Town Board Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 14, 2014
Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
William P. Hanley Jr. Councilman
Charles D. Grieco Town Attorney
Jacqueline A. Felser Town Clerk
Michael Boehringer Asst. Police Chief
John Gullo Code Enforcement Officer
Matthew D. English Highway Supt.
Richard Henry Town Engineer
Mary Josefiak Sr. Rec. Therapist of Sr. Services
Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER JOHN GULLO
Ø Electrical inspections presentation – A proposal to consider hiring a part-time electrical inspector was presented and discussed. Currently inspections are performed by private contractors yielding no monetary benefit to the town. Based on electrical inspection permits issued in 2013, proposed electrical fees would have generated an estimated $58,890 in revenue. Mr. Gullo stated hiring a part-time electrical inspector will better serve the public, assist the Code Enforcement Office and not incur any additional insurance costs to the town. If approved, the position will be advertised in November, interviews conducted in mid December and an individual hired in January 2015. Representatives from the Code Enforcement Office, Town Board, Electrical Union and Ethics Committee will conduct interviews along with Mr. Gullo. The position will be 19 hours per week as needed with electrical inspections being the primary duty. Other duties will include accepting electrical permits, reviewing electrical plans, inspecting electrical systems for code compliance and providing advice to property owners, builders and architects of proper electrical practices. Overall projected revenues will be $58,900, projected annual electrical inspector salary $18,772 ($18-$19/hourly rate) and net fees collected $40,128.
Councilman Hanley voiced his concern regarding the hourly rate of pay and questioned if a qualified electrician would apply for this position at only $18 or $19/HR, noting electricians generally cost more. Mr. Gullo responded he would not initially pay any more than $20/HR, stating it is a respectable part-time position for an agile individual who is able to climb ladders, stairs etc.
Councilman Hart questioned if this change requires a code change. Attorney for the Town Charles Grieco responded he will look at whether or not a code change is necessary.
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 14, 2014
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Councilman Hanley questioned how adding this position will affect the Code Enforcement Office. Mr. Gullo responded electrical questions and phone calls will be directed to the inspector. Clerical work will increase and may require more frequent use of “floaters” from the part-time clerical staff pool. Supervisor Meegan suggested Mr. Gullo continue to have conversations with Mr. Grieco and prepare a narrative for a job description. All board members were in agreement with going forward.
Ø Industrial Park Review Committee – recommended everything go to the Planning Board for site plan review, noting the site plan review process was not in place when the Industrial Park Review Committee was established. Site Plan reviews can be scheduled to go before the Planning Board once the 40 day SEQR process is in place. The public will have input on projects once they are before the Planning Board, which they did not have when presented to the Industrial Park Review Committee. Attorney for the Town Charles Grieco agreed and stated he does not feel the Industrial Park Review Committee serves any useful purpose. The Town Board agreed unanimously to move forward with this recommendation.
Ø Disaster Preparedness Report – Supervisor Meegan thanked Mr. Gullo for compiling information for the town’s disaster preparedness report and stated she will be presenting the report to Senator Gallivan’s office for some type of relief.
TOWN CLERK JACQUELINE FELSER
Ø Held over Town Board minutes - Mrs. Felser stated she reviewed the held over minutes from June 16th and a statement made by Highway Supt. Matthew English and the minutes are correct as written. She suggested Highway Supt. Matthew English clarify who “they” referred to in his statement. Mr. English stated that “they” did not refer to Councilman Hart and Councilman Hanley; “they” referred to the other people who were against Robert Schultz going out collecting petitions. Councilman Hart referred to a statement by former Councilman Dale Clarke at the June 30th meeting concerning Zoning Board Chairman Timothy Elling and Super Bowl tickets. He thought it should be made clear that Councilman Hanley had nothing to do with accepting Super Bowl tickets and will review this with Mrs. Felser after the work session.
TOWN ATTORNEY CHARLES GRIECO
Ø Discussed 4592 Seneca Street rezoning, SEQR and how drainage and county issues have been addressed.
Ø Requested executive session for litigation issues.
TOWN ENGINEER RICHARD HENRY
Ø Two agenda items for bid award of two road reconstruction projects; both within budget
Ø Will be advertising later this week for large sewer project
Ø Councilman Hart questioned funding for the bathroom renovation project at the senior center. Mr. Henry responded that Community Development funds and general obligation bonds will be used to fund bathroom renovations at the senior center and Town Hall.
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SENIOR RECREATION THERAPIST OF SENIOR SERVICES MARY JOSEFIAK
Ø Comprehensive Plan meeting July 15th – Councilman Hart requested one long table, two microphones and the senior center be open to the public at 6:45 P.M. for the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 3:20 P.M. to discuss several legal items and a labor issue.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from Executive Session at 4:45 P.M.
The work session concluded at 4:45 P.M.
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK