WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008

Supervisor Wallace C. Piotrowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:   Present -

Supervisor Piotrowski read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.

BENEFIT BASIS BUDGET

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 UPON WHICH THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND DEBT SERVICE THEREOF IS APPORTIONED AND ASSESSED IN PROPORTION TO THE AMOUNT OF BENEFIT CONFERRED” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to open the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the 2009 Benefit Basis Budget included all the special districts – electric, water, sanitary sewer, and the Industrial Park drainage district. These were based primarily on the assessed value or a combination of revenue calculations that matched the cost with the users of the services in the various districts in town.

Timothy Greenan, Cedar Court, questioned Sewer District #13, and the basis of the reduction of $191,000.

Town Auditor, Wayne Drescher of Drescher & Malecki LLP, stated that sewer districts were typically very stable or increased slightly with the cost of utilities. However, in the past there were some real issues with Sewer District #13 and it increased at a rapid rate, but charges from the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) were finally stabilized. Mr. Drescher stated that Sewer District #13 was merely a transportation provider of sewage to the Buffalo Sewer Authority, who then treated the sewage and dismissed it into the water system, and those rates stabilized. At one point there was a deficit levy where the district actually went into a deficit and the rates had to be raised, but in the last couple of years, the district was able to stabilize the rates because they were under a DEC consent order. Improvements were made that reduced the flow rate into the sewer system. The BSA charges were held the same, but they were able to get rid of the deficit levy and thus reduce rates.

Mr. Greenan referred to a program the town had where they were spending about $300,000 each year to line some of the sewers.

Mr. Drescher responded that this amount was increased to $400,000 three to four years ago when residents of the district appeared before the Town Board complaining of significant difficulties.

Mr. Greenan questioned if it was that investment that ultimately reduced the charges in Sewer District #13.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page two . . .

BENEFIT BASIS BUDGET    (continued)

Mr. Drescher stated that Town Engineer George Montz was better qualified to answer that question, but there was a lot of slip lining and grouting in the last few years.

Mr. Greenan questioned if there was additional slip lining of the sewer system in the budget this year or if that was cut from the budget.

Mr. Drescher responded that the budgeted amount was increased from $400,000 to $500,000 this year.

Frank Russo, Parkside Drive, questioned if Sewer District #13 was the largest and oldest sewer district in West Seneca.

Mr. Drescher responded that Sewer District #13 was by far the largest, but Sewer District #1 was the oldest.

Mr. Russo stated that he lives in Sewer District #13 and a few years ago when the town built the soccer complex, they changed the physical appearance of a flood plain and overflow from the drainage system at the soccer complex now went into the drainage on Parkside Drive. He questioned if there would be any work done in his neighborhood to resolve this problem.

Mr. Drescher stated that there was $500,000 budgeted for Sewer District #13 for major repairs and improvements.

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to close the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to table adoption of the 2009 Benefit Basis Budget until the next Town Board meeting when all five board members are present.

On the question, Councilwoman Bove agreed with holding off on voting on the Special Districts budget until all five board members were present, but she also suggested scheduling a work session at the next Town Board meeting to discuss questions relative to some of the special districts.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET OF THE TOWN OF WEST SENECA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2009” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to open the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page three . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the proposed budget contained an almost one percent tax decrease for the year 2009 with a slight increase in the assessed value and a decrease in expenses. Copies of the proposed budget were provided at this meeting and it was also available online.

Paula Minklei, Orchard Park Road, commented on the format of the budget and stated that it was the same as in the past even though residents had requested more clarity on many occasions. Mrs. Minklei stated that transparency was necessary if they were to have an authentic public hearing on the budget and if Town Board members were genuinely interested in serving their constituents. She suggested a line item format to provide the missing information, a column with previous year’s figures to give some comparison, an indication of how many people were covered under each salary figure to give a better indication of where money is being spent, and a break out of the benefits covered with each salary in each department. Mrs. Minklei thought the budget was missing crucial information regarding the number of people in many departments. She questioned how many persons were covered in the following: Other Clerical – Assessor; Clerical & Extra Clerks – Tax Collection; Clerical – Town Attorney; Other Clerical – Town Engineer; Other Clerical, Captains, Detectives, Police Officers, Fire Dispatchers, Police Lts., Desk Lts., and Detective Lts. – Police; Maintenance Men – Electrical; Fire Inspector & Electrical Inspector – Building & Plumbing; Laborers & part-time Laborers – Buildings & Grounds; Employees – Recreation; part-time Laborers – Ice Rink, Swimming Pool, Kiwanis Youth Center; part-time Clerks, Drivers, Instructors & Food Service Helpers – Senior Citizens; how many members on the Zoning & Planning Board; regular Laborers & part-time Laborers – Sanitation; personnel figures for the entire Highway Department. Mrs. Minklei referred to the Salary of Clerk line item under Town Clerk and questioned if the figure was for more than one clerk.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the figure represented the salary for two clerks.

Mrs. Minklei stated that she would like to know in total how many blue collar employees, white collar employees and other employees were employed by the town, and employee costs to the town and benefits broken down along with salary and job title. She was also concerned about the Youth Bureau budget and did not understand why the director of a department with a $152,000 budget received a salary of over $82,000 plus benefits, when the Highway Sup’t., who oversees a budget of more than $9.5 million and enumerable employees, makes a salary of $76,650. Mrs. Minklei noted that the Youth Director’s salary and benefits were questioned many times over the past few years, but she was not aware of any answer being given. If it was the town’s obligation under some contract with AmeriCorps, she would like that clarified, and if it was not contractual she would like to know why it was so high.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that he did not have an answer to this and would like to see that expense reduced. He did not believe the Youth Director’s salary was contractual.

Councilwoman Bove stated that the proposed budget was Supervisor Piotrowski’s budget and the Town Board members did not have any input in it.

Mrs. Minklei noted that Supervisor Piotrowski had proposed combining the Recreation Department and Youth Bureau, but the board members voted against that.

Councilwoman Meegan did not believe there was anything in the grants about the Youth Director’s salary.

Mrs. Minklei questioned why Supervisor Piotrowski set the Youth Director’s salary at over $82,000 in the proposed budget.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page four . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that he had tried once to do something with this, but he had to be realistic about what was going to pass in the budget.

Mrs. Minklei thought the Youth Director’s salary should be cut considering the size of the department and the number of employees he oversees. She implored the board members to give the citizens the transparency and clarity they deserve. Mrs. Minklei thought the openness would give West Seneca residents renewed confidence in town government and all of its representatives.

Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, referred to the minutes from last year’s budget hearing and stated that many of the things Mrs. Minklei just commented on were also mentioned at that meeting, and if you went back a few years it was the same thing and no answers had been given. Mrs. Lucachick was happy that the budget was put on the website and thought that along with cutting down on expenses it would help people become more informed. However, she questioned what the actual expenses were for last year and how Supervisor Piotrowski came up with the figure so she could compare and better understand the expenses. Mrs. Lucachick referred to the telephone expense of $96,400 and noted that it was down a little from last year, but every year the town pays an installation charge of $2000 (Building Department – Page 5) and another $50,000 under Telephone along with the telephone line items in every department. Mrs. Lucachick referred to the Historical Building budget and thought that $3500 for the gas bill was too high for a building that was not occupied every day. She suggested buying a programmable thermostat to control the temperature, and also commented on other budget items for the Historical Building such as $1000 for telephone, $5000 for repairs, $200 for water, and $1500 for electric, all of which she thought were too high. Mrs. Lucachick questioned if there were budget meetings for each department and who attended the meetings.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that budget meetings were held with each department head and all council members were invited to attend.

Councilwoman Bove disagreed and stated that the council members were not invited to the budget meetings. Per a memo from Comptroller Robert Bielecki, only the department heads and budget officer were invited.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that she attended the budget meetings and had called each of the other board members that morning to see if they would be attending. Councilman Graber informed her that he would not be attending because he was working.

Councilman Clarke stated that he only found out about the budget meetings because he happened to be at the Town Hall that day.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that everyone received a packet concerning the budget meetings and had the option to be present. He commented that they needed to go through their mailboxes and read the materials and then they would have known about the meetings.

Mrs. Lucachick suggested that something be put on the front of the envelope stating that it required immediate attention. She further questioned line items for Membership Dues in various departments and mandated training for Zoning and Planning Board members.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that membership dues were for organizations that certain elected officials and employees belonged to through their position with the town and Zoning and Planning Board members and other department heads were required by state law to attend mandatory training sessions. He did not know when they attended the sessions but assumed that they did if they submitted a certificate to the town.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page five . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mrs. Lucachick questioned if the Zoning & Planning Board members had submitted certificates this year for attendance at the training sessions.

Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale responded that they had submitted certificates to her this year.

Daniel Warren, Indian Church Road, agreed with the previous comments about the format of the budget and would like to be able to compare last year’s budget to this year’s. He also thought the budget should include what was budgeted for the current year and what had been spent to date so they could see whether or not last year’s budget estimates were relatively close to being on target. Mr. Warren noted that earlier in the summer there was discussion about various grants through AmeriCorps and he presumed there may be other grant programs the town may be running. Even though they might zero out, they have the potential of producing some cash flow issues throughout the year. Mr. Warren hoped to see in the next budget an item for the appropriations for what the town will be expending upfront for the various programs and on the revenue side the receipts the town will be getting from the various grants. He further referred to discussions earlier in the year about a deficit in the budget and questioned if it was taken care of or how it was being addressed so it did not happen again next year.

Jean Boltz, Suburban Court, referred to the parks situation that occurred this past spring and questioned if the current proposed budget provided funding for staffing the parks in the summer.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the proposed budget included the same proposal that was made this past spring. All the parks will be open, but the number of parks that are staffed will be reduced, and therefore, expenses will be reduced.

Ms. Boltz commented that a lot of people were not happy with that proposal in the spring and they had submitted a petition with over 300 signatures opposing the reduction in staffing of the parks. Most of the parks that would not be staffed were in certain areas where the parents were working and not home during the day so the children did not have a positive role model.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that every section of the town would have a park that was staffed and rest room facilities were an important consideration in deciding which parks to staff. He noted that the petition that was circulated indicated that the parks were being closed and that misrepresented the facts. The parks were not being closed, they were not being staffed. Supervisor Piotrowski commented that everyone had to accept that there had to be cuts across the board if they were to keep taxes at the same rate. Every year labor costs increased almost a half million dollars plus the increase in health insurance costs, which was $157,000 this year, so they had to have corresponding cuts in other areas.

Ms. Boltz noted that the summer employees at the parks were college students that were only part-time and received minimum wage with no benefits. She thought this was a small amount that would not have any effect on the budget.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that no department or organization wanted to have their budget cut even by a small amount, but if everyone pitched in even by a small amount, savings could be realized throughout the town. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that his proposed budget was asking everyone to pitch in to a certain degree to keep the taxes reasonable.

Ms. Boltz questioned if there was enough funding for the Recreation Department.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page six . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there was plenty of funding for the Recreation Department. The town was still providing day care services for six weeks during the summer on a much limited scale. Supervisor Piotrowski commented that parents drive their children everywhere - soccer, baseball, day care centers, etc., and he thought most parents could make sure their children were delivered to a park at a certain time. He further noted that many of the parks do not have rest room facilities for the children that attend or the employees, so they have to ride their bike or walk to the nearest rest room.

Ms. Boltz stated that the recreation programs at the playgrounds were not babysitting, they were activities for the children so they do not go elsewhere and get involved with drugs, alcohol, or gangs. She further commented that not all parents are able to drive their children because they are working, so the children walk to the playgrounds.

Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, referred to Page five, Central Printing & Mailing, and questioned the equipment repair and maintenance line item for $86,000 and the software maintenance line item for $38,000. She questioned what these line items included.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that this was for the computer system that was installed in Town Hall a couple of years ago.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned why it would require maintenance in that large amount, what it covered, and how many pieces of equipment.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that it covered the cost of the computer company that serviced all the equipment in Town Hall. He estimated this to be 50 to 60 computers.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that this would amount to more than $1000 per computer and new computers were almost $1000. She questioned the type of maintenance performed and if the contract could be renegotiated.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that she would check on this, but she thought this amount was contractual and it was a four year agreement that was signed two or three years ago. Councilwoman Meegan understood that Councilwoman Bove went to great lengths to put in a great system that the town was lacking, and she thought this line item referred to the contract that was signed at that time. Upgrading of the system was continuous and no matter what happened, when a call was made they responded within an hour.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that she had asked a businessman from a major company employing 50 people how much he paid for computer maintenance, and although it was not an “apples to apples” comparison, he paid $4000 annually for maintenance. She further questioned what kind of maintenance the software required.

Supervisor Piotrowski understood this was all part of the contract with the company that serviced the town’s computers.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that it was a new system called Citrix and she understood the software maintenance was also contractual.

Mrs. Carpenter referred to the various maintenance line items and thought it was an excessive amount.

Councilwoman Meegan agreed and stated that she would be happy to research this issue and find out if the maintenance could go out to bid at the end of the contract.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned what the citizens had to do to get more transparency on the budget.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page seven . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the concern that was expressed to him was that the citizens wanted the budget online and the other columns removed, and that was how the budget was prepared. If there was something more the citizens were requesting, he needed to be informed of it and he would provide it to them in next year’s budget. If there was something they needed for this year’s budget, he asked that they contact his office and he would provide it.

Frank Russo, Parkside Drive, questioned if this was the first time any of the board members viewed the proposed budget.

Each of the board members responded that they had reviewed the budget prior to this meeting.

Mr. Russo commented that it was a shame there was no communication on the Town Board, and he thought they should all work together on the budget and have answers for the public. Mr. Russo stated that the board members seemed more concerned about whose turn it was to hire someone instead of taking care of the problems in town. He questioned if the proposed budget eliminated the positions in Animal Control.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that he was proposing to change the structure of the Animal Control department. The two animal control officers would be moved into the two vacant positions in the Highway Department.

Mr. Russo commented on the Youth Bureau budget and the salary of the Youth Director who openly admitted he only spends five percent of his time on Youth Bureau business and the other 95 percent on the AmeriCorps. Mr. Russo questioned the clothing allowance line item for $3000.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the clothing allowance line item was for t-shirts for students who participate in the programs.

Mr. Russo commented on the craft materials and supplies line item for $5000, another craft materials and supplies line item under Peer Counseling for $1500, and a clothing allowance line item under Peer Counseling for $1500. He further questioned the school intervention service program for $30,000.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the school intervention service program was for the Catholic Charities program.

Mr. Russo questioned why the town was giving $30,000 to Catholic Charities, especially when AmeriCorps provided the same services. Mr. Russo further referred to the salaries of the Peer Counselors and thought they should be on the school payroll instead of the town. Although their salaries were shared between the school and the town, the town paid all the benefits.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the town got a partial reimbursement from the school district and he had approached the school district about increasing the allotment, but they refused.

Mr. Russo referred to the budget for the Assessor and questioned if the town had a full-time certified Assessor.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there was a full-time NYS certified assessor, but his title was Real Property Appraiser. The position of Town Assessor was still vacant. The Other Clerical line item was for two other Clerks. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the Assessor’s Office ran with three full-time employees.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page eight . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mr. Russo referred to the line items for payment of dues and questioned an item on Page five for Municipal Association Dues in the amount of $5000.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that this was for the Association of Towns and Mr. Drescher explained that all the towns provide dues to the organization and they support all the activities of the town.

Mr. Russo hoped that the Town Board would vote against this budget and do some real cutting to reduce the cost of government. He referred to recent comments from the NYS Comptroller and stated that the towns will get hit hard in two years because of town and school district employees with guaranteed pensions. There was enough money until 2010, but they just lost 20 percent in the stock market, so the people will have to pay. Mr. Russo further stated that in 2006 there were 115 retirees from the town that had 85 percent of their health insurance paid for. It cost the taxpayers $1,311,533 to cover these employees. He hoped that the Town Board would consider making changes in future labor contracts.

Tim Greenan, Cedar Court, referred to the Youth Bureau and AmeriCorps issue and stated that the Town of West Seneca was currently the grantee on five grants totaling $5 million in federal money that comes to the town either directly or through New York State. In order to get that $5 million annually, the town agreed to provide some sort of match against that, either a cash match or an in-kind match. Therefore, the town was contractually obligated under its match requirement on the grants to have an Executive Director of the Youth Bureau who gets paid a certain amount of money with a portion of the salary being considered a match on the grant. Mr. Greenan stated that the person that is contractually obligated on behalf of the town to oversee the $5 million is Youth Director Mark Lazzara, so he had authority over that budget along with the $5 million. He further stated that the proposed budget does not account for any AmeriCorps deficit. Supervisor Piotrowski and Comptroller Bielecki assumed that AmeriCorps will eventually completely pay for itself and it will zero out at no additional cost to the town than what is in the budget this year. Mr. Greenan referred to previous comments on the reduction in staffing at town parks and stated that historically the town invested a lot in recreation, possibly too much. However, the argument has always been that investment in recreational facilities like neighborhood parks, etc. increased the value of the residents’ homes, and that was the reason for the investment in the parks. Mr. Greenan questioned if there were any other service level reductions anticipated by the proposed budget, other than staffing at the parks and the animal control department, and if it had been discussed by the board members.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there had not been any conversation amongst the board members because they had not held a work session. This was his proposed budget and it was up to the board members to agree or disagree.

Mr. Greenan questioned if the reduction in the animal control department represented a service reduction and if the public would deal with animal control differently.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that animal control was not being eliminated as a service to the residents, but the department would be restructured. Another town may be taking over the service for West Seneca and the town will pay them for the service. Deer pick up will be handled by the town Highway Department as it is in other towns in Erie County.

Mr. Greenan questioned if there was an agreement in place with another town.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there was no agreement in place at this time. The proposed budget anticipated a future agreement.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page nine . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mr. Greenan questioned if there were any other service changes or reductions, assumptions of reduction of services, or changes in the way services are delivered in the proposed budget.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the town would still provide all the services to the residents that they are used to, but they will be trying to provide it in a more cost efficient manner.

Mr. Greenan questioned what other assumptions there were in the proposed budget other than the anticipated $50,000 agreement for animal control.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the animal control agreement was the only intermunicipal agreement this town would be entering into at this time and there was no other reduction in services in the proposed budget.

Mr. Greenan referred to a previous question as to whether there was a surplus or deficit from the 2008 budget and he questioned what was anticipated.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that it was difficult to say at this time since there were a couple more months to go in the year.

Comptroller Bielecki responded that there were certain areas that were over and others that were short, but he did not anticipate having a deficit. He thought that in the end it should come out fairly close.

Mr. Greenan questioned if expenses through the end of 2008 were projected when the 2009 budget was prepared.

Comptroller Bielecki responded that when the budget was prepared it was based on historical expenses, expenses to date, and a projection of expenses through the end of the year.

Mr. Greenan questioned how the total projected expenses for 2008 compared to the budgeted 2008 expenses and asked for the exact figures.

Mr. Drescher responded that at the point the figures were calculated there were still several things that were unsettled, such as health insurance, etc., and there are obvious exceptions like the gasoline line items since they didn’t anticipate the drastic increase in gas prices. The actual figures were through the end of August and they had to project to the end of the year. Mr. Drescher stated that it appeared there will be about a $1 million surplus on the expenditure side, but on the revenue side there were several lines that will not make expectations. If all things settle good, the town will have a small surplus this year in both the General Fund and Highway Fund.

Mr. Greenan questioned if Mr. Drescher was saying that the town spent $1 million less this year than it had budgeted for.

Mr. Drescher stated that the town was still settling out some health insurance claims, but it appeared there would be some surplus on the expenditure side.

Mr. Greenan questioned how the 2009 proposed expenditures compared to the actual expenditures for 2008.

Mr. Drescher responded that they were very close and there were not a lot of increases in the proposed budget.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page ten . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mr. Greenan questioned how this would affect the town if something happened like a snowstorm, etc., and if there was any place in the budget where they could get additional money. He further questioned how this will affect the town when it goes to borrow $5 million for current bonding.

Mr. Drescher responded that there was fund balance available and he projected that to be a little over $1 million in the General Fund and a little more than that in the Highway Fund. He did not believe it would affect the bond rating and stated that the budget had always been this way; there was never a lot of slack in it.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that she has had many questions from the residents about the Youth Director position and AmeriCorps and she asked Mr. Greenan for clarification on some questions since he was the former Town Attorney. Councilwoman Meegan questioned if the town was contractually responsible to have Mr. Lazzara as Youth Director, but receive no benefit from the federal government to help pay his salary.

Mr. Greenan stated that was correct.

Councilwoman Meegan further questioned if it was Mr. Lazzara’s responsibility as AmeriCorps Director to continually fund and replenish all the monies he received by constantly fundraising.

Mr. Greenan stated that Mr. Lazzara’s responsibility was as an employee of the Town of West Seneca. The Town of West Seneca was the recipient of the grant and Mr. Lazzara was the department head that managed the program. It was actually the town’s responsibility as recipient of the $5 million and the town had a duty to raise another $1.7 million to match it. Mr. Lazzara, on behalf of the town, was responsible to make sure that money is raised because if it is not, then it would come out of the taxpayers’ pockets.

Councilwoman Meegan understood that the town had given $3.1 million so far.

Mr. Greenan responded that the $3.1 million figure was from an account in the Comptroller’s Office that tracked the money spent by AmeriCorps, but what was not counted against that account was certain trust accounts the town had. When Mr. Lazzara and the Youth Bureau on behalf of the town raises money, it goes into trust accounts, so there was hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in trust accounts earning interest and that had to be applied against the deficit. There was also money that had to be collected from the state and federal government. With the money from the trust accounts and the money due from the state and federal government, Mr. Greenan believed it was enough to be a wash. There were a couple of big grants where the federal government owed the town money and hadn’t made payment, in particular, the work AmeriCorps did in Mississippi. When they pay that money to the town, the deficit should be zeroed out. Mr. Greenan stated that Comptroller Bielecki and his office were working with Mr. Lazzara and AmeriCorps not-for-profit to straighten this out and make sure the money comes in. They believe that everything will be zeroed out and it will become a non-issue.

Councilwoman Meegan questioned if they anticipated the money for the work in Mississippi coming in by the end of this year.

Comptroller Bielecki did not anticipate receiving the money by the end of the year and stated that one of the AmeriCorps staff members was going to Mississippi next month to work on that issue with them. He further clarified Mr. Greenan’s previous statement about the $3.1 million figure and stated that it already included offsets from the trust accounts. Comptroller Bielecki stated that after the next payment is made it should be down to $3 million, so it was starting to turn around.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page eleven . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Councilwoman Meegan commented that a large portion of Mr. Lazzara’s day was spent on AmeriCorps business and that was what the argument was.

Mr. Greenan stated that this was a policy question for the Town Board. His only point was that the town had a contractual responsibility for the in-kind service and to raise $1.7 million due to the grants. The town contracted with AmeriCorps not-for-profit to do the fundraising and Mr. Lazzara, along with the Comptroller’s Office, must make sure that they do it, the reporting is done, and the money is collected. This is included in Mr. Lazzara’s job description, or whoever is Youth Director, and Mr. Lazzara has the history and personality and has been successful at raising the money. Mr. Greenan agreed that Mr. Lazzara probably spent the majority of his day doing this, but if he didn’t the Town of West Seneca would have to pay the $1.7 million.

Councilman Clarke questioned if New York State reimbursed the town for any portion of Mr. Lazzara’s salary.

Mr. Greenan understood that they reimbursed every town a certain percentage of their Youth Director’s salary.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that 20 percent of the salary was reimbursed by the state.

Joyce Mallette, Century Drive, referred to the proposed reorganization of the Animal Control department and questioned what will happen to the building on Mineral Springs Road if there is no Animal Control Officer.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that Highway Supt. Patrick Finnegan would be absorbing the building into the Highway Department.

Chris Boltz, Suburban Court, agreed with a number of people that there should be a different format on the budget. He thanked Mr. Greenan for taking the time to ask questions and stated that if the figures were presented properly it would alleviate a number of questions. Mr. Boltz referred to the proposal to change the way services were done in the past and stated that as the issues appear throughout the year it will create a problem because people are not aware of it until the time the issue comes up.

Frank Russo, Parkside Drive, stated that for many years the residents were told that the AmeriCorps program did not cost the taxpayers anything, yet Mr. Greenan just admitted that it cost the town a lot of money. He questioned if anyone had any documentation concerning the grants that was tied to Mr. Lazzara receiving a salary from the town, and if so, why did it have to be $82,000.

Councilwoman Bove stated that she had seen documentation on this but she did not have it with her.

Mr. Russo asked that Councilwoman Bove save him the time of submitting a freedom of information request and just send him the documentation. He thought the public deserved to see documentation that the town was obligated to pay Mr. Lazzara for the next two years. His salary and benefits for the next two years will cost the taxpayers over $200,000 for someone that only does five percent of his work as Youth Director and supervises only two people.

Councilwoman Bove stated that she did not have the documentation to show Mr. Russo and suggested that he submit a freedom of information request.

Mr. Russo commented that the town did not need a full-time or part-time Youth Director and it was time to start making some cuts.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Councilwoman Meegan referred to a question Mr. Russo had previously asked her and stated that the two Peer Counselors were not listed under the Youth Bureau department.

Carol Harris, Creekview Drive, stated that this was the first time she had attended a Town Board meeting. She and her husband were lifelong residents of the town and owned a home for the last 30 years. Their taxes had tripled over that time and she asked the board members to do their best to keep taxes under control so they could afford to stay in the town.

Linda Boldt, Lein Road, stated that she worked at the Youth Bureau for 16 years and helped write the grants and there was nothing contractual in the grants for Mr. Lazzara’s salary. AmeriCorps did not care what Mr. Lazzara got paid; they only cared about the in-kind match. Mrs. Boldt stated that if Mr. Lazzara was only spending five percent of his time doing town work, he should only be getting five percent of his salary from the town. She did not believe it was fair to the town to pay him $82,000 when he was traveling to Mississippi, Louisiana, Washington, and Albany, and the town was not benefiting.

Mr. Greenan referred to the five grant agreements currently in place and stated that at the end there was schedule that showed what the cash and in-kind match was. Each of the grants provided the Executive Director of the West Seneca Youth Bureau as part of the town’s match. His salary is listed and what percentage of it that is going toward the in-kind match.

Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, stated that she had previously submitted a freedom of information request to the Town Attorney’s office concerning the AmeriCorps and was never given anything. Mr. Lazzara sat with her and told her everything he wanted her to know, but did not provide the information Mr. Russo spoke about. Mrs. Carpenter hoped the information would be made available this time.

Town Attorney Edwin Hunter questioned if Mrs. Carpenter had received any response to her request from Deputy Town Attorney Paul Notaro.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that she had received a response from Mr. Notaro and it would have cost her $365 for photocopy costs. She asked if the information could have been put on a CD but never received a response to that question.

Mr. Hunter questioned when Mrs. Carpenter had requested this information.

Mrs. Carpenter responded that she had asked for this information last year and met last October with Mr. Lazzara. Mrs. Carpenter further questioned if the town had been receiving money for the soccer park from the soccer association or if that was written off.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that the town received fees from the soccer association annually, but they never received any funds for the original debt.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if there was any plan to go after the soccer association to get some of the funds back.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there was no plan at this time because there was nothing to go after.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that she had heard the soccer association has a big party at the end of the year with great food and t-shirts and every kid is given a trophy. She thought if they had money for this celebration, they should have some money to give back to the town.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Supervisor Piotrowski responded that they could look into this, but there was not much there in looking at the Soccer Association’s budget. He did not have the figures with him but asked Mrs. Carpenter to call him and he would provide her with that information.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that she understood it was not all of the current board members responsibility, but it was a lot of money and she did not think they should just let it go. Mrs. Carpenter further referred to Supervisor Piotrowski’s earlier comment that “parents have to drive their kids everywhere” and thought it was sad that West Seneca was not a more walkable community. She thought that elected officials should be considering areas to save on energy costs such as windmills or solar panels and plan things that are environmentally sound and good for the community rather than opening up another park.

Tom Trimper, Pine Valley Court, stated that he has been attending Town Board meetings for four years and every time a question is asked about a cost, the response is that it is contractual or Albany is to blame. Mr. Trimper stated that everyone that works for the town or school district has a guaranteed pension and health care so all the numbers have to be looked at continuously. Everyone that works for a private company has their pension and health care at risk all the time; they don’t have a guaranteed contract. Mr. Trimper asked that the board do their best at cutting costs.

Councilwoman Bove stated that a tremendous amount of money was cut from part-time summer salaries. She referred to the Salary of Other Employees - part time line item in the Recreation Department on Page ten and stated that this figure was $167,883 in the adopted 2008 budget. In 2007, $144,734 was spent in that line item and the anticipated amount to be spent through the end of 2008 was $104,849. Councilwoman Bove stated that $67,000 was cut from that line item and she asked Recreation Director Robert Walsh if he had any concerns about this.

Mr. Walsh responded that one of his main concerns with this line item was that he did not believe the fitness center was included in the $104,849. If $22,000 was subtracted for the fitness center and more for the Youth Theater, that would only leave about $64,000 for the summer program and everything else. He estimated that the figure should be $110,000 to $115,000 with those two items included.

Councilwoman Bove understood that the woman at the fitness center made $21,554, but there was also revenue from the fitness center. For 2007 the revenue was $14,129 from the fitness center that should go back into the Recreation budget. She questioned where the money would have gone.

Comptroller Bielecki advised that the money was in trust and it was then spent out of trust.

Councilwoman Bove questioned the code for the trust.

Linda Kauderer, an employee in the Comptroller’s Office, responded that the money was not transferred to the recreation budget yet.

Councilwoman Bove questioned the amount that would be transferred.

Mrs. Kauderer advised that the amount was approximately $32,000 but that covered last year also.

Councilwoman Bove questioned why this amount would go into a trust instead of back to the Recreation Department.

Mrs. Kauderer responded that the previous Comptroller had it set up this way.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Councilwoman Bove suggested that this be changed so they could see the reality of what happened in each department. Because the fitness center was a recreation type activity, $21,554 was paid out from recreation, but $14,129 came back in. Therefore, the fitness center that was open five days a week with a trainer and classes cost the town $7425 for the entire year. Councilwoman Bove stated that when they were anticipating the possibility of having someone there five days and doing all the classes, they got proposals and the smallest proposal was $120,000 annually. However, she worked with Mr. Walsh and they set up the fitness center with a part-time person from 9 AM to 2 PM so this should show in his budget. Councilwoman Bove stated that the Recreation Department should not be penalized and the $32,000 should be in that budget. She questioned what other type of part-time employees would be cut without additional money.

Mr. Walsh responded that probably one-half the park staff would be cut.

Councilwoman Bove stated that then kids might not walk to a park because there would be no one there from the Recreation Department. She noted an incident earlier this year at the Dirkson Avenue Park where a child was approached by someone in a vehicle and the mother stated that she felt comfortable because she knew that someone would be at the park. Councilwoman Bove stated that the town was not providing day care, they were giving parents a feeling of comfort to know that their children could walk to their local park and have someone from the town there. She stated that people were proud of their neighborhoods and one of the reasons they may have bought their home was because there was a park in the neighborhood. Councilwoman Bove commented that they should not underestimate the service they provide as a town in the protection of the children. As a former teacher she had children tell her things that they might not tell someone else, and things happen in parks and they need to protect the children in the parks.

Supervisor Piotrowski noted that Mr. Walsh had requested $140,000 and he questioned if the reduction from previous years was because they were no longer staffing Burchfield.

Mr. Walsh stated that was part of the reduction and he also took out the playground staff that was reduced from four to two.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the $100,000 budgeted was based upon his proposal to reduce the number of parks that are staffed.

Councilwoman Bove referred to the proposed elimination of the Animal Control Officers and stated that there were legal contracts with unions and nothing could be changed in the town if it was bound under union contract without the approval of the union. She questioned if Supervisor Piotrowski had discussed this proposal with any of the union representatives.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that he and Councilwoman Bove both attended a meeting in June with the Town of Orchard Park to negotiate a contract with them, and at that time, Labor Counsel Sean Beiter indicated that he would notify the union accordingly once they adopted the contract with the Town of Orchard Park.

Councilwoman Bove thought that if they adopt a contract they automatically violate a union contract, because in the union contract there is something having to do with no sub-contracting.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that sub-contracting was permitted by the Blue Collar Contract and Mr. Beiter went through this issue and indicated that they could not formally notify the union until after the contract was adopted. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the town was permitted to sub-contract not only by the contract, but also by the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Councilwoman Bove referred to the $50,000 allocated for Other Expenses under Dog Control and questioned what this would be spent on.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that as the Orchard Park Supervisor informed them on June 4th, $50,000 would reimburse them for their cost of running their department. He noted that this was indicated on the Town of Orchard Park’s website on Page 7 and 8.

Councilwoman Bove stated that the proposal was to have the full-time Animal Control Officer in Orchard Park take care of that town and the Town of West Seneca, which was twice the size of Orchard Park. That person would now have three times the territory and West Seneca would be paying one-half the cost. Councilwoman Bove thought this would completely take away the service for West Seneca. She did not believe people in the town could call and get prompt service from someone that covered a territory that touched Boston through Buffalo. Councilwoman Bove thought $50,000 would being paying for a service that was no longer in existence and stated that she had a better plan that stayed within the confines of the Blue Collar Contract, would keep the service levels intact, and have no sub-contracting. Nothing had been finalized at this point, but it was a plan that would keep all the services in town. If for some reason any of the police officers needed an animal control officer very quickly, the response would be within a time that was normally gotten at this point. Councilwoman Bove stated that she was currently working on this proposal and as soon as it came to fruition she would let everyone know.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the service would not change if it goes to Orchard Park, and Chief Gehen could provide them with the number of instances in 2006 and 2007 where Dog Control was needed immediately. Many officers have said that on weekends or evenings when the Animal Control Officers would have to be called in for overtime, they will pick up the dogs and take them to the shelter on their own. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the question was what services are provided by the department and can the town provide them with a more cost efficient method. He noted that in 2007 there were 85 dog pick ups and 167 deer pick ups for 365 days of the year. The Animal Control Officers set 21 traps in that year and there were 35 animal removals. The question was for those types of figures can they provide the service by hiring the Town of Orchard Park Animal Control Officer. As a comparison, the figures for 2006 were 183 deer pick ups, 90 dog pick ups, and 15 traps were set, so the numbers were consistent. Supervisor Piotrowski thought they needed to work together with other towns and help each other reduce costs, which results in savings to the residents. By paying the Town of Orchard Park for this service, the town will save over $150,000 in that one department.

Councilwoman Bove stated that the money will still be saved and she did not want anyone to be fooled by figures and numbers that had nothing to do with service. The service must stay the same and the amount of money will be saved along with it. Councilwoman Bove further questioned in the proposed budget where the town would pay Wendel Duchscherer, the town’s Land Use and Planning Consultant and Labor Counsel Sean Beiter.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the Planning Consultant was included on Page eight under the Building Department line item for “Consultant” and the labor counsel was included on Page four under the Town Attorney line item for “Legal Services.”

Councilwoman Bove noted that the expenditures through 2008 for legal services for the Town Attorney’s Office were $113,656 and last year it was $79,817. The Town Attorney requested $100,000 for legal services, but the proposed budget only allocated $60,000 and she questioned where the rest of the money would come from.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Supervisor Piotrowski responded that they were trying to anticipate what litigation there would be. There were several litigation files that were completed this year and none had been commenced as of this date, so they were anticipating less legal services being needed by outside counsel. Supervisor Piotrowski also noted that the Town Attorney’s Office had handled a number of cases in-house that used to be “farmed out.”

Councilwoman Bove stated that Mr. Hunter requested $100,000 and she questioned if he thought that was necessary.

Mr. Hunter responded that he requested $105,000 because he looked at the Town Attorney’s budget historically and took an average from the previous five years. This year they were hit with a number of expenses that came due from outside counsel for cases that went back to 2005 and 2006. One of the offices that were involved had a practice of just submitting a bill at the end and there was no interim billing. The first case began in 2005 and there were seven statements that came in during the first five months of this year. All the cases went back beginning at least two years prior. Mr. Hunter stated that the counsel did a very nice job and he would continue to retain them, but he asked that they submit interim bills on a quarterly basis if sufficient time was expended to merit it and they agreed to do so. He further noted that their billings itemized the services but did not break down the time involved and he requested that they also provide the time. Mr. Hunter stated that his law firm does insurance defense work and when they appear on a matter for a carrier they may be in court for an hour on two or three different matters, so that time is then split between the clients. Mr. Hunter stated that in one instance there appeared to be duplicative billing from someone who had been doing work for the town for about ten years, but he knew the person and knew he was splitting the time even though it didn’t look that way. The person confirmed to Mr. Hunter that he did split the time between various matters and in the future his bills would indicate that. Mr. Hunter stated that his office was hit with a number of bills early in the year, but the latter part of this year was more routine.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if it was Mr. Hunter’s opinion that the $60,000 was underestimated.

Mr. Hunter responded that $60,000 was allotted for 2008 and that was why he increased it.

Councilwoman Bove referred to Page four under the Town Engineer line item for Equipment Repair & Maintenance and stated that Mr. Montz requested $5000 and the expenditures anticipated through the end of 2008 was $3700. Last year’s budget was $4000 for this item and the proposed budget allocated $2500. Councilwoman Bove questioned what that department would do if they have equipment repairs and maintenance over $2500 and if this was just a random figure proposed by Supervisor Piotrowski.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that this figure was based upon conversations with Mr. Montz during the department head budget meetings. It was based upon Mr. Montz’ estimation of anticipated expenses for next year.

Councilwoman Bove noted that Mr. Montz sent an e-mail stating that he was very concerned about his budget and referred to line items that were under budgeted from what he had requested. The Equipment Repair & Maintenance line item was reduced from $4000 to $2500, but Mr. Montz noted that $3408 was expended in 2006 and $3370 was expended in 2007 from that line item and he asked that it be increased to the requested $5000.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Supervisor Piotrowski stated that he could not make any apologies for asking the department heads to “tighten their belts” and save money where they can. He discussed every line item with each department head and gave his thoughts on what they should be. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the department heads may not be happy with what he proposed for their budgets, but he was asking them to cut back.

Councilwoman Bove referred to Page five under the Special Items line item for Insurance Administration with an allocation of $15,000. She noted that in 2007 this figure was $50,000 and in 2006 it was $54,000 and questioned why it was reduced to $15,000.

Mr. Hunter responded that this was due to the elimination of HRH consulting services. The town had a third party administrator for worker’s compensation as required by statute and they also had a second level of consulting that was overseeing the third party administrator at a hefty consulting fee. This was eliminated a couple of months ago by the Town Board because it was deemed unnecessary.

Councilwoman Bove further referred to Page five under the Special Items line item for Judgments & Claims and noted that the 2008 allocation was $23,427 and this was reduced to $5000. She questioned how they would know what judgments and claims there would be.

Mr. Hunter assumed that this was the deductible and stated that the town had a $100,000 per matter deductible that was sometimes referred to as the self insured reserve. Last year the town got hit with a large claim for a personal injury that was suffered on town property. This was well documented and the case settled for a couple hundred thousand dollars. The insurance company attorneys paid their part, but the town’s part was the first $100,000. He was not sure if this was the same claim.

Councilwoman Bove stated that the proposed budget only allocated $5000 for that line item.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that this was based upon previous years. Last year the amount paid in claims was $986, in 2006 it was $32,000 and in 2005 it was $117. These were smaller claims that were made that the town was self-insured on. There was no guarantee as to what amount it would be, but he proposed $5000 to cover it. If there is an excessive claim like Mr. Hunter referred to, that will come out of another line item.

Councilwoman Bove questioned only budgeting $5000 for this line item when in some years the expenditure was much higher.

Mr. Hunter suggested looking at the five year average for this line item, which would give a historical and reasonable average.

Councilwoman Bove noted that there used to be a line item under the Special Items category called Contingent Account with $30,000 allocated, but it was no longer there. She questioned why there was no longer a contingent account.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that in 2003 through 2008 there were no funds paid from the Contingent Account even though it was funded for $30,000 each year. It was not used for any type of claims.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Mr. Drescher stated that contingency was never really spent out of the Contingency Account. It was really for some other line within the budget for which unforeseen things happen. For instance, last year gas was probably budgeted at $2 per gallon without taxes and this year it went up to $2.50 per gallon. The amount would not be spent out of contingency, it would be transferred from contingency to a particular department’s gasoline budget and then spent out of that line item. Contingency provided safety for those things that you could not predict that might happen in the following year.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if there was another line item in the budget for contingency.

Mr. Drescher stated there was not and they would have to use fund balance for that purpose.

Councilwoman Bove suggested that they review the town’s insurance and determine what they have and what they are paying.

Councilwoman Meegan stated that when she first took office the board was going to collectively sit down and review this, but they got busy with other items. She suggested that next year they put the insurance out to bid.

Councilwoman Bove thought they were under budgeting the insurance and commented that there were a number of things in life that were unforeseen. They needed a safety net and would not want to have to borrow money.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the reserve fund was the safety net.

Councilwoman Bove stated that the reserve fund had to be something that they hoped they would never have to tap into unless it was absolutely necessary, but they should have some other safety net for different items where they are not down to less than bare bones. Councilwoman Bove further referred to the Buildings & Grounds line item on Page nine for Salary of Laborers – Part Time budgeted for $140,605. In 2007 the town spent $164,935, in 2006 they spent $151,000, and in 2005 they spent $143,000. Expenditures through the end of 2008 were $112,000 which was under the amount budgeted for 2009, but she wanted to ensure there were enough people to do the work that had to be done. She did not want to have people contacting them because things weren’t being done, especially in the summer when there were a lot of things to take care of. Councilwoman Bove referred to the line item for Athletic Field Supplies and stated that in the past $36,000 and $59,000 was spent. The department head requested $55,000 but only $45,000 was budgeted and she questioned why this was reduced.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the amount projected through 2008 was $43,000 and as he mentioned previously, he was asking each department head to help on saving money.

Councilwoman Bove commented that everything was costing more money and six months from now they might not be paying the same amount for athletic field supplies. The prices may be going up and the town might not have the money to buy the supplies. She questioned if there was a contingent amount in Buildings & Grounds that could be used if they run out or if they would have to come to the Town Board for more money.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that they should come to the Town Board and ask for more money if they need it, but each department needs to begin to work on saving money and saving taxpayer dollars, maybe through agreements with other towns or the school district for purchasing equipment and supplies.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Councilwoman Bove stated that this can be difficult when you have to buy things and the costs are greater than they were the previous year and they were trying to be reasonable. She referred to Page 17 of the Highway Fund and the allocation for Guard Rail & Curbing Repairs that was reduced to $15,000 from the requested $75,000. Expenditures through the end of 2008 are $12,760 and she questioned why Highway Supt. Patrick Finnegan requested $75,000.

Mr. Finnegan responded that this was an estimate for replacement of curbing on a couple of streets. This was an ongoing project but they could not do it this year due to weather concerns and other projects. He was hoping to do the project next year.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if Mr. Finnegan would be able to do this project next year with a budget of $15,000.

Mr. Finnegan responded that they would still do the project, only less.

Councilwoman Bove referred to the Repair of Machinery line item and noted that Mr. Finnegan had requested $130,000 and the amount budgeted was $90,000. She questioned if Mr. Finnegan had any concerns over this reduction.

Mr. Finnegan responded that he had new equipment coming in, but did not have the go ahead to order it. There was some concern that there would not be enough money for repair of existing equipment until the replacement equipment arrives.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if there was a contingent in the highway budget if for some reason that line item ran out of money.

Mr. Finnegan stated that he would have to transfer money from another line item.

Councilwoman Bove noted that last year $99,356 was spent for repair of machinery. She questioned if Mr. Finnegan was considering the new garbage trucks.

Mr. Finnegan responded that this was just for highway equipment; sanitation equipment was a separate line item.

Councilwoman Bove referred to the Parts line item under Machinery and noted that this year the expenditures anticipated through the end of 2008 were $212,417 and Mr. Finnegan requested $180,000 for 2009. Over the last five years, the cost of parts was $203,000, $223,000, $201,000, and $210,000 and she questioned why Mr. Finnegan only requested $180,000.

Mr. Finnegan responded that it depended on how the work was charged and it went along with the repair of machinery. In previous years there were budget transfers at the end of the year from the Repair of Machinery line item to the Parts line item.

Councilwoman Bove referred to the Salary for Cutting and Removing Weeds and questioned if the Highway Department still had to do that.

Mr. Finnegan responded that his department still did that work.

Councilwoman Bove noted that she did not find that line item in the proposed budget, but this year $5800 was spent for that. She questioned if Mr. Finnegan anticipated spending at least that amount in 2009.

Mr. Finnegan responded that this was a labor line item.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
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Councilwoman Bove noted that $7000 was requested but nothing was budgeted. She further referred to the Insurance Charges line item under Snow & Miscellaneous and questioned what type of insurance charges this included. The anticipated expenditure through the end of 2008 was $301,700.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that this was the apportionment of the General Liability insurance for the Highway Department.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if Mr. Finnegan had asked for $360,000 for this line item.

Mr. Finnegan responded that he did not put the insurance figures in the budget.

Councilwoman Bove stated that last year’s adopted budget was $360,000 to make sure it was covered, but this year Supervisor Piotrowski budgeted $325,000. She questioned if the charges would be less for next year.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the anticipated expenses for this year were $301,000 and Councilwoman Meegan had been working on reducing all the town’s insurance costs.

Councilwoman Bove questioned if Councilwoman Meegan had done a report of her work on this.

Councilwoman Meegan responded that this was just worked out with the insurance company and Mr. Finnegan. They went through many buildings looking at equipment and removing equipment that had been on the insurance for 15 to 20 years and the town had been paying for. Every department head with any kind of automated systems that were part of this policy and were no longer in use were removed from the policy. This took a couple months to clean these items up and the cost savings was approximately $30,000. The town was paying insurance on these items that were not even being used.

Councilwoman Bove questioned when this was done and stated that she thought Councilwoman Meegan was going to look at the insurance issue next year.

Councilwoman Meegan responded that she had done this in February or March of this year, but she was suggesting putting the insurance out to bid next year.

Councilwoman Bove stated the budget preparation takes some time. Several department heads have brought their concerns to her attention and she felt a work session should be scheduled so that the board members can review the budget in greater detail.

Councilman Clarke stated it was his hope that the Town Board could discuss the budget in greater detail. He felt it was a mistake to eliminate the Dog Control Department since there was a lot more than meets the eye in terms of its services.

Councilwoman Meegan noted she had received many complimentary comments on the work done by Mr. Kerner in Dog Control. She referenced a problem that Mr. Kerner was able to resolve for a woman who had an owl in her basement. Elimination of the Dog Control Office would result in substantial loss of services to the Town of West Seneca. Councilwoman Meegan also clarified that the town’s parks were an area of concern based on liability issues and she felt additional monies should be earmarked for the staffing of the parks.

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to close the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2009 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 29, 2008
Page twenty-one . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to table adoption of the budget until the next town board meeting.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P.M.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

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PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
TOWN CLERK