A Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Orchard Park, Erie County, New York, was held at the Orchard Park Municipal Center, S4295 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, New York on the 17th day of October 2007 at 7:00 P.M., (local time). The meeting was called to order by the Supervisor and there were:
PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Mary Travers Murphy Supervisor
Nancy Ackerman Councilwoman
David Kaczor Councilman
Mark Dietrick Councilman
Deborah Yeomans Councilwoman
Janis Colarusso Town Clerk
Leonard Berkowitz Town Attorney
Samuel McCune Chief of Police
Andrew Geist Building Inspector
Frederick Piasecki, Jr. Highway Superintendent
Wayne Bieler Town Engineer
The Supervisor read into the record the following: “If anyone appearing before the Town Board has a family, financial or business relationship with any member of the Board, it is incumbent upon that person to make it known under State Law and the Town Code of Ethics.”
1) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Meeting of the Town Board held on October 3, 2007, as presented by the Town Clerk, are hereby approved, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the reading of these minutes be dispensed with as each member of the Town Board has previously received copies thereof.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Public Hearing
At 7:00 PM (local time) the Supervisor called for the Public Hearing to hear all interested parties for or against the rezoning of property from R-2 to R-3 for property located on Murphy Road, in the Town of Orchard Park, known as the “Pines of Murphy Road”, for the purpose of converting a religious sanctuary into a Senior Housing Facility and add two new living structures.
Affidavits of Publication and Posting of the Legal Notice of the Public Hearing were presented, read aloud, and filed with the Town Board by the Town Clerk.
At this time the Supervisor asked if there was anyone in the audience that would like to speak for or against the rezoning on Murphy Road.
Comments from the floor:
Lou Boehm – Mr. Boehm said he feels there is too much construction taking place in the Town. Mr. Boehm was unclear about the term sanctuary. It was explained that the sanctuary was formally a convent for the Mercy nuns that is being converted to Senior Housing.
Andrew Beiter – Mr. Beiter had questions regarding the project and the acreage involved. The Supervisor asked the President of the Krog Corporation, Peter Neureuter, to come forward and answer some questions. Mr. Krog & Mr. Beiter stepped out of the meeting to discuss the project.
2) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing in the matter of rezoning of property from R-2 to R-3 for the “Pines of Murphy Road”, located on Murphy Road, is hereby closed at 7:09 PM.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Rezone property on Murphy Road for the “Pines of Murphy” a senior housing facility
3) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, following due and timely notice, a Public Hearing has been held, relating to the matter of the Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Orchard Park, which Amendment provides as follows: To rezone property located at 5245 Murphy Road from R-2 to R-3 for the purpose of converting a (religious) sanctuary into a senior housing facility, as petitioned by Brian Young, and
WHEREAS, the Public Hearing was conducted at the Municipal Center, 4295 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, NY 14127, on the 17th day of October 2007, at which time all interested persons were given an opportunity to be heard, and
WHEREAS, no recommendation from the Erie County Department of Planning, pursuant to §239-m of the General Municipal Law was received and filed by the Town Board, and
WHEREAS, recommendations from the Town of Orchard Park Planning Board, 6/14/06, was received and filed with the Town Board, and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED AND ORDAINED that the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the Town of Orchard Park be and are hereby amended by rezoning from R-2 to R-3, the following:
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE in the Town of Orchard Park, County of Erie and State of New York, being part of Lot No. 21, Township 9, Range 7of the Holland Land Company’s Survey, bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a point in the west line of Lot No. 21 (being also the center line of Murphy Road) distance 476.71 feet northerly from the southwest corner of said lot; thence northerly along the wet line of said lot 483.62 feet; thence easterly at an interior angle of 105º00’00” a distance of 559.16 feet; thence southeasterly at an interior angle of 136 º00’00” a distance of 1029.91 feet to the westerly line of lands deeded to the State of New York for the Southern Expressway by Notice of Appropriation recorded in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of Liber 7800 of Deeds at page 414 and designated as Map No. 185, Parcel No. 203; thence southerly along said westerly line and along a curve to the right having a radius of 7419.44 feet, an arc distance of 370.67 feet; thence westerly and parallel with the south line of Lot No.21 a distance of 890.16 feet; thence northwesterly at an interior angle of 153 º10’36” a distance of 479.34 feet to the point of beginning, containing 20.409 acres of land or more.
AND, BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that this approval is granted with the following stipulations as recommended by the Planning Board 9/12/2007:
· This an Unlisted SEQR action based on the submitted Long EAF, Parts One and Two and a Negative Declaration is made.
· Acreage fees shall be paid in accordance with §144-70C of the Town Code prior to the publication of the Public Hearing Notice.
AND, BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that this ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days after publication and posting in accordance with law, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk publish and post a copy of said amendment in accordance with §264 & 265 of Town Law.
The question of the adoption
was put to a vote which resulted as follows:
Supervisor
Mary Travers Murphy Aye
Councilwoman Nan Ackerman Aye
Councilman David Kaczor Aye
Councilman Mark Dietrick Aye
Councilwoman Deborah Yeomans Aye
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Old Business #1 Kentucky Greg’s Inc., 2911 Southwestern Boulevard, Zoned B-2
4) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN DIETRICK, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize a Change-In-Use for Kentucky Greg’s Inc., 2911 Southwestern Boulevard, Zoned B-2. The Planning Board, 10/10/07, recommends the Town Board approve the request for a Change-In-Use to convert a former deli into a casual barbeque restaurant with the following conditions and stipulations:
· This is a Type II SEQR Action and therefore no determination of significance is required.
· If the applicant desires outdoor seating, he must return to the Planning board for review before proceeding.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Old Business #2 – 3030 Orchard Park Road, Former Schuele Paint & ABC Tool Rental Site
5) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby amend their motion on 8/15/07 and approve the request to increase the square footage from a 2,520 sq. ft. addition to a 3,844 sq. ft. addition, which is an increase of 1,324 sq. ft., for 3030 Orchard Park Road, (Former Schuele Paint & ABC Tool Rental) located on the west side of Orchard Park Road, Zoned B-2 as recommended by the Planning Board.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Old Business #3 Award Contract for the OP Library & Highway Roof Renovation Project
6) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN DIETRICK, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, bids were opened for the Orchard Park Library and Highway Department Roof Renovations Project on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 3:00 PM in the Supervisor’s conference room, and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has reviewed the prices of the three (3) contractors who submitted bids, and the lowest bid of $233,550.00 was below the engineer’s estimate of $243,000.00 for the project, and
WHEREAS, the lowest bidder for this project was Progressive Roofing, Inc. and this Company has been found to have the qualifications and experience to perform this work adequately, and
WHEREAS, there is presently $100,000 and $416,932 plus interest allocated under Capital Projects H-81 “Library Renovations” and H-05 “Highway Bldg. Repair/Expansion” respectfully for this project.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby award the Contract for the Orchard Park Library and Highway Department Roof Renovations Project to the lowest responsible bidder, Progressive Roofing, Inc., 331 Grote Street, Buffalo, New York 14207 in the amount of $233,550.00.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Old Business #4 Reed Jewelers, Milestrip & Abbott Rd., Request to Modify the Site Plan
7) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, the Planning Board initially agreed to a Milestrip Road access for Reed Jewelers, which was a right turn in and right turn out with a median to enforce this design, which the NYSDOT did not feel was appropriate, and
WHEREAS, upon review by the NYSDOT, they have changed their minds on the Milestrip Road access for Reed Jewelers
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the modification of the approved site plan for Reed Jewelers to have driveway access on Milestrip Road, with a right turn in, right turn out and a “Y” island to enforce this configuration.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
New Business # 1 Authorize the Recreation Department 2007 Winter Appointment
8) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Recreation Departments appointments for the Fall/Winter Programs dependent upon the applicant providing the required certifications.
Name Address Position Title Rate
Kaeli Abdo 150 E. Avenue PT2-D Lg. $9.50
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Before the Supervisor made the next motion, she read the following resignation letter into the record:
Ladies & Gentlemen:
I regret to inform you that I hereby resign as a member of the Ethics Board, effective immediately. Please know that the duties and powers of the Ethics Board have been diminished and any recommendations evolving from the Ethics Board seems to be unsupported and/or unrecognized by the Town Board. One hope of this writing is that the purpose for the existence of an Ethics Board is re-examined carefully. In doing so, the following is suggested:
- Conduct interviews of individuals before Ethics Board appointments are made;
- Appoint members who will consistently maintain objective, unbiased and ethical integrity;
- Eliminate any political or financial influence associated with any appointments;
- Require that members have knowledge of and a basic legal understanding of the Town Code to properly promulgate laws to Town employees and officers, as well as investigate public complaints that come before the Ethics Board, and
- Require that members have basic knowledge of New York State laws associated with the Town’s ethics laws.
The above is only a summary of concerns with an emphasis for change.
Very truly yours, Anne Marie Kuwik
New Business #2 Accept the Resignation of Anne Marie Kuwik from the Ethics Board
9) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR TRAVERS MURPHY, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN DIETRICK, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby accept, with regret, the resignation of Anne Marie Kuwik from the Ethics Board, effectively immediately.
Supervisor Travers Murphy stated her disappointment with Ms. Kuwik’s resignation. She “thanked” her for her service and hard work. Ms. Murphy stated she will continue to fight for ethics reform here in Orchard Park.
Councilman Dietrick stated he does takes exception to Ms. Kuwik stating the following: the duties and powers of the Ethics Board have been diminished. He believes it’s Ms. Kuwik’s expectations and reality of the Ethics Board that have been diminished. He also believes the people can judge for themselves who will be benefiting from this and who will not.
Councilwoman Yeomans expressed her disappointment also. She stated she had spoken with Ms. Kuwik earlier today to find that there is a financial arrangement between one of the Ethic Board Member and a Town Board Member. She believes this is a breech of confidentiality between these two parties, so she is forwarding Ms. Kuwik’s letter to the Attorney Generals office.
Councilman Kaczor believes the appropriate way Ms. Kuwik should have handled this matter was by coming before the Town Board and discussing these issues. He also stated issues relating to Ethic Reforms have not been brought up at a work session or a Town Board meeting by Councilwoman Yeomans for several months.
Councilwoman Yeomans disagreed.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
New Business #3 Schedule Public Hearing for a Local Law - Moratorium on North Buffalo Street
10) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, this Town Board is considering adoption of a zoning ordinance to control construction on North Buffalo Street between the Orchard Park Village line and Southwestern Boulevard, and
WHEREAS, a committee will be appointed to consider legislation controlling construction of structures on North Buffalo Street between the Orchard Park Village line and Southwestern Boulevard for the purpose of developing an Architectural Overlay District to protect the character of one of the major entrances into Orchard Park , and
WHEREAS, such legislation should be developed by the above referenced committee within a six (6) month period.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of Orchard Park, Erie County, New York at the Municipal Building, 4295 South Buffalo Street Orchard Park, New York, 14127, on the 7th day of November, 2007 at 7:00 PM (local time) in the matter of the adoption of a Local Law of the Town of Orchard Park, which provides as follows:
“A moratorium is hereby imposed on any construction on premises which have frontage on North Buffalo Street between Southwestern Boulevard and the Orchard Park Village Line. No building permits may be issued during the moratorium for construction of any structures which have frontage on North Buffalo Street between Southwestern Boulevard and the Orchard Park Village line. This moratorium shall continue for one hundred eighty (180) days commencing on the date this Local Law is adopted. Once this law has been adopted, a copy of this law will be submitted, pursuant to General Municipal Law §239m, to the Erie County Planning Board. ”
Councilwoman Yeomans stated that she asked the Town Board to include the Milestrip Road corridor in the Moratorium as there is considerable development taking place in that area, but they did not.
Councilman Kaczor stated that setting an Architectural Overlay District for North Buffalo Road has been in the works for awhile. Now there is an urgency as several properties on North Buffalo Road have been purchased by developers and the Town Board wants to make sure that anything that is built along this corridor is appropriate to the area.
Councilwoman Ackerman stated that the Architectural Overlay District will consist of streetscaping, landscaping and architectural features, which will be specific to the North Buffalo Road corridor.
Supervisor Mary Travers Murphy Aye
Councilwoman Nan Ackerman Aye
Councilman David Kaczor Aye
Councilman Mark Dietrick Aye
Councilwoman Deborah Yeomans Nay
The resolution was duly adopted.
New Business #4 Adopt Procedures for Appointments to the Town’s Boards and Committees
11) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR TRAVERS MURPHY, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby adopt the following procedure for appointments to the Town Boards and Committees:
“Procedure for Appointments to the Town’s Boards and Committees”
Each Chairman of all the Town Boards and Committees will prepare recommendations regarding skills, requirements, life experience, qualifications relative to that Board or Committee.
These recommendations will be kept on file in the Supervisor’s office. This will include any specific requirements for the make-up of the Board or Committee. The respective Department will review all resumes. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Town Board prior to the date of the Town Board review of all the resumes.
Procedure for appointments to the Planning Board, Library Board, Board of Assessment Review, Economic Development Board, Insurance Board, Recreation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Board and Ethics Board.
1. Scope
This procedure shall be followed by the Town Board (the “Town Council”) in order to effectively solicit interest from and affect the timely review and consideration of all interested Village and Town citizens for appointment to serve on all the Boards
2. Board & Committee Vacancy Notification
3. Public Notice of Board Vacancies
5. Board Appointment Decisions
6. Announcement of Board Appointment Decisions
All appointments shall be done by resolution at a public Town Board meeting.
Councilman Kaczor stated that Councilwoman Yeomans is working on an application that will be posted online to make it easier for people to apply and submit to the Town.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
New Business #5, 6 & 7 Refer to the Planning Board and Conservation Board:
12) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby refer the following items listed on the agenda to the Planning Board and Conservation Board: Quaker Crossing, Southwest corner 3464, 3474 & 3470 Amelia Drive, Zoned B-1, request for the modification of the approved site plan with regards to installing a dumpster enclosure, and Jack Bertsch, 3907 N. Buffalo Road, Zoned B-3. Requesting a Change-In-Use for this property from a business use to a retail use.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Elected Officials & Department Heads
Councilwoman Ackerman stated that she is in receipt of a $130,000.00 check from Fox Run for payment in lieu of putting in a walking trail. This money will be deposited and it will be decided later how these funds are going to be used.
13) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, in 1977, the County of Erie entered into an agreement with the cities of Buffalo, Lackawanna and Tonawanda to share the county’s portion of sales tax revenue, and
WHEREAS, the agreement gives 10.008% of the county’s share of sales tax revenue to the three cities and divides 25.6858% of the county’s share of sales tax revenue between the towns and cities in Erie County, including, in 1977, the County of Erie entered into an agreement with the cities of Buffalo, Lackawanna and Tonawanda, on a per capita basis, and
WHEREAS, the population of the three cities has decreased approximately 39% since 1970, based on decennial census figures and 2006 population estimates, and
WHEREAS, the population of the Town of Orchard Park has increased approximately 41% since 1970, based on decennial census figures and 2006 population estimates, and
WHEREAS, growing populations tend to require more services and shrinking populations tend to require fewer services, and
WHEREAS, as a result of the agreement not taking into account population shifts, in 2005, cities received approximately $215 on a per capita basis and towns received approximately $80 on a per capita basis, and
WHEREAS, three county legislators have submitted a resolution to renegotiate the sales tax agreement to make it more fair and equitable for all residents of Erie County, and
WHEREAS, the resolution remains in the Finance and Management committee, preventing it from coming to a vote of the entire Erie County Legislature
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Orchard Park states it’s support of the resolution insofar that it calls for a renegotiation of the 1977 sales tax agreement to make it more fair and equitable to all municipalities in Erie County and urges its consideration by the entire Erie County Legislature and subsequent passage, and be if further
RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be distributed to the Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature and the County Executive and all Town Governments in Erie County.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Councilwoman Yeomans stated that there are currently vacancies on the Town’s Boards & Committees and invited the public to submit their resumes’ or letters of interest.
14) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby accept, with regret, the resignation of Philip Shaw from the Historic Preservation Board, effectively immediately.
The Town Board thanked Mr. Shaw for his service to the Town.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Police Chief Sam McCune stated that the Halloween celebration in Orchard Park will be held on Wednesday, October 31st from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. He also stated that the Town wide all night parking ban will be in effect from November 1st 2007 to March 31st 2008. The ban takes place from 1:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the Town, and from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 AM in the Village.
Highway Superintendent Fred Piasecki said the leaf pickup in the Town has been started.
15) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN DIETRICK, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
WHEREAS, during the course of the engineering and design of the Orchard Park Library and Highway Department Roof Renovations Project by Wendel Duchscherer, Watts Architecture & Engineering was hired to perform asbestos testing on both buildings, and
WHEREAS, asbestos was found in roofing materials at the Highway Department that is planned to be removed during the upcoming project. Project monitoring services will be required during the removal of the asbestos. No asbestos containing materials were found at the Library, and
WHEREAS, the Town Engineer has received a proposal from Watts Architecture and Engineering to perform monitoring services by a New York State Department of Labor Certified Project Monitor in an amount not to exceed $1,050.00, and
WHEREAS, the Town has appropriated funding for the Orchard Park Library Renovation work under Capital Project H-81, which should be adequate to cover the costs of the consultant.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Supervisor to sign the proposal with Watts Architecture and Engineering, P.C., 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14226 in the amount not to exceed $1,050.00, as recommended by the Town Engineer.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
16) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMAN KACZOR, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the approval of all entries on Warrant #20 following auditing by members of the Town Board and in the funds indicated:
|
General Fund |
$99,330.03 |
|
Part Town Fund |
$473.08 |
|
Risk Retention |
$1,285.40 |
|
Cemetery Fund |
0 |
|
Highway Fund |
$20,417.22 |
|
Special Districts |
$130,838.78 |
|
Trust & Agency |
$7,087.67 |
|
Capital Fund |
$14,933.33 |
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Communications
17) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize to receive and file the following Communications listed on the agenda: The New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness: Will hold a Public Hearing at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, to solicit input on ways to improve the effectiveness of local governments, including cities, towns, villages, school districts, fire districts, other special-purpose districts and local public authorities. The hearing is open to the public and will accept public comment either in person or in writing. For further information you can go to regional-institue@buffalo.edu and, United States Department of State: Sent a notice encouraging everyone to apply for a Passport. Fall is traditionally the “low season” making it the best time to apply. They also state to check their web site at http://TRAVEL.STATE.GOV for the most up-to-date and accurate information on how to apply for a passport, how long it takes to process an application, current passport requirements for travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, as well as other important tips on safe travel.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Reports
18) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILWOMAN ACKERMAN, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN YEOMANS, TO WIT:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize to receive and file the following reports listed on the agenda: Chief of Police’s Monthly Report for September 2007, and the Orchard Park Fire District Annual Financial Statement for 2006.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Tom Casey – Mr. Casey said he is still waiting for decisions from the Ethics Board on four issues he requested for review this past spring. Mr. Casey would like to see new ethics laws put into place as he feels the current system is too politicized.
Bill Westphall– Mr. Westphall stated that he started work sanding the tables in Veteran’s Park as they should be in good shape for the Veteran’s Day ceremonies. He wants the Town to complete the project. Mr. Westphall said the Town needs a new Flag in Veteran’s Park and it should be illuminated if it is flying at night.
Janet Harding Buffum – Chairwoman of the Orchard Park Independent Party stated that on Primary Day she received complaints regarding the irregularities and poor performance of some of the Election Inspectors. She would like to see them better trained and is going to lodge a complaint with the Erie County Board of Election.
Lou Boehm – Mr. Boehm discussed his thoughts regarding elected officials who are in office a long time.
John Sawicz – Mr. Sawicz wanted to know if there is an ordinance that regulates trees and brush on private property and clean up of these items. He stated that there are two properties that are in main entrances into the Town, that the trees were clear cut on the property and the debris still remains. Mr. Sawicz would like an ordinance put in place stating that there would be no clear cutting on commercial properties and one that would enforce cleanup as well.
Ron Stadelmaier – Mr. Stadelmaier wanted to know how the budget process works and if the budget will be put up on web site. It was explained that the budget will be discussed at the next work session and a Public Hearing has been set for November 7, 2007. Mr. Stadelmaier wanted to know if the Town was able to tax the stadium or the Buffalo Bills. Town Attorney Berkowitz said that the Town tried that years ago, but were unsuccessful as it is used for public events.
There being no further business from the floor, on motion by Councilman Dietrick, seconded by Councilwoman Yeomans, to wit: the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM (local time).
Respectfully Submitted,
Janis Colarusso
Town Clerk