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April 20, 2020 Annual Budget Hearing / Regular Meeting

Mayor James M. Jaroszynski
Trustee J. Michael Steele
Trustee Timothy Dunn
Trustee Alan Gustafson, Jr.
Trustee Kipp Reynolds

Gregory Peterson, Attorney
Anna L. Fales, Village Clerk
Lawrence Trask, Treasurer
Bryce Webster, Fire Chief
W. Robert Morris, Code Enforcement Officer
Peter C. Fuller, DPW Superintendent
Laurie Becker, Library Director

The annual budget hearing/regular meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was held on Monday, April 20, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. via Zoom Video/Teleconference with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding.

Pledge of Allegiance

Visitors

Mayor Jaroszynski addressed the visitors with the following statement:
“Anybody out there that wants to address this board, they can email the village clerk falconer@netsync.net or by telephone tomorrow and we’ll get back to you with answers as soon as we can. That’s just for the (regular) meeting.”

In attendance via Zoom were Tim Becker, acting as meeting co-host, Jordan Patterson of the Post Journal and an unknown visitor identified on the screen as TJ.

Roll:

Trustee Steele, Trustee Dunn, Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Reynolds and Mayor Jaroszynski were all present.

Budget Presentation:

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to open the Hearing for the 20/21 budget. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Mayor Jaroszynski noted that the preliminary budget was presented for review at the March 2nd village board meeting. He gave a brief over view, stating that he “finds it to be a good budget.” “Something the taxpayers can feel good with.” He also noted that the budget calls for a $ 0.15/thousand tax increase over last year. The new rate will be $9.39, up from $9.24 this year. He then opened the floor for questions or comments from the board and public; asking anyone wishing to speak to raise their hands. It was noted that there was no showing of hands.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Steele, to close the Hearing for the 20/21 budget. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to adopt the 20/21 budget as presented. In addition, the board reserves the right to make future budgetary modifications for fiscal year 20/21 revenues and expenses, which may result from the COVID-19 crisis. All department managers must strictly adhere to the Village of Falconer and the New York State procurement policies for any and all purchases. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Minutes

Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the minutes of the regular Board of Trustee meeting of March 2, and the minutes/transcription of the special Board of Trustee meeting of March 23rd, all as s written. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Fire Chief

The chief’s March report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 41 EMS, 9 Cancelled in Route, 2 Structure Fire, 1 Good intent, 1 system or detector malfunction, 1 electrical wiring/equipment problem, 1 combustible/flammable spills & leaks, and 1 chemical release, reaction, or toxic, totaling 57 calls in March/360.04 personnel hours.

Mutual Aid Breakdown- February
Given: Jamestown-6, Fly Car-3, Frewsburg-3, Kennedy 1, Randolph-1, Cherry Creek-1, Gerry-1, Town of Ellicott Police 1, totaling 17.
Received: Medic 1-1, Alstar-1, Gerry-1, Kennedy-3, Kiantone-1, Fly Car Assist-9, County Fire Police-1, totaling 17.

Mutual Aid Breakdown- March
Given: Jamestown-12, Fly Car-2, Frewsburg-6, Kennedy 3, Town of Ellicott Police 1, totaling 24.
Received: Fluvanna-1, Gerry-2, Kennedy-3, Kiantone-1, Fly Car Assist-3, County Fire Coordinator-1, totaling 11.

Chief Webster responded to Trustee Gustafson’s inquiry regarding the department’s PPE status, saying that the department is “completely set” with what its current needs are for PPE (personal protective equipment in response to the COVID-19 crisis).

Code Enforcement

The March code officer report was reviewed. It was noted 5 ($125.00) building permits were issued, 0 building inspections were performed, 0 certificates of occupancy were issued, 0 certificates of compliance, 40 phone calls/personal contact/emails were addressed, 10 complaints received/actions taken. 7 notices of violations mailed, 1 notice of violations resolved, 1 stop work order issued, and 1 stop work order resolved. CEO Morris also reported that due to the current NY PAUSE order by Governor Cuomo, the village has placed a hold on all new (non-emergency/essential) building permits and inspections until further notice.

Department of Public Works

The DPW report was reviewed for the period March 2, 2020-April 8, 2020.
Superintendent Fuller reported that the DPW department is now working on a 3-man on, 1-man off rotation due to COVID-19 situation.

Library

The March library report was reviewed. This month the library received $24.00 for fines, $50.00 for copies and faxes, $125.00 holiday sale, $973.00 for gifts & donation, and other $850.90. Mrs. Becker noted that in response to the Governor’s orders for the COVID-19 crisis, the Library has been closed since March 17th. Sandy Thies has been busy volunteering making masks and writing book quoted on sidewalks throughout the village. Ashley Nelson is now streaming Story-Hour for children on Facebook Live. Trustee Gustafson commented that his family is “really enjoying” the Story-Hours.

Committees:

Animal Control:

The March 2020 animal control report was reviewed, noting one complaint of an at-large dog on E. Mosher Street.

Trustee Steele read a letter, dated March 11, 2020 from Joseph and Rita Taylor, 25 E Falconer Street, requesting a special permit to house 3 dogs at his residence. After discussion, Trustee Steele made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to table the special permit request pending further investigation by Officer Belin. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Trustee Steele submitted into record the report received from Officer Belin, dated April 9, 2020, regarding his April 7, 2020 investigation of the Jaroszynski property at 411 West Avenue, Falconer, NY. Officer Belin’s report was summarized noting that he, Officer Belin, “had never received a formal type of complaint regarding the dogs at 411 West Avenue. So, under Section 5.12 of the Village of Falconer Animal Control Law, he could see no reason that the Falconer Village Board should not issue a special permit for a third dog if they elect to do so.”

Trustee Steele made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to approve a one-year special permit to house three dogs, as long as there are no complaints from the neighborhood in that one-year time. The permit will be renewable yearly with the submission of a new application. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, and Reynolds: Aye. Nays: None. Jaroszynski: Abstain. Carried.

Farmers Market

Trustee Reynold’s was given an update on the market’s status by the mayor, noting that the market was tabled by the board for one year. Trustee Reynolds asked, “Is there any way to do something like that in a non-official capacity or anything of that nature. Just, because I feel like a lot of farmers locally would probably like the opportunity to get their produce out there, and I know it’s a, it might be a good engagement opportunity for folks in our town.” Trustee Dunn replied, the deadline to apply to hold a market during the summer of 2020 had passed.

Fire Advisory Board:

Trustee Steele read the following letter from the Fire Advisory Board into record:

“The fire advisory board requested the village board to pass a resolution, establishing a fire truck purchasing committee. While advisory nature of the purchase of said committee shall be to:

  1. Consider and draw specifications necessary for the bidding process.
  2. Research and prepare for the sale of existing engine 401.
  3. Report on a regular basis to the village board.

The proposed committee will consist of six members as follows:
Ken Lyons, Lance Hedlund, Anthony Cavallaro, Bryce Webster, Avery Faulkner, Orville Eckard.

The proposed chairperson for the committee is Anthony Cavallaro. It is understood that while this resolution establishes the committee is a functioning group, a separate resolution will be necessary for the purchase of said truck in a sale of existing truck. The anticipated length of time necessary for the whole collection of data in preparation of the bid is expected to be between seven and 18 months. The formation of this committee is temporary and the committee will be dissolved work is accomplished.”

Trustee Steele made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to approve the for mentioned Fire Advisory Board’s request as written. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Parks:

Superintendent Fuller requested approval to replace the four cameras over by the playground area, park pavilions and the parking lot. Two of the existing cameras were recently damaged by vandals. The approximate price quoted by FSC for the upgrades was $2,000. Following discussion, and in consideration with the current state of the economy due to the COVID-19 crisis, the board agreed to hold off on the purchase.

Planning and Zoning:

Trustee Gustafson reported that all meetings are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis.

New Business:

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the Annual Organizational motions as written:

  • In compliance with Village Law 50524 regarding the Annual Organizational Meeting, it is moved and seconded to approve:
    • Community Bank and M&T Bank as Village of Falconer depositories
    • Designation of the Jamestown Post-Journal as the official newspaper for the publishing of legal notices,
    • Continued participation in the Chautauqua County Mutual Aid Agreement
    • Appointment of committee members
    • Authorization payment in advance of audit of claims for public utility services, postage, freight and express charges, insurances and other charges that become due prior to the Board meeting that otherwise would incur late fee charges,
    • Attendance by municipal officials and employees at schools, conferences, seminars, associated organization meetings, etc., conducted for the benefit of the Village of Falconer
    • Reimbursement to such officers and employees the fixed mileage rate as set by the IRS as reimbursement for use of personal automobiles while performing their official duties on behalf of the Village,
    • The present Procurement Policy
    • Setting the 2021 Organizational Meeting of the Village of Falconer as Monday, April 11, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
    Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
  • The Board discussed the 2020 Memorial Day Parade and concluded that due to the social distancing requirements set forth by Governor Cuomo in response to the COVID-19 crisis, a traditional parade may not be feasible this year. The Falconer American Legion will be contacted by Clerk Fales.

Abstracts

Motion: It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Steele that Abstract #11, General Fund in the amount of $ 20,814.65 be approved for payment. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Motion: It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Reynolds that Abstract #11, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $ 615.43 be approved for payment. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Motion: It is moved by Trustee Steele and seconded by Trustee Dunn that Abstract #11, Library Fund in the amount of $ 674.51 be approved for payment. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Motion: It is moved by Trustee Reynolds and seconded by Trustee Steele that Abstract #11, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $20,696.59 be approved for payment. Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Mayor Jaroszynski closed the meeting with the following comments:

“Okay, just my closing notes here because of what’s happening nationally and in our own state and our own community. I just felt it as mayor just to give praise to local fire department, to our local healthcare workers. They’re going above and beyond. All our essential workers are going above and beyond in response to this to the virus. To this Coronavirus. I’d also and just as you all can read and see on TV, the people around the nation and in New York state, that because of the Corona, COVID crisis, have been laid off, or their jobs have been lost. Food Banks are just working tremendous right now and we have at least one that I know of in Falconer. So, if we as a board or as a community can reach out and give to these food banks, it would be much appreciated, and I would appreciate it. So that’s, that’s my closing comments. As far as the board meeting tonight.”

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of employment review at 7:44 pm.
Motion made by: Trustee Steele
Seconded by: Trustee Dunn
Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Motion to close the executive session and re-enter into open session at 7:46 pm.
Motion made by: Trustee Steele
Seconded by: Trustee Gustafson
Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Motion to adjourn the meeting 7:48 pm.
Motion made by: Trustee Steele
Seconded by: Trustee Gustafson
Roll: Steele: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried

Respectfully submitted,
Anna Fales, Village Clerk