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January 10, 2022 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
Bryce Webster, Fire Chief
Alan Gustafson, Code Enforcement Officer
Anna L. Fales, Village Clerk

The regular meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was called to order on Monday, January 10, 2022 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:   

Nina Gustafson, Falconer Rotary Club President was present to observe the proceedings.

Minutes

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the minutes of the December 13, 2021 regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees, as written. Trustee Dunn questioned the fire report structure and the reason zeros were reported for categories.  Clerk Fales explained that reporting all categories monthly provides a more accurate tracking of yearly totals.  Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.   

Library   

The December 13, 2021- January 10, 2022 library report was reviewed.  Mrs. Becker gave a final report on the “25 Days of Reading” , noting that there were 7,996 views of the stories throughout the month of December.  A $550 Adult Literacy Grant was awarded to the library from the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System to be used to encourage Senior readers to embrace technology as an aid to continue their enjoyment of literacy. This will be a partnership with students from Falconer Central School who will work one-on-one with Seniors.  The grant will also help bridge the gap between young and old as they provide encouragement for continuing literacy. The library board is scheduled to meet again on January 27, 2022.   

This month the library received $26.00 (copies/fax), $6.00(fines), $122.00 (Book Sales), $4,960.00 (gifts & donations), and 550.00 (CCLS grant).   

Code Enforcement

No formal code report was presented for the month of December.  CEO Gustafson noted that he continues to work with Mr. Andalora to get him acclimated into his new position.

Department of Public Works

The DPW report was reviewed for the period December 10, 2021-January 7, 2022.    

Fire Chief       

The chief’s December report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 41-EMS, 2-medical assist, 1-auto fire, 1-gas leak, 1-electrical issue, 1-public service, 26-dispatched/cancelled, 4-malfunction, 1-accidential trip, and 1-unknown- 79 total calls in December. 

2021 Year-end total calls- 936
2021 Year-end total personnel hours- 1,977.75

Mutual Aid Breakdown- December

Given:  Jamestown-11, Frewsburg-10, Kennedy-2, Kiantone-2, Gerry-0, Fluvanna-0, Alstar-0, 0-assist to A-71 (driver), and Randolph-1.

Received: Medic 74-6, Kennedy-2, Frewsburg-0, Fluvanna-0, Gerry-1, Coroner-0, Kiantone-2, Alstar-7, Stat Medivac-11, and Jamestown-0.

  • Chief Webster reported that he is working on putting together a fire truck maintenance agreement with Churchville.  All light work would still be performed by the DPW.  
  • A list is being complied for the upcoming budget of needed maintenance in the fire hall. 
  • Will be applying for grants for fire truck equipment. 
  • Looking to replace 2 outdated desktop computers with 2 laptops ($450 each) and 1 pc ($380) through Tech Soup for not-for-profits. The chief was instructed to move forward with the purchase as long as he had the funds in his budget. 
  • Training continues on new fire engine. 
  • A list of old equipment is being complied for liquidation. 

Legal  

Mr. Peterson recognized the accomplishments of Falconer native, Elizabeth Vanstrom Hirz, who will be the first women to lead the Erie County, Pa., District Attorney’s Office.  Mrs. Hirz is the daughter of Jim and Jeanne Vanstrom.

Committees:

Public Safety:

Trustee Cavallaro reviewed the December Dog Control Report, noting DOC Belin followed up on an unsafe, unsanitary living conditions and unsafe /too many dogs complaint at 340 W. Main Street.  The resident was instructed by DOC Belin to license the 2 adult dogs.  The puppies appeared to be less than 8 weeks old. DOC will follow up.   

The feral cat program was discussed.  The village will need to train new trappers for this program.

Downtown Development: 

The Western New York Regional Empire State Development Council (ESD) awarded Home Leasing with a $950,000 grant for the Falconer Square project.  Mayor Jaroszynski stated that this is ”positive” news and makes us “very hopeful” that the project will also be awarded funding through the upcoming Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) round.  “We will have to wait and see but we are hopeful.”  “It has been a great team effort up to this point.” 

Farmers Market: 

Trustee Miller reported that she is currently working to find the best day and times for the market. 

Parks:

Trustee Miller and Nina Gustafson will work on compiling a series of survey questions for community interests at Falconer Park, including thoughts on a proposed dog park, alternative uses for the tennis courts, etc.

Planning Board:

A meeting which was scheduled for January 11th has been postponed for at least 30 days due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area.

Old Business:

Following an extensive discussion, a request for use of the Community Building Hall was tabled until the next board meeting.  Trustee Cavallaro requested more information on use guidelines, liability, and concerns regarding COVID-19.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to table Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association’s request to use the Community Building for indoor practice from March 7-April 1, 2022. Roll: Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.  Clerk Fales will compile information on use guidelines and liability.  

New Business:  

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to authorize Mayor Jaroszynski to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Falconer Central Schools regarding the proposed Shared Service Agreement, dated December 2021.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye.  Carried. 

Mayor Jaroszynski reported that the village will be holding a free COVID test kit and N-95 mask distribution in the lobby of the Community Building tomorrow, January 11th from 5pm-6pm.  Proof of residency is required.

Correspondence:        

Trustee Gustafson’s letter, dated January 10, 2022, which acknowledged his review of the December  2021 unpaid vouchers and bank reconciliations, was placed into record.   

Abstracts:

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro that Abstract #8, General Fund in the amount of $36,963.90 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 Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Dunn that Abstract #8, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $ 122.95 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 #8, Library Fund in the amount of $ 1,291.52 be approved for payment.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Abstain, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried.

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Cavallaro and seconded by Trustee Miller that Abstract #8, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $ 35,918.79 be approved for payment.  Roll:  Dunn: Aye, Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to adjourn the meeting and enter into executive session to discuss the personnel agreement terms at 8:51 pm. Vote was approved unanimously. Carried. 

No action taken by the board.  

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to adjourn the executive session at 9:11 pm. Vote was approved unanimously. Carried.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller to adjourn the meeting 9:11 pm. Vote was approved unanimously. Carried. 

Respectfully submitted,
Anna Fales, Village Clerk