TB Mtg Aug 11 2011
TOWN BOARD MEETING
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:01
SUPERVISOR HOFFMAN OPEN THE MEETING WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE
FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
PRESENT:Councilman David Arcara
Councilman Gerald Pietraszek
Councilman Stephanie Czerniak
Councilman Patrick Murphy
Supervisor Annie Hoffman
ALSO
PRESENT:Town Justice William Montgomery
Highway Superintendent Edward Wochensky
Bldg. Insp/Code Enf. Officer John Kotlarsz
Asst. Bldg. Insp/Code Enf. Officer Greg Adams
Recreation Director Kip Palmateer
Asst. Recreation Pat Hirtzel
Asst. Recreation Director Tina Mary
Town Clerk Alice Wangelin
Approximately 23 Residents
MINUTES
MOTION made by Supervisor Hoffman, seconded by Councilman Czerniak and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the July 14, 2011, Town Board Meeting
with the following additions. Supervisor Hoffman said she was unsure if a Newsletter was sent out last August. She wanted to clarify that we did not send one out in August of
last year. One newsletter was sent in the Spring and another in the Fall.
Also, under Dog Control Report - the dead dog that was picked up on Partridge Road was picked up by the Erie County Highway Department.
Eagle Scout Project – Nicholas Shelley was in attendance to notify the Town Board about
the Eagle Scout project that he would like to complete. He is planning on refurbishing the cannon in the ColdenCemetery and building two benches for the lower part of the Cemetery. The cannon will be moved to the Town Highway Garage where it will be sand blasted, scaled and sanded down. It will then be primed, water proofed and repainted. The old cannon rotted base will be removed and a new concrete base will be poured. Non-leaded paint will be used. The benches will sit on a floating pad. Once completed, they will be stained. Complete plans for the benches with flower boxes were presented to Supervisor Hoffman.
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 2
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
Approval has been received from the Boy Scout Council. The project will begin as soon as supplies are purchased. The project is expected to be completed before the Colden Festival.
Authorize Purchase and Payment for materials for this Eagle Scout Project in the amount of $343.43
MOTION made by Supervisor Hoffman, seconded by Councilman Czerniak and unanimously approved to give permission for the purchase of materials for this project
in the amount of $343.43.
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilman Arcara reported that the walls at the rear section of the Town Hall Lobby have been repaired and repainted.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilman Arcara reported that a new upgrade and signup has been completed for the Town’s medical insurance coverage.
He was questioning as to which plan the Town would be going with and wanted to know if final figures has been received yet.
Supervisor Hoffman said that all paperwork is in and has been completed.
CABLE COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilman Murphy reported that “we are stalled”. He said he has again contacted the Cable Company and the only thing he has received is more brochures.
HIGHWAY REPORT & PARKS
Highway Superintendent, Edward Wochensky reported that –
-Just under 4 miles of Town Road have been oiled and chipped sealed.
-The next project will be work on Creekend and Blanchard Roads.
-The lift pump has been reinstalled at KummerPark. The pump will be removed for the
Winter months.
ADULT RECREATION & PARKS
Assistant Recreation Director, Pat Hirtzel gave the following report.
-Summer recreation programs are finished. Tennis will be finished next week.
-Baseball will have their final game tonight.
-Planning for Fall activities are underway.
-Archery and Basketball will be offered in the Fall.
-Floor Hockey will be offered in January.
-A special “thank you” to Hannah McMahon and Kim Hrycik for volunteering to conduct
a Lung Cancer awareness presentation for the Preschool and Arts & Crafts Programs.
-Supervisor Hoffman said that the Newsletter will go out the end of September.
It will include the Christmas Tree Decorating Ornament contest again this year.
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 3
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
PLANNING BOARD REPORT
Councilman Pietraszek reported that –
-There was discussion regarding Colden Lakes Campground at the last meeting.
Supervisor Hoffman advised that the ColdenLakes matter has been tabled until next
month. Judy Brown has been asked to complete another long SEQR form.
-Planning Board members will attend a training workshop on September 20th in the Town
of Elma in place of next month’s regular meeting.
-Planning Board Chairman, Roy Bergman handed out Town Code 92, Subdivision of
Land, for review and future discussion.
Supervisor Hoffman explained that Roy Bergman asked what section of Town Code the Town Board would like reviewed. She said that she heard someone was interested in
purchasingland for a golf course. She suggested Town Code 92, Subdivision of Land be reviewed.
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD
No Report
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Councilman Murphy reported that –
-Work is progressing on Pilger’s curve on State Road.
-A portion of the Colden Mill has been rented.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Councilman Arcara reported that-
-The Town Board has received a letter from a concerned citizen which should be
addressed some time this month. Supervisor Hoffman said that each Councilman
received a copy of the letter.
-Councilman Arcara asked the status of the Max Hawkes issue regarding his salary.
Supervisor Hoffman said that she has talked to Kip. She said that she had no problem
with Tony and Max being instructors at a salary of $10.00 each but then their hours
would be reduced. Kip said that he was leaving Max at the level he was at last year
and Tony would be continuing as the instructor. She said that she thought Max would
be the only instructor and said again that it was Kip’s call.
SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE REPORT
No Report
NEST
No Report
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 4
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
LIBRARY REPORT
Councilman Czerniak reported that –
-The tie-die shirt and creek walk was a success.
-The Annual Hot Dog sale will be Saturday, August 20th from 11am to 2pm.
STREET LIGHTING REPORT
Councilman Murphy referred to John Kotlarsz who reported that a few light post were received last week to replace the one that was damaged.
DOG CONTROL OFFICER REPORT
Councilman Czerniak reported that –
-There was a total of 14 calls for the month of July. A total of 6 dogs were picked up for
three owners. The DCO is waiting on 1 set of paperwork. A total of 78 miles was
covered.
-Almost 90% of Darien Road has been covered for the dog census.
The Town Clerk asked if Christa has said anything about turning in those slips to her office so that they can be processed? I only have 18 slips so far. If Darien Road
has been completed, I would like the paperwork to be turned in .
Councilman Czerniak said OK.
Supervisor Hoffman said that we had a discussion about the dog that was hit on Partridge Road last month. She said that Christa did go down to look at the dog. Peggy had called
Ed to report the incident. There were no tags on the dog. Supervisor Hoffman said that she had e-mailed the Town Clerk saying that she would like a dog list supplied to the DCO for registered dogs in Town of Colden.
The Town Clerk said that she did e-mail a response back to the Supervisor.
Supervisor Hoffman stated that she would like Christa to have a list.
The Town Clerk stated that a list generated today will be obsolete tomorrow as dog
licenses expire daily and are renewed daily.
Supervisor Hoffman said that is fine but thought that the Clerk’s office could notify the DCO when a new dog is licensed.
The Town Clerk said that she asked that the DCO contact her office with dog questions. This has not happened. The DCO should be working closely with the Clerk’s office. We are not hearing anything. Information is all coming from the Supervisor’s office or from Councilman Czerniak. This is all second hand information. The Dog Census would be running much smoother if the DCO was working with the Town Clerk’s Office.
Supervisor Hoffman said if the DCO picks up a dog on the weekend, she would to know who the dog owner is. If the dog has no tags, rabies or address information on it, she would like to have a list so she does not have to bother you.
The Town Clerk agreed but again replied that the DCO should be communicating with her office.
Supervisor Hoffman agreed saying that she will talk with the DCO. She said that it was not unreasonable for her to have a list.
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 5
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
The Town Clerk said she had no problem with the request for a list but said that she would like some communication.
Supervisor Hoffman said she would have the DCO talk directly to the Clerk’s office.
The Town Clerk replied “Thank you”.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORT
Report for the month of July – Bldg. Insp/Code Enf. Officer, John Kotlarsz reported that there were:
11 Building permits issued
1 Certificate of Occupancy
1 Order to Remedy
1 Court Appearance
6 Days School
3 Phone Complaints
WATER COMMITTEE REPORT
Councilman Pietraszek reported that –
-3 or 4 letters were sent out for late payment.
-A list will be requested from Assessor Ruby Bruce regarding delinquent payments to be
added to the tax bills.
-A service leak has been repaired on State Road.
-The next Water Board Meeting will be on September 7th at 7:30 pm at the ColdenTown
Hall.
-Water sampling for Metals will be conducted for 5 homes in different areas. Sample
bottles are being distributed.
-No word on reimbursement from CRA regarding the Fleckenstein leak and the work
at the Colden Hotel. Bills/receipts from the work at the Colden Hotel and a reference to
the law for this matter are still needed.
CENSUS REPORT
No Report
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Ken Heiler wondered if word had been received as to when the names would be added and corrections made to the Memorial Wall.
Supervisor Hoffman responded that the work should be completed in the next few weeks.
OLD BUSINESS
Eagle Scout Project by Nic Czora – Sign and Benches
Supervisor Hoffman advised that Nic will be constructing a sign and benches just south
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 6
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
of the Memorial Wall. A load of topsoil was donated by Lorie Struck, from R. W. Struck
Co. It is hoped this project can be completed before the Colden Festival on September 10 and 11th.
Marilynn Calhoun Allen asked if this sign will be placed on Town property?
Supervisor Hoffman said – No, it is not.
Marilynn Calhoun Allen asked why a sign is being placed on property that is not owned by the Town? Will the insurance cover it?
Supervisor Hoffman said that the Town has permission to use the property. The sign will
not be a permanent sign. It will be a temporary sign that adheres to the ground. That way if something does happen, we will have to move it. It will be covered by Town insurance.
BUDGET TRANSFERS
None
TOWN CLERK REPORT
Hunting Licenses – Hunting licenses will go on sale on Monday, August 15, 2011.
NEW BUSINESS
RFP for Engineering Services for the SeniorCenter Improvement Project
MOTION made by Councilman Pietraszek, seconded by Councilman Arcara and unanimously approved to grant Supervisor Hoffman permission to advertise for
Request for Proposals for Engineering Services for Improvements to the SeniorCenter.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Flu Shots – Notification has been received from the Red Cross that they will be offering
Flu shots on Tuesday, October 11th from 10 am to 2 pm.
Defibrillators New defibrillators have been placed in the Town Hall and the Senior
Center. The old ones have been refurbished and are being used by the Recreation Department.
Historical Society – Supervisor Hoffman said she has received notification regarding the
Colden Historical Society from the NYS Education Department that the application is still in the works. She said she has checked with the Town Attorney who advised that
the Town can proceed with the negotiations regarding the Buffum House. She will advise DaveFreeman on this matter.
FEMA Funds – Supervisor Hoffman said that she met with Disaster Coordinator, Jody Feidt. Jody has a mitigation grant in the works for funding for the Disaster Coordination
Team. A Memorandum of Understanding is in place with ErieCounty, therefore, the Town will be eligible for FEMA funds in case of a major disaster. The Town has not
been eligible prior to this time because the proper paperwork was not in place. Jody is
also working on a NY Alert system which will automatically notify cell phone users if
a major disaster occurs.
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 7
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
Fire Company Grant – Supervisor Hoffman advised that Chuck Kramer and Mike Butler
are working on a grant for the Fire Company.
Landlord, Tenant and Renter leaflet – Information has been placed on the hallway
display unit regarding housing fairness.
RESOLUTIONS
None
PAY BILLS
MOTION made by Supervisor Hoffman and seconded by Councilman Pietraszek to pay the following bills.
General Fund Warrant Voucher #2011-278 to #2011-326$ 17,722.88
Highway Fund Abstract Voucher #2011-91 to #2011-108$ 15,466.27
Lighting District Voucher #2011-12 to #2011-13$ 1,735.76
Refuse District Voucher #2011-30$ 15,552.68
Trust & Agency Voucher #10$ 1,069.81
Water District Voucher #34 to #2011-40$110,940.48
On the Question: Councilman Arcara said that he requested a copy of the budget to actual and once again was refused.
Supervisor Hoffman said that she did not know what he is looking for? Explain to me what your budget to actual is? I do not know what you are looking for. You get an abstract every month. You get a Supervisor’s report every month. You have all the information already. You are more than welcome to look at the accounts back there. I do not know what you are looking for.
Supervisor Hoffman said that she would be willing to figure out whatever Councilman
Arcara needed.
Councilman Arcara wanted to know if we had the figures on a spread sheet? He said he just wanted budget to actual figures sohe could plug in numbers now to see where we stand as far as the bills.
Supervisor Hoffman said that you already have that information every month. You get an Abstract and Supervisor’s Report every month.
Marilynn Calhoun Allen asked if the Town Board receives quarterly reports every quarter?
Supervisor Hoffman said that they get Supervisor’s Reports every month.
Marilynn Calhoun Allen said – no, quarterly reports like I used to give you.
Supervisor Hoffman again said no, they get a copy of the Abstract every month.
TOWN BOARD MEETING Page 8
COLDENTOWN HALL – August 11, 2011
Marilynn Calhoun Allen said that is a lot different than a Quarterly Report which tells the remaining balances.
Supervisor Hoffman – I don’t, I have not been doing quarterly reports. I could start putting that in place.
Councilman Czerniak asked what was being voted on?
Councilman Arcara answered - we are paying the bills.
Vote:Councilman Arcara – No
Councilman Pietraszek – yes
Councilman Czerniak – yes
Councilman Murphy – yes
Supervisor Hoffman – yes
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
A resident asked why Councilman Arcara voted “No”, he wanted to know if there was something wrong with the bills?
Councilman Arcara said that he was questioning where we stand at this time. What is left in each account as far as our Budget lines.
This same resident said that it does not look good by saying “no” to paying the bills.
Councilman Czerniak asked if there was a red flag for his reason for not paying the bills?
A resident said that it doesn’t have to be a red flag.
Councilman Arcara said that according to the Office of the Comptroller, you are supposed to know this stuff.
Discussion continued.
Supervisor Hoffman said that whatever you need, I will give you.
In reference to his Insurance question earlier, Councilman Arcara commented, he was not asking for personal information.
Councilman Murphy said there is nothing to talk about, Dave.
Councilman Arcara said he was looking for names of employees covered under the Town’s policies?