Work Session Minutes

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          April 1, 2013

 

Supervisor Meegan called the work session to order at 3:05 P.M. with 30 seconds of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Chief Gehen

Supervisor Meegan read the Fire Prevention Code instructing the public where to exit in case of a fire or an emergency.

 

 

Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to recess to Executive Session at 3:05 P.M. to discuss the outstanding AmeriCorps debt with Michael Casciano, Town Attorney Shawn Martin and Auditor Wayne Drescher.

 

Ayes: All                                   Noes: None                               Motion Carried

 

The board members returned from Executive Session at 3:25 P.M.

 

 

Supervisor Meegan stated for cost comparison purposes separate requests for proposals (rfps) have been put together for garbage totes - one reflecting a mutual agreement with the City of Lackawanna and another with West Seneca as independent.  Questions regarding tote size, purchasing both garbage and recycling totes together, cost effectiveness, resident impact and the overall borrowing aspect were raised.

 

Councilman Rusinski questioned if pickup of recyclables can be every other week vs. weekly if they go forward with recycling totes.

 

 

 

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          April 1, 2013

 

 

Town Attorney Shawn Martin stated the recycling contract is not currently up but he will contact the vendor to discuss possible modification of the current five year contract, noting it will have to be reopened since there are only certain provisions to terminate it. Reopening the contract and proposing a reduced rate for every other week pick up is possible. The direction of the town needs to be established prior to any contract being signed.

Councilman Hart stated that after speaking with residents he doesn’t think the 95 gallon tote is needed.

 

Councilman Rusinski suggested placing an advertisement in the Pennysaver and Bee requesting residents contact the town as to what size tote they want.

 

Highway Supt. Matthew English stated other towns had initial complaints regarding the 95 gallon tote, but residents overall were happy once the totes were received. He suggested initially purchasing 95 gallon totes and implementing an exchange program for 65 gallon totes for anyone requesting the change.  Garbage totes will be blue with black lids; recycling totes (all 65 gallon in size) will be green with black lids.

 

Mr. Martin discussed considerations on language for the proposed local law and noted that the code needs to be addressed prior to ordering the totes.

 

Mr. English questioned how businesses and apartment complexes will be handled regarding the number of totes the town will provide and whether a dumpster should be required. He will check with other municipalities regarding whether or not garbage can use is allowed in addition to tote use. Grass will continue to be picked up by the town and used for composting purposes.

 

Other tote issues discussed:

ü                  Cost differential when comparing size

ü                  Grant money availability

ü                  Number to purchase – 15,000 95-gallon totes & 100 65-gallon totes for garbage; 15,000 65-gallon totes for recycling

ü                  Storage of surplus totes

 

 

Ø      Code Enforcement Officer John Gullo spoke with board members regarding the revised fee schedule on Town Board agenda and all questions had been answered.

1250 Union Road                                                           Work Session

West Seneca, NY 14224                                                          April 1, 2013

Ø      Chief Gehen spoke with a Seneca Street resident who had concerns regarding parking on Seneca Street for the Ebenezer Ale House and Queen of Heaven and would like to see temporary “no parking” signs posted during these special occasions. Issues of liability and who will post signs was discussed.

Ø      Town Attorney Shawn Martin met with town insurance consultant who provided him with a list of drivers and equipment that requires updating. Supervisor Meegan stated as of May 1^st the town will be using Inland Marine instead of Remmie with a cost savings of $25,000.

Ø      Finance Director Laura Landers discussed capitalization threshholds of town with the auditors and will be recommending an increase to $100,000 for infrastructure; $50,000 for buildings; $15,000 - $20,000 for vehicles.

Ø      Councilman Hart questioned if there was an inventory program available for Buildings and Grounds and Ms. Landers responded she is checking on software.

Ø      Councilman Hart questioned the status of the new payroll system and Ms. Landers responded they are still working on this internally.

 

Ø      Recreation Director Craig Kroll discussed painting over business signs of expired sponsors at the soccer park.  He will check to see if vendors want to re-sponsor prior to painting and contact Steve Amoia from Buildings and Grounds with any questions.

Ø      Recreation Director Craig Kroll discussed having a shuttle for parking at either Southgate Plaza or the Ice Rink for the Oddenbach tournament.  It would be Oddenbach’s responsibility to coordinate with the school district and pay for shuttle service along with any other associated costs incurred.

Ø      Recreation Director Craig Kroll discussed dasher boards at ice rink and will talk with hockey association & Highway Supt. Matthew English.

Ø      Recreation Director Craig Kroll discussed possible sports camps for a future summer program.

 

The work session concluded at 4:15 P.M.