Southtowns Record

TBA05.28.2026 packet

Government
Town of West Seneca
Board
Town Board
Meeting
May 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Posted by publisher
May 22, 2026
Kind
Agenda packet
Topics
Budget and taxes, Public safety, Water, sewer and drainage, Parks and recreation, Zoning and land use, Roads and traffic, Audits and oversight, Housing

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 7 of 186

WEST SENECA COURT ROOM  DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road  Minutes #2026-09 Meeting # 2026-09
West Seneca, NY 14224  May 11, 2026

Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to open the public hearing.

Ayes: 4  Noes: 0  Abstain: 0  Motion Carried

Mr. Schieber stated the town has provisions for avoidable alarms and the proposal is to increase the
fees for multiple avoidable alarms at the same property. A Fire Chief is in attendance to speak about
what is involved when the Fire Departments respond. Mr. Trapp stated that Police Officers must
respond also. Supervisor Dickson stated he understands this proposal would incentivize frequent
offenders to repair their alarm systems and asked if a determination was made about who would
receive the fees. Mr. Trapp stated this remains in discussion along with the fee amounts.

The following public comments and questions were received:
Jim McCullough, 712 Main Street, Chairman of the Commissioner Board of West Seneca Fire District
No. 6 Vigilant Fire Company:
- Currently the fees collected are deposited into the town's General Fund
- When responding to alarms, it is not known if it is an avoidable, or a nuisance, alarm noting these
can be a frequent occurrence for some parties
- Vigilant Fire Company responded to 1,200 calls in 2025, an increase from the 700 - 800 in previous
years; Union Fire has approximately 1,500 calls in 2025
- Pending legislation to give volunteer firefighters stipends, noting the stipends would be paid by each
fire company

Supervisor Dickson asked Mr. McCullough if he feels that a distinction between residential and
commercial alarms should be made. Mr. McCullough stated the fire company does not have many
avoidable alarm calls for commercial properties, but when they do, they must inspect everything
before leaving the scene.

Councilmember Sherman asked if there were more calls for multiple family dwellings, such as
apartments and nursing homes. Mr. McCullough stated there are many alarms from senior apartment
complexes and stated the term nuisance is more appropriate.

Councilmember Breidenstein asked if nursing homes and schools are exempt from the penalties. Mr.
McCullough stated schools are exempt.

Mr. McCullough requested that the Town Board assign a liaison to attend the bi-monthly Town Chiefs
and Fire District Officers Associations meetings and stated it is vital to know what is happening in the
town. Supervisor Dickson stated he would be certain a Town Board member attends the meetings.

Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to close the public hearing.

Ayes: 4  Noes: 0  Abstain: 0  Motion Carried

Councilmember Breidenstein stated the next meeting is June 23rd at Reserve Fire Company.
3. Town Clerk Newton re Proofs of Publication and posting of legal notice "OF A PUBLIC HEARING
  TO HEAR ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND CITIZENS FOR OR AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF
  LOCAL LAW 2026-5 MODIFICATION OF CHAPTER 28-2A ALTERNATE PLANNING BOARD

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