EC.01.15.2026.Minutes.Approved (full text)

WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER WEST SENECA ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 1300 UNION ROAD MEETING MINUTES WEST SENECA, NY 14224 JANUARY 15, 2026 CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town of West Seneca Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Amadon at 6:33 PM. ROLL CALL Present: Robert Amadon, Chairperson Barbara Lipiew Brittany Hernon Ryan Taylor Charles Tuberdyke Absent: Ben Szablewski (Excused) Haris Ismail (Excused) Kathleen Duffy (Excused) Associate Members Present: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Ms. Lipiew, seconded by Ms. Hernon, to approve the Environmental Commission meeting minutes from December 4, 2025. Ayes: All Noes: None Abstain: None Motion: Carried ISSUES OF THE PUBLIC None received. CORRESPONDENCE • Public Comment Opposing Permit Application 9-1468-00135/00009 – Freshwater Wetland BU-13 Chairperson Amadon received and reviewed correspondence from Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper (BNW) opposing a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation permit application related to Freshwater Wetland BU-13 at 500 Meyer Road. He noted the public comment on the 1

WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER WEST SENECA ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 1300 UNION ROAD MEETING MINUTES WEST SENECA, NY 14224 JANUARY 15, 2026 proposed development closed on December 26, 2025, precluding any time for formal action by the Commission. Chairperson Amadon will contact associate member Ms. Hicks for more information and developments to share with the Commission at the next meeting. He will also share the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) permit application website with the Commission. ONGOING COMMISSION PROJECTS • Update on Tree Inventory Grant Chairperson Amadon presented the third quarterly report submitted to NYSDEC. The report includes the 10 trees planted by the Commission. He reported that the regional foresters have completed the tree inventory of all identified streets in West Seneca and that a final project wrap- up is due by December 31, 2026. Discussions are ongoing with Highway Superintendent Brian Adams and Councilman Scott Robertson regarding the next steps, including potentially inventorying town parks or developing a five-year Urban Forestry Management Plan with Davy Tree Services. Another option is applying for the next round of Urban Community Forestry grants, anticipated in the second or third quarter of 2026. • Event on Earth Day or Arbor Day Chairperson Amadon proposed that the Commission begin planning a public outreach event for Earth Day or Arbor Day to educate residents on the tree grant and proper tree care. Ms. Hernon will contact a representative from Wild Ones Western New York Chapter to inquire about partnering with local tree professionals for such an event. Chairperson Amadon instructed all Commission members to bring specific event ideas to the next meeting. GOVERNANCE • Nomination of Evelyn Hicks as an Associate Commission Member Motion by Chairperson Amadon, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to nominate Evelyn Hicks as an associate member of the Environmental Commission. 2

WEST SENECA COMMUNITY CENTER WEST SENECA ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION 1300 UNION ROAD MEETING MINUTES WEST SENECA, NY 14224 JANUARY 15, 2026 Ayes: All Noes: None Abstain: None Motion: Carried Chairperson Amadon noted that a vote to approve Ms. Hicks will occur at the next meeting, per procedural requirements. NEW BUSINESS • Erie County Heat Mapping Presentation Mr. Taylor announced that Erie County will present the findings from its August 2025 heat mapping campaign on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The presentation will take place at noon at the Delavan Grider Community Center. • Erie County Environmental Excellence Awards Mr. Taylor informed the Commission that nominations for Erie County's annual Environmental Excellence Awards are due by March 6, 2026. The awards are open to municipalities and non- profit organizations for projects in areas such as natural resource protection, land use, and energy. Mr. Taylor will provide a link to the nominating form for the Commission's review. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Tuberdyke, to adjourn the meeting at 7:01 PM. Ayes: All Noes: None Abstain: None Motion: Carried Respectfully submitted by Matthew Fincel, Secretary to the Environmental Commission 3