March 13, 2024 Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
REGULAR MEETING of the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret held at
6:30 P.M. March 13, 2024 at the Pomfret Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, N.Y.
Supervisor Daniel Pacos
Town Clerk Allison Vento
PRESENT: Town Counsel Jeffrey Passafaro
Highway Superintendent Jude Gardner
COUNCILPERSONS: John Sedota
Adam Rak
Christopher Schaeffer
Ann Eckman
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and led by Supervisor Pacos to open the Regular Town Board Meeting.
DULY MOVED by Councilwoman Eckman to accept the minutes of the
February 14, 2024 Regular Town Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak, the motion carried unanimously.
DULY MOVED by Supervisor Pacos to approve the payment of bills on abstract #3 of 2024 with one addition to the US Post Office in the amount of $500.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried by a roll call vote.
Roll Call:
Supervisor Pacos-AYE
Councilman Sedota-AYE
Councilman Schaeffer-AYE
Councilman Rak-AYE
Councilwoman Eckman-AYE
General Fund Town Wide $29,777.02
General Fund Part Town $5,419.86
Highway Fund Part Town $21,271.07
Berry Water District $68.25
Chestnut Water District $45.00
North End Water District $45.00
Lily Dale Water District $4,685.36
Lily Dale Sewer District $4,432.72
Capital Projects $53,180.00
DULY MOVED by Supervisor Pacos to approve the payment of bills on abstract #2-3 of 2024 in the amount of $237,474.05 for Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Waterworks. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried by a roll call vote.
Roll Call:
Supervisor Pacos-AYE
Councilman Sedota-AYE
Councilman Schaeffer-AYE
Councilman Rak-AYE
Councilwoman Eckman-AYE
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
Total Fine & Surcharges: $10,244.00
Cases dismissed: 14
AUDIENCE CONCERNS
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT JUDE GARDNER
Bob Siragusa-175 Gardner St., Fredonia $15.00 per hour
Jim Lemanski-74 Risley St., Fredonia $15.00 per hour
Russel Conti-3622 Rt. 83, Fredonia $17.43 per hour
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret, in the County of Chautauqua, New York (the “Town”) (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the Board) as follows:
SECTION 1. The Town is hereby authorized to acquire a road grader, including all necessary equipment, apparatus and warranties and all preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and in connection with the financing thereof (collectively, the “Purpose”). The estimated maximum cost of the Purpose is $244,000.
SECTION 2. The Town Board plans to finance the estimated maximum cost of the Purpose by the issuance of serial bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $244,000 of the Town, hereby authorized to be issued therefor pursuant to the Local Finance Law, such amount to be offset by any federal, state, county, and/or local funds received including, but not limited to, grant funds expected to be received from USDA Rural Development in the approximate amount of $175,000. Unless paid from other sources or charges, there shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the Town a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes as the same become due and payable.
SECTION 3. It is hereby determined that the Purpose is a class of objects or purposes described in subdivision 28 of paragraph (a) of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of such Purpose is 15 years.
SECTION 4. Current funds are not required to be provided prior to the issuance of the bonds authorized by this resolution or any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such bonds.
SECTION 5. It is hereby determined the proposed maturity of the obligations authorized by this resolution is expected to be in excess of five years.
SECTION 6. The faith and credit of the Town are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds (and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such bonds) as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation will be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes becoming due and payable in such year. Unless paid from other sources or charges, there will annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the Town a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes as the same become due and payable.
SECTION 7. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, Section 30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes and of Section 50.00, Sections 56.00 to 60.00, Section 62.00, Section 62.10, Section 63.00, and Section 164.00 of the Local Finance Law, the powers and duties of the Town Board pertaining or incidental to the sale and issuance of the obligations herein authorized, including but not limited to authorizing bond anticipation notes and prescribing the terms, form and contents and details as to the sale and issuance of the bonds herein authorized and of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, and the renewals of said notes, are hereby delegated to the Town Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer of the Town. Without in any way limiting the scope of the foregoing delegation of powers, the Town Supervisor, to the extent permitted by Section 58.00(f) of the Local Finance Law, is specifically authorized to accept bids submitted in electronic format for any bonds or notes of the Town.
SECTION 8. The temporary use of available funds of the Town, not immediately required for the purpose or purposes for which the same were borrowed, raised or otherwise created, is hereby authorized pursuant to Section 165.10 of the Local Finance Law, for the purpose or purposes described in this resolution.
SECTION 9. This resolution shall constitute the declaration (or reaffirmation) of the Town’s “official intent” to reimburse the expenditures authorized in this resolution with the proceeds of the bonds, notes or other obligations authorized herein, as required by United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2.
SECTION 10. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure the continued status of the interest on the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any notes issued in anticipation thereof, as excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and may designate the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any notes issued in anticipation thereof, as “qualified tax-exempt bonds” in accordance with Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.
SECTION 11. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to enter into a continuing disclosure agreement with the initial purchaser of the bonds or notes authorized by this resolution, containing provisions which are satisfactory to such purchaser in compliance with the provisions of Rule 15c2-12, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SECTION 12. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to call in and redeem any outstanding obligations that were authorized hereunder (at such times and in such amounts and maturities as may be deemed appropriate after consultation with Town officials and the Town’s municipal advisor), to approve any related notice of redemption, and to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate any such calls for redemption pursuant to Section 53.00 of the Local Finance Law, with the understanding that no such call for redemption will be made unless such notice of redemption shall have first been filed with the Town Clerk.
SECTION 13. The Town hereby determines that the Purpose is a Type II action that will not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, no other determination or procedures under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) are required.
SECTION 14. In the absence or unavailability of the Town Supervisor, the Deputy Town Supervisor is hereby specifically authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the Town Supervisor in this resolution.
SECTION 15. The validity of such serial bonds or of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such serial bonds may be contested only if:
1. (a) such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Town is not authorized to expend money, or
(b) the provisions of the law which should be complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with
and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within 20 days after the date of such publication of this notice, or
2. such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of New York.
SECTION 16. This resolution is subject to permissive referendum pursuant to Section 35.00 of the Local Finance Law. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish (one time) and post on the sign-board of the Town, this resolution, or a summary thereof, together with a notice of adoption of this resolution subject to permissive referendum, within ten days after the date of adoption of this resolution.
SECTION 17. If no petitions are filed in the permissive referendum period, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish this resolution, or a summary thereof, together with a notice in substantially the form provided by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law, in the official newspaper(s) of the Town, or if no newspaper(s) have been so designated, then in a newspaper having general circulation in the Town, which newspaper shall be designated by the Town Board in a separate resolution.
WHEREAS, the Berry Road Water District, has previously been established by the Town Board as an Ad Valorem District in said Town, and
WHEREAS, said District is operational and providing water service through water mains currently, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has been advised that certain funding grants may be available for which the Town will apply, but as there can be no assurance of same, that the cost of the improvements will be bonded in an amount not to exceed Two Million, Two Hundred Sixty Thousand, (2,260,000.00) Dollars, and that the expenses thereof shall be assessed, levied, and collected on an Ad Valorem basis from the several lots and parcels of land within said Berry Road Water District.
Now therefore, be it
ORDERED that a Public Hearing at a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret be held at the Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, New York on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 6:00p.m. to consider said increase and improvement of facilities of the District, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and for such other action on the part of the Town Board with relation thereto as may be required by law; and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Board will consider all matters relating to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to post and publish, and mail notice of said Public Hearing as required by law.
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Road Water District, has previously been established by the Town Board as an Ad Valorem District in said Town, and
WHEREAS, said District is operational and providing water service through water mains currently, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has been advised that certain funding grants may be available for which the Town will apply, but as there can be no assurance of same, that the cost of the improvements will be bonded in an amount not to exceed Nine Hundred, Sixty Thousand, ($960,000.00) Dollars, and that the expenses thereof shall be assessed, levied, and collected on an Ad Valorem basis from the several lots and parcels of land within said Chestnut Road Water District.
NOW THEREFORE, be it
ORDERED that a Public Hearing at a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret be held at the Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, New York on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. to consider said increase and improvement of facilities of the District, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and for such other action on the part of the Town Board with relation thereto as may be required by law; and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Board will consider all matters relating to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to post and publish, and mail notice of said Public Hearing as required by law.
$8.48 per 1,000 gallon after (increase of $2.30 from $6.18)
COUNCILMAN RAK
COUNCILWOMAN ECKMAN
-None
DULY MOVED by Councilman Sedota to adjourn the Regular Town Board Meeting at 8:00 P.M., seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allison Vento, MMC/RMC
Town Clerk
6:30 P.M. March 13, 2024 at the Pomfret Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, N.Y.
Supervisor Daniel Pacos
Town Clerk Allison Vento
PRESENT: Town Counsel Jeffrey Passafaro
Highway Superintendent Jude Gardner
COUNCILPERSONS: John Sedota
Adam Rak
Christopher Schaeffer
Ann Eckman
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and led by Supervisor Pacos to open the Regular Town Board Meeting.
DULY MOVED by Councilwoman Eckman to accept the minutes of the
February 14, 2024 Regular Town Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak, the motion carried unanimously.
DULY MOVED by Supervisor Pacos to approve the payment of bills on abstract #3 of 2024 with one addition to the US Post Office in the amount of $500.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried by a roll call vote.
Roll Call:
Supervisor Pacos-AYE
Councilman Sedota-AYE
Councilman Schaeffer-AYE
Councilman Rak-AYE
Councilwoman Eckman-AYE
General Fund Town Wide $29,777.02
General Fund Part Town $5,419.86
Highway Fund Part Town $21,271.07
Berry Water District $68.25
Chestnut Water District $45.00
North End Water District $45.00
Lily Dale Water District $4,685.36
Lily Dale Sewer District $4,432.72
Capital Projects $53,180.00
DULY MOVED by Supervisor Pacos to approve the payment of bills on abstract #2-3 of 2024 in the amount of $237,474.05 for Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Waterworks. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried by a roll call vote.
Roll Call:
Supervisor Pacos-AYE
Councilman Sedota-AYE
Councilman Schaeffer-AYE
Councilman Rak-AYE
Councilwoman Eckman-AYE
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
- Town Clerk Vento provided to the Pomfret Board the February 2024 report of monies collected. A total of $3,610.00 was collected. The report is on file with the Clerk’s Office.
- The tax report for February 7, 2024 (1% Penalty) is as follows:
- Bills Processed: 313
- Pomfret Town Justice report for February 2024 is as follows:
Total Fine & Surcharges: $10,244.00
Cases dismissed: 14
- The Historian Report for March 2024 has been distributed to the board and is on file in the Clerk’s office.
- The Code Enforcement monthly report for February is on file in the Clerk’s office.
- The Pomfret Town Hall and Buildings will be closed Monday, March 29, 2024 in observance of Good Friday.
- Councilman Schaeffer made a motion to give permission to Clerk Vento to attend the NYS Town Clerks Association Annual Conference from April 21-24, 2024, as budgeted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to give permission to Clerk Vento to attend the IIMC Annual Conference, May 19-22, 2024, as budgeted. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
- A motion made by Councilwoman Eckman to close all Pomfret Buildings and Offices at 12:00P.M. noon on Monday, April 8, 2024, for the Solar Eclipse, with exception of the highway department being on call. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
- Councilman Sedota made a motion to appoint Wendy Harrington as First Deputy Town Clerk, at the recommendation of Clerk Vento at $18.25 per hour. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Eckman and carried unanimously.
AUDIENCE CONCERNS
- Bob Dando, Pomfret resident, invited the board to the Annual Worker’s Memorial being held in Frewsburg on May 4, 2024 at 11:00A.M.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT JUDE GARDNER
- The February work report was shared with the board and will be emailed after the meeting to the Town Board.
- Southern Tier West has presented the board with the option to approve a resolution supporting the development of a Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Plan.
- A motion made by Councilman Sedota, seconded by Councilman Schaeffer to table this resolution. The motion was carried unanimously.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to approve the following Cemetery Seasonal Employees, motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
Bob Siragusa-175 Gardner St., Fredonia $15.00 per hour
Jim Lemanski-74 Risley St., Fredonia $15.00 per hour
Russel Conti-3622 Rt. 83, Fredonia $17.43 per hour
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to authorize Supervisor Pacos to re affirm the engagement letter with Hodson Russ as Bond Counsel for the purchase of the Grader for the Highway Department. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
- Councilman Rak made a motion to approve the following resolution, the motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret, in the County of Chautauqua, New York (the “Town”) (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the Board) as follows:
SECTION 1. The Town is hereby authorized to acquire a road grader, including all necessary equipment, apparatus and warranties and all preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and in connection with the financing thereof (collectively, the “Purpose”). The estimated maximum cost of the Purpose is $244,000.
SECTION 2. The Town Board plans to finance the estimated maximum cost of the Purpose by the issuance of serial bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $244,000 of the Town, hereby authorized to be issued therefor pursuant to the Local Finance Law, such amount to be offset by any federal, state, county, and/or local funds received including, but not limited to, grant funds expected to be received from USDA Rural Development in the approximate amount of $175,000. Unless paid from other sources or charges, there shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the Town a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes as the same become due and payable.
SECTION 3. It is hereby determined that the Purpose is a class of objects or purposes described in subdivision 28 of paragraph (a) of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, and that the period of probable usefulness of such Purpose is 15 years.
SECTION 4. Current funds are not required to be provided prior to the issuance of the bonds authorized by this resolution or any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such bonds.
SECTION 5. It is hereby determined the proposed maturity of the obligations authorized by this resolution is expected to be in excess of five years.
SECTION 6. The faith and credit of the Town are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds (and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such bonds) as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation will be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes becoming due and payable in such year. Unless paid from other sources or charges, there will annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the Town a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes as the same become due and payable.
SECTION 7. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, Section 30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes and of Section 50.00, Sections 56.00 to 60.00, Section 62.00, Section 62.10, Section 63.00, and Section 164.00 of the Local Finance Law, the powers and duties of the Town Board pertaining or incidental to the sale and issuance of the obligations herein authorized, including but not limited to authorizing bond anticipation notes and prescribing the terms, form and contents and details as to the sale and issuance of the bonds herein authorized and of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, and the renewals of said notes, are hereby delegated to the Town Supervisor, the chief fiscal officer of the Town. Without in any way limiting the scope of the foregoing delegation of powers, the Town Supervisor, to the extent permitted by Section 58.00(f) of the Local Finance Law, is specifically authorized to accept bids submitted in electronic format for any bonds or notes of the Town.
SECTION 8. The temporary use of available funds of the Town, not immediately required for the purpose or purposes for which the same were borrowed, raised or otherwise created, is hereby authorized pursuant to Section 165.10 of the Local Finance Law, for the purpose or purposes described in this resolution.
SECTION 9. This resolution shall constitute the declaration (or reaffirmation) of the Town’s “official intent” to reimburse the expenditures authorized in this resolution with the proceeds of the bonds, notes or other obligations authorized herein, as required by United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2.
SECTION 10. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure the continued status of the interest on the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any notes issued in anticipation thereof, as excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and may designate the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any notes issued in anticipation thereof, as “qualified tax-exempt bonds” in accordance with Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.
SECTION 11. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to enter into a continuing disclosure agreement with the initial purchaser of the bonds or notes authorized by this resolution, containing provisions which are satisfactory to such purchaser in compliance with the provisions of Rule 15c2-12, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SECTION 12. The Town Supervisor is further authorized to call in and redeem any outstanding obligations that were authorized hereunder (at such times and in such amounts and maturities as may be deemed appropriate after consultation with Town officials and the Town’s municipal advisor), to approve any related notice of redemption, and to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate any such calls for redemption pursuant to Section 53.00 of the Local Finance Law, with the understanding that no such call for redemption will be made unless such notice of redemption shall have first been filed with the Town Clerk.
SECTION 13. The Town hereby determines that the Purpose is a Type II action that will not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, no other determination or procedures under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) are required.
SECTION 14. In the absence or unavailability of the Town Supervisor, the Deputy Town Supervisor is hereby specifically authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the Town Supervisor in this resolution.
SECTION 15. The validity of such serial bonds or of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such serial bonds may be contested only if:
1. (a) such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the Town is not authorized to expend money, or
(b) the provisions of the law which should be complied with as of the date of publication of this notice were not substantially complied with
and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within 20 days after the date of such publication of this notice, or
2. such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of New York.
SECTION 16. This resolution is subject to permissive referendum pursuant to Section 35.00 of the Local Finance Law. The Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish (one time) and post on the sign-board of the Town, this resolution, or a summary thereof, together with a notice of adoption of this resolution subject to permissive referendum, within ten days after the date of adoption of this resolution.
SECTION 17. If no petitions are filed in the permissive referendum period, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish this resolution, or a summary thereof, together with a notice in substantially the form provided by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law, in the official newspaper(s) of the Town, or if no newspaper(s) have been so designated, then in a newspaper having general circulation in the Town, which newspaper shall be designated by the Town Board in a separate resolution.
- Councilman Schaeffer made a motion to authorize Highway Superintendent Gardner to purchase a in the amount not to exceed $315,000.00. The motion was seconded Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
- Councilman Schaeffer made a motion to authorize Highway Superintendent Gardner to purchase a Caterpillar 120 GC AWD Grader from Milton Cat at a cost not to exceed $243,720.08. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
- The Cemetery Sexton has inquired about the town bringing someone in, per diem, to help while the sexton has time off or is away. The board has agreed to allow Clerk Vento to put an email out to Chautauqua County Clerks if they know of anyone who would be interested. Highway Superintendent Gardner will report back to the board at the April meeting.
- The Town has received an easement from National Fuel on Webster Road. After discussion with the Highway Superintendent and Town Attorney, they will gather more specific details as the easement and map is unclear exactly where the easement is for. The board agreed to table this until the April meeting.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to accept the engineer proposal for the replacement of a culvert on Porter Road, within the Town of Pomfret, to Clark Patterson Lee at an amount not to exceed $288,000.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
- Supervisor Pacos showed the board a sample of what the new zoning code will look like. This project is continuing to move forward. This sample will also be shared with the Planning and Zoning Boards for their suggestions.
- A discussion was had on the future of the water supplier to the Town of Pomfret. Currently the Village of Fredonia is the supplier of water to Pomfret’s Water Districts, excluding Van Buren and Lily Dale. Representatives from the Chautauqua County Health Department, Natalie Whiteman and Jessica Wuerstle, were present to address any questions. Both women reiterated that the Village of Fredonia does not currently have the capacity to support the expansion of the North End Water District Phase 2 and Phase 3. The board further discussed the contract currently in place with the Village of Fredonia and the exiting clause, should the board decide to move away from the Village as supplier of water. Supervisor Pacos will discuss with Town Attorney Passafaro regarding this contract.
- As previously stated in the last meeting, Supervisor Pacos and Councilman Rak toured the Lily Dale Wastewater Treatment Plant with operator, John Bell. The plant is in need of immediate repairs and future repairs. Eric Wies, Clark Patterson Lee, will be meeting Mr. Bell at the plant in Lily Dale on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 2:00P.M. to further discuss the plans to move forward. Ideally Mr. Wies would like to see the upgrades be done in two phases, as there is grant money available to help with the cost.
- Councilman Sedota made a motion to authorize Supervisor Pacos to enter into an agreement with Municipal Solutions for financial services for the Highway Grader at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Eckman and carried unanimously.
- The board discussed the vacancy of the Planning and Zoning Clerk. Two individuals have applied. Councilwoman Eckman will advise on best times to interview both candidates.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to appoint Ashley Willebrandt, 4936 W. Main Rd., on recommendation of Planning Board Chair, James Joy, to the Pomfret Planning Board to fill a vacancy created by resignation of Janet Szymanski, with a term expiring 2027. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
- The Planning Board has asked the board to appoint an alternative, as they have had issues having a quorum at their hearings. Councilwoman Eckman will speak with Chairman Joy to gather more information and report back to the board.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to accept the resignation, with regret, of Wendy Harrington, as an assessor clerk, effective February 29, 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
- Zoning Enforcement Officer, David Penharlow, asked the board to consider zoning enhancements, including but not limited to, the process in which the ZEO has the authority to issue appearance tickets to those in violation. After review, Town Attorney stated that he does have the authority to do so within the current zoning law. The board can change the penalties, in which the board has tabled to compare the current zoning penalties. If the board chooses to change these, it will have to be done by local law.
- Councilman Schaeffer made a motion to authorize Supervisor Pacos to enter into an agreement with Clark Patterson Lee for the Engineering for Phase 3 of the North End Water District at a cost not to exceed $920,600.00. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
- Councilman Sedota made a motion to accept the Map, Plan, and Report for the Berry Road Water District Upgrades, submitted by Clark Patterson Lee. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Eckman and carried unanimously.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to accept the Map, Plan, and Report for the Chestnut Road Water District Upgrades, submitted by Clark Patterson Lee. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to approve the following resolution to schedule a Public Hearing on April 17, 2024 at 6:00P.M. for the Berry Road Water District Upgrades at Pomfret Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rak and carried unanimously.
WHEREAS, the Berry Road Water District, has previously been established by the Town Board as an Ad Valorem District in said Town, and
WHEREAS, said District is operational and providing water service through water mains currently, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has been advised that certain funding grants may be available for which the Town will apply, but as there can be no assurance of same, that the cost of the improvements will be bonded in an amount not to exceed Two Million, Two Hundred Sixty Thousand, (2,260,000.00) Dollars, and that the expenses thereof shall be assessed, levied, and collected on an Ad Valorem basis from the several lots and parcels of land within said Berry Road Water District.
Now therefore, be it
ORDERED that a Public Hearing at a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret be held at the Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, New York on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 6:00p.m. to consider said increase and improvement of facilities of the District, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and for such other action on the part of the Town Board with relation thereto as may be required by law; and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Board will consider all matters relating to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to post and publish, and mail notice of said Public Hearing as required by law.
- Councilwoman Eckman made a motion to approve the following resolution to schedule a Public Hearing on April 17, 2024 at 6:15 P.M. for the Chestnut Road Water District Upgrades at Pomfret Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
WHEREAS, the Chestnut Road Water District, has previously been established by the Town Board as an Ad Valorem District in said Town, and
WHEREAS, said District is operational and providing water service through water mains currently, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has been advised that certain funding grants may be available for which the Town will apply, but as there can be no assurance of same, that the cost of the improvements will be bonded in an amount not to exceed Nine Hundred, Sixty Thousand, ($960,000.00) Dollars, and that the expenses thereof shall be assessed, levied, and collected on an Ad Valorem basis from the several lots and parcels of land within said Chestnut Road Water District.
NOW THEREFORE, be it
ORDERED that a Public Hearing at a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Pomfret be held at the Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, New York on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 6:15 p.m. to consider said increase and improvement of facilities of the District, and to hear all persons interested in the subject thereof concerning the same, and for such other action on the part of the Town Board with relation thereto as may be required by law; and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Board will consider all matters relating to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), and it is further
ORDERED that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to post and publish, and mail notice of said Public Hearing as required by law.
- Councilman Sedota made a motion to schedule a Special Meeting of the Pomfret Town Board for the purpose of the Berry and Chestnut Road Water District Upgrades and any other lawful business before the Town Board on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:30P.M. at Pomfret Town Hall, 9 Day Street, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063. The motion was seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
- A request submitted by Ivy Rivera, to use the Forest Hill Cemetery for Fall Tours has been tabled by the board until further specific details are provided. While the Town is not opposed and wants to share the beautiful cemetery with all, in order to officially approve the request, they want more details. Clerk Vento has been asked to relay this information to Ms. Rivera.
- The Town Board has received several bids for the wall restoration located at the Pioneer Cemetery. Eric Wies, Clark Patterson Lee, stated he will speak with the two lowest bidders to further discuss the work and do their do diligence before making a recommendation to the Town Board. This has been tabled until the April meeting.
- Councilman Schaeffer made a motion to approve the following water district water rates, due to the contractual agreement with the Village of Fredonia. The motion was seconded by Councilman Sedota and carried unanimously.
$8.48 per 1,000 gallon after (increase of $2.30 from $6.18)
- The North End Water District Phase 3 grant application, WIIA, has been submitted.
COUNCILMAN RAK
- After the tour of the Lily Dale WWTP, John Bell, Operator, thought a larger issue has come to heard, but after investigation, Mr. Bell was able to correct himself.
COUNCILWOMAN ECKMAN
- The Village of Fredonia has advertised the position of Recreational Director. While the Town has not received an official resignation, it is the understanding one will be needed.
- The Easter Festival will be held March 23, 2024, starting with a pancake breakfast at the Methodist Church, downtown Fredonia, from 9:00A.M. An Easter Egg Hunt will follow in Barker Commons at 12:30P.M. All are welcome to attend.
- Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation has partnered with a group interested in helping tree preservation in the Forest Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Eckman will be meeting with the group to gather more information and report back to the board.
- Mr. Sedota attended the recent solar meeting with the Fredonia Fire Department along with Supervisor Pacos and Councilwoman Eckman. Councilwoman Eckman praised the group for the organization for this historic event. There will be a community forum on the eclipse at the Fredonia Opera House on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 6:00P.M. All are welcome to attend.
- Councilman Schaeffer stated the Library and Museum will be merging in the futher.
- The library has numerous classes for the public to attend. A new program allows individuals to use the library computers and subscription to Ancestry.com to do genealogical/family searches.
- Mr. Schaeffer residents to sign up for the news from the Fredonia Opera House to be aware of upcoming events. The Opera House is very active and hold a lot great events.
-None
DULY MOVED by Councilman Sedota to adjourn the Regular Town Board Meeting at 8:00 P.M., seconded by Councilman Schaeffer and carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allison Vento, MMC/RMC
Town Clerk