Town Board Minutes

 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 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.
 
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 Martin Breen.
 
6-A    MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
 
·      Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Minutes #2011-05 of April 4, 2011.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS

      
1.         Supervisor Piotrowski re Variety Club Santa Parade                                                               
 
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to grant the request of Variety Club to hold their first annual Santa Fun Walk on July 23, 2011 at 10 A.M. on designated streets in the Town of West Seneca.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 2.   Highway Supt. re Bid date for purchase of cube van
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to set a bid date of May 9, 2011 at 10 A.M. in the Town Clerk’s Office for the purchase of a cube van for the Highway Department.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
 
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page two . . .
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS

 
   3.    Highway Supt. re Title change for Sean Cuddihy to Highway MEO
        
 
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Sean Cuddihy as Highway Laborer and appoint Sean Cuddihy as Highway MEO, Group 2, Step 4, at a rate of $24.51 per hour effective April 18, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None          Motion Carried
 
   4.   Highway Supt. re Title change for Todd Cummins to Highway MEO
 
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Todd Cummins as Highway Laborer and appoint Todd Cummins as Highway MEO, Group 2, Step 4, at a rate of $24.51 per hour effective April 18, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
   5.   Appointment of Jonathan Kent as full-time Sanitation Laborer
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Jonathan Kent as full-time Sanitation Laborer temporary and appoint Jonathan Kent as full-time Sanitation Laborer permanent at a rate of $18.28 per hour effective February 23, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
   6.   Highway Supt. re Termination of C Funk, M Moore & D Ziccarelli as part-time Sanitation Laborers
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Craig Funk, Michael Moore, and Daniel Ziccarelli as part-time Sanitation Laborers effective April 8, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page three . . .
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS

 
  7.   Highway Supt. re Status change for part-time Sanitation Laborers to seasonal
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of the following part-time Sanitation Laborers to part-time seasonal effective April 25 – September 25, 2011:

 
            Brian Adams                            Joseph Demma                         Joel Polino
         David Baker                             James Eggert                                    James Rappleye
Ronald Balys                            James Fleming                         Jeffrey Roll
George Case                            Jeremy Klubek                          Joseph Waszkielewicz
Peter Colson                            Francis Malota
 
            and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried

 
   8.   Highway Supt. re Appointment of part-time seasonal Sanitation Laborers
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Timothy Czuprynski, James Campisi, Jamie Lang, Roger Onetto, and Justin Harmon as part-time seasonal Sanitation Laborers at a rate of $7.25 per hour effective April 25, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
   9.   Highway Supt. re Status change for part-time Bldgs. & Grounds laborers to seasonal
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of the following part-time Buildings & Grounds Laborers to part-time seasonal effective April 25 – September 25, 2011:

 
            James Brady                            Christopher Janaski                   Alex Olszewski
         Jacob Ciulla                             John Kaminski                          Kerry Painter
         Richard Cotter                          Joseph Kropczynski                   Dennis Rich
         Anthony Domros                       Donald Kruger                          Harold Schwartz
         Jacob Hiam                              Rick Mingle                              Mitchell Smith
 
            and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page four . . .
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS

 
 10.    Chief Gehen re Attendance of Detectives Dudziak & Crowe at CALEO training conference
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize Detective Lt. David Dudziak and Detective Dan Crowe to attend the Canadian and American Law Enforcement Organization (CALEO) training conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, June 1 – 3, 2011 at a cost not to exceed $620.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 11.    Chief Gehen re Budget amendment request
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to increase revenue acct. #1.1.3490.333 and expense acct. #1.3120.0419.3333 by $1859.37 for computer equipment for the Police Department.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 12.    Recreation, Youth, Senior Services Director re Status change for S Flattery to part-time seasonal
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time clerk Sarah Flattery to part-time seasonal effective May 9 – September 2, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 13.    Recreation, Youth, Senior Services Director re Status change for M Melski to part-time seasonal
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time pool supervisor Matt Melski to part-time seasonal effective April 26 – September 15, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 14.    Councilwoman Meegan re Erie County Youth Employment Program
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize the town’s participation in the Erie County Youth Employment Program for a period commencing July 6 – August 18, 2011 at the Burchfield Nature & Art Center.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page five . . .
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS

 
 15.    Highway Supt. re Title change for James Alba & Kevin Zimmerman to Highway Laborer
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate James Alba & Kevin Zimmerman as Sanitation Laborers and appoint James
Alba & Kevin Zimmerman as Highway Laborers, Group 1, Step 1, at a rate of $23.21 per hour effective April 25, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 16.    Highway Supt. re Title change for Brian Adams & David Baker to full-time Sanitation Laborer
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to terminate Brian Adams and David Baker as part-time Sanitation Laborers and appoint Brian Adams and David Baker as full-time Sanitation Laborers at a rate of $15.38 per hour effective April 25, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
 17.    Code Enforcement Officer re Appointment of Carol Mager as Clerk Typist
 
 
Motion by Councilwoman Meegan, seconded by Councilman Clarke, to appoint Carol Mager as Clerk Typist, Group 2, Step 1, effective April 26, 2011 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

 
         On the question, Supervisor Piotrowski did not believe this position should be full-time and thought that one or two part-time employees could do the job.
 
         Councilman Clarke disagreed and commented that the town departments were falling behind and needed help to get the work done.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan agreed and stated that Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo has been extremely patient with a lack of staff in his department. There is currently one part-time seasonal employee attempting to take care of the workload. Mr. Gullo has taken on a number of tasks himself and comes in early daily to get things done. She questioned how far behind the work was in his department.
 
         Mr. Gullo responded that the building permits have not been entered since December and complaint letters and tracking of phone calls is behind.
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page six . . .
 
 
6-B    COMMUNICATIONS
 
 17.    (continued)
 
Councilwoman Meegan noted that they were not creating a position. Historically there has been a full-time clerical position in the Code Enforcement Office. The individual retired in December and the position was not filled. Councilwoman Meegan stated that she has sat in the Code Enforcement Office and witnessed the work they do. She understood the public’s concern about keeping taxes down and was also concerned, but the public also deserves the attention and quality work that their taxes pay for. Councilwoman Meegan stated that Mr. Gullo is the department head, has requested that this position be filled, and believes the position will pay for itself.
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski questioned if revenue will be increased over the years to compensate for paying a full-time employee, including medical benefits and retirement.
 
         Mr. Gullo stated that he cannot spend all day in the office doing the clerical work and needs to be out in the field.
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski questioned why two part-time clerks at 19.5 hours each would not satisfy the needs of that office rather than one full-time clerk.
 
         Mr. Gullo stated that a full-time employee is more dedicated and takes their job to its fullest. He thought the nature of the job and the amount of training involved warranted a full-time employee.
 
         Ayes: (2) Councilwoman Meegan, Councilman Clarke
 
         Noes: (1) Supervisor Piotrowski                                                Motion Carried
 
 
6-C    REPORTS
 
·      Patricia C DePasquale, Town Clerk’s report for March 2011 & Tax Receiver’s report as of April 6, 2011 received and filed.
·         Comptroller Robert Bielecki, Revenue/expense comparison control report posted as of April 20, 2011; Operating Fund voucher summary report, Trust voucher summary report & Capital voucher summary report for the period March 31 – April 20, 2011 received and filed.
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page seven . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
          RAT PROBLEM ON SAVONA STREET
 
         Dorothy Ring, Savona Street, asked the Town Board for a solution to the ever increasing population of rats in her neighborhood. She understood the county was baiting the rats, but they are not going for the bait because there is so much trash in the neighborhood. Mrs. Ring suggested the town invest in trash cans with lids like the City of Buffalo uses and the residents might be willing to pay half the cost to help eliminate the rat problem.
 
         Councilman Clarke stated that he responded to a rat complaint this date. He thanked the animal control officers for their assistance with the problem, and stated there are funds available from Erie County through Legislator Bove that is earmarked for West Seneca to help solve this problem. Councilman Clarke noted that a big part of the problem was the old plaza at the city line, along with people feeding the birds which also attracted the rats.
 
         POWER POINT EQUIPMENT
 
         Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, thanked Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo for putting together the power point presentation equipment used at the last Planning Board meeting and noted that the screen was difficult to see, possibly because of the lighting.
 
         Mr. Gullo thought that a second screen facing the audience might help the situation.
 
         AMERICORPS DEBT
 
         Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, questioned the status of the outstanding AmeriCorps debt and the lawsuit.
 
         Comptroller Robert Bielecki stated that his office received an $8000 payment earlier this month so they are current on that debt.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated they are working with AmeriCorps and Albany and there has been an extension of 90 days. They have been more than cooperative with the town. Councilwoman Meegan noted that money was appropriated in 2004 on a $25,000 grant and that money is forthcoming any day.
 
STATUS OF SENECA MALL ASSESSMENT
 
         Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned the status of the Seneca Mall tax assessment.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated that Town Attorney Shawn Martin was due back from vacation tomorrow and could give an update at that time.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-06
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    April 25, 2011
                                                                                             Page eight . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         GOALS & OBJECTIVES OF TOWN BOARD QUESTIONED
 
         Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned if there were any written goals and objectives for the Town Board and commented that there didn’t appear to be a cohesive thought process about their goals and objectives as a team.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated that Supervisor Piotrowski has a department head meeting monthly and she is in the departments every day, understands their needs, and brings issues back to the board members, but there are many tasks at hand for a three member board. 
 
         Mrs. Carpenter stated she was not in favor of downsizing and suggested the Town Board be upsized.  She further questioned what kind of training the board members had for their jobs.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated that increasing the Town Board was up to the people, not the board members. She further stated that all the board members had objectives and goals they would like to see happen (i.e. Seneca Mall site) but there are so many other things that are brought to their attention on a day to day basis. Also, the town does not have a Human Resources department so when employees have issues they go to the board members. Councilwoman Meegan stated that the town does not even have an employee handbook to give new employees that are hired and there are also issues with the phone system.
 
         Mrs. Carpenter thought there were probably town residents that had a human resources background and could help with issues like this. She suggested itemizing & prioritizing the issues and putting something on the website asking for the residents’ help.
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
        
         PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP-OFF
 
         Chief Gehen announced that Saturday, April 30th from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. the Drug Enforcement Agency and Kids Escaping Drugs are hosting a prescription drug drop-off at the ice rink.
 
          ADJOURNMENT
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
 
         Ayes: All                                Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
         _______________________________________
 PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
                                                                         TOWN CLERK