A regular meeting of the Town Board of Grand Island, New York was held at the Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Rd., Grand Island, NY at 8:00 PM on the 6th of December 2004.

 

Present:                      Peter A. McMahon                Supervisor

Mary S. Cooke                        Councilwoman

Richard W. Crawford                         Councilman

Daniel F. Robillard                        Councilman

Gary G. Roesch                        Councilman

Patricia A. Frentzel                         Town Clerk

                                    Peter Godfrey                                   Town Attorney

 

Also Present:              Ray Dlugokinski                  Highway Superintendent 

                                    John Whitney                                   Town Engineer                                 

 

Pastoral Associate Mark Membretti from St. Stephen Church gave the Invocation. 

Councilman Daniel Robillard led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Supervisor McMahon called the meeting to order at 8:00PM.

 

PROCLAMATIONS:

The Town Board presented a proclamation to members of the Viking Girls Varsity Soccer Team and their coaches for their outstanding season.  The Town Board presented another proclamation to Casey Dahlstrom on the occasion of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

This is an opportunity for residents to comment on any matter regarding the meeting agenda items only.

Residents who spoke:

Kristine Lavango, 2591 Love Rd.       Re: Planning Board Agendas

Donna Tomkins, 80 Bishops Gate       Re: Bishops Gate Walkway

Doug Smith, 111 Hennepin            Re: Rezoning 1282 Stony Point Rd.

Kim Tetreault, 50 Bluejay Lane       Re: Zoning Amendments, Planning Board

                                        Agendas and FOIL Requests

Beth Boron, 120 Bishops Gate       Re: Bishops Gate Walkway

  Frank Burkhart, 1406 Ransom Rd.   Re: Bishops Gate Walkway

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke, to approve Minutes of Workshop Meeting #49, November 8, 2004, Minutes of Workshop Meeting #50, November 10, 2004, Minutes of Workshop Meeting#51, November 15, 2005 and Minutes of Regular Meeting #21, November 15, 2004

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

PUBLIC HEARING: 8:00PM

Installation of Stop Signs

A public hearing was held at 8:00 P.M. for purpose of hearing anyone who wanted to make comments in favor of or in opposition of the installation of signs in the following locations: Stop sign on the southwest corner of Briarwood at River Oaks, a No Outlet sign on Briarwood, a new Stop sign on the northwest corner of Sandra at Park Lane, a Stop sign at the southeast corner of Sandra at Laurie Lane, a Dead End sign on the west side of Park Lane at the intersection of Sandra, a Dead End sign at the end of Park

 

Lane at the turn around and a 3 way Stop sign at Bonnywoods Crossing and Forest Creek.

Speakers in favor:   None

Speakers opposed: None

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Roesch to approve the installation of the signs as noted above.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Set Water & Sewer Rents for 2005

A public hearing was held at 8:00 P.M. for purpose of hearing anyone who wanted to make comments in favor of or in opposition of adopting a resolution of the Town of Grand Island to set sewer rents in the Consolidated Sanitary Sewer District for 2005 at $4.20 per 1000 gallons of water usage and to set water rates at $2.70 per 1000 gallons of water.

Speakers in favor:   None

Speakers opposed: None

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Roesch to approve the 2005 Consolidated Sanitary Sewer District rates at $4.20 per 1000 gallons of water usage and to set water rates at $2.70 per 1000 gallons of water.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Christine Weaver – Rezone Vacant Lot 25.05-2-9.2 on East River Road from B-2 to R-1B

A public hearing was held at 8:00 P.M. for purpose of hearing anyone who wanted to make comments in favor of or in opposition of rezoning vacant lot SBL 25.05-2-9.2 on East River from B-2 to R-1B.

Speakers in favor:            Christine Weaver, 403 White Oak Lane

                                    Letter from Dan & Lela Mancuso, 4094 East River Rd.

Speakers opposed:             Richard Piccolo, 4144 East River Rd. Letter was submitted as well by same resident prior to meeting date.

Seth Hibbert of Getman & Biryla, attorney for Patrick Thompson Re: Resident is in opposition of moving paper street, not opposed to rezoning.

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilman Robillard to refer the request to the Town Attorney and to the Planning Board again to review the comments made by the residents for review and recommendation.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Local Law Intro #4/2004 - Zoning Code Amendments

A public hearing was held at 8:00 P.M. for purpose of hearing anyone who to make comments in favor of or in opposition of

Speakers in favor:       None

Speakers opposed:        Andrew Chatterton, 2708 Stony Pt. Rd.

                               Frank Burkhart, 1406 Ransom Rd.                                     

                               Kristine Lavango, 2591 Love Rd. 

                               Kim Tetreault, 50 Bluejay Ln.       

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to Table the adoption of Local Law Intro #4/2004 – Zoning Code Amendments.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

CONSENT AGENDA:

1.      Erie County Industrial Development Agency – Notice of Public Hearing – 2004 American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. Project

2.      O’Connell & Associates – Erie County Community Development Block Grant Program

3.      County of Erie, Office of the District Attorney – Comments on County Executive’s Proposed Budget

4.      Meeting Minutes – Economic Development Advisory Board – November 17, 2004

5.      Meeting Minutes – Community Enrichment Council – November 16, 2004

6.      Grand Island Jr. Vikings Football, Inc. – Thank You Letter

7.      State of New York, Office for Technology – Extension of Public Comment Period on the Draft Generic Environment Impact Statement

8.      County of Erie, Department of Health Environmental Health Wellness – Health Department Service Cuts, Impact of Proposed County  Budget, November 2004

9.      Association of Erie County Governments – Request to Write Letter to Governor Pataki Concerning Court Fees

10.  Golden Age Center – Vehicle Usage – November 2004

11.  Building Permits – November 2004

12.  State of New York – Office of Real Property Services – Status of Activities  Through November 23,2004

13.  Meeting Minutes – Youth Advisory Board – October 7, 2004

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Crawford to approve the consent agenda as distributed.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN BOARD:

SUPERVISOR McMAHON:

October 2004 Supervisor’s Report

The Supervisor reported a cash balance of $49,878 on October 1, 2004

Total Receipts of $1,308,616

Total Disbursements of $1,248,780

Operating A/C Balance $109,714

Investment Interest $4,413

Investment Balance $2,953,510

Total Cash Balance as of October 31, 2004 $3,063,225

No action required by Town Board.

 

November 2004 Supervisor’s Report

The Supervisor reported a cash balance of $109,714 on November 1, 2004

Total Receipts of $1,139,371

Total Disbursements of $1,188,049

Operating A/C Balance $61,215

Investment Interest $4,541

Investment Balance $2,983,037

Total Cash Balance as of November 30, 2004 $3,044,251

No action required by Town Board.

State of New York Legislature – Resolution to Support “Albany Can You Hear Us Now?”

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to adopt the following resolution on Medicaid Reform and distribute a certified copy to the Governor and State Legislators.

 

       WHEREAS, every city, town and village has felt and will continue to suffer from the effects of rising Medicaid costs if New York State does not supply relief, and

 

       WHEREAS, today, Medicaid costs federal, state and local governments in the United States almost $250 billion and enrolls 47 million clients nationwide, making it the largest expenditure in most state budgets, and

 

       WHEREAS, New York State has the highest percentage of eligible residents enrolled in Medicaid in the nation, and

 

       WHEREAS, New York State will spend an estimated $36 billion or the equivalent of almost $2,000 per every state resident in 2004, and

 

       WHEREAS, in New York State, $9,000, per recipient is spent on health care, which is twice as much as California, which spends $4,400 per recipient and more than three times the $2,300 per recipient spent by Texas, and

 

       WHEREAS, every city, town and village in Erie County has Medicaid recipients, with one out of eight Erie County residents or more than 110,000 total enrolled in the program, and

 

       WHEREAS, the massive expansion in the mandated cost of Medicaid from $143.1 million in 2002 to a projected $198 million in 2005, is bankrupting Erie County, and

 

       WHEREAS, Erie County has no choice, but to fund approximately one-quarter of the Medicaid program, and

 

       WHEREAS, in 2005, every single dollar of Erie County’s property tax levy along with an additional $55 million from other sources will be spent on the local share of the Medicaid program, and

 

       WHEREAS, the tremendous cost of Medicaid will assure the end of all other non-mandated county services in 2005, if New York State doesn’t cut the county’s local share contribution, and

 

       WHEREAS, the impact on city, town and village residents will be devastating, with the loss of sheriff patrols, district attorneys, probation officers, road repair units, snow plows, cultural and public benefit agencies, and

 

       WHEREAS, without Medicaid relief it will be the end of our cities, towns and villages as we know them,

 

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

 

       RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature supports any and all efforts by New York State to implement Medicaid reform that will bring savings to local municipalities, and be it further

       RESOLVED, that this Honorable Body asks all city, town and village leaders to join “Albany Can You Hear Us Now?” which is demanding that New York State provide needed Medicaid reform that will assure Erie County’s ability to provide public safety and quality of life programs and initiatives, and be It further

 

       RESOLVED, that this Honorable Body implores all city, town and village leaders to pass a resolution asking New York State to pass meaningful Medicaid reform that will provide needed mandate relief to local municipalities, and

 

       RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Pataki, Assembly Speaker Silver, Senate Majority Leader Bruno, Assembly Majority Leader Tokasz, the local delegation to the New York State Legislature.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – OTHER OFFICIALS:

TOWN CLERK – PATRICIA A. FRENTZEL:

Special Use Permit Renewal – Michael & Judith Schneider – 1952 Harvey Road – Keeping of 3 Horses on 6.02 acres

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to renew the Special Use Permit for Michael & Judith Schneider, 1952 Harvey Road for the keeping of 3 Horses on 6.02 acres.  The property has been inspected and it is unchanged.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Special Use Permit Application – Glenn Wallace – 917 North Colony – Bed & Breakfast – Set Public Hearing

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to set

a public hearing for Monday December 20, 2004 at 8:00pm for the purpose of hearing anyone who wishes to comment in favor of or against the proposed Bed & Breakfast request of Glenn Wallace, 917 North Colony Rd.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

TOWN ATTORNEY - PETER GODFREY:

Road Dedication – Part of Park Place Phase 5, South Part

In the matter of the laying out of a certain town highway in the Town of Grand Island, County of Erie and State of New York to be known as part of Park Place (Phase 5, South Part)

            Upon submission of the annexed deed of dedication of Smith Ventures, L.P., dedicating and releasing the necessary lands for a proposed town highway as set forth in the annexed legal description in the Town of Grand Island, County of Erie, State of New York, to be known as part of Park Place, Now therefore, it is

 

RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of Section 171 of the Highway Law of the State of New York, consent is given that the Highway Superintendent of the Town Of Grand Island make an Order laying out the aforesaid town highways, the Town Highways to consist of the lands described in the deed of dedication, subject to the approvals of the Town Engineer and the attorneys for the Town, and it is further

 

RESOLVED, that subject to the approvals of the Town Engineer and the attorneys for the Town and the Order of the Highway Superintendent laying out the aforesaid town highway, the Town Board hereby accepts the annexed deed of dedication, provided it is filed by the attorney for Smith Ventures, L.P., or his representative, in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the attorneys for the Town are provided with a certified copy thereof documenting such satisfactory filing.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve the road dedication subject to the approval of the Town Attorney, Town Engineer and Highway Superintendent.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Resolution Accepting Turnaround, Storm Drainage Easements, and Sanitary Sewer Easements for Park Place Subdivision, South Park of Phase 5

In the matter of the laying out of a certain town highway in the Town of Grand Island,  

County of Erie, State of New York, to be known as Park Place (South Part of Phase 5)

 

            WHEREAS, Smith Ventures, L.P. has offered for dedication lands for a proposed town highway known as Park Place (as shown on map filed under Cover No. 3215), and

           

WHEREAS the plans submitted by Smith Ventures, L.P. in connection with such proposed town highways include turnaround easements, storm drainage easements, and sanitary sewer easements in favor of the Town of Grand Island; and

           

WHEREAS, Smith Ventures, L.P. has offered such turnaround easements storm drainage easements, and sanitary sewer easement to the Town of Grand Island;

 

            NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, subject to the approval of the attorneys for the Town, the Town Board does hereby accept from Smith Ventures, L.P. the owner of Park Place Subdivision, the East End Turnaround Easement annexed hereto as Attachment A, provided it is filed by the attorney for Smith Ventures, L.P., or its representative, in the Erie County Clerk’s office and the attorneys for the Town are provided with a certified copy thereof documenting such satisfactory filing.

 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that subject to the approval of the attorneys for the Town, the Town Board does hereby accept from Smith Ventures, L.P., the owner of Park Place Subdivision, various storm drainage easements as follows:-

 

-a 15 foot wide storm sewer easement running along the westerly line of Subdivision Lot 57 and the northerly lines of Subdivision Lots 57, 58 and 59, as shown on Map filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office under Cover No. 3215;

 

-part of a 20 foot wide storm sewer easement running along the easterly of Subdivision Lot 7 as shown on Map filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office under Cover No. 3215;

 

-a 15 foot wide storm sewer easement running along the southerly lines of Subdivision Lots 1 through 7 as shown on Map filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office under Cover No.3215;

 

-a 20 foot wide storm sewer easement running along the easterly line of the Subdivision Lot 2 and the westerly line of Subdivision Lot 3 as shown as Map filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office under Cover No. 3215.

 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that subject to the approval of the attorneys for the Town, the Town Board does hereby accept from Smith Ventures, L.P., the owner of Park Place Subdivision, various sanitary sewer easements as follows:

 

-a 10 foot wide sanitary sewer easement along the northerly line of Subdivision Lot 2 and 3, as shown on Map filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office under Cover No.3215;

 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, subject to the approval of the attorneys for the Town, the Supervisor is authorized and directed to exercise said easements.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to accept the Turnaround subject to the approval of the Town Attorney

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

TOWN ENGINEER – JOHN WHITNEY:

Award Bid - Golden Age Center Vestibule - Job M-173

Town Engineer John Whitney reported that he had opened the bids on November 3, 2004 for Golden Age Center Vestibule. One bid was received from the following:

Ackerman Mechanical Services, Inc. - $43,942.00

After careful review of the bids, Town Engineer John Whitney recommended that all bids received on November 3, 2004 be rejected since the amount is significantly higher than the project budget.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to reject the bid received on November 3, 2004.

APPROVED            Ayes            5            Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Subsequently the Town Engineer solicited written quotes from various local contractors and received the following quotations:

J.R. Tripi Building & Remodeling Co. - $17,500.00

DMS Buffalo, LLC - $21,275.00

Beaver Services, Inc. - $24,500.00

Town Engineer John Whitney recommends the Town Board award the bid for the Golden Age Vestibule Job No. M-173 to J.R. Tripi Building & Remodeling Co. in the amount of $17,500.00

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilman Robillard to accept the bid from J.R. Tripi Building & Remodeling Co. in the amount of $17,500.00.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

WATER WASTEWATER SUPERINTENDENT – WAYNE CLINTON:

Award Bid – Phosphorus Removal - Wastewater Treatment Plant

Water/Wastewater Superintendent Wayne Clinton reported that he had opened the bids on November 19, 2004 for providing polymer for the purpose of removing phosphorus at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. One bid was received from the following:

Polydyne, Inc. $1.09/lb

After careful review of the bids, Superintendent Wayne Clinton recommended the sole bidder be awarded the contract in the amount of $1.09/lb.  They met all the specifications required.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to accept the bid from Polydyne, Inc. in the amount of $1.09/lb

APPROVED            Ayes            5            Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – GENERAL;

Craig J. & Linda C. Brozek – Bishops Gate Walkway Project

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to refer the letter from Craig J. & Linda C. Brozek regarding Bishops Gate Walkway Project to the Town Board for review.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Kristine Lavango – Proposed Changes to the Zoning Code

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Roesch to refer the letter from Kristine Lavango regarding proposed zoning code changes to the Town Board for consideration for the next series changes to the Zoning Code.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Roesch to pay

Vouchers #77813 – 77999:

General                 $ 23,011.73  

Highway    $   7,718.61

Sewer                 $ 21,396.23

Water                 $   7,538.19 

Capital                 $492,236.08

Total              $551,900.84

APPROVED            Ayes            5            Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Parks & Recreation Community Center

This item remains tabled.  No action.

 

Rezoning - 1282 Stony Point Road

This item remains tabled.  No action.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

This is an opportunity for residents to comment on any matter regarding Town government on any subject. 

 

Residents who spoke:

Rus Thompson, 130 Tracey Lane             Re: Cell Towers, Public Hearings, Building    Permits

Frank Burkhart, 1406 Ransom Rd.                Re: Cell Towers, Public Hearings

Pat Anastasia, President – Rod & Gun Club

                                                 Re: Cell Tower Notification

Andrew Chatterton, 2708 Stony Pt. Rd.            Re: Codes, Procedures, Cell Towers, Public Hearings

Susan Andrews, 3738 East River Rd.      Re: Cell Tower, Prior Notification

Donna Tomkins, 80 Bishops Gate                          Re: Selling/BuyingTown Easement for Bishops Gate Walkway

Bob Jellinick, 3760 East River Rd.            Re: Cell Tower, 423 Ransom Rd.

 

Rose McCabe, 4200 East River Rd.      Re: Cell Tower, 423 Ransom Rd.

Rosemary Jellinick, 3760 East River Rd.    Re: Cell Tower, 423 Ransom Rd.

Kim Tetreault, 50 Bluejay Lane                               Re: Cell Tower Lease with Leo Hopkins

 

FROM THE TOWN BOARD:

Supervisor McMahon: Public may help the members of the Military from the 107th or the 914th Air Force Base in Niagara Falls by visiting the Isledegrande.com website and see the article named: “What Can I do to Support Our Troops?”

The Neighbors Foundation is having its Annual Drive on December 21, 2004.

 

Councilman Crawford: It’s not too late to contact County Legislators about budget crisis.

 

Councilwoman Cooke: Encourages residents to write letter or e-mail to Legislators regarding budget crisis.  Pearl Harbor Memorial Service at the VFW 12:00noon on Tuesday, December 7, 2004.

 

SUSPENSION OF RULES:

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to suspend the rules to consider authorizing the Supervisor to sign PO 17’s for two part-time MEO positions in Highway Department.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Authorize Supervisor to sign PO 17’s for two part-time MEO positions in Highway Department

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to Authorize the Supervisor to sign PO 17’s for two part-time MEO positions in Highway Department.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

FROM THE TOWN ATTORNEY:

Town Attorney Peter Godfrey replied to the residents in attendance regarding Open Meetings Law – Planning Board will post the agendas; Applications to the Planning Board – there is a 62 day limitation on time period in which the Town has to make a decision.  Four Public Hearings and two Information Meetings were held before adopting the Zoning Code. It was noted that the board’s intention was to eliminate a Special Use Permit for the approval of Cellular Towers.  A legislative decision may change that.  The Zoning Code now does not require public notice to adjoining residents.  Public entities, schools or towns may not compete for cell tower business.  Attorney for Verizon started process for cell tower at 423 Ransom in November 2003 was submitted by Verizon, not property owner.  Councilman Robillard abstained from vote. 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to adjourn the meeting at 9:34p.m.

APPROVED       Ayes       5   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, Roesch, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the following:

Dean Bucknam

Paul H. Brobeil

Walter Joseph Kasprzak

Kenneth O. Lenz

Norman J. McTigue

Joyce A. Ott 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Patricia A. Frentzel
Town Clerk