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December 11, 2023 Regular Meeting

Mayor James M. Jaroszynski
Trustee Anthony Cavallaro
Trustee Timothy Dunn 
Trustee Alan Gustafson Jr.
Trustee Annette Miller

Gregory Peterson, Attorney 
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk
Paula Spunaugle, Treasurer
Bryce Webster, Fire Chief
Alan Gustafson Sr., Code Enforcement Officer-excused
Paul Capitano, Code Enforcement Officer
Carl Caprino, DPW Superintendent
Laurie Becker, Library Director

The regular meeting of the Village of Falconer Mayor and Board of Trustees was held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the Firemen’s Exempt Hall with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding. 

Pledge of Allegiance & Roll:

Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Dunn, Trustee Cavallaro, Trustee Miller and Mayor Jaroszynski were all present.

Visitors

Nina Gustafson
Nathan Goot
Brenda Weiler

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR

VISITORS ARE ALLOWED A MAXIMUM OF THREE (3) MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR PLACE FOR A DEBATE. IT IS A MEETING FOR THE BOARD TO CONDUCT VILLAGE BUSINESS. ALLCOMPLAINTS/REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED AND REVIEWED AT A LATER TIME.

Visitor Comments

Nathan Goot, contractor scheduled to do the reconstruction of the Falconer Library front door, attended to answer any questions from the board. He is planning on meeting with Code Officer Gustafson to finalize the paperwork and plans to start on Tuesday, December 12th. Mayor Jaroszynski noted that any questions the board may have will be addressed during the library portion of the meeting.

Minutes

Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller, to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2023 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Mayors Remarks

  • The Santa Parade was held on Saturday, November 18 followed by the lighting of the tree at Coleson Park. A craft show was also held during the day at the Falconer Fire Hall and all events were well attended. Thank you to the Falconer Rotary and everyone involved for a great job and to Falconer Historian, Brenda Cavallaro for conducting a Trolley History Tour following the parade.
  • Met with Chautauqua County Executive Wendel and the Department of Social Services in Mayville on 11/29 to continue discussions on transitional code blue housing issues. 
  • The second annexation meeting will be held on January 9th in the Appellate Court Judge’s chambers in Buffalo along with the village annexation attorneys and all parties involved (Village of Falconer, Falconer Central School District, Town of Ellicott and City of Jamestown). The Judge is looking for a resolution before it goes to trial.
  • Attended the Falconer Neighborhood Watch meeting on 12/5. The group is currently conducting a coat/hat drive and have collection containers in several locations including the village hall.
  • The Falconer Chamber met on 12/7 at the newly renovated 17-19 W. Main Street. Owner, Danielle Marra, provided the group with a tour and history on the building. Trustee Gustafson attended on the mayor’s behalf as he was attending the county Mayor/Supervisor meeting at the Bemus Point Inn.
  • The Christmas banners are up along Main Street. The banners are part of the Beautification Committee that is in the process of starting back up again. Village resident, Becky Dewey is chairing the committee. Anyone interested in participating can contact Becky or the village clerk’s office.
  • The Village was represented at the Annual Chamber Luncheon that was held on 12/8 at Moonbrook Country Club.  New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli was the guest speaker at the event.
  • Crosby’s at 116 E. Main Street in Falconer will have a grand re-opening on January 5th, at 9:00 am.  
  • We also welcome 2 other new businesses that have opened on Main Street, Lady T’s Meraki at 34 W. Main Street and The Hearing Place at 102 E. Main Street. We are working on getting grand opening ceremonies scheduled through the Chamber of Commerce.
  • The Falconer Development Corporation is still being looked into and moving forward with Nina Gustafson assisting in the project.
  • The former King’s Heating building was purchased by Jim Sirianno. He plans on putting some work into the buildings with plans to lease or sell when completed.

Fire Chief

The Fire Chief’s November report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 31 EMS incidents, 15 cancelled in route, 2 motor vehicle accident with no injury, 2 alarm system malfunction, 1 cover standby, 1 authorized controlled burning, 1 medical assist, 1 trash/rubbish fire, 1 assist invalid, 55 calls, 839 total calls YTD.

Mutual Aid Breakdown – November 2023
Given:  Jamestown-5, Frewsburg-3, Kennedy-1, Alstar-1, Gerry-1, total 11 
Received:  Medic 74 -9, A73-1, Alstar14, Gerry-1, Kennedy-2, total 28

Highlights:

  • Results will not be available until March on the recent ISO inspection at the Fire Hall.
  • Will be looking into a new federal grant opportunity. The grant is geared towards capital improvement and general equipment and we may be able to apply for money to use to replace the generator.
  • Did not get awarded any money from the Safer Grant for 22/23 but will be applying for grant for 2024. Will also be submitting the FEMA grant when it opens in January 2024.
  • The bi-laws were adopted for the new Jr Firefighter Program at the December firefighter meeting. Planning to set up a meeting with the Falconer school guidance office to present the program.
  • Review/Approval of Membership Applications
    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to approve Keith S. Nelson into the Falconer Hose Company.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.

    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller to approve Antonio Duvall into the Falconer Hook & Ladder Company.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried

Code Enforcement

The December code officer report was reviewed. It was noted 6 building permits totaling $223 were issued, 64 permits issued YTD.

Highlights:

  • 9 complaints/violations pending were reported and will be followed up on.
  • Work at 23-29 E. Main Street continues to progress. Elevator shaft is completed, HVAC system and fire sprinklers are being installed, Drywall and interior work will continue through the winter months.
  • Interior remodeling work has been completed at the Crosby’s convenience store on E. Main Street. Ribbon cutting has been scheduled for Friday, January 5th. At 9:00 am.
  • A meeting of the Planning Board will be scheduled in January to review the potential re-zoning of the following properties that were mentioned at the September board meeting, Falconer Printing, Crosbys, property across from 82 Carter Street, Hanson Sign and Tony Genco. Code Officer Capitano will follow up to have the Food Truck subject combined at the same meeting.

Department of Public Works

The DPW report was submitted for the period November 10, 2023 – December 6, 2023. 

  • Trustee Dunn mentioned that since the Community Building boiler system is over 30 years old, we should find out what the life expectancy is. It would be a good idea to start to set aside money now, knowing that in a specific number of years it will need to be replaced with a more efficient heat pump system, especially since there are very few companies that service our current system. Superintendent Caprino will work with Chautauqua Mechanical to get a recommended time frame.
  • Trustee Gustafson noted that the Christmas decorations in the village look very nice.
  • Auctions International took pictures of the old sidewalk plow and leaf box but plans on waiting until the new year to list. The Village of Celeron may purchase the old leaf box, they asked for a price to present to their board.                                                                                                       
  • Leaf pick-up is completed for this year.

Library  

The November 13, 2023 – December 11, 2023 Library report was reviewed. 

Highlights:

  • Thank you to Village Historian, Brenda Cavallaro, who conducted the first ever Falconer Trolley History Tour after the Santa parade on November 18, 2023. Special thanks to the Falconer Rotary for providing the Trolley.
  • Brenda Cavallaro, Village Historian recently decorated the Christmas tree in the Community Building lobby which features “Falconer Businesses in the 1800’s. Brenda has also been working with the field rep for Crosby’s who intends to place old photos of Falconer on the walls in the newly renovated store in Falconer. 
  • Handcrafted holiday gift bags were created by several library patrons and are available for a donation with all proceeds going to the library.
  • The library is full of small trees that have been decorated by our library families representing a children’s book.
  • The front door reconstruction is set to start on December 12 and will be finished by 12/16. Contractor Nate Goot will be meeting Code Office Alan Gustafson Sr. and have all of the paperwork for the permit completed by Tuesday morning, December 12. Contractor Nate Goot briefly gave a description of the timeline and plans for the new doorway.  
  • Will be attending a library advocacy meeting with Senator Borrello, Assemblyman Giglio, and Assemblyman Goodell on Thursday, December 17 at the Falconer High School Library.
  • Jan Dekoff, Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System Director, will be attending the next Library Board meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18th at 8:00 am.

Committees:

Finance: 

  • Budget Modification – Community Foundation Picnic Table Grant
    Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to adopt Resolution # 11-2023, resolved, that the Village Treasurer is hereby authorized to make the following amendments to the 2023-24 General Budget as listed below:

    REVENUES
    INCREASE:  7140.4
    Community Foundation Grant
    $4,500

    APPROPRIATIONS
    INCREASE:  7140.4
    Picnic Tables
    $4,500

    Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.     Carried.
  • Reached out to Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat for a recommendation on a basic audit as a result of our change in treasurer this past year.
  • Trustee Gustafson noted that there is one year remaining to commit the ARPA funds. We currently have a balance of approximately $74k. Once the funds are committed, we have a full year to spend the money. Trustee Gustafson will meet with Trustee Miller to review the original ARPA list of proposed projects and present recommendations to the board.

Legal:  

  • Nothing to report

Public Safety: 

  • The Fire Advisory Board met recently and had a representative from a fire equipment company give a presentation. They went over availability of trucks and financing options, but noted that even if a truck was ordered now, there is a stipulation in the contract that the price could change by the time the truck is delivered which is anywhere from 2 – 4 years depending on the type of truck. The Fire Advisory Board will be reviewing all of the information and will make a recommendation to the board when they determine the best option.

Downtown Development:  

  • Nothing new to report

Farmers Market:

  • Nothing new to report
  •  

Parks:

  • Park Pavilion Rental – Set Rates for 2024

The board reviewed rental rates from last year as well as other municipal park rental rates that they were given at the last board meeting. Falconer Park pavilions are fully booked most weekends during the park season. A decision was made to offer a half day option as it would open up more availability.

The rates will be as follows:

Village of Falconer Residents:
Half Day
11:00am – 3:00pm
$10.00
Half Day
4:00pm – 8:00pm
$10.00
All Day
$20.00
Non-Village Residents:
Half Day
11:00am – 3:00pm
$40.00
Half Day
4:00pm – 8:00pm
$40.00
All Day
$80.00

Trustee Miller inquired if the board would like her to pursue converting the tennis courts into pickleball courts.  Trustee Dunn commented that it makes sense to look into it as pickleball has become more popular. Trustee Miller will contact a company out of Buffalo that specializes in this and have them do a presentation at a future board meeting.

Pine Hill Cemetery:

  • Trustee Gustafson reported that the cemetery has everything wrapped up for the season.

Planning/Zoning Board: 

  • As mentioned on the code report, there will be a meeting scheduled in January to review rezoning of several properties.

Old Business:

  • Nothing new to report

New Business: 

  • Accept grants awarded in 2023
    • Community Foundation Grant Award – Falconer Park Concrete Cornhole Sets
      Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to accept Resolution #12-2023 for the Community Foundation grant award in the amount of $3,206 for the Falconer Park Concrete Cornhole sets.   Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.
    • Community Foundation Grant Award – Fire Hall Kitchen Cabinets
      Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller to accept Resolution #13-2023 for the Community Foundation grant award in the amount of $2,000 for the Fire Hall Kitchen Cabinets. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.
    • FEMA Grant awarded to Fire Department
      Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to accept Resolution #14-2023 for the FEMA Grant awarded to the Fire Department in the amount of $107,021.90. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Correspondence:      

Trustee Gustafson’s letter, dated December 11, 2023, which acknowledged his review on December 11, 2023 of the unpaid vouchers for Abstract #7 (FY 23/24) and bank reconciliations from M&T Bank, Community Bank and NYCLASS for the month of October 2023 was placed into record.

Abstracts

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #7, General Fund in the amount of $89,610.90 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: 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 #7, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $560.69 be approved for payment.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: 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 #7, Library Fund in the amount of $909.14 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Abstain, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Cavallaro and seconded by Trustee Dunn that Abstract #7, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $177,053.60 be approved for payment. Treasurer Spunaugle confirmed that the CYCON Equipment line item was for the new sidewalk plow as questioned by Trustee Dunn. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller to approve to move into executive session for pending litigation at 7:06 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.  

Executive Session

No formal action was taken during executive session.

A motion to end the executive session was made at 7:36 p.m. by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried.

A motion to close the regular meeting was made at 7:37 p.m. by Trustee Cavallaro and seconded by Trustee Miller. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk