This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday, March 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

Barbara J. Daniel Recording Secretary

 

Absent was Michael Muffoletto Councilman

Linda Giancarlo Councilwoman

William Trask, Sr Town Attorney

 

ALSO PRESENT / SIGNED IN WERE:

 

Patty Friend Town Historian

Dolly Huffnagle Farnham Trustee

Lynda Ostrowski Deputy Town Clerk

Joseph Ostrowski Planning Board Chairman

Ellsworth Nolan Highway Super

Chad Kaczmarek Town Justice

Don Hepkins Police Chief

Frank Broughton ZBA Chairman

Joyce Ellis Resident

 

The meeting opened at 7:00 PM.

 

THE MEETING OPENED WITH A PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

 

MINUTE APPROVAL FEBRUARY 9, 2021 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING: Councilwoman Ross motioned to accept the minutes of the February 9^th Town Board meetings. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

SUPERVISOR’S JANUARY 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT: Tabled.

 

BUDGET MODS: None

 

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S JANUARY 2021 FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the Town Clerk’s January 2021 Regular Financial Report, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

COURT CLERK’S JANUARY 2021 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUSTICES GIER AND KACZMAREK REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Councilwoman Ross motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Gier and Justice Kaczmarek for January 2021, and was seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S FEBRUARY 2021 REPORT: Tabled

 

DOG CONTROL OFFICER’S FEBRUARY 2021 REPORT: Dog Control Office Barb Daniel presented her February 2021 Dog Control report. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

POLICE REPORTS FOR FEBRUARY 2021: Chief Hepkins read the February 2021 Police Report. The Chief noted that they will be making stop in visits to interact with the elementary students of the Lake Shore School District. Councilwoman Ross suggested that the Police provide the same service to the North Collins Elementary school since many of the Town residents attend North Collins also. She noted it was part of the Police Reform policy under “Suggested New Policies #6”. Chief replied that he will look into it and noted he didn’t think of it. Supervisor DeCarlo replied that his wife is on the School Board so he will have his wife set up a meeting. Chief also noted that the finger print scanner has been updated, and the new plate reader has been installed. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT FEBRUARY 2021 REPORT: Superintendent Ellsworth Nolan read his February 2021 report. Town of Evans assisted plowing when two trucks broke down. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded the Councilwomen Ross and Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT PURCHASE APPROVAL: Discussion began regarding the quotes received for a new John Deere Tractor 65 HP. Supervisor DeCarlo suggested the Town spend the extra $1,100 and upgrade the purchase from 55 HP to 65 HP. The Board agreed. Ellsworth advised the Board to email and fax John Deere to let them know we want the tractor. Supervisor DeCarlo then motioned to approve the purchase of one John Deere 5065E Utility Tractor ($41,954.58) and the 520M Loader ($3,731.60), MX7 Rotary Cutter ($3,595.56), HLA Attachments ($825+$935) and Erskine HP SSL 84 In Power broom ($12,360.60) all on NYS Contract price totaling $63,402.34. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo -aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

TOWN CLERK’S REPORT TO THE BOARD: Town Clerk Barb Daniel read her report from January. The Town Clerk requested approval to purchase 5 new Microsoft Office 2019 suites at a cost of $29.99 X 5, and a one-time fee if $30.00 to be shared over 5 computers making the total cost $179.99 for all five computers. The Board approved the purchase without separate vote. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES: No meeting was held.

 

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT: ZBA Chairman Frank Broughton presented the March 1^st Public Hearing adding that the paperwork was filed in the Town Clerk’s office with the required 5 days. He thanked the Board for allowing him to update the ZBA page on the website. He then asked the Town Board to allow ZBA training to be conducted in the Conference room. Supervisor DeCarlo advised of a projector that can be used. The Board approved without a separate vote. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 3 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 February report. She also noted that Brant will be 182 years old on March 25, 2021. She spoke about a book which covered Brant’s Haunted house. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

FIRE COMPANY REPORTS: No report was given.

 

SENIORS REPORT: No meeting held. Seniors will be meeting in the Conference room on Tuesday March 16.

 

OLD BUSINESS. No other old business to report. (Highway equipment purchase covered earlier in meeting)

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

NEW TOWN OF BRANT POLICE COMPLAINT/COMMENDATION FORM: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the final draft of the Brant Police Department’s complaint/commendation form which will allow citizens to submit a commendation or complaint about a Brant Police employee. [clerk’s note: a copy of the form will be attached to the end of these minutes as an addendum]. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

APPROVAL OF POLICE REFORM RESOLUTION: Supervisor DeCarlo read the following resolution:

 

 

A RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY

THE TOWN OF BRANT TOWN BOARD

 

Re: NYS POLICE REFORM AND REINVENTION COLLABORATIVE PLAN CERTIFICATION

 

WHEREAS, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 203 on June 12, 2020 ordering all New York State Local Governments to perform a Comprehensive review of current police force deployments, strategies, and practices; and

 

WHEREAS, the order requires Local Governments to consult stakeholders which would include but not limited to membership and leadership of the local police force; members of the community, with emphasis in areas with high numbers of police and community interactions, interested non-profit and faith-based community groups; the local office of the district attorney; and local public defender; and local elected officials regarding the plan; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Brant has offered the Plan in draft form for public comment to all citizens in the locality and, prior to adoption of the Plan by the local legislative body, has considered the comments submitted; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Brant Town Board who serves as Legislative Body for this Local Government has ratified this Plan; and adopted by this resolution. A copy of this Plan, and a copy of this certification shall be sent to the NYS Division of the Budget on or before April 1, 2021 via email to EO203Certification@budget.ny.gov.

 

RESOLUTION VOTE: Supervisor DeCarlo made the motioned to adopt the resolution “The New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Plan”. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion. The Roll Call vote resulted as follows:

Supervisor DeCarlo Aye

Councilwoman Marien Aye

Councilwoman Ross Aye

RESOLUTION ADOPTED

 

EASTER EGG HUNT: Councilwoman Marien suggested the Town sponsor and Easter Egg hunt at the Brant Town Park on Saturday March 27 at 2:30 PM. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the event, and was seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Councilwoman Marien asked Village Trustee Dolly Huffnagle to post the Easter Egg hunt on the Board at the Village.

 

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: A packet was given to Board members to review regarding the possibility of the Town adding a Child & Family Services Program to its employee handbook. The would be approximately $2,500/yr for Towns with less than 100 employees. This will be discussed at the April meeting.

 

UPGRADE OF TOWN SECURITY FOOTAGE TO 90 DAYS: Supervisor DeCarlo discussed an option to increase the security camera footage to be held 90 days, rather than the current 30 days. The cost shall not exceed $1,000.00. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the upgrade, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

OPENING OF SENIOR COMMUNITY BLDG SET FOR APRIL 1^St : Supervisor DeCarlo asked If the Senior Community Bldg. will be available to rent by April 1^st. Councilwoman Ross noted that items that still needed completion. Supervisor DeCarlo responded that he can make sure the items that are incomplete will be done in time. He asked the Board to approve of the opening provided he gets the unfinished items done. The Board unanimously responded yes.

 

PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR LOCAL LAW #2-2021 ON APRIL 13^TH AT 7:30 PM: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned hold a public hearing on the FEMA Flood Law (required for Home Owners to obtain Flood Insurance) which would be Local Law #2-2021. Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

 

Councilwoman Marien: Noted that eWaste starts again next month. Last Saturday of each month.

 

Councilwoman Ross: Janice Read the dedication that will be at the front of the Book commemorating the Senior Community Buildings recent renovation. “Honoring our Seniors, Past, Present and Future, the foundation of our Community”.

At the end it will acknowledge the Brant Town Board 2021 with the Board members names listed.

 

Supervisor DeCarlo: Nothing to report

 

Councilwoman Marien: nothing to report

 

Councilman Muffoletto: nothing to report

 

RECOGNIZED PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

 

Town Justice Kaczmarek requested the Board approve the appointment of Rachel Miller for Court Clerk for 19 hours per week at an hourly rate of $15.50 per hour. The Justice noted that she had a recent security check. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the appointment, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION APPROVED.

 

Town Justice Kaczmarek spoke to request the Town Board approve the appointment of Synchronet to take over the Town’s I.T. department. He explained that he was able to bring the cost down by eliminating 24 hour a day monitoring for On-call support to 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, which brought the $22,000 annual fee down to $925 a month for up to seven computers. He advised the Court has four. He is requesting Synchronet also provide work to the server room for a quoted $11,000. additional fee. [clerks note: this would include a new server and racks, data migration, etc]. The Board decided to await the balance of the Board to be present before approving the expense. He also stated he would like the wall finished in the Court Clerk’s office which he quoted as $1,500. He noted the expenses will be paid with the money originally budgeted for he recently resigned senior court clerk budget, which was replaced with a part time clerk.

 

Meetings and Correspondence

 

The first March sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer is 6.56% lower 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 3 of 2021

 

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 3/9/21 Total Claims $79,627.15

 

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $45,511.36

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $10,553.59

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $15,592.65

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling: $526.84

CD Special Grant Fund: $371.42

Street Lighting: Voucher Totaling: $6,071.29 (2 months)

SF Fire Protection Vouchers: 0

Brant Water Dist 1 (SS2&SW): – Totaling $0

 

PAYROLL

General Town Wide Payroll 1/31/21-2/27/21 – Totaling $50,116.18

General Part Town Payroll 1/31/21-2/27/21 Totaling: $712.96

Highway Payroll TW 1/31/21-2/27/21 Totaling: $11,439.66

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

 

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve Abstract 3 of 2021, seconded by Councilwoman Ross and Marien. A roll-call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilman Marien -aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM.

 

Supervisor DeCarlo noted the Board will be going into executive session, and afterwards will adjourn in memory of Joan Reickart, Louis Guzzetta and Richard Paluch, brother of Councilwoman Janice Ross.

 

Supervisor DeCarlo advised that no actions will be taken after the Executive Session. The session will be for personnel reasons. With that, at 7:55 PM, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to go into executive session, seconded by Councilwomen Ross and Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

At 8:25 pm, Councilwoman Ross motioned to close the executive session, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

 

Supervisor DeCarlo motion to adjourn at 8:26 pm, seconded by Councilwoman Ross. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED. MEETING ADJOURNED.

 

Respectfully submitted by,

 

Barbara Daniel

Brant Town Clerk