March 11, 2019, Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

MARCH 11, 2019

The fifth regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lakewood, N.Y., was held Monday, March 11, 2019, 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, Department of Public Works Supervisor Thomas R. Pilling and Fire Chief Steve Smouse. Absent was Building Inspector Jeffrey A. Swanson.

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 February 25, 2019.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

AUDIT OF CLAIMS

Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Schutte, that the claims as audited by the Auditing Committee of the abstracts dated March 11, 2019, be approved and that the Clerk shall execute said abstracts (#41 & #42) and direct payment by the Treasurer. Trust & Agency Fund: $ 59,155.68 (Checks #4666 thru #4674), General Fund: $ 75,331.60 (Checks #15632 thru #15670) NOTE: Check #15628 was voided and replaced with Check #15631.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

REPORTS

Department of Public Works Supervisor Thomas R. Pilling indicated he received a quote to replace the windows at the Anthony C. Caprino Municipal Building. This was done in connection with the NYSERDA grant awarded to the Village of Lakewood in efforts to make the Anthony C. Caprino Municipal Building more energy efficient.

Police Chief John R. Bentley reported that the Lakewood-Busti Police Department has handled one thousand eight hundred forty-seven incidents year-to-date, four hundred thirty-two of which occurred during the past two weeks. Chief Bentley also reported that new part-time Police Officer Hannah M. Silzle is currently performing her field training and doing very well. Chief Bentley indicated, that after having a conversation with Deputy Mayor McCague about the local deer population, wished to note that the Town of Busti is no longer issuing extra permits to hunters, adding the five year program had run its course.

Fire Chief Steve Smouse submitted the Lakewood Fire Department alarm report for February noting there were seventy-eight alarms during the month and that there have one hundred seventy-nine alarms year-to-date.

Although Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft had no report, Deputy Mayor McCague asked Mrs. Windoft if she knew, that after having raised the franchise fee for residents from 3% to 5% a year ago, if she had heard anything from Charter Communications/Spectrum when that increase was going to take effect.

Mrs. Windoft indicated that although this revenue increase was included in this year’s budget, she has been told by Mr. Mark Meyerhofer, a representative from Charter Communications, the matter is in the hands of the New York Public Service Commission.

RESOLUTION #36 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE MID-YEAR BUDGET TRANSFER

Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Barnes, authorizing Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft to make a mid-year budget transfer of $ 75.00 from Account A7270.40, [Band Concerts], into Account A1910.40, [Municipal Association Dues], due to an overage.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #37 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE MID-YEAR BUDGET TRANSFER

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, authorizing Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft to make a mid-year budget transfer of $ 5,677.20 from Account T1093.20, [Police Federal Government Forfeiture], into Account A3120.20, [Police Equipment], to pay for new firearms with sights.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no ayes (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #38 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE MID-YEAR BUDGET TRANSFER

Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Schutte, authorizing Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft to make a mid-year budget transfer of $ 3,701.50 from Account A1990.40, [Contingent Fund], into Account A1420.40, [Law Contractual], to pay legal expenses related to litigation in connection with the proposed cell tower.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #39 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, authorizing Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft to make a budget adjustment for the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation, (CHRIC) grant, increasing Account A8668.20, [NYS Rehab Grant], and Account A103989.00, [State Aid-CHRIC], each by $ 67,171.00.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #40 – 2019 – APPROVE AFFIRMATION LETTER FROM CHAUT. LAKE PARTNERSHIP

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes for the Board of Trustees to approve an affirmation letter from the Chautauqua Lake Partnership (CLP), which asks the Village of Lakewood to concur with the Town of Ellery to continue serving as Lead Agency pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), for the purpose of the Village of Lakewood to permit the application of aquatic herbicides off and/or from its shoreline, and to authorize Deputy Mayor McCague to execute the same.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

DISCUSSION – AQUATIC HERBICIDE PERMIT APPLICATION

Dr. James Cirbus, President of the Chautauqua Lake Partnership (CLP), asked Deputy Mayor McCague and Village Attorney LaMancuso if the Village of Lakewood received an Amended Findings Statement and a Technical Memorandum from the CLP’s legal counsel.

Mr. LaMancuso indicated that members of the Board of Trustees have received those documents however he doesn’t know if they have had an adequate amount of time to review them.

Dr. Cirbus said the CLP would like for the Board of Trustees to consider approving the documents this evening, to allow the CLP to move forward with the NYS DEC permit process.

Deputy Mayor McCague indicated to Dr. Cirbus that he received the documents at about 3:30 PM this afternoon, while some members of the Board of Trustees haven’t had a chance to check their e-mails. He told Dr. Cirbus the Board of Trustees needs time to review the documents and that no action would be taken on them this evening. Mr. McCague noted that one of the documents is over two hundred pages long.

Trustee Barnes asked if the amended Findings Statement is that much different than the one previously submitted.

Village Attorney LaMancuso said the amended Findings Statement is much more detailed and wished the Trustees would have had time to review them before tonight’s meeting. He said although the CLP was looking for action on the documents this evening, the prudent thing to do would be to take the time to review them so as to be able to ask questions if indeed any arose.

Dr. Cirbus apologized for the delay in getting the documents to the Board of Trustees for their review, however the CLP is working very hard to get everything together by April 1^st. As the potential for legal threats increase it was decided to revise the Technical Memorandum which turned out to be a very costly undertaking. The revision of the Technical Memorandum stemmed from the fact that the CLP increased the acreage for potential aquatic herbicide application by 20% throughout the lake, although where herbicides are applied won’t change that much. Dr. Cirbus said the CLP is going out of their way to improve their position so participating municipalities don’t get sued in the process. He said it would be greatly appreciated if the Board of Trustees could conduct a special meeting in the next few days to take action on the two documents.

Deputy Mayor McCague indicated to Dr. Cirbus, he and the other members of the Board of Trustees truly appreciate what the CLP is doing and has a keen sense of the time constraints they are dealing with. He said the Board of Trustees will need some time to review the documents with counsel and will gladly get back to the CLP.

RESOLUTION #41 – 2019 – APPROVE 4^TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY CONTRACT

Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Schutte, to approve the Contract between the Village of Lakewood and Zambelli Fireworks Mfg., Co., New Castle, PA, regarding this year’s Fireworks Display to be held In conjunction with the 4^th of July Summerfest, Thursday, July 4, 2019. Cost of the fireworks display will remain at $ 11,000.00.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

DISCUSSION – 4^TH OF JULY SUMMERFEST

Mr. David Card, 38 Chautauqua Ave., appeared before Deputy Mayor McCague and members of the Board of Trustees to inform them that he has started a Lakewood Area Business Association which has been meeting regularly for the past month or so. He and members of the Business Association are wondering what role the Village of Lakewood will be playing in this year’s 4^th of July Summerfest. He said it is the Business Association’s initial intent to assist in running this year’s event and possibly take the event over from the Village of Lakewood in the future. Mr. Card said the organization will first need to decide on an official name and build the association from there.

Deputy Mayor McCague indicated the Events & Marketing Committee, which is no longer in existence, had played a major role in past 4^th of July Summerfests and other Village of Lakewood events. He said the Village of Lakewood is planning on providing the fireworks and band for this year’s event and ideally it has been a goal for the local businesses to take more of an active role in this event.

Trustee Barnes mentioned in past years the Village of Lakewood also had been responsible for contacting and scheduling street vendors along Chautauqua Ave.

Mr. Card said one of the individuals in the merchants association is in the process of putting together a vendor list.

Deputy Mayor McCague said in addition to what the Village of Lakewood has decided to provide, it would be fine for the local businesses to get together and decide what else they would like for this event to include. Mr. McCague said the Village of Lakewood has already purchased an ad in the 2019 Chautauqua County Travel Guide promoting this year’s 4^th of July Summerfest and Live on the Lake.

Village Clerk Joseph M. Johnson indicated to Mr. Card that the Village already has an active vendor list that can be shared. He then asked Deputy Mayor McCague if the Lakewood Community Development Corporation (LCDC), would be willing and able to handle the fundraising efforts for the event again this year.

Mr. Card then asked if there is any funding available for this year’s event.

Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft indicated there is some money in the account, but couldn’t quote the exact balance remaining.

Deputy Mayor McCague thanked Mr. Card for attending this evening’s meeting and indicated the newly formed Merchants Association will have the support of the Village of Lakewood.

RESOLUTION #42 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE BID REQUEST – 2019 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV)

Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, authorizing Police Chief John R. Bentley to request sealed bids for a new 2019 Sport Utility Vehicle to be used by the Lakewood-Busti Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Bids will be received at the Village Clerk’s Office at or before 2:00 PM, Monday, March 25, 2019.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #43 – 2019 – SET TIME & DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING

Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, to set 6:40 PM, Monday, March 25, 2019, as the time and date for the Board of Trustees to conduct a public hearing to consider Local Law #1-2019, [Excessive or Unreasonable Noise is Prohibited], as an amendment to the Village of Lakewood Zoning Law.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

DISCUSSION – REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RE: NYS MAIN ST. GRANT

Deputy Mayor McCague indicated that the Main Street Grant includes a 7% administration fee, so this expense is included in the grant funding. The bottom line is there is no cost to the Village of Lakewood for someone to administer/manage this particular grant. He then suggested that members of the Board of Trustees take the time to review the RFPs taking note of each firm’s qualifications and experience.

Deputy Mayor McCague said he would recommend Clinton Brown Co. Architecture, PC, because they have had a lot experience in managing NYS Main Street Grants, and would likely provide the participating property owners with more personal attention. He said the Mayor of the Village of Springville gave Clinton Brown Co. Architecture, PC, who has done a lot of work in Springville, a glaring recommendation.

Trustee Holcomb said he would rather accept the lower of the two proposals, as submitted by LaBella.

Trustee Schutte asked, when does a decision on this matter need to be made.

Deputy Mayor McCague said the sooner the better because the participating property owners are getting anxious.

RESOLUTION #44 – 2019 – TABLE ACTION TO APPROVE ONE OF TWO PROPOSALS RECEIVED

Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Barnes, for the Board of Trustees to table any action to approve a proposal to administer/manage the NYS Main Street Grant, (SHARS ID #2018100). Proposals were received from LaBella, Rochester, N.Y., in the amount of
$ 22,500.00 and Clinton Brown Co. Architecture, PC, in the amount of $ 23,755.00.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #45 – 2019 – AUTHORIZE TRUCK SERVICE TRAINING SEMINAR ATTENDANCE

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Barnes, for the Board of Trustees, acting as the Board of Fire Commissioners, to authorize LFD Captain Tom Allen, to attend a three (3) day Sutphen Aerial Ladder Truck Service & Maintenance Training seminar in Dublin, Ohio, March 19^th-21^st. Mr. Allen will be reimbursed for any and all authorized expenses incurred.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

DISCUSSION: CHAUTAUQUA AVE. GREEN STREET RETROFIT PROJECT

Mr. Randall Perry, of the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance and Project Manager for the Chautauqua Ave. Green Street Retrofit Project, appeared before Deputy Mayor McCague and members of the Board of Trustees to review with them the three (3) project related resolutions on their agenda this evening and to answer any questions they might have. Mr. Perry indicated the three (3) resolutions represent some of the Grant Agreement Documentation that requires submittal by April 30, 2019.

RESOLUTION #46-2019 – DESIGNATION OF AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE TO EXECUTE GRANT AGREEMENT BY THE VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD FOR THE CHAUTAUQUA AVENUE GREEN STREET RETROFIT PROJECT

RESOLUTION #47-2019 – AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATION OF LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS BY THE VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD FOR THE CHAUTAUQUA AVENUE GREEN STREET RETROFIT PROJECT

WHEREAS, Chautauqua Lake is an invaluable asset to Chautauqua County and the municipalities that border it but has been designated as an impaired water body, and its health and usability are threatened; and
WHEREAS, stormwater from the Village of Lakewood flows directly into Chautauqua Lake, or into streams that flow into Chautauqua Lake; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Lakewood, the County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance have partnered for the Chautauqua Avenue Green Street retrofit Project (Project); and
WHEREAS, the Village of Lakewood, as the primary grant applicant, recipient, and imminent contract holder, was selected to receive up to $ 695,000 for a New York State (NYS) Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) Grant No.1597 to construct the Project; and
WHEREAS, the estimated total Project cost is $772,724 with up to $695,000 funded by the NYS EFC and up to $77,724 funded by local match in the form of cash and/or in-kind services; and
WHEREAS, the County of Chautauqua has already pledged and confirmed $11,099 in local match, in the form of cash, in support of the Project via County Resolution Nos.172-18 and 22-19, respectively; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Lakewood has already pledged $66,625 in local match, in the form of in-kind services, in support of the Project via Village Resolution No.103-2018; and
WHEREAS, the NYS EFC, as a condition of establishing a Grant Agreement between the Village of Lakewood and NYS EFC, requires that the Village of Lakewood(as the sole contract holder with NYS EFC) authorize and appropriate the entire amount of local matching funds required under the Grant Agreement; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Village of Lakewood authorizes and appropriates a minimum 10% local match as required by the Green Innovation Grant Program for the Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit Project. Under the GIGP program, this local match must be at least 10% of the GIGP eligible project costs of $772,724. The source of the local match, and any amount in excess of the required match, shall be $11,099 in cash from the County of Chautauqua and $66,625 in in-kind services by the Village of Lakewood, expected to be related to traffic control, clearing and grubbing, excavation and disposal, and operation and maintenance for the Project. The maximum local match shall not exceed $77,724 based upon a total estimated maximum project cost of $772,724. The Deputy Mayor of the Village of Lakewood may increase this local match through the use of in-kind services without further approval from the Village of Lakewood.
Adopted; 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #48 – 2019 – SEQR TYPE II DETERMINATION BY THE VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD FOR THE CHAUTAUQUA AVENUE GREEN STREET RETROFIT PROJECT

WHEREAS, Chautauqua Lake is an invaluable asset to Chautauqua County and the municipalities that border it but has been designated as an impaired water body, and its health and usability are threatened; and
WHEREAS, stormwater from the Village of Lakewood flows directly into Chautauqua Lake, or into streams that flow into Chautauqua Lake, and
WHEREAS, the Village of Lakewood, the County of Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance have partnered for the Chautauqua Avenue Green Street retrofit Project (Project); and
WHEREAS, the Village of Lakewood, as the primary grant applicant, recipient, and imminent contract holder, was selected to received up to $695,000 for a New York State (NYS) Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) Grant No. 1597 to construct the Project; and
WHEREAS, the NYS EFC, as a condition of the Village of Lakewood receiving the grant funds, requires that the Village of Lakewood review the Project in accordance with State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and issue a determination, and
WHEREAS, Title 6 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations (6 NYCRR) Section 617.5 under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Act provides that certain actions identified in subdivision (c) of that section are not subject to environmental review under the Environmental Conservation Law, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Village of Lakewood hereby determines that the proposed Chautauqua Avenue Green Street Retrofit Project, which will include the retrofit of an existing impervious paved roadway with green infrastructure practices including permeable pavement, tree pits and urban forestry, and stormwater planters designed to promote infiltration of stormwater runoff and reduce the load of sediment and nutrients to Chautauqua Lake, is a Type II Action in accordance with 6 NYCRR Section 617.5 (c) (3), which constitutes the “retrofit of an existing structure and its appurtenant areas to incorporate green infrastructure” and is therefore not subject to further review under 6 NYCRR Part 617.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #49 – 2019 – APPOINT DEPUTY MAYOR MCCAGUE AS BUDGET OFFICER

Motion by Trustee Barnes, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, for the Board of Trustees to appoint Deputy Mayor Edward J. McCague as the Village of Lakewood interim Budget Officer for 2019. NOTE: Typically the Mayor of a Village is the Budget Officer.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

RESOLUTION #50 – 2019 – SET TIME & DATE FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON LAKE WEEDS

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Schutte, per the request of Trustee Barnes, to set 6:00 PM, Wednesday, March 27, 2019, as the time and date for the Board of Trustees to conduct a Public Discussion, for Village of Lakewood residents, on Lake Weeds and planned aquatic herbicide application in targeted areas of Chautauqua Lake off of and from Lakewood’s shoreline. The discussion will be held at the Lakewood American Legion Post #1286, 174 Chautauqua Ave. Trustee Barnes indicated that the open public forum will give Village of Lakewood residents an opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns about Chautauqua Lake’s weed issue and possible aquatic herbicide treatment, while giving their elected officials input on what they, the residents, want them to do. Deputy Mayor McCague said that the Board of Trustees has reserved making a decision on whether to approve or disapprove the application of aquatic herbicides off of and from Lakewood’s shoreline, pending the review of the NYS DEC permit applications. If the permits are approved the Board of Trustees wants to make a decision based on what the majority of residents of the Village want.
Adopted: 4 ayes, no nays (Barnes, Holcomb, McCague, Schutte)

ANYONE TO BE HEARD

Dr. Rudolph J. Mueller, 7 Sunset Ave., and Councilman for the Town of Busti, appeared before Deputy Mayor McCague and members of the Board of Trustees, said that as a tax payer, he has worked on a plan to consolidate the Town’s and Village’s municipal offices. A goal of his has been to try to reduce the cost of local government and right now there is a great opportunity not only to consolidate the offices, but also increase the level of shared services between the two municipalities. Doing so will also increase the cooperation and communication between the two entities while creating a more efficient work place.

Dr. Mueller said because there are a couple of changes in personnel expected soon at the Village offices, the time is right to consider consolidated the two offices. With the Village of Lakewood offices moving into the Town of Busti office, there would be a reduction of energy costs for the Village and the question regarding the Village’s non-compliant public meeting space would be eliminated. He said his ideas on how to consolidate the two municipal offices are not written in stone.

Dr. Mueller also said the basement at 125 Chautauqua Ave. could be converted to office space for use by the Code Enforcement Officer and Lakewood’s DPW Supervisor if need be. He also said the Lakewood History Museum could probably use a better “home” then where it is located now. He then asked Deputy Mayor McCague and the other members of the Board of Trustees to consider his idea and the possibility of a two to three year lease between the two entities. Doing so would afford Village officials the opportunity to come up with a long term plan for the Village Hall, which needs some work. He implored Lakewood’s elected officials to give his idea some thought, because it is the right thing to do and right time to do it.

Deputy Mayor McCague thanked Dr. Mueller for his presentation this evening.

Town of Busti Supervisor Jesse Robbins indicated that the Township drafted and submitted a similar proposal to the Village of Lakewood last year, and received a letter back saying they weren’t interested.

Although most officials believe the consolidation of the two offices is a good idea, Mr. Robbins said he questions some of the numbers quoted by Dr. Mueller. He is concerned that he and residents are being told one thing and when reality sets in it is going to be something else. If the consolidation of offices gets serious, it will be imperative that we are working with accurate figures.

Trustee Schutte raised the question regarding digitizing current paper records for both the Town and Village and asked how long do you keep collecting paper. He said a bigger questions is, “What is the end game for this building?” He suggested there needs to be plan for this building formulated, because if the offices were to be moved to the Town Office, utility and other costs would remain.

Trustee Holcomb indicated that he and former Town of Busti Supervisor Dale C. Robbins prepared similar studies every ten years over a thirty year period, to combine offices.

Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft asked what about the idea of putting the Town property back on the tax roll and have all of the Town of Busti offices and court move into this building. She said the old Village Hall is obviously the more historic of the two buildings and it would be a shame to see any portion of it unoccupied. Mrs. Windoft said there are a lot of pros and cons both ways when discussing office consolidation.

Trustee Barnes said whatever is decided, either building would require renovations, plus there are a lot of other things to look into and consider.

Trustee Schutte said there must be the will to move forward. At this juncture he would be in favor of forming a committee to look at all aspects of consolidated the two offices. Trustee Schutte said it all falls back on what to do with this building. He said there may be ways to do something with this building without burdening the taxpayer. Whatever its final purpose is, its use should consider and fill the needs of both the Town and Village.

Dr. Mueller thanked Deputy Mayor McCague and members of the Board of Trustees for listening to his proposal and for at least discussing the idea this evening.

Mr. David G. Bargar, 11 Sunset Ave., said these are extraordinary times here in New York State, in terms of finances. He agrees with Trustee Schutte’s idea, to form a committee, made-up of non-political folks, who could delve into the needs of both the Village and Town in order to develop a vision on how this building could best serve both municipalities. Mr. Bargar said because there is a need for senior housing in Lakewood another idea would be to convert the Village Hall into residential units. Doing so could increase the foot traffic for businesses along Chautauqua Ave. In closing, he said let a committee run with the idea and we may all be surprised what they come up with.

Deputy Mayor McCague thanked Dr. Mueller for the hard work and research he did in developing a number of valid arguments to consolidate the two municipal offices. He said historically this has been an issue that has come up before and for one reason or another the idea ran into a “roadblock” or was rejected. A most recent attempt was lead by former Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan when Chautauqua County included the office consolidation project as part of a larger plan in trying to qualify for a 20 million dollar grant from New York State.

Mr. McCague said the current financial constraints on local municipalities is significant and we, as elected officials, would be remiss to ignore the potential savings in consolidating, adding both the Town and the Village need to figure this out. Deputy Mayor McCague said he would also be in favor of developing a committee to look into it, the sooner the better.

Supervisor Robbins said he believes members of the Town Board would be agreeable to form a committee for the purpose of looking into options regarding the consolidation of offices.

Dr. Mueller said a good start point could be a joint meeting of the two municipal boards on the fifth Monday in April.

Trustee Schutte suggested there needs to be a list of goals and objectives to give a committee something to work towards.

Deputy Mayor McCague and Trustee Barnes agreed that maybe a meeting between just the Deputy Mayor and Town Supervisor might be the best way to start the ball rolling in eventually forming a joint committee.

RECESS

Motion by Trustee Holcomb, seconded by Trustee Schutte, to recess the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 7:56 PM, so as to enter into executive session, to discuss personnel matters.
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, Village Clerk Joseph M. Johnson and Village Treasurer Andrea J. Windoft. Motion by Trustee Schutte, seconded by Trustee Holcomb, to adjourn the executive session at 8:35 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 8:36 PM.

_______________________________
Joseph M. Johnson
Village Clerk

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