This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:00 PM.

Present were:

Donna Marien                                   Councilwoman (Acting Supervisor)

Michael Muffoletto                           Councilman

Janice Ross                                         Councilwoman

Linda Giancarlo                                 Councilwoman

William Trask, Sr                               Town Attorney

Barbara J. Daniel                               Recording Secretary

Absent was:       Mark DeCarlo    Supervisor

ALSO PRESENT / SIGNED IN WERE:

Patty Friend                                        Town Historian

Amanda Palmer                                Deputy Clerk

Lacey Palmer                                     Resident

Joe Giancarlo                                     Resident

Lynda Ostrowski                               Planning Board secretary

Joseph Ostrowski                             Planning Board Chairman

Ellsworth Nolan                                Highway Super

Chad Kaczmarek                               Town Justice

Debra Ritz                                           Planning Board member

Brian Rott                                            Resident

Don Hepkins                                      Police Chief

Frank Broughton                              ZBA Chairman

The meeting opened at 7:00 PM.

THE MEETING OPENED WITH A PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

MINUTE APPROVAL APRIL 13, 2021 VIRTUAL TOWN BOARD MEETING: Councilman Muffoletto moved to accept the minutes of the April 13^th Town Board meetings. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion.  No one spoke in opposition.

SUPERVISOR’S FEBRUARY 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT: Tabled.

BUDGET MODS: None

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S MARCH 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT: Councilman Muffoletto motioned to accept the Town Clerk’s February 2021 Regular Financial Report, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo.  No one spoke in opposition.

COURT CLERK’S MARCH 2021 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUSTICES GIER AND KACZMAREK REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Gier and Justice Kaczmarek for March 2021, and was seconded by Councilman Muffoletto.  No one spoke in opposition.

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S APRIL 2021 REPORT: Tabled

DOG CONTROL OFFICER’S MARCH & APRIL 2021 REPORTS: Dog Control Office Barb Daniel presented her March and April 2021 Dog Control report.  Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  No one spoke in opposition.

POLICE REPORTS FOR MARCH 2021: Chief Hepkins read the March 2021 Police Report.  He advised that May 24^th thru June 6^th will be Click it or Ticket month.  Councilwoman Giancarlo made a motion to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  No one spoke in opposition.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT MARCH & APRIL 2021 REPORT: Superintendent Ellsworth Nolan read his March & April 2021 report. He expressed a need for a Highway Department Credit Card, advising that he spoke with the Supervisor regarding this.  The board hadn’t heard, therefore, no action taken.  He also advised the Town Board that the new 5 foot ditch bucket became damaged and needs to be replaced.  He will obtain a quote.  Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Ross.  No one spoke in opposition.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT TO THE BOARD: Town Clerk Barb Daniel read her report from March & April.  Councilwoman Marien made a motion to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilman Muffoletto. No one spoke in opposition.

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES: No meeting held.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT:  No meeting held

RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Councilman Muffoletto spoke of the recent re-hiring of the following Recreation Counselors at a rate of $12.50 per hour, except for Darian Rose Evans who will be paid $19.15 per hour when Darian covers for the Rec Director Vince Fininzio whenever he is absent:

Cole Wishman                   Jacey Addison                    Darian Rose Evans           Zach Evans

Patrick Majkut                   John Wilson                        Nick Wilson                         Anthony Puntillo

Madison Justinger           Ajay Cybulski                      Kendal Haberer                 Olivia Wiktor (sub)

The following is a list of the new hires for this year:

Michaela Rice                    Katelyn Hofner                  Kierra Puntillo                    Nathan McCauley

Jermain Nance                  Hyde Hornung

Councilman Muffoletto then motioned to hire the above applicants contingent that they pass a background check and attend Sexual harassment training.  Each will receive $12.50 per hour.  Councilwoman Giancarlo seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED. 

Councilman Muffoletto then motioned to approve the pay rate of $19.15 per hour for Darian Rose Evans during times when she replaces the Rec Director Vince Fininzio on days he is absent.  Councilwoman Ross seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

PARKS COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT: Councilwoman Marien acknowledged the Parks Commissioner’s report stating it is available if anyone wishes to read it.

TOWN HISTORIAN’S REPORT: Patty Friend presented her February report. Western New York Heritage Magazine requested a write up about the Town of Brant.  The Town of Brant will then be included in a book about Erie County’s 200-year anniversary.  She then announced that Paper Route Production crew visited the Historical Room yesterday where they reviewed old burial permits to investigate drowning deaths of two children from the same family in a farm pond.   She also noted that she was approached by the Buffalo Seminary with a request for an interview about life in Brant.  The prospective person would have to be a lifelong resident of Brant.  Councilman Muffoletto offered to be interviewed.   Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to accept the report as presented, seconded by Councilman Muffoletto.  No one spoke in opposition.

FIRE COMPANY REPORTS: No report given.  Councilman Muffoletto noted that he is working with Brant and Farnham to coordinate the Water ball game during the Brant Summer festival.

BRANT/FARNHAM SENIORS REPORT: Lynda Ostrowski presented the Senior’s report from May 5th.  The senior picnic will be held on August 4^th.  Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  No one spoke in opposition.

OLD BUSINESS. Councilwoman Giancarlo spoke regarding the recently filed Police Reform policy.   A few items related to finalizing the new reform policy were needed.  She asked permission to reach out to Kathleen Chiavetta to head the formation of a Police Reform Committee outside of the Town Board to perform a payroll and assessment within the year, and annually thereafter.  No one objected to the request.

NEW BUSINESS

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES:   The 2021 Memorial Day services will be held on Monday May 31^st at the Farnham Memorial park at 9:00 am.  The Town of Brant and Village of Farnham will combine services.

REMINDER OF PUBLIC HEARING JUNE 8: The Brant Town Board previously scheduled its annual Special Use Permit renewal for Tuesday June 8^th at 7:30 pm.

APPROVAL OF LIFEGUARD HIRES:  Councilwoman Marien requested Board approval for the hiring of three Lifeguards:  Emily Gordon at the rate of $14.00 per hour and Eliese Maybee and Emma Kushner at a rate of $13.00 per hour subject to the proper certifications, background check and sexual harassment training.  Councilman Muffoletto motioned to approve the appointments, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo.  A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye and Councilwoman Ross-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVAL TO HIRE PART-TIME PARTOLMAN: Councilwoman Marien requested a motion to approve the hiring of Cameron Dawley as Part-time Patrolman for the Brant Police at $19.83 per hour.  Councilman Muffoletto motioned to approve the appointments, seconded by Councilwoman Ross.  A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye and Councilwoman Marien-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

Councilwoman Muffoletto:  Other than the water ball for Brant Festival, nothing to report.

Councilwoman Ross: Nothing to report

Councilwoman Marien:   The eWaste and tire collection was attended by Councilwoman Marien on April 24^th.   It was a great turnout.

Councilwoman Giancarlo: Has begun to work on the Brant Festival Program book.  She added that in out of respect for what happened last year with the pandemic shut down, they will be making this Brant Summer Festival as free as they can this year.  They will not be charging vendors, and no charge for the Bounce House.  The vendors will be charging for food.  There will be fireworks on Saturday night.  The event will run after set up at 4 on Friday the 18^th and end on Saturday night.  This year’s event will not be held over for Father’s day (Sunday).  There will be a parade.  Underground Stampede will perform on Friday, and Crash Cadillac during the day, and Terry Buchwald Saturday night.  There will be a car and tractor show and a Power Wheels competition.  There will be a photo contest and historic display and raffle baskets.  It was mentioned that perhaps masks will be available for anyone wishing to wear one since there will be indoor displays.

RECOGNIZED PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

Lynda Ostrowski stated that a chicken barbeque drive thru will be held at noon at the Village Fire Hall.  Holy Cross Church will also have refreshments at the church if anyone wishes to stop by until the barbeque begins at noon.

Meetings and Correspondence

The second April sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer is 3.46% greater than the corresponding 2020 amount. Year-to-date transfers are running 6.98% above last year at this time.

Councilwoman/Acting Supervisor Donna Marien read the Abstract:

ABSTRACT 5 of 2021

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 5/11/21 Total Claims $47,818.91

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $40,052.76

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $2,179.71

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $1,003.06

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling:  $2,118.24

CD Special Grant Fund: $

Street Lighting:  Voucher Totaling:  $2,465.14

SF Fire Protection Vouchers: 0

Brant Water Dist 1 (SS2&SW):  – Totaling $

PAYROLL (3 payrolls)

General Town Wide Payroll 3/21/21-5/01/21 – Totaling $73,879.46

General Part Town Payroll   3/21/21-5/01/21 Totaling:  $1,069.44

Highway Payroll TW 3/21/21-5/01/21 Totaling:  $0

Highway Payroll PT 3/21/21-5/01/21 Totaling:  $11,192.16

Highway Payroll PT 1/31/21-2/27/21 Totaling:  $0

Councilman Muffoletto motioned to approve Abstract 5 of 2021, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. A roll-call vote was taken: Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo -aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7:00 PM.

At 7:42 pm, Councilman Muffoletto motioned to adjourn in memory of Samuel Lojacano, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. No one spoke in opposition.  MEETING ADJOURNED

Respectfully submitted by,

Barbara Daniel

Brant Town Clerk