TOWN OF STAFFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING
MAY 13, 2024
The Stafford Town Board was called to order at 7:30pm by Supervisor Clement with the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Councilman Panek, Councilman Young, Councilman Duyssen, Councilman Pacer, Highway Superintendent Boldt and Town Clerk Radley.
Also, in attendance were, Sophia Muzurch, Linda and Gary Snell, Alicia Stoklosa, Don Muller, Kristopher Winkler (LaBella), Andrew Darling, Charlie Giacchino and David DiMatteo, Attorney.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Financial Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve the April 8, 2024 Regular Board Meeting second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of May 15, 2024 second by Councilman Young and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Fire Department Report second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve the CEO/ZEO Report second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve the Assessor’s Report second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Alicia Stoklosa, a representative from Catalyze was present to discuss the Solar Project in the Stafford. She presented the Board with a handout of the project and spoke as counsel for the Solar Project on Batavia Stafford Town Line Rd. They are anxious to get the project moving forward and were hoping to leave with a notice of intent with a SEQR started and to get resolution. Councilman Panek mentioned receiving a letter from our Attorney stating that the Town of Stafford is in no position to do any of the requests listed by Catalyze. When Ms. Stoklosa asked why the Town is not in a position to move forward Councilman Panek mentioned the request of waiver for the escrow account; no waiver has been issued or forwarded. The Town Attorney, David DiMatteo, was present and stated that the Town has had issues with escrow accounts in the past and is not willing to have issues again.
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There were suggestions of compromise, but nothing has materialized yet. There are no assurances yet by Catalyze and the residents should not bear the burden of this project.
Catalyze does not intend on burdening the residents and are willing to negotiate an escrow, but a much smaller amount. Sophia Muzurch from Catalyze stated that they are willing to spend $15,000-$20,000 in escrow and usually return around $5,000 at the end of any project. This is in good faith and are willing to start the project stating if the funds fall below a certain amount, negotiations for more money are possible. Our Attorney stated that we will not negotiate tonight and asked that a proposal be submitted in writing. This was agreed upon and will be sent in writing.
Catalyze agrees to pay for the cost of sending out notices involved with this project and is asking to start the SEQR and the Board to be lead agency. A PILOT or Host Agreement was mentioned to ensure that the taxpayers are not burdened with the costs incurred; this will be considered at a later date, not tonight.
Ms. Stoklosa proposed to have a written statement to our Attorney and to revisit this in our June meeting. Decommissioning was also discussed and will be discussed again later also. The target date by Catalyze to begin the project is in 2025.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve Resolution 31, Approval of Water District #12 Information, second by Councilman Young and approved on a Roll Call vote.
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
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RESOLUTION 31 DATED: MAY 13, 2024
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE WATER DISTRICT #12 INFORMATION
WHEREAS the Town of Stafford Town Board has received information regarding the ongoing Water District #12, and
WHEREAS the Town of Stafford Town Board has reviewed the information regarding Water District #12 and all Board members and Supervisor has signed that they have reviewed the information,
THEREFORE, the Town Board of the Town of Stafford has accepted the information received regarding Water District #12
Offered by: Councilman Duyssen
Second by: Councilman Young
Approved on a Roll Call Vote
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 32, Reference to Proposed Water District No. 14, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a Roll Call Vote as follows:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
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RESOLUTION 32 DATED: MAY 13, 2024
RESOLUTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE PROPOSED TOWN OF STAFFORD, GENESEE COUNTY, NEW YORK WATER DISTRICT NO. 14 PROJECT
WHEREAS the Town of Stafford Town Board supports the submission of a New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grant on behalf of the Town for the Water District No. 14 project hereinafter referred to as the “Project”; and
WHEREAS affordability for Town residents and property owners is a significant concern in advancement of the proposed project; and
WHEREAS Engineering Reports entitled “Preliminary Engineering Report for the Town of Stafford Water District No. 14” recommends implementing the Project to help improve water quality and protect public health; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
- The Town Board authorizes Municipal Solution, Inc. to prepare applications for WIIA Grant funds from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
- The Town Board authorizes Robert Clement, in his role as Town Supervisor, to execute the application and any necessary supporting documents required to apply for the WIIA grant funds from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
- This resolution shall take effect immediately
Offered by: Councilman Panek
Second by: Councilman Duyssen
Approved on a Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
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Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve Resolution 33 Hiring a Part Time Court Attendant, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 33 DATED: MAY 13, 2024
PART-TIME COURT ATTENDANT
WHEREAS the Town Court needs a part-time court attendant on a part-time basis; and
WHEREAS the Town Court received and reviewed applications to hire a court attendant on a part-time basis,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Stafford Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Court to hire Eric Koziarski as a part-time court attendant, on a part-time basis at a rate of $25.00 per hour, not to exceed 19.5 hours per week, and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the expenditure will be appropriated from line item A1110.14.
Offered by: Councilman Duyssen
Second by: Councilman Pacer
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve Resolution 34 Authorization for the Supervisor to sign proposal by Municipal Solutions to Represent the Town of Stafford with the Future Water District No. 14, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a Roll Call vote.
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
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RESOLUTION 34 DATED: MAY 13, 2024
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN PROPOSAL BY MUNICIPAL SOLUTIONS TO REPRESENT THE TOWN OF STAFFORD WITH THE FUTURE WATER DISTRICT NO. 14
WHEREAS the Town of Stafford is investigating into the possibility of a water district to be named Water District No. 14 and,
WHEREAS the water district will need to have grants, loans and BANS involved to achieve this water district and,
WHEREAS Municipal Solutions is registered as a recognized municipal advisor with the SEC and the MSRB as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and,
WHEREAS Municipal Solutions has represented the Town of Stafford in the past with success and,
WHEREAS the Proposal is divided into the following parts: Application for Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant (WIIA), Preparation of an Application through RD Apply, Fiscal Services, Conflicts of Interest and Other Required Disclosures and Miscellaneous duties and
WHEREAS Water District No. 14 will comprise of Clapsaddle and Fargo Roads,
THEREFORE, the Town Board of the Town of Stafford authorizes the Supervisor to sign the Proposal by Municipal Solutions, Inc. to represent the Town of Stafford with the future Water District No. 14.
Offered by: Councilman Pacer
Second by: Councilman Duyssen
Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
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A Grant Proposal for Water District No.14 was discussed after Supervisor Clement read a letter from the County. After a discussion it was decided to send the packet to Municipal Solutions for consideration.
The Bids for painting the Post Office Interior were opened on May 1, 2024 and were presented to the Board Members. After a discussion, Councilman Panek made a motion to table these Bids asking for more information and to get a better scope of the Bids, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 4-1 vote with Councilman Young voting no.
A letter regarding the Highway CHIPS was presented for the Councilman to sign; these are going to the State Representatives as well as our Congresswoman Tenney. This letter was in favor of changing the NYSDOT policies regarding our CHIPS allocations. Councilman Panek made a motion to forward the letter to Claudia Tenney and Steve Hawley, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Charlie Giacchino asked about enforcement of the 5-Ton weight limit on Transit Rd. This road is extremely busy, and speeds are very high. Linda Snell agreed and asked what is needed to reduce the speed on that road, many times the vehicles are going too fast and have skidded to a stop at the Stop Sign. There is concern for an accident waiting to happen. For this to happen, this has to be brought to the attention of the County Highway Traffic Authority then to the State for approval. It was also mentioned that Brooks Hawley, our County Representative may have some input as well.
Linda Snell spoke of the Flag Project. She thanked the Highway Department for putting them on the poles, she is very grateful they are up before Memorial Day. Linda also spoke of disappointment for the placement, she provided a map of where they should be located; all within the Hamlet. Now they are past the Red Osier Restaurant at the Branton Farm and down farther on Rt. 237 and three on Transit Rd. that were not necessary. Linda is asking that next year they be placed closer to what she requested. It was stated that some poles were difficult because of ground wires being in a conduit and the brackets will not fit, and some of the places had properties with trash or high grass and that is unsightly for the flags. This will be addressed again next year.
The Sleds of Stafford presented a letter asking for permission to use Town land for snowmobiling season. Councilman Pacer made a motion for Supervisor Clement to sign the permission letter to The Sleds of Stafford allowing the club to use the Greenspan in their trail system, second by Councilman Young and approved on a 5-0 vote.
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Linda Snell asked about the possibility of the Highway Department having a pickup day scheduled for brush and appliances, etc. She has seen other Towns and Villages doing this and it is a good way to eliminate collection of these items and beautify our town. After a discussion, it was suggested that this be proposed at the Budget Workshop later in the year so that the cost of this could be included in the budget.
Highway Superintendent Boldt suggested that we investigate our Zoning Fees, particularly the Solar Fees. Other Town have a different structure that bring in more funds for the Town. This will be looked at in the future.
Councilman Duyssen asked about the Town of Batavia helping us with the Zoning and Code duties, it was stated that this will happen when the Town of Batavia is caught up on their current projects.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #5 General Fund in the amount of $32,065.07, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #5 Highway Fund in the amount of $9,484.10, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #5 Capital Fund in the amount of $85,755.43, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract 5 Water Fund in the amount of $10,301.00, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Supervisor Clement made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:38 pm to discuss personnel matters and invited Zoning Officer Don Mullen and Town Clerk Barb Radley into the meeting, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Upon returning from Executive Session at 10:40 pm, Councilman Duyssen made a motion to return to the meeting second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:41 pm, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk/Tax Collector