Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
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 Mary Josefiak.
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 Carol Suffoletta, Timothy Czuprynski, William Powers, Kelly Benczkowski and Harold Lillis.
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve minutes from the March 13, 2017 work session.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
§ Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve Minutes #2017-05 of March 13, 2017.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
6-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 3 – BUSINESS INVESTMENT TAX EXEMPTION” in the Town of West Seneca.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page two . . .
6-B LEGAL ITEMS
1. (continued)
Town Attorney John Fenz stated under Real Property Tax Law Section 485-b exemptions are available for industrial and commercial property operating under commercial or industrial use that have alterations or an installation in an amount greater than $10,000. The Industrial & Commercial Incentive Board was created to review policy in order to target businesses the town would like to see enhance their property. Local Law No. 2017-3 states the exemptions will only apply to C-1, C-2, M-1 or M-2 zoning designations and the alteration needs to be greater than $50,000 in assessed value to qualify. There is an accelerated schedule for the exemptions and it only applies to town taxes, not school or special district taxes.
Councilman Hart stated this is a financial incentive program for businesses that exist in the town or businesses wishing to locate in West Seneca who want to make changes and add value to their buildings to conform with the new design standards.
Beverly Leising questioned how long the exemption will last. Councilman Hart responded the exemption is a declining percentage over a period of ten years. He further noted the exemption is only applied to the added value.
Assessor Kandace Wittmeyer stated the town already has Section 485-b on the county portion for businesses as they add value, but it is at a lesser scale for a ten year period.
Jerry Hathaway of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce stated there are ECIDA programs that offer financial incentives, but only for certain types of businesses and not for retail. This is a way to encourage businesses to locate in West Seneca, to improve the facade of their business and complete expansions on their current property.
Mr. Fenz noted a business cannot have a pilot agreement from the ECIDA and a 485-b exemption at the same time.
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adopt Local Law No. 2017-3, Business Investment Tax Exemption, in the Town of West Seneca.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page three . . .
6-B LEGAL ITEMS
2. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2730 TRANSIT ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 362 & 363, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM M-1 TO C-2(S), FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 40 TOWNHOME UNITS WITH ASSOCIATED ACCESS DRIVES/DRIVEWAYS” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed.
6-C COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Town Attorney re National Grid lease agreement |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the attached license agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, doing business as National Grid, noting this agreement supersedes and replaces the previous lease agreement dated November 27, 1989 and grants permission for the town to enter certain property situated at the north of Meyer Road for the purpose of maintaining a bird sanctuary, together with providing a parking area and access trail to the wetland viewing platform. |
On the question, Councilman Hanley stated National Grid will be constructing a wetland viewing platform near their Meyer Road station. Councilman Hart stated this is part of the reconstruction of the Gardenville power plant and in response to the environmental impact the new construction will have on the wetlands.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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2. Town Attorney re National Grid Memorandum of Agreement |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the attached amended and restated Memorandum of Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, doing business as National Grid, noting the amendments reflect changes to National Grid’s previously planned wetland enhancement activities and National Grid will make a monetary contribution of $61,000 to the town and design and construct a wetland viewing platform near Meyer Road. |
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page four . . .
6-C COMMUNICATIONS
2. (continued)
On the question, Councilman Hart questioned if there are restrictions on where the $61,000 can be spent. Councilman Hanley advised the money must be tied to environmental issues and is not for land purchase.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
*APPENDICES*
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3. Highway Sup’t. re General Reserve Fund transfer |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize transfer of the General Reserve Fund balance amount of $27,359.54 in the 2016 line item #001.7110.0202 into the same line item for 2017. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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4. Highway Sup’t. re Purchase of cargo van |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to approve the purchase of a 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo van at a cost of $22,374.28 under the piggyback provision through Chautauqua County bid E-11-14 PFTH, Group III, Item 3, base vehicle 2. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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5. Chief Denz re Attendance at Empire State Traffic Safety Conference |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize Lieutenant David Szmania to attend the Empire State Traffic Safety Conference, April 6 – 7, 2017 in Albany, NY at a cost not to exceed $400. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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6. Chief Denz re Attendance NYS Crisis Negotiators Training Conference |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize three officers assigned to the Crisis Negotiation Team to attend the NYS Crisis Negotiators Training Conference, May 24 – 26, 2017 in Rochester, NY at a cost not to exceed $1,500. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page five . . .
6-C COMMUNICATIONS
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7. Chief Denz re Termination of inactive crossing guards |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, Seconded by Councilman Hart, to remove inactive crossing guards Simone Fallon, Donald Hilbert and Peggy Thomson from the employee roster effective March 28, 2017 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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8. Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change to seasonal – Marirose Bless |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time food service worker Marirose Bless to part-time seasonal effective April 1 – 30, 2017 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel, noting this is a correction of the previous request of March 1 – 31, 2017. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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9. Senior Recreation Therapist of Sr. Services re Status change to seasonal – Carol Kennedy |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to change the status of part-time food service worker Carol Kennedy to part-time seasonal effective March 1 – 31, 2017 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. Recreation Supervisor re Mathletes 5K |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into an agreement with 14 Holy Helpers for their annual Mathletes 5K to be held April 29, 2017. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page six . . .
6-C COMMUNICATIONS
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11. Recreation Supervisor re Appointment of Matthew Skrzypczyk as Pool Supervisor |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to re-appoint Matthew Skrzypczyk as part-time Recreation Supervisor at a rate of $14 per hour effective April 1 – October 1, 2017; and further, change the status of Matthew Skrzypczyk to part-time seasonal effective May 1 – October 1, 2017 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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12. Recreation Supervisor re Summer Day Camp |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve the 2017 Veterans Day Camp Safety Plan, Camper Orientation Manual and Field Trip itinerary, noting the written plans address the requirements of Subpart 7-2 of the New York State Sanitary Code (7-2.4(c)(1), 7-2.5(n), 7-2.25) for the Erie County Department of Children’s Camp permit. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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13. Recreation Supervisor re Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the necessary documents to enter into an agreement with the West Seneca Kiwanis Club for their annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held April 15, 2017. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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14. Senior Code Enforcement Officer re Approval of Electronic message board –300 Harlem Rd - SPCA |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to approve an electronic message board at the SPCA located at 300 Harlem Road, noting this sign meets the requirements of the electronic sign ordinance and was approved at the March 22, 2017 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried |
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15. Town Engineer re Ice rink mold remediation |
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Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to authorize Town Engineer Steven Tanner to proceed with a request for proposals for cleaning of mold from the ice rink. |
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page seven . . .
6-C COMMUNICATIONS
15. (continued)
On the question, Supervisor Meegan advised the air quality at the ice rink was tested and there were no issues. The mold will be removed before the start of summer day camp and going forward the ice rink will not be opened until October 1st to avoid a repeat of this issue.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
6-D 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 - $408,460.39; Highway Fund - $82,457.54; Special Districts - $27,080.31; Capital Fund - $140,477.00 (vouchers 98456 - 99120) Trust - $250,059.04 (vouchers 98959 - 98990)
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
LOCATION OF ADDRESSES
Beverly Leising requested in the future the Town Board offer some explanation/landmarks for the location of addresses.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
STAR PROGRAM
Assessor Kandace Wittmeyer stated the Assembly unanimously passed a bill to revert the STAR program to its original form. The matching bill that is before the Senate is still in negotiations.
SENIOR CENTER UPDATES
Senior Recreation Therapist of Senior Services Mary Josefiak stated AARP has sponsored free tax services every Wednesday for the month of March and this Wednesday is the last day.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Recreation Supervisor Lauren Masset gave the following updates for the Recreation Department:
· Registration for summer 2017 programs is currently taking place, including but not limited to adult softball, summer day camp (half and full day) and swim lessons.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2017-06
West Seneca, NY 14224 March 27, 2017
Page eight . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES (continued)
· Skate with the Easter Bunny will take place Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 1:15 – 3:05 PM at the ice rink; regular admission fees apply.
· Recreation Department is now accepting applications for summer employment and open interviews will be held in April. Applications are also being accepted for clerk typist and volunteers for the West Seneca Youth Board.
SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS
Supervisor Meegan announced the Town of West Seneca was recognized as having four out of the top ten of the safest neighborhoods in WNY.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hanley, to recess to executive session at 7:45 P.M. to discuss two personnel issues and one legal item.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
The board members returned from executive session at 9:30 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Hart, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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JACQUELINE A FELSER, TOWN CLERK