April 12, 2021 Annual Budget Hearing / Regular Meeting
Mayor James M. Jaroszynski
Trustee Timothy Dunn-Excused
Trustee Alan Gustafson, Jr.
Trustee Kipp Reynolds
Trustee Anthony Cavallaro
Gregory Peterson, Village Attorney
Carl Caprino, DPW Superintendent
Lawrence E. Trask, Treasurer
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, April 12, 2021 at 7:02 P.M. at the Firemen’s’ Exempt Hall with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding.
Pledge of Allegiance & Roll
Trustee Dunn was excused. Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Reynolds, Trustee Cavallaro, and Mayor Jaroszynski were present.
Visitors:
The following visitors were in attendance: Laura Smith, Mike Steele, Sandy Thies, Emma Steele, Mark Steele, Janice Steele, Mikaela LeBaron, Gregory Holmberg, and Pete and Jane Fuller.
Moment of Silence
Mayor Jaroszynski called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jamestown Councilwomen Vickye James, who passed away unexpectedly. Mayor Jaroszynski described Mrs. James as “a fine women who gave everything (in her many years of service) to the city and the county and will be greatly missed”.
Recognition
Mayor Jaroszynski presented former Trustee, Michael Steele, with a certificate of recognition for his outstanding service and achievement in the betterment of our community. Mayor Jim said that he has known Mike personally for many years. “Our children played sports together, we served as trustees together on the board, and Mike served as my deputy mayor. His service to the community was always above and beyond, and he was always willingly to give his time.”
Trustee Steele was joined by his parents, Janice and Mark Steele, his daughter, Emma Steele, his sister, Sandy Thies and his girlfriend, Laura Smith.
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.
Budget Hearing
Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to open the Public Hearing on the FY 2021-2022 Budget at 7:08 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Budget Presentation and call for discussion and public comment by Mayor Jaroszynski. No members of the public asked to speak.
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to close the Public Hearing on the FY 2021-2022 Budget at 7:11 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the FY 2021-2022 Budget as presented. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Visitors:
Greg Holmberg, FCS Key Club President and Mikaela LeBaron, FSC Key Club Vice-President were in attendance seeking approval to set up a 24/7 community produce stand in Davis Park. All produce provided by the Key Club would be available free of charge to the community.
Minutes
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2021 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees, as written. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Fire Chief
The chief’s March report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 48-EMS, 3-structure fire, 0-vehicle fire, 6-fire alarms, 0-MVA, 0-CO alarms, 4-trees & wires, and 0- natural gas leaks, totaling 61 calls in March.
Mutual Aid Breakdown- March
Given: Jamestown-6, Frewsburg-9, Kennedy-0, Kiantone-0, Fluvanna-0, Alstar-1, Celoron-1, and Gerry-1, totaling 18.
Received: Medic 74-6, Kennedy-2, Frewsburg-0, Fluvanna-0, Gerry-0, Coroner-0, Kiantone-0, Alstar-1, and, Jamestown-0, totaling 9.
Chief Yager reported that bridge washing starts April 15th for which the fire department receives a stipend. He also noted that the bridge washing activity acts as a great training tool for department personnel. This training is important so that anyone on the scene of a fire can handle hose and operate pumps. Junior firefighters also participate in these trainings. There are currently 4 active juniors members participating in department activities.
Code Enforcement
The code officer’s March report was reviewed and noted 4 (8 YTD) building permits were issued ($100.00), 8 YTD ($460.00), 1 building inspections performed (1 YTD), 16 certificates of occupancy (16 YTD), 2 certificates of compliance (2 YTD), 20 phone calls/personal contact/email (35 YTD), 5 complaints received/actions taken (8 YTD), 0 notices of violation mailed (0 YTD), 0 notice of violations solved (0 YTD). Code Officer Morris was advised by Attorney Peterson to begin the condemnation process for the Pearl Street home damaged last year by fire.
Department of Public Works
The DPW report was reviewed for the period March 8, 2021-April 9, 2021.
Superintendent Caprino presented the 2 piggyback bids for the proposed purchase of a new 10-wheeler truck for the DPW.
- Sourcewell: $184,955.32
- Onondaga County Contract: $179,659.00
Both contracts include the same package as the village’s current 10-wheeler-no extras.
Mr. Carpino reported to the board that Chautauqua County has already purchased 3 or 4 trucks using the Onondaga bid.
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the purchase of a new International 10-Wheeler truck for use by the village DPW, using the Onondaga County piggyback bid, quote#14734, dated April 1, 2021, for total cost of $179,659.00, as provided by Superintendent Caprino. The purchase of this vehicle is to be funded through the DPW Reserve Account. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Mayor Jaroszynski reported that the village still has not found anyone interested in taking over the school crossing guard position which will be vacated by Jim Rensel on April 20, 2021. The school has been advised that there may not be a crossing guard after that time. Following discussion, the board agreed to advertise one more time for a stand-alone crossing guard position.
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to hire Peter Fuller as the village’s licensed mosquito pesticide applicator. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Library
The March library report was reviewed. This month the library received $47.00 (copies/fax), $0.00 (fines), $67.00 (Book Sales), $620.00 gifts & donations, and $984.07 other.
Committees:
Public Safety:
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to authorize the Fire Advisory Board to enter into preliminary negotiations with Chautauqua County EMS with regards to operation of EMS/Ambulance services. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Downtown Development:
Mayor Jaroszynski noted to the board that he had spoken to a Home Leasing representative regarding an update on the Falconer Square project funding. They said they are hoping to hear from the state at the end of April or May now that the state budget has passed.
He also made note that the following village businesses have or are closing their Falconer locations:
- M&T Bank closing in June
- Servis Plumbing has already closed
- The Blue Fin pet store has announced their store is closing on June 23rd.
Farmers Market:
Trustee Reynolds reported that Scott Farms is on board but still needs to complete an application. Abers is unavailable most Fridays. No other applications have been received but that there has been some interest from others.
Finance:
Treasurer Trask said the village should receive their portion of the American Recovery Act funding from the town which will be based on the 2018 census. The funds will be paid over 2 years. It was suggested a committee be formed, including department managers, on how to best utilize the funds.
Parks and Recreation:
In hopes for more guidance from the state, the board agreed to table their decision until the May board meeting, regarding the opening of the summer rec program this year.
Mayor Jaroszynski stated that if funds allow, he would like the board to consider hiring park security for Falconer Park this summer. He also stated that signage will be ordered outlining CDC Guidance and other park rules and policies for those using the park.
There are 17 youth baseball and softball teams scheduled to use the village fields this summer. Scheduling is tight, so preference for use will be given to the village youth organizations.
Pine Hill Cemetery:
Peter Fuller will look into prices to restore or replace the cemetery sign located at the North Work Street entrance.
Old Business:
Peter and Jane Fuller were in attendance to discuss their ideas for a Christmas in July event for this summer. Mr. Fuller noted that they have been working with the county Health Department regarding several of their proposed activities but have not yet been approved to move forward due to COVID restrictions. The Fullers will report back to the board in May.
The Der Kobblers Car Show and Memorial Day Parade were tabled for another 30 days or until the May board meeting. Band Concerts in the park are approved pending COVID restrictions/guidelines at the time. Village Clean-Up Day and garage sale days are both pending Rotary decision.
New Business:
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the DPW 2021-2023 contract as presented and dated April 12, 2021. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the Village of Falconer Employee Handbook as written and dated April 12, 2021. Discussion: Trustee Gustafson requested the “Grievance” section be updated to eliminate the arbitration section. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Mayor Jaroszynski noted that he will be tabling his appointment of a deputy mayor until after the November election.
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson, to approve the Annual Organizational motions as written:
In compliance with Village Law 50524 regarding the Annual Organizational Meeting, it is moved and seconded to approve:
- Community Bank and M&T Bank as Village of Falconer depositories
- Designation of the Jamestown Post-Journal as the official newspaper for the publishing of legal notices,
- Continued participation in the Chautauqua County Mutual Aid Agreement
- Reappointment of Village Treasurer, Village Clerk, Appointment of Village DPW Superintendent
- Appointment of committee members
- Authorization payment in advance of audit of claims for public utility services, postage, freight and express charges, insurances and other charges that become due prior to the Board meeting that otherwise would incur late fee charges,
- Attendance by municipal officials and employees at schools, conferences, seminars, associated organization meetings, etc., conducted for the benefit of the Village of Falconer
- Reimbursement to such officers and employees the fixed mileage rate as set by the IRS as reimbursement for use of personal automobiles while performing their official duties on behalf of the Village
- All regular board meetings that fall on a Monday holiday will be held the Tuesday immediately following the holiday
- The present Procurement Policy
- The present Disaster Plan
- The present Public Health Emergency Plan
- Setting the 2022 Organizational Meeting of the Village of Falconer as Monday, April 11, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve a one-time only payout of up to and including 2 weeks of unused vacation time which resulted from of the COVID-19 pandemic. This offer is only available to employees with an excessive balance of unused time, which if used may negatively impact village business. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Reynolds, to accept the RFP submitted by Bloomquist Landscaping, Inc. of $4,575.00, dated April 8, 2021 for 2021 maintenance and landscaping. All wages are to be paid by Bloomquist Landscaping at NYS prevailing wage. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.
Abstracts
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Reynolds and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro that Abstract #11, General Fund in the amount of $ 47,941.14 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Reynolds that Abstract #11, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $ 320.38 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Reynolds and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #11, Library Fund in the amount of $ 1,712.06 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Abstain, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Ayes: 3, Abstain: 1, Nays: None. Carried
Motion: It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro that Abstract #11, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $ 30,625.04 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried
Trustee Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Reynolds: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried
Respectfully submitted,
Anna Fales, Village Clerk