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 20th of June 2005.

 

Present:                      Peter A. McMahon                Supervisor

Richard W. Crawford                         Councilman

Mary S. Cooke                        Councilwoman

Daniel F. Robillard                        Councilman

                                    Patricia A. Frentzel                Town Clerk

Peter Godfrey                                     Town Attorney

 

Excused:                     Gary G. Roesch                   Councilman

 

Also Present:              Raymond Dlugokinski             Highway Superintendent                      

 

Supervisor McMahon gave the Invocation. 

Councilman Robillard led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

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

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

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

Residents who spoke:

Frank Preve                          Re: In support of Fuccillo Autogroup’s new facility

          Mark Zagger               Re: Represents Omnipoint Communications

Joe Ognibene                                Re: Abandonment of paper street

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve minutes of Regular Meeting #10, June 6, 2005, minutes of Workshop #30, June 2, 2005, minutes of Workshop #31, June 6, 2005, minutes of Workshop #33, June 13, 2005, and minutes of Workshop #35, June 15, 2005.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

1.      Meeting Minutes – Zoning Board of Appeals – May 5, 2005

2.      Building Permits – May 2005

3.      Golden Age Center – Facility Usage – May 2005

4.      State of New York - Legislature of Erie County, Clerk’s Office – Rate for Which the County of Erie Reimburses Municipalities for Snow and Ice Removal on County Roads – November 1, 2005 through August 31, 2007

5.      The Senate, State of New York – Support of Legislation Relating to Equalizing the Treatment of Collateral Sources in Tort Actions

6.      Grand Island Memorial Library – 2004 Annual Report

7.      Meeting Minutes – Parks & Recreation Advisory Board – January, February, March and April 2005

8.      County of Erie – Environmental Health Services – Closing of Tonawanda District Office

9.      State of New York – Office for Technology – Findings Statement for the Generic Environmental Review of the Statewide Wireless Network

10.  Meeting Minutes – Planning Board – May 9, 2005

11.  County of Erie – Department of Environment and Planning – Public Review of Draft 2004 Erie County Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER)

12.  Meeting Minutes – Economic Development Advisory Board – June 9, 2005

13.  Meeting Minutes – Board of Architectural Review – May 10, 2005

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve the consent agenda as distributed. Note: Item #4 – New snow removal contract with Erie County from 11/05 through 8/07.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN BOARD:

SUPERVISOR McMAHON:

July 4th Fireworks

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Supervisor to sign a contract with Skylighters of WNY for the 4th of July fireworks.  The contract has been reviewed by the Town Attorney and the required certificate of insurance has been received.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Code Enforcement Officer to issue a permit for the public display of the 4th of July fireworks at Martins Fantasy Island, 2400 Grand Island Blvd. with a rain date of July 5th 2005.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Authorize Supervisor to Sign Paperwork – 2005 Summer Youth Program

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to authorize the Supervisor to sign the paperwork with the Workforce Corp. of Buffalo & Erie County for the Summer Youth Program.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Supervisor’s Report – May 2005

The Supervisor reported a cash balance of $51,297 on May 1, 2005

Total Receipts of $1,265,874

Total Disbursements of $1,245,254

Operating A/C Interest $47

Operating A/C Balance $71,964

Investment Interest $12,472

Investment Balance $5,066,189

Total Cash Balance as of May 31, 2005 $5,138,152

No action required by Town Board.

 

COMMUNICATIONS – OTHER OFFICIALS:

MARY S. COOKE:

Resolution in Support of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to adopt the following resolution in support of the Niagara Air Reserve Station:

Whereas, the Niagara Air Reserve Station is the home of the 914th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve and the 107th Refueling Wing of the NY Air National Guard; and

Whereas, both of these units have been heavily utilized during the current war in Iraq, efforts in Afghanistan and Bosnia and other relief efforts worldwide; and

Whereas, the Niagara Falls Power Project, located within miles of the Niagara Air Reserve Station, is New York’s largest electric generating facility and one of the largest in the United States; and

Whereas, 50% of the population of the United States and 62% of Canada’s population resides within 500 miles of the Niagara Air Reserve Station; and

Whereas, because the Niagara Air Reserve Station has tremendous value as a deterrent to terrorism with its strategic location; and

Whereas, closure of the Niagara Air Reserve Station would eliminate the last Federal Air Force flying mission in New York State; and

Whereas, $35,000,000 has been invested in the Niagara Air Reserve Station since 1995, lengthening runways, improving energy efficiency and adding new facilities, making the base one of the most cost efficient facilities in the Air Force Reserve Command; and

Whereas, the Niagara Air Reserve Station faces no physical encroachment nor air traffic control constraints and has acreage on the base and adjacent to the installation for expansion; 

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Grand Island does hereby support the WNY Congressional Delegation in their fight to keep the Niagara Air Reserve Station open.

The Town Board urges all citizens to join in this effort by sending letters of support for the Niagara Air Reserve Station (available online at NIMAC.org, at the Town Clerk’s Office or at the Charles N. DeGlopper Post #9249 Veterans of Foreign Wars) to the BRAC Commission.  Letters can be left at Town Hall or mailed to:

 NIMAC

 PO Box 231

 Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0231

Citizens are urged to join in scheduled rallies and attend the hearing on June 27 to show the BRAC Commission that the Niagara Air Reserve Station has strong community support.   Copies of the resolution will be sent to Senators Schumer and Clinton and Representatives Slaughter, Higgins and Reynolds.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

 

COUNCILMAN RICHARD CRAWFORD:

Traffic Safety Advisory Board – Speed Reduction Study Webb Road

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Town Clerk to submit a TE-9 to the county to reduce the speed limit on Webb Road, between Grand Island Boulevard and Baseline Road.

APPROVED       Ayes       4       Crawford, Cooke, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Traffic Safety Advisory Board – Request for Traffic Light Study – Staley & Baseline Rd.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Robillard to request a traffic light study for the intersection of Baseline and Staley Roads.  The Traffic Safety Advisory Board has determined the intersection meets Warrant 6, accident experiences for the installation of a traffic control signal.  All the necessary paperwork will be sent to the County. 

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Traffic Safety Advisory Board – Stop Sign Removal Bonnywoods & Forest Creek

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the removal of the all way stop sign at the location of Bonnywoods & Forest Creek.  This will result in the only stop sign at that location to be on westbound Forest Creek Lane. The Traffic Safety Advisory Board has determined the intersection does not meet the warrants for this type of traffic control as prescribed in the NYCRR, Title 17, Chapter V, Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Section 211.5.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

TOWN CLERK – PATRICIA A. FRENTZEL:

4th of July Peddlers Permit Amendments

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve the amendments to the 4th of July Peddlers Permit Application subject to final approval by the Town Attorney.

·         Permit can be obtained until 5:00p.m five business days prior to the Independence Day Parade.  

·         Application fee non-refundable $10.00. Fees are paid at time of application to the Town.

·         The fee for additional workers is $10.00 non-refundable per person.

·         Selling of “silly string and snap crack” is strictly prohibited. 

·         You must provide a copy of a valid identification for each worker.

·         You must provide a certificate of insurance. 

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to prohibit any vendors from using the Town Common on the day of the Fourth of July Parade of any year.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

TOWN ENGINEER - JOHN WHITNEY:

NYS Hazard Abatement Board – Occupational Safety & Health Grant – Project M-179

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Supervisor to sign the contract for the Occupational Safety & Health grant from the NYS Hazard Abatement Board in the amount $9,655.00 for employee safety training.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Highway Garage Parking Lot Reconstruction – Job No. M-28-2005

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Town Engineer to advertise for bids for the Highway garage parking lot reconstruction – Job No. M-28-2005 on Friday, July 1, 2005 and to open bids on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 10:00a.m.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – DOUGLAS M. LEARMAN:

Revised Site Plan – 2409 Whitehaven Road

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Cooke to accept the recommendation of the Code Enforcement Officer and approve the revised Site Plan to construct a 30’x60’ covered loading dock addition to the front of building “B” at 2409 Whitehaven Road.  The project complies with the applicable Town Codes and is having minimal impact on the existing site.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Tower Permit Application – Omnipoint Communications – 3078 Staley Road – 10’ Extension of Monopole

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve the Tower Permit Application for Omnipoint Communications for a 10’ tower extension to the existing cell tower at 3078 Staley Road. 

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

ZONING OFFICER – JOHN McCARTHY:

Special Use Permit Renewal – Thomas Thompson, 2487 Long Road – Keeping Up To 2 Equine Animals on 3 Acres

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to renew the Special Use Permit for Thomas Thompson, 2487 Long Road for keeping up to 2 Equine Animals on 3 Acres.  The property has been inspected and it is unchanged from last year.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

PLANNING BOARD:

Fuccillo – 1838 Alvin Road – Hyundai Store – Site Plan Approval

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Crawford to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and approve the Site Plan for Fuccillo, 1838 Alvin Road for a Hyundai Store with the condition that the display area for the cars be restricted to the paved area only and that Fuccillo bond appropriately for any necessary road repair, subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Fuccillo – Alvin Road – Master Plan

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and approve the Master Plan for Fuccillo Autogroup for five dealerships on Alvin Road.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

Park Place Subdivision – Phase VIII – Conditional Approval

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and grant conditional approval to Park Place Subdivision – Phase VIII.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Joseph R. & Mary E. Ognibene – 3427 West River Road – Abandon Paper Street – First Street

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and abandon its interest in the paper street on First Street from the south line of Junction Road to the south line of sublot 63 subject to the approval of the Town Attorney and preparation of a certificate of abandonment by the Highway Superintendent.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – GENERAL:

Paul G. Leuchner – Resignation from the Traffic Safety Advisory Board

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Crawford to accept with regret a letter of resignation from Paul G. Leuchner as a member of the Traffic Safety Advisory Board.  The Town Board will send a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Leuchner.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

Vouchers #79808 – 79991:

General                 $ 23,979.13  

Highway                 $ 10,044.99

Sewer                 $ 33,331.07

Water                 $   2,886.46

Capital                 $ 10,970.00

Garbage    $ 69,688.50

Total       $150,900.15

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

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

Residents who spoke:  None

 

 

FROM THE TOWN BOARD:

Councilman Robillard: The Zachary Zarbo Chicken-BBQ Fundraiser will be at the Knights of Columbus on Friday, June 24th

Councilwoman Cooke: Please support the 4th of July Road Race & Parade – It is a big Celebration for Grand Island

Supervisor McMahon: Grand Crafts – Town Common – Sat. & Sun June 25-26 and Kid Biz/Island Happenings July 2nd Town Common

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to adjourn the meeting at 8:31p.m.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

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

James Blum

Dixie Lee Gull

Edward Bugno

Charles Marlin

Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Crowe

Frank Wohlfehrt

Earl Long, Jr.

Hazel DeGlopper

Ann Emerson

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Patricia A. Frentzel
Town Clerk