Village Board minutes — May 4, 2026 (full text)

MAY 4, 2026 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hamburg was called to order by Mayor Thomas P. Tallman at 7:04 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Village Hall, 100 Main Street, Hamburg, New York. PRESENT: Thomas P. Tallman Mayor Paul Gaughan Deputy Mayor Laura Hackathorn Trustee Holly Park Trustee Jeff Davis Trustee Edward J. Murphy, III Village Attorney Jason Cozza Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Mary McKee Deputy Clerk Marc Shuttleworth Supt. of Public Works Matt Cullen Police Captain Joshua Haeick Recreation Supervisor Excused: Richard Schara Police Chief ** PUBLIC HEARING RE: LOCAL LAW #2 OF 2026 ** Mayor Tallman opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. He asked three times if anyone wanted to speak in favor of the proposed Local Law #2 prohibiting parking on the south side of Prospect Avenue between Buffalo and Division Streets. Hearing nothing, the Mayor then asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak in opposition to the proposed local law. Dave Wall, 36 Prospect Avenue asked what initiated this. The Mayor said there has been some “cramping” of traffic on Prospect from Division to the Roundabout, and there were concerns with safety. The Mayor cited Highland Avenue, where the law was also changed, as parked cars on both sides of that street made it difficult for more than one vehicle to pass at the same. Mr. Wall said he understands, but he feels Prospect is a wide street and many of the homeowners have put stones in front to create parking areas well off the road. Mr. Wall asked if any studies or observations had been made. Mayor Tallman said both the police and DPW have been out to the site. Mr. Wall said he thought the north side would be a better choice, as he feels most of the traffic comes from Buffalo heading towards Lake Street. He said it is a wide street, with wide shoulders and objects to and does not want the restricted parking. Daniel Ver, 64 Prospect Avenue, feels it is unduly punitive to residents on the south side. Mr. Ver said they have to jockey cars all winter long and look forward to having the additional space in the summer. He asked if there was any way to curtail the issues without restricting the parking. He suggested a parking pass for those who live in that section. He also felt that it will just create parking problems on the north side of the street. Mr. Ver thinks the board should be looking for other solutions, and he does not want to see the parking cut off on the south side forever. Mayor Tallman asked if there was any correspondence received in this matter. The Deputy Clerk reported that several people responded, both for and against the proposed law. The Mayor said the Board will not be taking any action tonight and thanked everyone for their input. Hearing nothing further, the public hearing was closed at 7:12 p.m. 1. MOTION by Trustee Hackathorn, seconded by Trustee Davis, to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees held on Monday, April 20, 2026. 111

MAY 4, 2026 AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED PUBLIC EXPRESSION: Thomas Nyitrai, representing 50 Lake Street, wanted to let the Board know that the property is under contract and they are looking at closing next week. The purchaser has a team lined up to start working on the roof, gutters and soffit and will look to get drawings submitted. Mayor Tallman said they appreciates Mr. Nitrai coming in tonight with an update, but he or the owners need to stay in contact with Building Inspector Dave Rice to keep him informed of where they are in the process. The Board is happy the new owner is looking to remedy the situation, but the process must keep moving and progress made in order to prevent the building from being demolished. CORRESPONDENCE: None this evening TRUSTEE MOTIONS: 2. MOTION by Trustee Hackathorn, seconded by Trustee Davis, to increase the budget of H058.2705 Gifts and Donations and increase the budget amount of H58-150-2023.367 Community Center Patio in the amount of $4,800. Funds received from Imagine Hamburg for patio furniture at the Community Center. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 3. MOTION by Trustee Hackathorn, seconded by Trustee Davis, to transfer $90.00 from A.2770 Miscellaneous Revenue into the Police Equipment Reserve A.0878. This money was collected by the Police Department for copy fees and charges in April 2026. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 4. MOTION by Deputy Mayor Gaughan, seconded by Trustee Park, that the Village Recreation Commission recommends that the Board approve the salaries for the following Recreation Attendants PT Seasonal for the 2026 Spring/Summer season: GROUNDS Thomas Ruh $20.00/hr 6544 East Eden Rd. Maxim Rudnicki $16.45/hr 93 Robert St. Nolan Smith $16.45/hr 3485 Lakeview Rd. James Simoncelli $16.25/hr 99 Robert St. Marek Brozyna $16.25/hr 231 Prospect Ave. Ethan Donnelly $15.25/hr 4160 Ridgeview Terr. 112

MAY 4, 2026 Jason Sekuterski $15.25/hr 3517 Lakeview Rd. Ben Sekuterski $15.00/hr 3517 Lakeview Rd. Jack Panfil $15.00/hr 28 Sickmon WATERING/BEAUTIFICATION Josh Hosey $19.50/hr 4862 Feddick Rd. Daniel Fisher $20.50/hr 161 Meadow Rd. Dominic Punturiero $19.75/hr 11 Dudley Ave. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Molly Trask $15.50/hr 66 Dudley Ave. FIELD SUPERVISION Richard Grupka $21.50/hr 19 Bory Drive, Depew David Thompson $21.25/hr 4010 Grant Ave. Haidyn Carpenter $21.00/hr 4711 Pinecrest Terrace, Eden AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 5. MOTION by Trustee Park, seconded by Deputy Mayor Gaughan, to approve a request by the Hamburg Oktoberfest Committee to hold the annual Oktoberfest in Memorial Park on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from noon to 10:00 p.m., with setup to begin on Friday, September 18, 2026. Approval is subject to the submission of a Facility Use Application and Agreement and the appropriate insurance. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 6. MOTION by Trustee Park, seconded by Deputy Mayor Gaughan, to approve a request by Jessica Reyna to hold the 3rd annual “It Takes a Village 5K Run” on Saturday, June 6, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Approval is subject to the submission of a facility use application and agreement, the approved race route, and the appropriate insurance. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 113

MAY 4, 2026 7. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend that the Village Board approve Site Plan Application #2025-00347, 4236 Clark Street, for additions/alterations at J. P. Fitzgerald’s as presented by Steve Geltz of Daryl Martin Architects. Commercial Gateway (CG). Changes include a new entrance with enclosure of the handicap ramp and enclosure of part of the exterior patio. A new smoking patio will be added, enclosed with composite fence and a roof, and open on one side. Said Site Plan having been reviewed by the Planning Commission at their meeting of April 28, 2026, and the Planning Commission having made a recommendation in writing to this Board that said Site Plan be approved, and this Board having reviewed said Site Plan, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: Site Plan Application #2026-00347 for entranceway and patio alterations/addition at J.P. Fitzgerald’s, 4236 Clark Street, as recommended by the Planning Commission. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 8. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend the Village Board approve the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for an awning at 36 Buffalo Street, as presented by Rick Benz of Benz Associates. The 25’10” x 3’8” x 3’4” awning will consist of black Sunbrella material with gold lettering on the valance. It will have a 40” projection and be 7+ feet up from the sidewalk. Said application having been reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at their meeting of April 21, 2026, and the Architectural Review Committee having made a recommendation to this Board that said application be approved, and this Board having reviewed said application, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for an awning at Benz Associates, 36 Buffalo Street, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 9. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend the Village Board approve the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for signage at Hamburg Art Studio & Gallery, 1 Main Street, as presented by new business owner Sophia Beck. The 36” x 27, die cut aluminum sign will consist of black applied vinyl graphics and lettering on a white background. Informational window signage on the door and bay window will also change to meet the specifics of the new owner. Said application having been reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at their meeting of April 21, 2026, and the Architectural Review Committee having made a recommendation to this Board that said application be approved, and this Board having reviewed said application, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for signage at Hamburg Art Studio & Gallery, 1 Main Street, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 10. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend the Village Board approve the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for deck addition to the rear residence at 134 Buffalo Street, as presented by Henry Vu. The deck will be 7’ wide by 16’ long with materials consisting of Trex Select decking in Pebble Gray and white Trex railing. Applicant agreed to set the support posts into the ground to a depth of 40” in order to have adequate support for the structure. 114

MAY 4, 2026 Said application having been reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at their meeting of April 21, 2026, and the Architectural Review Committee having made a recommendation to this Board that said application be approved, and this Board having reviewed said application, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for a deck addition at 134 Buffalo Street, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 11. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend the Village Board approve the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for additions/alterations at J.P. Fitzgerald’s, 4236 Clark Street. Changes include an accessible interior ramp to be enclosed at the existing ramp entry point. In addition, an existing patio will also have a partial enclosure – about half of the current space. A small smoking patio will be added, enclosed with Trex fencing. The applicant is proposing to have a 2-story look when viewed from the exterior, adding fake doors and windows to the 2-story dining room. Exterior finish materials consist of cultured stone, AZEK, and composite board siding in tan with light brown trim. Accent window colors were also submitted; timber framing at the entrances will be stained. The sloping roof will be black asphalt shingles on the original building, with the existing additions will continue as flat roofs concealed by parapets. There are no new roof heights. Said application having been reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at their meeting of April 21, 2026, and the Architectural Review Committee having made a recommendation to this Board that said application be approved, and this Board having reviewed said application, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for additions/alteration at J.P. Fitzerald’s, 4236 Clark Street, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 12. MOTION by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Hackathorn, to recommend the Village Board approve the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for a roof at 125 Pine Street/2 Brendel, as presented by homeowner Sarah Bishop. The applicant is proposing a new metal roof to replace the existing asphalt shingle roof damaged by ice this past winter. The brown metal roof will match the existing garage roof. Said application having been reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at their meeting of April 21, 2026, and the Architectural Review Committee having made a recommendation to this Board that said application be approved, and this Board having reviewed said application, the Board of Trustees hereby APPROVES: the Application for Certificate of Compliance for building design standards for a new metal roof at 125 Pine Street/2 Brendel, as recommended by the Architectural Review Committee AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 13. MOTION by Trustee Hackathorn, seconded by Trustee Davis, to authorize the payment of the Village of Hamburg Accounts for the period ending May 4, 2026. GENERAL FUND…………………………………................................$223,862.93 SEWER FUND…………………………………………………………….90,020.75 115

MAY 4, 2026 CAPITAL FUND ………………………………………………………….59,997.69 TRUST & AGENCY FUND……………………………..…..……...........181,985.31 TOTAL ALL FUNDS ………………………………..……………….$555,866.68 AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED 14. MOTION by Deputy Mayor Gaughan, seconded by Trustee Park, RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT FUNDING FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE GLEN MEADOWS PLAYGROUND WHEREAS public playgrounds serve as essential recreational spaces that contribute to the health, development, and well-being of children and families in our community; and WHEREAS recent observations, community feedback, and preliminary inspections have revealed that several municipal playgrounds are in varying states of disrepair, including but not limited to outdated equipment, and general wear and tear; and WHEREAS it is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure that public play spaces are safe, accessible, inclusive, and in good working condition for residents of all ages and abilities; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Village of Hamburg acknowledges the urgent need for updates and improvements at Village neighborhood playgrounds; The Village enthusiastically supports the seeking of NYPLAYS funding to replace the playground at Glen Meadows Park, and agrees to utilize Village funding to satisfy the 20% required match. AYES: Five NAYS: None CARRIED STAFF REPORTS: Department of Public Works: DPW Superintendent Marc Shuttleworth said that they are working on removing brush and other debris from the winter and asked everyone to be patient as they work to get it all picked up. Police Dept.: Nothing more to report this evening. Recreation Dept.: Recreation Supervisor Josh Haeick announced that Kidsplay registration began today for village residents only, going through mid-day tomorrow. After a brief processing period, registration will be open to non-village residents beginning at 3:00 p.m. Josh also announced other projects going on, including painting of the Youth Center and concrete being poured at Legion Field. FURTHER PUBLIC EXPRESSION: None this evening. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Tallman said that there is a lot going on in the village and many more good things coming up, including the Character Chase 5K run this weekend and the “It Takes a Village 5K Run” the first Saturday in June. 116

MAY 4, 2026 The next Work Session of the Board with department heads and staff will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2026. Pending matters, including agenda items for the Regular Board Meeting, will be discussed. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2026. These meetings are open to the press and public. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Mary McKee Mary McKee Deputy Clerk 117