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 8:00p.m. on the 5th of March 2007.

 

Present:                      Peter A. McMahon                Supervisor

Mary S. Cooke                        Councilwoman

Richard W. Crawford                         Councilman

Gary G. Roesch                        Councilman

Susan J. Argy                                    Councilwoman

Patricia A. Frentzel                        Town Clerk

Peter C. Godfrey                         Town Attorney

 

Also Present:              Raymond Dlugokinski             Highway Superintendent

John Whitney                                    Town Engineer

 

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

Reverend Gerald Haberstro of Harbor Lights Fellowship gave the Invocation. 

Councilman Richard W. Crawford led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

PROCLAMATIONS:

Eagle Scout Proclamation – Josh Camizzi

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

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

Speakers:            None           

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to approve Minutes of Workshop Meeting #10, February 5, 2007 and Minutes of Regular Meeting #3, February 5, 2007.

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

Noes            0

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

1.      Meeting Minutes – Zoning Board of Appeals – January 7, 2007

2.      Building Permits Issued – January, February 2007

3.      Golden Age Center – Facility Usage – January, February 2007

4.      Congress of the United States – New York Power Authority Application to Relicense the Niagara Power Project

5.      Assessor’s Office – David M. Unmack, IAO – Summary of Assessment Services

6.      Meeting Minutes – Planning Board – January 8, 2007

7.      Meeting Minutes – Grand Island Safety Committee – January 4, February 1, 2007

8.      Meeting Minutes – GIFTS Executive Team – January 9, 2007

9.      Meeting Minutes – Board of Architectural Review – January 9, 2007

10.  Town of Sardinia, Town of Elma, Town of Alden – Resolution in Support of Internet Sex Offender Legislation

11.  Town of Concord – Opposition to Unfunded State Mandates

12.  County of Erie, Department of Environment and Planning, Division of Planning – Final 2007 Annual Action Plan

13.  Meeting Minutes – Long Range Planning Committee – January 23, 2007

14.  Golden Age Center – Vehicle Usage – February 2007

15.   Meeting Minutes – Grand Island Commission for the Conservation for the Environment – February 16, March 16, May 11, September 14, November 16, December 14, 2006

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Roesch to approve the Consent Agenda as distributed.

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

Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – TOWN BOARD:

SUPERVISOR McMAHON:

Appointment – Traffic Safety Advisory Board

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to appoint M. Scott Morris to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board for the balance of a vacated term expiring December 31, 2007.

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

Noes            0

 

Monthly Supervisor’s Report – January 2007

The Supervisor reported a cash balance of $428,212 on January 1, 2007

Total Receipts of $2,899,878

Total Disbursements of $3,073,001

Operating A/C Interest $134

Operating A/C Balance $255,223

Investment Interest $13,107

Investment Balance $3,422,385

Total Cash Balance as of January 31, 2007 $3,677,608

No action required by Town Board.

 

Grand Island Police Department – Change in Status

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to table the correspondence regarding the Grand Island Police Department.

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

Noes            0

 

Appointments – Cable/Communications Committee

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to appoint Dennis Dahl to the Cable/Communications Committee for the remainder of term set to expire December 31, 2007.

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

Noes            0

 

Set Public Hearing – Local Law Intro #2 of 2007

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to refer proposed Local Law Intro #2/2007 to the Town Board.

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

Noes            0

 

COUNCILWOMAN MARY S. COOKE:

Appointment – Environmental Conservation Commission

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to advertise for any advisory board vacancies.

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

Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – OTHER TOWN OFFICIALS:

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING & WATER RESOURCES - JOHN WHITNEY:

 

Change Order No. 4 – Baseline Master Lift Force Main Replacement & Pump Station Rehab – Job No. M-170

Change Order No. 4 is a change order to the engineering agreement for an additional $3,800.  During the construction of the contract, issues occurred related to controlling the operation of the new pumps with the newly installed control panel.  The issues required additional engineering evaluations and oversight by the Engineer.  The issues were found to be the fault of the contractor and the contractor has agreed to pay the engineering fees.

In Change Order No. 3 $3,800 was credited to the Town from the contractor’s contract.  The Town now needs to pay Stearns & Wheler the $3,800.  for the additional work they did to correct the control issues.  The net cost to the Town is zero.

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve Change Order No. 4.

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

Noes            0

 

 

Wastewater Dept. – Extension of Contract for Ferrous Chloride

Kemira Water Solutions has offered to accept the bid option to extend their contract for another two years.  This is a provision in the current bid document to provide the Wastewater Department with ferrous chloride.  The price will remain the same.  All other terms of the bid remain the same. 

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to approve extension of the contract with Kemira Water Solution for ferrous chloride at no increase in cost for 2007 and 2008.

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

Noes            0

 

 

Award Proposal for Professional Engineering Services – Master Plan for Bicentennial Park/Scenic Woods – Job No. M-176

Town Engineer John Whitney reported that in response to the Request for Proposals sent out on November 21, 2006, six (6) proposals were received on or before January 9, 2007.  A review committee consisting of members of the Town Board, the Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, the Recreation Advisory Board, the NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources and the Town Engineering Department reviewed the proposals and subsequently interviewed three (3) firms.  It is the consensus of that committee that the firm’s joint venturing as EDR/Wm. Schutt and Associates be awarded the project.  The fee for the above referenced work is $25,000 and is provided in a NYS DOS, DCR grant, which is a matching grant and the Town’s portion is $12,500.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Roesch to accept the recommendation of the Town Engineer and authorize the Supervisor to sign a contract with EDR/Wm. Schutt and Associates for the Master Plan for Bicentennial Park/Scenic Woods – Job No. M-176 subject to the approval of the Town Engineer.

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

Noes            0

 

 

 

 

2007 Water Intake Cleaning and Inspection Service

Town Engineer John Whitney reported that quotations were requested for the 2007 Water Intake Cleaning and Inspection Service.  Two (2) quotes were obtained from the two known vendors that perform this type of work in the area.  A third vendor was contacted but could not meet the requirements of the scope of services.  The quotes are as follows:

           

            Allen Marine Services                    $11,400.00

            BIDCO                                                            $11,660.00

 

After careful review of the bids, Mr. Whitney recommended the low bidder, Allen Marine Services be awarded the bid for in the amount of $11,400.00.

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to approve Mr. Whitney’s request for low bidder, Allen Marine Services to be awarded the bid for the 2007 Water Intake Cleaning and Inspection Service in the amount of $11,400.00.

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

Noes            0

 

Professional Services Contract – Majestic Woods Conservation Easement Survey – Subdivision 77

Town Engineer John Whitney reported that on December 14, 2006 the following proposal was received for Professional Services relating to survey work to delineate the Conservation Easement along the rear yards of bordering homes in Majestic Woods Subdivision:

           

                   URS Corporation                   $1,500.00

 

The proposal was reviewed and a recommendation to enter into a Professional Services Contract with URS Corporation in the amount of $1,500.00 was made by Mr. Whitney.

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to authorize the Supervisor to sign a contract with URS Corporation in the amount of $1,500.00 subject to the approval of the Town Attorney.

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

Noes            0

 

ZONING OFFICER – JOHN McCARTHY:

Special Use Permit Renewal – Carol M. Merckel – Keeping of 2 Agricultural Animals on 3 Acres

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to renew the Special Use Permit for Carol M. Merckel for the keeping of 2 agricultural animals on 3 acres.  The property has been inspected and it is unchanged.

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

Noes            0

 

PLANNING BOARD:

Concetta Farugia and Julian T. Archie – Exception to Subdivision Regulations/Create a 3.61 Acre Lot

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Crawford to table the request of Concetta Farugia and Julian T. Archie for Exception to Subdivision Regulations to create a 3.61 acre lot at the request of the Town Attorney.

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

Noes            0

 

 

 

 

Acceptable Training for Planning Board and ZBA Members

A draft resolution, which establishes qualifying activities for board member training was reviewed at the February 12th Planning Board Meeting.  The Planning Board recommends approval of the resolution as submitted.

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to refer the recommendation of the Planning Board to the Town Board for action.

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

Noes            0

 

COMMUNICATIONS – GENERAL: 

Citizen Corps Council Resignation

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilman Roesch to accept with regret the letter of resignation from Norman J. Mrkall as a member of the Citizen Corps Council.  A certificate of appreciation will be sent to Mr. Mrkall.

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

Noes            0

 

Grand Island Traffic Safety Advisory Board – Countermeasures for Residential Speed Control

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Cooke to refer the correspondence from the Traffic Safety Advisory Board regarding countermeasures for residential speed control to the Town Board for review.

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

Noes            0

 

New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Canal Corporation – 2006 Bridge Inspection Reports

A motion was made by Councilwoman Cooke, seconded by Councilman Roesch to refer the 2006 Bridge Inspection Reports from the New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Canal Corporation to the Town Engineer and the Town Highway Superintendent.

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

Noes            0

 

Western Erie Canal Alliance – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor 2006/2007 Pilot Grants Program

For information only.  No Town Board Action.

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE:

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

Vouchers #85750 - #85753, 85759, 85786-85996

General      $105,001.01

Highway     $  43,693.05

Sewer         $  31,538.33

Water          $  12,285.89

      Garbage     $  70,612.50

       Fire            $207,764.00

        Total         $470,894.78

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

Noes            0

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Lands & Forests – Municipal Urban Forest Restoration Assistance

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to table the Municipal Urban Forest Restoration Assistance.

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

Noes            0

 

Erie County Legislature & Town of Cheektowaga – Resolution in Support of Internet Sex Offender Legislation

A motion was made by Councilman Roesch, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to table the Resolution in Support of Internet Sex Offender Legislation from the Erie County Legislature & Town of Cheektowaga.

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

Noes            0

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

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

              Speakers:                   Scott Ferguson            

                                            Re: Bishops Gate Parking Restrictions

 

FROM THE TOWN BOARD:

Councilman Crawford:  Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner – Monday, March 12th – Holiday Inn, 5:00-8:00p.m.

Councilwoman Cooke:  Corporate Bowl – March 13th & March 20th – GIHS – 7:00p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilman Crawford, seconded by Councilwoman Argy to adjourn the meeting at 8:18p.m.

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

Noes            0

 

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


Cecilia “Shelagh” Korman

Joseph Thomas

Robert White

Francis Rodriguez

Dorothy Ahern

Velma Harding

Ellenor Kimmel

Esther “Betty” Wilson

Rene Gerber

Gary Glessner

Ronald Jarzyniecki

Dr. Donald Hess

Donald Ralf

Mildred Roberts

Bruce Whitford

Ronald Gannon

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Patricia A. Frentzel

Town Clerk