November 8, 2021 Regular Meeting
Mayor James M. Jaroszynski
Trustee Timothy Dunn
Trustee Alan Gustafson, Jr.
Trustee Anthony Cavallaro
Trustee Annette Miller
Gregory Peterson, Village Attorney
Carl Caprino, DPW Superintendent
Laurie Becker, Library Director
Eric Yager, Fire Chief
Alan Gustafson, Code Enforcement Officer
Paul Andalora, Code Enforcement Officer (provisional)
Anna L. Fales, Village Clerk
The regular meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was called to order on Tuesday, November 8, 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 Cavallaro, Trustee Miller, 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:
Joseph Taylor, 25 E. Falconer Street and as a representative of Waddington’s Tavern regarding incidents that occurred at the tavern on several occasions involving residents of 340 W. Main Street. He suggested that the village consider adopting a code that would govern properties which have reoccurring police calls, similar to a code adopted by the city of Jamestown.
Minutes
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2021 work session meeting and regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees. Dunn: Abstain, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.
Library
The October library report was reviewed. This month the library received $31.00 (copies/fax), $9.00(fines), $41.00 (Book Sales), $1,895.00 (gifts & donations), and $2,537.09 (other).
Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller, to approve Courtney Theofilactidis, effective immediately, to fill 6 hours of the position of Falconer Public Library’s part time library page, which was vacated by Maree Dunn in September. Roll: Dunn, Aye, Gustafson, Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried.
The library is celebrating Children’s Book Week, November 8-14th. The theme is “Reading is a Superpower”.
Village Historian, Brenda Cavallaro is working on decorations for the history tree commemorating the 100thAnniversary of the Community Building. Mrs. Cavallaro will be decorating the tree with angel ornaments with the names of past and present members of the village administrations and department heads. The tree will be on display in the lobby of the Community Building throughout the holiday season. Attorney Peterson suggested that this might be the perfect occasion to hold a reunion of former village officials, marking this unique moment in time.
Mrs. Becker requested approval for Ro Woodard to use the fire hall training room for a boater safety training course on Saturday, February 19, 2022. Mrs. Woodard is directed to contact Chief Yager for approval.
The library, in conjunction with the Falconer Rotary Club, will be hosting 25 Days of Christmas Stories. Village officials and members of the community are invited to participate as guest readers. The readings will be taped and posted to the library Facebook page starting on December 1st. Santa Claus will read the final book in the 25-day series.
Code Enforcement
The October code enforcement report was reported verbally by Code Officer, Alan Gustafson. He noted 5 building permits were issued totaling 35 YTD. He made special note of the following issues and complaints:
- Cherry Street water issue-still working on a resolution
- 144 W. Main Street-bad living conditions-the property has been posted
- Bailey E. Main Street Buildings- DOL stopped work on properties. The scope of work was more than the permit listed.
- W. Mosher Street property-no permit
- Budget Inn-bed bug/cockroach complaint
- N. Dow Street property-roof remains unfinished. Will require a full inspection to rule out water damage, etc.
- 217 East Pearl Street- court decision has been finalized. Follow up with insurance carrier-start condemnation process.
Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller, to approve the hiring of Paul Andalora as the new code enforcement officer for the village, effective immediately. Roll: Dunn, Aye, Gustafson, Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried. Mr. Andalora has a background in manufacturing and construction; however, he is uncertified and must complete the NYS Code Enforcement Officer certification. He will remain a provisional hire until his certification is completed.
Department of Public Works
The DPW report was reviewed for the period October 11, 2021-November 4, 2021. Superintendent Caprino was instructed to research the cost of installing a bottle filling water fountain in the fire hall truck bay and the feasibility of remediating the water flow issue versus capping off the water fountain in the training room.
There was a short discussion regarding the DPW equipment replacement recommendations. Superintendent Caprino noted that a snow plow and the one-ton truck are due (overdue) for replacement per their schedule.
Fire Chief
The chief’s October report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 65-EMS (559-YTD), 1-medical assist (1-YTD), 1- false alarm (1-YTD), 1-structure fire (13-YTD), 1-grease fire (1-YTD), 1-truck fire (10-YTD), 7-fire alarms (41-YTD), 2-excessive heat-no fire (2-YTD), 0-MVA (13 YTD), 3-CO Alarm (8-YTD), 1-natural gas leaks (6-YTD), 0-truck stuck on tracks (1-YTD), 1-extrication rescue (1-YTD), 0-smoke in building (1-YTD), 0-trees down (2-YTD), 0- lines down (1-YTD), 0-flooded basements (9-YTD), 4 lift assist (11-YTD), 5-stand-by (10-YTD), and 13-dispatched then cancelled (13-YTD), totaling 106 calls (767-YTD) as reported in October.
Mutual Aid Breakdown- October
Given: Jamestown-18 101-YTD), Frewsburg-12 (91-YTD), Kennedy-1 (14-YTD), Kiantone-1 (6-YTD), Gerry-2 (6-YTD), Fluvanna-2 (4-YTD), Alstar-1 (3-YTD), 3-assist to A-71 (driver) 3-YTD): totaling 40 (228-YTD).
Received: Medic 74-3 (50-YTD), Kennedy-4 (27-YTD), Frewsburg-1 (3-YTD), Fluvanna-0, Gerry-2 (11-YTD), Coroner-0, Kiantone-2 (4-YTD), Alstar-3 (17-YTD), Stat Medivac-1 (2-YTD), and, Jamestown-0: totaling 16 (118-YTD).
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn, to accept Courtney Delahoy for full membership into the Falconer Volunteer Fire Hose Company, as of November 14, 2021. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson, Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried. Miss Delahoy is a Junior member of the Falconer Fire Company, is in the current EMT class, has passed all the necessary medical and background checks and will turn 18 years of age on November 13, 2021.
There are currently 6 Falconer Fire Department members enrolled in the Chautauqua County EMT class.
Chief Yager noted that the FEMA grant decision is due in a few weeks. If awarded, it will provide funding for 17 sets of fire gear.
Chief Yager requested permission to compose a list of unused fire equipment to sell in auction. The board noted that the list must document explicitly each item, the auction process, the decision guidelines to accept/deny bids and the potential value of each item. The list should then be presented to the board for approval.
The fire department Christmas dinner will be held on December 11th at the Firemen’s Exempt Hall. Cocktails at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm.
Committees:
Legal:
Mr. Peterson reiterated his support of a reunion of village officials.
Public Safety:
Trustee Cavallaro reviewed the October Dog Control Report.
Finance:
Treasurer Trask’s sales tax analysis was reviewed noting that sales tax continues to trend higher than expected. Clerk Fales reported that the village is required to increase its “Dishonesty Insurance” as one of the Jamestown Container CDBG grant stipulations. Funds will be provided through the grant to cover the additional expense, therefore, there is no liability to the village. Clerk Fales also made quick mention that there is federal legislation pending which may expand the use of ARPA funding.
Parks:
Trustee Miller reported that the dog park plan is progressing forward.
Pine Hill Cemetery:
Trustee Gustafson reported that the trees, which were purchased thanks to a Chautauqua Region Community Foundation grant, have arrived to planted along the road and throughout the PH section of the cemetery.
Planning Board:
Trustee Gustafson reported that a date of November 30th at 6:30 pm is tentatively set for the planning board to consider implementing food truck regulations in the village.
Old Business:
Alan Gustafson invited the board to participate in the Santa Parade on the evening of November 20th. Line-up starts at 4:15 pm on Dow Street with the parade stepping off at 5 pm. Robert Cross of 3-C’s Catering will have his food truck in Coleson Park, near the Santa House, selling hot dogs and hot chocolate following the parade. The Rotary is donating books to be handed out to children who visit Santa following the parade.
New Business:
Congratulations to Trustee Cavallaro and Trustee Miller for their wins in last week’s election.
Clerk Fales noted that in a letter dated, October 14, 2021, the NYS Retirement Division has requested updated tracking’s and Standard Workday Resolutions for several village officials. Officials were provided a copy of the letter, including instructions on how to correctly track their activities and were given a deadline of February 2022 to turn in their tracking reports.
Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the purchase and installation of a backup camera system on the new Pierce fire engine at a cost not to exceed $4,000, and to be paid with funds from the Fire Truck Reserve Account. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried.
Correspondence:
Clerk Fales submitted to the board a copy of the Public Notice, which is to be posted at the request of the Chautauqua County Planning Board, regarding “30-day period of the inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural lands into existing agricultural districts. Clerk Fales will post the notice in the lobby of the Community Building beginning, November 9, 2021.
Trustee Gustafson’s letter, dated November 8, 2021, which acknowledged his review of the October 2021 unpaid vouchers and bank reconciliations on November 7, 2021, was reviewed and placed into record.
Mayor Jaroszynski requested Clerk Fales post “What You Should Know About the Emergency Broadband Benefit” flyer in the lobby of the Community Building, the library and on the village Facebook page to help assist residents in need.
Abstracts:
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro that Abstract #6, General Fund in the amount of $ 85,360.73 be approved for payment. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried. Trustee Dunn questioned the M&T credit card expenses. Trustee Gustafson noted that the credit card was used for the approved Clerk/Treasurer NYCOM conference expenses.
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Dunn that Abstract #6, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $ 1,411.59 be approved for payment. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Miller and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #6, Library Fund in the amount of $ 14,534.33 be approved for payment. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Cavallaro and seconded by Trustee Miller that Abstract #6, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $ 33,358.36 be approved for payment. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Mayor Jaroszynski reviewed an email received from Treasurer Trask, dated November 8, 2021, regarding an inspection performed by Tim Strickland and his recommendations for repair of the windows in the Firemen’s Exempt Hall. Superintendent Caprino was asked to follow-up on the repairs. Trustee Cavallaro noted that the village should come up with a plan for regular maintenance and repairs of village buildings.
Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 pm. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Anna Fales, Village Clerk