This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:00 PM.
PRESENT WERE:
Leonard K. Pero, Supervisor
Mark DeCarlo, Councilman
Chad Kaczmarek, Councilman
Barbara J. Daniel, Town Clerk, Recording Secretary
Absent: Councilman Donald Clark
Also present and signed in were:
Lee Brunelli, resident
Joseph Ostrowski, Planning Board Chairman
Lynda Ostrowski, Secretary to the Boards
Janice Ross, Planning Board member
Ronald Kobel, Resident
Joseph Giambrone, Highway Superintendent
Donald Hepkins, Chief of Police
Debra Ritz, resident
Brian Rott, resident
Phyllis Mogavero, resident
Patty Friend, Town Historian
Joseph Giambrone, Highway Superintendent
Tammy Lonkey, of Lonkey Collision
The meeting opened at 7:00 PM with a pledge to the flag.
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 14, 2015 REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING. Councilman Kaczmarek motioned to accept the minutes of the April 14th meeting, and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
SUPERVISOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Councilman Kaczmarek moved and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo to accept the Supervisor’s March 2015 Financial Report as presented. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
BUDGET MODS: No budget modifications were presented
TOWN CLERK’S / TAX COLLECTOR’S FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor Pero moved to accept the Town Clerk’s March 2015 Regular Financial Report and the Tax Collection Financial Report. He was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
COURT CLERK’S MARCH 2015 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR JUSTICES GIER & BORNGRABER REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Councilman Kaczmarek made the motion to approve the March 2015 financial reports of both justice’s bail and regular accounts, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT: CEO Brecker had not arrived at the meeting. His report will be addressed later in the meeting.
DOG CONTROL OFFICER’S APRIL 2015 REPORT: Dog Control Officer Barbara Daniel summarized her report
for April 2015. Councilman Kaczmarek motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by
Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE REPORT APRIL 2015: The April 2015 police report was presented by Chief Donald Hepkins. The chief reminded all that May 18 through the 31st, extra patrols will be on duty to enforce the seat belt law. He also noted that there is a new program to help save lives of someone who may overdose on Opiates such as heroin. It is a nasal spray that if administered nasally to an unconscious person, it increases the chance of the person surviving an overdose. It does not hurt a person who is found unconscious due to diabetic or other reason. There is a training course that must be attended before the nasal spray can be given to anyone who lives with someone at risk of overdose. Chief stated that many grandparents and parents are getting trained to use the product. Supervisor Pero instructed Chief Hepkins to set up a training course for anyone wanting the spray.
Councilman Kaczmarek motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
TOWN CLERK MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR APRIL 2015: The Town Clerk’s monthly activity report for April 2015 was read by Clerk Daniel. Councilman DeCarlo moved to accept the Town Clerk’s April Activity report as read, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Councilman DeCarlo read the Planning Board report, as the secretary had to temporarily leave the meeting. Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
ZONING BOARD REPORT: No meeting was held
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT: None received
PARKS COMMISSIONER REPORT: No report received
TOWN HISTORIAN REPORT: The Town Historian minutes were read by Supervisor Pero. Supervisor Pero motioned to accept the minutes as read, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS: No reports were received.
SENIOR’S REPORT: Minutes of the Senior’s April meeting were read by Councilman DeCarlo. The report noted that the Senior’s picnic will be held on August 3rd. Supervisor Pero motioned to accept the minutes as read. He was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
CODE OFFICER REPORT: At 7:30 PM, Supervisor Pero read the code officer’s report. He noted that anyone with questions for the code officer can ask him when he arrives. Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the report as read, and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
SPECIAL USE PERMIT – LONKEY COLLISION SHOP: Supervisor Pero asked Planning Board Chairman to detail their findings regarding the questions that arose at last month’s public hearing regarding the Lonkey Collision special use permit application. [Clerk’s note: The Special Use permit decision was tabled in April until the application could be reviewed again]. Chairman Ostrowski presented that the planning board’s review showed no problems with the application. They recommend approval of the special use permit application. Attorney Trask asked if there are any conditions to be attached to the permit. Chairman Ostrowski stated that they recommend two conditions be applied to the permit:
1) Stockade Fence is to be maintained
2) No more than 10 unregistered vehicles to be stored on the property at one time
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve Andrew Lonkey’s Special Use Permit application to be located at 10962 Southwestern Blvd, with the above two conditions. He was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
FEMA PARK REPAIR STATUS - DAMAGED BY THE NOVEMBER STORM: Supervisor Pero spoke of the status of the park repairs being done by FEMA. The damaged ground is being rolled and graded. He then spoke of the reimbursement amounts being paid to the Town following the damage caused Town wide during the November storm.
FIRE PROTECTION: ANGOLA CONTROL: Supervisor Pero spoke of the meeting he had with various Emergency personnel such as Ernest Masulla, the North Collins Fire Chief Peter Loretto. He also noted that Evans Dispatch has been paid their annual fee of approximately $2750.00.
e-WASTE COST AND SCHEDULE: The monthly e-waste collection has now begun. The next e-waste drop off will be held on May 30th. It will be held throughout summer in its normal location on the last Saturday of each month, from 9 am to noon. The Town will get paid .05 cents per lb as long as they can accumulate 6 pallets. He noted that the Town will be charged .35 cents per pound for anything with tubes. He added that since the program is funded by Town taxpayers, non-residents wishing to dispose of tube tv’s and monitors will be charged $3.00 for each TV.
Regarding tire drop off’s. Non residents will be charged $2.00 per tire, while residents will be permitted to drop off up to 4 tires (must be off their rims).
LETTERS OF RESIGNATION RECEIVED:
Supervisor Pero noted the receipt of two letters of resignation. One letter was addressed to Police Chief Hepkins and it was from Patrolman Michael Petrus (Badge #236). He notified the Town that he had accepted a position elsewhere. Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the resignation with regret. Councilman DeCarlo seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero then noted a letter of resignation received from Highway clerk Willa Rosenblatt. Supervisor Pero motioned to accept the resignation and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS:
BLUS CROSS/BLUE SHIELD RATES: Supervisor Pero discussed a change in the rates for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The Dental insurance rates will remain the same. Blue Cross and Blue Shield raised their premiums by a few cents. Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the new rates and was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES: Memorial Day services will be held at the Memorial Park at 9:00 am on Monday May 25th.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DISCUSSION: At 8:47 pm, CEO Brecker arrived at the meeting. He spoke about the Weitsman’s recycler. Councilman DeCarlo asked if the Board could get together to create a list of conditions for the Weitsman Special Use permit. Resident Lee Brunelli stated that once a special use permit is granted, it is automatically renewed each year. Resident Phyllis Mogavero expressed concern of the continued use of Hardpan Road by heavy trucks delivering scrap to Weitsman. Attorney Trask suggested the Town begin monitoring Hardpan traffic and to document the sinking culvert with photos.
SET PUBLIC HEARING – WEITSMAN SPECIAL USE PERMIT: Supervisor Pero motioned to set the public hearing for the Special Use Permit application of Weitsman Recycling for June 9th, 2015 at 8:00 PM. He was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
PARKING LOT BIDS: Supervisor Pero spoke of the quotes he received to repave the Town Hall parking lots. They totaled $94,000.00 due to the need to meet prevailing wage requirements. He responded that the Town cannot afford that. He is now looking into the Town renting equipment to do the job themselves.
PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS: Supervisor Pero read through the personnel appointments to be approved:
• HIGHWAY CLERK: Janice Ross, to complete the year at the remaining salary budgeted.
Supervisor Pero motioned to appoint Janice Ross as Highway Clerk and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
• BUS DRIVERS: Linda Bantle at a daily rate of $55.00/hr and Debra Birkemeier at $51.00/hr. On field trips, the rate of pay will be $133.00 for Linda Bantle and $123.00 for Debra Birkemeier.
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the appointment of Linda Bantle and Debra Burkenmeyer at the above stated hourly rate. Councilman DeCarlo seconded the motion. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
• LIFE GUARDS: Bethany Davis (Head lifeguard @ $11.50/hr) other life guards: Zachary Davis, Mackenzie Ciciero, Nathan Ciciera, Fred Ball, Bethany Matthews and Robert Gerow at $9.75/hr
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the appointment of the Pool Lifeguards as listed above at the hourly rates noted. Councilman Kaczmarek seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
• COUNSELORS:
ASSISTANT REC DIRECTOR Samantha Dawley @ $9.75/hr
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the appointment of the Assistant Recreation Director as listed above at the hourly rates noted. Councilman Kaczmarek seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
OTHER RETURNING COUNSELORS @ $8.75/hr.:
1. Mary Catherine Crapsi
2. Zach Ippolito
3. Jon DeMaria
4. Liz Viapiano
5. Rebecca Walden
6. Alex Kaczmarek
7. Melissa Lopez
8. Courtney Black
9. Ashley Kurucz
10. Liz Bantle
11. Melanie Linsmaire
12. Jessica Ackley
13. Darian Evans
14. Emma Franco
15. Sam Gier
16. Rhyne Reynolds
17. Andrew Busch
18. Alie Jimerson
19. Lynsey Nolan
20. Rhianna Renaldo
21. Michaela Stepniak
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the appointment of the returning counselors as listed above at the hourly rates noted. Councilman DeCarlo seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• WEBSITE COMMITTEE: (Lynda Ostrowski and Barbara Daniel): Lynda Ostrowski noted the number of options considered for the updating of the website. It was recommended by the committee that David Sink, the Town’s IT person, be retained to revamp the site with a user friendly readily available software.
TOWN BOARD REPORTS:
Councilman Kaczmarek: Reminded the Board about the defibrillator training set for next week.
Councilman Clark: Absent
Councilman DeCarlo: Nothing to report
Supervisor Pero:
• Items noted:
o DA account had a deficit due to the expense of the November storm
o Water account had a deficit due to the cost of repairs to water tower
o Solar Liberty now has completed the online monitoring feature for the power saved as a result of the solar panels on the highway garage.
o Time Warner phone lines. Due to lightening strike, the Town lost both internet and phones. The strike damaged the NFP phone modems, and numerous other server related items.
o DOT Milestrip Bridge closed until Nov. 9th.
o Looking into life insurance for Town employees
o Summerfest meeting date has not been decided.
o Attended 14 meetings in April
RECOGNIZED PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
Police Chief Donald Hepkins asked about setting the rate of pay for Kevin Dalton. It was noted that the new rate of pay would not take effect until he has completed his 6 month probation period. Supervisor Pero motioned to bring Kevin Dalton’s rate of pay to $15.20 per hour upon completion of his 6 month probationary period. He was seconded by Councilman DeCarlo. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Resident and Town Historian Patty Friend noted that she read about an arrest on Route 438 in the Hamburg Sun. She asked if that was in the Town of Brant. It was clarified that a portion of Route 438 is within the Town of Brant.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Supervisor Pero received the following correspondence:
• Thank you letter from Boys and Girls Club of Lakeshore.
• Sales tax revenue decreased by 4.11% YTD and is now .43% below same time last year.
• Letter from Time Warner regarding program changes.
• WNY Prism is holding a public information event to inform residents of the incidents of Invasive Species in our area.
Supervisor Pero read the Abstract:
¬¬¬¬¬¬
Abstract 5 of 2015
*Prepaid and unpaid as of May 12, 2015
Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $95,397.49
Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $8,168.08
Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $10,506.30
Highway P.T. Vouchers, Total $470.00
Fire Protection: Vouchers: Totaling: $0
Street lighting: Voucher totaling: $2,538.52
CD Capital Projects: Vouchers none, Totaling: $0
Lotus Bay Sewer Dist 1: Vouchers: $0
Brant Farnham Sewer Dist: Vouchers: none, Totaling: $0
Brant Water Dist 1: Voucher: none - Totaling $0
Special Grant Fund: unpd: None, Totaling:$0
General Town Wide Payroll 3/22/15 - 4/18/15 Totaling: $42,590.20
General Part Town Payroll 3/22/15 - 4/18/15 Totaling: $633.30
Highway Payroll TW 3/22/15 - 4/18/15 Totaling: $8,099.74
Highway Payroll PT 3/22/15 - 4/18/15 Totaling: $0
NOTE: Request Pre-approval for Abstract 6
Barbara Daniel (Network connector for the Server due to lightening damage) $24.99
Angola Pennysaver (Community Calendar) $119.88
USDA/Rural Development $1,500.00
TOTAL OF REQUESTED PRE-PAYS FOR ABSTRACT 6...............................$1,644.87
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Councilman Kaczmarek motioned to approve payment of Abstract 5 of 2015, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero. A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye.
3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
The Next Board meeting will be held June 9, 2015 at 7:30 PM.
Justice Jeffrey Gier entered the Board meeting and asked if the Town Board could raise the fee for the driving school to $35.00. Supervisor Pero made the motion to raise the fee. Councilman DeCarlo seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman DeCarlo-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero motioned to adjourn at 8:23 PM and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. 3 ayes, 0 nays. MEETING ADJOURNED.
Respectfully submitted by,
Barbara Daniel
Brant Town Clerk
