This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT WERE:
Leonard K. Pero Supervisor
Jeffrey Gier Councilman
Clark W. Borngraber Councilman
Donald Clark Councilman
Chad Kaczmarek Councilman
Barbara J Daniel Town Clerk, Recording Secretary
ALSO PRESENT AND SIGNED IN WERE:
Joseph Ostrowski Planning Board Chairman
Lynda Ostrowski Secretary to the Boards
Lee Brunelli ZBA member
Neil Ross Planning Board Alternate
Janice Ross Planning Board member
Allen Nolan Maintenance & Caretaker Superintendent
Joseph DeCarlo Assessor
Charles Arrigo Highway Laborer
Janet Bowman Clerk to the Assessor
Joseph Giambrone Highway Superintendent
Diane Czyz Deputy Town Clerk
Brian Rott Resident
Debra Ritz Resident
Brian Campbell Reporter for the SUN
The meeting opened at 7:35 PM with a pledge to the Flag.
A Motion was made by Councilman Gier, and seconded by Councilman Borngraber to accept the minutes of the December 13, 2011 Regular Town Board meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Gier moved and was seconded by Councilman Borngraber, to accept the Supervisor?s Financial Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Clark motioned to accept the Supervisor?s Budget modification as listed below, and was seconded by Councilman Gier. A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
See Budget MOD by clicking here: [url=%%dir[2]%%Budget_mod_for_Jan_10-2012_Mtg.pdf]Budget_mod_for_Jan_10-2012_Mtg.pdf[/url]
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Councilman Gier moved to accept the Town Clerk?s November 2011 Financial Report, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Gier moved to accept the Court Clerk?s December 2011 Financial Report for Justice Gugino and Justice Crouse. Councilman Borngraber seconded the motion. MOTION CARRED.
The Code Enforcement Officer?s December report was tabled as the Code Enforcement Officer had an emergency and was unable to attend the meeting. TABLED.
Supervisor Pero moved to accept the Dog Control Officer?s report for December 2011 which included 3 dogs seized, 3 adopted out, and 1 redeemed. The motion was seconded by Councilman Borngraber. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Gier moved to accept the December Police report as presented, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Gier moved to accept the Town Clerk?s Report to the Board. The Clerk reported on the public response to the extended hours and summarized her proposal to start accepting credit cards in the Town Clerk?s Office. Councilman Clark seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Discussion began on the acceptance of Credit Card processing in the Town Clerk?s Office. The Town Clerk advised of the minimum processing amount to qualify for no fee processing. She advised of the worst case scenario if the minimum is not met. That being a $20.00/mo fee if a $120,000. Per year processing does not occur within a 12 month period.
Councilman Gier moved to authorize Supervisor Pero to approve Municipay as the Town Clerk?s credit card processing company, on the condition that the Supervisor, Town Clerk and Town Attorney have a meeting with Municipay to discuss how the money is deposited and split up by bank accounts, etc. He also wants to be sure there is no bank locally that could provide the same service. The motion was seconded by Councilman Clark. MOTION CARRIED.
It was noted that the Planning Board did not meet in December 2011, therefore there is no report.
Councilman Gier reported on Brant Fire Company activity for December. They reported 8 mutual aid calls. They were Two to Farnham, Two to the Reservation, Two to Eden, and Two to Highland. He also informed the Board that he had not received a financial accounting from either Fire Depts. and noted that no payment will be sent to either until he receives their reports. Councilman Borngraber motioned to approve the Report from Brant Volunteer Fire Co. and was seconded by Councilman Clark. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero acknowledged the minutes of the Senior?s January Meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DIGNITARIES OR OFFICIALS: None spoke.
OLD BUSINESS
SR. RECREATION EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: Attorney Trask reported that he contacted the Insurance Company. He was informed the Town needs either a paid or volunteer present during exercise sessions to monitor the use, and be able to call 911 if needed. Also, he informed the Board that waivers would be required in order to use the equipment and that the paid or volunteer present during exercise would enforce the waivers.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Pero reminded the Board and the committee (Councilman Clark & Councilman Gier) that the current Annual Park Grounds bid contract with S.A.K. will expire March 31st. He reminded the committee that this contract, which runs April 1st to March 31st requires bid specs to be updated (Specs outdated due to New Town Hall vs. Old Town Hall requirements) and presented at the next regular Town Board meeting in February. Attorney Trask advised the committee to contact him regarding any proposed changes as the Attorney can make the changes on his computer and distribute to the Board members prior to the February meeting.
Supervisor Pero addressed the Town Clerk?s request to appoint Lynda Ostrowski as the Town of Brant?s Webmaster at a monthly cost not to exceed $50.00 at an hourly rate not to exceed $10.00/hr. and motioned to approve the appointment. Councilman Borngraber seconded the motion. A Roll Call vote: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye. 5 ayes. 0 nays MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero requested the Recreation committee (Councilman Kaczmarek and Councilman Gier) to review the figures for last year?s Recreation, and work on recommending 2012 fees at the February Town Board meeting.
Supervisor Pero asked if the Board wanted to change the Park rules. The Board then addressed a recent renter?s request regarding the possibility of putting up signs that would reserve the parking immediately surrounding the Rec bldg for renters of that facility only. The Board stated that unless it was a handicap issue, the parking at the Rec Bldg area is based on first come, first served since there are other functions that occur in the Park. The Board told the Town Clerk to get the name & phone number of the renter so they can be contacted by Councilman Kaczmarek. Park Rule changes will be tabled until February?s meeting.
Supervisor Pero spoke on the possibility of renting the cafeteria area. Attorney Trask advised that since they will be renting with use of the kitchen, they need to discuss the use with the insurance company. Supervisor Pero stated he will also check with the Code Enforcement Officer regarding Health Dept requirements. Cafeteria rental tabled until February Mtg.
Town Liability Insurance. Supervisor Pero set up a committee to conduct an insurance review. The Committee is Councilman Clark, and Supervisor Pero. Pero stated he wants the committee to meet with the Evans Agency and other agencies to discuss bidding out the insurance again.
Supervisor Pero set a committee to review the Health Insurance, currently Blue Cross Blue Shield. The current policy is set to expire May 31st, 2012. The committee will be Councilman Kaczmarek and Supervisor Pero.
Supervisor Pero addressed a request from the Assessor?s Office to appoint Jeanette Mirusso as a fill-in clerk for Janet Bowman to cover during times of Janet?s absence. At the advice of the Town Attorney Trask, Supervisor Pero moved to create the additional part-time clerk position, and was seconded by Councilman Borngraber. All ayes, MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Gier moved to appoint Jeanette Mirusso as part-time clerk to fill in for Assessor?s Clerk Janet Bowman as needed at an hourly rate already set in the budget. Councilman Borngraber seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Councilman Gier-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays, MOTION CARRIED.
REPORT OF COMMITTEES: No reports were submitted.
TOWN BOARD REPORTS:
Supervisor Pero addressed the Town?s appreciation to Purina for their donations of dog food to the municipal shelter. He asked the Board to approve the signing of a Thank you letter to send to Purina. Supervisor Pero moved to approve the letter, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero addressed the Town?s appreciation for the Angola Pennysaver?s free REDEEM or ADOPT advertisement for the Town?s stray dogs. He asked the Board to approve the signing of a Thank you letter to send the Pennysaver. Supervisor Pero moved to approve the letter, and was seconded by Councilman Borngraber. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero addressed the status of the S.I.T. Program. He described the benefits and expected cost to the riders (i.e. $2.00 to ride from Irving to Salamanca). He described some of the route covered by the service.
Supervisor Pero announced that every 3rd Wednesday of each month, there will be a Historical meeting at the Town Hall at 7:00 PM in the Historical Room. The public is welcome to attend.
Supervisor Pero acknowledged he received the Grant Writer?s status report. The report is available to those who wish to view it.
Supervisor Pero addressed the CDBG funding that was approved in Erie County. If anyone wishes to see the report, they should see the Supervisor.
Supervisor Pero addressed a refund requested by Amanda Giacchino who rented Senior Community building. The request for refund was due to a back up in the septic which prompted the cancellation of their function. Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the refund, and was seconded by Councilman Gier. Roll Call vote: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Gier-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays, MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero motioned to approve the prepayment of a voucher submitted BY Joseph Giambrone minutes after the abstract was completed. It was in the amount of $87.96 for flags and clearance of Christmas lights purchased for the parks. Councilman Borngraber seconded the motion. Roll Call vote: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED
Supervisor Pero mentioned the NYC training dates February 19-22.
Supervisor Pero informed the Board that the Vietnam Traveling wall is scheduled to be displayed in Eden at Post # 880 July 18 through the 22nd. Supervisor Pero will check into the amount that the Town pledged to donate towards the Traveling wall project the last time they were in the area. Action on this will be tabled until February?s meeting.
Councilman Gier moved to approve a $500.00 donation to each of the following two local libraries, Village of Angola and Village of North Collins. Supervisor Pero seconded the motion. Roll Call vote: Councilman Gier-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero wants to remind all Town employees to see Police Chief Don Hepkins to be photographed for their ID cards before the end of January.
Councilman Borngraber and Councilman Kaczmarek had nothing to report for December 2011.
Councilman Clark noted that the Pool House is in need of painting. It was mentioned that the Pool House was pointed, but not painted. Supervisor Pero assigned Councilman Kaczmarek and Councilman Clark, to look into the painting of the pool house this year.
Supervisor Pero stated the Town desperately needs a garage behind the New Town Hall. He added that he had a quote from William Hime in the amount of $19,995 for a Pole Barn 30? X 52? X 12? H building with 3 overhead doors and a man door on the side. He asked the Board for the authority to sign a contract with the contractor. Attorney Trask spoke that it is his understanding that the project would not be subject to prevailing wage since the contractor is a sole proprietor and will be doing to work by himself. Councilman Gier moved to approve Supervisor Pero to sign the contract, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero. Roll Call vote: Councilman Gier-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Borngraber stated that the Board should think about appointing a Clerk of the Works for the project. The Board will consider it.
Privilege of the Floor: No one spoke
Correspondence:
Supervisor Pero mentioned correspondence he received.
Time Warner (Shutting down a sports channel)
Tax Cap Over-ride survey results
NYSERDA (Information for low income New Yorkers)
Time Warner at Highway Garage.
Supervisor Pero spoke about his negotiations to obtain cable for the highway garage
APPROVAL OF ABSTRACT 13 OF 2011
Supervisor Pero read the Abstract Certification for Abstract #13 of 2011
Abstract 13 of 2011
*Prepaid and unpaid as of January 9, 2012
Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers pd #566-577, unpd#578-617 Totaling: $37,065.69
Gen Fund ? Part Town Voucher none pd, unpd #43-46 Totaling: $9,409.01
Highway T.W. Vouchers unpd 107-115, Totaling: $ 4,118.24
Highway P.T. Vouchers, NONE Totaling: $
Fire Protection: Vouchers: Totaling: $
Street lighting: Voucher 13 unpd: $ 2,897.68
Lotus Bay Sewer Dist 1: Vouchers:
Brant Farnham Sewer Dist: Voucher NONE
Brant Water Dist 1: Voucher
Special Grant Fund: Vouchers
Capital Projects: Vouchers NONE
General Town Wide Payroll 12/4/11-12/31/11 Totaling: $ 33,228.86
General Part Town Payroll 12/4/11-12/31/11 Totaling: $ 587.94
Highway Payroll TW 12/4/11-12/31/11 Totaling:$ 9,494.86
Highway Payroll PT 12/4/11-12/31/11 Totaling: $ NONE
Councilman Clark moved to approve Abstract 13 of 2011 and was seconded by Councilman Borngraber. Roll Call vote: Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Supervisor Pero read Abstract Certification # 1 of 2012.
Abstract 1 of 2012
Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers pd #1-3, unpd#4-20 Totaling: $8,820.75
Gen Fund ? Part Town Voucher pd #1, unpd #2 Totaling: $1,490.00
Highway T.W. Vouchers pd 1-2, Totaling: $ 2,377.24
Brant Water Dist 1: Voucher pd #1, Totaling: $6,457.50
Councilman Clark moved to accept Abstract #1 of 2012 as read, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. Roll Call vote: Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Borngraber-aye, Councilman Gier-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilman Borngraber motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 pm and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek. CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted by,
Barbara J Daniel
Brant Town Clerk
