West Seneca Town Board Meeting Minutes 01/28/2008
Supervisor Wallace C. Piotrowski called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present -
Absent - None Supervisor Piotrowski 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 Carol Liberatore. 2-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
2-B LEGAL NOTICES 1. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 475 EAST & WEST ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 375, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM R-60A TO C-1(S), FOR A CREDIT UNION OFFICE WITH DRIVE-THRU” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (WNY Federal Credit Union) 2. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3729 SENECA STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 165, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM R-65A TO C-1, FOR A DAY CARE/CHILD CARE CENTER” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (Daniel & Kristin Vivian) 3. Proofs publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 55 ANGLE ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 393, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-1(S), FOR A 4-BUILDING, 32-UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (Young Development, Inc.)
2-C TABLED ITEMS 1. Assessment Board of Review fees per session for Chairman and Members Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to leave this item on the table.
2. Designation of Official Newspaper Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to leave this item on the table.
3. Appointment of Budget Officer Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to leave this item on the table.
2-D COMMUNICATIONS 1. Supervisor Piotrowski re Resignation of David Carr Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Bove, to accept the resignation of David J. Carr and terminate him as part-time Clerk in the Town Attorney’s Office, effective January 18, 2008, and authorize the Supervisor to sign the necessary paperwork for Erie County Personnel. On the question, Town Attorney Edwin Hunter commented on the excellent work habits of Mr. Carr who was dedicated to the Town and made himself available at any time to answer questions.
2. Supervisor Piotrowski re Appointment of Dennis Luterek as Bookkeeper to the Supervisor Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Dennis Luterek as Bookkeeper to the Supervisor at an annual salary of $36,894.74, effective January 29, 2008, and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. On the question, Mrs. Bove noted she had previous knowledge of the qualifications of Mr. Luterek and was pleased he had been chosen for this position.
3. Supervisor Piotrowski re Appointment of James J. Stiglmier as White Collar Laborer Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint James J. Stiglmeier as White Collar Laborer, Group 5, Step 1, effective January 29, 2008, and authorize the Supervisor to sign the necessary paperwork for Erie County Personnel. On the question, Mrs. Bove stated she was able to do research on Mr. Stiglmeier and was assured he would be an asset to the Town. Mr. Graber noted that Mr. Stiglmier had 30 years of experience in the construction and building trades with strong mechanical aptitude and had experience in working on major construction projects.
2-D COMMUNICATIONS 4. Supervisor Piotrowski re Resignations of Trustees for the West Seneca Library Board Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to accept the resignations of Margaret Dolan, Raymond B. Ball, and Frank Housh, as Trustees for the West Seneca Library Board.
Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve out of title pay for Gary C. Bommer from January 16, 2008 through January 18, 2008 at the Town Engineer’s hourly rate, in accordance with Article 27 of the White Collar Agreement.
6. Town Engineer re Bid Award for Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to award the Sanitary Sewer Contract (Job No. S-0803) to Osinski Plumbing, Inc., 240 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14206 at their low contract amount of $80,000.00, and authorize the Supervisor to sign the contract documents.
7. Highway Supt. re Purchases requiring Town Board approval Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment to Ferguson Electric, 3221 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 in the amount of $3,141.05 for emergency repair services, noting this bill is related to a recent unscheduled outage and the services provided by Ferguson Electric were necessary in order to bring the town back in service.
8. Highway Supt. re Recycling bin quotes Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $5,390.00 to SCL A-1 for 1000 recycling bins, per their low quote which includes freight.
9. Highway Supt. Re Purchases requiring Town Board approval Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment to Buffalo Truck Center, Inc. in the amount of $2,377.42 for various items.
2-D COMMUNICATIONS 10. Chief Gehen re Out of Town training Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize Lt. David Szmania and Police Officer James Gibbons to attend the Motor Vehicle Collision Advanced Accident Investigation Course at the Monroe Community Public Safety Training Center, February 4 – 15, 2008, at a total cost not to exceed $1,776.50.
11. Chief Gehen re Bid date for two marked police vehicles and one four-wheel drive vehicle Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to set a bid date of February 19, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. for receipt of bids on two (2) marked police vehicles and one (1) four wheel drive vehicle.
12. Chief Gehen re Retirement of Detective Lieutenant John D. Urbanski Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to accept the retirement of Detective Lieutenant John D. Urbanski, effective February 24, 2008, and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel, noting that Lt. Urbanski has served the Town of West Seneca for more than 27 years.
Town Board members expressed their appreciation to Lt. Urbanski for his years of service and wished him well in his retirement. 13. Chief Gehen re Purchases requiring Town Board approval Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $2126.25 to Al-Ross Sport Screening for DARE t-shirts.
14. Town Clerk re Purchases requiring Town Board approval Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve payment to Niagara Solutions Inc., 4661 Apple Drive, Lewiston, NY 14092 in the amount of $2,186.00 for the annual maintenance fee for the Clerk Accounting System in the Town Clerk’s Office.
15. Youth Bureau Executive Director re Resignation of Barbra Wagner Motion by Councilman Graber, to accept the resignation of Barbra Wagner from her position effective November 26, 2007. p> Motion lost for lack of a second. Motion by Councilwoman Meegan, seconded by Councilwoman Bove, to table this item.
2-E REPORTS ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC SOCCER PARK USE BY OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS Joan Russo, Parkside Drive, represented the residents of Parkside Drive and asked the Town Board to consider decreasing the use of the Soccer Park. Mrs. Russo commented that the Park is currently being used on a daily basis and often by outside organizations. Residents’ use of their yards has been disrupted in the past. Her husband spoke with the Recreation Director who indicated that he would look into eliminating games on Sunday. They were also told that the fields would be rotated so the use would be staggered, but that has not occurred and there is barely any grass on some of them. The Parkside Drive residents are requesting teams not directly related to the town be moved elsewhere, such as the East & West Park which has soccer facilities. 2007 FIGURES ON SOCCER PARK Mrs. Russo also commented on the FOIL request for revenue figures submitted by her husband which has not been provided. Although some revenue is received from outside organizations, she felt it was not sufficient to warrant the disturbance caused to the neighborhood by use of the soccer park. RESIDENT COMMENTS ON TOWN BOARD REMARKS Don Grasso, 64 Lexington Green commented on certain remarks made by Town Board members and felt they were inappropriate. STATUS OF NOISE ORDINANCE Michael Lowe, 98 Southgate Drive, questioned the status of the noise ordinance and the after hours music at the Nickel Creek Café. Town Attorney Edwin Hunter stated the current noise ordinance contains no measurement, such as decimal levels, making it unenforceable. There are a number of matters which need to be addressed, including the noise ordinance and some FOIL requests. Mr. Graber also noted that Deputy Town Attorney Notaro has been researching ordinances from other communities and will be scheduling a public hearing on the matter in the near future. Mr. Hunter stated he will communicate with Mr. Notaro on the status of the ordinance. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the Town Attorney’s office is now staffed with a secretary and attorneys who are required to be present during the week.
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC TOWN JOB POSTINGS Paula Minklei, Orchard Park Road, referred to the previous appointments made by the Town Board and asked if the jobs had been posted anywhere. Supervisor Piotrowski stated the position for the Engineering Department was posted as required by the contract and the position for the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor was handled by the Comptroller’s office. Councilwoman Bove noted the position of Bookkeeper to the Supervisor is the Supervisor’s appointment. Mrs. Minklei stated she felt certain job positions should be posted in the community so that people would have an opportunity to apply for them. TOWN HALL SPACE FOR BOARD MEMBERS Mrs. Minklei asked if all Board members had the opportunity to maintain a desk in Town Hall. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that could be arranged if it was requested. He noted that Councilwoman Meegan is present in Town Hall during the day. STATUS OF YOUTH BUREAU AND YES PROGRAM Jillian O’Brien, Woodcrest Drive, stated she understood the Youth Bureau, Yes program and Peer Counseling were in jeopardy and asked the status of those programs. Councilwoman Bove stated the Board was evaluating the various departments but the programs were not in jeopardy. Supervisor Piotrowski added that this month the Town Attorney’s office and Comptroller’s office were being evaluated. Next month the Youth Bureau, Recreation and Americorps will be evaluated. Councilwoman Graber commented that he has been in office ten years and has total understanding of the high value of the Peer Counselors who also took on the responsibility of running the YES program when the YES Director left. Since then, there has been a 375% increase in YES activities and even though the program is being evaluated, he would never be in favor of eliminating the Peer Counselors. Councilwoman Meegan stated she was a PTA mother for many years and commented on her support for the YES program. PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS FLEX FIT PROGRAM Councilwoman Meegan commented on the Flex Fit program being offered to participating members of Independent Health who will have access to a variety of health and wellness activities, including youth sports and fitness programs. This program allows parents to apply the cost of the Flex Fit program to their Independent Health and requested the Town Attorney to complete the required documentation for the Board’s review and possible approval at the next Town Board meeting.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS ALTERNATE LOCATION FOR TOWN BOARD MEETING Councilwoman Meegan stated she had a meeting recently with the principal of West Seneca East High School at which time they discussed the possibility of holding a Town Board session during the day at the school. She noted that school students are required to participate in government and felt this would present an opportunity for them to do so, as well as provide an alternate time for residents who may work evening shifts and otherwise are unable to attend an evening meeting. Councilwoman Meegan also suggested that if this is well received, the Town Board could also plan a meeting at the Senior Citizens Center and West Seneca West High School. SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER UPGRADES AND MEMBER CONCERNS Councilwoman Meegan noted the attractive updates at the Senior Citizens Center, including the carpeting, and complimented Councilwoman Bove for her efforts in improving the Center, as well as the painting done by the Buildings & Grounds Department. She also had an opportunity to speak with some of the members there and was assured there were no problems at the Center. Following the request of several members to have the Senior Center open on weekends, Councilwoman Meegan also spoke with other municipalities and was informed that their Senior Centers were not open on the weekends due to the cost involved. She also complimented the Senior Center staff for performing their jobs well, along with the volunteers and the Board of Directors. WHEELCHAIR VAN GRANT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER Councilwoman Bove stated she has been working with Mr. Duffey and the New York State Office of the Aging to obtain a $40,000 grant for a wheelchair van for the Senior Citizens Center. This project was initiated by a former Town employee, Dan Frontera, who worked with Senator Stachowski. The current van is 8 years old and has approximately 100,000 miles so there is a need for a new van. AVAILABILITY OF TOWN BOARD MEMBERS Councilwoman Bove referred to Mrs. Minklei’s comment on the availability of desk space in Town Hall for Board members and noted that Board members often meet with constituents at other locations, including their homes. A desk in Town Hall is not necessarily essential in meeting the needs of residents. DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER PROPERTY Councilwoman Bove requested Supervisor Piotrowski contact Governor Spitzer’s office to schedule a meeting between that office and Town Board members and the Town’s Planning Consultant to discuss the proposal to close the Developmental Center. It is a large tract of land and she felt the Town should play an important role in this process to protect the taxpayers. Supervisor Piotrowski responded that he spoke with the Governor’s office last week on this issue. He will be meeting with the Governor’s representative next week at which time certain options will be presented to him and then presented to the Town Board at a work session in February. STATUS OF MONTHLY DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS Councilwoman Bove questioned the status of monthly department head meetings. Supervisor Piotrowski responded that all department heads have been advised of the monthly meetings which will be held on the first Monday of each month.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS MISCELLANEOUS Councilwoman Bove requested that the Comptroller’s office prepare a monthly report of disbursements for her review. Councilwoman Bove further requested a presentation by the Town Planning Consultant to the Town Board and the general public at the next Town Board meeting. Councilwoman Bove stated she was pleased to receive the resumes of individuals to be hired by the Town Board. She felt that the Town needs to have a resource to go to when looking for an employee and encouraged residents to forward her information about particular skills to be placed in a pool for future reference. AVAILABILITY OF SUPERVISOR TO THE PUBLIC Supervisor Piotrowski reminded the public that he is in Town Hall on a daily basis and invited anyone with a problem or comment to stop by his office. RECOGNITION OF LT JOHN URBANSKI’S SERVICE TO THE TOWN Chief Gehen recognized the career of Lt. John Urbanski who was retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the Town of West Seneca Police Department. Lt. Urbanski has been an excellent Police Officer and Lieutenant. He headed up the investigation into the homicide that occurred in town last year and brought it to a successful conclusion with the arrest of four individuals. Chief Gehen noted Lt. Urbanski’s skills will be missed and he wished him well in his retirement. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilman Graber, seconded by Councilman Clarke, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 P.M.
_______________________________________ PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC |