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May 10, 2021 Regular Meeting

Mayor James M. Jaroszynski  
Trustee Timothy Dunn
Trustee Kipp Reynolds 
Trustee Anthony Cavallaro 

Gregory Peterson, Village Attorney 
Carl Caprino, DPW Superintendent 
Laurie Becker, Library Director 
W. Robert Morris, Code Enforcement Officer 
Eric Yager, Fire Chief
Anna L. Fales, Village Clerk 

The regular meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was called to order on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. at the Firemen’s’ Exempt Hall with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding.   

Pledge of Allegiance & Roll

Trustee Dunn, Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Reynolds, Trustee Cavallaro, and Mayor Jaroszynski were present.

Parliamentary Procedure 

SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED. VISITORS ARE ALLOWED A MAXIMUM OF THREE (3) MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE CHAIR.  THIS IS NOT THE PLACE OR TIME TO CONDUCT A DEBATE WITH ANYONE.  IT IS A MEETING TO DELIBERATE AS THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO TRANSACT THE BUSINESS OF THE VILLAGE.  ALL REPORTS, REQUESTS, IF NECESSARY, WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION FOR FURTHER STUDY, INFORMATION GATHERING AND RECOMMENDATIONS.  ALL CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED HAS BEEN PLACED WITH THE TRUSTEES AND IS ON FILE. 

Visitors:   

The following visitors were in attendance:  Joseph Taylor, Angelo and Danielle Marra, Nina Gustafson (Gerry), and Pete and Jane Fuller all of Falconer. 

Minutes 

Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2021 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees, with revision to 0-Vehicle Fires as reported in the fire chief’s March report.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Fire Chief        

The chief’s April report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 54-EMS, 4-structure fire, 5-fire alarms, 2-MVA, 2-trees & wires, 3-lift assist, 2-medical alarms and 4-stand-bys, totaling 76 calls in April.  

Mutual Aid Breakdown- April 
Given:  Jamestown-9, Frewsburg-8, Kennedy-5, Randolph-1, and Gerry-2, totaling 25. 
Received: Medic 74-8, Kennedy-1, Frewsburg-1, Fluvanna-0, Gerry-0, Coroner0, Kiantone-0, Alstar-4, and, Jamestown-0, totaling 14. 

Chief Yager reported that the fire department received a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for the purchase of a new washer and dryer. 

The proposed purchase of a dash camera for the ambulance was discussed. 

Kenny Santo’s application for the fire department was tabled pending results of his background check and physical.  

Code Enforcement 

The code officer’s April report was reviewed and noted 5 building permits were issued ($462.68), 13 YTD ($922.68), 2 building inspections performed (3 YTD), 2 certificates of occupancy (18 YTD), 0 certificates of compliance (2 YTD), 10 phone calls/personal contact/email (45 YTD), 5 complaints received/actions taken (11 YTD), 0 notices of violation mailed (0 YTD), 0 notice of violations solved (0 YTD).  Code Officer Morris noted that paperwork has been started for the condemnation process of the 217 E. Pearl Street home. 

Mayor Jaroszynski noted that residents should be made aware that all swimming pools require a permit in the village.  CEO Morris added that most storable (store bought) pools also require 4 foot barriers. 

Department of Public Works 

The DPW report was reviewed for the period April 12, 2021-May 7, 2021.  

Mayor Jaroszynski thanked the DPW for their assistance with the annual village-wide clean-up day which was a huge success.  The Falconer Rotary Club donated 3 flowering trees to be planted in Falconer Park. 

A motion was made by Trustee Reynolds, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to approve 

Superintendent Caprino to participate in “Road School” which will be held virtually at a cost of $25.00.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Library   

The April library report was reviewed.  This month the library received $102.62 

(copies/fax), $47.59 (fines), $79.00 (Book Sales), $890.00 gifts & donations, and $276.48 other.   Plans are underway for the summer reading program, “Tales and Tails” and is set to run June 28 – July 31, 2021.  The library will also be hosting a Fenner Elementary student, grades 35, art display from May 17-June 18.   

The FLP Library Board will meet at 8 am on Wednesday, May 19th

Greg Peterson highlighted for the board a packet of information which was provided by Historian, Brenda Cavallaro regarding Birmingham Car Company which was located in Falconer in the early 1920’s. The Birmingham body was plywood and featured a four-wheel suspension which was dramatically superior to any other vehicles of the day.  The company became riddled in a stock scandal and went out of business in December 1923, following a valiant effort to revive the company by placing an entry in the Indianapolis 500.   

Committees: 

Public Safety:

Trustee Cavallaro updated the board on the FFD’s plans to market Engine 401 for resale.  He also noted that Steve Vanstrom is working to set up a meeting with the county regarding EMS services.    

The April animal control report was reviewed noting a pit bull running at large.  The animal returned home. No summons was issued.  The municipal Shelter report was completed on 4/7/2021.  It was noted by Animal Health inspector Bailey that dog shelter services were rated “Satisfactory”. 

The crossing guard position remains unfilled. 

Parks and Recreation: 

Reopening of the parks and playground facilities was discussed. Consideration was taken of Ray Lindquist’s emails, dated May 3, 2021, regarding unfavorable behavior of “young people using the (basketball)courts” in close proximity to young T-ball payers and families. The board plans to address these issues through other avenues. Superintendent Caprino was given approval to replace swings and basketball equipment prior to Memorial Day.

The park recreation program will not take place this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

The addition of additional park security measures were discussed. 

Pine Hill Cemetery:

Peter Fuller reported that a new zero-turn lawn mower was purchased for the cemetery which has a rear discharge to help prevent grass and debris from being blown onto headstones.   

The cemetery received a grant from the Falconer Region Community Foundation to help fund new tree planting efforts. 

Mr. Fuller noted that he is reviewing current foundation charges and expects that a price increase will be needed. 

Old Business: 

Mayor Jaroszynski noted that the Falconer American Legion will be holding a Memorial Day procession up to the cemetery.  Commander Cybart confirmed with Mayor Jaroszynski that the procession was approved by the Chautauqua County Department of Environmental Health as long as CDC guidelines are followed. 

Peter and Jane Fuller were given approval from the board to begin initial planning of a tentative Christmas in July event on July 23rd and 24th, as long as the NYS and CDC guidelines can be followed. 

The summer concert series in the park was also approved based on current NYS and CDC guidelines. 

The Der Kobblers Car Show will be held in Davis Park on Memorial Day weekend.  Homestead Street will be closed between Main Street and Falconer Street.   

Village-wide Yard sales, sponsored by the Falconer Rotary Club, have been scheduled for July 9th and 10th.  

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the planting of 3 trees in Falconer Park which were donated by the Falconer Rotary Club.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried. 

New Business: 

RESOLUTION # 39-2021
FIXING DATE AND NOTICE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING
FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION  

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Falconer wishes to assess the advisability of submitting a Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) application to the New York State Office of Community Renewal (the “OCR”) for a grant to support a project by Jamestown Container Company within the Village, and 

WHEREAS, the Village of Falconer is required to hold a public hearing to provide information to the public and to consider citizen comments regarding community needs and the project proposal prior to submitting an application for CDBG funding, and 

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees wishes to schedule a special meeting to consider submission of the application for CDBG funding. 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Falconer Board of Trustees hereby calls for a Public Hearing whereat all interested parties shall be heard regarding the CDBG program, the Village’s community development and economic development programs, and the potential funding application; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that such Public Hearing shall be held on June 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fireman’s Exempt Hall, 3 Coleson Drive, Falconer, New York; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that at least eight (8) days’ notice of such hearing shall be given by the Village Clerk by the due posting thereof on the Village’s website and/or Facebook page, and by publishing such notice at least once in the official newspaper of the Village.  

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to approve the above Resolution as written, fixing the date of June 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. to hold a Public Hearing for the consideration of a potential CDBG funding application.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Correspondence: 

The board reviewed Major Jaroszynski’s letter recapping the events of 2020.  Trustee Gustafson was asked to post the letter, as written on the village website. 

Trustee Gustafson’s letter, dated May 10, 2021, which acknowledged his review of unpaid vouchers and bank reconciliations for the month of April 2021, was reviewed and placed into record.   

Trustee Reynolds submitted a letter of resignation, dated, May 10, 2021, from his position as Village Trustee, effective June 1, 2021.  Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to accept Trustee Reynolds resignation from the Village Board, effective June 1, 2021.   Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Other correspondence was reviewed with no actions taken. 

Abstracts 

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Reynolds that Abstract #12, General Fund in the amount of $ 97,999.81 be approved for payment with the possible exception of $500 listed for legal.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Abstain, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: 4. Abstain: 1. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Dunn that Abstract #12, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $ 490.85 be approved for payment.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: All. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Reynolds and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #12, Library Fund in the amount of $ 2,536.34 be approved for payment.  Roll: 

Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Abstain, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: 4, Abstain: 1, Nays: None.  Carried 

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Cavallaro and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #12, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $ 33,234.69 be approved for payment.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Carried 

Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 pm. Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: All.  Nays: None. Carried 

Respectfully submitted, 
Anna Fales, Village Clerk