WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009

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 Councilman Graber, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 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 Councilman Graber, to open the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the proposed 2010 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.

No comments were received from the public.

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

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Bove, to table adoption of the 2010 Benefit Basis Budget until November 5, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Graber, 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, 2010” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Graber, to open the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page two . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the proposed budget contained an almost one percent tax decrease for the year 2010 with a leveling off of the assessed value and a decrease in expenses. Copies of the proposed budget were provided in the Town Clerk’s Office, on the town’s website, and were available at this meeting.

Dan Warren, 836 Indian Church Road, commented on the proposed reductions in the Assessor’s Office and stated that although he was supportive of the idea of a joint assessor sharing program he thought it was premature to count on the savings since it was tabled at the last Town Board meeting. He stated that this created a problem in the County in previous years when they proposed certain savings and included that in the budget, but then the State of New York or other authorizing legislative body failed to authorize them to proceed. Mr. Warren further referred to the proposed salary of $80,448 for the position of Mini Computer Operator in the Comptroller’s Office and questioned if this salary was for one person.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that the salary was for one full-time person.

Mr. Warren thought this salary was high and noted that according to the NYS Civil Service website this was equivalent to two grade 10 salaries at job rate.

Karen Lucachick, 61 Greenmeadow Drive, stated that the animal control officers’ jobs were eliminated, but the expenses for the shelter seemed high and she questioned if there was anyone in the building.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the building is used by the Highway Department.

Councilman Graber also noted that animals are still housed in that building and will continue to be housed there.

Mrs. Lucachick noted that electric for that building was increased by $2500 in the proposed budget and the gas increased by almost $1300.

Councilman Graber responded that one of the reasons the electric is higher is because the Highway Department runs a cord out to a trailer that is used by highway personnel for stump grinding and the compost site.

Mrs. Lucachick referred to Page 20 and thought the $3500 gas line item for historical property was high. She noted that the gas bill for her own home was only $115 per month and she was there all the time, unlike the historical building which is unoccupied a lot of the time. The telephone is also budgeted at $1500, an increase of $500 from last year. Mrs. Lucachick stated that her home phone and cell phone only costs $844 annually.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated the actual expenditure for gas at the historical building was $2171 in 2008, $3289 in 2007, and $2432 in 2006. The historical building is old and probably lacking insulation.

Mrs. Lucachick suggested spraying foam in the walls to cut down on the gas bills.

Highway Supt. Matthew English noted that the windows were bad and they were looking into replacing them and Councilman Graber also suggested installing a programmable thermostat.

Mrs. Lucachick referred to Page 3 and the Salary of Clerk line item in the Comptroller’s Office. In 2009 the salary was $28,919 and in 2010 it is proposed at $40,446. She questioned the reason for the $11,000 increase.

Councilwoman Meegan advised that this was the salary for two part-time clerks.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page three . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mrs. Lucachick referred to Page 6 and the Professional Negotiation Costs line item under Personnel and questioned why nothing was budgeted and if the town had a professional negotiator.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that this line item appeared in two locations in the budget. This was merged into one line item and appears as the legal services line item under Town Attorney.

Mrs. Lucachick further referred to Page 8 and the lack of funding for the Economic Development line item under Special Items. She commented on an article in the West Seneca Bee about the industrial park and noted the lack of businesses locating there. Mrs. Lucachick questioned who owned the industrial park and what the Town of West Seneca got out of it.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the industrial park was owned by a private company and the town received the tax revenue when something is built there.

Councilman Graber noted that Certo Bros. and Upstate were the most recent companies to locate in the industrial park and they were both large facilities.

Paula Minklei, Orchard Park Road, commented on the new format for presenting the budget and thought it gave a much clearer picture of the town’s costs and she thanked Supervisor Piotrowski for providing the information. Mrs. Minklei referred to the salary increases for 2010 and noted that they amounted to approximately $205,000 and if the cost of benefits is factored in that amount is about $310,000. She commented that West Seneca had a significant amount of retirees that did not work for the government and probably a significant amount of people that were previously employed but currently laid off or had lost their jobs forever. Mrs. Minklei thought the salary increases merited a close evaluation and any unnecessary positions warranted elimination. She understood that most increases were contractual, but suggested a moratorium for those that were not contractual unless there was very important rationale for the increase. Mrs. Minklei stated that she was not saying that any individual or position did not merit an increase, but they needed to measure the costs against what the town could afford. She referred to the Justice Clerks salary line item under Town Justice and stated that the two clerks salaries were increased $3400 or 3.9 percent and other clerical positions increased $15,429. The salary of the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor increased $2765 or 7 percent, the Mini Computer Operator salary in the Comptroller’s Office increased $7000 or 9.6 percent, and the Senior Clerk’s salary increased $7000 or 19 percent. The Town Attorney’s salary was increased $5000 which was more than offset by the decrease in salary for the clerk, but she noted the $50,000 increase in the Legal Services line item and questioned if this was for negotiations.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that previously there were two separate line items for this type of item and they were merged together with the amount being the same as last year.

Mrs. Minklei understood there were a number of legal cases pending and questioned if $110,000 was expected to be sufficient.

Supervisor Piotrowski thought that $110,000 was sufficient.

Mrs. Minklei questioned if there were any labor contracts to negotiate in 2010.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that there were no contracts to negotiate next year.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page four . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mrs. Minklei commented that many other salaries were adjusted by large amounts and the Peer Counselors showed an increase of $4885, a 7.5 percent increase. Since they do a self-evaluation to show their importance and productivity for the youth, she strongly urged an objective evaluation by professionals in the schools served by the coordinators. Mrs. Minklei referred to another large increase for the working crew chief in Buildings & Grounds. She questioned if the 12 percent, $7563 increase, included union negotiated increases, incentives and longevity pay. The salary of the senior citizens program director was also increased almost $5000 which is 9 percent more than last year.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that most of the increases included a contractual percentage increase, longevity pay, and overtime. The senior citizens program director salary is higher because the position was vacant for the first few months last year.

Mrs. Minklei commented that only a small amount was budgeted for the historical society and the Burchfield Center, which she thought showed a lack of concern for these two cultural assets. Mrs. Minklei suggested they expect more from them and encourage more and better use of their services to the community.

Dave Monolopolus, 97 Lexington Green, referred to the Computer/Software Maintenance line item on Page 8 under Central Printing and Mailing and questioned the increase from $30,000 to $68,000.

Comptroller Robert Bielecki responded that the software maintenance and computer maintenance line items were combined into one line item.

Amy Carpenter, 406 Woodward Crescent, thanked Supervisor Piotrowski for the new format on the budget. She commented that some departments were using microfiche and some were not and suggested they switch to scanning documents to be saved electronically.

Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale stated that it would be very costly to scan all the documents. Also, some of the documents are very large and would probably require special equipment.

Mrs. Carpenter referred to the computer/software maintenance line item and questioned what type of contract this was, how many years it was for, and what the service involved.

Councilwoman Meegan responded that this was a one year contract for a software program used by all town departments, except the Police Department and Comptroller’s Office which had their own because of their individual needs. She and Town Attorney Shawn Martin were currently working on putting this out to bid for the best price.

Mrs. Carpenter commented on the lack of funding for economic development and the lack of new business in town and suggested that this be addressed either by hiring someone or working more closely with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. She suggested that the town be a little more creative in this area and maybe even use eminent domain if the problem is the private agency. Mrs. Carpenter further referred to Page 27, estimated revenues for the Stop DWI Program, and questioned why nothing was received in 2009 and nothing was budgeted for 2010.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that various departments had various line items for income. This was combined into one line item for each department, so the Stop DWI Program is now under the Police – Other Aid line item.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if office equipment was amortized and over what period of time.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page five . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET – GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Wayne Drescher of Drescher & Malecki LLC, the town’s auditor, advised that for large pieces of equipment the town typically takes out a bond and amortizes that over a designated period of time. However, office equipment such as computers is generally just purchased out of the budget because they are annual expenditures.

Mrs. Carpenter stated that in corporate America they usually amortize a computer for three years and she questioned if this was allowed in government under NYS law.

Mr. Drescher responded that in NYS law amortization for corporate business is done for tax reasons so it can be depreciated and taken off their taxes and reduce their net income. There is no such thing as a tax return in government, so to purchase office equipment that way would be more expensive because they would be paying for it that way.

Mrs. Carpenter suggested that the town try to keep computers for a three to five year period instead of buying them every year.

Mr. Drescher stated that the town generally keeps computers longer than that. Purchases are generally rotated around departments so they are only buying 10 to 20 per year.

Councilwoman Meegan noted that when certain departments need upgrades to their computers, they have moved the old computers to other departments such as the senior citizens center, Buildings & Grounds Department, etc.

Mrs. Carpenter suggested combining purchases with other towns to save money.

Mr. Drescher stated that the town often purchases off the state bid list which is usually a lower price.

Mrs. Carpenter commented on the $400 budgeted for Telephones in the Building & Plumbing Department and questioned why the Historical Building would have a larger phone bill.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the line item for the Historical Building telephone was for their phone system. The phone system for the Town Hall departments was under a different classification. The $400 Telephone line item was for cell phones in the Building & Plumbing Department.

Mrs. Carpenter suggested that the Historical Building operate with just an answering machine stating their hours.

Councilman Graber agreed that this should be looked at and commented that Verizon changed their rates and now offers unlimited calling for $50 to $60 per month.

Councilwoman Meegan noted that the phone system at the Historical Building will not even allow long distance calls.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if the Town Board reviewed the salaries paid to Zoning & Planning Board members, noting that they were significant compared to other municipalities.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the Zoning & Planning Board members’ salaries were reduced last year and kept at the same amount in the 2010 budget.

Mrs. Carpenter questioned if the town did any zero based budgeting. She commented that a number of line items had nothing expended through 8/20/2009 but the same amount was budgeted for 2010.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page six . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that some bills come in at the end of the year and are a one-time expenditure.

Rev. Dr. Ralph Anderson, 633 Main Street, represented the West Seneca Youth Bureau where he served on the Youth Board in the capacity as a representative of the West Seneca Community of Churches. He stated that it has been suggested that the town’s budget is really a listing of its priorities and the Youth Board was concerned about the cutting and zeroing of the YES program in the proposed budget. Rev. Anderson urged the Town Board to reconsider the cuts that were being proposed as there is a lot of interfacing between what AmeriCorps used to do through YES and YES as an entity in and of itself. The YES program provided work opportunities for participation in government and there has been a great sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm among the young people that participate in that. Rev. Anderson commented that the youth are the future, but they are also the present and looking back over the last several years there are numerous instances where young people have interfaced with all ages and done great work in the West Seneca community. He asked that the Town Board re-establish the small YES budget that provides and builds goodwill in a spirit of community with the young people. Rev. Anderson thought this was a valuable way to keep the interest of the young people to stay in this area, which will maintain or increase the tax base, and therefore, be an investment in the future.

Councilman Graber referred to the Salary of Electric Inspector line item on Page 9 under Building & Plumbing Inspection and stated that this has been budgeted for many years, but they have never used it. The Town Board decided this year that electrical inspection services will be provided by others at no cost to the taxpayers and he suggested that the $20,000 appropriation be permanently eliminated.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that there was still a question as to whether the town should spend this money if they can make more in return. The risk would be no different than that of the building inspectors inspecting a building and making a mistake.

Councilman Graber stated that right now the town has no risk in that area because Commonwealth does the electrical inspections. If the town takes on this responsibility it is questionable whether they will be able to respond to the needs of the public and if something were to happen the liability would be placed on the taxpayers. Councilman Graber noted that the Town of Tonawanda and Amherst have had their own electrical inspection department and they are not making money; they are spending money. The Town of Cheektowaga uses Commonwealth and they are cheaper than the rates charged by Amherst and Tonawanda. Councilman Graber thought it was ridiculous for any town to get involved in something of this nature when there were outside agencies willing to do this work. Councilman Graber further questioned the part-time Secretary line item #8010.0139 under Zoning Board and the increase from $3870 to $6228.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that an error was made in the adoption of the 2009 budget and it was clarified later in the year. The salary should be $6228.

Sue Lord stated that she has been on the Youth Board for many years and she wanted to thank the Town Board for continuing the Peer Counseling program and ask that they also continue to fund the YES program.

Frank Russo, Parkside Drive, referred to the overtime for 2008 and questioned if any of the Town Board members look at that figure and ask the department heads about it.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that he looks at the overtime every week and also asks the department heads about it.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page seven . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mr. Russo thought the overtime was excessive and specifically commented on the overtime earned by the clerks in the Justice Court in 2008. He suggested that the employees starting times be staggered to cover court nights.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that they used to stagger starting times in the Justice Court, but that was eliminated because the volume of the workload increased. It is cheaper to pay overtime than hire additional workers with benefits and health insurance.

Mr. Russo further referred to the Comptroller’s Office, Engineering Department, Sewer Maintenance, Building & Plumbing Department, and Police Department and did not understand why there was so much overtime paid to the employees. He hoped that next year the board members would take a harder look at this and consider placing a moratorium on overtime. Mr. Russo also suggested a moratorium on hiring and not filling positions when someone retires. He referred to the nine detectives in the Police Department and questioned if they were all necessary.

Councilman Graber stated that Chief Gehen believes his department is understaffed and can prove it with data he has documented, but the Town Board is still very slow in replacing manpower.

Chief Gehen stated that they have increased services while reducing staff due to contractual negotiations with scheduling. The detectives are needed and they are currently working with one short. Overtime is sometimes created when they have a serious crime and it happens on off hours in the middle of the night or when there is a major crime and they have to bring the detectives in.

Councilman Clarke stated that he went out with the Sewer Department employees during one of the recent storms and they earn the overtime they make.

Mr. Russo referred to the Salary of the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor on Page 2 of the budget and questioned why that position got a $10,000 increase over two years.

Mr. Bielecki advised that the person in that position only worked part of the year in 2008.

Mr. Russo referred to the Salary of Mini Computer Operator on Page 3 which was a $7000 increase over 2009. He also thought the $17,000 in overtime for 2008 was excessive. Mr. Russo further asked for clarification on the titles and salaries in the Assessor’s Office.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the Assessor’s position has been vacant for several years and still remains vacant. The Real Property Appraiser position was vacant since June and the Real Property Technician and Clerk Typist positions are both filled. The proposal was that the Real Property Technician be appointed as Real Property Appraiser and the Clerk Typist position will remain.

Mr. Russo questioned if the title was changed because the individual did not pass the Civil Service Exam.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the individual took the exam for Real Property Technician and passed it and that title was then added to the White Collar bargaining unit.

Mr. Russo referred to Page 6 and questioned if there was a Deputy Town Attorney.

Supervisor Piotrowski stated that a Deputy Town Attorney was appointed in June.

Mr. Russo referred to the line item for General Liability, Fire & Theft on Page 8 and questioned if that was the cost of premiums.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page eight . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Mr. Bielecki advised that this was a split charge between the General Fund, Highway, Sanitation, and Recycling.

Mr. Russo referred to the line item for Judgments & Claims and questioned the increase from $5000 to $20,000.

Mr. Bielecki advised that this was a direct charge from Erie County for refund of taxes and it was split between the Highway Fund and General Fund.

Mr. Russo commented that the Budget Director salary was reduced last year to save money and he suggested that the stipend for Registrar and Sub-Registrar of Vital Statistics also be reduced to $500. He also suggested the stipend for Planning & Zoning Board secretary be reduced along with the members’ salaries since those boards only meet once each month.

Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale noted that she often has to file death certificates for funeral directors on weekends and holidays because there are time constraints they have to follow. Mrs. DePasquale further stated that there was more work involved with the Planning & Zoning Board than just attending the monthly meetings.

Councilman Graber noted that the Town of Amherst has a huge Planning Department with full-time employees and a budget of about $1 million. Even though they are a larger town, he thought the cost of West Seneca’s Planning Board was rather inexpensive.

Mr. Russo referred to the $1000 increase for Photo ID Clerk on Page 15 and questioned if this was for a part-time salary and supplies.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that this line item was just for the part-time salary and it was not a raise; the individual was working more hours. Councilman Graber also noted that there was a corresponding increase in the revenue. This is a minimum wage position and the individual is paid hourly.

Mr. Russo referred to the Salary of Youth Director line item on Page 17 and the $7084 budgeted for Mark Lazzara’s salary for January 2010 and commented that he did not believe the town should even have to pay him for the last three months of 2009. He further questioned if the Salary of Secretary line item on Page 18 was a new position.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that this line item was for the Secretary of the Youth Bureau who was transferred last year to the Town Attorney’s office and is now being returned to the Youth Bureau.

Mr. Russo referred to the School Intervention Service Program line item on Page 18 and questioned if the $15,000 was for Catholic Charities.

Supervisor Piotrowski advised that this was for referrals to the school districts for students with special needs.

Mr. Russo referred to the line items for Peer Counseling on Page 19 and hoped that this would only be for the rest of the current school year. He thought this was a duplication of services and should be handled through the school system. Mr. Russo further commented on the Program Director salary on Page 20 and the $5000 increase from 2009. He also questioned the title change for this position and whether it was still Civil Service.

Councilman Graber stated that this is still a Civil Service position, but the former title was more of a higher level management.

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES		TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road		2010 Special Districts & Preliminary
West Seneca, NY 14224		Budget - October 22, 2009
Page nine . . .

PRELIMINARY BUDGET - GENERAL & HIGHWAY FUND    (continued)

Councilwoman Meegan stated that the $5000 included overtime for evening hours she was required to work.

Mr. Russo thought that when someone takes a job in recreation they should understand that sometimes there will be evening hours and he did not believe a department head should be paid overtime.

Councilwoman Meegan advised that this position received overtime in accordance with the White Collar contract. She further noted that Mrs. Josefiak who holds this position will often start work later than 9:00 A.M., knowing that she has to stay later that day.

Mr. Russo referred to the Soccer Fees revenue on Page 26 and questioned why it was reduced to zero.

Supervisor Piotrowski responded that the town was still receiving soccer fees, but the recreation charges were all merged into one line item to make it more uniform.

Councilwoman Bove referred to Pages 25 & 30, line item 9060.0807 for hospital and medical insurance, and noted the savings of $631,664 in 2009 when the Town Board unanimously entered into an agreement with Labor Management Health Care Fund. Instead of purchasing health insurance for 300 to 400 employees, the town was now part of a purchasing power of 35,000 members. If the savings was not realized in 2009, instead of a decrease for 2010 the tax rate increase would be 2.58 percent. Councilwoman Bove stated that this was a significant benefit to the taxpayers and they will continue to benefit next year.

Councilman Graber commented that he has always thought the department head increases should be directly related to the financial performance of their department. One of the expenditures in departments is overtime and the department head has some control over that. Councilman Graber suggested that this be considered in the future by the next Town Board. He further referred to a major cost savings for the taxpayers when the town sued American Refuel in 1998, resulting in a reduction in solid waste disposal costs of $600,000 per year since that time.

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Graber, to close the public hearing.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Bove, to table adoption of the budget until November 5, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Graber, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M.

Ayes: All

Noes: None

Motion Carried

PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
TOWN CLERK