Board Meeting Minutes 02/08/2010
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2010-02
West Seneca, NY 14224 February 8, 2010
Supervisor Wallace C. Piotrowski called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Present - Wallace C. Piotrowski, Supervisor
Sheila M. Meegan, Councilwoman
Dale F. Clarke, Councilman
Absent - None
Supervisor Piotrowski read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.
FEBRUARY 23rd PROCLAIMED ROTARY DAY IN WEST SENECA
Supervisor Piotrowski welcomed West Seneca Rotary President Robert Rigby and Rotarian John Nash to the meeting. Mr. Piotrowski presented President Rigby with a Proclamation outlining the numerous contributions of Rotary International, the world’s first and largest non-profit service organization, since its formation on February 23, 1905. Mr. Piotrowski noted the efforts of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of West Seneca to eradicate Polio and for years of valuable and dedicated service to this community and internationally by improving the human condition in local communities around the world. Mr. Piotrowski further proclaimed February 23, 2010 as Rotary Day in West Seneca.
2-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
- Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Clarke, to approve minutes from the January 11, 2010 Organization Meeting.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Minutes #2010-01 of January 11, 2010.
On the question, Councilman Clarke commented on the terms of the one-year lease agreement with Gardenville Campus at Burchfield and stated his disagreement. He also thought the lease should have been bid. Councilman Clarke stated that he spoke with Arthur Burchfield and Ted Pietrzak of the Burchfield Penney Museum who were very disturbed with the entire situation, and the name Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center may have to be removed from the building.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-B LEGAL NOTICES
1. Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10 SOUTH FISHER ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 361, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-1(S), FOR A BANQUET FACILITY” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed. (Carl & Annette Bueme)
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to open the public hearing.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
Supervisor Piotrowski read the recommendation of the Planning Board: “At its January 14, 2010 meeting, the Planning Board recommended approval of the request for a special permit for property located at 10 S. Fisher Road, being part of Lot No. 361, changing its classification from C-1 to C-1(S), for a banquet facility, conditioned upon the following: 1) construction of a privacy fence along the parking lot in cooperation with the City of Lackawanna; 2) a building permit shall be obtained to change the use from a church to its sole use as a banquet facility; 3) no storage of construction equipment on the property; and further, recommend that the Town Board issue a negative declaration for this project.”
The petitioners, Carl & Annette Bueme, asked the Town Board for their consideration in granting the special permit for a banquet facility.
Councilwoman Meegan stated that residents of the apartment complex had contacted her and were happy with the proposal because it will give them a place nearby to hold small parties since they had no basements or backyards to use.
No comments were received from the public.
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to close the public hearing.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to issue a negative declaration with regard to SEQR for the proposed banquet facility at 10 S. Fisher Road.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-B LEGAL NOTICES
1. (continued)
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve the request for a special permit for property located at 10 South Fisher Road, being part of Lot No. 361, changing its classification from C-1 to C-1(S), for a banquet facility, conditioned upon the following: 1) construction of a privacy fence along the parking lot in cooperation with the City of Lackawanna; 2) a building permit shall be obtained to change the use from a church to its sole use as a banquet facility; 3) no storage of construction equipment on the property.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
*APPENDICES*
2. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2900 SENECA STREET, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 200, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-2, FOR AN 800 SQUARE FOOT ADDITION FOR DISPLAY OF NEW EQUIPMENT SALES” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (John Hasse)
3. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3180 TRANSIT ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NOS. 51, 52 AND 69, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-2 TO C-2(S), FOR NEW VEHICLE STORAGE” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (Transitowne Kia)
4. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT MEYER ROAD AT BIRCHWOOD AVENUE, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 206, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM C-1 TO C-1(S), FOR A 144-UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (E.F. Burke Realty Co.)
2-C TABLED ITEMS
1. Establishment of Recreation Commission
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to receive and file this item with the understanding that Town Attorney Shawn Martin is proceeding with creation of a Recreation Commission.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
1. Supervisor Piotrowski re Consulting service agreement with Wendel Duchscherer
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to enter into a consulting service agreement with Wendel Duchscherer at a cost of $8500, noting that Wendel Duchscherer will assist in maintaining service to the town’s residents and development community.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2. Supervisor Piotrowski re Termination of M Brombos & appointment of F Deppeler as Clerk Typist PT
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Marie Brombos as part-time permanent clerk typist at the Historical Society effective February 8, 2010 and appoint Fran Deppeler as part-time permanent clerk typist at the Historical Society at a rate of $7.25 per hour effective February 9, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
3. Town Engineer re Hydrant addition on Indian Church Road
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve an additional annual hydrant fee of $458.16 for Erie County Water Authority (ECWA) for addition of two hydrant and valve assemblies along the south side of Indian Church Road, one in Fire District #1 ($229.08) and one in Fire District #2 ($229.08), in conjunction with the ECWA water system improvement project along Indian Church Road, noting that additional hydrants are required to conform to current Erie County Health Department hydrant spacing requirements and will provide increased fire protection for the area, and further, ECWA will install the new hydrant and valve assemblies at no cost to the town.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
4. Highway Supt. re Title change for Dale Bielicki to General Crew Chief
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Dale Bielicki as Highway Working Crew Chief and appoint Dale Bielicki as Highway General Crew Chief, Group 7, Step 5, at a rate of $26.95 per hour, effective February 8, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
5. Highway Supt. re Title change for Alan Kerner to Working Crew Chief
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Alan Kerner as Highway Laborer and appoint Alan Kerner as Highway Working Crew Chief, Group 6, Step 5, at a rate of $26.17 per hour, effective February 8, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
6. Highway Supt. re 2010 budget amendment
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to amend the adopted 2010 budget as follows: a) $8997 increase to insurance recovery revenue line item #2.0002.2680; b) $8997 increase to highway equipment line item #2.5130.0200, noting that this represents reimbursement for damages incurred when sanitation truck #1107 rolled on its side at the Chaffee landfill.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
7. Highway Supt. re Purchase of recycling bins
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the purchase of 500 recycling bins from Orbis Corporation at a cost of $2860.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
8. Highway Supt. re Purchases requiring Town Board approval
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $5670 to Montgomery’s Service for towing and service on sanitation truck #1107 and $1849.41 to Chudy Paper for janitorial supplies.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
9. Chief Gehen re Attendance of Detectives Bebak & Morano at Magloclen conference
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize Detectives Robert Bebak and Ken Morano to attend the Magloclen training conference March 29 – April 1, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio, at a cost not to exceed $800, noting that transportation, tolls, parking and hotel expenses are reimbursed by the Magloclen organization.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
10. Chief Gehen re Appointment of Jeffery Locher as full-time Public Safety Dispatcher
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Jeffery M. Locher as part-time Public Safety Dispatcher effective February 14, 2010 and appoint Jeffery M. Locher as full-time Public Safety Dispatcher effective February 14, 2010 at an annual salary of $44,348.86, noting that Mr. Locher’s appointment is subject to successful completion of a 26 week probationary period commencing from the date of appointment, and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
11. Chief Gehen re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Diane Nowicki to seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatcher Diane Nowicki to part-time seasonal effective February 1 – 28, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
12. Chief Gehen re Status change for part-time Clerk Typist Tim Maciejewski to seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Clerk Typist Tim D. Maciejewski to part-time seasonal effective February 9 – April 9, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
13. Chief Gehen re Bid date for purchase of five new marked police vehicles
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to set a bid date of March 1, 2010 at 10:00 AM for receipt of bids on the purchase of five (5) new marked police vehicles.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
14. Chief Gehen re Purchase of backup appliance tower
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the purchase of one (1) backup appliance tower with 1 tb of storage of on-site backups, 1gbx2 in raid1, 8 gb of memory, VM acceleration, AMD Opteron Dual Core, from Synchronet Industries, 3654 Clinton Street, at their low quote of $2849.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
15. Chief Gehen re Purchases requiring Town Board approval
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of the following vouchers for the Police Department:
Al-Ross Sport Screening (DARE t-shirts) $2047.50
Jesse Reed (expenses for police academy) $2267.52
West Seneca Auto Glass Inc. (repairs to Car #24) $2516.80
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
16. Comptroller re Request for proposals for lockbox banking services for tax collection
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the Comptroller’s Office to seek requests for proposals for lockbox banking services for collection of real property taxes.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
17. Code Enforcement Officer re Topsoil removal permit for Lily’s Place, Southwestern Blvd.
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve a topsoil removal permit for Young Development for removal of 3200 cubic yards of topsoil at Lily’s Place, 1320 Southwestern Blvd., at $.50 per cubic yard for a total of $1600.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
18. Code Enforcement Officer re Status change for Richard Macey to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time laborer Richard Macey, 48 Wimbledon Lane, to part-time seasonal effective February 16, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
19. Tax Receiver re Status change for part-time clerks to seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Clerks Marcia Turner, Patricia Farr, and Laurine Fischione to part-time seasonal effective January 13 – April 30, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
20. Tax Receiver re Extension of collection of 2010 town/county taxes
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to extend collection of 2010 town/county taxes from April 30 to June 30 so penalties collected remain with the town rather than Erie County.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
21. Senior Citizens Recreation Supervisor re Status change for June Edie to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Food Service Helper June Edie to part-time seasonal effective January 4 – March 31, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
22. Senior Citizens Recreation Supervisor re Status change for Marirose Bless to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Food Service Helper Marirose Bless to part-time seasonal effective February 1 – 26, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
23. Senior Citizens Recreation Supervisor re Status change for Janet Kropczynski to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Clerk Typist Janet Kropczynski to part-time seasonal effective January 4 – March 31, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
24. Senior Citizens Recreation Supervisor re Status change for V Antos & M Gullo to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Clerk Typist Virginia Antos and part-time Laborer Mary Ann Gullo to part-time seasonal effective January 4 – May 28, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
25. Senior Citizens Recreation Supervisor re Status change for John McCartan to part-time seasonal
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Van Driver John McCartan to part-time seasonal effective February 1 – June 30, 2010 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
26. Recreation/Youth Director re Appointment of Youth Board members
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint the following residents to the West Seneca Youth Board for the terms listed:
and furthermore, appoint Rev. Ralph Anderson as Chairman of the Board, Carol Jarczyk as Vice Chairman/Treasurer of the Board, and Cindy Solly as Vice Chairman/Secretary of the Board for one year terms.
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
26. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Clarke questioned why Vi Hippert was only given a one-year term and suggested amending it to two years since she has been on the board for many years.
Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the by-laws restrict the two-year term to four individuals and the board members determined who will be serving for three, two, or one years. When their terms expire and they run again, it will be for 3 years.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
27. Town Attorney re Policy change for public safety dispatch area
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize Chief Gehen to continue to enforce and abide by the attached policy concerning authorized personnel in the dispatch area.
On the question,
Motion by Councilman Clarke, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to amend the motion to read that authorized personnel includes police officers and employees of the Town of West Seneca, Town Supervisor, Council Members, Town Attorney, and Deputy Town Attorney/Town Prosecutor.
On the question, Chief Gehen stated that this issue was not a policy change; it was a departmental rule that had been in effect for a long time. The directive issued January 27, 2010 was intended to reinforce the department rule, and a past directive regarding this was issued April 28, 2008. The rule restricts entry to the dispatch area to only those who have official police business. The reason for the rule was to provide an undisturbed working area in the dispatch area so that officers assigned to dispatch can focus on their job with limited disruptions and be responsive to the public’s call for service, police officers’ calls for assistance, and fire personnel calls for help whenever they occur. Chief Gehen stated that the dispatch area was also a place where confidential information is relayed to dispatch personnel ranging from domestic issues, juvenile problems, and narcotics investigations. It was obvious that this information must remain as confidential as possible, and therefore, he must make certain that areas within the department remain clear of distractions and free from anyone not having a direct police purpose for being there. Chief Gehen noted that this rule had been part of the rules and regulations adopted by the Town Board April 7, 2009 and had been in effect in part of the Police Department’s rules and regulations since at least 1980 when Warren Keller was Chief. It had been addressed, restated, and adopted numerous times by previous Town Boards. Chief Gehen emphasized that this was a public safety issue, confidentiality issue, and a possible liability issue. To permit unnecessary distractions or unauthorized staff
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
27. (continued)
to enter the dispatch area, or authorized staff to remain in the dispatch area after their business is completed, presented a safety risk to the police, fire and public. Also, DCJS requirements and agreements stipulate that information like DMV inquiries, warrant inquiries, and other computer generated information be restricted to only certain individuals and unauthorized individuals in dispatch potentially violates state agreements.
Councilman Clarke thought it was insulting to the police officers to not include them as authorized personnel. Also, janitors could not clean the area if they were not authorized to be in there. Councilman Clarke further thought that elected officials should be permitted in the dispatch area because it was their job to see what was going on and make sure everything was going alright.
Chief Gehen responded that police officers were permitted in the dispatch area, but it was their job to make sure the people in town were protected. He stated that the public safety dispatchers should be undisturbed and focused while doing their job and the dispatch area was not the place for a social gathering.
Councilman Clarke commented that he did not see anyone socializing in the dispatch area and he thought this was the elected officials’ job. If the elected officials are restricted from anywhere it opens the gate to allow everyone to do whatever they want. Councilman Clarke stated that he has been a fireman in town for 42 years and knew when to stay quiet and when to ask how things are going.
Chief Gehen responded that two weeks ago Councilman Clarke was in the dispatch area and had two of the Public Safety Dispatchers engaged in a social conversation and the other person working was on the telephone. If a police officer had to call for help and had one chance to get that information over the radio there was a good chance that no one would have heard him.
Councilman Clarke stated that Chief Gehen told him to take the person out in the hall to talk to him and questioned how he would have been able to answer the phone out there.
Chief Gehen stated that this issue should not even be discussed. It was clearly in the realm of public safety and he was trying to protect the citizens by making sure the people answering the phones are focused on what they should be doing. Chief Gehen suggested that Councilman Clarke talk to the employee off duty if he chose to do so.
2-D COMMUNICATIONS
27. (continued)
Supervisor Piotrowski thought that Chief Gehen should set the policy for his department and if an elected official needs to be in dispatch for whatever reason, they could ask him or the Asst. Chief and be escorted in to do whatever needed to be done. Supervisor Piotrowski did not believe they should be socializing with the employees and interfering with the work that needed to be done.
Councilman Clarke thought it was important to get along with the employees and ask them if there were any problems.
Chief Gehen stated that he had asked other department heads and police agencies throughout the county and state if they had ever experienced this sort of issue, and they were amazed that the town would allow unrestricted access to the dispatch area and put people at risk. Chief Gehen stated that the directive was meant to protect the people.
Councilwoman Meegan questioned if Chief Gehen would deny Councilman Clarke access to the dispatch area if he needed to go in there.
Chief Gehen responded that if there was a legitimate police purpose for someone to be in the dispatch area, including Councilman Clarke, they can call and ask to go in. The visit can be supervised or they could possibly move it outside the dispatch area so it is not disrupted. Chief Gehen stated that the dispatch area is a focal point of the police department, where the initial calls for help come in, and where officers call for help or with confidential information on the radio. He referred to a recent situation where two officers were injured in a fight with a very strong individual and were now out on workers compensation. If someone in the dispatch area was distracted and not paying attention, they may not have heard the officers call for help.
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to recess to Executive Session at 7:40 P.M. to discuss this personnel issue with Chief Gehen.
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
The Town Board returned from Executive Session at 8:00 P.M.
Councilman Clarke withdrew his motion.
On the original motion,
| Ayes: All | Noes: None | Motion Carried |
2-E REPORTS
- Patricia C. DePasquale, Town Clerk’s report for year end 2009 received and filed.
- Robert J. Pinnavaia, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for January 2010 and Plumbing Inspector’s report for November & December 2009 received and filed.
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
BLACKTOP PLANT ON UNION ROAD
Brownie Michalczak, Warren Avenue, questioned the status of the blacktop plant at 1655 Union Road.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated he had received paperwork on this matter and will meet with Code Enforcement Officer Robert Pinnavaia on Friday.
Mr. Michalczak stated that as of March 15th the plant will be in operation and he was concerned about the effects on the neighborhood. He noted there was asbestos in the plant and asbestos was a product that lingers permanently. One home nearby had already gone up for sale because of the blacktop plant. Mr. Michalczak expressed concern with the grease, motor oil, diesel fuel, etc. which present a dangerous situation.
DEER PROBLEM
A resident of Twin Stream Estates off Seneca Street stated that the residences were being overrun by herds of deer in both small and large groups. The deer were becoming bold and coming up to the windows frightening the senior citizens. Feces had been found on the properties and plants and shrubs were being eaten; property values in the neighborhood were declining. He thought the herds needed to be thinned out because the number of deer had increased since there were less hunters due to the hunting license fee increases.
Highway Supt. Matt English indicated that there was a bait and shoot program available but it was too dangerous to conduct in a residential area.
BURCHFIELD NATURE & ART CENTER ISSUES
Carol Yetter, 58 Inter Drive, stated that there were several groups with similar ideas on effectively using the Burchfield Nature & Art Center (BNAC). She felt those different parties should come together in an effort to save the facility and arrive at how to best run the establishment.
Councilman Clarke agreed and felt all the groups should get together and work out the problems amicably.
Andrew Jarczyk, Orchard Avenue, stated he is attempting to negotiate a lease for the Burchfield Nature & Art Center with Town Attorney Shawn Martin and requested the Town Board recess to Executive Session to discuss the lease.
ICE RINK/HOCKEY ISSUES
Dixie Blando, Amana Place, questioned what revenue line item hockey association fees could be found under.
Comptroller Robert Bielecki responded that hockey revenue was part of the recreation line item and was combined with other various programs.
David Nagy questioned what year the ice rink was paid for in full, the cost per year to operate the ice rink, and the revenue generated by hockey and other recreational programs including baseball. He felt the cost for operating the rink exceeded the revenue brought in for its use.
Mr. Bielecki thought there were still some outstanding bonds for the ice rink, but could not give accurate answers without doing some research on this issue.
Len Drajem, Waltercrest Terrace, stated that he coaches a house team and a select team and a number of their practices are at either Leisure Rinks or Nichols because there is not enough ice time. He referred to a question asked at the informational meeting about how they could possibly fill the building if there were two rinks and stated that if they brought all the practices back that were not at the West Seneca Ice Rink they would fill the ice. They would also generate revenue because they would draw colleges and high schools to the facility. Mr. Drajem further commented that they had to take into account the maintenance costs of the existing 40-year old rink and they will only get higher each year.
Ken Moeller, Rolling Woods Drive, noted that the current ice rink only runs for seven months annually, but a new rink could potentially run for 12 months. A twin rink would double the time available at the facility, and therefore, bring all the programs in-house and increase the amount of money available towards reducing any issues with cost of the rink. It will also create a situation where all the travel teams that currently purchase ice time will be able to have their ice time within the town rink and make it easier for them to function. Mr. Moeller stated that the amount of money the town currently receives from the program would not cover a million dollar bond issue, but that was only a small portion of the total revenue that would be generated from the entire project. The figures presented were presented with an income projection based on usage of the rink if it was occupied in an appropriate manner.
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
YES PROGRAM PURCHASES QUESTIONED
Amy Carpenter, 406 Woodward Crescent, referred to an item from the last meeting and questioned why a purchase of $2036.34 for Commercial Card Services for supplies for the YES Program came from the Highway Department.
Supervisor Piotrowski advised that a credit card had not been set up for the Youth Bureau yet so they borrowed the Highway Department’s credit card.
UNION ROAD STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Paula Minklei, Orchard Park Road, referred to the public work session held prior to this meeting concerning the Union Road Streetscape Project and stated that the town’s Master Plan articulated a vision for the town and identified a process to assist in its achievement. One of the priorities of that vision was a town center designation that would include a Union Road streetscape. The project is envisioned to incorporate an aesthetic identity, traffic calming, walkability, and cohesiveness to the town center. The plan recommended a Citizen’s Advisory Committee to study a means of achieving a village feel to the center of the community. The recommendations were made with the understanding that an attractive walkable district would entice people driving through the community to stop and shop or otherwise conduct business in town. Funding resources for the recommendations were identified in the Master Plan. Other aspects of the plan, such as the creation of a historic Gardenville district and zoning code changes, should be taken into consideration during the process in as much as they could potentially affect the best plan for the Union Road project. Mrs. Minklei questioned if the Town Board would appoint a committee to review the plan recommendations and make suggestions to the Town Board before moving ahead on Union Road without thoroughly considering all aspects of the project. She hoped a public meeting would be held on the Union Road proposal after a town center committee reviews all aspects of the plan and reports back with its recommendations. Mrs. Minklei suggested that the public hearing be well advertised and possibly held in the Senior Citizens Center with a sound system that works and visuals of the streetscape that can be projected where everyone can see them, similar to the public meeting for the ice rink.
Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the Town Board would consider appointing a committee and that would be put on the agenda. He commented that the Master Plan was adopted by the previous Town Board, but no money was designated to follow through on the suggestions in it. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that the town has $900,000 but the state’s fee is $250,000 to put the project together, so that leaves the town with $650,000 to spend on the streetscape. The gentleman at the work session said that the town could either do three intersections or no intersections and just do brick paving from Cazenovia Creek to Route 400. Someone had also asked about lighting, but he said the town could not afford additional lighting.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to recess to Executive Session at 8:30 P.M. to discuss litigation issues.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried The Town Board returned from Executive Session at 9:00 P.M.
WORK SESSIONS
Supervisor Piotrowski announced the following work sessions:
- Wednesday, February 24th, 6 P.M., at Senior Citizens Center to discuss ice rink proposal
- Monday, March 1st, 6 P.M., at West Seneca Town Hall to discuss: 1) Workplace Violence Prevention Act; 2) Town of West Seneca Internet Usage Policy; 3) Plans for modification to Town Hall for various departments
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
TOWN CLERK