Reading the minutes: The village board meetings are video taped with camera donated by Susan and Peter Smith

From the Village of Brockport board meeting minutes of 08/05/13:

Susan & Pete Smith – Mayor Blackman shared that Susan and Pete Smith have generously purchased the video camera now being used to film Village Board meetings. The camera is the property of Pro Brockport.

Editor's note: The video tapes of the Village Board meetings are available on the Pro Brockport web site at www.probrockport.org. Susan and Pete Smith have done a lot for the Village from watering hanging plants to being the webmaster of the Pro Brockport web site to various other things too numerous to mention.

ProBrockport born out of the campaign to dissolve the Village has done, and continues to do, many wonderful things for the Village. A primary part of ProBrockport's mission is to open up the  operation of Village government for participation by the citizens its serves. Visit the Probrockport Web Site at www.probrockport.org

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Reading the minutes - Brockport continues to receive money for parking tickets under new system

From Village of Brockport board minutes of 08/05/13:

Update on delinquent parking tickets –

Mayor Blackman said per FBS, parking ticket monies for July were $18,800 which compares with the recent normal take for July of $2,000. The Sweden Court was backlogged and June’s take was $6,000, but they have now caught up.

Editor's note: The problem of unpaid parking tickets has plagued the Village of Brockport and the Town of Sweden for a decade until then Trustee and now Mayor Blackman worked out an arrangement with a private firm to help the Town of Sweden in the collection of these tickets. Blackman's management plan is a great example of what competent governmental management can achieve. Kudos to Mayor Blackman and other Village of Brockport and Town of Sweden staff who have implemented this plan with such good results.

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Reading the minutes - Boat traffic down this year on Erie Canal more than 50%

From Village of Brockport board meeting minutes of 08/05/13:

Canals New York – Mayor Blackman said the Village of Brockport once belonged to and is re-joining this alliance of municipalities and canal focused businesses which include Lockport, Medina, Albion, Spencerport, Pittsford, Fairport, Palmyra.

This alliance is putting pressure on NYS CC regarding the short staffing of lift bridges and closures on the eastern section of canal. Because of this, boat traffic is noticeably down. We are down 43% from last year. Some communities are down more than 50%. This has an impact on local businesses.

For more information click here.

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Reading the minutes - Mayor Blackman encourages Towns of Clarkson and Sweden to contract with Brockport Volunteer Ambulance Service

From Village of Brockport Village Board meeting minutes 08/05/13;

Petition to support Brockport Volunteer Ambulance – encourage Sweden & Clarkson Town Boards –

Mayor Blackman said Brockport Ambulance is the first responder for the Village and for the College. They have met a bar the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson set – 24 hour
paramedic, call coverage up to 90%.

 The advantages of Brockport Ambulance over Monroe Ambulance:

1. Brockport Ambulances does standby coverage for free – events for schools, non-profits. They
covered the recent youth soccer tournament and will be covering the Brockport Arts Festival.
Every time Monroe does something, they bill for it.

2. Brockport Ambulance is non-profit. Monroe Ambulance is not.

3. Brockport Ambulance is community oriented. Their members are people we know and they
know the community.

4. Brockport Ambulance has 3 ambulances and the fly car staged at the Brockport Fire Hall.
Monroe Ambulance is staged at Sweden Town Hall and Clarkson Court House, but those
ambulances serve Clarendon, Holley, Murray, Kendall, Hamlin and parts of Parma in addition to
Sweden and Clarkson.

5. Brockport Ambulance response time from the time of the call to arrival on scene is only 2 and
a half minutes.

Mayor Blackman said on behalf of the Village Board, they urge the Sweden and Clarkson Town Boards
to sign a contract with Brockport Ambulance as their first responder. She said she has meetings
scheduled with the Supervisors of both towns before their decision deadline.

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Reading the minutes - Authorization granted to put electrical outlet at pavillion at Corbett park

From Village of Brockport board meeting minutes 08/05/13:

Authorize DPW to install a drop line on the light pole and a secured outlet by the
Corbett Park pavilion (summer serenades rain site) –

→ Trustee La Pierre moved, Trustee Ciciotti seconded, carried 4/0 to authorize DPW to install a drop
line on the light pole and a secured outlet by the Corbett Park pavilion.

Editor's note: 

This is a small and yet very important addition to the usability of Corbett Park.

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Reading the minutes - State very slow disbursing need money for Brockport's record management system

Apparently New York State is not distributing the money to local governments in a timely fashion so that they can set up processes to better manage their local records. Brockport Village Clerk, Leslie Ann Morelli has sent a letter to our State Senator, George Maziarz, and State Assemblyman, Steven Hawley, asking for their assistance in getting the New York State Division Of The Budget to disburse the money. The Brockport Village Board voted unanimously at their August 5, 2013 board meeting authorizing Ms. Morelli to send it. It probably would be good if Brockport Village residents let Maziarz and Hawley know that we would like to see the money disbursed so that Brockport's record management system can be improved.

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Reading the minutes - Mayor Blackman to hold office hours on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons

From Mayor Blackman's remarks at her swearing in at the Brockport Village Board meeting on July 15, 2013 according to the meeting minutes:

"I will be holding regular office hours in the village hall on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 2 -4:30pm."

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Reading the minutes - Summer serenades at Welcome Center on Thursday evenings

From the Village Of Brockport board meeting minutes of 04/09/13:

Trustee William G. Andrews reports:

Greater Brockport Development Corporation - Trustee Andrews shared that GBDC has completed the Summer Serenades schedule. Most of the sponsors have been lined up.

Concerts will be on Thursdays in July beginning July 11th starting at 7pm and Thursdays in August starting at 6:30pm at the Welcome Center.

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Reading the minutes - Sure sign of spring: Sidewalk seating hits the street

From the Village Board meeting minutes of 04/09/13:

Sidewalk Café Permit Applications – Clerk Morelli referred to the 3 applications included in the packet and said she expects an application from Java Junction but has not yet received it. Trustee Blair moved, Trustee Andrews seconded, carried 5/0 to approve applications for sidewalk café permit for the 2013 season for Burrito Fresco at 77 Main Street, Perri’s Pizza at 82 Main Street, Main Street Pizzeria at 13 Main Street – limited to 2 tables and 8 chairs (plus umbrellas and trash receptacle) daily from 11am to 9pm. Tables and chairs must match and be kept in good repair. They should be against the building only in front of the restaurant’s storefront. They must provide their own trash receptacle for use during café hours as pulling a Village trash receptacle near the café is frowned upon.

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Reading the minutes : The matter of the Village board hiring attorneys to protect itself from its own mayor

From the minutes of the Brockport Village Board meeting on 03/12/13:

Special Counsel – consider: Aloi – cease agreement, Lunn – request return of
hours pre VB authorization – Mayor Castañeda reminded that in October, the Board terminated the need for Attorney Lunn and requested the refund of unused retainer. After Clerk Morelli recently reminded Attorney Lunn that the unused portion of the $5,000 retainer had not been refunded, he subsequently sent a check for $2,580. Mayor Castañeda said she has previously mentioned it should be of concern that special counsel began work prior to Board authorization. She further stated she has yet to receive an answer to her question as to who initiated special counsel.

→ Mayor Castañeda moved, Trustee Blair seconded, carried 5/0 to have Clerk Morelli contact Attorney Lunn to request refund of the billable hours prior to Board authorization.

Trustee Blackman said she contacted Attorney Lunn’s office and spoke with his secretary and explained the concern. She said she received an email from Attorney Lunn that he was soon meeting with Attorney Aloi and would get back to her. He is aware it is a concern and that the Board would likely be requesting refund of the ~$900.

Trustee Blackman said there was no intent that special counsel would put in billable hours prior to Board authorization. Lawyers talk. It is for them to clear up, not the Board.
Trustee Blair concurred.

Mayor Castañeda said if none of the Village Board solicited Attorney Lunn or gave Attorney Aloi to bring Lunn on, who did?

Trustee Blair suggested Mayor Castañeda have a conversation with Attorney Aloi as the Board had nothing to do with that.

Mayor Castañeda suggested terminating the need for Attorney Aloi. He utilized the entire $5,000 retainer and not been authorized further monies.

→ Mayor Castañeda moved, Trustee Andrews seconded, to terminate the need for Attorney Aloi.

Trustee Blair said Attorney Aloi isn’t doing any work now as he has utilized the retainer. No further money has been allocated. However, the reason for securing his services – why he was retained – is still lingering. He should not be released/terminated until it has been resolved.

Mayor Castañeda said it was stated that Attorney Aloi was hired to counsel the Village Board on certain things since Village Attorney Leni recused himself. She asked what Attorney Aloi did or is doing for the Board.

Trustee Blair said she is well aware of the notices of claim filed by her and partner that have not been resolved.

Mayor Castañeda said the D.A. is handling the prosecution and the Village’s Insurance carrier has assigned an attorney.

Trustee Blair said the insurance may determine it’s not covered.

Call to question: Mayor Castañeda in favor. Trustees opposed.
1/4 – motion fails.

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Reading the minutes - April 26, 2013 proclaimed as Arbor Day in Village of Brockport

From the Village of Brockport Board meeting minutes on 04/03/13:

VILLAGE OF BROCKPORT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, natural areas, trees, and landscapes provide not only community beautification but also economic and environmental benefits; and

WHEREAS, trees provide many benefits to the community, including air purification, windbreaks, noise reduction, shade and energy savings; and

WHEREAS, planting trees and maintaining older trees provides an opportunity for community
interaction, volunteerism, economic development, and environmental conservation; and

WHEREAS, our efforts to improve the environment benefit present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, Arbor Day in the Village of Brockport is held each April;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that I, Maria Connie Castañeda, Mayor of the Village of Brockport do hereby proclaim April 26th, 2013 as Arbor Day in the Village of Brockport and encourage all our citizens to participate in appropriate activities and to take advantage of the benefits of the parks and other natural areas in our community.

IN WITNESS WHEROF, we hereby set our hand, and cause the Corporate Seal of the Village of
Brockport to be affixed this 12th day of March, in the year 2013.

Support the Brockporter and learn more about trees by buying The Arbor Day Foundation's field guide "What Tree Is That?" from the Brockporter/Amazon widget below. 

 

 The Arbor Day Foundation's What Tree Is That? is a unique field guide that uses a step-by-step approach to identify common trees of the United States and Canada. The fully illustrated, 164-page book helps readers recognize more than 250 varieties based on trunk bark, leaf margins and textures, pods, nuts, and the arrangement of leaves on twigs. 

Focusing on specific characteristics, this easy-to-use field guide poses a series of questions paired with botanical illustrations to help classify the tree in question. Created by the world's largest nonprofit devoted to trees and the environment, this guide offers a proven classification method for people of all ages--from youth to adult, amateur to professional. 

The guide is a practical educational tool containing both the common and scientific names of trees and measurements in both inches and centimeters. Equipped with a durable, water-resistant cover, this 8½ x 4-inch companion guide slips easily into a pocket for easy reference on hikes.

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Reading the minutes - Fences for garden squares around trees in business district

From the Village of Brockport board meeting minutes of 03/12/13

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 Pam Ketchum of Park Avenue read the following prepared statement into the record:

Fences for the Garden Squares on Main and Market Streets

I have come to talk about beautification of our Downtown Business District. Approximately 30 years
ago, when Jim Stull was mayor, trees were planted on Main and Market Streets. There were metal grills at the base of each tree. As the trees grew the metal grills were removed and the resulting garden squares were created.

Over the years, merchants, building owners and various organizations have spent thousands of dollars and hours cultivating, augmenting the soil and planting annuals and perennials. Many merchants have stated that a month or so later, by mid-summer, the garden squares were ruined because of people and dogs.

In May 2012, author James Howard Kunstler visited and talked about downtown development and
beautification. He said that the space between the store fronts and the streets is an essential area that
should be developed and maintained in a fashion such as a garden room or a transition space that is
welcoming to pedestrians and shoppers. Mark Fenton, public health, planning and transportation
consultant, echoed these same ideas when he spoke last October 2012 about our walkable community.

Both stressed the importance of an attractive and compelling downtown area that draws people from
near and far to visit, invest in goods and services and ultimately perhaps buy a house and put down
roots in such a quaint and caring community.

A little over a year ago, members of Pro-Brockport started to brainstorm about how to beautify the Main and Market St. area. What could be done to enclose the garden spaces and cultivate them in a lasting and appealing fashion? Many ideas were discussed.

Last September, Ted and Patty Hawley created and installed a model fence enclosure in front of Fountain of Youth Organics at 46 Main St. Ted had a conversation with DPW and during the snow season he installed corner markers to help with snow removal as requested. The enclosure he made sits on the surface and has some flexibility. It was filled with dirt, cultivated and planted with attractive mums. It has held up well over the winter season and continues to add an attractive architectural flair to that block.

Pro-Brockport has interviewed a number of welding and metal specialists and we have put together a
PowerPoint including an inventory of trees on Main and Market, list of contractors and quotes. The
Brockport Merchants Association has been informed about the project over the past year and is
enthusiastic about making the streetscape more inviting and attractive. We hope to interview welders,
review bids and ultimately fund raise to successfully carry out the project.

We don’t anticipate there will be a cost to the village except for perhaps taking more time and finesse in snow removal. Instead of buying new plants every year, money would be saved by protecting hardy perennials with attractive fence surrounds in place.

 

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Reading the minutes - Plans under way for the first annual "Low Bridge, High Water" celebration at the end of April

From Brockport Village Board Meeting Minutes 02/26/13:

 

Canal Season Opening Celebration – 

 

authorize transfer of funds $100+ into celebrations line – Trustee Blackman provided an update on the various events being planned for “Low Bridge, High Water” celebration of the season opening of the Erie Canal the week of 4/28-5/5. 

 

Many community organizations are helping to sponsor modest amounts for music, advertising and such. She knows the Celebrations line was not funded in the current budget, but suggested $100 be transferred from another line. Trustee Blackman said she hopes to even be able to put some money into the Village coffers by way of selling Taste of Brockport tickets. 

 

Mayor Castañeda asked Village Attorney Leni if they can sell tickets. Attorney Leni said yes. 

 

Clerk Morelli said they can’t sell raffle tickets and that’s probably what the Mayor was thinking of.

 

 Trustee Blackman moved, Trustee Hannan seconded, carried 4/0 to authorize the Treasurer to transfer $100 from contingency into the Celebrations line.

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Reading the minutes - New commercial building planned for 22 North Main St.

From the Brockport Village Board Meeting Minutes of 02/26/13:

 

Planning Board – Codes Officer Zarnstorff referred to an application of Jose

Mendez coming before the Planning Board for a new mixed use commercial building at 22 North Main Street. The Board granted conceptual approval in November and will be starting the preliminary process in March for possible spring start of construction. S. Zarnstorff said this is a positive thing to have added to the tax rolls. 

 

 

 

 

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Reading the minutes: Mayor Castaneda refuses to act on volunteer for Tree Board

From the Village of Brockport board meeting minutes of 02/26/13:

Christine Gray Collier – Clerk Morelli said she was asked by a resident to read the following into the record during Public Comment:

February 22, 2013

To Mayor Castañeda,

I would like to inform you that I am withdrawing my application to the tree board of Brockport. I sent in my application four months ago and have not had a response. I am very disappointed that my willingness to volunteer in Brockport has not been encouraged or recognized. I would like to make clear, for the record, that at the time of my application I was not affiliated with any outside group.

Regards,

Chris Gray Collier

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Reading the minutes - The tale of the placement of the sandwich cart

From the 02/26/13 Village of Brockport board meeting minutes:

 

Joe Cario of Roc City Sammich reminded the Board that he was granted a 6 month peddling andsoliciting permit for his food truck last September. He will soon be applying to renew the permit, but islooking to change locations. He said he spoke to Clerk Morelli today who suggested he present his proposed location change to the Board sooner rather than later. 

 

 He has been leasing space in the private parking lot on Clinton Street between Rocco’s and Ameriprise. He wondered if in front of the Post Office on Main Street would be ok. 

 

Trustee Hannan asked if he means the sidewalk or the parking spaces. J. Cario said his cart has been upgraded to a full service truck. He would need the use of one parking space. His hours end by 2am so they will not interfere with the no parking 2am-6am on streets rule. 

 

Chief Varrenti said he is not aware of any complaints regarding the current permit. However, he would be opposed to a private enterprise occupying a public parking spot. He cautioned the Board of setting a precedent.

 

Clerk Morelli said past concession cart permits have been on Village property – on the sidewalk. 

 

Chief Varrenti said use of the Village sidewalk poses its own problems. He said sometimes the Board grants approval for things that conflict with other things like vehicle and traffic law. He said if a public parking space had to be used, he would rather it be in a lot owned and maintained by the Village as opposed to NYS Route 19. While municipal parking in the lot by the Police Department is somewhat

limited, it might be safer. Chief Varrenti asked J. Cario his reasons for wanting to relocate. 

 

J. Cario said to be frank, there can be a lot of bar crowd traffic in the current location that can cause problems and he wishes to protect his equipment from vandalism. He would like to be in a highly visible location. 

 

Trustee Hannan suggested he consider approaching the property owner of Our Village Optician on Main Street next to Sagawa Park. The parking lot is vacant in the evenings, is well-lit and is highly visible. Clerk Morelli said she could get J. Cario the contact information.

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Reading the minutes - Condolences to Harry Donahue, Bruce Hovey, Neala Stull and their families and friends

From the Brockport Village Board minutes of 01/22/2013:

Mayor Castañeda said also in honor of recent deaths including Clifford G. Donahue. Jr., Villageresident and father of DPW Superintendent Harry Donahue, Margery E. Hovey, mother of DPWLaborer Bruce Hovey, and James H. Stull, a great man who cared and contributed greatly to the Villagehe served as Mayor for 20 years. She said he was a good friend and advisor and that she respected him greatly and will miss him. Sympathies go out to those families.

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Reading the minutes - Village finances "in good shape"

From the Brockport Village Board meeting minutes of January 22, 2013:

Treasurer– Daniel P. Hendricks

Financial reports for period ending 12/31/12 – Treasurer Hendricks referred to financial reports for period ending 12/31/12 included in the packet. The Village is on track, in good shape.

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Reading the minutes - Trustee Blackman cleans up parking ticket mess

From the Brockport Village board meeting minutes of 01/08/13:

Parking Tickets - Trustee Blackman shared that she had a phone conversation with Dennis Farrell of FBS, the company recently contracted to assist with enhancing collection of Village parking ticket fines. The Village of Brockport and the Town of Sweden each approved and signed off on the MOU and FBS turned it over to NYS DMV. FBS is awaiting a secure password to be able to access DMV. This has been a slow moving process, but we are getting closer and closer to implementation. 

Editor's note: Brockport's parking tickets have been very poorly managed by the Town of Sweden justice courts. In 2012 boxes of park tickets were lost from the Town of Sweden offices. The poor management of pursuing offenders who have not paid their parking tickets has been a source of contention between the Village and the Town. It is reassuring to read that Trustee Blackman has designed a plan to better manage the adjudication of parking tickets and is implementing it.

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Reading the minutes - Brockport Village Clerk Morelli is President of the Monroe County Village Clerks Association

From the Brockport Village Board meeting minutes of 01/08/13: Mayor Castañeda shared that Clerk Morelli will be sworn in next week as 2013 President of the Monroe County Village Clerks Association. She congratulated her and hopes to be able to accept the invitation to administer the oath of office to the officers. If not, she will ask Trustee Andrews to do so in her place. Clerk Morelli said the 10 Village Clerks take turns as President just like the Mayors do for the Monroe County Association of Village Mayors.

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