TOWN OF STAFFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING
August 14, 2023
Supervisor Robert Clement opened the Regular Town Board Meeting at 7:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Councilman Ronald Panek, Councilman Ed Schramm, Councilman James Duyssen, Councilman Robert Pacer, Highway Superintendent Steve Boldt and Town Clerk Barb Radley.
Attending also were, Cathy and Dale Worthington, Terry Young, Don Mullen, Tony Prinz, Andrew Darling, Harold Leanos, Gary and Linda Snell, Quentin Call and Charlie Giacchino.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to approve the Financial Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2023, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Special Town Board Meeting Minutes of August 2, 2023, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
After Supervisor Clement read the Fire Department Report Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Fire Department Report, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
After Supervisor Clement read the CEO/ZEO Report Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve the CEO/ZEO Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
After Supervisor Clement read the Assessor Report Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve the Assessor Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Supervisor Clement read the Agreement for Code and Zoning with the Town of Batavia, Councilman Schramm explained the need for this service and how it will benefit our Town just as the agreement for the bookkeepers has benefited us.
Councilman Panek explained the need for a Host Agreement for Solar. This would be for the bigger projects that the State controls; it would be a way to generate funds we would otherwise not receive. There was a question of whether the Sun East project is still moving forward; nothing has been reported to us as of today.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 43 a Municipal Agreement with the Town of Batavia for Zoning, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 44 for the Sale of a Pick- Up Truck, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to approve Resolution 45 Authorize Supervisor And/or Deputy Supervisor to Sign a Contract with David DiMatteo to Act as Our Attorney for Litigation For Code/Zoning Purposes, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
The New York Senate Bill proposal for the Justice System was discussed after Supervisor Clement read the proposal. This proposal is asking for support to possibly consolidate the court system. Councilman Schramm made a motion to sign and support this bill, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
The Cleaning Position was discussed. We have four applicants and plan to interview them on Thursday, August 24, beginning at 6:30pm.
Plumbing Issues were discussed. We have had the septic system pumped very often this year; we found the toilets are old and not sealing well, the water is leaking into the septic and causing it to need to be pumped too often. We will purchase all new toilets and replace them with our own resources.
The Dog Census was discussed. Margaret Merrick our Dog Census Taker has resigned. As a result, because of the time of year, we will advertise for a new Census Taker to complete the task next calendar year from May to September.
Cathy Worthington spoke and asked about Special Use Permits, who gets them and who does not. It was explained about the different categories of land ownership and that in most cases Agriculture Zoning does not require a Special Use Permit and there are only a few granted. Cathy also asked about how we advertise our need for cleaners etc. Councilman Panek said that we use the Penny savers for circulation.
Cathy also asked about the Deputy Town Clerk resigning, and will she be replaced; Town Clerk Barb Radley said she does not plan to replace the Deputy Clerk. Another question was asked about the Executive Session and why the Town Clerk was invited. It was explained that the Town Board has the right to invite anyone they wish to the Executive Session; the Town Clerk is in the office and interacts with the people interested in obtaining a permit therefore has an insight into the position.
The website was discussed by Cathy as well, she is having difficulty finding the forms and would like to have the website changed. That will be investigated.
Councilman Panek spoke of the Special Meeting for the Code/Zoning Officer, Don Mullen has 25 years of construction experience and the hours he is available is advantageous to our Town. Don is available Wednesday and Thursday nights and the first and third Saturday. These hours work well for the working people with Building Permits. He is available to start September 4, 2023.
Town Clerk Radley thanks Linda Snell for all her hard work to get the banners purchased for the Town. One of the banners was shown to the audience, it was well received. Linda put in many hours and two years to get this done; it has paid off; we are so appreciative. Thank you, Linda. The Town Clerk has asked the Highway Department to hang them soon and take them down around Halloween for the winter. They will be put on Main Rd. from the Park to the area of the old railroad tracks by Stafford Painters, on every other pole north and south, and on Transit Rd. to the cemetery and Rt 237 to the Country Club.
Councilman made a motion to approve Abstract #8 General Fund in the amount of $55,910.96, second by Councilman and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman made a motion to approve Abstract #8 Highway Fund in the amount of $135,864.12, second by Councilman and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman made a motion to approve Abstract #8 Capital Funds in the amount of $2,379.53, second by Councilman and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman made a motion to approve Abstract #8 Water Fund in the amount of $44,635.44, second by Councilman and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Cathy Worthington asked about an update on Water District #12. The pipe has been ordered and plan on starting the project in September; there will be a meeting with the Monroe County Water Authority to inform the residents and have them sign up for water hook up.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters regarding pay at 9:05pm, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Upon reconvening from Executive Session at 9:20pm, Councilman Panek made a motion to accept Resolution 46 To Accept Changes in Code/Zoning Personnel and Changes in Rates of Pay, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a Roll Call Vote as follows:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Schramm Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
A Budget Workshop has been scheduled for September 12, 2023, at 3:00pm.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:55pm, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk/Tax Collector