Environmental Commission Meeting

February 5, 2024, 6:30 pm

The Environmental Commission meeting will be held in the large meeting room of the West Seneca Community Center & Library located at 1300 Union Road

WEST SENECA ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION (WSEC) MEETING AGENDA

February 5, 2024

6:30 PM in the Large Meeting Room, West Seneca Community Center, unless otherwise indicated

MEMBERS – Robert Amadon- Chair, Danielle Bagley, Evelyn Hicks, Thomas Mudd, Ryan Taylor

Town Board Liaison: Scott Robertson

Agenda

1)      Welcome

2)      Introduce New Commission Member Thomas Mudd, and Scott Robertson, Town Board Liaison

3)      Approval of Meeting Minutes from October 2023 meeting

4)      Review 2024 meeting schedule

5)      Annual Financial Disclosure form - Required by the Town for Commission members

6)      Issues of the Public

7)      Correspondence

8)      Strategic Planning Process - The commission meetings scheduled on March 18, and May 13 are working sessions to review and complete the WSEC strategic plan that was started in October 2022.

9)      Ongoing Commission Projects

a.         Bikes

1.         Letter from West Seneca Bikes forwarded to the Town Board in March 2023 with several recommendations regarding safe bike travel in West Seneca. The Environmental Commission has not received feedback from the Town Board. The Town Council Liaison to find out status of this.

b.         Trees

1.         The Town was awarded the DEC Grant for Tree Inventory, and Urban Forestry Management Plan! In the grant application, WSEC was identified as the partner with the town to assist with Public Outreach and Education throughout the project implementation, from start to completion. We need to discuss and agree on the formation of a sub-committee to support this activity.

2.         From the October 2023 meeting minutes, Ms. Bagley had prepared a list of trees acceptable for planting in the town. Input from others during the September 2023 meeting minutes was also discussed. A memo summarizing the recommendations was to be provided to the Town Board.

a)         Additionally, Thomas Mudd has requested we discuss increasing diversity of species in trees allowed on town easements.

b)        Email from Brittany Hernon with a list of potential native trees that could be added to the list of street trees.

c.         Education

d.         Waterways

1.         From the October 2023 Meeting minutes, were the 200 storm drain medallions ordered?

2.         From October 2023 meeting minutes: Ms. Hicks stated she will follow up with the Burchfield Nature and Art Center regarding the erosion they reported at this location and noted Erie County Soil and Water was addressing the concern.

3.         Evelyn Hicks - National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant for implementation of flood control methods along the Buffalo Creek. We are working on this project with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper I will have information on that tour report at the meeting.

e.         Community Needs and Interests, etc.

10)   Governance

1.        Discuss the number of openings for new members.

2.        Evelyn Hicks - Per the by-laws, establish a treasurer/financial secretary for the commission.

3.        Evelyn Hicks - Financial reports - note that in addition to our annual stipend from the Town, the Town is holding money on our behalf for specific projects that have not yet been completed.

11)   New Business

1.  Danielle Bagley - New vendors and promotions available @ the farmers market

12)   Adjourn

2024 Meeting Schedule
February 5, 6:30 PM
March 18, 6:30 PM - working session on strategic planning - small conference room
April 15, 6:30 PM
May 13, 6:30 PM - working session on strategic planning June 10, 6:30 PM
September 30, 6:30 PM
October 28, 6:30 PM
December 9, 6:30 PM