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 19th of December 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

 

Mr. Calvin Vandermey from Bible Fellowship Center gave the Invocation. 

Councilman Robillard led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

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

PROCLAMATION:

Christopher Kenneth Hamm – Eagle Scout

A Proclamation was given to Christopher Kenneth Hamm in honor of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boys Scouts of America.

 

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

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

Residents who spoke: Anthony Scanio Re: Opposition to removal of Mid Island Parkway

                           Charles Morell   Re: Opposition to removal of Mid Island Parkway

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to approve Minutes of Workshop Meeting #66, December 5, 2005, and Minutes of Regular Meeting #22, December 5, 2005.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

Noes            0

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

1.      Golden Age Center – Facility Usage – November 2005

2.      Golden Age Center – Vehicle Usage – November 2005

3.      Meeting Minutes – Zoning Board of Appeals – November 3, 2005

4.      Building Permits Issued – November 2005

5.      Town of West Seneca, Village of Alden – Resolution Opposing Any Change to the Existing Administrative Structure of the Erie County Community Development Block Grant Program

6.      Town of Hamburg – New York State Thruway Tolls in Western New York

7.      State of New York, Legislature of Erie County – Draft  Necessary Legislation to Amend the Erie County Tax Act to Allow Towns in Erie County to Accept Partial Payments in Any Dollar Amount 

8.      New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Permits – Bike Path Connector – Notice and Opportunity for Public Comment

9.      Adelphia – Upcoming Changes and Certain Price Adjustments in Adelphia’s Services

10.  Erie County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways – Emergency Calls During Off-Hours

11.  State of New York, Office of the State Comptroller – Average Estimated Costs for County and Town Special Improvement Districts

12.  Meeting Minutes – Board of Architectural Review – November 8, 2005

13.  County of Erie, Department of Probation and Youth/Detention Services –  2006 Youth Development Funding

14.  Meeting Minutes – Planning Board – November 14, 2005

15.  Meeting Minutes – GIFTS Executive Team – December 7, 2005

 

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to adopt the consent agenda items as distributed.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS - TOWN BOARD:

SUPERVISOR McMAHON:

Adopt Local Law Intro #5/2005 – Remove Mid Island (Loop) Parkway from Town’s Official Map

Two e-mails were received by residents: Thomas & Deborah Fry, Julius Horvath in opposition to the adoption of Local Law Intro #5/2005 to remove the Mid Island (Loop) Parkway from the Town’s official map.

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Crawford to adopt Local Law Intro #5/2005 as Local Law #5/2005 to remove the Mid Island (Loop) Parkway from the Town’s official map.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Vacation Carryover for Staff

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to authorize James Federspiel to carry over two vacation days from 2005 to 2006.  This action has been requested by the bargaining unit and is not precedent setting or subject to the grievance procedure.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COUNCILMAN GARY ROESCH:

Enrichment & Referral

In 2006 the YWCA will begin to provide outreach and counseling services that had been offered through services the Town of Grand Island’s GIFTS and Enrichment and Referral programs.  Thus the last day of employment with the Town for Outreach Worker, Terry Wall, and for Clerk Typist PT, Maureen Cardin will be December 30, 2005.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to confirm separation of Terry Wall, Outreach Worker, and Maureen Cardin, Clerk Typist PT effective December 30, 2005.  A certificate of appreciation will be sent from the Town Board to both employees.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – OTHER OFFICIALS:

TOWN ENGINEER - JOHN WHITNEY:

Professional Services Agreement – Water Treatment Plant Capital Planning

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to authorize the Supervisor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Wendel Duchscherer for the Water Treatment Plant Capital Planning for a lump sum of $9,500.  The funds are in the budget.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Professional Services Agreement – GIS Infrastructure Location Survey Pilot Project

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Robillard to authorize the Supervisor to sign the Professional Services Agreements subject to the approval of the Town Attorney with TVGA for a GIS Infrastructure Location Survey Pilot.  Sandy Beach will be the pilot location.  The amount of the project is $5,000.  The funds are in the budget.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

TOWN ACCOUNTANT – PAM WHITNEY:

Vacation Sellback for Staff

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Supervisor to execute a non precedent setting agreement with CSEA to allow Annette Sapienza to sell back up to 40 hours of vacation in excess of the amount permitted under the collective bargaining agreement, subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Budget Amendment – Reality Café

Reality Café has received various unbudgeted donations over the past eleven months totaling $1,508.54.  The sources are United Way and Rotary. 

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to amend the budget as follows:

Increase Revenue A/C       001.0001.2702   Donations – Realty Café        $1,058.54

Increase Appropriation        001.4210.0443   Departmental Supplies        $1,058.54

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Budget Amendment – Justice Court

The Grand Island Town Court is in receipt of a Justice Court Assistance Program NYS Grant to purchase a copy machine.  The grant check received is in the amount of $4,036.  The funds will be used to purchase the copier and the maintenance agreement for the first year.

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to amend the budget as follows:

Increase Revenue A/C       001.0001.3007   NYS Grants                   $4,036

Increase Appropriation        001.1110.0200   Justice Court          $3,176

Increase Appropriation        001.1110.0401   Justice Court          $   860

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

2005 Budget Transfers

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to approve the following budget TRANSFERS needed to balance each fund in preparation for the year ended 12/31/05:

 

GENERAL

HIGHWAY

SEWER

WATER

22,846

21,543

229

29,397

General:

DEPT

ACCOUNT NAME

ACCOUNT NUMBER

TRF NEEDED

FROM A/C

$

FROM DIFFERENT DEPT

STATE RETIREMENT

STATE RETIREMENT

001-9010-0800

22,029.00

001-9730-0600

22,029.00

BAN PRINCIPAL

BANS

BAN-INTEREST

001-9730-0700

817.00

001-9730-0600

817.00

BAN PRINCIPAL

 

 

TOTALS

22,846.00

 

22,846.00

 

 

Highway:

DEPT

ACCOUNT NAME

ACCOUNT NUMBER

TRF NEEDED

FROM A/C

$

FROM DIFFERENT DEPT

RETIREMENT CONTR.

RETIREMENT CONTR.

002-9010-0800

21,000.00

002-5110-0428

21,000.00

ROAD WORK

BANS

BAN-INTEREST

002-9730-0700

543.00

002-5110-0428

543.00

ROAD WORK

 

 

TOTALS

21,543.00

 

21,543.00

 

 

Sewer:

DEPT

ACCOUNT NAME

ACCOUNT NUMBER

TRF NEEDED

FROM A/C

$

FROM DIFFERENT DEPT

BANS

BAN-INTEREST

003-9730-0700

229.00

003-9730-0600

229.00

BAN PRINCIPAL

 

 

TOTALS

229.00

 

229.00

 

 

Water:

DEPT

ACCOUNT NAME

ACCOUNT NUMBER

TRF NEEDED

FROM A/C

$

FROM DIFFERENT DEPT

WATER ADMIN

PERS SVCS

004-8310-0100

1.00

004-8310-0456

1.00

WATER-ADMIN SVCS

RETIREMENT CONTR

RETIREMENT CONTR

004-9010-0800

28,496.00

004-9730-0600

28496.00

BAN PRINCIPAL

BANS

BAN-INTEREST

004-9730-0700

900.00

004-9730-0600

900.00

BAN PRINCIPAL

 

 

TOTALS

29,397.00

 

29,397.00

 

 

All transfers are being made within the same fund.  No additional appropriations of fund balance are necessary.

There still may be some additional transfers needed in 2006 for the 2005 budget.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – DOUGLAS M. LEARMAN:

Board of Plumbing Examiner’s Election

Code Enforcement Officer Douglas Learman reported that the general membership of plumbers, licensed to practice plumbing in the Town of Grand Island, have elected the following people to represent them on the Board of Plumber’s Examiner’s:

Eric Ackerman

Frank Grandinetti, Sr.

Gerry Soto

They have all been contacted and have agreed to serve on the Board.  Their term will be for two (2) years and will commence on the first of January as outlined by the Town Code.  No action required by the Town Board.

 

 

 

Electrical Election

The results of the yearly ballot to elect a member to the Electrical Examining board were presented to the Town Board.

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to appoint George Newman to the Electrical Examining Board for Grand Island for a two year term to expire on 12/31/07.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

ZONING OFFICER – JOHN McCARTHY:

Tower Permit Renewal  - Global Signal Acquisitions II LLC- Bedell Road Bikepath

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilman Crawford to renew the Tower Permit for Global Signal Acquisitions on the bikepath on Bedell Road.  It has been inspected and is unchanged from the last renewal.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

Special Use Permit Renewal - Robert F. Mesmer, 2548 Love Road – Private Airport/Landing Strip

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve the Special Use Permit for Robert F. Mesmer, 2548 Love Road for a private airport/landing strip with the condition Mr. Mesmer plant the type and size of trees that were required on the site plan.  The airport/landing strip has been inspected and is unchanged.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT – WAYNE T. CLINTON:

Award Bid for Sludge Hauling

Supervisor McMahon reported that the bids for sludge hauling were opened on November 28, 2005.  Two bids were received from the following:

Drain Doctor                                                 $.025 cents/gallon

Ball Toilet & Septic                                      $.030 cents/gallon

After careful review of the bid, Mr. Clinton from the Wastewater Department recommended the low bidder, Drain Doctor be awarded the bid at a cost of .025 cents per gallon to haul sludge from the Grand Island Wastewater Facility to the Niagara Falls Wastewater Treatment Facility/Buffalo Sewer Authority.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to approve Mr. Clinton’s request for the low bidder, Drain Doctor be awarded the bid at $.025 cents per gallon.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

PLANNING BOARD:

Daniel Drexelius – 2735 Bedell Rd. – Site Plan Approval – Contractors Yard

A motion was made by Councilman Robillard, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and approve the Site Plan for a contractors yard to Daniel Drexelius, 2735 Bedell Road with the understanding that the petitioner assured the Planning Board that should there be outside storage, fencing will be provided.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

Donald B. Loder – 2355 Bedell Rd. – Approve Splitting Lot – SBL #23.00-1-14.1

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to accept the recommendation of the Planning Board and the ruling of the Zoning Board of Appeals and deny the request of Donald B. Loder, 2355 Bedell Road for an exception to subdivision regulations for SBL #23.00-1-14.1 because it would create an illegal lot.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS - GENERAL:

John W. Stickl – Stickl Construction Co., Inc. – 28.5 Acres at the Southwest Corner of Fix and Baseline Roads

Correspondence was received by John W. Stickl, Stickl Construction Co, Inc. to withdraw the request to change the current zoning of 28.5 acres from R1-D to R2 at the southwest corner of Fix and Baseline Roads.  The new request is to amend the request to change from the current zoning of R1-D to R1-E.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Robillard to refer the correspondence from John W. Stickl to rezone the 28.5 acres at the southwest corner of Fix and Baseline Roads from R1-D to R1-E to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

Vouchers #81546 – #81757

General                 $57,844.92    

Highway                 $184,658.37   

Sewer                 $46,149.45  

Water                 $11,384.09    

      Capital      $103,548.50       

      Total      $403,585.33

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

SUSPEND THE RULES:

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Robillard to suspend the rules to consider a proposal for worker’s compensation from Comp. Alliance and the insurance premiums from Selective. 

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

INSURANCE RENEWALS:

A proposal from Selective was received in the amount of $192,917.29 to renew the Town’s insurance policy. This is an increase of $6,477.81 or 3.47% over the 2005 premium.  This includes terrorism insurance.  Another proposal was received by Comp. Alliance for worker’s compensation in the amount of $149,569.  This is an increase of $6,535 or 7.6% over 2005.  The Supervising Accountant anticipates a credit for a 2005 billing error, which will reduce the increase slightly.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to renew the insurance policy with Selective for a total of $12,927.29 and to renew the Comp. Alliance policy for a total of $149,569.

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: Rus Thompson, Re: Consent Agenda Item #6 – Thruway Tolls

 

FROM THE TOWN BOARD:

Councilwoman Cooke: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

Councilman Robillard: Honor & privilege to serve residents for four years as councilman, Happy Holidays

Councilman Crawford: Best wishes to Dan Robillard, Merry Christmas

Supervisor McMahon: Workshop cancelled for 12-21-05, The Town Board presented a certificate of appreciation to Dan Robillard for his years of service to the Town.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to adjourn the meeting at 8:32p.m.

APPROVED       Ayes       4   Cooke, Crawford, Robillard, McMahon

                        Noes            0

 

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

Marietta Ferro

Jeanette Riley

Erin Keenan

Stanley Kwiatkowski

Patricia Arcouet

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Patricia A. Frentzel

Town Clerk