December 5, 2022 Work Session
Mayor James M. Jaroszynski
Trustee Timothy Dunn-Excused
Trustee Alan Gustafson, Jr.
Trustee Anthony Cavallaro
Trustee Annette Miller
Gregory Peterson, Attorney
Lawrence E. Trask – Treasurer
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk
The work session meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was held on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. at the Community Building Board Room with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance & Roll
Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Miller, Trustee Cavallaro and Mayor Jaroszynski were present. Trustee Dunn was excused from the meeting.
Parliamentary Procedure
THE VILLAGE OF FALCONER WELCOMES PUBLIC COMMENT BY ALL. WE ASK THAT YOU STAND, STATE YOUR NAME AND KEEP YOUR COMMENTS BRIEF (3 MINUTES OR LESS) AS A COURTESY TO THE BUSINESS NATURE OF THE MEETING AND OTHER TIME CONSTRAINTS. IF YOU WISH TO HAVE AN INTERACTIVE CONVERSATION WITH THE BOARD AND/OR MAYOR REGARDING A SPECIFIC MATTER OR CONCERN, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF YOU REQUEST TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA AND PROVIDE AN OUTLINE OF THE MATTER YOU WISH TO DISCUSS AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE MEETING. YOU MAY DO THIS BY CONTACTING THE MAYOR OR CLERK AT (716) 665-4400. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND CONSIDERATION ON THIS MATTER.
Visitors in attendance:
Visitor Comments:
Steve Garvey, Falconer resident provided a large visual presentation to the board. The visual had 2 photos on top showing the park area as it looks now with a large green space, picnic tables and grills that all would be displaced if the dog park was put in the proposed area. The bottom 2 photos show the proposed dog park with 5ft fencing which does not belong in the middle of a park as it will ruin the esthetics of the park.
Some of the comments made from visitors regarding the proposed dog park in Falconer Park:
- Dog park will take away area summer youth program uses
- Dog park does not belong in a residential area
- Total area for proposed dog part is under .5 acre, which is not large enough for a dog park
- The walking path around the park can be used for dog walking purposes
- Appreciates all of the work the Rotary Club has done in the park and the Village Board for their service but the dog park does not belong in the Falconer Park.
- Falconer Park is a beautiful park the way it is, does not want a dog park within the park
- Does not belong in the park, keep the park as a family park
- Pavilion renters should not have to endure dog noise and smell
Discussion on Camera System and Fire Alarm Upgrades
The board reviewed the information prepared by Trustee Gustafson and Trustee Dunn on the camera system quotes from FSC and Allied Alarm Services. The lower end quotes for 5 cameras to be installed in the library could accommodate up to 8 cameras, where the second option allows for up to 16 cameras for the FSC system and up to 48 for the Allied System. Both systems have an app to view camera activity. The current cameras in the library and park are older with a lower resolution where the ones quoted are a higher resolution and would be an upgrade.
By going with the second option, it would allow the village to add additional cameras at a later date where needed. Currently the library has 3 cameras and the request is for an additional camera downstairs and one upstairs by the front door. The current budget would allow for these additional 2 cameras. If the second option is chosen, the budget would have to be modified or fund using ARPA, sales tax revenue, or fund balance. If additional cameras for the building are added, either company would be able to provide separate monitors, for instance, one in the library and one in the clerks’ office.
Mayor Jaroszynski noted that by going with the second option that accommodates more than 8 cameras we could add a camera on the sign in front of the community building.
The board also discussed the Fire Alarm System quotes from both FSC and Allied Alarm. It was noted that if Allied was chosen for the fire alarm system, they would come in and replace the current box from FSC as it is not proprietary and can be serviced by any company. Current sensors would be replaced with more appropriate sensors and a few more would be added. Some of the existing sensors are almost 30 years old and towards the end of the recommended life cycle of a sensor. Current fire sensors are not audible so a fire in one part of the building would not be known in other parts of the same building.
Recommendation is to go with Allied Alarm on the second option for the camera system (8TB) for the library cameras and Allied on the fire alarm system upgrade as they both should to be updated for safety reasons with resolutions to use ARPA funding. The existing cameras at the park and fire hall will continue to be with FSC for now and can be looked at to convert to the Allied system at a later date. The Cameras and Fire alarm system will be added to the agenda for the next board meeting on December 12, 2022.
Review Dog Park Proposed Site in Falconer Park
Trustee Cavallaro inquired on the width of the walkway between the large and small dog areas. Alan Gustafson Sr., commented that the proposal was preliminary and could be adjusted as to what was needed. It will be wide enough to be able to get a vehicle to the park building from Mosher Street for deliveries. He also noted that a portion in the back of the large dog area was a brush covered area and not current usable park space.
Mayor Jaroszynski had contacted Lakewood officials and noted that most of the issues at the Lakewood dog park are with the people not getting along.
Nina Gustafson, Rotary Club president commented that she has been in contact with Monica Simpson, who works with the County IDA and worked with Dunkirk on their dog park. Monica provided Nina with information regarding a grant program to apply for to help fund the dog park project. The grant looks at projects that would people back to Chautauqua County and tourism. Even though many Rotarians do not live in the village, many of them own businesses in Falconer and they commit a lot of time to the village and just want to make it a nice place.
Alan Gustafson Sr. reminded the group that surveys were sent out previously regarding the proposed dog park and based on the responses the dog park project moved forward, and it wasn’t until recently that the opposition for the dog park has come forward.
Mayor Jaroszynski commented that the board has heard both sides, for and against the dog park. He encourages the board if they have any additional questions regarding the dog park proposal, that they reach out for answers prior to the next board meeting on December 12th.
Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to adjourn the work session at 7:13 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk