Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the
Town Council of the Town of Ellicott
held at the
Administration Building,
June 20, 2005
at 7:00 P.M.
Present: Supervisor Tyler, Councilman Pickett, Councilman Miller, Councilman Heintzelman, Town Clerk Erlandson, Highway Superintendent Shellhouse, Attorney Lasker, Police Chief Ohnmeiss, Legislator Spicer.
Absent: Councilman Geisler.
Supervisor Tyler opened the
meeting at 7:00 PM and led the Town Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Town Clerk Erlandson called the roll.
Motion
by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Pickett to accept the minutes of
the June 6, 2005 meeting as presented by the Town Clerk.
Town Clerk Erlandson read the
following items into the record:
1.
Newsletter:
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
TOWN OFFICERS’ REPORTS
Town Clerk Erlandson reported that he has
scheduled a free rabies vaccination clinic at the Ellicott Highway Garage for
July 26, 2005 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. He
stated that Dr. Timothy Rice would be administering the vaccinations. Mr. Erlandson thanked Dr. Rice for
volunteering his time.
Highway Superintendent
Shellhouse commented
on a letter he received from an attorney representing Joseph C. Magnio, 1960
Southwestern Dr. The letter concerns a
drainage problem on Mr. Magnio’s property.
Mr. Shellhouse explained the situation to the Town Council. Attorney Lasker will contact Mr. Magnio’s
attorney to discuss the matter.
OLD BUSINESS
DEC Lease – The Council discussed a
draft of a proposed lease agreement
from the New York State Office of General Services. (Minutes 6/6/05) The agreement concerns the leasing of office space
in the Town of Ellicott Administration Bldg. by the New York State Dept. of
Environmental Conservation.
(Minutes 1/3/05 et. seq.)
Councilman Pickett stated that he would like clarification from the DEC
re several aspects of the proposed agreement.
The Council also questioned the logistics concerning the $10,000.00 that
the DEC has agreed to pay “up front”
for renovations involved in relocating the DEC offices from the third
floor to the first floor of the Administration Bldg. (Minutes 5/16/05)
Attorney Lasker & Town Clerk Erlandson will contact OGS
officials to ask for clarification re these matters. Tabled pending further review.
(see ‘DEC Lease’ file for detail)
Employee Handbook –
The Council discussed the final draft
of an employee handbook compiled by Councilman Heintzelman, Councilman Geisler
& Town Clerk Erlandson (Minutes 2/7/05).
The Council discussed the handbook.
Councilman Pickett expressed several concerns re the handbook. In particular, Mr. Pickett asked for
clarification as to whether the document applies to all employees. He pointed out that union employees already have specific benefits
agreements. Mr. Heintzelman stated that
the new handbook applies only to full-time, non-union employees. However, he noted that certain sections of
the proposed handbook – specifically those involving matters not related to
benefits – might apply to union as well as non-union employees. Councilman Heintzelman suggested that the
handbook be divided into two separate sections:
a Policies & Procedures Handbook and Employee Fringe Benefits.
RESOLUTION #73-05
Adopt
Employee Handbook
Motion by Councilman Heintzelman, seconded by Councilman Pickett to adopt
an Employee Policies and
Procedures Handbook and a Full-Time, Non-Union Employee Fringe Benefits
Handbook.
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program –
Tabled pending further review.
Waive Fees (Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy) –
The Town Council discussed a request by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy
to waive all zoning & building
permit fees that will be incurred in conjunction with the construction of a conservation
area in the Chautauqua Lake Outlet Greenway Preserve. (Minutes 6/6/05) The Council discussed the matter. The Council reviewed a list of fees that have been waived since Jan. 1,
2003. Councilman Miller expressed his
concern that the Council is waiving or refunding too many fees. In his opinion, the Council should review
its policies re waiving fees. Supervisor Tyler suggested that Town
officials meet with John Jablonski, Executive Director of the CWC to
determine what fees would be involved during construction of the conservation
area.
School
Resource Officer - Ellicott Police Chief Ohnmeiss reported
that Southwestern Central School and Falconer Central School have
each requested the Ellicott Police Dept. to provide a School Resource Officer. He explained that both schools would like a
SRO at the school at least several days each week during school hours. Chief Ohnmeiss noted that until recently the
Chautauqua Co. Sheriff’s Dept provided the SROs. However, he reminded the Council that grant funding for the program was recently
terminated. Therefore, he stated that
the County would no longer be providing an officer. The Council discussed the schools’ request. Supervisor Tyler feels that more details are
needed before the Council can make a decision re the matter. Attorney Lasker stated that he would look
into the implications
of the request. Town Clerk Erlandson
added that he would contact the Town’s insurance company to determine if any
potential liability issues might be
involved. Tabled pending further
review.
NEW BUSINESS
Speed Limit on Ross Mills Rd. –
Town Clerk Erlandson reported that he received a request from several residents
of Ross Mills Rd. to lower the speed limit
on the road to 35 mils per hour.
Highway Superintendent Shellhouse reminded the Council that speed limits
can only be changed upon approval of the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles. The Council will request the DMV to
look into the matter.
Town
Clerk Erlandson reminded the Council that there would be no Town Council
meeting on July 4, 2005 in observance of Independence Day. The next meeting will be held on July 18,
2005.
RESOLUTION #74-05
Payment of Claims
Motion by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Pickett to pay 2005
current claims #673-719, inclusive, in the amount of $49,468.22 and charge
to the proper fund or account.
Adopted. Ayes - 4 Noes - 0 Absent – 1
Motion
by Supervisor Tyler, seconded by Councilman Miller to adjourn at 7:44 PM.
Carried. Ayes - 4 Noes - 0 Absent – 1
_________________________________
Michael C. Erlandson, Town Clerk