TOWN BOARD Meeting Notes
Marion Municipal Building
Monday, August 14, 2023
A Town Board meeting of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, NY was held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the Marion Municipal Room.
Supervisor Bender called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with a roll call done by Heidi Levan, Clerk of the Board.
PRESENT:
Jolene Bender, Supervisor
LaVerne Bliek, Councilman
Ronald Lonneville, Councilman
Julie Herman, Councilwoman
Michael Cramer, Councilman
Absent:
IN PERSON ATTENDANCE: Caryn Devlin, Historian; Jeff Cragg, Chief Wastewater treatment operator; Marcia Lonneville; Gina Southcott; Margi Taber.
Supervisor Bender asked everyone to stand and give the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Hearing:
- 6:30 – Local Law #5-2023
The Public Hearing opened at 6:31pm. Town Clerk, Heidi Levan explained that the new local law was done to clarify the original local law done in 2005. The term of office for the Marion Town Supervisor is 2 years. The public hearing was closed at 6:35pm on a motion from Councilman Bliek, seconded by Councilman Cramer and approved with all ayes.
Discussion:
- ARPA Funds
- Town Projects
- Senior Citizens – Kay Bonetti
- Employee positions
- Upstairs Office Remodel, Court Room
- Solar Eclipse – T-shirts & Events
- Can Recreation Sponsor Yoga @ the Library
- Traffic Light Main Street & Buffalo – Replace Controller
- Employee Handbook
- Torch Lighting – August 16, 2023
- Cemetery
- Schedule – Budget workshops
Town Business:
Councilman Lonneville asked if a date has been scheduled to seal the walking path around the town park and the driving area at the highway department. Councilman Lonneville stated there has been a lot going on and it is understandable why it hasn’t been done yet.
Councilman Lonneville next stated window replacement has started at the Town Hall. The furnace installation at the Town Hall will start in late August. Councilman Lonneville also stated he’s waiting on bids on internet service at the Town Park.
Councilman Lonneville asked Supervisor Bender to find out more about the county wide broadband that is taking place. Will the broadband be at the town park as well? This could save the Town of Marion money.
Supervisor Bender spoke next regarding the Marion Senior Citizen group. The group has not been having a lot of attendees and is considering disbanding. If they do disband, does the Town of Marion want the money back that was given to them. The Town Board all stated it would be best if they made a donation to the Marion Town Park if they disbanded.
Supervisor Bender stated quotes are still needed for the remodel of the upstairs at the Town Hall. Councilman Lonneville stated that it might be best for everyone to bring the Code Enforcement Officer and clerk to the Code Officer downstairs to the large room. Supervisor Bender will check with principal account clerk, Kathy Cauwels to get her opinion on this matter.
Councilman Cramer started a conversation regarding the Eclipse that will take place April 8, 2024. Councilman Lonneville suggested a committee be formed to take on planning events. Gina Southcott from the Marion American Legion will consider doing this and will get back to the Town Board.
Councilwoman Herman spoke next regarding a request the Town Board received from the Marion Public Library to transfer recreation funds from the Town’s budget to the Marion Library budget for yoga classes. The library has also requested the town provide flowers in front of the library. The Town Board decided not to fund the yoga classes and will provide flowers next year however, the library will need to oversee purchasing their own containers for the flowers.
Supervisor Bender spoke next regarding the traffic light on Main Street. A new controller unit is needed. The light keeps malfunctioning and Kathy resets it often. Supervisor Bender next asked why the ‘no turn on red’ sign was removed from Buffalo Street. All councilman and woman requested a new ‘no turn on red’ sign be installed on the corner of Buffalo Street and Main Street. This request has come from many residents, especially parents of students who walk to school.
Councilwoman Herman spoke next regarding the Marion Cemetery. The Cemetery will become property of the Town of Marion on January 1, 2024. Councilwoman Herman would like to hire someone to run the cemetery and be in charge of the Marion Recreation Department at a salary of between $28 and $30 an hour. The Town Board decided to host a special meeting to discuss new guidelines for the cemetery on August 21, 2023 at 6:30pm.
Historian and Wayne County bicentennial committee member, Caryn Devlin spoke to the Town Board about the torch relay coming through Marion on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 between 1:45pm and 2:15pm. Ms. Devlin asked that people come out of their businesses and home to cheer on the runners.
The Town Board next set up meeting dates to discuss the cemetery and the 2024 budget. Meetings are as follows:
Monday, August 21 – Cemetery
Monday, August 28 – Handout budget
Tuesday, September 5 – Budget only
Monday, September 18th – Budget only
Monday, October 2 – Budget only
Monday, October 16 – Budget only (if needed)
Citizens Comments: None
Committees: Chair Co-Chair
Deputy Supervisor LaVerne Bliek
Town Clerk Julie Herman Jolene Bender
Water, Sewer Laverne Bliek Jolene Bender
Public Safety Ronald Lonneville Michael Cramer
Judicial Michael Cramer Julie Herman
Library Julie Herman Michael Cramer
Parks, Recreation Julie Herman Ronald Lonneville
Assessor Jolene Bender Ronald Lonneville
Historian Ronald Lonneville LaVerne Bliek
Zoning, Planning Jolene Bender Michael Cramer
Highway LaVerne Bliek Michael Cramer
Drainage Michael Cramer LaVerne Bliek
Cemetery Michael Cramer Julie Herman
Code Enforcement Michael Cramer Julie Herman
Committee Reports:
Supervisor Bender: Assessor, Zoning, Planning
Supervisor stated that Wayne County announced that our new Assessment Equalization rate for 2024 is 69%. Councilman Lonneville, along with Councilwoman Herman and Councilman Cramer all stated a re-evaluation needs to be done in 2024 to bring this rate back up to 100%. 69% is very low. Supervisor Bender will speak to Assessor Dawn VanPatten next week.
Councilman Bliek: Deputy Supervisor, Highway, Drainage, Water, Sewer
Councilman Bliek stated the new Regional Wastewater treatment plant being built in Palmyra is ahead of schedule. Councilman Bliek next stated the culvert pipe on Franklin Road has been repaired. Councilman Bliek next wanted to thank highway employee, Mark VanderBrook for doing an excellent job mowing the roadsides this summer. They look great and are greatly appreciated. Councilman Bliek stated the highway department has been painting the buildings at the town park.
Councilman Lonneville: Historian, Public Safety
Councilman Lonneville stated lots of progress is happening at Jennie’s House (town museum). Volunteers have been spending many hours finishing drywall, painting, weeding the flower gardens along with other work. The museum will be open on Saturday, September 9th for the Fall Festival. Historian Caryn Devlin wanted to remind everyone that there will be the World Fife and Drum Friendship Festival at the Marion Town Park on Saturday, September 3rd from 10am until Noon. Food will be available for sale at this event. Councilman Lonneville next stated that tractor trailer trucks are driving way to fast through town. A phone call has been placed to Brad Person, owner of Nuttall Golf Carts and Storage. Mr. Person owns the storage business at Seneca Foods.
Councilwoman Herman: Parks, Recreation, Town Clerk, Library
Councilwoman Herman stated she has spoken to library director, Tracy Whitney who would like to thank highway employee, Steve Taber for moving the library story boards at the Town Park. Mr. Taber moves the boards when mowing as well as replacing them when the library has new stories. Councilwoman Herman next stated that the last day of recreation summer soccer will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Councilwoman Herman is also still looking for someone to clean the exterior bathroom at the town park. If you know of someone, please let Councilwoman Herman know their contact information. Councilman Lonneville thanked the highway department for painting the buildings at the town park, they look great.
Town Clerk Heidi Levan stated she has received her RMC (Registered Municipal Clerk) certification which is a designation by the New York State Town Clerks Association. Ms. Levan also asked if new holiday decorations could be purchased with ARPA Funds for Main Street. The Town Board instructed Ms. Levan to speak to highway superintendent, Tim Boerman to coordinate.
Councilman Cramer: Drainage, Judicial, Cemetery, Code Enforcement
Councilman Cramer stated the Marion Courts have been very busy. Councilman Cramer stated the town has received a resignation letter from the drainage clerk. A new drainage clerk is needed. Councilman Lonneville asked if the work had been completed on Mr. Barber’s property. Supervisor Bender stated she had received a letter from Mr. Barber stating it was completed. Councilman Lonneville asked that the letter from Mr. Barber be shared with the Town Board along with the Drainage Board. Councilman Cramer next stated the report from the Code Enforcement officer is the meeting packet for tonight’s meeting. The Code Enforcement Officer, Daren Arrington has been working on a complaint on Dean Road.
Correspondence:
Reports:
- Town Clerk July 2023
- Accounting
- Money Market July 2023
- Operating Statement August 2023
- Trial Balance July 2023
- Marion Fire District July 2023
- Assessor July 2023
- Code Officer July 2023
- Library July 2023
- Dog Control July 2023
- Justice
- Bonafede July 2023
- Bender July 2023
- Planning/Zoning Board July 2023
10.Sheriff July 2023
11.Historian July 2023
Resolutions:
- Approve Town Board meeting minutes July 10th, and 24th
- Receive and file all correspondence/reports for August 14th, 2023
- Adopt Local Law #5-2023 Entitled “Term of Supervisor Local Law #1-2005”
- Accept Resignation of Eileen Steurrys as Drainage Clerk
- Authorize Change in Number of Sewer Unit Charges for 3843 & 3847 North Main Street
- Authorize Road Closure for Fall Festival
- Authorize 2023 Intermunicipal Agreement with Marion Central School District-Tax Collection
- Payment of Claims – Prepays
- Payment of Claims
Resolution #801-2023 Approve Town Board Meeting Minutes July 10th, and 24th, 2023
On a motion by Councilman Cramer and seconded by Councilman Bliek
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board approves July 10th, and 24th, 2023 Town Board meeting minutes.
Resolution #802-2023 Receive and File all Correspondence/Reports for August 14th, 2023
On a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to receive and file all correspondence and reports for August 14th, 2023.
Resolution #803-2023 Adopt Local Law #5-2023 Local Law Entitled “Clarify Term of Supervisor Local Law #1-2005”
On a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Long Roll:
Councilman Lonneville – Aye
Councilwoman Cramer – Aye
Councilwoman Herman – Aye
Councilman Bliek – Aye
Supervisor Bender – Aye
Ayes: 5
Abstained: 0
Nayes: 0
The following resolution was approved.
WHEREAS the Marion Town Board held a public hearing on August 14, 2023; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board Adopts Local Law #5-2023 “Term of Supervisor Local Law #1-2005” to clarify Local Law #1-2005 previously adopted, to change the term of Supervisor from 2 to 4 years was defeated on referendum by petition and never took effect; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to NYS DOS and the Principal Account Clerk.
Resolution #804-2023 Accept Resignation of Eileen Steurrys as Drainage Clerk
On a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilwoman Herman
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
WHEREAS, Eileen Steurrys has submitted her resignation as Drainage Clerk to be effective immediately; now
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board accepts the resignation of Drainage Clerk; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Eileen Steurrys and the Principal Account Clerk.
Resolution #805-2023 Authorize Change in Number of Sewer Unit Charges for 3843 & 3847 North Main Street
On a motion by Councilwoman Herman and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion has received notification from Daren Arrington, Code Enforcement Officer that the building located at 3843 & 3847 North Main Street was demolished as of March 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion has received notification from Jeff Cragg, Chief Operator WWTP, that the sewer has been disconnected and plugged March 31, 2023; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the change in unit charges for the Property located at 3843 & 3847 North Main Street to be zero; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Planet Homes of Rochester, Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority, Chief Operator WWTP, Code Enforcement Officer and the Town Assessor.
Resolution #806-2023 Fall Festival Road Closure
On a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board hereby requests the following streets to be fully closed to all traffic on Saturday September 09, 2023 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
North Main Street from the South side of the Elementary School driveway
Buffalo Street across from the Town Hall
South Main Street, North of Mill Street
Maple Ave from the Marion Library to Main Street.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board hereby request the following streets to be closed but open to local and festival traffic only on Saturday September 09, 2023 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Buffalo Street at Route 21
Maple Ave at Union Street
Sunset Drive to Union Street
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to send a copy of this resolution to E911, Marion Fire Department, Western Wayne Ambulance, Marion Fire District, Nutall Golf Cart and Storage, Marion Post Office, Wayne County Highway Department, Wayne County Sheriff, NYS Police Substation, Williamson, Chief Operator WWTP, Marion School District Bus Garage, Marion Highway Department, and Marion Library.
Resolution #807-2023 Authorize 2023 Intermunicipal Agreement with Marion Central School District-Tax Collection
On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman
ADOPTED: Long Roll:
Councilman Lonneville – Aye
Councilwoman Cramer – Aye
Councilwoman Herman – Aye
Councilman Bliek – Aye
Supervisor Bender – Aye
Ayes: 5
Abstained: 0
Nayes: 0
The following resolution was approved.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign the 2023 Intermunicipal Agreement with Marion Central School District – Tax Collection; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to the Marion Central School District and Principal Account Clerk.
Resolution #808-2023 Payment of Claims Prepays
On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
WHEREAS, the Marion Town Board has received and audited the following claims: now
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to pay said claims upon receipt of the signed abstracts of audited claims from the Town Clerk.
Abstract
General 1,681.86
Library 184.43
Sewer 1,698.44
Street Lighting 145.56
Total 3,710.29
Resolution #809-2023 Payment of Claims
On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
WHEREAS, the Marion Town Board has received and audited the following claims: now
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to pay said claims upon receipt of the signed abstracts of audited claims from the Town Clerk.
Abstract
General 14243.92
Highway 10802.85
Library 119.97
Sewer 1544.04
Street Lighting 335.08
Drainage 19206.66
ARPA 2500.00
Trust & Agency 400.00
Total 49152.52
Resolution # 810-2023 Authorize replacement of Controller for Intersection traffic light
On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Ayes: 5 Lonneville, Herman, Cramer, Bliek, Bender
Nays: 0
The following resolution was adopted
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion sent out an RFP to replace the intersection controller for the traffic light on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Marion received 1 bid; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board awards the contract to Caccamise Electric with an amount not to exceed $7,500 to be paid out of ARPA funds; and.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Caccamise Electric and the Principal Account Clerk.
Resolution #811-2023 Adopt Amended Town of Marion Employee Handbook
On a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilman Cramer
ADOPTED: Long Roll:
Councilman Lonneville – Aye
Councilwoman Cramer – Aye
Councilwoman Herman – Aye
Councilman Bliek – Aye
Supervisor Bender – Aye
Ayes: 5
Abstained: 0
Nayes: 0
The following resolution was approved.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board adopts the amended Town of Marion Employee Handbook for non-union employee; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to the Principal Account Clerk.
Additional Citizen Comments-
Resident Margi Taber thanked the Marion Public Library for accommodating younger children this summer. As a community, we should be proud of our library.
Gina Southcott, member of the Marion American Legion, stated she has received Department of Heath permits for the Marion Car Show and the Marion Fall Festival.
On a motion from Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilman Cramer, the Town Board moved into executive session at 8:30pm to discuss employment history of a particular person.
On a motion from Councilwoman Herman and seconded by Councilman Lonneville, the executive session was closed at 8:35pm.
With no further business, on a motion by Councilman Bliek and seconded by Councilwoman Herman, Supervisor Bender closed the meeting at 8:35pm.
Next meetings are scheduled for:
Meeting/Workshop: Monday, August 21, 2023 @ 6:30pm
Meeting/Workshop: Monday, August 28, 2023 @ 6:30pm
_____________________________________________
Heidi M. Levan, Clerk of the Board