Work Session

1250 Union Road                                                             Work Session

Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kate Lockhart.

Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.

 

A presentation was given on the recently announced grant program to address “zombie homes” and their proposal to collaborate with the town to combat zombie foreclosures. The WNY Law Center works on foreclosure prevention to help keep homeowners in their homes or find alternate solutions to avoid leaving “zombie” properties. West Seneca must first apply for the grant funding that municipalities may be eligible for. The WNY Law Center already tracks foreclosure filings at Erie County and can offer targeted outreach to educate and assist homeowners at the point in time where they have more options available to save their homes. The Law Center would like to collaborate with the Code Enforcement office to clear up the last of the zombie properties in West Seneca and prevent new ones. New legislation just passed requiring banks to maintain properties from the point of default instead of judgment of foreclosure. It also outlines specific time frames for banks to hold an auction after the foreclosure and then transfer the deed after the auction. The Law Center can keep track of the status of the affected properties. Ms. Lockhart stated West Seneca has been proactive and could be a model for the state.

 

Ø 9 positions to be filled; currently have 8 crossing guards which is a hardship when people call off and he must rely on substitutes and police officers

Ø Lowest pay rate and hours out of surrounding districts: West Seneca is $9/hr at 3 hours per day compared to Cheektowaga, Depew, Amherst & Kenmore which is $10 - $15/hr at 4 hours per day

Ø Buses are mandated by New York State and available for every child to ride to school rather than walking. Orchard Park disbanded their crossing guard program years ago when the mandate was instituted.

Ø Position requires working in all kinds of weather and hazardous traffic conditions; many guards are elderly and little training is given; potential for accident is great

 

Ø Guards currently direct traffic although they have no authority to enforce traffic violations; suggested their duties be modified for safety and liability reasons

Ø Cost to the town’s budget is $60,000 annually before any pay increases

Ø Depew contracts out to a private company that handles all aspects: hiring, firing, uniforms, supervision, training and liability insurance; would cost the town an additional $13,000 annually

Ø Further discussion will take place with West Seneca School Sup’t. Dr. Crawford

 

Ø Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset thanked the PBA and West Seneca Teachers Union for sponsoring Movie in the Park last Friday. On Friday, August 19^th, Supervisor Meegan, Councilmen Hart and Hanley, Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser and Highway Sup’t. Matthew English are sponsoring Finding Nemo which starts at dusk.

Ø Summer Day Camp half and full day have ended; thank you to all the families who attended along with Emily Baker and Caitlyn Demma for their hard work with the camp.

Ø Bid opening for Buildings & Grounds Department roof replacement - only one bidder but it is a local company, Sahlem’s Roofing, and their bid of $105,990 which includes a 30 year manufacturer’s warranty is under the budgeted amount of $150,000

Ø The Gatling gun will be restored before it is moved indoors with the upcoming construction of the Community Center; special consideration is being given to the lighting near the new reflection pond to highlight the memorials inside the building

Ø Most of the road reconstruction projects are completed or nearing completion with the exception of the Rosewood section reconstruction scheduled to complete in the fall

Ø Some complaints were received about traffic problems and the condition of Angle Road; due to some additional requests by Erie County the project was delayed but will be completed so the Highway Department can mill and pave

Ø DePaul Properties ribbon cutting is upcoming and jobs will be available; information will be posted on the town’s website

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to recess to executive session at 4:00 P.M. to discuss labor contract matters, a personnel issue, a real estate issue and legal issues.

Ayes: All                                     Noes: None                                 Motion Carried

The board members returned from executive session at 5:50 P.M. and the work session was adjourned.

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 JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK