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June 10, 2024 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
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, June 10, 2024 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
Ellen Colburn
Stephanie Nick
Chris Blakeslee- Post Journal
Beverly Carlson
Lauren Sharp
Dean Double & Family

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

  • No visitor comments

Minutes

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro, to approve the minutes of the May 13, 2024 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting with 2 corrections noted by Trustee Gustafson. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Mayors Remarks

  • Mayor Jaroszynski presented Noah Double with a commendation certificate and a gift card to PersNikkity Pies for his courage. On the morning of May 21, 2024 at 3:24 am Noah alerted his family to a structure fire at their residence. The family was able to escape safely due to Noah’s quick actions. Mayor Jaroszynski also commended scene commanders’ 2nd Assistant Chief Faulkner and 3rd Assistant Chief Yager for their response to the fire. He also thanked Fire Chief Webster for the fire education services they provide to the area schools as well as the training provided to our volunteers.

Fire Chief

The Fire Chief’s May report was reviewed and noted that the department responded to 36 EMS incidents, 24 cancelled in route, 1 medical assist, 1 building fire, 1 other fire, 1 alarm unintentional, 1 cover assignment, 1 power line down, 1 motor vehicle/pedestrian accident, 2 motor vehicle accident with injuries, 1 outside waste fire, 1 controlled burning, 2 alarm system malfunction, 1 assist invalid, 2 unintentional alarm, 76 total incidents.

Mutual Aid Breakdown – May 2024
Given:  Jamestown-4, Gerry-2, Fluvanna-1, Kennedy-1, total 8 
Received:  Medic 74-12, Alstar-21, Kennedy-7, Stat Medivac-1, Frewsburg-1, Jamestown-1, Kiantone-1, Fast Team-1, total 45

 Highlights:

  • Review/Approval of 1 Membership Application
    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to approve Alexander Roberts Clifford into the Falconer Hook and Ladder Company. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried.
  • There is an offer of $500 from the Jamestown Fire Department to purchase the old box alarm reader in the radio room. The Falconer Fire Department does not have box alarms so it is no longer needed.

    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn to declare the old box alarm reader in the radio room as surplus equipment. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried.

    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn to sell the old box alarm reader for $500 to the Jamestown Fire Company. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None.  Carried.
  • There was a recent incident with one of the fire hall doors coming down on top of the ambulance. A broken spring is suspected to have been the cause. The fire hall doors and openers are over 30 years old, with 3 of the 5 pressure sensors on the bottom of the doors not working or out-of-date. Insurance will cover the cost to repair the 2 damaged door panels, less the deductible. The body shop has not given us the cost to repair the ambulance roof that was damaged. The cost to replace the door with a side pull opener is $7700. The board agreed to use the insurance money coming for the 2 damaged door panels and put in the difference to replace the door. The board would like to work towards replacing a door per year since they are over 30 years old and the newer doors have additional safety features. Chief Webster is planning to submit a Cummins grant this fall for the replacement of the remaining doors. 

    Trustee Cavallaro made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn to replace the ambulance bay door using approximately $4,200 out of the operating budget and $3,542 in insurance money. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Code Enforcement

The May code officer report was reviewed. It was noted 3 building permits totaling $172.50 were issued this past month, totaling $1,392.50 year-to-date.

Highlights:

  • Sent out 6 grass cutting violations.
  • 11 North Dow Street – condemned – to be worked on soon.
  • 8 N. Dow Street – condemned all 4 apartments.
  • 232 W. Falconer Street – sent letter for property maintenance violation.
  • 19 N. Phetteplace – taken over by owner’s daughter – plans to rent apartments.
  • 400 W. Main – being renovated to a 1-bedroom apartment.
  • 2 & 12 Waldemeere – condemned both homes – damaged from recent fire.

Department of Public Works

The DPW report was submitted for the period May 13, 2024 – June 6, 2024. 

  • Mayor Jaroszynski commented that the corn hole pads and new No Smoking signs look nice.
  • The sign for the entrance to Falconer Park is on order.
  • The board received approximate costs to repair the Community Building garage door lentils with photos of the issues. If we go forward with the project, sealed bids will need to be requested.
  • Due to the high repair cost, the board discussed the option of an addition to the DPW garage to store the equipment that is housed in the Community Building bays. The 2 bays that are in need of repair were an addition to the Community Building years ago and could be removed. The 2 equipment bays that are part of the Community building could be converted into a larger board room and code office (moving it from the basement). 
  • A decision on the Community Building garage door repair was tabled until we conduct a feasibility study. A committee was formed with Trustee Gustafson, Trustee Cavallaro, Superintendent Caprino and CEO Capitano to conduct a study on the building use.
  • Trustee Cavallaro asked Superintendent Caprino to check with the contractor on the status of the sidewalk replacements. The sidewalks have been torn up but there has been no additional work done on the sidewalks, with residents not being able to get into their driveways. 
  • Mayor Jaroszynski asked Superintendent Caprino to check the sidewalk to the Falconer Park entrance as it was reported to be upheaved due to tree roots.
  • Superintendent Caprino confirmed that there are plans to add dirt around the new shed in Falconer Park and that the repaving was completed last fall on Falconer Street over the section that had been paved with the incorrect mixture.

Library  

The May 13, 2024 – June 10, 2024 Library report and Summer Newsletter was reviewed. 

Highlights:

  • Falconer Central School sixth-grade classes will be visiting the library on June 11th and 12th as well as the historian’s room with Historian Brenda Cavallaro to learn about the history of Falconer as part of their “Our Place” program.
  • The Alzheimer’s Association of WNY will present “Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors” on Tuesday, June 18th at 2 pm. They will return on July 23rd to present “Managing Money: A Caregivers Guide to Finances”.
  • On August 13th at 2 pm in Davis Park, there will be a special musical concert by Robin Grandin, member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. “Music to Remember” will use the power of music to bring memories to life. 
  • The 34th Annual Thursday night summer concerts will take place in Davis Park from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Scheduled concerts: July 11 – Miranda Wilcox, July 18 – Pearl City Jazz, July 25 – New Horizons Band, and August 1 – Razz and Friends.
  • Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library” starts July 1st and will run for 5 weeks through August 3rd.
  • The Annual Book Sales will take place on August 8th and 9th from 9am – 5 pm and August 10th from 9 am to 12 pm.

Committees:

Finance:

  • The board was given the sales tax analysis for the 4th quarter. 
  • Three insurance premium quotes for the village property and casualty insurance were reviewed. Last year’s premium was $43,922.84 from Trident. Our insurance agent from Gray Insurance Agency, Hannah Hayes, is recommending going to HCC. HCC is about 10% less than Trident with a few higher deductibles, but has an overall better replacement cost for the building values and no coinsurance.

    Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to accept HCC quote for our insurance for the 24/25 year. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: None. Carried.

Legal: 

  • There will be a special board meeting on Thursday, June 20 at 5 pm for a proposal regarding real estate.
  • Tarp Skunk Falconer Night at the Park on July 17th – invitations are going out.

Public Safety: 

  • The Dog Control Report for May was reviewed with several complaints that were handled by the Dog Control Officer.
  • The Fire Advisory Board is still reviewing the potential contract with the county.

Downtown Development:  

  • A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at The Hearing Place on Friday, May 24, 2024. The event was organized and livestreamed by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Thanks to funding from the Partnership for Economic Growth, the Chautauqua County IDA is assisting Falconer with the 2024 NY Forward grant application. Preparations for this year’s application include reconvening a NY Forward committee, reevaluating private and public projects, and preparing a Pro-Housing Community resolution.
  • At a recent Falconer Chamber meeting, plans for the “Made in Falconer” event were discussed. The event is scheduled to run from 10 am – 2 pm on October 5, 2024 with manufacturing tours every 30 minutes. A scavenger hunt involving manufacturing and retail outlets will encourage visits to participating businesses. 

Farmers Market:

  • New Farmer’s Market banners and yard signs were ordered.

Parks:

  • Trustee Miller thanked resident Ro Woodard and the DPW for their part in installing the corn hole pads in Falconer Park.
  • There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the corn hole pads on Friday, June 14th at 10:00am.
  • Park Rules – Park rules were reviewed as well as a park rule sign from Celoron Park so that a Falconer Park rule sign can be ordered. It was noted to add: Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. 

Pine Hill Cemetery:

  • The grant requested for the leaf blower was not approved but the Community Foundation committee did award half of the requested operational need grant in the amount of $5,500. This should help the cemetery not finish the year at a deficit. 

Planning/Zoning Board

  • There is a Zoning Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 19th at 6:30 pm.

Old Business:

  • Merriam Street Parking
    Superintendent Caprino contacted the resident that has been parking on the east side of Merriam Street and he is in agreement for the parking to change to “No Parking from 7am to 5pm” on the northeast side of Merriam Street. He will contact Jim Roach from Falconer Printing to confirm his delivery schedule to make sure he does not get deliveries past 5pm.

    Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller that we change the parking requirements on the northeast side of Merriam Street to “No Parking from 7am to 5pm” as long as Jim Roach has no problem with that time frame. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

    Attorney Peterson noted that this resolution is the first step that starts the process to change the existing local law.
  • Engineering Planning Grant RFQ’s – Sanitary Sewer Project
    As part of the EFC Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant, interviews were conducted with three engineering firms on Friday, June 7. The committee awarded the contract to Square Engineering. 

    Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to empower the mayor to sign the contract with Square Engineering in relation to the sanitary sewer project. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.
  • Pro-Housing Community Designation – Letter of Intent
    The Pro-Housing Communities Program provides a certification program for local governments that are taking action to support housing growth to address the housing shortage throughout the state. Obtaining certification is now required to be eligible for specific discretionary NYS funding grants. In order to obtain the certification, the village will be submitting a pro-housing letter of intent as the first step in the process.

New Business: 

  • Lauren Sharp – Chautauqua County Dept of Planning & Development
    Per NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, the County Legislature is required to review the Agricultural District every 8 years. The program gives benefits to commercial farming operations. During the review time frame, landowners may submit requests to add parcels of predominantly viable agricultural land or remove parcels. All municipalities must be informed of the review and publish the public notice on their official bulletin board. 
  • FCS Senior Class Parade request
    Trustee Gustafson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Dunn to allow Falconer School to conduct their senior parade on Friday, June 27th (rain date June 28) at 6 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.
  • Park Rules – review for sign
    Covered under Park Committee
  • Falconer Park Concrete Cornhole – ribbon cutting
    The Falconer Chamber will be doing the ribbon cutting – Friday, June 14th at 10 am.
  • Summer Activities Flyer
  • CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Funding Opportunity
    The village recently met with Josh Freifeld with CHRIC regarding the possible submission of one or more Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2024 program year. The CDBG program is administered by the NYS Office of Community Renewal (OCR) and will make available to eligible local governments approximately $100 million for housing, economic development, public facilities, public infrastructure and planning activities, with the principal purpose of benefitting low/moderate income persons. 

    Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Gustafson to participate in the CHRIC Grant process through CDBG to hold a public hearing on July 8,2024 at 6 pm. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Correspondence:      

  • Abstract Audit – Trustee Gustafson
    Trustee Gustafson’s letter, date June 10, 2024, which acknowledged his review on June 9, 2024 of the unpaid vouchers for Abstract #1 (FY 24/25) and bank reconciliations from M&T Bank, Community Bank and NYCLASS for the month of April 2024 was placed into record.
  • Thank You Note – Library Memorial Donation

Abstracts

Motion:  It is moved by Trustee Dunn and seconded by Trustee Gustafson that Abstract #1, General Fund in the amount of $50,409.79 be approved for payment. There was a discussion regarding the payment of $4500 for trash cans. It was noted that these were ordered for Main Street using the Green Space Grant.  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 #1, Cemetery Fund in the amount of $937.61 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 #1 Library Fund in the amount of $3,329.89 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 Miller that Abstract #1, General Fund Hand Items in the amount of $5,595.55 be approved for payment.  Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Cavallaro to move into executive session to discuss the employment of a particular person(s) at 7:44 p.m. Roll: Gustafson: Aye, Dunn: Aye, Cavallaro: Aye, Miller: Aye, and Jaroszynski: Aye. Nays: none. Carried.

There was no action taken during the executive session.

A motion to exit the executive session was made by Trustee Miller and seconded by Trustee Dunn at 8:13 p.m. Ayes: all. Nays: none. Motion carried. 

Trustee Dunn made a motion, seconded by Trustee Miller, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:13 p.m. Ayes: all. Nays: none. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Capestrani, Village Clerk