This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:00 PM.

 

Present were:

 

Mark DeCarlo Supervisor

Donna Marien Councilwoman

Janice Ross Councilwoman

Linda Giancarlo Councilwoman

Mike Muffoletto Councilman

Barbara J. Daniel Recording Secretary

 

ALSO PRESENT / SIGNED IN WERE:

 

Joe Giancarlo Resident

Kristen Giancarlo Resident

Frank Broughton    ZBA Chairman

Patty Friend Town Historian

Lynda Ostrowski Deputy Town Clerk

Joseph Ostrowski Planning Board Chair

Amanda Palmer Deputy Clerk

Lacey Palmer Resident

Debra Ritz Planning Board Member

Ellsworth Nolan Highway Super

Don Hepkins Police Chief

Joyce Ellis Resident

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 PM.

 

THE MEETING OPENED WITH A PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

 

MINUTE APPROVAL JANUARY 4, 2021 ORGANIZATIONAL MINUTES AND JANUARY 12, 2021 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING: Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to accept the minutes of the January 4^th and January 12^th Town Board meetings. Councilman Muffoletto seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

SUPERVISOR’S DECEMBER 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT: Tabled until next meeting.

 

BUDGET MODS: None

 

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S DECEMBER 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the Town Clerk’s December 2020 Regular Financial Report, seconded by Councilman Muffoletto. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S DECEMBER 2020 REPORT: Code Officer Gary Brecker presented his December report to the Town Board. He advised the Board that he completed a 5 page report on the Town of Brant’s Hazardous Mitigation plan to send to Erie County. He attended Erie County’s Hazardous Mitigation meeting with the Supervisor’s Secretary. Supervisor DeCarlo noted that he too was at the Erie County Mitigation meeting and thought it went well. Councilman Muffoletto asked the Code Officer if he is documenting that nothing is happening at the Weitsman location. The CEO stated he is documenting it. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

COURT CLERK’S DECEMBER 2020 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUSTICES GIER AND KACZMAREK REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Gier and Justice Kaczmarek for December 2020, and was seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

DOG CONTROL OFFICER’S JANUARY 2021 REPORT: Tabled until next meeting.

POLICE REPORTS FOR JANUARY 2021: Chief Hepkins read the January 2021 Police Report. He mentioned to the two new officers Caleb Bullard and Nicolette Pinto will be graduating soon. Chief was asked about a recent incident involving a goat. The Chief explained they received an unusual call for assistance at Dollar General where a person was locked out of their car when their pet goat stepped on the door lock while her keys and purse were inside. The police assisted the motorist and opened the door. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT JANUARY 2021 REPORT: Superintendent Ellsworth Nolan read his January 2021 report. He asked the Supervisor to put the reply to a recent request regarding the Town Shelter in writing. Supervisor DeCarlo stated he would do that. He then advised that a few mailboxes were damaged by plows and requested if they are required to fix them. Debra Ritz noted that it has been customary in the past that mailboxes on Town Roads would be repaired, but only with the actual mailbox itself, and not the pole. The Town Board confirmed the procedure which was done in the past. Discussion began regarding the tractor, brush hog and power sweeper State Contract quotes he had presented to the Board. He noted that the equipment could be used for the Parks and additional snow removal such as the Town Hall. No decision was made. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT TO THE BOARD: Town Clerk Barb Daniel read her report from January. The proposed tax bill inserts were approved by the Town Board. The Town Clerk stated that the Deputy’s computer is set for repair as the power supply had gone down and the I.T. Dave ordered a new power supply but Dell sent the wrong one. Deputy Clerk Amanda Palmer stood and advised the Town Board that the I.T. called and said the new one arrived and he would be out this weekend to repair it. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES: Lynda Ostrowski presented the January 2^nd Planning Board report. Councilwoman Ross motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Supervisor DeCarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT: The February 9, 2021 ZBA report was read by Supervisor DeCarlo. The ZBA has set a Public Hearing for March 1^st to review a variance application from Matthew and Lauren Etu. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT: No report.

 

PARKS COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT: Nothing to report.

 

TOWN HISTORIAN’S REPORT: Patty Friend presented her January report. Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to accept the report as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

FIRE COMPANY REPORTS: No report was given.

 

SENIORS REPORT: No meeting held.

 

OLD BUSINESS. No old business to report.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

POLICE REFORM COMMITTEE MEETING & NEW COMPLAINT FORM: Supervisor DeCarlo noted a form being proposed by the Town’s Police Reform Committee. It allows complaints against the police to be formally filed. Councilwoman Giancarlo advised the form will be available on the Town’s website and available at the Town Clerk’s office. She noted that the Police Reform Committee met Monday the 8^th of February to work on the completion of the draft Police Reform plan. Another public meeting will be held by the Committee at 7:00 pm on Monday the 22^nd of February. The plan will be approved by the Town Board at the March meeting and must be returned to the State my April 1^st.

APPROVAL OF NEW “BRANT POLICE COMPLAINT FORM”: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the new “Brant Police Complaint form”, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED. [Clerk’s note: a copy of the form will be attached to the paper version of these minutes as an appendix]

APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISOR DECARLO AS HEARING OFFICER: Supervisor DeCarlo requested a motion to appoint him as “Hearing Officer” for an upcoming Disciplinary matter. Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve the appointment, and was seconded by Councilman Muffoletto. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

APPOINTMENT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT: Supervisor DeCarlo discussed the various firms he researched in an effort to replace R.A. Gryksa & Associates. The Board advised the Supervisor to approve the appointment of his choice, and seek the approval of the Town Attorney. The Supervisor recommended “Drescher & Malecki” because they would be performing the accounting at the Town Hall, where others have offered more “Remote” processes. Supervisor DeCarlo then motioned to approve “Drescher & Malecki” as Supervisor’s Appointment of Town Accountant with auditing duties and to do annual reports and make minor changes at the end of the year. The appointment will not exceed the annual budgeted amount of $23,000. Councilwoman Giancarlo seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SKYLIGHTERS FIREWORKS FOR BRANTFEST ON SATURDAY JUNE 19^TH: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the contract (which is credit carried over from the 2020 Brantfest). Councilwoman Giancarlo seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Marien, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

BRANT TOWN COURT RECORDS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR AUDIT: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the Brant Town Board’s request to submit Court Records for audit. Councilman Muffoletto seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

Councilwoman Giancarlo: Reminded the Board that the Brant Summer Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday June 18 and 19. It will not be held on Sunday. She will request the public to participate in the meetings that will be held soon. The meetings will be posted on Facebook and on the Town website.

Councilwoman Ross: Announced a change in the upcoming Monday night concert series. There will now be six concerts, instead of 5. Supervisor DeCarlo asked if there was an update on the book which will document the remodeling of the Senior Community Bldg. Councilwoman Ross responded that it is in progress. She is waiting for the dedication page. Councilwoman Ross asked if the Town is still paying the Senior’s annually. Supervisor stated they Senior’s received one payment last year in ½ of what they were budgeted for.

Supervisor DeCarlo: DeCarlo announced that he spoke with Governor Cuomo’s staff along with Eden Supervisor Hartman regarding the arranging of a vaccination clinic in the South towns to be held at either a Brant or Eden facility. This would allow residents from Eden and south of Eden to come together to be vaccinated for COVID-19. No date has been set, but he is hoping it will be within the next 30 days.

Councilwoman Marien: nothing to report

Councilman Muffoletto: nothing to report

 

RECOGNIZED PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

No one spoke

 

Meetings and Correspondence

 

The first February sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer is 3.84% greater than the corresponding 2020 amount. Year-to-date transfers are running 2.61% below last year at this time.

 

Supervisor DeCarlo read the Abstract:

 

ABSTRACT 14 of 2020 AND ABSTRACT 2 OF 2021

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 02/9/21 Total Claims $135,615.34

 

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $5,870.35

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $34.16

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $672.03

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling: $6,030.30

CD Special Grant Fund: Totaling: $545.00

SF Fire Protection Vouchers totaling: $122,463.50

 

ABSTRACT 2 of 2021

 

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 2/9/21 Total Claims $62,134.71

 

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $51,446.42

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $266.80

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $10,205.06

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling: $216.43

Street Lighting: Voucher Totaling: $

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

 

PAYROLL (2 payroll 2021 )

General Town Wide Payroll 1/3/21-1/30/21 – Totaling $50,680.18

General Part Town Payroll 1/3/21-1/30/21 Totaling: $712.96

Highway Payroll TW 1/3/21-1/30/21 Totaling: $9,935.04

Highway Payroll PT 1/3/21-1/30/21 Totaling: $0

 

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve Abstract 14 of 2020 and Abstract 2 of 2021, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. A roll-call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto -aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM.

 

At 7:47 PM, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to go into executive session, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

At 8:45 PM, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to close the executive session, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

Councilwoman Giancarlo made a motion to offer Town of Brant Police Chief a salary of $60,000.00 per year, to include a 4 week vacation period pending a Memorandum of Understanding between the Police Chief and the Town Supervisor. The salary approved as of right now. Councilman Muffoletto seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Supervisor DeCarlo-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

At 8:46 pm Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to adjourn the meeting in the memory of Karl Barge, Howard “Michael” Rathbun, Michael Rosen, and John Alff Jr. & Brad Schuster of Bestway, and Joan Reickart. The motion was seconded by all the board members. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

 

 

Barbara Daniel

Brant Town Clerk