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October 11, 2022 Regular Meeting

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

Gregory Peterson, Attorney-Excused
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk
Bryce Webster, Fire Chief
Paul Andalora, 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 Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Firemen’s Exempt Hall with Mayor James Jaroszynski presiding. 

Pledge of Allegiance & Roll:

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

Visitors

Alan Gustafson Sr & Nina Gustafson of Gerry, NY and Brenda Weiler of Falconer, NY were present to observe the proceedings.

Parliamentary Procedure

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.

Minutes

Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller , to approve the minutes of the September 19, 2022 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting that included the Public Hearing for the NY Forward Program and the October 3, 2022 Work Session Meeting.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.  

Fire Chief

The chief’s September report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 55 EMS, 17 Cancelled in Route, 1 Hazmat release investigation, 3 medical assist, 1 system or detector malfunction, 2 Unintentional system, 1 public service assistance, 3 Cover assignment standby at fire station, 1 combustible/flammable spills/leaks, total 84 calls in Sept. /784 YTD. 

Mutual Aid Breakdown- September 2022
                   Given:  Jamestown-11, Frewsburg-11, Kennedy-2, Kiatone-1 Fluvanna-1, total 26
                   Received:  Medic-10, Alstar-3, Kennedy-5, Kiantone-2, Gerry-1, total 21.

  • The VFD has provided mutual aid to several area structure fires recently. Mayor Jaroszynski commended the Falconer Volunteer Department for their service.
  • Five members recently completed and passed a pump operator class and are now NYS Certified Pump Operators. 
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course will start the beginning of November with 7-8 members interested to attend. 
  • Falconer Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event on Halloween night, 5:30-8:00 at the Fire Hall. 

Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller  to approve membership of Kyle T. Heelas into the Hook and Ladder Company, effective immediately. Satisfactory background and medical evaluation documents were reviewed by the board and filed with the clerk.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye,  Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye and Jaroszynski: Abstain. Nays: None.  Carried. 

Code Enforcement

The September code officer report was reviewed.  It was noted 1 building permit totaling $10 was issued, 2 building inspections were performed, 9 phone calls/personal contact/emails were addressed.

Highlights:

  • Attended a National Grid Presentation with Deputy Mayor Cavallaro regarding renewable energy project development that could benefit the village.
  • Attended a networking event for the Chautauqua County Landbank for their 10-year anniversary. 
  • 13 Mason Street – several buildings permits have been issued to new owner. Building previously had a fire back in 2019.
  • 102 N. Work Street – House had a fire this past July, will be meeting with new owners to discuss plans for building.
  • 223 W. Main Street – owners are updating and replacing 3 signs on the building.

Mayor Jaroszynski noted  the overgrown lawn on 19 W. Phetteplace has finally been mowed. 

Department of Public Works

The DPW report was reviewed for the period September19 -October 6, 2022. 

The board reviewed a quote from Chautauqua Court Resurfacing to resurface the basketball court in Falconer Park. Supervisor Caprino stated we need to get on the list if we want to have done in the spring.

Trustee Miller made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to accept the quote for $10,500 from Chautauqua Court Resurfacing for May 2023 to resurface the basketball court in Falconer Park .  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.  

DPW Roof & Drain Replacement Project – Lewis Construction is asking for a material draw for both projects. The board decided that the project will be paid upon completion.

Price Quote-Library Camera – reviewed quotes from Allied Alarm and FSC  to upgrade existing camera system and add 2 new cameras for the library for the main entry and one in the lower-level of the library. Mayor Jaroszynski commented he would like to also look into adding a camera to protect the sign in front of the community building.  Board decided to table decision to look into how much storage would be needed, Trustee Gustafson and Trustee Dunn will follow up

Fire Alarm Upgrade for Community Building – reviewed quotes from Allied Alarm and FSC to upgrade alarm system for the community building,  also received proposal from Allied for the Exempt Hall/Highway Garage, and Fire Department for future upgrades. Decision was tabled until next meeting. Mayor Jaroszynski will follow up with Treasurer Trask and report next month to the board on the finances.

Library  

The September 19, 2022 – October 11, 2022 library report was reviewed. Laurie Becker brought up the library front door issue, patrons cannot access easily, especially handicap patrons. Since the grant has not been awarded yet, she is asking if the front door be repaired for now. The Treasurer reported that  funding may be available through the Library Fund’s-Deferred Bullet-Aid if we are not awarded the grant. Supervisor Caprino will contact the door company so that they can determine what the cost would be to temporarily fix door until the grant project can be started.

The library has started a new program, “Adopt a Book” and raised $200 in the first week with 9 books being adopted. Story Hour is going well. Ashley constructed a “Little Blue Truck” out of cardboard for “truck day”. She plans to place pumpkins in the back of the truck and the kids will get their photos taken in the truck.  Mayor Jaroszynski complimented on the great job that they all do in the library.

Committees:

Finance:

Treasurer Trask submitted a finance report for review.

Legal:  

None reported as Attorney Peterson was out of town.

Public Safety:

Discussion on the Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) contract renewal for the care and boarding of canines for the village of Falconer. It was noted last year, CCHS took in 18 dogs for the village, the 2 previous years 4 to 5 dogs. The contract has been reviewed by Treasurer Trask and legal counsel . Mayor Jaroszynski has an upcoming meeting with Supervisor Bowman at the Town of Ellicott to see if Village of Falconer can be added to their contract with the CCHS. If that is not an option, he is asking the board for authorization to sign the contract for the village of Falconer with the CCHS.

Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to allow Mayor Jaroszynski to sign the Chautauqua County Humane Society Contract for care and boarding of canines for the municipality of village of Falconer. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried

Downtown Development

Mayor Jaroszynski mentioned that Brian Nelson had inquired about leasing the empty lot that the village owns on Main Street. Since Trustee Dunn was not at the meeting to discuss the matter, Mayor Jaroszynski will follow up with him. With the Vacuum Shop building sold, Brian Nelson will be relocating his business across the street

Mayor Jaroszynski has been in contact with a commercial real estate agency for assistance in marketing the empty lots on main street. 

Farmers Market

 – nothing to report

Parks: 

Trustee Miller thanked the Rotary for the work on the recent dog park presentation. There was a good turnout at the meeting with several residents attending and voicing their opinions both for and against the dog park. Mayor Jaroszynski also received several calls after the meeting supporting the dog park. A letter was sent to all board members from resident Steve Garvey, who is against the proposed dog park being built in Falconer Park. Steve Trapani, who’s property is adjacent to the park, also contacted the mayor with his approval of the dog park. Mayor Jaroszynski also received correspondence from the village of Lakewood regarding the rules and regulations of their dog park as a reference. 

In order to proceed with the planning and fundraising of the dog park, Rotary needs to know if the dog park is going to be approved. Alan Gustafson Sr, asked if the board could approve the concept of having a dog park within Falconer Park, with the details to be approved at a later time so that Rotary could move forward with the plans and  fundraising.  The board decided to table the vote and call a special meeting when Attorney Peterson can be present.

Pine Hill Cemetery:

Trustee Gustafson reported on a new monument on the hill and leaf collection has started.

Planning/Zoning Board:

Trustee Gustafson has spoken with Code Officer Andalora on setting up a meeting to discuss food trucks on Wednesday, November 16.

Old Business:

First round interviews for the Village Treasurer position have concluded..

New Business:

  • Mayor Jaroszynski attended a Jamestown Area Homeless Coalition Meeting. Chautauqua County Department of Social Services Code Blue will be in place when temperatures fall below 32 degrees to provide designated warming centers in the area for the homeless. The city of Jamestown received a HUD grant in the amount of 180K to help set up 1-2 central warming locations. 
  • Paula Pichon has been brought on board as a grant writer, on an as needed basis. She has extensive grant writing experience.  She currently works at JCC and the city of Jamestown as a grant writer, and has extensive grant writing experience. She is willing to help out all departments and will be at next board meeting to be formerly introduced.  
  • Trustee Miller made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to hire Paula Pichon as a grant writer on an as needed basis. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried.  
  • Halloween Hours for the village were set from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Correspondence:  

  • FeedMore WNY letter requesting for a donation of $1000 was not approved

Abstracts

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Miller that Abstract #5, General Fund in the amount of $50,458.22 be approved for Payment.  Prior to the vote there was a discussion regarding the road signs purchased noting school championships earned. Roll: Gustafson: Abstain, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Cavallaro that Abstract #5, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $4,833.91 be approved for payment.  Roll: 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 #5, Library Fund in the amount of $1,610.59 be approved for payment.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye,  Cavallaro: Abstain, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none.  Carried. 

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Gustafson and seconded by Trustee Miller that Abstract 5, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $39,873.74 be approved for payment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye,  Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried. 

Trustee Gustafson’s letter, dated October 11, 2022, which acknowledged his review of the September 2022 unpaid vouchers and bank reconciliations for M&T Bank and Community Bank on October 11, 2022, was placed into record.  

Also, an ARPA committee financial report was submitted  by Trustee Gustafson and Trustee Miller for review.

Mayor Jaroszynski also received an email from Chautauqua County Executive Assistant  Mr. James Feldman looking for a representative to serve on the landfill commission. It is a 2-year term that meets bi-monthly, if anyone is interested, let Mayor Jaroszynski know.

Alan Gustafson Sr, Rotary Santa Parade Chairman is requesting permission to hold the annual Santa Parade on Saturday, November 19, 2022 beginning at 5 pm. There will be a petting zoo, food truck, and carriage rides. The parade route has been discussed with the fire department to assist in road closures. If a location can be determined, they are requesting permission to install a lighted Christmas tree.

Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller that the Rotary can hold Santa Parade in the village on Saturday, November 19th at 5 pm.

Roll: Gustafson: Aye,  Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried. 

Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller to adjourn the meeting at    8:02 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.    

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk