Town Board minutes — August 5, 2026 (full text)

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 1 A Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Orchard Park, Erie County, New York, was held at the Orchard Park Municipal Center, S4295 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, New York on the 5th day of August 2026 at 7:00 PM, the meeting was called to order by Supervisor Joseph Liberti and there were: PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Joseph Liberti Supervisor Excused Julia Mombrea Councilmember Scott Honer Councilmember John Mariano Councilmember Greg Bennett Councilmember William Even Town Clerk Timothy D. Gallagher Town Attorney Tom Minor Building Inspector Brendon O’Hara Chief of Police Andrew Slotman Highway Superintendent Wayne Bieler Town Engineer Supervisor Liberti read into the record the following: “If anyone appearing before the Town Board has a family, financial or business relationship with any member of the Board, it is incumbent upon that person to make it known under State Law and the Town Code of Ethics.” 1) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR LIBERTI, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Regular Meeting Minutes: July 15, 2026 and and be it further RESOLVED, that the reading of these minutes be dispensed with as each member of the Town Board has previously received copies thereof. The resolution was unanimously adopted. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW BUSINESS No one came forward New Business #1 Appoint a Liaison to the Town Historian 2) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HONER, TO WIT: WHEREAS, effective communication and coordination with the Office of the Historian are essential to preserving records, supporting historical initiatives, and ensuring continuity of institutional knowledge. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that Greg Bennett is hereby appointed as Liaison to the Historian; and be it further RESOLVED, that this appointment shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended by the Town Board; and be it further

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 2 RESOLVED, that the Liaison shall serve as the primary point of contact with the Historian, assisting with communication, coordination of requests, and support of historical records and initiatives as needed. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #2 Temporarily suspend enforcement of Local Law §97-4 to permit Food Trucks at Green Lake during the Summer Months. 3) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR LIBERTI, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, TO WIT: WHEREAS, the Town of Orchard Park is the owner and operator of the public lands and facilities commonly known as Green Lake or Yates Park; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has determined that expanding food options at Green Lake during the peak summer season would enhance the public’s use and enjoyment of the park, support local small businesses, and encourage tourism and community gatherings; and WHEREAS, Local Law Chapter 97, codified at §97-4, currently restricts or prohibits mobile food vending, including food trucks, at or in the vicinity of Green Lake; and WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes, on a trial basis, to temporarily suspend enforcement of the provisions of Local Law §97-4 that prohibit or restrict food trucks at Green Lake, subject to reasonable health, safety, and operational conditions; and NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Orchard Park as follows: 1. Suspension of Local Law Provisions Effective August 5, 2026 and continuing through September 7, 2026 enforcement of those provisions of Local Law Chapter 97, codified at §97-4, that prohibit or restrict mobile food vending/food trucks at Green Lake is hereby suspended solely within the boundaries of Green Lake Park and only to the extent necessary to implement this Resolution. 2. Authorized Period and Hours of Operation a. Food truck operations may occur only between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., unless otherwise approved in writing by the Town Supervisor or Deputy Supervisor. 3. Permits and Compliance Requirements a. All food truck operators must obtain any required Town permits or licenses, including a Food Truck Permit issued by the Town Clerk, and must pay all applicable fees set by the Town Board. b. Operators must maintain all state and county health department permits, inspections, and certificates, and comply with all applicable provisions of the New York State Sanitary Code and any county health regulations. c. Operators must maintain adequate liability insurance. No connections to Town utilities (electric, water, sewer) shall be made unless expressly authorized, and any such connections shall be subject to separate terms and fees. Food truck operators shall be responsible for maintaining their immediate area in a clean and sanitary condition, providing appropriate trash and recycling receptacles, and removing all waste daily. No grease, graywater, or other waste may be discharged onto Town property, into storm drains, or into the lake.

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 3 4. Effective Date This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #3 Authorize Supervisor to sign the MOA with the COA. 4) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: WHEREAS, The Town of Orchard Park Police Command Officers Association (herein "Association") and the Town of Orchard Park (herein "Town") have agreed to an adjustment of the Association's current work schedule; and WHEREAS, at the request of the Association, and with agreement of the Town. NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the Supervisor to sign the MOA with the COA regarding the adjustment of the Association’s current work schedule. This MOA supersedes the previous MOA. A copy of this MOA is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #4 Approve a Budget Transfer for the Recreation Department. 5) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: WHEREAS, the Town would like to adjust the 2026 adopted budget for outdoor movie night. NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the following transfer within the Town’s 2026 budget: General Fund Transfer: Decrease: A07020 50104 Rec salary nonunion $ 625 Increase: A07020 50553 Special events $ 625 The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #5 Approve Recreation Department appointments. 6) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT:

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 4 RESOLVED, that the Town Board is hereby authorized to approve the following resident appointments to the 2026 part-time staff for the Orchard Park Recreation effective August 13, 2026 as recommended by the Recreation Director: Amanda Uglow $16.75 Program Coordinator 1 Evelyn Roy $16.75 Program Coordinator 1 The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #6 Approve the 2025 Basic Financial Statements, Annual Comprehensive Report, Management Letter and Auditor Communication Letter. 7) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER HONER, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: RESOLVED, that the Orchard Park Town Board does hereby approve and accept the 2025 Basic Financial Statements, Annual Comprehensive Report, Management Letter and Auditor Communication Letter from R.A. Mercer & CO., P.C. and directs that they be filed in the Town Clerk's office upon the recommendation of Orchard Park’s Accounting firm Drescher & Malecki LLP. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #7 Approve a Budget Transfer for the Engineering Department. 8) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR LIBERTI, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: WHEREAS, the Engineering Department would like to adjust the 2026 adopted budget for Travel and Conference. NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the following transfer within the Town’s 2026 budget: $ 1,000.00 From: Budget Code - A01440 50414 To: Budget Code - A01440 50413 (Engineering Inspector Training) (Engineering Travel & Conference) The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #8 Authorize NYSEG to connect five (5) LED decorative light fixtures in the Quaker Lake Terrace Subdivision under PIP #2024-04. 9) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER HONER, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, TO WIT: WHEREAS, NYSEG has requested the Town submit a resolution reflecting the connection of five (5) decorative standard Spun Aluminum streetlight fixtures in the new Quaker Lake Terrace Extension Subdivision. At present, there are eighteen (18) single-family homes currently planned to be constructed in this Subdivision; and

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 5 WHEREAS, The LED luminaires, which are owned by the Town, have been installed under PIP # 2024-04. The Town will maintain the poles, bulbs, and the electric eye of the luminaires and NYSEG will provide the energy only per the SC4 classification. The Town purchases the electricity from the supplier, which is estimated to be $43.76/ea. for an annual estimated cost of $218.80 for these five decorative light poles. Charges for energy to the lights may vary due to the electricity pricing trends from summer and winter month rate fluctuation. NOW, THERFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize NYSEG to connect five (5) LED decorative standard Spun Aluminum streetlight fixtures in the Quaker Lake Terrace Extension Subdivision under PIP #2024-04 at an estimated annual increased energy cost of $218.80 to the Consolidated Light District in accordance with the attached NYSEG proposal, as recommended by the Town Engineer. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #9 Award informal bid contract for the installation of a temporary milling parking lot at the Orchard Park Community Activity Center. 10) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY SUPERVISOR LIBERTI, TO WIT: WHEREAS, the Town of Orchard Park Community Activity Center at times has limited parking available; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that the best solution is to create a temporary overflow parking lot using a portion of stoned staging area using millings; and WHEREAS, the excess parking lot will provide 58 additional parking spaces; and WHEREAS, the Town of Orchard Park Engineering Department solicited informal quotes for this minor project and received five quotes, with the highest bid exceeding $28,000.00. Bids were received on July 31, 2026. Fairway Contracting had the lowest bid of $11,190.88 for the project. NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby award the contract for the Town of Orchard Park Community Activity Center Excess Millings Parking Lot to Fairway Contracting, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $11,190.88, as recommended by the Town Engineer. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #10 Authorize a Planning Department employee to carry over five (5) days of accrued vacation into the 2027 calendar year. *This item was tabled* New Business #11 Approve the appointment of a seasonal part-time employee to the Planning Department. 12) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, TO WIT:

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 6 WHEREAS, the Planning Department part-time seasonal clerk, Amanda Faust, will reduce her hours beginning in September 2026; and WHEREAS, the Planning Department is still in need of assistance to update electronic record keeping and Max Hoffman has the requisite skills; and WHEREAS, there is money set aside in the 2026 budget. NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the appointment of Max Hoffman as a Part-Time Intern in the Planning Department, on a seasonal part-time basis, at a payrate of $17.00 per hour, effective August 10, 2026, as recommended by the Director of Community Development. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #12 Approve the appointment of a part-time Dog Control Officer. 13) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the position of Dog Control Officer 1 (Part-Time); and WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has recommended the appointment of Thomas Slomka to fill said position; and NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby appoint Thomas Slomka to the position of Dog Control Officer 1, Part Time (Probationary), effective August 8th, 2026, at an hourly compensation rate of $24.40, per the recommendation of the Chief of Police. The resolution was unanimously adopted. New Business #13 Approve the appointment of a full-time Public Safety Dispatcher. 14) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER BENNETT, TO WIT: WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the position of Public Safety Dispatcher (Full-Time); and WHEREAS, the Chief of Police has recommended the appointment of Benjamin Ratajczak to fill said position. NOW, THEREFORE be it RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby appoint Benjamin Ratajczak to the position of Full Time- Public Safety Dispatcher (provisional), to be effective August 19th, 2026, CSEA pay range 9 Step “First Year”, contingent upon Erie County Civil Service approval, as recommended by the Chief of Police. The resolution was unanimously adopted.

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 7 BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Connie Rogers spoke regarding vacant homes near the stadium being turned into parking lots and asked about enforcing Town Code violations. Bill Smith inquired about replacing water lines due to multiple water line breaks in the Quaker Road/Metzger Drive/Stoughton Lane area. Mike Wahler spoke regarding Forbes Capretto clearing trees in a conservation easement in violation of Town Code. Glenn Schafer thanked the Town for fixing wooden walkways that were in disrepair. He informed the Town Board about the issue and it was fixed within a week. ELECTED OFFICIALS & DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Supervisor Joseph Liberti welcomed all newly hired employees. He also spoke of the water line replacement timetable. Councilmember Scott Honer welcomed all newly hired employees and addressed resident concerns. He also thanked the Parks & Grounds Department for fixing the wooden walkways. Councilmember John Mariano welcomed all newly hired employees. He also informed residents that the Town Code Committee is looking to update outdated codes. Town Attorney Tim Gallagher clarified the effective dates for New Business #2. Town Engineer Wayne Bieler informed residents that Quaker Road is on the list of water lines to be replaced. He also spoke of tree replacement in the conservation easement. Building Inspector Tom Minor addressed resident concerns of Town Code violations. Police Chief Brendon O’Hara congratulated Thomas Slomka & Benjamin Rataczak on their new positions. He also informed residents of the temporary closure of Abbott Road on Saturday, August 8th due to the Buffalo Bills practice at Highmark Stadium. 15) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY SUPERVISOR LIBERTI, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, TO WIT: RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the approval of all entries on Warrant #15 following auditing by members of the Town Board and in the funds indicated:

15th Town Board Meeting 08/05/2026 Page 8 General Fund $185,420.34 Public Safety Fund $20,343.61 Part Town Fund $1,847.45 Risk Retention -0- Cemetery Fund -0- Highway Fund $78,185.68 Special Districts $59,176.13 Trust & Agency $3,100.05 Capital Fund $109,393.36 The resolution was unanimously adopted. REPORTS 16) THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARIANO, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HONER, TO WIT: RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby receive and file the June 2026 Building Inspector’s Monthly Report. The resolution was unanimously adopted. There being no further business, on a motion by Supervisor Liberti, seconded by Councilmember Mariano, the meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm (local time). Respectfully Submitted, William C. Even Town Clerk