Town Board Minutes

WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 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 Mark Jarczyk.
 
19-A MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
 
·      Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Minutes #2011-18 of November 28, 2011.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
·      Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve minutes from the December 13, 2011 bid opening for the 2012 Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract.
 
       Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
19-B           LEGAL NOTICES
 
   1.    Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, that proofs of publication and posting of legal notice: “OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE FOLLOWING LOCAL LAWS: 2011-12 AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 115, VEHICLE & TRAFFIC ORDINANCE; 2011-13 ADDITION OF CHAPTER 100A, SMOKING REGULATIONS” in the Town of West Seneca, be received and filed.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to open the public hearing.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
         Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated that Local Law No. 2011-12 was a modification to include alternate side parking on various streets in the city line area. Local Law No. 2011-13 will prohibit smoking in buildings maintained and owned by the Town of West Seneca and within 100 feet of the entrance and exit of all said buildings.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page two . . .
 
19-B LEGAL NOTICES
 
   1.    (continued)
 
         Selma Eisensmith, Winegar Place, understood that the residents would have the opportunity to speak on this issue before it was approved but noted that alternate parking signs were posted on her street last week. She is a single mother of five children and has some health problems, so the alternate parking will be a hardship for her. Mrs. Eisensmith stated there are eight houses on Winegar Place and five of the residents signed a petition asking that the alternate parking restriction be rescinded.  She was informed that years ago there was an issue with parking on Winegar Place and Seneca Hose asked that the left side of the street be designated as a fire lane and parking be allowed only on the right side. There are 12 parking spaces on the right side and the left side only has four spaces. Mrs. Eisensmith commented on the difficulty exiting her driveway because of the location of a telephone pole and stated it will be even more difficult or impossible if there is a vehicle parked across from the driveway. She stated that the town highway employees have been wonderful at clearing the street and the neighbors will be agreeable to moving their vehicles when needed.
 
         Linda Toy, Burch Avenue, was in favor of the alternate parking restriction on her street and commented on past problems with vehicles being parked in the same place for two or three months. Alternate parking will allow the entire street to be cleared of snow and leaves.
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to close the public hearing.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to table approval of Local Law No. 2011-12 for review by the Traffic Committee.
 
         On the question, Highway Supt. Matthew English stated that the Traffic Committee only meets every six months and the signs have already been posted.
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski suggested there be input from Mr. English and Chief Gehen so this issue can be addressed at the next Town Board meeting.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Local Law No. 2011-13, addition of Chapter 100A, Smoking Regulations.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page three . . .
 
19-C COMMUNICATIONS

      
1.    Councilman Clarke re Request for proposals for ambulance contract                                                      
 
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to receive and file this item.
 
On the question, Councilwoman Meegan stated that this issue was in need of public input and a public work session has been scheduled for January 30, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. In the interim, an informational meeting has been scheduled for January 18th at Vigilant Fire Hall. Councilwoman Meegan was not sure of the town’s involvement in this issue but stated she wanted to work closely with the fire districts to help get it resolved for the betterment of the town.

 
            Councilman Clarke stated that he put this item on the agenda for a reason and there has been a lot of miscommunication on it. An ambulance contract has been talked about for a long time and it is a safety issue that needs to be resolved. Councilman Clarke commented on the manpower shortage in some of the fire companies that creates a problem with delayed response along with having to wait for Rural Metro to respond from Scranton or Como Mall. He hoped the fire companies could get together on this issue and think of the safety of the people first. Councilman Clarke stated this was not about Rural Metro and he did not care who gets the contract as long as they can get quicker response to calls.
 
Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried

 
 2.   Town Attorney re Payment for administration expenses on workers compensation coverage
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $4875 to POMCO for administration expenses for the town’s workers compensation coverage for September 2011 through November 2011.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
   3.    Town Attorney re Payment for appraisal services for tax assessment challenges
        
 
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $5475 to Emminger, Newton, Pigeon, Magnay, Inc. for appraisal services for tax assessment challenge matters on behalf of the Town of West Seneca.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page four . . .
 
 
19-C COMMUNICATIONS

 
   4.    Town Engineer re Bid award for 2012 Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to accept the bids for the 2012 Sanitary Sewer Repair Contract as follows:
 
Visone Construction –       Base Bid A    $124,235
                                    Base Bid B    $ 29,325
                                    Base Bid C    $ 26,850
 
Osinski Plumbing –           Base Bid A    $104,100
                                    Base Bid B    $ 31,380
 
and award the contract contingent upon final attorney approval.

 
            On the question, Town Engineer Richard Henry stated that this was the annual maintenance contract for the sanitary sewers and the figures stated were “not to exceed” numbers. In order to have the ability to get quicker response times on major repairs that are emergencies, they decided to award the bid to two different contractors so they can have both involved depending on the type of work required.
 
Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried

 
   5.    Highway Supt re Appointment of Jonathan Slominski as part-time laborer in Bldgs. & Grounds
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to receive and file this item.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried
 
   6.    Chief Gehen re Purchase of in-car video systems
 
 
Councilwoman Meegan stated that she had some questions on this purchase and Chief Gehen was not present at the meeting. She asked that the item be tabled until the next meeting.
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilman Clarke, to table this item.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page five . . .
 
 
19-C COMMUNICATIONS

 
   7.    Town Clerk re Transfer of Mary O’Connell to Town Clerk’s Office
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to grant a one year leave of absence to Mary L. O’Connell from her current position of Senior Clerk Typist in the Engineering Department effective January 4, 2012 through January 4, 2013 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
            Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to appoint Mary L. O’Connell as Senior Clerk Typist in the Town Clerk’s Office effective January 4, 2012 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.
 
Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried

 
   8.    Director of Recreation, Youth & Senior Services re Status change for J Kropczynski to seasonal
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to change the status of part-time clerk typist Janet Kropczynski to part-time seasonal effective December 15, 2011 through April 13, 2012 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 Purchase requiring Town Board approval
 
 
Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to authorize payment of $7031.60 to Gerster/Trane for repairs to the compressor at the Ice Rink.
 
Ayes: All               Noes: None           Motion Carried

 
LOCAL LAW #2011-12
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to remove from the table the adoption of Local Law #2011-12.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
        
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page six . . .
 
LOCAL LAW #2011-12   (continued)
 
            Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to approve Local Law No. 2011-12, amendments to Chapter 115, Vehicle & Traffic Ordinance, as amended with removal of Winegar Place from those streets with alternate side parking.
 
         Ayes: All                                 Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
19-D REPORTS
 
  • Patricia C DePasquale, Town Clerk’s report for November 2011 received and filed.
  • John A Gullo, Code Enforcement Officer’s report for November 2011 and plumbing report for November 2011 received and filed.
  • Comptroller Robert J Bielecki, Revenue/expense comparison control report posted as of December 14, 2011; Operating Fund voucher summary report, Trust voucher summary report & Capital voucher summary report for the period November 24 – December 14, 2011 received and filed.
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
          OUTGOING & INCOMING ELECTED OFFICIALS
 
          Beverly Leising, Harwood Road, thanked the board members for their service to the town. She hoped the outgoing elected officials would have happy memories of their years with the town and asked that they join the audience at Town Board meetings and offer their input. Mrs. Leising further offered her well wishes to the incoming officials, noting that the public will be watching.
 
         GRANT FOR GPS UNITS
 
         Beverly Leising, Harwood Road, referred to a previous Town Board meeting when she had reprimanded Highway Supt. Matthew English for not having gps units installed in town vehicles and stated that Mr. English visited her the next day and explained that the grant money for the gps units was now going to be used for security cameras to cut down on vandalism at town properties. Mrs. Leising stated she was unaware that grant money could be used for something other than what it was originally proposed for and she questioned if the security cameras had been purchased yet.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan advised that the security cameras had not yet been purchased because they were waiting for the intent of the grant to be changed by the NYS Assembly. The town already requested proposals for the security cameras so they will be able to move forward as soon as the intent is changed, which could take as little as six weeks or as much as six months.
        
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page seven . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
          GRANT FOR GPS UNITS   (continued)
 
          Mrs. Leising questioned how long the town has had the $50,000 grant.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan thought the $50,000 had been available for two years. She further noted that she recently recovered $350,000 that was hanging in limbo since 2006 and was currently working with Senator Kennedy to recover approximately $474,000 from AmeriCorps grant money owed to the town.
 
          BINGO INSPECTOR POSITION
 
         Beverly Leising, Harwood Road, referred to the $4000 allocated in the 2012 police budget for a bingo inspector and questioned if a uniformed police officer visits the bingo locations. She noted that as a bingo worker she has seen New York State bingo inspectors visit the locations and questioned if this position was a duplication of duties.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan responded that the bingo inspector is a town resident, not a police officer, and they visit the bingo locations but their duties are different from the state inspectors. She further noted that every town has a bingo inspector.
 
         SEWER DISTRICT ISSUE
 
         Beverly Leising, Harwood Road, questioned the status of the sewer district issue, noting that the end of the year is here and a public hearing still has not been scheduled.
 
         Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated that they are making progress and the public hearing will be advertised in the West Seneca Bee, on the town’s website, and posted on the sign at Main Street and Union Road. He anticipated the public hearing will be held sometime in February 2012.
 
         AMBULANCE CONTRACT MEETING
 
         Beverly Leising, Harwood Road, asked for clarification on the informational meeting to be held at Vigilant Fire Hall on the ambulance contract.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan responded that Barbara Mann invited the Town Board members to an informational meeting on January 18, 2012 at Vigilant Fire Hall. This was an informal meeting and Councilwoman Meegan did not know if the public was invited, but the Town Board will be following up with a public work session on January 30, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page eight . . .
 
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         PARKING ON WINEGAR PLACE
 
         Selma Eisensmith, Winegar Place, thanked the Town Board for removing her street from the alternate parking restriction and asked what the next step is.
 
         Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated that the signs will be removed and parking will resume as before.
 
         Ms. Eisensmith also thanked Highway Supt. Matthew English and asked that he let the residents of Winegar Place know if there is anything they can do to help his department with regard to their street.
 
         LOCAL LAWS ADOPTED
 
         Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, referred to the held over public hearing concerning the recent local laws that were adopted and questioned if the public was given time to speak.
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski responded that Town Attorney Shawn Martin had explained the local laws in depth at the first meeting and there were some questions from the public at that time. Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo also explained some changes that were proposed.
 
         Mr. Martin also noted that the local laws were available on the town’s website and in the Town Clerk’s office.
 
         DOWNSIZED TOWN BOARD
 
         Karen Lucachick, Greenmeadow Drive, asked each of the Town Board members their opinion of a three member Town Board.
 
         Councilman Clarke stated that a three member Town Board was a terrible idea and made communication between board members extremely difficult. There is so much to be done in the town and not enough people to do the work. He hoped that the public will see the dilemma they are faced with and realize that Mr. Gaughan, the person who promoted the downsizing, did not do the town any favors. They are not saving any money and are actually losing money because of things that are not being accomplished. Councilman Clarke suggested that the five member Town Board be brought back.
 
 
 
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page nine . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         DOWNSIZED TOWN BOARD   (continued)
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski did not believe the three member board cost the town money and thought they had actually saved money in salaries, health insurance, etc. Although communication is affected and causes problems, there are intermediaries. Supervisor Piotrowski stated that if the public is looking for open government they are not getting it with a five member board because members are talking to each other behind the scenes. He noted that in most towns the board members vote unanimously on agenda items because they are administrative in nature and out of 1000 votes there may be only 10 that have any discussion.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated that she has found a three member Town Board to be exhausting and would like to have two additional members to help with the day to day work. A five minute problem can sometimes take two hours to resolve because of the communication problem. Also, with less board members the people have less of a voice. Councilwoman Meegan did not believe a three member board was productive or for better government. She did not see the savings and thought they had probably lost opportunities because of the three member board. Councilwoman Meegan thought the only positive that may have come from the downsizing was that they reached out to the public for their help and involvement.
 
Mrs. Lucachick agreed that the downsizing was not working and understood there was a petition being circulated to return the Town Board to five members. She hoped the public would take the time to understand what the problem is. Mrs. Lucachick stated that the current Town Board has had its difficulties and she understood they inherited a lot of major problems that were ignored by the previous administration. Through a lot of prodding by the public, Mark Lazzara and the AmeriCorps issue was addressed and the town is now receiving monthly payments for reimbursement. Mrs. Lucachick stated that this issue should never have happened and she suggested that people who do not know about it get a copy of the NYS Comptroller’s report. She requested the status of the outstanding AmeriCorps debt.
 
         Comptroller Robert Bielecki responded that an $8000 payment was received December 7th so they are current.
 
         Mrs. Lucachick thanked Town Engineer Richard Henry for the manner in which he deals with the public, for keeping records on sewer problems and complaints, and for taking a serious and honest look at the town’s sewers. She commented that sewers involve the health and safety of the residents and there are a number of residents that have had to deal with raw sewage in their basements. Mrs. Lucachick further thanked Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo and his department who have learned to listen and act on citizen complaints and seem intent on making the office more helpful to the residents. She referred to the mission statement for the Code Enforcement Office and the words “maintaining community standards” and “maintaining the town’s high standards of curb appeal.” Mrs. Lucachick did not believe
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page ten . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         DOWNSIZED TOWN BOARD   (continued)
 
the standards were high because the town chose not to utilize the Master Plan, so they will never move forward in the curb appeal area. She referred to the new M & T Bank at Southgate Plaza and did not see how that fit anywhere in the community. Mrs. Lucachick suggested that they watch how East Aurora, Hamburg and Orchard Park are doing things to avoid having the town look helter skelter.  She commented that the Planning Board has made major changes in their meetings, they now follow the law, and they seem to be consistent. For years their meetings were done incorrectly, but they now attend classes and know how the meetings should be run.  Mrs. Lucachick stated that her biggest problem with the Town Board is the Open Meetings Law not being followed and she suggested they watch and learn from the Amherst Town Board. They don’t fight or argue; they talk back and forth and express pros and cons on issues. Mrs. Lucachick thanked Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale for her service and wished her a wonderful retirement. She further thanked the Town Board members and department heads for serving the community and asked that they continue their interest in the town.
 
         GPS UNITS
 
         Johanna Guenther, Neubauer Court, referred to the gps system issue and stated that the Highway Supt. from the City of Buffalo thought they were a good thing because now he knows which streets are done, which are not, and how long it takes to do them. She questioned why Highway Supt. Matthew English did not think the gps units were a good idea, and noted that former Highway Supt. Patrick Finnegan was in favor of the gps units.
 
         Mr. English stated that when he first took office in March 2009 Supervisor Piotrowski informed him there was a big problem with town trucks being where they shouldn’t be and he wanted to install gps units. In response, Mr. English asked for an opportunity to solve the problem on his own before buying the gps units. Mr. English had a meeting with his employees and told them the problem and that he was holding them accountable. If it was reported to him that a town truck is not where it is supposed to be, they would be reprimanded with a verbal warning or letter. Some time after that, Mr. English asked Supervisor Piotrowski if he was still getting complaints about town trucks being where they shouldn’t be and was told that he had not received any more complaints. Mr. English did not believe the town needed the gps units and thought that with himself, the five foremen, and some other changes in the Highway Department, things were now running smoothly. During this time period, Buildings & Grounds Supt. Steve Amoia informed him there was a big problem with vandalism at the parks. When he discussed the problem with Councilwoman Meegan, she suggested changing the grant for the gps units to security cameras and he agreed. Mr. English stated that if anyone has a complaint about a town truck not being where it should be they should call him at the Highway Department and he will take care of the problem.
 
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page eleven . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         GPS UNITS   (continued)
        
Mrs. Guenther thanked Mr. English for the explanation and wished the board members well along with Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale on her retirement.
 
         Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned what happened with the money that was bonded for the gps units.
 
         Comptroller Robert Bielecki responded that the money was in a money market account and it was available. They were paying 1.5 percent for the bond and receiving .5 percent in interest.
 
         Mrs. Carpenter stated that the money has been there for three years and she suggested that something be done with the money or the bond be paid off.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan stated that the money could be spent on something else such as radios for the Police Department or something in the Highway Department.
 
         LOCATION OF SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE
 
         Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent, questioned where Supervisor-elect Meegan’s office will be located next year.
 
         Supervisor-elect Meegan stated she will be taking up some space on the lower level of Town Hall until a new office is built on the second floor. The elevator will be relocated on the outside of the building and there will be appropriate signage.
 
         SEWER ISSUE
 
         Amy Carpenter, Woodward Crescent referred to the sewer issue and hoped that a merger of the sewer districts was on the agenda to discuss in the future. She looked forward to a good turnout for the public hearing and commented that the town needs to be creative in how they communicate with citizens (i.e. add an insert in the tax bill receipts) in order to keep budgets down and not have a huge postage expense. Mrs. Carpenter also suggested working with the schools and sending something home with the students. She thanked the board members for their service to the community and thanked Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale for her years of service.
 
         AMBULANCE CONTRACT
 
         Rusty Funk of East Seneca Fire Company thanked the Town Board for tabling the ambulance contract and looked forward to working together to come up with a great solution to the issue.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page twelve . . .
 
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
 
         WELL WISHES FOR OUTGOING AND INCOMING ELECTED OFFICIALS
 
         Jim Manley, Larkwood Road, thanked Supervisor Piotrowski and Councilman Clarke for their years of service to the Town of West Seneca and for working hard to improve the quality of life in the town. Each had a vision of how town government should run and it is their diverse opinions that help make democracy work. Mr. Manley also thanked his former employer, mentor, and friend, Patricia DePasquale, for a tremendous job in moving the Town Clerk’s office into the 21st century. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to help the public will never be forgotten. He hoped that even though Mrs. DePasquale, Supervisor Piotrowski, and Councilman Clarke will no longer be in office, they will continue to work for the betterment of the town. Mr. Manley congratulated Supervisor-elect Meegan, Councilman-elect Hart, Councilman-elect Rusinski, and Town Clerk-elect Felser and hoped they would continue to help the town grow and thrive. He also congratulated Town Justice McCabe and Highway Supt. English on their re-election and wished the citizens of the town a happy and prosperous New Year.
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
 
         RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK PATRICIA DEPASQUALE
 
         Deputy Town Clerk Jacqueline Felser recognized Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale for her 22 years as a dedicated elected official and public servant. She thanked Mrs. DePasquale for being a super boss and a great friend and wished her a very long, healthy and happy retirement.
 
         Mrs. DePasquale thanked everyone for allowing her to be Town Clerk for 22 years and thanked the Town Board for the respect shown her and for their help throughout the years. She further thanked Mrs. Felser for her assistance, noting that it will be a smooth transition for the office. Mrs. DePasquale wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
 
         FAREWELL WISHES AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS
 
         Highway Supt. Matthew English announced that garbage pickup will be on the regularly scheduled days for both the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. He further congratulated Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale on her retirement and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
 
         Town Attorney Shawn Martin wished everyone a very happy holiday season.
 
         Comptroller Robert Bielecki thanked his staff, Jodie, Dennis, Joanne and Linda for the assistance given him over the last four years. He thought the office had made tremendous progress in its operating efficiency and professionalism. Mr. Bielecki also wished everyone a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES                                        TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
1250 Union Road                                                               Minutes #2011-19
West Seneca, NY 14224                                                    December 19, 2011
                                                                                             Page thirteen . . .
 
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
 
         FAREWELL WISHES AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS   (continued)
 
         Councilman Clarke thanked everyone that supported him over the years and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
 
         Councilwoman Meegan commented on the retirement of Town Clerk Patricia DePasquale and stated that she has always remained a lady and has set the bar very high for any woman that enters public office. Councilwoman Meegan thanked Mrs. DePasquale for everything she has supported and taught her over the years and wished her the best in her retirement. Councilwoman Meegan also wished Supervisor Piotrowski the best in his future endeavors and stated it was a pleasure working with him. Councilwoman Meegan further thanked Councilman Clarke for his service and stated that the town has been blessed to have him as a very hardworking public servant that gave a lot to the job at all hours of the day. She stated it was a pleasure working with Councilman Clarke and thanked him for his friendship, noting that he is a genuine person and a man of his word with great integrity.
 
         Supervisor Piotrowski wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked the residents of West Seneca for the opportunity to serve the town for the last 21 years. He wished Supervisor-elect Meegan, Councilman-elect Hart, and Councilman-elect Rusinski good luck in their terms and wished Councilman Clarke good luck in his future endeavors.
 
         ADJOURNMENT
 
         Motion by Supervisor Piotrowski, seconded by Councilwoman Meegan, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M.
 
         Ayes: All                                Noes: None                             Motion Carried
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        _______________________________________
 PATRICIA C. DEPASQUALE, RMC/CMC
                                                                         TOWN CLERK