DECEMBER 12, 2022
The Town of Stafford Town Board meeting was called to order at 7:30pm with Supervisor Clement leading the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Councilmen Panek, Schramm, Duyssen and Pacer, also Highway Superintendent Boldt and Town Clerk Radley.
Others attending were Andrew Darling, Ben Duyssen, Terry Young, Gerry Wood, Cathy and Dale Worthington, Harold Leanos, Lori Frongetta, Jennifer Alejandro, and Eric Wies.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the Financial Report, second by Councilman Pacer; Cathy Worthington requested the balances of the accounts listed on the Financial Report. After the amounts were given the motion passed on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing for the Preliminary Budget, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing on the Fire Protection, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 14, 2022, Town Board Meeting, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept the Fire Department Monthly Report, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve the CEO/ZEO Monthly Report, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to accept the Assessor Report, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to accept Resolution 52, Adopting Local Law No. 3 of 2022, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a Roll Call Vote as follows:
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Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Schramm Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
Councilman Pacer made a motion to accept Resolution 53, Resolution to Approve the Eighth Amended Town of Batavia and Town of Stafford Financial Clerical Services Agreement, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Resolution 54, Fire Protection for 2023, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 4-0-1 vote with Councilman Pacer abstaining.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Resolution 56, Authorizing Budget Transfers for 2022, second by Councilman Pacer, Cathy Worthington questioned what the transfers were; it was told to her that they were all account numbers, and she could look them up with the budget she already has, then the motion was approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to accept Resolution 57, Hiring for MEO position, 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
The Annual Training in New York City was discussed; this is for the Code and Zoning Officers. This training is only for 16 hours of credit and in New York City; the Officer needs 24 hours and is offered in Rochester in March. The Officer will attend the training in Rochester, not New York City.
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The mileage rate increasing in July from the IRS guidelines was discussed. The Organizational Minutes state a rate of $.58.5 per mile for the year. The IRS has increased the amount to $.62.5 per mile effective July 1, 2022. After a brief discussion, Councilman Schramm made a motion to change the rate of mileage from $.58.5 per mile to $.62.5 from July 1 until the end of 2022, effective immediately; Councilman Pacer second and the motion was approved on a 5-0 vote.
Cathy Worthington inquired about the Tax Rate. Councilman Schramm explained that the rate for 2023 is $1.24, which is only $.01 more than this year. For the year 2022, the fire tax is $2.02 per thousand and the town rate is $.89 equaling $2.91. In 2023, the fire tax will be $1.68, and the town tax will be $1.24 equaling $2.92 which is only an increase of $.01.
Cathy then spoke of an error in the budget, the posting stated a different amount for the Councilman’s salary; the Councilman will be given $4,000.00 per year.
Cathy also spoke on the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the Town Board. Two letters were sent to the Attorney General: one for a complaint against Supervisor Clement for not meeting with her about Town business. This was explained again that he does not meet with residents, any questions may be asked and answered at Town Board meetings. Cathy stated that she does not have the list tonight but will have it ready in the future. The other letter to the Attorney General was a complaint against Councilman Pacer and his comment to her at the last meeting, she also asked for a public apology.
Eric Wies spoke about Water District 12 and the changes with the pricing and the whole project. The labor prices have increased; the driller has asked for an increase in the cost, $50,000.00 more on top of the bid price. This may be within the line of contingency so we may be able to absorb the costs. Eric then presented an updated Map Plan Report; the Debt Service Charge has not increased it is still $505.00 per year. The Capital Reserve Fund has changed because of the cost for PVC pipe, it will be $60.00 per year. The estimated total cost is $945.00 per year; this includes water usage costs; $505.00 for the Debt Service and $440.00 for the estimated water usage.
The Units were discussed; ninety-one units is the number. A full unit is any parcel receiving water, commercial or homes. The .5 unit is a vacant parcel and useable land; not landlocked or in need of a variance to be used.
At this point, we are waiting for the Town Attorney to have two resolutions drawn for Public Hearings to amend the costs. There will be a Special Meeting to move forward, then back to Rural Development and hopefully get this project to completion. A letter will be sent to all the residents of this district before the Public Hearing.
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Councilman Panek spoke of the Water Districts and what can be done to get water to more people. There have been questions from residents in different areas of the town as to when water will be in their area. It was explained that a plan has been started to map out who is asking and pinning the location on a map so that we can get an idea of where to start with new Districts. The Newsletter will be a good resource to have a link inserted to communicate with the residents on this issue.
Town Clerk Radley talked about the Youth Bureau and getting funding for the Summer Recreation Program. She asked for the Councilman to help organize the hiring and setting up the program. Samantha Call has brought all her records from her term as Director and that will help tremendously in the future. She has all the records well documented and organized; Thank You Samantha.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract # 12 General Fund in the amount of $28,141.84, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract # 12 Capital Projects in the amount of $1,668.50, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract # 12 Highway Fund in the amount of $11,832.16, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract # 12 Water Fund in the amount of $22,587.98, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:45pm, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Upon return to the regular meeting at 9:45pm, Councilman Schramm made a motion to adjourn at 9:47pm, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk