Town of Stafford Board Meeting April 10, 2023

Apr 27, 2023 | Town Board Meeting Minutes

TOWN OF STAFFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING
APRIL 10, 2023

Supervisor Clement opened the April 10, 2023, Stafford Town Board meeting at 7:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Councilman Panek, Councilman Schramm, Councilman Duyssen, Councilman Pacer, Highway Superintendent Boldt and Town Clerk Radley.
Also, in attendance were Cathy and Dale Worthington, Linda Call, Phyllis Darling, Terry Young, James and Laura Pontillo, Charlie Giacchino, Harold Leanos, Andrew Darling, and Quentin Call.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to accept the Financial Report, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the March 13, 2023, Town Board meeting minutes, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the March 29, 2023, Code and Zoning Enforcement Workshop minutes, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept the Fire Department Report, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the Assessor’s Report, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve Resolution 23- Adopting Local Law No. 1 of 2023, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a Roll Call Vote as follows:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Schramm Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve Resolution 24-Accepting Auction Bids for the Highway Department, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 25-Amending 2023 Budgetary Line Items/JCAP, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to approve Resolution 26-Budget Transfers, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
The Stafford Town Board will hold a special meeting for Adopting the Bond Resolution for Water District #12 on April 18, 2023, at 7pm at the Town Hall 8903 Route 237, Stafford, NY.
There was a discussion on the Volunteer Fire Service Initiative. This is a proposed Tax Relief for Volunteer Firefighters. Governor Houchul is asking for our support. Councilman Panek made a motion to support Governor Kathy Hochul 2024 Budget Address Stabilizing and Strengthening the Volunteer Fire service in New York State, second by Councilman Pacer and approved 5-0.
The Security System was discussed; the cameras and FOB system, this was talked about at length about the ease and security of the Town Hall building. The discussion was concerning security and the loss of keys and ease of assigning people access or denying access depending on the circumstances for the FOB system.
The security cameras were also discussed. The original monies to provide the cameras came from the JCAP grant through the court. The Board feels that it should be managed through the Supervisor’s Office since it is owned by the Town. Councilman Panek will contact Judge Penepent about this issue.
The possibility of having Soccer Scrimmages at Emery Park was discussed. Councilman Schramm made a motion to approve the use of the Soccer Field at Emery Park for a Soccer Scrimmage, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Cathy Worthington spoke and asked about the Water District #12 progress; a Permissive Referendum is in effect, and we will have a Public Hearing on this issue April 18th at 7:00pm at the Town Hall for this purpose. Also asked was what limit do we have in place for spending before bids are sought? It was explained that our Organizational Meeting sets this at any item over $3,000.00 needs to go to bid. The bids are not FOIL able because of the sensitivity of the information on the bids.
Cathy also expressed a concern over the agenda; she is asking for more details on the Agenda so that anyone can decide whether or not to attend the meeting.
The Code Enforcement Office was discussed and the possibility of making an agreement with the Town of Batavia to provide more coverage in case of the absence of our Code Officer. At this point, we have only one Officer and need coverage in case of his vacations, etc. The Town of Batavia has an engineer on staff and that may be beneficial to us also. It was decided that we should rewrite the agreement for the next meeting.
Councilman Panek updated us on Broadband coverage for our Town. The bids are under negotiation; that means that the information cannot be shared with us at this point. There are 67 residents in consideration at this time; and this will be confirmed by our Assessor to make sure they are qualified residents, not just abandoned buildings. We are in Phase 1 of this project which means that it could be 18-24 months from when the bids are approved. The Franchise money should be used for this project, the money will be transferred to the correct account when the time comes.
Gary Snell spoke of the electronic signs he is looking into. He has a quote for one sign but waiting on others; he will report when he gets all three in. The Flags order has been placed and more information will be coming next month.
Councilman Panek made a motion to adjourn to executive session at 8:40pm, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
The Town Board resumed the meeting at 9:01 pm.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #4 General Fund in the amount of $67,476.41, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #4 Highway Fund in the amount of $22,265.88, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #4 Capital Projects in the amount of $363.55, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #4 Water Fund in the amount of $3,745.26, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:07pm, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk/Tax Collector

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