This First Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday April 11, 2023 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

Linda Giancarlo                                 Councilwoman

Janice Ross                                         Councilwoman

Michael Muffoletto                             Councilman

Barbara Daniel                                   Recording Secretary

ALSO, PRESENT AND LEGIBLY SIGNED IN WERE:

Debra Ritz                                           Resident             

Patty Friend                                        Town Historian

Lynda Ostrowski                               Sec to Boards    

Joe Ostrowski                                    Planning Board Chair

Mark Slawek                                      Chief of Police  

Kristen Podkulski                              Resident

Joe Giancarlo                                     Resident

David Rice                                           Resident

Catherine Eimers                              Resident

Tracy Kaczmarek                              Supervisor Secretary

Tish Brady                                           Resident

Meg Pantera                                      Resident

Ellsworth Nolan                                Highway Superintendent

The meeting opened at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

APPROVE MINUTES of the MARCH 14, 2023 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING:  Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve the minutes of the meeting and was seconded by Councilwoman Ross.  5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Tabled

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S FEBRUARY 2023 FINANCIAL REPORT: Councilwoman Ross made a motion to approve the Town Clerk’s February Financial report, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED

COURT CLERK’S FEBRUARY 2023 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR KACZMAREK & GIER REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Kaczmarek’s & Justice Gier for February 2023, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT FOR MARCH, 2023:  Chief Slawek read the March Police report.  He then asked the Town Board to consider the appointment of Alexander Brennan as Part-time Patrolman at a rate of $22.00 per hour.  He advised the Board of the new extensive guidelines to be followed all police departments as mandated by New York State.  Body cams will be coming soon.  Councilwoman Marien asked how many officers we now have.  The answer was approximately 10.  It was noted that an advertisement for new police officers will be published.  They are seeking law enforcement retirees who wish to work part-time.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, and Councilwoman Ross seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVAL OF NEW POLICE HIRE: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to appoint Alexander Brennan as Part-time patrolman at a rate of $22.00 as needed with a six-month probationary period effective April 11, 2023.  Councilwoman Ross seconded the motion. A ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye.   5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

HIGHWAY REPORT for MARCH 2023:  Highway Superintendent Ellsworth Nolan read the March 2023 Highway report.  He noted shared services was Caretaker Allen Nolan plowing and salting for the Town Hall and parking lot.  The Highway Superintendent asked the Town Attorney if there is a letter available that will protect the Town against liability when dumping soil from the ditches onto private property when property owners ask for it.  The Town Attorney stated he will work on a “Waiver of Liability” letter for property owners to sign.  Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to the report as read, and was seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK’S FEBRUARY 2023 ACTIVITY REPORT TO THE BOARD: The Town Clerk read her March 2023 Activity report.  She also notified the Town Board that she had applied for a grant to help with the cost of the New York State Town Clerk’s Association training seminar.  The grant will bring the cost of the training from $800.70 to $550.70.  She also kept costs down by sharing a room with another Town Clerk.  Supervisor DeCarlo then motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilman Muffoletto.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

DOG CONTROL OFFICER’S REPORT 2023: Final Dog report from the previous Dog Control Officer is tabled until the May meeting because the Supervisor would like to speak about it.

PLANNING OR ZONING BOARD REPORT: No meetings held.

TREE STUMP REMOVAL:  Councilman Muffoletto spoke about the interviews he has been holding regarding obtaining quotes to remove the stumps of 13 or 14 trees that were cut.  The trees are in the park all the way up the driveway and by the swings.  The stump remaining in the front of the Town Hall will be removed also.  He received three quotes.  The Councilman stated that the quotes were below one thousand dollars.  The Town Attorney noted that the job must pay prevailing wage unless it’s a Sole Proprietorship.   They also discussed putting a pine tree in the spot of the recently removed pine tree [clerk’s note: the pine tree near the road in front of Town Hall was struck by lightning and had to be removed]. 

The Town Attorney suggested the Town Board authorize Councilman Muffoletto to retain the services of one of the three vendors who submitted quotes for tree stump removal and restoration subject to the availability of insurance being submitted, at a price not to exceed $1,500.00.  Following the verbiage suggested by the Town Attorney, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the authorization to proceed according to the Attorney’s recommendation.  Councilwoman Ross seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo- aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-abstain, Councilwoman Marien-aye. 4 ayes, 0 nays. 1 abstain.  MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN HISTORIAN REPORT: Town Historian Patty Friend presented her report.  The bank account remaining balance is now $1,447.90.   She noted that Legislator Mills will attend the Village of Farnham Board meeting on April 18.  The next Historical meeting will be held on April 15.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT: The new Code Enforcement Officer, David Rice presented the March report.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

BRANT FARNHAM SENIORS REPORT FOR APRIL 5, 2023: The report was read by Lynda Ostrowski. Councilwoman Ross motioned to approve the report, and was seconded by Supervisor DeCarlo.

5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

OLD BUSINESS:  No old business

NEW BUSINESS:

Supervisor DeCarlo then discussed the possibility of hosting a Shred-event.  Two quotes were received.  One of the quotes was from Lincoln Archives in the amount of $1,035.00.  The vendor is insured and bonded.  The event could be run for 3 hours and allow the public to bring their documents for shredding.  Supervisor DeCarlo asked if the Board would want to allow only Town residents.  Councilman Muffoletto responded that we can allow people from out of Town but they will have to pay.  Supervisor DeCarlo then motioned to authorize his office to set up a Shred-Event from his office at a cost of $1,035.00.  Councilman Muffoletto seconded the motion. 
5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

They also discussed the electronic waste and tire events and possibly holding the events twice a year. Other discussion included the possibility of monthly.    

RECREATION FEES, LIFEGUARD AND REC ATTENDANT WAGES: 

• RECREATION FEES:

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to Increase Recreation Fees (for both Rec and Bus) by 10% for residents, and increase by 20% for Non-residents, seconded by the Town Board.  5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

• RECREATION COUNSELORS:

Supervisor DeCarlo noted that the Town is exempt from Minimum wage but asked the Town Board if they would like to raise the wages.  The Board then chose to put the following wages into effect:

o Junior Counselors $13.20 per hour

o Regular Counselors $14.20 per hour

o Returning Counselors $14.70 per hour

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the wages as presented above, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

• POOL FEES:   Pool fees will remain the same as 2022. 

• LIFEGUARD WAGES: Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to increase Lifeguard wages by $2.00 per hour for all lifeguards. Supervisor DeCarlo seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken: Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

PARTICIPATION IN VILLAGE OF ANGOLA SUSQUICENTENNIAL:  Supervisor DeCarlo mentioned that the Village of Angola is celebrating their Sesquicentennial (150 years).  He asked the Board if they would like to place a quarter page advertisement for the Town of Brant for $50.00.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the advertisement, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

U.S. DEPT OF AGRICULTURE CHERRY FRUIT FLY & BOX TREE MOTH PROGRAMS: Supervisor DeCarlo advised the Board that the US Dept of Agriculture is requesting permission to place traps in the trees along the right of ways to research the presence of two invasive species.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to allow him to sign the agreement with the US Dept of Agriculture to place the traps.  Councilman Muffoletto seconded the motion.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

NORTH COLLINS REC TO USE THE POOL:  Supervisor DeCarlo stated that the Supervisor of North Collins inquired on the use of the Brant pool on Wednesdays for two hours during their rec program.  [clerk’s note: Brant Recreation attends field trips on Wednesdays].  The fee shall remain at $3.00 per child.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve allowing the North Collins Recreation program to use the pool on Wednesdays during rec at a cost of $3.00 per swimmer.  Councilwoman Marien seconded the motion.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

Councilman Muffoletto – Asked if there was an ad placed for a new full time Highway person?  The Supervisor stated he will coordinate with the Highway Superintendent to get the ad in the paper. 

Councilwoman Ross- thanked Debbie Ritz and Brian Rott for their monetary donation for the Easter Eggs hunt.  She also thanked Brian for all his help that day.  She also thanked Tim Marien for his monetary donation.  She then thanked all those who attended the event and helped with it.

Councilwoman Marien- Gave the net figures of the cost of the Easter Eggs hunt, $602.48 of Town money.    Wants to put together a movie during the summer. 

Councilwoman Giancarlo- Reminded those present about the June 16 and 17 Brant Festival.  Looking for sponsors to keep the event as free as possible for the children.  Information will be available on the Brant Bulletin page.    

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:   No one spoke

Meetings & Correspondence: 

• The first April sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer rate is 11.25 % lower than the corresponding 2022 amount. Year-to-date transfers are running 4.9 % above last year at this time.

Supervisor DeCarlo announced the next regular Town Board meeting will be Tuesday May 9, 2023 at 7 PM.  

Supervisor DeCarlo read the Abstract (4 of 2023):

ABSTRACT 4 of 2023

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 4/10/23 Total Claims $48,807.50

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $39,120.11

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $ 0

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $5,242.40

Highway P.T. Vouchers Totaling: $1,101.23

Street Lighting:  Voucher Totaling:  $2,903.76

Brant Water Dist 1 (SS2&SW):  – Totaling $440.00

PAYROLL March 2023 (2 pay periods):

General Town Wide Payroll 02/26/23-03/25/23 – Totaling $ 46,646.14

General Part Town Payroll 02/26/23-03/25/23 Totaling:  $ 1,437.06

Highway Payroll TW 02/26/23-03/25/23 Totaling:  $ 8,221.49

Highway Payroll PT 02/26/23-03/25/23 Totaling:  $ 0

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve Abstract 4 of 2023, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. A roll-call vote was taken: Supervisor DeCarlo-aye, Councilwoman Marien-aye, Councilwoman Giancarlo-aye, Councilman Muffoletto-aye, Councilwoman Ross-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

At 7:55 PM, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to enter an Executive Session for personnel, seconded by the Board.  5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED. 

At 8:20 PM, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to close the Executive Session, seconded by the Board. 

5 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED. 

At 8:21 pm, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Councilwoman Giancarlo seconded the motion.  5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully submitted by,

Barbara J Daniel

Brant Town Clerk