Town Board Meeting
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 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 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 Eugene Burke, James Hillery, Richard Stacey, Alfreda Janiak, Genevieve Iafallo, Bernadine Foote, Dorothy Konert and Louise Smith.
8-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the April 6, 2015 work session.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Minutes #2015-07 of April 6, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
8-B TABLED ITEMS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Director of Recreation II |
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Received and filed. |
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Re-designation of E. Hicks to Erie County Environmental Management Council |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to re-designate Evelyn Hicks to serve as the Town of West Seneca’s representative on the Erie County Environmental Management Council for a two year term to expire on May 31, 2017.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page two . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
2. Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Thomas Bilski to Board of Assessment Review |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Thomas Bilski to the Board of Assessment Review effective immediately for a term expiring September 30, 2019 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, Councilman Hart stated that Mary Derk resigned from this position and Mr. Bilski had previously served on the board.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
3. Supervisor Meegan re Appointment of Katie Hourihan as Secretary to Ethics Committee
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint Katie Hourihan as secretary to the Ethics Committee at a rate of $75.00 per meeting and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
4. Councilman Hanley re Appointment of Daniel Dyson as temporary, full-time Sewer Laborer
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Daniel DJ Dyson as part-time Sanitation Department laborer and appoint Daniel DJ Dyson as temporary, full-time Sewer Laborer, Group 1, Step 1, at a rate of $20.41 per hour effective April 20, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
5. Town Attorney re Cancel Purchase agreement for former St. Bonaventure property |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Town Attorney to transmit the attached correspondence canceling the purchase agreement with St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church Society of West Seneca regarding the former St. Bonaventure property, noting this election to cancel is within the “Inspection Period” provided for in the agreement which permits the town to cancel the agreement and receive a refund of its $5,000 initial deposit.
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page three . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
5. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Hart stated they cannot reveal the number but the assessment by the engineers made it unaffordable to go forward with the purchase.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
6. Town Attorney re Public hearing to consider increase and improvement of water district facilities |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution to schedule a public hearing on May 11, 2015 at 7 P.M. to consider the increase and improvement of facilities of Water Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
7. Highway Sup’t re Attendance at 2015 Highway School
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize Highway Superintendent Matthew English and Deputy Highway Superintendent Greg Zimmerman to attend the 2015 Highway School to be held June 1 – 3, 2015 at Ithaca College with costs not to exceed $1500.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
8. Highway Sup’t re Status change for sanitation laborers to part-time seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of the following part-time sanitation laborers to part-time seasonal laborers effective May 4 – October 4, 2015 at a rate of $8.75 per hour: Steve Amoia, Jr., Colin Brown, Timothy Czuprynski, Nicholas Gugliuizza, Andrew Maj, Jeffrey Roll, Matthew Schultz, Timothy Stevenson and Robert Walsh 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 he was abstaining from this vote because Robert Walsh is a second cousin.
Ayes: (2) Supervisor Meegan, Councilman Hanley Noes: None
Abstentions: (1) Councilman Hart Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page four . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
9. Highway Sup’t re Appointment of part-time seasonal sanitation laborers |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to appoint the following as part-time seasonal sanitation laborers at a rate of $8.75 per hour effective May 4 – October 4, 2015: Adam Karyczak, Norman Locher, MacKenzie Szakacs and Patrick Kane; and further, terminate Austin Boehm and Kevin O’Shaughnessy as part-time seasonal laborers in Buildings & Grounds and appoint them as part-time seasonal sanitation laborers at a rate of $8.75 per hour effective May 4 – October 4, 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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10. Chief Denz re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatcher A. Wagner to part-time seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) Andrew Wagner to part-time seasonal effective April 1 - 30, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
11. Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change for J. Kropczynski to part-time seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time clerk typist Janet Kropczynski to part-time seasonal effective May 1 - 29, 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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12. Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change for M. Bless to part-time seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time food service worker Marirose Bless to part-time seasonal effective May 1 - June 30, 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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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page five . . .
8-C COMMUNICATIONS
13. Youth Service Coordinator re Status change for C. Kogut to part-time seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of Candice Kogut from part-time to part-time seasonal effective April 26 - September 12, 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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14. Youth Service Coordinator re Termination of Recreation Attendant/ID Room Clerk L. Green |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Lynn Green as Recreation Attendant/ID Room Clerk effective April 23, 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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15. Code Enforcement Officer re Hearing for emergency demolition at 69 Dirkson Avenue
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for an emergency demolition to address unsafe conditions at 69 Dirkson Avenue, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying and the costs will be added to the tax rolls. |
On the question, Supervisor Meegan commented on the process the town has started to aggressively address these unsafe homes.
Code Enforcement Office John Gullo stated there was a fire at this property and it is now a public safety issue in need of immediate demolition.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
16. Code Enforcement Officer re Hearing for emergency demolition at 35 Benson Avenue
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to conduct a hearing for an emergency demolition to address unsafe conditions at 35 Benson Avenue, noting the conditions set forth in Chapter 57 of the Town Code have been met without any responsible person replying and the costs will be added to the tax rolls. |
On the question, Code Enforcement Office John Gullo stated this property has a major foundation problem. It is a public safety issue and needs immediate demolition.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page six . . .
8-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 - $377,434.51; Highway Fund - $186,345.54; Special Districts - $21,561.35; Capital Fund - $585,341.40 (voucher #’s 84477-88769); Trust & Agency Fund - $46,130.81 (voucher #’s 88733-88755)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
TOWN PARK COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES
Vincent Graber commented on the commemorative plaques at the West Seneca Soccer Complex, Harlem Road Park, Sunshine Park and the Burchfield Center that have misinformation and do not properly acknowledge the Town Board members directly involved in the process of developing these parks (i.e. late Jerry Hicks, Christopher Walsh & Barbara Rudnicki). Mr. Graber asked the Town Board to research this information and have these plaques corrected.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to research development of the West Seneca Soccer Complex, Harlem Road Park, Sunshine Park and the Burchfield Center and take the necessary steps to correct the commemorative plaques on display to include former council members Christopher Walsh, Barbara Rudnicki and the late Jerry Hicks that were involved in developing these parks.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
BUFFALO FENIANS
Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the Buffalo Fenians meeting. Town Attorney John Fenz responded they have reached an agreement in principle and he is in the process of drafting an agreement.
BURCHFIELD CENTER RESTORATION
Amy Carpenter questioned if steps will be added at the Burchfield Center.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded he is in the process of getting prices for the steps. He further commented on the comfort station that will include a ramp leading up to it, noting that keeping it on the steel pedestal was effective in keeping it above the flood plain and preventing it from flooding. Restoration should begin shortly.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
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ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
TREE ORDINANCE
Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the Tree Ordinance.
Councilman Hart commented on significant changes made to the ordinance based on recommendations from the Environmental Commission tree sub-committee that will have an impact on projects going forward.
Town Attorney John Fenz stated a public hearing will be held at the May 25th Town Board meeting or the first meeting in June.
MASTER PLAN
Amy Carpenter questioned the status of the Master Plan and Councilman Hart stated the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29th at 7 P.M. at the Burchfield Center.
QUASAR
Amy Carpenter questioned if Quasar has produced any electricity. Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated he feels they are very close to producing electricity and noted Quasar submitted plans for facility improvements that are permitted by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and include additional buildings that will require code enforcement review.
ETHICS COMMITTEE DETERMINATION
Amy Carpenter questioned if there will be a determination made based on the recommendation submitted by the Ethics Committee and Supervisor Meegan responded the board members have not had a conversation to discuss the findings.
TOWN LIGHTING
Amy Carpenter referred to a recommendation made for the type of lighting used in town and questioned if there are any plans to pass a law to require use of more energy efficient lighting.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the original performance contract took care of changing to more energy efficient LED bulbs in lights owned by the town, but this consisted of only 15 percent of the town’s lights at the time. The town is moving forward to get approval from the Public Utilities Commission to buy the remainder of the lights in town from the various utilities. Once approved, the performance contract will allow for every light to be switched to more energy efficient lighting over the course of the next year.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page eight . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
CREMATORIUM IN WEST SENECA
Amy Carpenter commented on Union Fire Company’s proposal for a new fire hall and questioned if a crematorium is going into the old fire hall location.
Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded that a crematorium was proposed for the industrial park and he directed that person to obtain the necessary state approvals prior to proceeding with the town; however, he feels it is unlikely the state will give their approval.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EMERGENCY MANAGER CERTIFICATION
Supervisor Meegan announced that John Gullo received international certification as Emergency Manager.
REGISTERED MUNICIPAL CLERK CERTIFICATION
Supervisor Meegan announced that Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser will be receiving Registered Municipal Clerk certification at the NYS Town Clerks Association conference next week.
GRASS TRUCKS
Highway Superintendent Matthew English stated that grass trucks are starting May 4th and leaves, grass, etc. should be put in returnable containers.
NEW YORK PRIZE GRANT APPLICATION
Town Engineer Steven Tanner commented that Quasar approached the town about a grant application for a state sponsored program called New York Prize. There are three steps involved including a study, followed by initial engineering and finally ten communities are chosen to implement a microgrid that could provide electricity to critical facilities if electricity is out throughout the town. Mr. Tanner explained that a microgrid is a standalone unit that can use excess electricity, in this case produced by Quasar and Solar City, as an alternate power source for critical town services during emergency situations. He feels that even if the grant is not received, it is a good opportunity to partner with these companies to do good things with excess electricity with an emphasis on green energy.
RECREATION PROGRAM UPDATE
Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated that summer day camp registration is on-going and flyers are going out to the schools this week.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-08
West Seneca, NY 14224 April 20, 2015
Page nine . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EMPIRE STATE STUDENT SERVICE AWARD
Councilman Hanley recognized Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset as the Empire State Student Service Award recipient, noting Lauren was selected from eleven finalists and the award is based on her services and volunteer work in West Seneca.
FAMILY HEALTH FAIR
Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services Mary Josefiak announced that Senator Gallivan is sponsoring a Family Health Fair for all ages Saturday, April 25th, 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. at the senior citizens center.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Councilman Hart stated the next Comprehensive Plan meeting will be held April 29th at 7:00 P.M. and is open to the public. Targeted future projects in the town will be discussed.
WEST SENECA STAKEHOLDERS COALITION
Councilman Hart stated there is a West Seneca Stakeholders Coalition meeting tomorrow at 1 P.M. at the Southgate Plaza meeting room and all are welcome to attend.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to Executive Session at 7:45 P.M. to discuss four employee issues and two legal issues.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 10:15 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK