tbm09.28.2026 (full text)
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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
ROLL CALL: Present: Supervisor Gary Dickson
Councilmember Scott Robertson
Councilmember Mary Sherman
Councilmember Robert Breidenstein
Absent:
SUPERVISOR CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Fire Safety Notification
3. Roll Call
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accept agenda as published
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Breidenstein, to accept the agenda as
published with one amendment, that Personnel Item no. 4 is moved to the front of the meeting.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
MINUTES TO BE APPROVED
1. Town Clerk Newton re Meeting Minutes 2026-17 of September 14, 2026
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Sherman, to approve Meeting Minutes
2026-17 of September 14, 2026.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
LEGAL NOTICES
1. 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 2026-11 MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS" in the Town of West Seneca.
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Sherman, to open the public hearing.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
Town Attorney Trapp stated the purpose of this proposed local law is to prevent the development of
any data centers in the Town of West Seneca until the town has the opportunity to develop local laws
dealing with zoning, operations, and any other aspects of their development. The moratorium would
expire at the end of August 2027 but could be extended.
Supervisor Dickson stated the town would have time to develop standards in the town.
The following public comments were received:
Andrew Ciepiela, Mill Road:
- Does not support the moratorium
- In his opinion, data centers are the future of AI and believes the centers use very little water due to
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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
the closed systems
- Data centers often provide their own power and the town could benefit from the additional power
- In his opinion, the town should not be afraid of advancement and the town needs the advancement
or will get run over by it
Jean, Seneca Street:
- Does not support data centers and should not allow them
- Referred to Erin Brokovich's work related to data centers around the world and other resources
available
- There are many detrimental effects of data centers up to many miles away from them
James Randolph, West Bihrwood Drive:
- Supports the moratorium
- The decibel average is between 92 - 96 and is continuous
- Careful consideration must be made and spoke to the detrimental effects on property values and
quality of life
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
Supervisor Dickson stated that, in his opinion, three big issues are water, electricity, and noise. The
facility in North Tonawanda is an example of allowing a facility into the town and then being stuck
with noise issues that would be almost impossible to fix. Another concern is the NYS school property
and the fact that NYS does not follow local zoning laws. NYS implemented a moratorium on data
centers 50-megawatts and larger. Supervisor Dickson stated that he cannot think of any suitable
location in town for any business generating a significant amount of noise.
Councilmember Breidenstein stated he agrees with Mr. Randolph's statements about the decibel
levels data centers generate and compared the noise to the 100 decibel level at the Buffalo Bills
home opener game. Although there are locations in town where data centers could be located, the
town should do their due diligence regarding data centers and supports the moratorium.
Councilmember Sherman referred to the language of the moratorium, specifically the paragraphs
stating the moratorium would not apply to healthcare facilities and schools and questioned why they
must be excluded. Mr. Trapp stated they do not have to be excluded, but explained the entities are
not doing this for commercial purposes but solely for their own use. Supervisor Dickson stated there
are no pending requests and would like to remove the paragraphs.
Councilmember Robertson supports the moratorium to allow the town to do diligent research.
Councilmember Breidenstein supports the town having a lower megawatt level than NYS.
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Breidenstein, to adopt Local Law 2026-
11 Moratorium on Data Centers with the following amendment: removal of the two paragraphs
concerning healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
REGARDING PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Board will now entertain public comments for an item on the agenda or for any topic of concern.
Each speaker should state your name and street for the record. Please be respectful in your
comments and do not divulge any personal or confidential information (for example: names, specific
situations, etc.). Speakers should recognize that not all questions or comments can be answered
immediately and may require additional research. It is the Board’s goal to respond in a thoughtful,
timely, and accurate manner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were received.
NEW BUSINESS
1. PERSONNEL
1. Deputy Supervisor Greenan re Appointment of Martha Franklin as part-time Senior Clerk Typist
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to appoint Martha Franklin
to the position of part-time permanent Senior Clerk Typist at an hourly rate of $24.13, effective
September 29, 2026, to be paid from account code 01167000.50138.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
2. Deputy Supervisor Greenan re Resignation of Matthew Fincel from Commission Secretarial Roles
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to accept the resignation of
Matthew Fincel from the role of Secretary to the Environmental Commission, Ethics Board, Historical
Preservation Commission, and Recreation Commission, effective October 1, 2026.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
3. Town Clerk re Resignation of Cashier Claire Termini
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to accept the resignation of
Claire Termini as Cashier effective September 22, 2026.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
4. Chief Cosgrove re Title change for Andrew Oscypala to full-time Public Safety Dispatcher
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Breidenstein, to change the title of
Andrew Oscypala from part-time Public Safety Dispatcher to full time provisional Public Safety
Dispatcher effective October 12, 2026, at Group 7A, Step 5 at the salary of $67,018.30 per the
attached MOU with the White Collar Union and contingent upon the approval of residency waiver by
Erie County Personnel, noting the position will be paid from account line 01312000.50155.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
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1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
*Appendices*
2. PRESENTATIONS
1. Town Engineer re Activity Center Presentation
Supervisor Dickson stated that the town was offered a gift of property along Seneca Street that was
formerly a paving company and elected to have a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
performed.
Christopher Boron of Roux Environmental Consulting and Management presented the findings on the
assessment for properties located at 4393 and 4397 Seneca Street:
- Phase 1 is a non-intrusive assessment
- Goal is to recognize any recognized environmental conditions (RECs)
- Reviewed historical records, walked the property, and spoke with the current property owner
- RECs include the presence of, likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products
- The two parcels total approximately 39 acres
- Discovered three previous investigations were performed
- Opinion:
- A REC exists related to the various fill materials placed and associated contamination in the
approximate 8-acre area of the Subject Property
- Recommend that any future redevelopment on-site should consider the current 6NYCRR Part 375
Regulations for Environmental Remediation Programs
- Any redevelopment should be in accordance with a Soil/Fill Management Plan to ensure any
soil/fill generation and management are completed in accordance with federal, state, and local
regulations; and that users of the Subject Property are protected from potential exposure using
engineering controls appropriate for the end use
Mr. Boron stated the town would need to weigh the risk of the existing contamination on the 8-acres
of the property. Supervisor Dickson questioned if any residences could be built on the land. Mr.
Boron stated there are tax credits available if the developer cleaned the site. Supervisor Dickson
stated that he is not in favor of accepting the land.
3. COMMUNICATIONS TO BE VOTED ON
1. Highway Superintendent Adams re Purchase of leaf collection equipment
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to authorize the Highway
Superintendent to execute the purchase agreement of a new 2020 Titan Leaf Pro Guthrie Heli-Arc
Inc. in the amount of $47,941.00, per HGACBUY contract GR01-20, to be paid from the 2026
Highway Equipment line 02511000.50200.
On the question, Councilmember Sherman asked if this was used equipment. Highway
Superintendent stated the equipment was a demonstration model used less than 10 hours and a new
model would cost approximately $80,000.00.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
2. Director of Finance re Budget transfer - Town Clerk
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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to authorize the following
2026 budget transfer:
RESOLVED, that the Town of West Seneca Board authorizes the following 2026 budget transfer for
an adjustment to 01141000.50419 Town Clerk Supplies from 01141000.50414 Town Clerk
Continuing Education
Increase
$500.00 01141000.50419 Town Clerk Supplies
$500.00 Total Increases
Decrease
$500.00 01141000.50414 Town Clerk Continuing Education
$500.00 Total Decreases
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
4. WARRANT
1. Director of Finance re Approval of Warrant
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Sherman, to approve the vouchers
submitted for audit, chargeable to the respected funds as follows:
General Fund: $ 165,927.54
Highway Fund: $ 205,226.83
Capital Fund: $ 84,471.18
Trust & Agency Fund: $ 0.00
Sewer Districts: $ 2,999.95
Water Districts: $ 0.00
Drainage District: $ 0.00
Gas Conversion Lighting Districts: $ 115.72
Electric Lighting Districts: $ 339.86
Total: $ 459,081.08
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC
The following comments and questions were received:
Andrew Ciepiela, MIll Road:
- Is a combat veteran and requested the noise ordinance be changed to 10 P.M. from 11 P.M.
Beverly Leising, Harwood Road:
- Requested status of the dog park - Highway Superintendent Adams stated that the Highway
Department is completing other projects and the dog park is on the list. Mrs. Leising suggested the
area could be cleaned up and used as a regular park, also.
- Could the property gifted to the town along Seneca Street be used for overflow parking for the
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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
Ebenezer Alehouse or another park.
- Requested a report on the pool for this past season including maintenance that may be required to
keep the pool operational - Director of Recreation Cox stated he will have this information at the next
meeting. Highway Superintendent Adams stated he does not anticipate additional maintenance costs
for the following year. Mrs. Leising asked if benches were installed. Director of Recreation Cox stated
the benches are being discussed.
John Rusinski, Fernwood Avenue:
- Recognized the first responders that responded to the recent car accident on Harlem Road
COMMUNICATIONS BY BOARD MEMBERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS
Director of Recreation Cox
- Fall Fest event is scheduled for October 17th and will be held at the Soccer Park at 5 P.M.
Chief Cosgrove
- Echoed the positive sentiments about first responders
Councilmember Robertson
- Also commented on the first responders and that he appreciated the Supervisor's Office for their
communication relating to the accident on Harlem Road
Supervisor Dickson
- The town is purchasing 30 acres of land along Cazenovia Creek adjacent to the Soccer Park
- The Costco project is progressing
- Referred to the interviews he gave to the media regarding the town's first responders and police; we
have excellent firefighters and police who followed their rules and have excellent leadership; we have
an excellent Highway Department, and we are blessed to have such dedicated workers
Councilmember Sherman
- Shares the sentiments expressed
Councilmember Breidenstein
- Referred to the accident and the possible traffic impact on the two nearby schools and spoke of the
town's proactive communication with the school district
- Be mindful of children going and coming home from school as daylight is shortening
Highway Superintendent Adams
- The Greymont Avenue culvert replacement has been completed with just landscaping to be finished,
and the road should be opened within the next few days
Town Engineer Hardbrook
- Referred to the Orchard Park Road water and sewer repairs: ECWA identified approximately 4600'
of aging sewer lines in need of repair before converting from lease managed to direct service; upsize
the sewer sizes to increase the capacity of the pipe and decrease overflows; NYSDOT will begin a
road reconstruction project in the Spring of 2028 through 2029; would like to complete work before
this road project; anticipate grant award decisions by the end of the year and encourages the town to
advance the project while waiting for grant decisions noting the town may need to proceed regardless
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1250 Union Road Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224 September 28, 2026
of receiving funds; the sewer project would begin in 2027 in order to finish by the Spring of 2028;
design and permitting is 6-9 months; would like the town to proceed with the RFP process for
professional engineering service; services would include surveying, hydraulic evaluation, design,
permitting, utility coordination, NYSDOT and ECWA coordination, utilities, etc.
Supervisor Dickson stated he would support CPL presenting an RFP at the next Town Board
meeting.
Town Clerk Newton
- As an agent for the NYSDEC the office has been assisting many hunters
- The tax bills have been mailed, contact the office with any problems;
- Reminder that the due date is October 15th. The office will open the morning of Saturday, October
10th, and closed Monday, October 12th
- When mailing a payment, please have a USPS representative hand stamp a postmark on the
envelope; reminder of the Dropbox just inside Town Hall
- The office staff collected $3M in the past five days
Councilmember Robertson reminded all that the next Town Board meeting will be on Monday,
October 12th.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
No executive session was needed.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to adjourn the meeting at 7
P.M.
Ayes: 4 Noes: 0 Abstain: 0 Motion Carried
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Memorandum of Agreement
Between
The Town of West Seneca
And
Civil Service Employees Association, Inc.
Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 815
Town of West Seneca White Collar Unit # 6713-02
THIS UNDERSTANDING, by and between the Town of West Seneca (hereinafter, “Town”) and
the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 815 Unit 6713-02
(hereinafter, “CSEA”) and,
WHEREAS, the Town and CSEA are parties to a collective bargaining agreement (hereinafter,
“CBA”) covering the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028 and
WHEREAS, the Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) position is a CSEA represented title, covered
under the current CBA and
WHEREAS, the PSD title is allocated to a Group 7A on the Job Classification Schedule within
the CBA and
WHEREAS, the CBA states that upon initial appointment, each employee shall be paid in
accordance with the wage schedule in the CBA, except for those employees in job classification 8 or
above with verifiable relevant experience, who shall be paid the beginning salary as determined by the
Town and
WHEREAS, the Town is currently experiencing elevated staffing challenges within the title of
PSDs
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants contained herein,
it is understood and agreed by and between the parties as follows:
1. This Memorandum of Agreement documents a singular exception to the standard CBA salary
schedule, specific to the appointment of Andy Oscypala the position of PSD. This agreement
shall not set precedent for any future hires or alter the established salary schedule within the
CBA.
2. Andy Oscypala previously served in this role as a part-time PSD for 18 consecutive years. His
knowledge and experience allow him to bypass any training period and equip him to immediately
train other incoming PSDs
3. To address this specific hiring need, the parties agree to a starting salary equivalent to a Group
7A, Step 5, of the salary schedule within the CBA. This represents an exception to the established
starting rate for this position.
4. This agreement is limited solely to the appointment of Andy Oscypala to the position of PSD and
shall not be cited as a basis for demanding a similar pay rate for current or future employees.
5. All other terms, conditions, and provisions of the existing CBA, remain in full force and effect.
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IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the _______
Day of September 2026.
________________________________ _______________________________
Gary Dickson Civil Service Employee Association
Town of West Seneca Doug Busse, Unit President
Supervisor Unit 815-6713-02
________________________________
Civil Service Employee Association
Jose L Cruz, Labor Relations Specialist