Town Board Minutes

 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
 
Supervisor Wallace C. Piotrowski called the meeting to order at 6:00 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.
 
    1.   Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the elected Town Officials be salaried as follows effective January 1, 2011:
 
Supervisor              Wallace C. Piotrowski        $63,096.00
Councilmen             Sheila M. Meegan              $22,420.00
Dale F. Clarke                   $11,280.00
Town Clerk             Patricia C. DePasquale       $52,352.00
Highway Supt.        Matthew English               $76,650.00
Town Justices         Jeffrey M. Harrington        $38,268.00
Dale J. McCabe                 $38,268.00
           
Ayes:   All                                  Noes: None                                Motion Carried
 
    2.   Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Shawn P. Martin, West Seneca, New York, be continued as Town Attorney for a term set pursuant to Town Law §24 at an annual salary of $65,000.00 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
3.        Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Shawn P. Martin and Shannon E. Filbert be appointed Town Prosecutors at an annual salary of $7500 each effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
    4.   Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Robert Bielecki, West Seneca, New York, be continued as Town Comptroller for a term set pursuant to Town Law §20 Subd. 3(B) at an annual salary of $25,750 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page two . . .
 
  5.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Patricia C. DePasquale be appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics at an annual salary of $4,062.00 effective January 1, 2011, all fees to go to the Town General Fund.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
   6.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, on the recommendation of the Town Clerk, that Jacqueline Felser, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics at an annual salary of $1,661.00 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
7.          Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Clarke, on the recommendation of the Town Clerk, that Jacqueline Felser, West Seneca, New York, be appointed First Deputy Clerk to serve without remuneration effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
   8.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, on the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent, that Alan Kerner, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Deputy Highway Superintendent at an annual salary of $4000 over twenty-six (26) payroll periods effective January 1, 2011 and that he act in the capacity of the Highway Supt. in the event of his absence for any reason, e.g., vacation, illness, etc.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
9.       Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the salary of Secretary to the Supervisor be set at $41,937 as established by the 2011 budget.
         
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
10.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Maureen Murphy, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Clerk to the Town Justices at an annual salary of $41,937 effective January 1, 2011.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 11.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Linda M. Stefaniak, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Clerk to the Town Justices at an annual salary of $41,937 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried       
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page three . . .
 
 12.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Donald Powers, John Bager, and Dennis Osinski, of West Seneca, New York, be appointed to the Board of Plumbing Examiners at an annual stipend of $500.00 each effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 13.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the annual salaries of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board members be set at $5420.00 for the Chairman of each Board and $3,676.00 each for the other members of each Board effective January 1, 2011, noting members of each board will be paid one-twelfth of the annual salary for each meeting attended, and the secretary should report any missed meetings to the Comptroller’s Office the following day.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
14.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Patricia C. DePasquale be continued as Secretary to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals at an annual salary of $4656 and $3084 respectively, and Jacqueline Felser as Deputy Secretary at an annual salary of $1,572.00, effective January 1, 2011.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
15.             Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Timothy Elling, Michael Shea, and Robin Heiss, of West Seneca, New York, be appointed Civil Officers of the Town of West Seneca effective January 1, 2011 for the purpose of service of process, etc. without remuneration from the Town.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
16.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that members of the Assessment Board of Review be subject to the call of the Assessor at an annual stipend of $500 each effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
17.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the following officials and employees not represented by the Collective Bargaining Agent recognized by the Town of West Seneca are hereby appointed to the following positions with salaries effective January 1, 2011:
 
Edward Gehen Jr.             Chief of Police                                     $109,329.00
Daniel Denz                      Assistant Chief of Police                        $ 94,926.00
Mary Josefiak                             Director of Recreation, Youth &
                                                Senior Services                                    $ 75,000.00
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page four . . .
 
17.             (continued)
 
John Gullo                       Code Enforcement Officer                     $ 65,000.00
Donna Lepore                   Coordinator of Peer Counseling              $ 32,378.00
Donna Lepore                   Youth Counselor (Y.E.S.)                       $ 10,000.00
Jolynn Keane                    Coordinator of Peer Counseling             $ 32,378.00
Jolynn Keane                    Youth Counselor (Y.E.S.)                       $ 10,000.00
Dina Weixlmann                Secretary to Highway Superintendent     $ 36,784.00
                                               
Ayes: All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
18.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Paula VanRemmen, West Seneca, New York, be appointed to a one (1) year term as Bingo Inspector for the Town of West Seneca at an annual salary of $4000.00 effective January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
19.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Shawn P. Martin, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Americans With Disabilities Officer and Harassment Compliance Officer for the Town of West Seneca, without remuneration.
 
          Ayes: All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
20.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that James Pace, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Town Historian at an annual salary of $1500 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
21.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that John Gullo, West Seneca, New York, be appointed Natural Disaster Services Coordinator, Part-Time at an annual salary of $5,000 effective January 1, 2011.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
22.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to receive and file the appointment of an Assistant Disaster Coordinator.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page five . . .
 
23.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Matthew English be granted an extension of his existing leave of absence as Motor Equipment Operator in the Highway Department through and including January 1, 2012.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
24.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that town funds be deposited in the West Seneca Offices of the following banks effective January 1, 2011:
 
M & T Trust Company        -        Capital
Evans National Bank                   -        Operating, Payroll, Unemployment Escrow,
                                                Trust & Agency
J.P. Morgan Chase            -        Operating & Capital
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
25.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Town Board does hereby authorize all funds of the Construction and Improvement Account to be maintained in a consolidated bank account, but that the Town Comptroller continue to maintain a separate Improvement Account at all times, as recommended by the state auditors.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
26.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Town Board of the Town of West Seneca, pursuant to §25 of Town Law and §11 (2) of the Public Officers Law, hereby approves the execution of a Public Employee’s Blanket Bond issued by the Fidelity Deposit Company covering all officers and employees including the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Comptroller, Superintendent of Highways, and two (2) Town Justices for the sum of $200,000.00 per occurrence, and be it further resolved that the undertaking shall be effective January 1, 2011, noting that a $2500.00 deductible will apply to the bond.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
27.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the West Seneca Bee be designated as the Official Newspaper and that the Buffalo News be used at the discretion of the Town Board.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page six . . .
 
28.             Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the following titles of town department heads, elected or appointed officials, and certain other full-time employees not covered by contract provisions between the town and the Blue and White Collar CSEA or the West Seneca PBA be granted extended benefits including Blue Shield or equivalent plan costs as well as all other health and welfare fund related benefits in accordance with the CSEA White Collar Contract or equivalent, with the exception of the Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police who are granted benefits pursuant to the contract with the West Seneca PBA. These will include the following: Supervisor, (1) Council Member; Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent; (2) Town Justices; Town Attorney; Town Comptroller; Secretary to Supervisor; (2) Clerks to Town Justices; Secretary to Highway Superintendent; Town Engineer; Code Enforcement Officer; Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services; and (2) Coordinators of Peer Counseling.
         
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
29.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Town of West Seneca shall continue to pay 100% of non-Traditional or an equivalent plan for eligible appointed or elected retired employees who have retired under the NYS Retirement System after January 1, 1992, noting that said payments shall not be made to employees but directly to the insurance carriers.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
30.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that pursuant to §119 (2) of the Town Law, the Town Comptroller be authorized to draw warrants to pay any claims for fixed salaries, for principal and interest on bonded or refunded debt or other loans, on the legal or stated compensation of officers or employees of the town, or accounts becoming due upon lawful contracts for periods not exceeding one (1) year.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
31.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that all vouchers for claims upon the town shall be acceptable for audit provided they are certified to be true, correct, and initialed by the department head, board or commission.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
32.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the mileage rate allowed to public officials and town employees be tied to Internal Revenue Service regulations. 
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page seven . . .
 
33.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that:
 
1. No purchases be made over $1000.00 without prior approval of the department head;
2. No purchases be made for more than $1000.00 but less than $5000.00 without approval of the department head and Town Board liaison or Committee Chairman to the department (Town Board member);
3. Purchases for more than $5000.00, but under the bidding limits must be aggregated by purchase request and submitted to the Town Board as an agenda item on the purchases requiring Town Board approval form for approval prior to committing for the purchase.
4. Department Heads are granted the authority to approve budget transfers within their own designated Department Budget lines after approved by the Town Comptroller.
         
          There will be no exceptions to this procedure other than as permitted by law. Further, the Comptroller is directed to strictly enforce this ruling. 
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
34.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the town continue its Procurement Policy as outlined in Chapter 30 of the West Seneca Town Code.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
35.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that petty cash funds be created as follows:
 
Comptroller                                         $         250.00
                   Town Clerk                                          $         250.00
                   Highway Superintendent                       $         250.00
                   Police Confidential Investigation            $      2,500.00
                   Police Department                                $         250.00                 
                   Recreation                                           $         250.00
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
36.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Town Hall Offices be open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. five (5) days per week, except July 1 through Labor Day when the hours shall be 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. five (5) days per week as outlined in the White Collar Labor Contract.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page eight . . .
 
37.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the accounting firm of Drescher & Malecki, LLP be employed to prepare the annual audit and also any other services that may be called for by order of the Town Board.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
38.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that Supervisor Piotrowski be authorized to sign checks for the West Seneca Library pursuant to §259 of the Education Law.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
39.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Comptroller be authorized to temporarily invest town monies not needed for immediate expenditure, and further, the Town Board adopt and authorize the Comptroller to comply with the Investment Policy and Guidelines as originally adopted by the Town Board on 12/18/89 and amended on 8/15/94.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
40.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to add the following list of banks to the Town Investment Policy, which the town plans to have bid on excess funds for 2011:
 
Key Bank of W.N.Y., N.A.            Bank of America                Citizens Bank
          M & T Bank                                J.P. Morgan Chase            First Niagara Bank
          HSBC Bank                                Evans National Bank
                                               
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
41.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that regular meetings of the Town Board, where not otherwise specified, be held on the first and third Mondays of each month and any emergency meeting at the call of the Supervisor. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the Town Clerk of the Town of West Seneca upon direction of the Town Supervisor, or upon written request of at least two (2) members of the Town Board. Notice, in writing, stating the time, place and purpose of the special meeting shall be served personally upon each member of the Board at least forty eight (48) hours before the date fixed for holding the meeting. Only business specified in the notice thereof may be transacted at a special meeting. In accordance with the Open Meetings Law, the public and news media shall be given reasonable notice of any special meeting and all further executive sessions shall be public except for specific purposes allowed by law.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page nine . . .
 
42.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that no Town vehicles be used for personal use, and all Town vehicles including the equipment in the Highway Department, be identified by decals with the exception of the Police Department vehicles used for detective work and the Police Chief’s car and direct the Supervisor to insure that decals are placed on all cars except those mentioned.   Town Vehicles for take home use shall be provided to the Chief of Police and Highway Superintendent. Town Vehicles shall not leave the town limits except for use on official Town business.
 
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
43.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that in the interest of energy conservation, the operation of a log be continued for each town owned truck and vehicle as relating to mileage, destination, and task accomplished. Said log should be reviewed by the department head and forwarded monthly to the Committee Chairman responsible for that office. No town owned vehicle, except Police Department vehicles, should be left running at any location for any reason; and further, all town vehicles of various department heads, except Police and Highway, should be left at the Town Hall for general use while individuals are on vacation or any extended time off.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
44.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Town Board sets the following rules relative to the use of Highway personnel and equipment for emergencies:
 
1. The West Seneca Highway Department is authorized to provide for emergency assistance to the local school systems, fire districts and other municipalities if men or equipment are requested;
2. An emergency must exist and have been declared in the Erie County municipality requesting assistance;
3. The Highway Superintendent will promptly notify the Supervisor of such action. A written resume will be immediately given to the Town Clerk and Town Attorney outlining the details of the emergency service;
4. Town equipment will be operated by West Seneca employees in the majority of work situations. However, slow moving vehicles (roller), stationary equipment (air compressor or pumps), and light tools may be loaned to another Highway Department to be used and operated by their employees and fees will be assigned to the municipality that receives long term aid; and
5. The West Seneca Highway Superintendent is authorized to request aid from other towns in Erie County and non West Seneca men and equipment will work under the supervision of the West Seneca Highway Superintendent.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page ten . . .
 
45.     Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel for all previous personnel items.
 
          Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
46.     Supervisor Piotrowski announced the following personal appointments and committees for the year 2011, noting that he will      also be a member of each committee.
 
Deputy Supervisor                                                   Sheila Meegan
 
Utility Advisory                                                       Councilman Clarke, Shawn Martin,
                                                                             Robert Bielecki, Robert Niederpruem Jr
 
Engineering & Special Districts                                 Councilman Clarke
 
Police & Public Safety                                              Supervisor Piotrowski
 
Recreation, Youth & Senior Citizens                          Councilwoman Meegan
 
Library Advisory                                                      Councilwoman Meegan
                                                         
Highway                                                                 Councilman Clarke
 
Insurance                                                                Councilwoman Meegan
 
Capital Projects                                                       Supervisor Piotrowski, Matthew
                                                                             English, Robert Bielecki
 
Town Attorney                                                        Supervisor Piotrowski
 
Justice Courts                                                         Councilwoman Meegan
 
Town Clerk’s Office                                                  Supervisor Piotrowski
 
Assessor’s Office                                                      Councilman Clarke
 
Building & Plumbing Dept.                                        Councilman Clarke
 
          Revenue Development                                             Supervisor Piotrowski
 
Safety & Accident Review                                         Councilwoman Meegan
                                                         
Environmental Conservation Committee                     Councilwoman Meegan
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                            TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                 REORGANIZATION MEETING MINUTES
West Seneca, NY   14224                                    January 10, 2011
                                                                             Page eleven . . .
 
46.     (continued)                                                            
 
Band Shell Committee                                              David Brant, Supervisor Piotrowski
                                                                            
Solid Waste Committee                                            Councilman Clarke
 
Employee Assistance Program                                   Councilman Clarke  
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that the Town Board Proceedings be adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
 
Ayes: All                                    Noes: None                               Motion Carried
 
 
                                                                       ______________________________                                                                                                                                                              PATRICIA C. DePASQUALE, RMC/CMC
 TOWN CLERK