TOWN OF STAFFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING
JULY 10, 2023
Supervisor Robert Clement opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:33pm. In attendance were Councilman Ronald Panek, Councilman Edmund Schramm, Councilman James Duyssen, Councilman Robert Pacer, Highway Superintendent Steven Boldt and Town Clerk Barbara Radley.
Attending also were Linda Call, Cathy and Dale Worthington, Harold and Roxy Leanos, Tony Prinz, Terry Young, Peter Lent, OCWC, Jim Seiler OCWC, Andrew Darling, James Pontillo and Mitchell Bryan.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept the Financial Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Schramm made a motion to accept the Town Board Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2023, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve the Fire Department Report, second by Councilman Duyssen 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 Report, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Jim Seiler and Peter Lent from the Genesee County Water Shed Committee gave a report. They spoke of the Oatka Creek that runs through Stafford as well as the Black Creek which also runs through Stafford. There are 26 municipalities in this watershed. It starts at Gainsville and ends in Scottsville. This is a collaborative effort with the DEC, Soil and Water Committee and the Genesee County Water Shed Committee.
This committee formed in 2014 with an introduction of the Management Plan which the State approved in 2015. The Board was presented with the plan and has 72 recommendations in the plan. Some of the recommendations are for waste water treatment which is not relevant to Stafford. Agriculture and run off from the soil is a concern and needs to be managed. There are workshops and training for this to work on common needs; this is where the DEC and Soil and Water Department is extremely helpful.
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The two main issues with the County Water Shed Committee are nutrient enrichment and erosion. This year they hope to update the plan and have hopes to stay connected and keep up to date with the Town.
The Committee is also looking for a liaison from the Town to keep everyone informed, maybe from the Planning Department. Much of the information that was given to the Board is also online for anyone’s review. This Committee meets on the third Monday of the month and is willing to have more active members if anyone is interested.
Councilman Panek made a motion to accept Resolution 38 the Retention and Disposition Schedule (LGS-1) for the retention and disposition of vital records for the Town, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Resolution 39 a Correction to Hire the Summer Recreation Employees, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Resolution 40 Toshiba Printer renewal for lease second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Resolution 41 to increase the credit card amount for the Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek and Councilman Schramm met with the Town of Batavia to discuss the possibility of a Municipal Agreement for the Code and Zoning Department. This could be a temporary or permanent agreement. This may not happen immediately since the Town of Batavia is busy and short-staffed at this point; they see this as a temporary situation and will be able to assist the Town of Stafford.
In the meantime, the Town of Stafford is looking to hire an additional Code/Zoning Officer that will work with Gene Sinclair to learn the job and gain certification. Interviews will be set up with past candidates for the position on August 1, 2023, at 7:00pm if the candidates are available at that time.
The Town of Batavia does contract with the Town of Pavilion and Alexander with much success and at a minimal cost.
Mr. Pontillo asked if the Town of Batavia would be the lead if any violations were taken to court; he was told no, they would be witnesses, our Code/Zoning Officers would be the officers to interact with the court.
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Solar Law was discussed, and it was stated that if a project is over 20 megawatts, the State would take over the project and it would be out of the Town of Stafford’s hands. The Town of Batavia has learned that a Host Agreement was the way to manage the solar projects; this way some funds would be returned to the Town. The Solar projects do not employ people and it was suggested that a PILOT would also be a good way to gain revenue from the project. Next month we will have a Host Agreement on the agenda.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to accept the resignation of Michelle McEwen as Deputy Town Clerk and Cleaner and to send a letter of gratitude for her dedicated service, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote. There will be an ad placed for the cleaning position.
General Code visited the Town Clerk and suggested the Town using Map link as a resource for the Planning and Zoning Departments as a tool to research the Code and Zoning in our Town. After careful consideration, the Town Board has declined this addition to General Code.
Mr. Pontillo spoke of the property he owns at the corner of Rt 5 and 237; he was inside working on the building two weeks ago and again this afternoon outside. He agrees to work on the south and north sides of the building but feels he is prohibited from working on the west side. There is not enough room to work on the west side without trespassing onto the neighboring property. He has been talked to by the police in the past and feels that he can not work on the west side. Because of this, Mr. Pontillo is looking for a solution to this problem and to work with the owners amiably.
Highway Superintendent Boldt reported that next week paving will be done on Sweetland Rd. from Roanoke Rd. to Bater Rd.
Mrs. Worthington asked what the progress was for Water District #12; no updates at this point, final funding is in the works, and we are waiting on the USDA for that answer. She then asked about the survey that was in the newsletter a few months ago; have we heard on that? No, we will not hear for at least six months and people are still able to fill out the survey.
Mr. Leanos asked about the possible Solar Farm behind him on Buckley Rd. We have not heard anything about this currently.
Mrs. Linda Call invited all to the Historical Society meeting on the 26th. Ted McGraw will be the presenter with Irish music. On behalf of Mrs. Amy Swanson, Mrs. Call thanked the Town for the use of the parking lot for Anders Swanson’s Grad party. This was a safer alternative for the guests and the celebration was a great one.
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It was asked if there would be a Taste of Stafford again. Mrs. Call reported that since COVID this project has lost momentum and the membership is declining. There is only a core group of 10 healthy members and that is not enough to put this event together; it takes a lot of time and energy to make this happen. This did occur for 15 years, and it has not been in existence for four years. It is greatly missed.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract #6 General Fund in the amount of $38,718.84, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract #6 Highway Fund in the amount of $142,436.01, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to accept Abstract #6 Capital Fund in the amount of $4,500.00, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Supervisor Clement made a motion to adjourn at 9:05pm, second by Councilman Schramm and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk/Tax Collector