin advised there was no Comprehensive Plan prior to 2003, just zoning and building codes.
ADDITIONAL HELP FOR DIRECTOR OF RECREATION, YOUTH & SENIOR SERVICES
Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services Mary Josefiak referred to Item #26 that was not voted on and questioned her next course of action.
Supervisor Meegan referred to the number of hours Mrs. Josefiak puts in and stated that she needs help. When the Youth Bureau and Recreation Departments were first consolidated with the Senior Citizens, the Youth Director’s salary of $148,000 was removed along with the Recreation Director’s salary of $120,000 and Mrs. Josefiak absorbed their responsibilities. Supervisor Meegan commented on the recreation, youth and senior programs Mrs. Josefiak has put together and encouraged both board members to become educated on this issue.
Councilman Hart stated he voted to create the full-time position but did not expect it to be filled this quickly and he wanted to better familiarize himself to make a more informed decision.
Councilman Rusinski agreed that Mrs. Josefiak worked hard and put in a lot of hours and he thought there were things they could do to get her the help she needs, but he was not sure that creating another full-time job was the answer.
REPLACEMENT OF KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
Beverly Leising noted that Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services Mary Josefiak mentioned at a work session in January 2012 that she might need $30,000 to refurbish the kitchen equipment at the senior citizens center. Mrs. Leising suggested putting out a jar and asking for donations to fund this equipment.
Councilman Hart stated that it is against the law to ask for donations.
Supervisor Meegan stated that they have plans to replace the kitchen equipment and it should be on a Town Board agenda soon.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page seventeen . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
PARKING AT MAIN STREET CEMETERY
Christopher Hart questioned if the town is in charge of the Main Street cemetery, noting that a vehicle is parked on the entrance walkway everyday and he thought it was a disservice to those interred in that cemetery.
Supervisor Meegan advised that the town maintains the Main Street cemetery.
Chief Gehen stated that vehicles are not permitted to park on or block a sidewalk and he will have an officer check on this situation.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to recess to Executive Session at 8:30 P.M. to discuss two litigation items, two personnel issues, two grievances, and memorandums of agreement.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The Town Board returned from Executive Session at 9:00 P.M.
TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS ADDRESSED
Chief Gehen referred to the traffic complaints brought up at the last Town Board meeting (Seneca & Union; Seneca & Lein; French Road area) and stated that they have been addressed.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROPOFF
Chief Gehen referred to the Prescription Drug Dropoff Day held at the end of April at the Senior Citizens Center and noted that 791 pounds of prescription drugs were dropped off.
WELCOME PACKAGES FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS
Councilman Rusinski stated he would like to start with the welcome packages for new homeowners by June 1st and asked that the department heads get their brochures to him soon.
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR NEW HIRES
Motion by Councilman Rusinski, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to schedule a public hearing for May 21, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. to consider adoption of Local Law #2012-03, Modification to Chapter 25, Personnel Policies, concerning background checks for new hires.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 May 7, 2012
Page eighteen . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR NEW HIRES (continued)
On the question, Highway Sup’t. Matthew English questioned who will pay for the drug testing.
Councilman Rusinski stated that the town will pay for the drug testing and he felt it was well worth the money.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK