Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
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 to the Flag led by Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Baksa.
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 Robert J. Kerl Jr.
8-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
· Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2013-07 of March 18, 2013.
On the question, Councilman Rusinski asked that Item #9 on Page 4 be changed to read “Councilman Rusinski re Resolution in opposition to gun control bill, NY safe act.”
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
· Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the March 26, 2013 bid opening for purchase of two (2) cube vans.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
8-B TABLED ITEMS
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1. Code Enforcement Officer re Revised fee schedule
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to remove this item from the table.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the attached revised fee schedule for the Code Enforcement Office.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page two . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Town Engineer re Public forum request for Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace and Cardinal Lane
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to conduct a public forum at the West Seneca Senior Citizens Center on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM to present plans for reconstruction of Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace & Cardinal Lane, noting the scope of work will be presented and residents will have the opportunity to offer comments on the project.
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On the question, Councilman Hart asked for clarification on how roads are selected for reconstruction.
Town Engineer Richard Henry responded that a rolling five year plan is in place. Each year he and Highway Supt. Matthew English compile information independently, rank streets based on surface condition and infrastructure underneath the road and a determination is then made. Mr. Henry stated that Heritage Farms and Hilltop Court are the next high priority projects and there are many more streets in need of reconstruction that follow them.
Supervisor Meegan commented on the impressive response at a previous public forum that was held and encouraged both councilmen to attend the April 17th forum and meet with residents.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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2. Town Engineer re Bid date for reconstruction of Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace and Cardinal Lane
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to set a bid date of Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. for reconstruction of Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace and Cardinal Lane, noting that this project consists of utility upgrades, full depth road reconstruction and sidewalk replacement.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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3. Town Engineer re Approval of bond resolution for Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace and Cardinal Lane
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to approve the attached bond resolution in the amount of $2,400,000 for the reconstruction of Greenbranch Road, Larkwood Road, Woodmar Terrace and Cardinal Lane.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page three . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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4. Town Engineer re Bid date for Police Department Expansion project
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to set a bid date of Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. for the Police Department Expansion project at Town Hall.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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5. Town Engineer re Bond resolution for Police Department Expansion project
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the attached bond resolution in the amount of $2,000,000 for expansion and reconstruction of the Police Department and upgrades at Town Hall, noting that we anticipate actually borrowing $1,000,000; however, the total project costs are higher than this and some portions of the project will be funded by grant monies, and further note the resolution is written in full project amount of the Police Department Expansion and Handicap Accessibility Project under advisement of the town’s bond counsel.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski asked that Section 13 be added to the resolution as follows: “Any residual bonded dollars remaining from the Town Hall renovation project, as described in the published project costs, and in consideration of any grant money received, will be prohibited from use toward any additional renovations or utilized for any other project or initiative.”
Councilman Hart stated they will only borrow enough money to cover the actual costs associated with the project.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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6. Town Engineer re Bid date for Burchfield Restroom & Storage Facility project
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to set a bid date of May 7, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. for receipt of bids on the new restroom and storage facility project at the Burchfield Center.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page four . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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7. Town Engineer re Bond resolution for recreation facilities construction & improvements
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the attached bond resolution in the amount of $300,000 for, but not limited to, the construction of restroom facilities and storage at the Burchfield Center as well as mold abatement and rehabilitation at the Metz house.
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On the question, Councilman Rusinski stated he was opposed to bonding for this project and did not believe it to be a priority or imperative at this time.
Councilman Hart commented that it is unbelievable to have a park with no restroom facility and the town is currently renting port-a-potties at a cost of $500 a month.
Supervisor Meegan stated the storage facility is long overdue and will house lawnmowers and equipment that are currently being kept across the street at the Metz house garages.
Ayes: (2) Supervisor Meegan, Councilman Hart
Noes: (1) Councilman Rusinski Motion Carried
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8. Highway Supt. re Bid date for brush chipper
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to set a bid date of April 16, 2013 at 10:15 A.M. for receipt of bids on the purchase of one (1) brush chipper for the Highway Department.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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9. Highway Supt. re Bid date for bucket/aerial truck
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to set a bid date of April 16, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. for receipt of bids on the purchase of one (1) bucket/aerial truck for the Electrical Department.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if money for this purchase was coming out of reserve funds.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded that money is coming out of the highway reserve fund and purchase of this equipment is part of a five year plan.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page five . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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10. Highway Supt. re Bid award for two cube vans
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Motion by Councilman Rusinski, seconded by Councilman Hart, to award the bid for two (2) cube vans for the Highway Department to DeLacy Ford, 3061 Transit Road, Elma, NY 14059 at their low bid of $59,774.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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11. Highway Supt. re Attendance at 2013 School for Highway Supts.
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Highway Supt. Matthew English and Deputy Highway Supt. Alan Kerner to attend the 2013 School for Highway Superintendents at Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York, June 3 – 5, 2013 at a cost not to exceed $1500.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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12. Highway Supt. re Attendance at Animal Control Seminar
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Jeff Schwing and Ron Stacey to attend the 2013 Animal Control Seminar sponsored by the Town of Webster Animal Control Unit in cooperation with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, April 23 – 24, 2013 at the West Webster Fire Station #1 at a cost not to exceed $310 and noting that lodging is being paid by the CSEA Blue Collar Union.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if $310 is the total cost and if the training is required.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded that $310 is the total cost and training is not required. Based on seniority, the top three employees in this position typically attend.
Supervisor Meegan stated only two employees are being sent.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 7:15 P.M. to discuss a personnel matter.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from Executive Session at 7:20 P.M.
On the original motion,
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page six . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
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13. Town Justices re Appointment of Tammie Maurino as Clerk
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Tammie Maurino as Clerk to the Town Justice effective April 22, 2013 at an annual salary of $38,804.08 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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14. Finance Office re Budgetary transfer request
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve a budgetary transfer request of $7000 from Contingency Acct. #1.1990.0480 to Pre-employment Screening Acct. #1.1989.0401 to establish an appropriation line for expenses related to new employee background and drug testing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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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 - $131,117.50; Highway Fund - $86,748.27; Special Districts - $552,682.07 (voucher #’s 77452 - 77955); Trust & Agency Fund - $46,329.24 (voucher #’s 77911 – 77934); Capital Fund - $72,072.74 (voucher #’s 77802 – 77872)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE PRESENTATION
Code Enforcement Officers John Gullo and Jeffrey Baksa gave a power point presentation on the duties and responsibilities of the Code Enforcement Office and the need for an additional part-time employee.
Councilman Hart acknowledged the current workload in the Code Enforcement Office and questioned what impact upcoming projects will have on the office.
Mr. Gullo responded that inspectors will be required to be on site for larger projects (i.e. construction of apartment complexes, etc.) and this takes them away from and delays their regular duties.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page seven . . .
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE PRESENTATION (continued)
Supervisor Meegan questioned if funds were available to hire a part-time person.
Mr. Gullo responded that money generated by the hiring of an additional part-time person will offset the salary.
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES
Supervisor Meegan welcomed Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo and Mitch Martin from Senator Gallivan’s office. Legislator Lorigo stated he was available to answer any questions relative to county government and Mr. Martin stated he was available to assist with any state related issues residents might have.
Beverly Leising referred to a previous discussion regarding ditch maintenance on Center Road and thanked Legislator Lorigo for his response to her concern.
SIDEWALKS ON QUEENS DRIVE
Beverly Leising questioned the procedure of the Code Enforcement Office when contacted about sidewalk conditions and referred to a call she had placed approximately two years ago regarding sidewalks on Queens Drive.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded that residents of Queens Drive were notified and most sidewalks were repaired. Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner and repair is less costly to residents if one quote is received vs. individual quotes.
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Beverly Leising questioned if residents of road reconstruction projects could be informed that in the past contractors have offered individual driveway/sidewalk repair to property owners at a significantly lower cost.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the town does not get involved in offering that information due to liability issues, but arrangements to have individual work done can be made between the property owner and the contractor.
Councilman Hart stated it is up to the contractor as to whether or not he offers his services to property owners for individual driveway/sidewalk repairs.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin advised the town cannot dictate that a private contractor repair private property.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page eight . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
BURCHFIELD RESTROOM & STORAGE FACILITY
Beverly Leising questioned if cameras will be installed to avert possible vandalism at the restroom/storage facility at Burchfield Center.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded that a camera can be added at the direction of the Town Board.
JOINT MEETING OF BOARDS
Amy Carpenter questioned if a date has been established for a joint Zoning, Planning and Town Board Meeting and Supervisor Meegan responded it had not been scheduled.
UNION CONTRACTS & SALARIES
Amy Carpenter questioned if blue and white collar union contracts along with employee salaries are going to be available on line.
Supervisor Meegan responded union contracts are not available online and she will check on the status of employee salaries being posted.
BUCKET/AERIAL TRUCK
Amy Carpenter questioned if the bucket truck purchase is a new or replacement vehicle.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded it is a replacement vehicle and it is frequently used to hang banners and repair street lights, traffic signals and fire company sirens.
MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE
Amy Carpenter questioned if the committee was set and if the town is going forward with the master plan review.
Supervisor Meegan responded there has not been any recent activity but they do have a list of names for the committee.
TREE REPLACEMENT ON RECONSTRUCTED STREETS
Karen Lucachik suggested the board members consider a law regarding mandatory tree replacement on reconstructed streets similar to the code used for trees in new build areas.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page nine . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
STEPS AT BURCHFIELD CENTER
Karen Lucachik requested steps be installed at the Burchfield Center and Supervisor Meegan stated this has been previously discussed and will be done.
PORT-A-POTTIES AT SOCCER COMPLEX
Karen Lucachik referred to the work session agenda and questioned why port-a-potties are necessary at the soccer complex when there is an adequate restroom facility.
Supervisor Meegan responded the request was not discussed at the work session because it was addressed prior to the meeting and there will be no port-a-potties at the soccer complex.
SENIOR CITIZEN INFORMATION ON WEBSITE
Karen Lucachik questioned why nothing has been recently posted on the website regarding the Senior Citizens Center.
Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services Mary Josefiak responded there was an issue with the website that has since been resolved.
AMERICORPS MEETING
Karen Lucachik stated she hoped the earlier meeting with AmeriCorps is not an indication of any renegotiation of money owed to the town.
Supervisor Meegan responded everything possible is being done to recover the money owed.
PUBLICATION OF POWER POINT PRESENTATION
Johanna Guenther complimented Code Enforcement Officers John Gullo and Jeffrey Baksa on the power point presentation given earlier and suggested it be published in the West Seneca Bee.
REPAVED STREETS
Johanna Guenther questioned if the town receives any guarantee when streets are repaved and noted that streets in Vienna, Austria are guaranteed for 10 years.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded some repaving work is done in house so there is no guarantee, but he believes there is a one year guarantee on capital projects.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 1, 2013
Page ten . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
GARBAGE TOTES
Johanna Guenther suggested while attending the upcoming Highway Supt’s. conference, Highway Supt. Matthew English ask fellow Supts. how senior residents in their towns handle garbage totes.
BIDDING PROCESS
Bill Hanley referred to six agenda items involving bidding and questioned if there is a set of standards followed when bids are opened.
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser responded she opens sealed bids in the presence of the department head, vendors and the general public.
SOCCER COMPLEX
John Domagala commented on after hour activity at the West Seneca Soccer Complex and expressed concern with people walking the path all hours of the night. He questioned if the gates once in place could be reinstalled.
Chief Gehen suggested Mr. Domagala contact the Police Department regarding any activity in the park after hours and they will respond.
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated he will check to see if park closing signs are posted in the park.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
RETIREMENT OF POLICE CHIEF
Chief Gehen announced his retirement after 32 years of service effective the end of April.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK