AUGUST 27, 2018
The sixteenth regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lakewood, N.Y., was held Monday, August 27, 2018, 6:30 PM, with Deputy Mayor Edward J. McCague presiding. Trustees present were Ellen E. Barnes, Randall G. Holcomb, and Douglas L. Schutte. Also present were Village Clerk Joseph M. Johnson, Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft, Police Chief John R. Bentley, Village Attorney John I. LaMancuso, and Building Inspector Jeffrey A. Swanson. Absent were Mayor Cara Birrittieri, Department of Public Works Supervisor Thomas R. Pilling and Fire Chief Steve Smouse.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Schutte, to approve the minutes of the last regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, held August 13, 2018. Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
AUDIT OF CLAIMS
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, that the claims as audited by the Auditing Committee of the abstracts dated August 27, 2018, be approved and that the Clerk shall execute said abstracts (# 12 & #13) and direct payment by the Treasurer. Trust & Agency Fund: $ 61,320.60, (Checks #4498 thru #4510), General Fund: $ 146,231.04, (Checks #15101 thru #15147) NOTE: Checks #15055 thru #15100 were voided due to a jammed printer.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
REPORTS
Deputy Mayor McCague indicated because Mayor Birrittieri and DPW Supervisor Pilling are not in attendance this evening, the reports portion of tonight’s meeting will begin with Lakewood-Busti Police Chief John R. Bentley.
Police Chief John R. Bentley reported that the Lakewood-Busti Police Department has handled five thousand nine hundred eighty-two incidents year-to-date, three hundred seventy of which occurred within the past two weeks. He also reported that the L-BPD has taken delivery of two new police patrol cars, which should be in service within a couple of weeks and that the L-BPD has received a grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in the amount of $ 1,200.00, for participating in the Child Safety Seat Program.
Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft reported that she previously prepared and distributed to the Mayor and Board of Trustees, an up to date financial report on
this year’s 4th of July Summerfest, with the understanding there might be more donations forthcoming or more expenses to be paid. She then expressed her concern over the potential distribution of the available funding of $ 5,000.00 which is in Account A-8510.42, Community Beautification – Chautauqua Lake. Mrs. Windoft said she recently learned that the invoice from the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance is forthcoming.
She also noted that the Village of Lakewood hasn’t previously made a contribution to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, (CWC).
Deputy Mayor McCague said he believes there is a distinction between the contributions made to organizations such as the Chautauqua Lake Association, (CLA), Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, (CWC), and the Chautauqua Lake Partnership, (CLP), versus the membership fees paid to the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance. He agreed, contributions to the lake organizations are funded via Account A-8510.42, (Community Beautification – Chautauqua Lake), however he believes the membership dues paid to the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance are paid from Account A-1920.40, (Municipal Association Dues).
Trustee Holcomb suggested that the $ 5,000.00 in Account A-8510.42, be split equally among the three lake organizations.
Deputy Mayor McCague said he would have a problem with that, because historically the Village of Lakewood has donated $ 3,500.00 annually to the Chautauqua Lake Association and therefore he would prefer not to reduce that number. Plus, they are the lake organization that does the most to maintain our lake. Deputy Mayor McCague also indicated that the Village of Lakewood should also support the wonderful efforts of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC).
Trustee Barnes said efforts to manage and maintain the watershed, including the lake, has become more than a one pronged approach and it is likely going to take all of these agencies working together to get anything done.
Deputy Mayor McCague would therefore like to suggest that the Village of Lakewood consider making contributions to the lake organizations as follows:
$ 3,500.00 to the Chautauqua Lake Association, (CLA), reduce the proposed donation to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, (CWC), from $ 1,500.00 to
$ 1,000.00 and $ 500.00 for the Chautauqua Lake Partnership, (CLP), if in fact they request funding this year. He said this pattern of giving would be consistent with what has been done in the past. Deputy Mayor McCague asked why would we cut funding to the organization (CLA) that does the most for the lake.
Trustee Barnes said she would agree with Trustee Holcomb, to split the funding up equally between the various lake organizations. She said because portions of the lake off Lakewood’s shoreline is unusable, what ever is being done just isn’t working and suggested the Village of Lakewood begin funding programs that are going to make the lake usable again. Trustee Barnes said we need long term solutions to correct the problems with the lake.
Trustee McCague said for the most part he agrees with Trustee Barnes, however lake activities this year are nearly over, and the Chautauqua Lake Association has done a significant amount of work during the spring and summer months in Lakewood for Lakewood. It wouldn’t be prudent to cut their funding at this point in the year.
Trustee Schutte indicated that he spent time yesterday in his boat checking the condition of the lake from Sherman’s Bay to Burtis Bay. Trustee Schutte said the worst case of weeds and algae he saw was below the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, towards Burtis Bay. He said even in some areas where aquatic herbicides were applied, up near Smith Boys Marina, which is outside of Lakewood’s shorelines, the weeds were terrible, causing his boat motor to overheat.
Because the area near Burtis Bay is so shallow the conditions allow the weeds to grow out of control. He said that area needs a lot of attention, from dredging, to sediment control to aquatic herbicide application. Trustee Schutte said per the information provided through the joint stormwater management engineering study, the second worst sediment deposit along Lakewood’s shoreline occurs at the creek outfall next to the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.
Trustee Schutte said it appears the Chautauqua Lake Association is doing all it can in trying to keep up with the weed harvesting and shoreline clean-up. He said he visited a couple neighborhood docks in Lakewood and noted the weeds weren’t bad however as one gets closer to Crystal Ave., which is just east of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the weeds get worse. Trustee Schutte said it would be worth asking questions to see if the application of aquatic herbicide in those targeted areas was effective.
Building Inspector Jeff Swanson indicated at a previous Town of Busti board meeting, a number of residents praised Town officials for their decision to allow the application of aquatic herbicides to areas off Town of Busti shorelines.
Deputy Mayor McCague reiterated his recommendation to split the funding appropriated for lake organizations in Account A-8510.42, [Community Beautification – Chautauqua Lake], as follows: $3,500.00 for the Chautauqua Lake Association, (CLA), $ 1,000.00, for the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, (CWC), and $ 500.00 for the Chautauqua Lake Partnership, (CLP), while annual membership dues to the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance be paid from the Municipal Association Dues account, A-1920.40.
RECESS
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, to recess the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees so as to conduct a previously scheduled public hearing.
Adopted: (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
PUBLIC HEARING: 6:45 PM
SITE PLAN REVIEW
PROPOSED METRO MATTRESS STORE
347 EAST FAIRMOUNT AVE.
Olympus Brokerage Co., Ltd., Camillus, New York, has submitted an application for Site Plan Review, regarding their proposal to redevelop the property at 347 East Fairmount Ave as a Metro Mattress Store, with the construction of a 2,800 sq. ft. commercial building on the site. Although the scope of the project as proposed doesn’t meet the threshold for site plan review as detailed in Section #25-89, [Site Plan Review], of the Village of Lakewood Zoning Law, Building Inspector Jeffrey A. Swanson believes it is significant enough to warrant review by the permitting board.
Deputy Mayor McCague indicated to everyone in attendance that once the representative from Olympus Brokerage Co., Ltd., has had the opportunity to briefly explain the project, members of the Board of Trustees will be able to ask any questions, followed by questions or comments from the general public.
Mr. Todd Oudemool, from Olympus Brokerage Co., Ltd., appeared before Deputy Mayor McCague and members of the Board of Trustees to briefly explain the Metro Mattress store project as proposed. He began his presentation noting he is the owner/developer and plans on doing a build to suit project for Metro Mattress. He said Metro Mattress is a regional store, headquartered in Syracuse, with fifty-four locations in upstate New York, and would like to expand into this market area.
Mr. Oudemool briefly described the proposed site plan and noted that the project involves the placement of a 2,800 sq. ft. building on a site that previously was the home for a 1,600 sq. ft. building, (The Bagel Company). He said the existing impervious surfaces on the site will remain as impervious surfaces and that the existing green space on the site will remain green space. He added there will be very minor changes to the overall site. He said, obviously the site will have a new 2,800 sq. ft. building, a new macadam overlay of the existing parking area and aprons plus a new monument sign. Although signage falls under a separate permit process, Mr. Oudemool wanted to make it clear the proposed sign package would comply with the local zoning law with respect to maximum number, size and height.
Mr. Oudemool went on to explain the on-site lighting package, which will be “dark sky” compliant, and the required dumpster enclosure off the back of the store.
He said Metro Mattress would like to open for business by “Black Friday” and added that January & February are generally peak months for mattress sales.
Building Inspector Swanson indicated he has a question regarding the approval of a permit for the proposed monument sign. He said although it might comply with the required set-back of 15 ft. from the curb line, its location would remain within the NYS right-of-way. It was suggested for Building Inspector Swanson to get some input on this matter from the New York State Department of Transportation.
Mr. Oudemool said the Planning Board also had a few questions regarding landscaping and plantings. He noted Metro Mattress likes a very simple and clean approach to their store locations, without a lot of flowers or fancy landscaping. He indicated that entire site would be “cleaned-up”.
The final item the Planning Board voiced their concerns about was the on-site stormwater management.
Mr. Oudemool said the project site’s existing grades and contours would remain the same, whereby any stomwater would “sheet shed” towards the three existing catch basins or to the vegetation/pervious areas on the perimeter of the property. He reiterated there would be a new 2 in. (plus/minus) macadam overlay of the existing parking lot, which would then be striped.
Trustee Barnes asked Mr. Oudemool if the site as proposed meets all the environmental requirements or concerns.
Mr. Oudemool said the proposed site work and commercial building comply with New York State Building Codes, per the plans and documents prepared by National Structures, Inc., Syracuse, New York, who is the preferred developer for Metro Mattress. He noted National Structures, Inc. has also built thirty-one Applebees Restaurants, among other commercial buildings.
Building Inspector Swanson indicated that this is a good project for the area, noting the similar improvements that have occurred with the recent construction of the 5 Star Urgent Care and Aspen Dental project at 386-390 East Fairmount Ave. He said Olympus Brokerage Ltd., has also been in touch with the owner of the property at 341-343 East Fairmount Ave., immediately west of the project site, about future acquisition and development. Mr. Swanson concluded his comments by saying it is his opinion that this project shouldn’t generate any more stormwater runoff than what it does currently and that it can do nothing but enhance the commercial corridor along Rt. 394.
Ms. Ruth Wahl, 106 Winchester Road, asked Mr. Oudemool if the developer would consider establishing a rain garden on site which would collect and retain a certain amount of stormwater, before being discharged downstream.
Mr. Oudemool indicated that there exists 15-17 ft. wide swath of pervious area (vegetation/grass) on one side of the site and about 15 ft. of vegetation/grass area on the other side of the site. Although these areas aren’t considered rain gardens or bio-swales, the vegetation in these areas work in the same way, to filter the stormwater and slow it down before it has a chance to runoff downstream. To include rain gardens or bio-swales in projects such as this adds significantly to the project’s cost, which could get in the way of moving forward with it. Mr. Oudemool said it is something we will remain open to, if in the process of developing the site there are opportunities to do so inexpensively.
Deputy Mayor McCague indicated we as a municipal board for a lakeside community are very conscious about the proper management of stormwater and its impact on the watershed and lake. He indicated to Mr. Oudemool, anywhere on the project site where raingardens could be incorporated, would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Oudemool said Metro Mattress wants to be a good neighbor and he will relay that suggestion to them for their consideration.
Building Inspector Swanson said when it comes to plantings and landscaping ideas, review boards may make suggestions but they cannot demand or require developers to do certain things that aren’t specifically addressed in the local zoning law.
Mr. John Jablonski, III, 213 Spruce Street, and Executive Director of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, as a resident of the Village of Lakewood he is pleased to see new development come to the area and improve a property that has been vacant for years. He said the project also points out the strong need for the Village of Lakewood to upgrade its stormwater regulations. He also believes the project is a missed opportunity to improve upon a stormwater management system that is totally obsolete.
He said it is likely some of the stormwater generated on the site flows directly into the nearby stream.
Mr. Jablonski said he would like the trees located within the road right-of-way fully protected. After having just returned from a trip to Cape Cod, Mr. Jablonski said it is important to showcase a community’s commercial district with more than a lot of glass and steel. Because the Village of Lakewood is competing with other communities in the northeast as a tourism destination, the local zoning law should be on par with communities that require minimal landscaping requirements.
As Executive Director of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, he and his staff are glad to work with developers and strongly urged Mr. Oudemool to consider additional stormwater management measures on the site so as not to discharge untreated stormwater into the nearby creek and contributing to the lakes problems.
Deputy Mayor McCague said the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) does a good job of advising developers, plus it is done at no cost.
Mr. Oudemool told Mr. Jablonski he is very easy to work with and would be happy to look at any ideas the CWC may have.
Mr. Thomas Marlinski, 36 Ohio Ave., indicated it appears that the developer isn’t changing anything significantly on the site and therefore the stormwater runoff will be the same as it is now. How can the developer be asked to change everything just because it isn’t perfect.
Mr. Oudemool said there will be no expansion of the existing impervious surfaces on the site, adding he is very mindful of the problems that can occur with the mismanagement of stormwater.
With no one else to be heard, Deputy Mayor McCague closed the public hearing at 7:25 PM and proceeded to reopen the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.
RESOLUTION #107-2018 – APPROVE PROPOSED SITE PLAN FOR METRO MATTRESS PROJECT
Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Barnes, for the Board of Trustees to approve the proposed site plan for the Metro Mattress project, whereby Olympus Brokerage Co., Ltd., Camillus, N.Y., will be allowed to redevelop the property at 347 East Fairmount Ave., with the construction of a 2,800 sq. ft. commercial building on site in accordance with the documents presented. The proposed building is expected to be built by Natural Structures, Inc., Syracuse, N.Y.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
SUBMITTAL OF LETTERS
Trustee Barnes indicated to Deputy Mayor McCague and her fellow Trustees that she has penned a letter accusing Mayor Birrittieri of making an unlawful
expenditure. She said on June 12th, Mayor Birrittieri directed the Chautauqua Lake Association to sample and test the water in Chautauqua Lake off the shores of the Village of Lakewood without any authority or the approval from the Board of Trustees.
Taking of the water sample and having it tested was done following the application of aquatic herbicides in targeted areas of Chautauqua Lake off the Town of Busti’s shoreline. This action by Mayor Birrittieri is in violation of New York State Village Law 4-412, Section (12).
Trustee Barnes and Trustee Holcomb each then submitted their signed letters to Village Clerk Johnson for filing. Trustee Barnes said like letters were provided to Deputy Mayor McCague and Trustee Schutte and it’s up to them whether or not they would like to sign them.
Trustee Schutte indicated he is somewhat confused by the action taken by Trustee Barnes, because in the letter from the Chautauqua Lake Association’s Executive Director, Mr. Douglas E. Conroe, dated August 23, 2018, there was no mention of Mayor Birrittieri when referencing the water sampling and testing.
Trustee Barnes said when she spoke with Mr. Conroe on August 14th, she asked him who requested the water sampling and testing and he said Mayor Birrittieri.
Deputy Mayor McCague said he also talked with Mr. Conroe and Mayor Birrittieri has said she didn’t request the sampling and testing.
Trustee Holcomb asked, who would have made the request then.
Deputy Mayor McCague said we just don’t know.
Trustee Holcomb indicated that during the course of a previous meeting he recalls Mayor Birrittieri saying, let’s see if the Village of Lakewood can cover the cost of the water sampling & testing within the annual contribution to the Chautauqua Lake Association.
Trustee Barnes said Mr. Conroe also told Mr. Rich Fisher, that the Mayor did indeed request the water sampling and subsequent testing. Maybe Mr. Conroe could put his statement in writing.
Deputy Mayor McCague then referenced the letter from Mr. Conroe dated August 23, 2018.
Trustee Barnes said nothing about the water sampling and testing was brought before members of the Board of Trustees for discussion, etc. Some members of the Board of Trustees first learned about the water sampling and testing July 23rd, which was six weeks after the fact.
Deputy Mayor McCague asked Village Attorney LaMancuso, if Mayor Birrittieri played a part in ordering the water sampling and testing, would her action be a violation of any New York State laws.
Village Attorney LaMancuso indicated that he has had conversations with Trustee Barnes and others regarding this matter and said he isn’t aware of any “emergency exception” to the general rule that the Board of Trustees have to approve all expenditures. The particular sub-section of New York State Village Law, cited in the letters signed by Trustees Barnes and Holcomb is pretty clear that one cannot create a liability without the authority of the Board of Trustees. The question remains, did the Mayor create a liability for the Village of Lakewood.
Deputy Mayor McCague said it is opinion that the sampling and testing of the waters off the shores of the Village of Lakewood could have avoided a much larger liability.
Trustee Barnes said the law is very clear and that she spoke with John Mancini, NYCOM Counsel several times regarding this issue. He reiterated that there is no “emergency exception” with respect to unapproved spending. She said no member of this Board or the Mayor has the authority to spend money in any way, good intentions notwithstanding.
Trustee Barnes said this is not the first time something like this has happened.
Deputy Mayor McCague then posed a couple hypothetical questions to Village Treasurer Windoft. He asked her if DPW Supervisor Pilling is out in the field on a certain project and he needs additional materials, does he come to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Village Treasurer Windoft said Mr. Pilling would be allowed to purchase the necessary materials he needed through his contractual accounts via the authority of the Board of Trustees’ budget approval.
He then asked Mrs. Windoft, if Village Clerk Johnson needs office supplies, does he have to receive Board of Trustees’ approval before purchasing them.
Village Treasurer Windoft said her answer would be the same. Mr. Johnson would have the authority through his contractual accounts and the appropriated budget to make the purchases without Board of Trustees approval.
Deputy Mayor McCague said it appears department heads have the authority to spend up to what monies are appropriated within their respective budgets or individual contractual accounts. He then asked Village Treasurer Windoft if Mayor Birrittieri has a budget, what is its budget line and what is the dollar amount of the invoice received from the Chautauqua Lake Association for the sampling and testing of the water off Lakewood’s shoreline.
Treasurer Windoft said the Mayor indeed has a budget with a contractual account in the amount of $2,500.00. She added the invoice from the Chautauqua Lake Association totaled $ 853.40.
Deputy Mayor McCague contends that, if the Mayor ordered the water sampling and testing, she would be allowed to spend up to $ 2,500.00 from her contractual account without pre-authorization from the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Barnes asked why wasn’t this matter brought to the attention of each and every member of the Board of Trustees for discussion.
Deputy Mayor McCague interjected saying why would DPW Supervisor Pilling or Village Clerk Johnson bring it the attention of the Board of Trustees that they are in need of additional materials or supplies. Because they each have a budget from which they are authorized to make necessary purchases.
Trustee Barnes said this action by the Mayor was unauthorized and is an issue that has been allowed to go on with this particular Mayor. Trustee Barnes said she would rather not speak about the Mayor without her present to defend herself.
Trustee Schutte said that’s the problem. Mayor Birrittieri isn’t here to defend herself. We all need to know the facts first. Right now, everything that is being talked about is all conjecture.
Trustee Barnes said the submittal of signed letters from her and Trustee Holcomb is just a matter of the timely filing of materials with the Village Clerk for the record. In this case, it is the correct and legal thing to do. At some point, the Mayor, if she ordered the water sampling and testing, should have come forward and explained herself. Trustee Barnes said she will have the opportunity to answer the letters in the near future.
Village Clerk Johnson noted he has accepted the signed letters as submitted by Trustee Barnes and Trustee Holcomb for filing.
RESOLUTION #108-2018 – AUTHORIZE FUND TRANSFER
Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, authorizing Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft to transfer $ 1,300.00 from Trust & Agency Account 1093.60, [Dog Park], to General Fund Account A8510.40, [Community Beautification], to pay for the new dog water fountain to be installed at the “Bark Park” on East Terrace Ave.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
RESOLUTION #109-2018 – APPROVE USE OF VILLAGE STREETS
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, to approve the use of Village of Lakewood streets for the 6th Annual Kallie’s Krusade – 5K Color Run, Monday, (Labor Day), September 3, 2018. NOTE: The walk/run fundraiser will begin and conclude at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, utilizing portions of East Terrace Ave. and East Summit Street as the route.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
RESOLUTION #110-2018 – APPROVE USE OF VILLAGE STREETS
Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, to approve the use of Village of Lakewood streets for the YMCA’s Battle of the Businesses’ 2 Mile Run, to be held 9:00 AM, Saturday, September 15, 2018.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
RESOLUTION #111-2018 – APPROVE 2018 LAKE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Schutte, for the Board of Trustees to approve the 2018 Lake Maintenance Agreement between the Village of Lakewood and the Chautauqua Lake Association, Inc., (CLA), and authorize Mayor Birrittieri to execute the same. The Village of Lakewood agrees to make a contribution in the amount of $ 3,500.00 towards the Chautauqua Lake Association’s Lake Maintenance Program for 2018.
Adopted: 3 ayes, (Holcomb, McCague, Schutte), 1 nay (Barnes)
RESOLUTION #112-2018–APPROVE GIFT TO THE CHAUTAUQUA WATERSHED CONSERVANCY
Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee McCague, for the Board of Trustees to approve a $1,000.00 contribution to the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, (CWC), Jamestown, New York, in support of their efforts to preserve and enhance the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. NOTE: Trustee Barnes said she would prefer if the appropriated funding for the various lake organizations were to be distributed more equally and for the record if she had known of the adjusted amount to be given to the CWC, she would have been in favor of the
$ 3,500.00 contribution being made to the CLA.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
RESOLUTION #113-2018 – AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF THE CLA INVOICE
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, authorizing the Village Treasurer to remit payment of $ 853.40 to the Chautauqua Lake Association, Inc., Lakewood, N.Y., for services rendered on June 12, 2018, to sample and test the water off the Village of Lakewood’s shore line following the application of aquatic herbicides made to targeted areas of Chautauqua Lake lying outside the Village of Lakewood, and to authorize Village Treasurer Windoft to transfer $ 853.40 from Account A1990.40, [Contingency Fund], into Account: A8510.40, [Community Beautification], for payment.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
Mr. John Jablonski, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy wanted to express his sincere thanks to Deputy Mayor McCague and the Board of Trustees for their support, with the $ 1,000.00 gift to the CWC. He said the CWC has assisted the Town of Busti and the Village of Lakewood with their stormwater management plans and hope to be able to implement those plans.
Trustee Barnes asked Mr. Jablonski for his opinion on the two stormwater management projects that the Village of Lakewood has applied for grants to undertake. She indicated that they appear to be very expensive for what impact they would have on the reduction of sediment reaching the lake. She asked isn’t there something that could be done higher-up in the watershed that would be more impactful without the exorbitant expense.
Mr. Jablonski said with respect to the Lowe Park project, most of that stormwater is probably coming from Fairmount Ave. and the adjacent commercial plaza. As new stormwater management regulations are adopted by municipalities, when commercial or residential areas are developed or redeveloped the new regulations pertaining to stormwater management, retention and treatment can be properly enforced.
Deputy Mayor McCague then asked if he or staff from the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC) could assist the Village of Lakewood in developing with some model codes when it comes to proper stormwater management.
Mr. Jablonski said he and the CWC would be glad to assist the Village of Lakewood in this endeavor.
Mr. Greg Carr, 2 Crystal Ave., said the Chautauqua Lake Association has been cutting/harvesting the weeds in Burtis Bay, and it appears the more the weeds are cut/harvested, the thicker they are getting. He said unfortunately the Chautauqua Lake Association isn’t collecting all the cut weeds that gather along the shoreline.
RECESS
Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, to recess the regular meeting at 7:52 PM, so as to enter into executive session.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Present at the executive session were Deputy Mayor Edward J. McCague, Trustee Ellen E. Barnes, Trustee Randall G. Holcomb, Trustee Douglas L. Schutte, Village Attorney John I. LaMancuso and Village Clerk Joseph M. Johnson. Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Holcomb to adjourn the executive session at 8:20 PM.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)
Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 8:21 PM.
________________________________
Joseph M. Johnson
Village Clerk
