Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
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 led by Asst. Chief Michael Boehringer.
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 Joseph Corey, Phillip Ryan Jr and Elaine Donley.
7-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Minutes #2015-06 of March 23, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
7-B TABLED ITEMS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Director of Recreation II |
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Remained on the table. |
7-C COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Community flower gardens at Walkway of Freedom |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the proposal to create community flower gardens at the Town of West Seneca Walkway of Freedom. |
On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated the Walkway of Freedom is maintained by the West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee who named James Manley to serve as overseer of the Walkway. Mr. Manley will execute the expansion plans and Supervisor Meegan thanked him for his work.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
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West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
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7-C COMMUNICATIONS
2. Town Attorney/Youth Service Coordinator re 2015 Recreation Facility Usage & Admission Fees |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the attached updated Recreation Facility Usage & Admission Fees for 2015/2016, noting creation of an active duty military & veterans discount.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
3. Town Attorney re AmeriCorps Fund, Inc. Settlement Agreement
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into a settlement agreement with Western New York AmeriCorps Fund, Inc. (“WNY”) to fully resolve certain obligations owed the Town of West Seneca and authorize the Town Attorney to execute a Stipulation of Discontinuance which discontinues the town’s legal action against WNY AmeriCorps. |
On the question, Town Attorney John Fenz stated in 2008 the town entered into a grant administration agreement with AmeriCorps to transition programs over to AmeriCorps management. The agreement was amended in 2009 so that AmeriCorps would pay the town $964,000 with a lump sum payment of $409,000 and $8000 monthly payments. Legal action was taken by the town in 2011 when payments were not being received regularly. Since then payments have continued and $556,293 is left due and owing. Mr. Fenz noted that with this settlement agreement the town will discontinue legal action and accept a lump sum payment of $268,147 and property in the amount of $20,000 in addition to service hours to comprise the balance. He added that overall, the town collected $890,000 of $1.1 million owed, approximately 76 cents on the dollar, which he believes is a great settlement.
Councilman Hart stated there has always been the possibility that AmeriCorps will no longer exist, especially this year with the changes in Congress.
Supervisor Meegan commented when she first became councilwoman it was discovered that the town was paying for AmeriCorps’ operating expenses. It was supposed to be a federally funded program, but the Town of West Seneca was funding it in its entirety. This process was stopped and an agreement was put in place so AmeriCorps could continue to be viable while paying the town back.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page three . . .
7-C COMMUNICATIONS
4. Town Attorney re West Seneca Little Loop Football, Inc. Renewal Agreement
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into a renewal agreement with West Seneca Little Loop Football, Inc. (“Little Loop”) to license certain town owned lands for Little Loop’s youth football leagues.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
5. Town Engineer re Deduct Change Order Approval for 2014 Senior Center Parking Lot project |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve change order #2 for a $1512.29 deduction on the 2014 Senior Center Parking Lot project.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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6. Highway Superintendent re Status Change for Buildings and Grounds Department employees
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of Rick Mingle and Harold Schwartz from part-time laborers in Buildings & Grounds to part-time seasonal at a rate of $12/HR effective April 14 – September 14, 2015; and further, change the status of the following part-time laborers in Buildings & Grounds to part-time seasonal effective April 14 – September 14, 2015 at a rate of $9/HR: Matthew Amoia, Thomas Bebak, Austin Boehm, James Brady, Devin Chavanne, Troy Eberle, Jacob Hiam, Joseph Kropczynski, Daniel Lewis, Kevin O’Shaughnessy, Kerry Painter, Michael Pauly, Ryan Schrader, Tyler Sullivan and Michael Zuchowski and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
7. Chief of Police re Officers attendance at New York State Traffic Safety training conference
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize four (4) officers (TBA) to attend the New York State Law Enforcement Traffic Safety training conference, April 30 - May 1, 2015 in Syracuse New York, noting the total cost of this training should not exceed $800.00 with sufficient funds in the police training courses line item (1.3120.0459) to cover this expense.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
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7-C COMMUNICATIONS
8. Chief of Police re Budget Transfer to Police Fund |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve a budget transfer of $8,371.92 from budget line 001.3120.0164-Community Policing Programs and re-appropriate funds as follows: $1,850.91 to budget line 001.3120.0150 (Captain), $3,175.56 to budget line 001.3120.0153 (Detective), $868.36 to budget line 001.3120.0154 (Police Officer), $1,868.06 to budget line 001.3120.0161 (Police Lieutenant) and $609.03 to budget line 001.3120.0163 (Police Detective Lieutenant).
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On the question, Asst. Chief Boehringer commented on the success of the Community Policing Program and explained what is included. He and Chief Denz are working to put together another session in the fall which could possibly be extended three weeks. Citizens can apply online at the West Seneca Police Department website or by calling Asst. Chief Boehringer directly for an application.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
9. Code Enforcement Officer re Appointment of Steve Lomison as part-time electrical inspector |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Steve Lomison as part-time Electrical Inspector at a rate of $18 per hour effective April 7, 2015, noting there are sufficient funds in Acct. #1.3620.0149, and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Councilman Hart stated that by having an electrical inspector in place as an employee all fees for electrical inspections will come to the town, which should result in a profit situation.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
10. Town Clerk re Rate increase for part-time clerks
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the hourly rate for part-time clerks Margaret Pomana and Amy Kobler to $13 per hour effective April 6, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page five . . .
7-C COMMUNICATIONS
10. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Hart commented that this rate change brings these part-time clerks in line with what clerks in other departments are being paid. Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser added there are sufficient funds in the budget.
Supervisor Meegan further stated the Town Clerk’s office will be taking over issuance of ID cards for the Recreation Department.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
11. Youth Service Coordinator re Pay Rate Change for Grace Reedy |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve a rate increase to $13.00/hour for Grace Reedy and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
On the question, Councilman Hart stated this increase brings a long term clerk up to current part-time rates.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
12. Youth Service Coordinator re Appointment of Ellen Zawodzinski as Clerk Typist Part Time |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Ellen M. Zawodzinski as part-time Clerk Typist at the rate of $10.00/hour effective April 7, 2015 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. Finance Department re Approval of transfer from General Fund to Highway Fund
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution authorizing a one-time transfer of $475,000 from the General Fund available fund balance to support emergency spending within the Highway Fund. |
On the question, Councilman Hart commented on the weather events (blizzards, flooding, “Snowvember”) that took place during 2014 and led to emergency spending within the Highway Fund.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page six . . .
7-C COMMUNICATIONS
14. Finance Department re Approval of funding for library work |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution to approve funding for library improvements.
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On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated this funding was for updates to the doors, countertops, rugs and security system.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
15. Councilman Hart re National Library Week Proclamation |
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Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to adopt the attached resolution proclaiming April 12 – 18, 2015 as National Library Week in the Town of West Seneca.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
16. Supervisor Meegan re West Seneca Chamber of Commerce 75th anniversary |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution in recognition of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce 75th anniversary.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES*
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7-D REPORTS
- Jacqueline A. Felser, Town Clerk’s monthly report for March 2015 received and filed.
- John A. Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for March 2015 and plumbing report for March 2015 received and filed.
7-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 - $44,410.63; Highway Fund - $57,497.50; Special Districts - $21,723.37; Capital Fund - $279,426.43 (voucher #’s 88244 - 88517); Trust & Agency Fund - $47,366.13 (voucher #’s 88556 - 88585)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page seven . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SAFETY NET COALITION & WEST SENECA STAKEHOLDERS COALITION
Jeff Pirrone, Supervisor of the Mobile Safety Net Team, stated his group helped convene the West Seneca Stakeholders Coalition in June 2014, which is comprised of residents and stakeholders from various backgrounds who gather monthly to address strategies to strengthen the community. A report was released last year that outlined critical issues affecting residents, government agencies and the non-profit human services sector. It also included seven recommendations to strengthen the community and one of the recommendations was to form the West Seneca Stakeholders Coalition. Mr. Pirrone explained the Safety Net Coalition serves to help reach goals identified by the local coalition by working collaboratively with local government, schools and organizations. He invited the public to visit their website at www.msntwny.org and noted that meetings are the third Tuesday of each month at 1 P.M., most recently being held at the Southgate Plaza Community Room.
Beverly Leising questioned what specifically is being looked at. Mr. Pirrone responded the report indicated there are a lot of great services in West Seneca, but there is also a lot of need in certain parts of the community and a need to bring awareness to the programs available (i.e. senior programs, after school programs, workforce development).
Mrs. Leising referred to services provided for youths after school and possibly overlapping services. Mr. Pirrone responded they do not want to duplicate services, but would like to strengthen what is already there and Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset has been very active in working with the schools.
Mrs. Leising questioned if the Safety Net Coalition has any official authority to correct a problem such as below-grade housing. Brandi Collins, Chairperson of the Safety Net team, responded they can make suggestions and handle administrative details.
Karl Spencer questioned what is thought to be the greatest need and suggested putting together an information packet that can be accessed on the website.
Ms. Collins responded that youth services and transportation have been identified as the greatest need, especially on the west side of town. She further stated there is a report available on their website.
Mr. Pirrone stated the Safety Net Coalition could assist with creating a community-specific brochure listing available services.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page eight . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
KIWANIS BUILDING
Mary Lou Dietrich expressed her desire to repair/maintain the Kiwanis building to use as a place for kids to go. She asked to see a report showing how much money has been invested for repairs and suggested getting a proposal on what it would cost to make it usable.
Supervisor Meegan stated the design of the Kiwanis building is the problem. There are continual flooding issues and too much money has been put into the building.
Councilman Hart stated the last report he received indicated over $300,000 to repair the building. He further stated the Kiwanis building will come down either this year or next and they will come up with a plan to replace it, noting that Potter Road School may be a possibility.
COMPOST PICKUP
Beverly Leising questioned when leaves, yard waste, etc. can be put out. Highway Superintendent Matthew English responded that compost/grass trucks will go out May 4th. Only cans or returnable containers should be used; bags will not be taken.
STREET CLEANING
Beverly Leising suggested an earlier start to street cleaning this year. Highway Superintendent Matthew English responded he is hopeful to start street cleaning next week. They are waiting for a good soaking rain to get rid of any remaining road salt that could ruin the machines.
BEECHWOOD REPAVING PROJECT
Beverly Leising questioned if there is a date for the Beechwood Road repaving project and Supervisor Meegan responded it will begin the first week of May.
PART-TIME CLERK TYPIST POSITIONS
Karen Lucachik questioned if the person hired for recreation applied through the normal channels. Supervisor Meegan responded she was hired from a job posting for clerk typist on the town website and was one of two candidates interviewed by Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset along with the Human Resource Department.
Mrs. Lucachik referred to the historical society secretary position which was terminated at the last Town Board meeting and questioned if the person hired for this position is still employed by the town. Supervisor Meegan responded she is still employed, but is not working at this time.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-07
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 6, 2015
Page nine . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
AMERICORPS SETTLEMENT
Karen Lucachik commented on the AmeriCorps settlement and suggested that credit go to the concerned citizens who worked endless hours gathering information that was submitted to the Town Board. Mrs. Lucachik further expressed concern that no interest was charged on the $1.1 million that was owed to the town.
Supervisor Meegan responded they needed to keep AmeriCorps in business so they could pay the town back and charging interest would not have allowed for this.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
GOVERNOR CUOMO’S BUDGET
Supervisor Meegan commented on Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget and noted positive changes for West Seneca, including increased funding for education, state roads and bridge reconstruction (specifically Route 219 Bridge) and a $50 million increase in CHIP funding. The Water Infrastructure Improvement Act allocates $20 million over three years, which will aid the town with turnover of the water districts to Erie County. Supervisor Meegan added that DASNY Capital Projects has a new chain of command which should result in applications being expedited, thus allowing a quicker receipt of grant funds.
Councilman Hart stated that library construction grants increased along with an increase in library funding to $91 million and he was hopeful West Seneca will get a share of this.
RECREATION PROGRAMS UPDATE
Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated that summer camp is filling up rapidly with all weeks 50-60 percent full. Swim lesson registration is now open and the 2015 summer brochure is complete.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK