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WEST SENECA COURT ROOM DRAFT TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS 1250 Union Road Meeting # 2026-02 West Seneca, NY 14224 January 26, 2026 WHEREAS, the Town Board has discussed the addition of a structured opportunity for Board responses to public comments; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to implement this practice on a pilot basis to evaluate its effectiveness; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby adopts a 90-day pilot addition of a “Response to Public Comment” as a standing agenda item at Town Board meetings, effective February 9, 2026 through May 8, 2026; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the “Response to Public Comment” agenda item shall occur immediately following the first public comment period at each Town Board meeting during the pilot period; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that prior to the first public comment session at each Town Board meeting, the following public statement shall be read into the record: “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 (optional). 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.” BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that at the conclusion of the 90-day pilot period, the Town Board shall review the process and determine whether to continue, modify, or discontinue the “Response to Public Comment” agenda item. On the question, Councilmember Robertson stated this does not set a time limit on public comments. Councilmember Breidenstein stated this is correct. Councilmember Piekarec stated that, in his opinion, this is not necessary and expressed concerns that the proposal may deter public comments and cause frustration. Supervisor Dickson asked how Councilmember Breidenstein anticipates the process working. Councilmember Breidenstein stated his intention was to identify who would provide a response and when. Councilmember Sherman stated that, in her opinion, the Town Board should be acting in this way and a formal agenda item is not necessary. Councilmember Piekarec stated he does not believe the public is limited by confidentiality such as the Town Board is. Councilmember Breidenstein stated there are rules of decorum for public engagement. Supervisor Dickson asked if a Repsonse to Public Comment would be added after each public 11 Page 15 of 177