TOWN OF STAFFORD TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2025 DRAFT
Supervisor Clement opened the Regular Town Board Meeting at 7:40pm by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Councilman Panek, Councilman Young, Councilman Duyssen and Councilman Pacer. Also attending were Highway Superintendent Boldt and Town Clerk Radley.
Also attending were, Steve McQuillen, Donna Voorhees, Tony Prinz, Robert Mattice, Tim Eckdahl, Andrew Darling.
Supervisor Clement called for an Executive Session at 7:40pm and invited Robert Mattice, Tim Eckdahl, Steve McQuillen, Dave Rumsey, Highway Superintendent Boldt, Town Clerk Barbara Radley, second by Councilman Pacer approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to resume the Regular Meeting at 8:30pm, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for the Fire Department December 9, 2024, second by Councilman Young and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Local Law No. 2 of 2024, second by Councilman Young and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve the Public Hearing Meeting minutes of December 19, 2024, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve the Fire Department Report, second by Councilman Young and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve the CEO/ZEO Report, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve the Assessor’s Report, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 6, To Accept Water District #12 Information, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 6 DATED: JANUARY 13, 2025
STAFFORD TOWN BOARD ACCEPTS INFORMATION FROM
WATER DISTRICT #12
WHEREAS the Town Board has received information regarding Water District #12 and,
WHEREAS the Town Board reviewed the information,
THEREFORE, the Town Board of the Town of Stafford has reviewed the information and accepts the information for Water District #12.
Offered by: Councilman Panek
Second by: Councilman Duyssen
Approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve Resolution 7 Reappoint John Muehlbauer to the Board of Assessment Review, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a 5-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 7 DATED: JANUARY 13, 2025
REAPPOINTMENT OF JOHN MUEHLBAUER TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW
WHEREAS John Muehlbauer has been a member of the Board of Assessment review and,
WHEREAS John’s term has expired and,
WHEREAS John has expressed interest in remaining on the Board of Assessment Review
THEREFORE, the Town Board of the Town of Stafford shall reappoint John Muehlbauer to the Board of Assessment Review.
Offered by: Councilman Pacer
Second by: Councilman Panek
Approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Pacer made a motion to approve Resolution 8 Accepting the resignation of ZBA Secretary, second by Councilman Panek and approved on a Roll Call vote.
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
RESOLUTION 8 DATED: JANUARY 13, 2025
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF ZBA SECRETARY AND APPOINT NEW SECRETARY
WHEREAS the Zoning Board of Appeals has received a letter of resignation from Secretary Walt Kershenski after serving for several years and,
WHEREAS The Zoning Board of Appeals has an Alternate Secretary, Barbara Radley, who is willing to move from the Alternate position to the Regular Secretary position and,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Barbara Radley will be the Regular Secretary of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Offered by: Councilman Pacer
Second by: Councilman Panek
Approved on a Roll Call Vote:
Councilman Panek Yes
Councilman Young Yes
Councilman Duyssen Yes
Councilman Pacer Yes
Supervisor Clement Yes
The Association of Towns has sent the Town of Stafford information regarding upcoming conferences and would like the Town of Stafford to name a Delegate and Alternate for one of the conferences. Councilman Duyssen was chosen to be the Delegate for 2025, and Councilman Young will be the Alternate.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 9 Purchase a Truck for the Highway Department, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 9 DATED: JANUARY 13, 2025
PURCHASE AN INTERNATIONAL TRUCK FOR
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS the Highway Department has the need to replace a truck and,
WHEREAS Highway Superintendent would like to purchase a new International 2026 HX 520 SFA (HX520) CAB and Chassis off the Onondaga County Bid number 10914 for $168,742.08,
RESOLVED the Stafford Town Board hereby authorizes the purchase of a new international truck at a price of $168,742.08 and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED $168,742.08 will be appropriated from Highway Savings and Bonding.
Offered by: Councilman Panek
Second by: Councilman Duyssen
Approved on a 5-0 vote.
CERTIFICATION
I, Barbara Radley, Town Clerk of the Town of Stafford, County of Genesee and State of New York, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I have compared the aforementioned resolution duly adopted by the Town of Stafford, on the 13th day of January, 2025 with the original now on file in my office, and the same is a correct and true copy of the said Resolution and of the whole thereof.
DATED: January 13, 2025
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk
After discussing the renewal for our Insurance for the Town of Stafford Councilman Pacer made a motion to sign an agreement with Tompkins Insurance and stay with NYMIR and others for our insurance coverage, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Young reviewed the Right to Farm Law and discussed the possibilities. Councilman Young has put much time into investigating this law. He has three different townships local laws and is trying to find the right wording for our Town to implement a law for our Town. Resident Donna Voorhees spoke about this future law, she has concerns for the homeowner as well as the farmers. She has researched other Right to Farm laws and is concerned that the homeowner is left out of the law. Councilman Young has taken these comments and will consider the homeowner when the law is prepared. It was decided to ask our Attorney to be present to discuss this matter further and was tabled until June.
Highway Superintendent reported on the availability of salt for the roads. We are in good shape; the shortage affects the private contractors not the municipalities.
Councilman Young read a note from the Kretchmer family thanking Town Clerk Radley for the Christmas Tree display in Ilette Park. The Kretchmer family made decorations with the children and grandchildren and decorated the tree. They are looking forward to making this a tradition.
Councilman Panek reported on the County Tax Rates and where we fall in line with this. We are the third lowest, falling from second last year. Darien and Alabama are the two lowest this year. We have the fourth lowest tax rate for fire tax. Our combined tax rate is $3.49 per thousand which is the fourth lowest out of 13 towns in Genesee County.
Town Clerk Radley reported that the tax collection is going well, we have collected approximately 10% of the taxes to date. We have a new Zoning Officer and Financial Clerk; they both are doing well, and we are a good team.
Councilman Pacer was inquiring about a zoning/code violation for the bright lights of a neighbor. It was discussed about a “dark sky” cover to shield any bright light. This must be looked at through the Zoning and Code Office.
Councilman Duyssen asked that we send Walt Kershenski a Thank You note to Walt Kershenski for the many years of service, we are very appreciative.
Councilman Panek made a motion to approve Resolution 10 for an Addendum to the Employee Handbook, second by Councilman Duyssen and approved on a 5-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 10 DATED: JANUARY 13, 2025
RESOLUTION FOR AN ADDENDUM TO THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
WHEREAS the Town of Stafford has Medical Insurance offered to the employees and,
WHEREAS the Employee Handbook needs to be updated to clarify what the employees are entitled to and,
WHEREAS the following statements need to be added to the Medical Insurance section of the Employee Handbook:
Eligible full-time 30 hours or more employees may enroll in a single, single plus one dependent or a family contract immediately upon hire.
Information and enrollment forms may be obtained from the Town Bookkeeper.
To assist full-time employees with the cost of this insurance, our Town pays 80% of the portion of a single, single plus one dependent or a family contract. You are responsible for paying the balance through payroll deduction. If insurance is not taken, an in lieu of payment of 80% of a single plan will be determined by the Town Board. Highway Department per contract.
A booklet containing the details of the plan and eligibility requirements may be obtained from the Town Bookkeeper. Elected full time positions, Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk will receive free insurance, health, dental and vision. An option of payment in lieu of the 80% cost of a single union Royale Plan.
Refer to the actual plan document, Teamsters or Tompkins broker for a summary plan description if you have specific questions regarding this benefit plan. Those documents ae controlling.
Upon discharge you may be entitled to continuation or conversion of the group medical insurance plan in accordance with the terms of the policy and/or applicable state and federal law. For more information, contact the Town Bookkeeper.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the previous paragraphs will be adopted and will be added as an addendum to the Employee Handbook under Medical Insurance.
Offered by: Councilman Panek
Second by: Councilman Duyssen
Approved on a 5-0 vote.
CERTIFICATION
I, Barbara Radley, Town Clerk of the Town of Stafford, County of Genesee and State of New York, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I have compared the aforementioned resolution duly adopted by the Town of Stafford, on the 13th day of January, 2025 with the original now on file in my office in my office, and the same is a correct and true copy of the said Resolution and of the whole thereof.
DATED: January 13, 2025
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #0 General Fund in the amount of $57,877.93, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #0 Highway Fund in the amount of $51,979.08, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Councilman Duyssen made a motion to pay Abstract #1 Capital Projects in the amount of $1,399.40, second by Councilman Pacer and approved on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Radley
Town Clerk/ Tax Collector