This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 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
Donald Clark		Councilman
Chad Kaczmarek	Councilman
William J Trask, Sr.	Town Attorney
Barbara J Daniel	Town Clerk, Recording Secretary

ABSENT: Councilman Clark Borngraber
	
ALSO PRESENT AND SIGNED IN WERE:

Joseph Ostrowski	Planning Board Chairman
Lynda Ostrowski	Secretary to the Boards
Janice Ross		Planning Board member
Charles Arrigo		Highway Laborer
Julie Gibbons		Village of Farnham Mayor elect
Harry Gibbons		resident/Farnham EMT
John Finster		Erie County Dept. of Health
Donald Hepkins		Police Chief
Patricia Friend		Town Historian
John Mills		Legislature
William Henry		Town Energy Consultant
Marge Bates		Town Custodian
Jonathon Bates		resident
Brian Campbell		Reporter for the SUN
Brian Rott		Resident
Debra Ritz		Resident
Lee Brunelli		resident	
Jean Brunelli		resident
Ron Kobel		resident
Will Easterling		resident
Shawna Easterling	resident
John O?Donnell		resident
Betty O?Donnell		resident
Mark Hageman		FNSGBL
Mark Hargeman, Jr	FNAGBL
Margaret Hageman	FNAGBL

The meeting opened at 7:30 PM with a pledge to the Flag.

MINUTE APPROVAL:
	A Motion was made by Councilman Gier, and seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek to accept the minutes of the March 13, 2012 Regular Town Board Mtg.  MOTION CARRIED.

MONTHLY REPORTS:

SUPERVISOR?S FINANCIAL REPORT:
	Councilman Gier moved and was seconded by Councilman Clark, to accept the Supervisor?s February  2012 Financial Report as presented.  MOTION CARRIED.


BUDGET MODIFICATION:  No budget mods were presented.	

TOWN CLERK?S REGULAR FINANCIAL REPORT:
Councilman Clark moved to accept the Town Clerk?s February 2012 Financial Report, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK?S TAX COLLECTION STATUS REPORT:
Councilman Gier moved to accept the Town Clerk?s Tax Collection Status Report, and was seconded by Councilman Clark.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED

COURT CLERK?S FINANCIAL REPORT:
	Councilman Gier moved to accept the Court Clerk?s February 2012 Financial Report for Justice Gugino and Justice Crouse.  Councilman Kaczmarek seconded the motion.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRED.

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER?S REPORT:
	Councilman Clark moved to approve the Code Enforcement Officer?s March 2012 report, and was seconded by Councilman Gier.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

DOG CONTROL OFFICER?S REPORT
Supervisor Pero moved to accept the Dog Control Officer?s report for March 2012 which included 0 court cases, 4 dogs seized, and 1 adopted out and 1 redeemed.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Gier.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT:
	Councilmen Kaczmarek and Gier moved to accept the March 2012 Police report as presented by Police Chief Donald Hepkins.  They were seconded by Supervisor Pero. 4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.  

TOWN CLERK?S REPORT TO THE BOARD:
	Councilman Gier moved to accept the Town Clerk?s March 2012 Monthly Activity Report to the Board.  Councilman Kaczmarek seconded the motion.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

	At the request of the Town Clerk, Lynda Ostrowski reported on the updates made to the website since January.  The Town Clerk requested the Board to consider budgeting for website improvements on Records Management account A1460.4.

PLANNING BOARD REPORT:
	Secretary Lynda Ostrowski read the Planning Board for the meeting held March 27, 2012.  She notified the Board of the following mtg date changes: 4/24 mtg moved to 4/26, 5/22 mtg moved to 5/24, and 6/26 mtg moved to 6/28.
	Councilman Clark moved to approve the March 2012 Planning Board Report as presented by Board Secretary Lynda Ostrowski.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Gier.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.


BOARD OF ASSESSMENT & REVIEW MEMBER APPOINTMENT (TO EXPIRE DEC. 31, 2016):  (# 2012-94)
	The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter of resignation from recently appointed BOAR member David Berns.  In response, the Board filled the vacant position by installing Alternate Member Janice Ross to full Member status, effective immediately.
Supervisor Pero moved to approve changing BOAR Alternate Janice Ross from Alternate to full member, effective immediately to replace David Berns.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Gier.  A Roll Call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Gier-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, and Councilman Clark-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.


RECREATION DIRECTOR?S REPORT:  (No report submitted)
Supervisor Pero announced the dates now set for Brant Summer Recreation Program.  They will be July 2nd through August 10th, 2012.  
  
PARKS COMMISSIONER?S REPORT:
	Supervisor Pero mentioned that he and Councilmen Kaczmarek and Gier visited the park to review ways to improve it.  He will mention more later in the meeting.

TOWN HISTORIAN REPORT:
	Patty Friend addressed items that were donated to the Town Historical room for display from the Brinkman estate.  One of the items was a drum that was once used by the Farnham Drum Corp.  These items will be on display in the Historical Room at the Town Hall.    She spoke on the success of the recent Historian meetings, including the one held in Evans where Mr. Berns was a speaker.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS:  Councilman Gier noted that Brant Fire Co. No. 1 had 2 calls in March.  

SENIOR?S REPORT:
	Supervisor Pero read the Seniors March report.  He mentioned the Seniors will conduct their annual bake sale at the Brant fest.  Their meeting normally scheduled for Wednesday July 4th will be moved to the Monday the 9th and will also be their summer picnic followed by the Concert.

Acknowledgement of Dignitaries, Officials and Visitors:
	Supervisor Pero acknowledged some of the officials in attendance.  He recognized Legislator John Mills, Village Mayor elect Julie Gibbons, John & Betty O?Donnell of FNAGBL, Evans Councilman Paul Cooper, among others.
Betty O?Donnell, member of the local Environmental watchdog group FNAGBL (Friends and Neighbors Advocating Better Green Living) spoke to the audience and commended the Town of Brant for its recent adoption of a resolution called ?Communities Gone Green?.  She acknowledged the Energy Fairs held by the Town, and the Town?s efforts to eliminate the Counties portion of sales taxes on residential solar equipment.  The Town also fought for Net Metering for Towns and Business?, normally excluded.  Brant was one of the first to have one of its Town Buildings fitted with Solar Panels, saving the Town thousands on electrical bills. 

 She acknowledged that long before the Town adopted the resolution, it showed its commitment to the Green Earth Theme of ?Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle?,by adopting a wind energy law that even acknowledged novice units.  It acquired Solar Panels for the Highway Garage, reducing the Town?s cost of electric by thousands.  It reused the newly vacated elementary school as a New Town Hall, much the same as it did in the early 1900?s when it re-used and old Methodist Church for the Town Hall.  Mrs. O?Donnell presented the Town of Brant with a Community Going Green award recognizing the Towns efforts to go green. 

Upon the conclusion of FNAGBL?s presentation, Legislator John Mills also presented the Town with a decorative Proclamation, Award of Excellence, suitable for framing, for being the 102nd Town to adopt the Climate Smart Communities Resolution (Res# 2012-86), and proving their commitment by installing an e-Waste recycle center, the re-use of an old school for a new town hall, and the through the Town?s use of renewable energy.
OLD BUSINESS:

Rooftop Weather Station: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	John Finster, addressing himself as a representative of the Department of Health presented his request for the Town to allow the installation of a Weather Station atop the roof of the Town Hall.  He explained that it would monitor and document weather conditions and trends that would precipitate the closing of area beaches due to contamination.  Finster was asked if they were insured for liability or Worker?s Comp.  Mr. Finster responded no.  He stated that Evans Agency informed him that a Town Board resolution allowing the installation would protect those working on the project because the Town?s Insurance would pick up the coverage since it was a Town approved function.  Attorney Trask and the Board stated they would need to look into this.  No action was taken.

REVIEW BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)   (#2012-95):  
	Delta Dental will be the new Dental Insurance which will save $13.40.  The Board will raise the previous cap from $909.19 to $1,015.28 which will raise the employee?s contribution by $33.50/month.	
	Councilman Gier moved to approve the change in coverage, and was seconded by Supervisor Pero.  A Roll Call vote was taken: Councilman Gier-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN HALL CAFÉ  (item Discussed at 4/3 Workshop): 
	Supervisor Pero spoke with a few area businesses to see how the RFP (Request for Proposal) should be worded.  Bids will be accepted for the lease, which will be a 1 year contract.  The question of Gas & Electric will require prior review and consideration.  No action taken.

WORK PLACE VIOLENCE: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero spoke on the status of the Workplace Violence plan creation.  Surveys were given to all employees that must be completed and returned.  Employee training will be required.  No action taken.

PAINTING OF THE POOLHOUSE AND GARAGE: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero stated he would like to the Town to use In-house labor for the project.  No action taken.

SENIOR RECREATION EXERCISE PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero announced the 	need for volunteers willing to monitor and ensure waivers are submitted or are already on file from those using the Senior Exercise equipment at the Sr. Fitness Center.  The volunteers will be required to accept signed waivers, or check to be sure they are on file before a user?s workout can begin.  The volunteer must also remain present while exercisers are working out.  Those interested in volunteering should contact Supervisor Pero?s Office at 549-0301.

LAKE SHORE YOUTH FOOTBALL FIELD LIGHTING: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Councilman Kaczmarek stated that he and CEO Gary Brecker completed a survey and submitted it to national Grid.  The Grid will contact them when they determine if we have 3 phase electric at the site.   At that time, they will meet with National Grid at the Park.  No action taken at this time.


E-WASTE RECYCLING BUILDING TO BE DELIVERED: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero announced that the building purchased to house the e-waste will be delivered to the Highway Garage next Thursday April 19th.  Starting April 21st, 2012 the building will be open from 9:00 am to 12 pm on Saturdays for drop offs.  A flyer will be given to the Webmaster Lynda for the website.
	
NEW BUSINESS:

APPOINTMENT OF RYAN TURNER, ASSISTANT RECREATION DIRECTOR (#2012-96): (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero moved to appoint Ryan Turner as Assistant Recreation Director for the Summer Recreation program.  Councilman Kaczmarek seconded the motion.  A Roll Call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

RECREATION INTERVIEWS DATE: The employment interviews for the Brant Recreation staff will be sometime after April 23rd.  No action taken.

RECREATION DATES SET: The Brant Summer Rec program will run from Monday July 2nd to Friday August 10th, 2012.  The pool season will close on August 26.

PARK REST ROOMS: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
Discussion on what would be required for the Town Park to install a rest room facility.  Killian Builders offered to build the restrooms free of charge, requiring only that the Town provides all necessary materials.  It was discussed that a perc test would be required.  One of the benefits would be the savings the Town would enjoy as it would no longer need port-a-johns.  CEO Brecker to see if he can do the inspection of the septic.  No action taken.

OFFICER MARK SLAWEK APPOINTED AS POLICE LIEUTENANT (#2012-97): (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Discussion on the request of Police Chief Donald Hepkins to appoint Officer Mark Slawek as an in-house part time Police Lieutenant that would allow him to take charge in the event of the Police Chief?s absence or illness.  The permanent appointment would be dependent on Civil Service approval.
	Supervisor Pero moved to appoint Mark Slawek as Police Lieutenant, part-time, and was seconded by Councilmen Kaczmarek, Clark and Gier.  A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

BAN RENEWAL (#2012-98): (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Supervisor Pero moved to approve the renewal of the Bond Anticipated Note at a one percent interest rate for the New Town Hall, balance is $210,000 after $90,000 payment.  The motion was seconded by Councilmen Kaczmarek, Clark and Gier. A roll call vote was taken: Supervisor Pero-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Councilman Gier-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

OLD TOWN HALL: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
	Discussion on the the Boards desire to sell the Old Town Hall as soon as possible.  It was acknowledged that a sale would require a permissive referendum.  Attorney Trask noted that he will provide the Board with a road map of how to do the sale properly.  

REPORT OF COMMITTEES: 

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
Supervisor Pero stated that the Board would like to have an outside company quote the cost of creating an employee handbook.  No action taken. 

PARK MASTER PLAN (DISCUSSED DURING 4/3 WORKSHOP): 
Park Master Plan Phase I: 
Supervisor Pero is working on some of the lost documentation relating to Phase I of the Park grant.  
Park Master Plan Phase II: 
The Grant of $125,000 that was approved and needs to move forward with a second walking path, a gazebo, fencing, entrance work, etc.

COUNCILMAN GIER: (item discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
?	Rain gutters will be installed on the new bldg. this week at an approx.. cost of $480.00.
?	E-waste bldg. will arrive next week.  (Bldg cost will be $1,950 for the 8? by 18? structure.
?	A ride through the park with Supervisor Pero resulted in a few ideas for the Park
?	Wild Flower field and trees look good
?	Commended the Brant Police Depts. new chain of command, and their success solving a few recent crimes.
?	Commended the efforts of the new Councilmen

COUNCILMAN KACZMAREK:
?	Nothing to report.

COUNCILMAN CLARK:
?	Attended the Village of Farnham meeting last month.  Included the Minutes of the meeting for the Brant Town Board to review.  Would like the two communities to blend together.

SUPERVISOR PERO: (items discussed at 4/3 Workshop)
?	Getting pricing on the new roof for the Senior Community Building and for the porch in front of the rec bldg.  He is considering metal roofing.
?	Looking into underground electric for the Police Garage.  Angola may lend their pusher to run it under the roadway that divides the Town hall from the garage.
?	Inactive Records room must be moved as soon as possible from the Old Town Hall.  We are awaiting approval on a recent Grant submitted.  Regardless of its outcome, records will still require moving to the New Town Hall basement.
?	Ground water Impact Law update.  The Town Board is reviewing it, and may have suggested changes.
?	Christmas Tree lights for tree in front of Town Hall. Supervisor Pero was at an energy fair in Evans and asked about LED lights for the tree for Christmas and was told there may be a grant for Municipalities to get the lights for free, through NYSERDA.  Will look into.
?	Looking into getting Solar Panels for all the Town Buildings through NYSERDA grants, with assistance from the Town?s energy consultant Bill Henry.
?	Spoke with Joe Catalano (owner of the property on the corner of Morley and Rt. 249 where the historic migrant camp oven is still intact).  Would like to the Town to purchase the property to preserve the oven.
?	Supervisor Pero looked into placing historical signs in front of 100 year old homes within the Towns.  Wants to put list of previous owners on the sign.
?	CRA water project.  Not enough water volume to support the water for Brant and North Collins.  Both wells must be able to support both communities by themselves if the need arose.  He discussed options he worked on with CRA to dig our own wells.
?	Disaster/Emergency Plan: Supervisor Pero put the plan together for the County.  It is available for anyone who wants to review it.
?	Internal Control Risk Assessment: working on the Workplace Violence project/plan that was found lacking.
?	Memorial Park lights need to be replaced and put on timers
?	Plans to talk to Wentland about fixing the faded lettering on the Boulder in front of the Park.
?	Emily Nolan can do the Town emblem on shirts
?	Signs (for parking  or magnetic), Virginia Castle can provide if anyone wants to order
?	Supervisor Pero joined NYSERDA?s Cleaner Greener Communities Sustainability Committee in hopes of obtaining Grant money for energy saving projects in the Town.

COUNCILMAN BORNGRABER: 
	Absent

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

	John Arrigo recommends the Board to create an updated Code of Ethics law.  He was reminded that a new one was enacted two years ago and is currently in effect. Then he warned the Board about the Scaffold law where contractors are able to sue if they get hurt falling off our roof (as is the request of the Health Dept. regarding the weather station).  John O?Donnell asked why they can?t put the weather station on a pole.	

CORRESPONDENCE:
	Supervisor Pero announced the following correspondence received:
?	Letter of acknowledgement from Assemblyman Minority Leader Brian Kolb regarding our resolutions # 2012-84 & 85)
?	Certificate of membership has been received from the Association of Towns
?	Letter from Angola Library thanking the Town for the Donation
?	NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation congratulations to the Town of Brant for enacting the Climate Smart Communities resolution.
?	Public Notice from NYS Env. Conservation regarding the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal site at Wide Beach has been delisted 
?	List of CDBG recipients 
?	Casella Waste flyer with rules, etc.
?	Evans Brant Chamber of Commerce workshop for business April 24
?	Time Warner correspondence


MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

DCO Daniel?s contacted NYS Ag & Markets to ask if we can obtain funding for spaying and neutering of dogs the Town adopts out.  Information about a grant was received.  Will work with Grant writer to apply.

APPROVAL OF ABSTRACT 4 OF 2012 

Supervisor Pero read the Abstract Certification for Abstract #4 of 2012 

Abstract 4 of 2012

*Prepaid and unpaid as of April 10, 2012

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers pd #140-149, unpd#150-186 Totaling: $138,598.68
Gen Fund ? Part Town Voucher, pre-pd # 9, unpd #10,  Totaling: $9,199.37 
Highway T.W. Vouchers pd #31-33, unpd 34-40, Totaling: $ 19,421.31
Highway P.T. Vouchers, NONE
Fire Protection: Vouchers NONE 
Street lighting: Voucher  unpd, #3:   $2,745.78
Lotus Bay Sewer Dist 1: unpd, #1: Totaling: $300.00
Brant Farnham Sewer Dist: Voucher:  NONE 
Brant Water Dist 1: NONE 
Special Grant Fund: NONE
Capital Projects: Vouchers: NONE

General Town Wide Payroll 02/26/12- 03/24/12 Totaling: $ 34,196.73
General Part Town Payroll 02/26/12- 03/24/12 Totaling: $ 587.94
Highway Payroll TW 02/26/12- 03/24/12 Totaling: $ 10,216.25
Highway Payroll PT 02/26/12- 03/24/12 Totaling: $ NONE

NOTE: Request the approval of a past due Zee Medical Voucher to be paid with the next pre-pay.  The voucher in the amount of $60.30 to be billed on A5132.4 was submitted after the Abstract was completed.

Councilman Gier motioned to accept Abstract #4 of 2012 as read, and was seconded by Councilman Kaczmarek.   A Roll Call vote was taken: Councilman Gier-aye, Councilman Kaczmarek-aye, Councilman Clark-aye, Supervisor Pero-aye.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

Councilman Gier motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 pm in memory of Peggy Chiavetta, and was seconded by Councilmen Kaczmarek, Clark and Gier.  MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully submitted by,


Barbara J Daniel
Brant Town Clerk