Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-03
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 5, 2015
Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 3:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser.
ROLL CALL: Present - Sheila M. Meegan Supervisor
William P. Hanley, Jr. Councilman
Absent - None
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 the memory of Mary Ellen Niederpruem, Helen Bueme, Margaret Benzinger, June Gostomski, Harold Ulrich, James Armbruster and Tim McCarthy.
3-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2015-02 of January 26, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
3-B COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Termination of Frances Deppeler, Part-Time Clerk Typist |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to table this item.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
2. Supervisor Meegan re Retirement of Mary L. O’Connell, Senior Clerk Typist |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the retirement of Mary L. O’Connell and terminate her as Senior Clerk Typist effective February 18, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, board members commented that Mrs. O’Connell did an excellent job in the Engineering Department and Town Clerk’s office and wished her a long and happy retirement.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
3. Town Engineer re 2015 Town Hall Parking Lot SEQRA Review and Determination
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to sign Parts 1 & 2 of the SEQR short form and issue a negative declaration with regard to SEQR for the 2015 Town Hall Parking Lot project. |
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-03
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 5, 2015
Page two . . .
3-B COMMUNICATIONS
3. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if the scope of the project had changed to include more paving than originally planned.
Supervisor Meegan responded they have outlined what they would like to do and will move forward if funding is available. If not, they will stay within the original plan. A board will be on display for the public to view the project which includes a five foot sidewalk to the right side of the hill with lanterns and a swale every 14 feet to allow for hillside parking. Supervisor Meegan noted the town received considerable help from Senator Gallivan’s office on this project along with additional money she hoped to use to take care of the pavilion that is in great disrepair.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
4. Chief Denz re Status Change for Part Time Public Safety Dispatcher J. Pingitore
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher John Pingitore to part-time seasonal effective February 1 - 28, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
3-C REPORTS
- John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for January 2015 received and filed.
3-D 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 - $220,587.40; Highway Fund – $166,961.16; Special Districts - $18,679.65; Capital Fund - $178,994.71 (voucher #’s 87404 - 87713)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-03
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 5, 2015
Page three . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
TOWN HALL PARKING LOT PROJECT
Susan Kims questioned the cost of the Town Hall parking lot project. Supervisor Meegan responded the town will be matching the amount contributed by Senator Gallivan’s office, noting the cost determination has not yet been provided.
NYSDEC GRANT FOR TOTES
Susan Kims questioned if the town filed for and received funds from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) grant for 50 percent of the cost of the totes. Supervisor Meegan responded that papers were filed but it takes a while and funds have not yet been received. The request was made for 50 percent of the application. She did not have an exact dollar amount but will ask Grantwriter Connie Miner for that figure.
REPLACEMENT OF SEWER LATERALS
Susan Kims questioned if the town is still under a consent order concerning the sewers and if laterals need to be replaced whether or not they are broken.
Supervisor Meegan responded the town is still under a consent order and laterals are the homeowners’ responsibility.
Councilman Hart noted that any lateral owned by the town up to the property line has to be repaired and this has been done. The town will not ask a homeowner to replace a lateral if it is not broken. He thought Mrs. Kims may be referring to the local law that required a lateral to be replaced if a home is sold; however, that local law was rescinded.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo added that as part of the sewer ordinance, the town can make homeowners replace a lateral if it is damaged or if it is leaking and in need of repair.
AMERICORPS PAYMENT
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of AmeriCorps payments. Supervisor Meegan responded that January’s payment was received. The February payment was not yet received, but it is normally received between the 8th and 10th of each month.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-03
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 5, 2015
Page four . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
APPOINTMENT OF CLERK FOR TOWN HISTORIAN
Karen Lucachik questioned the status of newly appointed clerk at the Historical Society, Elaine Corey, following the resignation of Town Historian James Pace on January 26, 2015. She further questioned the salary, noting that it seemed high to her.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Mrs. Corey is not working until a new historical director is appointed. Mrs. Corey was interviewed by Mr. Pace who then brought his request for her hire to the Town Board. Supervisor Meegan added that new full-time clerks are hired at $14 per hour and that comes with vacation days, sick days, health benefits and NYS retirement. Mrs. Corey came with an impressive resume and as a part-time employee she receives no sick days, no vacation days and if she doesn’t work she doesn’t get paid.
Mrs. Lucachik requested clarification on the resignation of the previous clerk.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Frances Deppeler had not yet turned in her resignation, but it needed to be in place due to restrictions from Erie County on how many positions the town can have in place. She explained that Mrs. Deppeler was both the President and Secretary of the Historical Society which Mr. Pace felt was a conflict of interest, and Mrs. Deppeler was aware that she would be replaced in her position as secretary in 2015 with someone who is not part of the board for the Historical Society. Supervisor Meegan stated that Councilman Hart requested the termination be tabled so he could meet with the Historical Society at their next monthly meeting when all members are present. Supervisor Meegan further noted the Historical Society is a 501-3C organization, so the town is not in charge of their actions.
Susan Kims questioned the salary for Elaine Corey which she also thought was a little high for a part-time position. She further questioned if the position was advertised.
Supervisor Meegan responded that Mrs. Corey was hired as a part-time employee at $16 per hour. She was not part of the town’s secretarial pool and Mr. Pace recommended Mrs. Corey after inquiring if anyone was available in the secretarial pool.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
NYS SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo announced there will be a New York State Safety Awareness Program taking place this evening in the Town Hall court room.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-03
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 5, 2015
Page five . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
SIDEWALK CLEARING
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo reminded both residents and businesses to keep sidewalks clear, noting his office has been talking with property owners prior to issuing summonses.
SUMMER CAMP
Recreation Supervisor Lauren Masset stated she had received six registrations for the 2015 summer camp.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to recess to executive session at 3:25 PM to discuss personnel matters and contract issues.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 4:50 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK