Town Board Minutes
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 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 Attorney John Fenz.
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 in honor of the American Gold Star mothers and in memory of Hervey “Red” Sherk.
19-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the September 14, 2015 work session.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2015-18 of September 14, 2015.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve minutes from the September 22, 2015 bid opening for asbestos abatement work at the Kiwanis Youth Center.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Meegan re Resignation of Gerald Greenan from Planning Board
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to accept the resignation of Gerald Greenan and terminate him as Planning Board member effective October 1, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel. |
On the question, Councilman Hart commented that Mr. Greenan played an integral part in town government and served for 23 years on the Planning Board.
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page two . . .
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
1. (continued)
Town Attorney John Fenz stated Mr. Greenan is one of the kindest and most knowledgeable people he has ever met and passed down decades of knowledge about the town.
Supervisor Meegan commented that faith, family and friends were important to Mr. Greenan and they can still reach out to him with a phone call for help when needed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
2. Town Attorney re Out of District Sewer Connection Agreement |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents on behalf of West Seneca Sanitary Sewer District No. 13 to enter into an out of district sewer connection agreement with 2220 Southwestern Holdings, LLC to furnish sanitary sewer facilities, noting this connection has met with the approval of both the Town of Orchard Park and the Town of West Seneca’s Engineer.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
3. Town Engineer re Bid Date for Courtroom Handicap Accessibility Project
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to set a bid date of October 21, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. for receipt of bids on the Courtroom Handicap Accessibility Project.
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On the question, Supervisor Meegan stated they had hoped to use Community Development Block Grant funds for this project, but the project will be done prior to receiving the money so it cannot be used for that purpose. Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) money can still be used towards the project.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
4. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Thomas Schappert to Highway Working Crew Chief
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Thomas Schappert as Highway Motor Equipment Operator and appoint him as Highway Working Crew Chief, Group 6, Step 5, at a rate of $30.34 per hour effective September 17, 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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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page three . . .
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
5. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for James Eggert to Sanitation Motor Equipment Operator |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate James Eggert as Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as Sanitation Motor Equipment Operator at a rate of $19.64 per hour effective September 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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6. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Joel Polino to Sanitation Motor Equipment Operator |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Joel Polino as Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as Sanitation Motor Equipment Operator at a rate of $19.64 per hour effective September 29, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
7. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Collin Brown to full-time Sanitation Laborer
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Collin Brown as part-time Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as full-time Sanitation Laborer at a rate of $18.65 per hour effective September 29, 2015 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
8. Highway Sup’t. re Title change for Timothy Czuprynski to full-time Sanitation Laborer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Timothy Czuprynski as part-time Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as full-time Sanitation Laborer at a rate of $18.65 per hour effective September 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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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page four . . .
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
9. Highway Sup’t re Title change for Jeffrey Roll to full-time Sanitation Laborer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to terminate Jeffrey Roll as part-time Sanitation Laborer and appoint him as full-time Sanitation Laborer at a rate of $18.65 per hour effective September 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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10. Chief Denz re Purchase of patrol car computer system replacement
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the purchase of five new mobile data terminal computer systems from Patrol PC, Inc. at the total cost of $26,745 to replace five current patrol vehicle systems already in service and past their viability, noting the new systems will be purchased from the Asset Seizure Trust Fund #004.0004.0072.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
11. Chief Denz re Purchase of four police vehicles |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the purchase of four new police vehicles at contract pricing to replace four current police vehicles, noting funding is available through the 2015 police budget.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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12. Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change for part-time clerk typist G. Busse |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time clerk typist Georgiann Busse to part-time seasonal effective September 21 - October 16, 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. Youth Service Coordinator re West Seneca Youth and Recreation Fall/Winter Employee Handbook |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to accept the attached Fall/Winter Recreation Employee Handbook, which includes policies, procedures and expectations for employees.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page five . . .
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
14. Youth Service Coordinator re Termination of Christopher Ziolkowski as Recreation Attendant |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to terminate Christopher Ziolkowski as Recreation Attendant effective September 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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15. Youth Service Coordinator re General program waiver |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to adopt the attached waiver for West Seneca Youth & Recreation program participants.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned how much protection this will give the town. Town Attorney John Fenz responded it does as much as it can, but it will not exempt the town for things such as gross negligence.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES
16. Youth Service Coordinator re Adult basketball rules |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached West Seneca Youth & Recreation Adult Basketball Rules.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
17. Youth Service Coordinator re Ice Rink facility use & recreation skate rules |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to adopt the attached West Seneca Youth & Recreation rules for the West Seneca Ice Rink, noting this includes facility and recreation skate rules.
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On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if the employees have had training on the rules and regulations. Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset responded rink guards will be trained Friday and she will meet with employees to have them sign, confirming their understanding of the rules and policies.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page six . . .
19-B COMMUNICATIONS
18. Youth Service Coordinator re Ice Rink accident/incident report |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to adopt the attached accident/incident form for the West Seneca Ice Rink recreational programs.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried *APPENDICES* |
19. Town Engineer re Bid award for asbestos abatement work at Kiwanis Youth Center |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to award the bid for asbestos abatement work at the Kiwanis Youth Center to Caysea Contracting Corporation at their low bid of $49,800.
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On the question, Councilman Hart stated he was concerned that the bid is significantly lower than others and questioned what volume of asbestos will be removed. Town Engineer Steven Tanner stated he checked references and Caysea Contracting does this type of work well and will personally be doing the work rather than subcontracting. Mr. Tanner added asbestos removal will include ground floor tile and mastic down to the concrete, floor tile and mastic from a janitor’s closet upstairs and around the exterior of the building down to ground floor levels.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
20. Supervisor Meegan re Demonstration in support of WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt the attached resolution to approve holding a demonstration in support of WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center.
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On the question, Councilman Hart commented on the high success rate of the West Seneca facility and the importance of this issue. He explained the proposal from NYS Office of Mental Health to consolidate WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center (WNYCPC) with the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and relocate high risk children to an adult facility.
Supervisor Meegan stated the Town Board will continue to fight in support of WNYCPC for the children’s care and for their families, noting the results have been great and are proven.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
21. Supervisor Meegan re Breast Cancer Awareness month |
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Supervisor Meegan recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness month and read the attached proclamation into the record. |
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West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page seven . . .
19-C 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 - $197,064.03; Highway Fund - $83,752.85; Special Districts - $4,827.11; Capital Fund - $710,071.25 (voucher #’s 90597-90970); Trust & Agency Fund - $35,755.08 (voucher #’s 90867-90885)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
DEMOLITION OF ABANDONED HOUSE
Lynn Burgess questioned why the abandoned house at 94 Dirkson Avenue hasn’t been demolished. Councilman Hart explained that sometimes when an order of demolition is issued the owners then come forward to fix it. Supervisor Meegan stated she will contact Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo on this issue.
STREET LIGHT ISSUE
Lynn Burgess commented on the issue with street lights being out and stated he contacted NYSEG with addresses and pole numbers, but they have not fixed any of them.
Supervisor Meegan stated she understood NYSEG is having some contractual issues.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner reminded the Town Board of the buyout of streetlights from NYSEG and switching to LED lighting. The bulbs will last longer and the town will have the personnel to maintain them.
Karen Lucachik suggested the town stop paying NYSEG’s bill and suggested the citizens contact the Public Service Commission.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS
Beverly Leising questioned how many supplies were collected for the school and suggested making it an annual event. Supervisor Meegan stated ten boxes of supplies were delivered to the school.
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page eight . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
FORECLOSED HOUSES
Beverly Leising stated Assemblyman Kearns is doing a great job intimidating the banks regarding absentee and foreclosed houses and suggested extending the program to NYS for state owned houses on Leydecker Road and East & West Road. Supervisor Meegan stated she has talked to NYS and the problem with the houses is they are full of asbestos.
SEWER MANDATE
Beverly Leising stated the sewer mandate was signed by former Supervisor Clark, but the expense of fixing the sewers was passed on to other administrations and the current administration fulfilled their obligation. Mrs. Leising suggested the media straighten out some of the lies that were recently told.
BEECHWOOD ROAD RESURFACING
Beverly Leising questioned the status of the Beechwood Road project. Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the project is well over 70 days overdue and it may go to litigation.
SEX OFFFENDER CALLS
Beverly Leising questioned the number of recent police calls to sex offender homes and Chief Denz responded there have been no calls for months.
TIM RUSSERT PARK REPAIRS
Linda Toy stated slides and tables at Tim Russert Park are in need of repair and Highway Superintendent Matthew English stated he will look into it.
HEATHER HILL DRIVE PROJECT
Bruce Newman questioned the status of the Heather Hill Drive reconstruction project and an estimated completion date.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner responded the contractor is a little behind schedule and they are adding a second crew tomorrow. They have two schedules - one is completing everything up through binder course this year depending on the weather and the second is not ripping up approaches off Reserve Road to Heather Hill Drive and from Heather Hill Drive to Theresa Court. A shut down date for the winter will be around the third week of November.
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page nine . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
HEATHER HILL DRIVE PROJECT (continued)
Dan Alessi expressed his disappointment that Heather Hill Drive will only be 27’ wide, noting Cardinal Lane and Beechwood Drive are 28’ wide.
Town Engineer Steven Tanner explained some driveway approaches needed to be lengthened to get better slopes. Engineering programs were run and the fire company was contacted about the size of vehicles and access to the subdivision and they were comfortable with 27’.
Mr. Alessi questioned if the town will fix a sidewalk if the town’s tree is causing it to lift.
Highway Superintendent Matthew English stated the homeowner is responsible for sidewalks. Town Code was amended in 2001 and last year the town finished the list of sidewalks that were in need of repair prior to the change in the code.
Mr. Alessi suggested notifying residents they are responsible for sidewalk repairs and Mr. English responded that the Code Enforcement Office does notify the residents.
SENECA STREET WATERLINE PROJECT
Karen Lucachik referred to a recent newspaper article on the Seneca Street waterline project and questioned why the writer was not given an answer on who was doing the project. Highway Superintendent Matthew English responded that Erie County Water Authority is working on the waterline project and the writer of the article did not contact his office.
SEWER GRANT MONEY
Karen Lucachik questioned if there is grant money available for sewage problems. Supervisor Meegan responded the town applied for grants five years ago with the help of Clark Patterson Lee.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEAD
BUDGET HEARING
Supervisor Meegan stated she will be filing her budget on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. and it will be online for review. A budget hearing is scheduled for November 5th at 6 P.M. in the court room.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
Supervisor Meegan stated there will be a public hearing for CDBG money on October 15th at 7 P.M. and noted West Seneca has received $4.9 million in grants since 2012.
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West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page ten . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
WEST SENECA DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER (WSDC)
Supervisor Meegan stated Assemblyman Michael Kearns is fighting for the potential reuse of the WSDC and information about the campus and its building is being gathered. There will be a request for ideas and opinions regarding the potential reuse of the property and public notification will be made.
GIRLS SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES EVENT
Supervisor Meegan stated the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission extended their thanks to the Town Board for their support of the National Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch World Series that will be held in July of 2016, adding the use of 4600 hotel rooms for five days will make this a great community event.
PLANNING BOARD MEETING DATES
Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser announced the Planning Board has rescheduled the November and December meetings to November 5th and December 3rd. The October Planning Board meeting is cancelled because there is nothing for the agenda.
DEDICATION
Chief Denz stated a dedication for the Police Department’s humvee was held today at American Legion Post 735. He thanked American Legion Post 735 for their donations and noted the humvee will be used for a rescue/special operations vehicle.
ACCIDENT REPORTS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Chief Denz stated accident reports can now be purchased online at Bycrash.com.
POLITICAL LITERATURE
Town Attorney John Fenz commented on bogus information that was spread about the Town Board not following policy on drug screening an employee. Mr. Fenz stated the town did perform a background check and drug testing on the employee and the political comments were irresponsible.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset stated open public skate begins Friday October 2nd and this week will be the final days to sign up for over 30 hockey and youth basketball.
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1250 Union Road Minutes #2015-19
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2015
Page eleven . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEAD
UPCOMING EVENTS
Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak stated Monday, October 5th is “National Do Something Nice Day” and a party will be held at the senior center from 4-7:00 P.M. with free hot dogs and entertainment. Donation of a canned good, toiletry or paper good item or notebooks is asked and will be donated to various food pantries and schools.
MASTER PLAN MEETING
Councilman Hart stated the Master Plan committee will be meeting on October 27th or 28th or November 11th or 12th and the date will be announced at the next Town Board meeting. The vision is to set goals and guidelines of the town moving forward into the future and all are welcome to attend.
FIREMENS PARK BASEBALL DIAMOND
Supervisor Meegan thanked Local 17, boys’ baseball, coaches and parents, Highway Superintendent Matthew English and his department who finished the new baseball diamond at Firemen’s Park. Local 17 used their apprentices to build an approximate $200,000 project with people donating their time and efforts.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to executive session at 8:25 P.M. to discuss one contractual issue.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 8:50 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK