Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. following the work session.
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 Michael Hartnett and Dolores Kasprzak.
14-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2015-13 of June 29, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
14-B LEGAL ITEMS
1.
Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF WEST SENECA REZONING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1053 SENECA CREEK ROAD FROM M-1 TO R-65 TO CONSTRUCT A SINGLE FAMILY HOME” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
2.
Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED BOND RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF WEST SENECA AUTHORIZING FINANCING FOR PREPARATION OF SURVEYS, PRELIMINARY AND DETAILED PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES NECESSARY FOR PLANNING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED SENECA PLACE PROJECT; ESTIMATING THAT THE TOTAL AGGREGATE COST THEREOF IS $300,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $300,000 IN SERIAL BONDS OF THE TOWN TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page two . . .
14-C COMMUNICATIONS
1. Town Engineer re Application for new street lighting –Camelot Square, Part 2/ Phase 2 |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize the Supervisor to sign the application from NYSEG for new street lighting service for Camelot Square, Part 2/Phase 2 contained within the town’s lighting district 62, noting this is an energy service only connection and the cost to energize the street lights will be paid by the town.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
2. Town Clerk re Status Change for part-time clerk Margaret Pomana to seasonal |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status for part-time clerk Margaret Pomana to part-time seasonal effective August 3 – October 31, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
3. Town Clerk re Appointment of Ellen Zawodzinski as part-time seasonal clerk typist
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time clerk typist Ellen Zawodzinski to part-time seasonal at a rate of $12 per hour effective July 13 - November 27, 2015, noting Ellen will be transferring from the Recreation Department to the Town Clerk’s office in August, and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset will be replacing Mrs. Zawodzinski and Ms. Masset responded she will be replacing her within the next few weeks.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
4. Code Enforcement Officer re LED Temporary Signs |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Yost Neon Displays to rent temporary mobile LED message centers to six businesses within the town.
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page three . . .
14-C COMMUNICATIONS
4. (continued)
On the question, Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Schieber stated the town revised its policy on LED signs with regard to times, brightness, etc. and this was also applied to temporary LED signs. The contractor was unable to attend this meeting, but his request is for temporary electronic signs, four of which require variances due to their proximity to residential zoning.
Town Attorney John Fenz suggested the Town Board not vote on Schwabl’s request which was previously before the Zoning Board and was not approved because they did not obtain the neighbor’s signature.
Councilman Hart questioned why Credit Planet Auto Sales did not require a variance and Mr. Schieber responded the sign will not affect any residence within the variance proximity.
Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the request of Yost Neon Displays for placement of a temporary mobile LED message center at 14 Holy Helpers Church and Credit Planet Auto Sales.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to table the request of Yost Neon Displays for placement of a temporary mobile LED message center at Schwabl’s, Nick Charlaps, Picasso’s and Northridge Nursery pending approval of variances.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
5. Youth Service Coordinator re Pay rate change for part-time recreation attendant Emily Baker |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve a rate increase for part-time recreation attendant Emily Baker to $10 per hour effective July 13, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
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On the question, Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated Emily works in the office and is taking over the Youth Engaged in Service (YES) program. Emily will also likely be the ice rink supervisor when it opens which includes scheduling and supervision of the ice rink staff.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page four . . .
14-C COMMUNICATIONS
6. Finance Department re Budget Amendment Request |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve an amendment to the adopted 2015 General Fund budget to appropriately account for revenue and expenditures as follows: increase revenue account #001.0001.4960, FEMA November 2014 Storm - $52,500 and increase expense account #001.7312.0467, Demolition of Kiwanis Building - $52,500.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
7. Finance Department re Budgetary Transfer Request
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve a budget transfer of $12,000 from budget line 01.1990.480 - Contingent Account to budget line 1.1989.0401 - Pre-employment screening, noting all summer employees are now required to complete drug screening prior to employment.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
14-D REPORTS
- Jacqueline A Felser, Town Clerk’s report for June 2015 received and filed.
- John A Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s building report for June 2015 received and filed.
14-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 - $213,382.10; Highway Fund - $198,268.27; Special Districts - $16,829.97; Capital Fund - $275,342.24 (voucher #’s 89272 - 89960); Trust & Agency Fund - $48,034.99 (voucher #’s 89912-89968)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page five . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
LIBRARY BOARD MINUTES
Susan Kims questioned if Library Board meetings or minutes are posted anywhere.
Councilman Hart commented the Library Board should be considered a county function and asked Town Attorney John Fenz if they are required to post minutes.
Mr. Fenz replied the Library Board is a public body with open meetings, so minutes should be recorded and posted. He will look into where these minutes are posted and possibly make arrangements to have their minutes posted to the town website.
SENECA PLACE FEASILIBITY STUDY
Susan Kims referred to the Seneca Place feasibility study and questioned if the money was wired yet. Supervisor Meegan responded the money was received.
SENIOR CENTER RESTROOM RENOVATION
Susan Kims questioned the status of the senior center restrooms. Supervisor Meegan replied the contractors are working and restrooms should be up and running soon.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Susan Kims questioned what length of time is considered temporary for a sign.
Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Schieber responded there is no definition for temporary, but an inquiry is made to the owner if the sign remains in place after an extended period of time.
Councilman Hart suggested amending the town ordinance to place a time limit on how long a temporary electronic sign can be posted.
Town Attorney John Fenz noted Town Board approval for a sign posting could include a condition for a designated period of time.
Councilman Hart suggested the intended length of time be included as a requirement in the application process.
Mrs. Kims questioned when a variance is needed and if sign placement and driver distraction is considered during the variance process.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page six . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
TEMPORARY SIGNS (continued)
Mr. Schieber responded certain electronic signs, regular and temporary, require a variance and they also require Town Board approval. The location of a sign is reviewed during the variance process. Signs that do not require a variance but are reported as being obtrusive or distracting are addressed by the Code Enforcement Office accordingly.
Mr. Fenz explained electronic signs have restrictions on brightness and how often text changes, both which could create a distraction to drivers.
BEECHWOOD ROAD RESURFACING
Beverly Leising questioned the status of Beechwood Road resurfacing.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded he and Highway Superintendent Matthew English met with the contractor for the Beechwood Road and Hilltop Courts projects who indicated this work should be complete by the third week of August. Mr. Tanner noted work on Beechwood Road began late last week and when it is finished Mill Road will be started.
FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS
Beverly Leising commented there seemed to be more fireworks this year and questioned if it was because certain fireworks are now legal in Niagara County. Assistant Chief Michael Boehringer responded that fireworks complaints were actually down this year.
DEER POPULATION CONTROL
Beverly Leising requested statistics on how many deer have been eliminated. Assistant Chief Michael Boehringer responded he will talk with Mrs. Leising following the meeting regarding the specific information she is requesting.
CARRIAGE PARK PLAYGROUND
Beverly Leising commented on the length of the grass at Carriage Park playground and asked if the graffiti on the swings and tables could be spray painted to cover it up.
Highway Superintendent Matthew English stated he will look into this.
Mrs. Leising suggested developing a program with carpentry students at BOCES to make benches and tables and have their names denoted with the hope this equipment would less likely be defaced.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-14
West Seneca, NY 14224 July 13, 2015
Page seven . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATIONS
Beverly Leising stated at a recent School Board meeting she learned there is a great need for school supplies for two schools, specifically grades K – 5, and asked for donations of pencils, glue sticks, crayons, kleenex, etc. Mrs. Leising referred to a program started by Dr. Graham for young children who are tech-savvy but need to be taught motor skills such as how to color and hold a pencil. She asked Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak if a program could be developed at the senior center where crafters could make a learning game for children to take home and use. Mrs. Leising further recommended Town Board and School Board meetings be held on different nights so the public can attend both. She feels this will allow residents to work together to attract new residents and make West Seneca the best suburb in which to live.
Councilman Hart noted the hard work going into the comprehensive plan, town center and community center/library concepts to modernize the town. He also referred to library programs available for young children that many are not aware of.
Supervisor Meegan suggested making a donation drop site at Town Hall and advertising on the town’s website to encourage donations. She further commented on the town’s great education system and the partnership between local government and the school district.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to executive session at 4:05 P.M. to discuss personnel matters with Highway Supt. Matthew English and Town Attorney John Fenz.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 4:25 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK