Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2016-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 8, 2016
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
Eugene P. Hart Councilman
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 Caroline Noworyta, Emily Gorczyca, Marie Krnjaich and Susan Kims’ father.
15-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve Minutes #2016-14 of July 25, 2016.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve minutes from the August 5, 2016 bid opening for the Buildings & Grounds Department Roof Replacement Project.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
15-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER LOCAL LAW 2016-12, ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBLE BIDDER REQUIREMENTS ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2016-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 8, 2016
Page two . . .
15-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. (continued)
Town Attorney John Fenz stated this law adds more comprehensive submission requirements and an evaluation system that is in compliance with New York State General Municipal Law. It incorporates practices of the town’s current outside engineering firm that will become town policy and provides an incentive for companies bidding on a project to hire a local work force. Local workforce credit will be calculated based on a percentage of the contract. It is the responsibility of the bidder and subcontractors to comply with contract obligations and Section 9 addresses penalties if they are not in compliance.
No comments were received from the public.
Motion by Councilman Hart, seconded by Supervisor Meegan, to table the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Councilman Hanley re Grant application to help combat “zombie homes”
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Grantwriter Connie Miner to apply for funding up to $350,000 to research and develop innovative local policy addressing housing vacancy and blight.
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On the question, Councilman Hanley stated funding is available as part of a new initiative recently announced by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to help combat zombie homes, and if awarded, this program will be managed by the WNY Law Center with oversight from the Town of West Seneca.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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2. Chief Denz re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatchers to seasonal part-time
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatchers Andrew Oscypala and Richard Miller to part-time seasonal effective August 1 – 31, 2016 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 #2016-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 8, 2016
Page three . . .
15-C COMMUNICATIONS
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3. Assessor re Out of town training conference
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Assessor Kandace Wittmeyer and Real Property Appraiser Erik Finbar to attend the NYS Assessor’s Association annual meeting and training seminar at Lake George, New York, September 18 – 21, 2016 at a total cost not to exceed $1,000.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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4. Youth Service Coordinator re Veterans Park Pool – Free Admission Day
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize a Free Admission Day for Veterans Park Pool for residents with a valid Town ID card on closing day of this season, noting the date is yet to be determined and guest rates will apply.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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5. Town Engineer re Bid award for Buildings & Grounds Department Roof Replacement Project
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to award the bid for the Buildings & Grounds Roof Replacement Project to Sahlem’s Roofing, 2260 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca, at their bid of $105,990 which includes a 30 year warranty.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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6. Town Attorney re Agreement with West Seneca Central Schools for School Resource Officers
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to extend the current agreement with the West Seneca Central School District to provide School Resource Officers from August 31, 2016 until December 31, 2016.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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15-D REPORTS
- Jacqueline A Felser, Town Clerk’s report for July 2016 received and filed.
- John A. Gullo, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer’s Building & Plumbing reports for July 2016 received and filed.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2016-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 8, 2016
Page four . . .
15-E APPROVAL OF WARRANT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the vouchers submitted for audit, chargeable to the respective funds as follows: General Fund - $205,349.53; Highway Fund - $124,287.16; Special Districts - $2,099,071.28; Capital Fund - $509,091.67 (vouchers 94787 - 95645) Trust- $259,229.01 (vouchers 95609 - 95640)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
PROPOSED BILLBOARDS
Susan Kims referred to applications coming before the Planning Board for four billboards and questioned if there are any ordinances for billboards and if they comply with the Comprehensive Plan. She further questioned who determines the height of the signs.
Senior Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded there is a billboard ordinance and he will have to review the updated Comprehensive Plan to see how they are addressed. The Planning Board makes a recommendation to the Town Board after reviewing all the information. The applicant will need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals if setbacks are not met, and if billboards are located on a state highway they require approval from NYS Thruway Authority or NYSDOT.
Lois Videtti stated she is opposed to the proposed location of a billboard on Bullis Road which is near her home. Town Board members encouraged Ms. Videtti to attend the Planning Board meeting to express her concerns.
YARD SALES
Linda Toy questioned if yard sales are addressed in the Town Code. Senior Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo responded more than two per year constitutes running a business from the home and a letter of violation is sent to property owners that exceed this.
REQUEST FOR BEEKEEPING ORDINANCE
Janice Moscicki referred to a beekeeping operation on Maplewood Avenue and presented a petition signed by neighbors on Lowell Lane requesting an ordinance be adopted to address beekeeping. Ms. Moscicki expressed concerns for surrounding residents’ safety and the quality of life in her neighborhood considering the number of bees present on her neighbor’s property. She also presented information on other town’s ordinances and the process of beekeeping.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2016-15
West Seneca, NY 14224 August 8, 2016
Page five . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
REQUEST FOR BEEKEEPING ORDINANCE (continued)
Senior Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo stated the property owner applied for a variance for the height of the bee housing structure and the Zoning Board will be making a determination on that. The town will have to look at adoption of an ordinance to address beekeeping.
WEST SENECA FIRE DISTRICT OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION
William Cleary commented on the reactivation of the West Seneca Fire District Officer’s Association and explained the purpose and function of the organization, including consolidating many of their contracting requests for a better price and better coordination of mutual aid training. Additionally, there will be better communication and efficiency between the six fire districts as they operate on a team level. Mr. Cleary is also looking forward to public presentations at the Historical Society highlighting the memorabilia and history of the fire companies in West Seneca.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
YOUTH COURT
Town Attorney John Fenz recently spoke at the Youth Court orientation and commended the Police Department for their involvement, noting Youth Court is a diversion program for youth that are in trouble to be tried by their peers as opposed to Family Court.
RECREATION UPDATES
Youth Service Coordinator Lauren Masset thanked the PBA and the West Seneca Teachers Union for sponsoring Movie in the Park last Friday. On Friday, August 19th, Supervisor Meegan, Councilmen Hart and Hanley, Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser and Highway Sup’t. Matthew English are sponsoring “Finding Nemo” which starts at dusk. Summer Day Camp half and full day have concluded and Ms. Masset thanked all the families who attended along with Emily Baker and Caitlyn Demma for their hard work with the camp.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK