Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2014-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 11, 2014
Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Asst. Police Chief Michael Boehringer.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
Eugene P. Hart Councilman
William P. Hanley Jr. Councilman
Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.
The meeting was dedicated to all those who serve and continue to serve.
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2014-14 of July 28, 2014.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
15-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2412 SENECA STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 31, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-1(S), FOR A 100 UNIT, 3 STORY APARTMENT COMPLEX” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Gillian Conde of DePaul Properties presented their proposal to build 100 apartments, 75 of which will offer onsite case management for mental health. The site will have 96 one bedroom units and four two bedroom units. All units have an income restriction of $27,000 per single person and up to $33,000 for a family. DePaul will provide 24 hour a day staffing and onsite security. One of four community meetings held included a tour of an existing site also located on Seneca Street where individuals were able to speak with residents and staff. Two community mailings took place - the first to 317 property owners and the second to 500 additional at the request of the Planning Board. Representatives from DePaul explained the process of tenant background checks, lease violations, the eviction process, and a drug/crime free addendum signed by all tenants at admission. An assurance was provided that no sex offenders or felons will be housed at their facility. DePaul provided all 911 calls from the
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West Seneca, NY 14224 August 11, 2014
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15-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. (continued)
existing Seneca Street site indicating crime has not increased and town services were not overburdened. The site has had no incidents involving pedophiles, crimes against neighbors, drug arrests, community assaults, community theft, violence against the community or property damage. DePaul is a not-for-profit and will provide the town a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of $20,000 annually and maintain their own garbage and snow removal.
No comments were received from the public.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Attorney Shawn Martin represented the town due to a conflict Attorneys for the Town Jaeckle Fleischmann had with DePaul Properties. Mr. Martin stated he has reviewed the project and all supporting documentation and he provided the board members with a Negative Declaration resolution. He further noted this is a special permit not a rezoning; therefore, Town Law Section 265 concerning a super majority vote does not apply.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution issuing a Negative Declaration with regard to the DePaul Ebenezer Square Project located at 2412 Seneca Street.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to issue a special permit for property located at 2412 Seneca Street, being part of Lot No. 31, changing its classification from C-1 TO C-1(S), for a 100 unit, 3 story apartment complex.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
2. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A REZONING AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3859, 3863 AND 3869 CLINTON STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NOS. 305 AND 313, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM R-65A TO R-50(S), FOR A PATIO HOME DEVELOPMENT” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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15-B LEGAL ITEMS
2. (continued)
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Michael Metzger of Metzger Civil Engineering represented clients George Kallas and Leo Sitarek and stated their proposal to rezone five acres located on Clinton Street across from Northwood Avenue and backing up to Buffalo Creek. The immediate area is a mixture of zoning classifications, including C-1 and residential. The proposed patio home development consists of approximately 22 single family, single story homes on individual lots. The target market will be to accommodate the growing segment of empty nesters looking to downsize and maintain less property. The plan as presented is a concept plan at the rezoning stage. Mr. Metzger stated he has worked with the Planning Board and changes were made to the initial concept of this project. A thorough and extensive SEQR review was conducted and discussions with many of the involved agencies (i.e. sewer district and NYSDOT) took place. The proposed rezoning includes lots a minimum of 50’ in width, front yard setbacks 30’, side yard setbacks 5’ and rear yard setbacks a minimum of 20’. Unlike a conventional subdivision where land is subdivided and lots sold off, all homes in this proposed project will be built by the owner. At the July 10th Planning Board meeting, a recommendation was made for approval of a rezoning and special permit and issuance of a Negative Declaration.
Dennis Falzone opposed the project which is located near his residence and expressed his concern on the number of proposed homes and inevitable danger of creating an intersection at Northwood Avenue and additional traffic on Clinton Street. He commented on the speed of vehicles on Clinton Street which is only two lanes and the location of a day care center next to the site.
Pat Bittner commented that traffic issues and accidents on Clinton Street will increase if the proposed project is approved. She stated the property was originally designated for three individual lots, keeping it consistent with other residences along Clinton Street. Mrs. Bittner expressed concern for the wildlife that will be disturbed, the project’s noncompliance with the town ordinance and the Planning Board’s recommendation of proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. She further noted that several years ago utility poles were moved back in resident’s yards in anticipation of Clinton Street being widened.
Karen McRae stated she lives next to the proposed project and she moved to Clinton Street because of the open green space and the advantage of not having other homes behind her property. She asked the board members to consider her feelings of opposition for this project.
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15-B LEGAL ITEMS
2. (continued)
Carol Yetter referred to the number of trees currently on the property and questioned if all five acres will be cleared. She commented on the importance of Buffalo Creek and how it is environmentally and recreationally significant in West Seneca, noting the town is aggressively working to preserve the creek through grant funding for issues such as erosion, flooding and invasive species. Mrs. Yetter was very concerned the project will be an encroachment on the environment.
Alan Reed questioned the effect the proposed development will have on property values of surrounding homes.
Supervisor Meegan stated that patio homes are extremely popular today and she thought they would have a positive impact on the value of surrounding properties.
Mr. Metzger responded to concerns presented by the public. He acknowledged that Clinton Street is very busy and stated he spent a great amount of time with the NYSDOT discussing traffic issues. An opinion letter from Ed Rutkowski of the NYSDOT stated that additional traffic generated by the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the state highway system. NYSDOT is in agreement conceptually with the site plan that proposes one single entrance/private drive aligned straight across from Northwood Avenue and that traffic flows will not be impacted significantly because of the development. Mr. Metzger commented on density and the mixture of commercial and residential use in the immediate area. He stated from a planning standpoint single family homes will provide a buffer and be a perfect step down zoning from the more harsh commercial uses to the immediate west. An extensive proposal was made by a Planning Board member suggesting changes to the Town Code to allow for patio homes. The initial thought of a proposal amending the Town Code was later changed and an extensive resolution was presented instead. Mr. Metzger stated the NYSDOT does not have any plans to widen Clinton Street; however, their proposal does show extensive setbacks for proper buffering and in case land needs to be taken. The site was reviewed by a biologist who indicated not many trees of significance were found, but there is a lot of brush and undergrowth present. Due to drainage requirements and construction, the trees that are present cannot be saved, but some of the natural vegetation located on lots backing up to the creek can be saved.
Highway Supt. Matthew English questioned if there will be a private contractor for snowplowing.
Mr. Metzger responded the proposed plan is for private infrastructure except for the public sanitary sewer which already exists. The waterline, road, storm sewer, garbage pickup and snow plowing will all be managed privately.
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West Seneca, NY 14224 August 11, 2014
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15-B LEGAL ITEMS
2. (continued)
Councilman Hart referred to three or four lots at the rear of the property that encroach into the flood plain.
Mr. Metzger responded there are three involved parcels. The middle parcel will house the storm water pond and the two parcels on either side will be building lots. He explained a home can be built outside the floodplain on one parcel; however, the other parcel will have to follow certain requirements since it slightly encroaches into the floodplain. The Planning Board did put a condition on their recommendation for approval requiring any home built in the floodplain to have the lowest architectural opening be at least one foot above base flood elevation.
Councilman Hanley questioned if there is a home within the sewer easement.
Mr. Metzger responded there are a couple of lots containing a sanitary sewer easement, noting they are larger in size and will not hinder overall construction. Ample setback on these lots will allow the county any necessary access to their sanitary sewer.
Councilman Hart questioned if applying subdivision rules significantly changes the schematics of this plan.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded the proposal is very close to an actual subdivision, but the width and bulk areas will be different. Currently the project is only being reviewed by the Town Board for rezoning. If the rezoning is approved, the project will return to the Planning Board for site plan review/approval and it will not return to the Town Board.
Mr. Metzger stated their intent is to propose a plan that presents the maximum number of lots. The final plan could have fewer parcels than initially proposed once the engineering phase is complete. Studies will be conducted addressing appropriate use of land and a refined plan developed assuring that all involved agencies are satisfied.
Supervisor Meegan stated that Attorney for the Town Charles Grieco recommended the Town Board table this item for further review. Councilman Hart noted the board members also had not received minutes from the Planning Board meeting.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to table this item.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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West Seneca, NY 14224 August 11, 2014
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15-B LEGAL ITEMS
3. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2756 TRANSIT ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 361, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM M-1(S) TO M-1(S), FOR AUTOMOTIVE SALES” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Oliver Twist owner of 2756 Transit Road stated his proposal to sell vehicles, noting he will continue to address property maintenance issues at the site.
No comments were received from the public.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to adopt the attached resolution issuing a negative declaration with regard to the proposed project at 2756 Transit Road and issue a special permit for automotive sales.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
4. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4592 SENECA STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 223, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM R-75 TO R-50 (S), FOR A 26 BUILDING, 52 UNIT DUPLEX TOWNHOME COMPLEX” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Supervisor Meegan re Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant Resolution |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing a collaborative grant with Erie County Soil & Water Conservation District for EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
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15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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2. Supervisor Meegan re West Seneca Youth Hockey Association Chicken BBQ |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the request of West Seneca Youth Hockey Association to hold a Chicken BBQ on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the ice rink with approval from Chief Denz and Highway Supt. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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3. Councilman Hanley re Resignation of Rachael E. Kruszka as Planning Board |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the resignation of Rachael E. Kruszka and terminate her as Planning Board Secretary effective August 3, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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4. Councilman Hanley re Appointment of Jacqueline A. Felser as Planning Board Secretary |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to appoint Jacqueline A. Felser as Planning Board Secretary effective August 4, 2014 at an annual stipend of $3400 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if the stipend will be prorated for the balance of the year and Supervisor Meegan confirmed it will be.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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5. Attorney for the Town re Public hearing – amendment to Chapter 54 Brush, Grass and Weeds |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to schedule a public hearing for September 8, 2014 at 7:05 P.M. to consider Local Law 2014-08 modification to Chapter 54, Brush, Grass and Weeds relating to notification of violations of said chapter. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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6. Attorney for the Town re Public hearing – amendment to Chapter 75 Fire Prevention Ordinance |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to schedule a public hearing for September 8, 2014 at 7:05 P.M. to consider Local Law 2014-09 modification to Chapter 75, Fire Prevention relating to standards for sign construction. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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7. Attorney for the Town re Public hearing – amendment to Chapter 120 Zoning Ordinance |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to schedule a public hearing for September 8, 2014 at 7:05 P.M. to consider Local Law 2014-010 modification to Chapter 120, Zoning relating to limitations on certain accessory uses in residential districts, the regulation of portable electronic signs and specifying construction materials for parking areas and driveways. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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8. Highway Supt. re Title change for Jonathan Slominski to full-time Sanitation Laborer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Jonathan Slominski as part-time Sanitation Laborer and appoint Jonathan Slominski as full-time Sanitation Laborer at a rate of $18.06/HR effective August 12, 2014 contingent upon passing drug and alcohol testing and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question,
Motion by Councilman Hanley, seconded by Councilman Hart, to amend the motion and terminate Daniel D.J. Dyson as part-time Sanitation Laborer and appoint Daniel D.J. Dyson as full-time Sanitation Laborer at a rate of $18.06/HR effective August 12, 2014 contingent upon passing drug and alcohol testing and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated she has nothing against Mr. Dyson but he has not worked for the town six months. She questioned how long Mr. Slominski has worked for the town.
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated Mr. Slominski has worked as an alternate for three years and they have always hired alternates as full-time employees based on seniority and possession of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). He stated that alternates come to the shop and wait to be assigned a route, sometimes being sent home at 6:45 am with no work, and Mr. Slominski is an outstanding employee that has put in his time. By seniority, Mr. Dyson has not put in his time and has not even worked through a winter. Mr. English further stated that Councilman Hanley had commented on a previous occasion that full-time appointments should be based on seniority and he thought this was an injustice to Mr. Slominski and set a bad example for other alternates hoping to become full-time in the future.
Councilman Hanley stated he was aware of other appointments where people were passed by and he understood there is no seniority with alternates.
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15-C COMMUNICATIONS
8. (continued)
Mr. English responded that past practice under his 5.5 years as Highway Sup’t. has always been to hire the high person in seniority with a CDL. He asked the Town Board to table this appointment and requested an executive session to discuss the issue.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 8:05 P.M. to discuss a personnel issue.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 8:15 P.M.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to table this item.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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9. Highway Supt. re Title change for Scott Funk to Highway Motor Equipment Operator |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Scott Funk as Highway Laborer and appoint Scott Funk as Highway Motor Equipment Operator, Group 2, Step 4, at a rate of $26.78/HR effective July 14, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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10. Highway Supt. re Title change for Kevin Farrell to Highway Motor Equipment Operator |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Kevin Farrell as Highway Laborer and appoint Kevin Farrell as Highway Motor Equipment Operator, Group 2, Step 4, at a rate of $26.78/HR effective July 28, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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11. Highway Supt. re Title change for Timothy John to Highway Laborer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Timothy John as Sanitation Motor Equipment Operator and appoint Timothy John as Highway Laborer, Group 1, Step 1 at a rate of $25.36/HR effective July 29, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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12. Chief Denz re Resignation of Melissa Denecke as Senior Police Clerk provisional |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the resignation of Melissa Denecke and terminate her as Senior Police Clerk provisional effective August 8, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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13. Chief Denz re Resignation of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher William Szewc |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the resignation of William Szewc and terminate him as part-time Public Safety Dispatcher effective July 30, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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14. Chief Denz re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatcher J. McCullough to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher James McCullough to part-time seasonal effective August 1 - 31, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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15. Chief Denz re Attendance of W. Leitzel & A. Serafini at NYS Police Juvenile training conference |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Detective Lieutenant William Leitzel and School Resource Officer Anthony Serafini to attend the New York State Police Juvenile Officers Association training conference August 24 -29, 2014 in Syracuse, New York at a total cost not to exceed $2,000 noting that sufficient funds are available in the police training course line item #1.3120.0459. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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16. Code Enforcement Officer re Rezoning request for 3894 Seneca Street |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to refer the rezoning request from R-65A to C-1 for 3894 Seneca Street allowing for office or retail space to the Planning Board for recommendation. |
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned where the property is located and Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded it is a vacant single family home located on Seneca Street across from Hook’s Shoes.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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17. Director of Recreation re Budgetary amendments requests |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to increase revenue Acct. #1.2065 (Recreation Charges) and increase expense Acct. #001.7140.0476 (Youth Summer Day Camp) by $2,000 each; and further increase revenue Acct. #001.0001.2705 (Donations) and increase expense Acct. #001.7140.0149 (Salary of part-time employees/Payroll costs for Youth Theatre) by $14,500 each. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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18. Sr. Recreation Therapist of Senior Services re Status change for LeeAnn Piniewski to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Food Service Worker LeeAnn Piniewski to part-time seasonal effective September 2 - 30, 2014 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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15-D REPORTS
· Jacqueline A Felser, Town Clerk’s report for July received and filed.
· John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report and plumbing report for July 2014 received and filed.
15-E APPROVAL OF WARRANT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the vouchers submitted for audit, chargeable to the respective funds as follows:
General Fund - $76,318.48; Highway Fund - $90,512.55; Special Districts - $180,542.76; Capital Fund - $667,586.24 (voucher #’s 84928 – 85426); Trust & Agency Fund - $47,424.15 (voucher #85393 - 85410)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
LEXINGTON GREEN FLOODING/DEC PERMITS
David Monolopolus stated it is the seven month anniversary of flooding in the Lexington Green neighborhood. He questioned the status of acquiring permits to dredge Buffalo Creek and if trees located in the creek can be removed.
Highway Supt. Matthew English responded that he and Supervisor Meegan met with the DEC two weeks ago and last week he met with a biologist. The DEC has indicated that the town will be able to push the shoals over by the black bridge once they receive the permit. He further believes tree removal from Buffalo Creek will be part of the permit.
Mr. Monolopolus further questioned when residents will be able to refinish their basements.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo referred to the Town Code and stated that basements cannot be refinished and should never have been finished originally since properties are located in the floodplain.
HIRING OF FULL-TIME SANITATION LABORER
David Monolopolus commented that the department head should be responsible for hiring individuals in the Highway Department because managers know employees the best.
Deputy Highway Sup’t. Greg Zimmerman spoke in support of Jonathan Slominski, noting he has an excellent three year work record as a part-time employee. He did not understand why Mr. Slominski was not being hired full-time.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
HIRING OF FULL-TIME SANITATION LABORER (continued)
Highway Supt. Matthew English stated he is disappointed that political games are still being played, noting it is costing a good young employee a full-time job. He further stated politics should not play a role in the hiring process.
Councilman Hanley stated in the real world department heads do not hire; all hiring goes through a human resource department followed by an orientation. He further stated department heads may sit in on the hiring, but they do not do the actual hiring.
TOWN APPOINTMENTS/DEPARTMENTS
Dale Clarke referred to changes made at the 2014 organization meeting including the Town Comptroller who resigned, the failed attempts to recreate the position of Deputy Town Comptroller and establish a Human Resource Department, and the appointment of a new Planning Board secretary. He commented that the appointments were political and he was happy to see Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser return as Planning Board secretary.
Ken VanRemmen commented on Mr. Clarke’s criticism of the board members and suggested he bring something positive to meetings in order to move the town forward.
POTHOLES
Amy Carpenter thanked Highway Supt. Matthew English for filling potholes on Mill Road and at the end of Woodward Drive & Union Road and reported another pothole on Woodward Crescent and Woodward Drive.
SENECA MALL SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY
Amy Carpenter requested clarification on the Seneca Mall site feasibility study and referred to a July 26th newspaper article indicating an additional study will be performed and paid for by Mr. Congel. She also referred to the July 28th Town Board meeting indicating Mr. Congel was reimbursing the town for the original study and that was why it was not being released. Mrs. Carpenter questioned if Mr. Congel is paying for two studies.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Mr. Congel is paying for two studies.
Councilman Hart added that Mr. Congel paying for the first study has nothing to do with it not being released and this is currently being reviewed by Attorney for the Town Charles Grieco.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SENECA MALL SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY (continued)
Mrs. Carpenter was disappointed to read information about the feasibility study in the newspaper and referred to the June 30th Town Board meeting where she questioned the status of the study and was told it had not been received. She was frustrated with the inability of the community to get information at board meetings which she thought was a disservice and questioned the transparency.
Councilman Hart responded the town had received a draft of the study, but he was uncertain if a final report was ever issued due to significant changes in the project. He further stated Mr. Congel has not committed to pay for the second study.
Supervisor Meegan responded that the day Mr. Congel announced he would pay for the initial study it was made public.
Mrs. Carpenter commented the town should not be desperate and dedicate so much time to this project when there are many other things the town needs to address.
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
Amy Carpenter questioned if there will be a study on the summer camp program.
Supervisor Meegan responded Recreation Director Craig Kroll will present information on the summer camp program at the next evening Town Board meeting.
LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION GRANT PROGRAM
Amy Carpenter referred to the town seeking grant funds for a new library and questioned if citizens will have any input on the design.
Supervisor Meegan responded that once funding is secured residents will have the opportunity to speak at public hearings. The design of the library has been put together by an engineer and the Library Board and Erie County Library both have an active role in this project.
PORTER SERVICE FOR GARBAGE TOTES
Johanna Guenther questioned the status of her request for porter service with the garbage totes for seniors and the disabled.
Attorney for the Town Brad Hoppe responded this is continuing to be reviewed and he was hopeful some information will be available shortly.
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
PORTER SERVICE FOR GARBAGE TOTES (continued).
Mrs. Guenther commented on seniors and disabled residents in the community needing assistance with their garbage totes and voiced her frustration that this issue has not been resolved.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY
Asst. Police Chief Michael Boehringer announced that the Citizens Police Academy will be holding another session on Wednesday evenings beginning September 17th and running for ten weeks.
CPR CLASS
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo announced the Disaster Office is hosting a CPR class Monday, August 18th at the Kiwanis Center. Additional information is available on the website.
SUMMER CAMP UPDATE
Recreation Director Craig Kroll announced summer camp was a huge success and reported they served over 350 kids. The camp ended last Friday and positive feedback was received from parents whose only complaint was they wanted the program to last longer. He will be offering a power point presentation in the future outlining numbers, future improvements, revenue/costs etc. Mr. Kroll extended a special thanks to Lauren Masset, Michael Talluto, Jill Piniewski and Nate Osmond along with the rest of the counselors for all their hard work.
Supervisor Meegan stated that discussions have taken place on possibly putting together a program for the February school break and enrollment for the 2015 Summer Day Camp Program will take place in February.
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK
Recreation Director Craig Kroll announced the Lego Movie will be featured in front of the Lion’s band shell this Friday at 8:30 P.M. He thanked Councilman Hanley and Rick Schunke of Just Pizza and Yummy Yogurt for sponsoring both movies presented this summer.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2014-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 11, 2014
Page sixteen . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
YOUTH THEATER
Recreation Director Craig Kroll announced Youth Theater will be performing Grease at the Lion’s band shell Friday, August 22nd at 6:00 P.M. and Saturday August 23rd at noon. Youth Theater summer camp participants have been practicing throughout the summer and will be performing the production free of charge.
YES PROGRAM UPDATE
Recreation Director Craig Kroll gave an update on changes that took place in the Youth Engaged in Service (YES) Program over the past ten months (see attached). He spoke on the program’s growth, focusing more on the needs of West Seneca, addition of new programs, administrative changes, re-establishment of an advisory board and the overall enhancement of the quality of life to all parties involved.
Supervisor Meegan complimented Recreation Supervisor Matthew Melski on the success of the program and thanked him and Mr. Kroll for all their hard work.
BID DATE FOR SENIOR CENTER RESTROOM
Supervisor Meegan announced a bid date will be forthcoming in September for the ADA compliant restrooms at the senior center.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 8:40 P.M. to discuss a personnel issue.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from Executive Session at 9:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK