Town Board Minutes
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
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 and the changing of the colors from VFW Post 8113 to Navy Seabee Island X5.
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.
The meeting was dedicated to the memory of Helen Bommer.
1-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
· Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Minutes #2010-19 of December 20, 2010 with an amendment to remove Communications Item #18.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
1-B LEGAL NOTICES
1. Proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF THE ADOPTED CHANGE IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 86 SENECA CREEK ROAD, BEING PART OF LOT NO. 105, CHANGING ITS CLASSIFICATION FROM R-50 TO R-50(S), FOR USE AS A CEMETERY” in the Town of West Seneca, received and filed. (St. John’s Lutheran Church)
1-C TABLED ITEMS
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1. Rezoning request – 940 Reserve Road
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Remained on the table.
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2. Tony Rome’s request for electronic message board
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to remove this item from the table.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page two . . .
1-C TABLED ITEMS
2. (continued)
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve an electronic message board at Tony Romes, 1537 Union Road, with a minimum display of 30 seconds per message.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
1-D COMMUNICATIONS
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1. Supervisor Piotrowski re Purchase of 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the purchase of a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer from Joe Basil Chevrolet, Inc., 5111 Transit Road, Depew, at a cost of $18,537.75, noting that this is a buyout on the vehicle being leased by the Engineering Department.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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2. Supervisor Piotrowski re Appointment of Stephen Lewandowski as Fire Alarm Maintenance Worker
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Stephen Lewandowski as Fire Alarm Maintenance Worker effective January 3, 2011 at a rate of $30 per hour 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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3. Highway Supt. re Purchases requiring Town Board approval
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of the following vouchers for the Highway Department:
Buffalo Tractor (mower deck) $4191.00
Xpedx (ice melt) $2847.30
Xpedx (ice melt) $2842.00
United Survey (storm line grouting on
Treehaven Road) $17,840.00
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page three . . .
1-D COMMUNICATIONS
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4. Chief Gehen re Appointment of Martha Franklin as Clerk Typist
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Martha Franklin as Clerk Typist, Group 1, Step 1, effective January 24, 2011 at an annual salary of $31,848.78 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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5. Chief Gehen re Status change for part-time Public Safety Dispatchers to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Public Safety Dispatchers James Kavanaugh, Diane Nowicki, and Bill Szwec to part-time seasonal effective January 1 – 31, 2011 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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6. Chief Gehen re Attendance of Officer Foster at DARE training
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize Officer Daniel Foster to attend the DARE Officer training session January 24 – February 4, 2011 in Montour Falls, New York at a cost not to exceed $1260.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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7. Chief Gehen re Purchases requiring Town Board approval
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $1957.43 to West Seneca Auto Glass Inc. for vehicle repairs, $3621.92 to Valley Tire Company for tires, and $2522.25 to David Steinwandel for reimbursement of expenses at the police academy.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page four . . .
1-D COMMUNICATIONS
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8. Director of Senior Services re Status change for part-time food service helper June Edie to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time Food Service Worker June Edie to part-time seasonal effective January 3 – March 31, 2011 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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9. Director of Senior Services re Status change for part-time laborer Mary Ann Gullo to seasonal
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time laborer Mary Ann Gullo to part-time seasonal effective January 3 – May 31, 2011 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. Director of Senior Services re Appointment of D. Kindelain & D. Doctor as part-time van driver
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to accept the resignation of Carmen Cassavino and terminate him as part-time Van Driver effective December 31, 2010, and further, appoint Dennis Kindelain and Donald Doctor as part-time Van Drivers effective January 11, 2011 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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11. Appointment of Clark, Patterson & Lee as engineering consultants
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to retain Clark, Patterson & Lee as engineering consultants for the Town of West Seneca.
Ayes: (2) Councilwoman Meegan, Supervisor Piotrowski
Noes: (1) Councilman Clarke Motion Carried
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WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page five . . .
1-D COMMUNICATIONS
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12. Highway Supt. re Appointment of Brian Gajewski & Kevin Smith as Fire Alarm Maintenance Workers
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Brian K. Gajewski, and Kevin W. Smith as Fire Alarm Maintenance Workers, Group 5A, Step 1, effective January 24, 2011 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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13. Supervisor Piotrowski re Creation of Senior Recreational Therapist
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to create the position of Senior Recreational Therapist 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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14. Supervisor Piotrowski re Appointment of Mary Josefiak as Senior Recreational Therapist
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Mary Josefiak as Senior Recreational Therapist of Senior Services, Recreation & Youth effective January 10, 2011 at an annual salary of $75,000 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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15. Supervisor Piotrowski re Leave of absence for John Gullo as Fire Inspector
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to grant a one year leave of absence to John Gullo from his position as Fire Inspector for the Town of West Seneca 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 #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page six . . .
1-D COMMUNICATIONS
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16. Town Clerk re Rate increase for Margaret Pomana
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to grant a rate increase to $9 per hour for part-time Clerk Typist Margaret Pomana effective January 10, 2011 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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17. Highway Supt. re Appointment of Christopher Janaski as part-time laborer in Bldgs. & Grounds
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Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Christopher Janaski as part-time laborer in the Bldgs. & Grounds Department effective January 10, 2011 at a rate of $7.25 per hour 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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18. Appointment of David Monolopolus as Zoning Board Chairman
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Motion by Councilwoman Meegan, seconded by Councilman Clarke, to appoint David Monolopolus as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals effective January 11, 2011.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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1-E REPORTS
· Comptroller Robert Bielecki, Revenue/expense comparison control report posted as of January 5, 2011; Operating Fund voucher summary report, Trust voucher summary report & Capital voucher summary report for the period December 16, 2010 – January 5, 2011 received and filed.
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
NEW APPOINTMENTS QUESTIONED
Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, questioned the appointment of Fire Alarm Maintenance workers and if the individuals had to be certified.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page seven . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
NEW APPOINTMENTS QUESTIONED (continued)
Supervisor Piotrowski advised that the Fire Alarm Maintenance workers were the town’s electricians and they had to be qualified for the position. Highway Supt. Matthew English conducted several interviews and the individuals appointed at this meeting were selected. These were new employees replacing two employees that retired and the job was posted on the town’s website.
Mrs. Lucachick questioned the appointment of Mary Josefiak as Senior Recreational Therapist.
Supervisor Piotrowski responded that Recreation/Youth Director Robert Walsh retired and that position was merged with the Senior Citizens Services position. The civil service position is Senior Recreational Therapist and Mrs. Josefiak is qualified for that position. Her complete title is Recreation, Youth & Senior Services Director.
Mrs. Lucachick further commented on the addition of items to the agenda after it was set and published on the website and stated that the public has a right to know what will be on the agenda prior to the meeting. She noted that previous Town Boards had agreed not to add items to the agenda at the meeting and asked that the current Town Board follow that agreement.
STATUS OF AMERICORPS DEBT
Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, questioned the status of the outstanding AmeriCorps debt.
Comptroller Robert Bielecki responded that the town had received twelve $8000 payments. The last one was received today for January 2011, so AmeriCorps was current with their payments as of this date.
STATUS OF PROPOSAL FOR NAME CHANGE OF RIDGE ROAD
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned the status of a previous vote by the Town Board to change the name of Ridge Road to Father Baker Blvd.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated that Ridge Road is a county road and they would have to approve changing the name. Any vote by the town was just a recommendation to the county.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page eight . . .
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
STATUS OF AMERICORPS LAWSUIT
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned if there will be a lawsuit against AmeriCorps and Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated that it was voted on and they will be meeting with counsel to discuss it.
POSTING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES ON WEBSITE
Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, referred to the committees set up at the reorganization meeting and questioned how often the committees met and if minutes were taken at the meetings and put on the website.
Councilwoman Meegan advised that the Environmental Commission and Library Board met monthly and the Safety Committee every other month. Minutes were taken at all the meetings and the Environmental Commission minutes were on the website, but she did not believe the other committee meeting minutes were. Councilwoman Meegan stated that she will look into having the other committee minutes posted on the website.
Mrs. Carpenter thought it would be helpful to the citizens if they could see what thoughts and processes were taking place.
Town Attorney Shawn Martin noted that some of the committee appointments were just liaison appointments because the voucher approval system was modified.
EAST & WEST SENECA MARCHING BAND WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Tom Wachala, Kelsey Drive, stated that recently the Town of West Seneca was given the accolade of being one of the best places to raise children in the United States. He noted that the combined East & West Seneca Marching Band, a group of 64 children, for the second year in a row have won the state championship. Mr. Wachala commented on the hard work of these children and thought their efforts should be recognized by the town.
The Town Board thanked Mr. Wachala for bringing this to their attention.
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 7:30 P.M. to discuss a legal matter with Town Attorney Shawn Martin and counsel.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road Minutes #2011-01
West Seneca, NY 14224 January 10, 2011
Page nine . . .
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
The Town Board returned from Executive Session at 7:45 P.M.
GOVERNOR CUOMO PROPOSES CONSOLIDATION BONUS
Councilwoman Meegan referred to a statement from Governor Cuomo’s office regarding a consolidation bonus for local governments. The Governor was proposing a financial incentive for local governments that consolidate and 50 percent of the bonus money would be given directly to property taxpayer relief for the people of that government. Councilwoman Meegan commented on the number of consolidations made by the Town Board (i.e. Youth & Recreation with Senior Services; Town Assessor shared with Elma; Tax Receiver consolidated with Town Clerk’s office; Town Board reduced from five to three members) and stated that this year the Town Board is already moving forward with the hiring of Clark, Patterson & Lee as engineering consultants. They will be looking at current town buildings in need of repair and remodeling and assisting with issues involving the Metz House, Kiwanis building, ice rink, Town Hall, police expansion, and development of the Seneca Mall site. Councilwoman Meegan commented that the current Town Board has made great strides since coming into office and they will continue to move forward to help improve the town and reduce the cost of government.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 P.M.
Ayes: All Noes: None Motion Carried
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PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
TOWN CLERK