SPECIAL MEETING
April 9, 2020
A special meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Busti was held on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 3:30 p.m., via teleconference using 716-661-5901 (publication is on file) with the following members present:
Supervisor Jesse M. Robbins
Councilman Todd Hanson
Councilman Jim Andrews
Councilman Paul Gustafson
Councilman Randy Sargent
Supervisor Robbins called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for calling in. He asked all those present to identify themselves and to mute their phones unless they are speaking. Supervisor Robbins stated the purpose of the meeting was for the Town Board to address the concern of the economic impact on the town from the COVID 19 pandemic.
Present at the meeting were: Highway Superintendent Melvin Peterson and Attorney Joel Seachrist.
Supervisor Robbins stated the Town Board has a concern about the economic impact of the NYS “On Pause” Executive Order and its effect on the 2020 Budget; the board is recommending the following resolution. Discussion followed. Highway Superintendent Peterson stated his department has already committed to jobs that will require spending that exceeds the proposed limitations. Councilman Hanson noted this resolution is for expenditures going forward from passing the resolution. Supervisor Robbins added this resolution includes new expenditures for the whole town that exceed $500 and will be lifted once the board can consider the impact of the NYS “On Pause” has on AIM, CHIPS, and sales tax revenue. Councilman Gustafson noted the Town Board can continue to discuss and approve spending that may exceed the parameters of the resolution.
TOWN OF BUSTI
RESOLUTION
Moved by Supervisor Robbins Seconded by Councilman Gustafson
WHEREAS, the “New York State on PAUSE” executive orders issued by Governor Cuomo in response to the COVID-19 virus will by their nature have a severe negative impact on the Town’s revenue sources, particularly on sales tax revenue, and
WHEREAS, the projections used to develop the 2020 budget now grossly overestimate actual revenue, and
WHEREAS, the fluid nature of the pause makes it impossible to predict its long-term financial impact on our budget, and the Town Board deems it necessary to take extraordinary measures to protect the taxpayers of the Town of Busti,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that as long as the “New York State on PAUSE” plan remains in effect, and thereafter until lifted by the Town Board, the following measures shall apply to all spending and procurements for the Town of Busti:
1. No employee shall be used in any manner that would require overtime payment;
2. There shall be no unnecessary spending for purchases or public works contracts; and
3. Any purchase or spending on a service or public works contract greater than $500.00 shall require
Town Board approval; and
4. This resolution is intended to temporarily supersede Chapter 108 of Town of Busti Code, “Procurement Policy”, and insofar as there is any conflict therewith, this resolution shall control.
Upon roll call vote, all aye. Carried.
Supervisor Robbins moved the following resolution which was duly moved by Councilman Hanson:
RESOLVED, that Supervisor Robbins be authorized and directed to pay the presented General Fund, Highway Fund, and the Joint Recreation Fund for Abstract No. 4 from warrant #132 to and including warrant #211 in the amount of $73,391.19.
Upon roll call vote, all aye, carried.
The board discussed the issuance of building permits during the NYS “On Pause” executive order. Councilman Hanson noted residents may need an approved building permit to secure a contractor and/or financing for future projects; he believes that construction should continue if the resident and/or contractor is able to follow the guidelines issued in the executive order. The board recommended Code Enforcement Officer Swanson continue issuing building permits; the applicants would be asked to sign a statement (in duplicate) that any construction projects will be completed under the guidelines of the NYS “On Pause” executive order.
Supervisor Robbins moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 3:55 p.m. which was duly moved by Councilman Andrews.
All in favor, carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Darlene H. Nygren, Town Clerk