Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer and the changing of the colors from Seabees Island X-5 to American Legion Post 735 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
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.
1-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
· Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2011-19 of December 19, 2011.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
1-B TABLED ITEMS
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1. Purchase of in-car video systems
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Remained on the table.
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1-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Supervisor Meegan re Winterfest at Burchfield
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to authorize Albarella Media and Creekview Services to hold the 1st annual Winterfest at Burchfield Nature & Art Center on Friday, February 17, 2012, 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. and Saturday, February 18, 2012, 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. with proceeds benefiting the Burchfield Nature & Art Center.
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Councilman Hart questioned if they would be providing the town with a certificate of insurance for this event.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin advised that they will be required to provide the town with a certificate of insurance and provide security if deemed necessary.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page two . . .
1-C COMMUNICATIONS
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2. Supervisor Meegan re Title change for Kathleen Hauger to Senior Clerk Typist
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Kathleen E Hauger as Clerk Typist and appoint Kathleen E Hauger as Senior Clerk Typist, Group 3, Step 5, effective January 1, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski questioned the salary and if this was creating another civil service position.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the civil service title was in the white collar contract and Mrs. Hauger was No. 1 on the list.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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3. Town Engineer re Appointment of Ronald Pfeil as Stormwater Management Officer
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Ronald Pfeil as Stormwater Management Officer for the Town of West Seneca at an annual salary of $4000 per year effective January 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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4. Town Engineer re Appointment of Senior Clerk Typist
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Jodie Wysocki as Senior Clerk Typist in the Engineering Department effective January 10, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Hart stated Mrs. Wysocki is currently a key component of the Comptroller’s office and he had some concern about how this transfer would affect the transition in that office.
Supervisor Meegan stated that Mrs. Wysocki will work between the Engineering Department and the Finance Office temporarily and will start full-time in engineering some time in February.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page three . . .
1-C COMMUNICATIONS
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5. Highway Superintendent re Vacation carry over for Dina Weixlmann
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Received and filed.
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6. Highway Superintendent re Appointment of Michael Pauly as part-time laborer in Bldgs. & Grounds
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Michael Pauly as part-time laborer in the Buildings & Grounds Department at a rate of $7.25 per hour effective January 9, 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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7. Chief Gehen re Appointment of Dianne M. Borth as crossing guard
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Dianne M Borth as part-time crossing guard at a rate of $7.25 per hour effective January 10, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski questioned how many crossing guard positions there were.
Chief Gehen responded there were 20 to 22 crossing guards and 15 posts that are staffed.
Councilman Rusinski asked that Chief Gehen notify the Town Board when there are vacancies.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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8. Town Clerk re Status change for Laurine Fischione and Margaret Pomana to seasonal part-time
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to change the status of part-time clerks Laurine Fischione and Margaret Pomana to part-time seasonal effective January 17 - March 16, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned the change to part-time seasonal and if this will be the only time this year.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page four . . .
1-C COMMUNICATIONS
8. (continued)
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser responded that the part-time clerks work no more than 19.5 hours per week, but during the town/county tax collection they are put on seasonal which allows them to work over 19.5 hours each week. They are also put on seasonal August – November to cover hunting license sales and the school tax collection.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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9. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request – 940 Reserve Rd.
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Received and filed.
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10. Director of Recreation Youth & Senior Services re Status change for part-time employees to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time food service worker June Edie to part-time seasonal effective January 2 – March 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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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of Virginia Antos and Maryann Gullo to part-time seasonal effective January 2 – May 31, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of Dennis Kindelan to part-time seasonal effective January 9 – February 27, 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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11. Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Status change for S Flattery & L Green to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of Sarah Flattery and Lynn Green to part-time seasonal effective January 9 – May 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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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page five . . .
1-C COMMUNICATIONS
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12. Purchase of in-car video systems
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Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to remove this item from the table.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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Councilman Hart questioned why this item was tabled at the last meeting.
Supervisor Meegan explained that former Councilman Clarke had questions regarding the purchase and Chief Gehen was not at the meeting.
Chief Gehen stated that the in-car video systems are valuable for law enforcement because they increase officer safety and provide accountability for the officers and the public. He commented that the cameras proved to be a key part in a homicide investigation several years ago and more recently in a shooting on East & West Road.
Councilman Rusinski thought the systems should be installed in all police vehicles if safety was the issue. He questioned the number of patrol cars and how many had cameras installed.
Chief Gehen responded that there are ten patrol cars and eight have cameras installed. Two of the cameras were getting old and needed to be replaced. The total cost for two new units including trade-ins and shipping is $5050 and funding is in the budget.
Supervisor Meegan suggested that the councilmen present their questions to Chief Gehen prior to the next meeting so it can be voted on at that time.
Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to table this item until the next meeting.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
1-D REPORTS
- John A Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for December 2011 received and filed.
- Comptroller’s Office, Revenue/expense comparison control report posted as of January 4, 2012; Operating Fund voucher summary report, Trust voucher summary report & Capital voucher summary report for the period December 15, 2011 – January 4, 2012 received and filed.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page six . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
CLINTON STREET REZONING
Gary Mackiewicz, Lakeside Drive, referred to the proposed rezoning of 2735 Clinton Street that was scheduled for the January 12th Planning Board meeting. He stated that Clinton Street is predominantly zoned residential with two commercial parcels and one manufacturing and Lakeside Drive and Lakeside Court have 35 residential housing units. Ted Majeski, a farmer, owned the land in the 1970’s and used it for growing and selling vegetables, and then Dan Majeski bought it and used it for greenhouses. Since 2007 the property has been used for construction storage in violation of the ordinance and no action was ever taken against this by former Code Enforcement Officer William Czuprynski. A rezoning application has now been filed for the property. Mr. Mackiewicz reviewed the procedure for changing the zoning of a property and stated that he did not receive a notice in the mail for the public hearing.
Supervisor Meegan stated that this item is in the hands of the Planning Board and it will be heard on Thursday, January 12th. Any questions pertaining to the application or notification should be directed to Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo.
Mr. Gullo advised that the Assessor’s office provides the Town Clerk’s office with a list of property owners within 250’ of the proposed rezoning. He asked for the name and address of anyone that thought they should have been notified and were not.
STATUS OF HOUGHTON COLLEGE LAWSUIT
Chris Pisanczyn, Union Road, congratulated the board members and looked forward to their service for the next four years. He further questioned the status of the Houghton College lawsuit.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin advised that it was scheduled for sometime in February and Mr. Pisanczyn should check with him tomorrow.
TRAINING FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned if the board members will be attending any training sessions.
Supervisor Meegan advised that all the board members will be attending training in New York City.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page seven . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SAVINGS ON ROAD SALT
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned if the town had realized any savings on salt since the winter has been so mild.
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated they order 6000 ton of salt annually and have only used one ton so far this year, but winter is not over.
NEW HOMEOWNERS
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned if the town sends letters to new homeowners advising them of garbage regulations, etc.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated that he sends a letter to new homeowners.
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated that 90 percent of new homeowners stop at the Highway Department to pick up a recycling bin and they are informed of the garbage regulations at that time.
POSTING OF AGENDA ON WEBSITE
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, noted that the full agenda for the Organization Meeting was posted on the town’s website and questioned if that practice will be continued.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the agendas will continue to be posted on the town’s website.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 7:30 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board returned from Executive Session at 7:55 P.M.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated that electronics can no longer be put in garbage. Bins are available at the Highway Department for residents to drop off electronics for recycling.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2012-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 9, 2012
Page eight . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
FINANCE OFFICE
Supervisor Meegan introduced Laura Landers and Patrick Clancy of Freed Maxick & Battaglia, P.C. who will be working in the town’s new Finance Office.
TOWN BOARD MEMBERS OFFICES
Councilman Hart stated he will be holding office hours at the Burchfield Center and will announce the date and time at the next meeting.
Supervisor Meegan noted that her office will be moving back to Town Hall in the former Receiver of Taxes office on the lower level. Used flooring from the old Supervisor’s office was installed and she visited the Erie County warehouse and picked out furniture free of charge to furnish the office.
WORK SESSION SCHEDULED
Supervisor Meegan announced an upcoming work session scheduled for January 30th to discuss a five year plan for capital projects and a fiscal advisor among other topics.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK