This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday September 9, 2025, at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:00 PM.

PRESENT WERE:

Mark DeCarlo                                  Supervisor

Donna Marien                                 Councilwoman

Linda Giancarlo                                 Councilwoman

Tish Brady                                        Councilwoman

William Trask Sr.                               Town Attorney

Barbara Daniel                                 Recording Secretary

ABSENT WAS:

Mike Muffoletto                             Councilman

ALSO, PRESENT AND LEGIBLY SIGNED IN WERE:

John Mills                                            Erie County Legislator #11

Tracy Kaczmarek                              Supervisor’s Secretary  

Mark Slawek                                      Chief of Police

Janice Ross                                      Resident

Brian Rott                                       Resident

Angela Bedaske                             Resident

Patty Friend                                   Town Historian

Kristen Podkulski                              Deputy Town Clerk

Daryl Novoa                                       Highway

Deb Bushnell                                      Resident

The meeting opened at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

APPROVAL OF AUGUST 12,2025 MEETING MINUTES: Councilwoman Giancarlo motioned to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025 Regular Town Board meeting, and was seconded by Councilwoman Brady.  4 ayes, 0 nays.  MOTION CARRIED.

SUPERVISOR’S JULY FINANCIAL REPORT: Councilwoman Brady motioned to approve the Supervisor’s July Financial Report, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  3 ayes, 1 nay. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S JULY FINANCIAL REPORT: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Report or July, seconded by Councilwoman Brady.  4 ayes, 0 nay. MOTION CARRIED.

COURT CLERK’S JULY 2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR KACZMAREK & GIER REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Councilwoman Brady motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Kaczmarek’s & Justice Gier for July 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 4 ayes, 0 nay.  MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025:  Police Chief Mark Slawek presented his August Police Report.  He spoke regarding illegally parked vehicles at the Park during events.  Different options were discussed.  He was concerned with taking a patrol car off traffic duty to monitor parking.  He suggested possibly having someone from football monitor parking.  Discussion continued regarding different options. Councilwoman Marien suggested during large football events, require 1 and 3 park at the top lots, and 2 and 4 park at the bottom lots.   She also suggests that the ones who block the fire lanes be ticketed.  When a question was asked regarding the need for signs to prevent parking in fire lanes, Deputy Clerk Podkulski noted that there are signs.  Supervisor DeCarlo stated he will attend the next game to review the status of signs.  He will also review/revise a policy for police to follow when enforcing parking at the park.  Chief Slawek then advised the Board that he needs a new, inexpensive copy machine/printer.  Supervisor DeCarlo responded that it will be within his budget so that should be fine.  Chief then advised the Board that they are now working on a tipline for the police.  He then mentioned that the Town of Evans lent them two radios that have zero reception at the lake area.  It was noted that repeaters will need to be installed via the grant.  Supervisor DeCarlo stated he will be meeting with Evans regarding the grant and Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report, seconded by Councilwoman Brady.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS: TABLED.

TOWN CLERK’S AUGUST 2025 ACTIVITY REPORT TO THE BOARD: The Town Clerk read the August Activity report. She also advised that the Town Clerk’s office will now be open 9 am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  The new hours began on September 1^st.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Planning Board Secretary Barbara Daniel presented a summary report for the September 2^nd Planning Board meeting.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as presented, seconded by Councilwoman Brady.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

ZONING BOARD REPORT: Zoning Board held no meeting for August.

RECREATION DIRECTOR REPORT: No report presented.

PARKS REPORT: No report presented

TOWN HISTORIAN REPORTS: Town Historian Patty Friend presented her August 16, 2025 Historian report.  The next meeting will be held on September 20^th.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED

FIRE COMPANY REPORT: No reports presented.

BRANT FARNHAM SENIORS: Councilwoman Brady presented the Senior meeting report for September 3, 2025.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

CODE ENFORCEMENT: Supervisor DeCarlo read the Code Officer’s August report.  Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

OLD BUSINESS:  No old business.

Supervisor DeCarlo announced that the Public Hearing set for 7:30 tonight to consider the Special Use Permit of Verizon has now been cancelled. A second public hearing is set for 7:45 pm for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to address ideas for Town projects.

 NEW BUSINESS:

LEGISLATOR JOHN MILLS ADDRESSED TWO TOPICS: 

CONDITION OF ERIE COUNTY JAILS: Erie County Legislator Mills spoke regarding the condition of the

           Erie County Holding Center.  He stated that the Sheriff is asking

           for $450 million for a new jail in Alden.  He noted how difficult

           that will be since they just spent $250 million on the new

           Highmark stadium.  He then noted that the jail in Alden was built

           on substandard soil and is shifting.  The windows and bricks are

           shifting.  It was built in 1985.  He spoke of the possibility of

           retrofitting the Alden jail as it will affect all the taxpayers of Erie

          County, and he is working to stay conservative on the spending.  

DESIGNATION OF PATTY FRIEND

AS 2025 RESIDENT OF THE YEAR:   Legislator Mill presented a proclamation recognizing Patty 

                                                             Friend as the Town of Brant Resident of the year for 2025.

                                                            He read the proclamation containing her many positive                                                                   attributes.  Patty was present during the presentation. 

Legislator Mills summarized her many accomplishments and

hard work in her service to community.  Photos were then taken

with the Town Board and Legislator Mills.

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TOWN OF BRANT TOWN BOARD PROCLAMATION

OF APPRECIATION OF LYNN WHITWORTH UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH:

Supervisor DeCarlo then presented a proclamation from the Town of Brant recognizing her dedication through the years as pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Farnham.  Lynn then spoke:

Lynn stated eight years ago she retired from Kenmore School where she taught for 31 years.  When she retired, she received a call from the bishop informing her that a little church in Farnham that has been without a pastor for two years.  The prediction was that the church would be closed within two years.  She mentioned the growth in the number of parishioners, stating the growth of the church under her care, and stated this retirement is much harder than the retirement from the school after 31 years.  She also mentioned that the church now has a vicker assigned to it now.  Her name is Theresa O’Connor.  She then thanked everyone for their kindness. 

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Supervisor DeCarlo then read the following notice from Erie County:

30 DAY INCLUSION INTO PREDOMINANTLY AGRICULTURAL LAND NOTICE: 

PUBLIC NOTICE 30-DAY PERIOD FOR INCLUSION OF PREDOMINANTLY VIABLE AGRICULTURAL LANDS INTO EXISTING AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS Per New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b, the Erie County Legislature designated September 1 through September 30 as the annual thirty-day period during which landowners may submit requests to include predominantly viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district. Copies of the application form have been provided to Municipal Clerks, Assessors, and Chief Elected Officials for distribution to interested landowners. The application is also available on the DEP website at www.erie.gov/agenrollment. The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning will accept applications from September 1 through September 30. Any questions on this process should be directed to the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. A public hearing will also be scheduled at a later date to consider all inclusion requests and the recommendations of the Erie County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. CONTACT: Sarah Gatti, Principal Planner Erie County Environment & Planning 95 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 858-6014 Fax: (716) 858-7248 Email: agriculture@erie.gov

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EWASTE EVENT:  Supervisor DeCarlo announced the next eWaste event will be held on Saturday September 27, 2025 from 9 am to noon behind the Highway barn.

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CDBG GRANT PUBLIC HEARING:

At 7:45 PM, the Town Clerk read the Legal Notice.

TOWN OF BRANT

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

THE TOWN OF BRANT will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM at the Brant Town Hall, 1272 Brant North Collins Rd., Brant, New York, regarding the use of Federal Community Development funds in the Town of Brant.

THE TOWN OF BRANT is eligible for a Federal Community Development grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. 

THE PURPOSE OF the hearing is to provide an opportunity for Citizens to express Community development and housing needs and to discuss possible projects which would benefit low and moderate income persons in the Town of Brant.

CITIZENS ARE URGED to attend this meeting to make known their views and/or written proposals on the Town of Brant’s selection of potential projects to be submitted for possible funding by the Federal Community Development Grant Program.

THE HEARING WILL also present a review of prior Community Development projects and expenditures and a discussion of eligible activities. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible.  Those needing special arrangements should call the Town of Brant at (716) 549-0282, ext. 2.

August 12, 2025

By order of the Brant Town Board

Barbara J. Daniel, Brant Town Clerk

Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to open the public hearing, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED

Discussion began regarding the 2025 CDBG Grant program.  Councilwoman Giancarlo spoke about the Phase II portion of the Park which was completed last year.  She felt that the Town Hall playground should be priority number one.  She also stated priority number two should be Rural Transit funding.  Councilwoman Brady spoke on the importance of the Rural Transit Service for those without an ability to go to Doctor Appointments.  Discussion then began regarding the current playground at the Town Hall.  The Supervisor stated he has received multiple calls from residents with concerns about the safety of the playground.  The supervisor then asked for public input.  Resident Janice Ross expressed concern about the playground at the Town Hall.  She stated its old, weathered and in her opinion dangerous.  She felt it is in severe need of repair or replacement.  She doesn’t bring her grandchildren there. 

Resident Kristen Podkulski spoke about the ground beneath the playground is not cushioned at all.  She stated seeing a 6 year old child fall from the slide.  She advised the Board that since the pickleball court was installed, she noticed people bring their children to play on it.  Also, on court nights, people are bringing their children and allowing them to play on it.  The Town Clerk spoke of the worn bolts that hold the structure together.   The consensus from the discussion was concern for the safety of the weathered structure.  Town Attorney William Trask instructed the Town Board to have the playground taped off until the structure can be examined, repaired, or replaced.

When discussion ended, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to close the public hearing.  Councilwoman Giancarlo seconded the motion.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT:  Discussion regarding the date and time for the annual Trunk or Treat event.  After discussion, it was decided the event will be held on Beggars night on Thursday, October 30^th from 6 to 8 pm at the Brant Town Hall. 

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENT:  The 2025 Christmas tree lighting event at the Brant Town Hall will be on December 6^th.  The hours will be announced later.

HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT HOURS:  The Town of Brant formally recognizes the hours 6 pm to 8 pm for tricks or treats on Friday October 31^st, 2025.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEE AND TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

Councilwoman Giancarlo:

Announced the dredging of the retention pond has been completed.  She thanked Legislator John Mills for the grant.  She wished more could have been dredged from the pond but maybe in the future they will pull more out. 

Councilwoman Marien:

                Asked if the fence around the retention pond will be reinstalled.  Supervisor DeCarlo stated that it will.    He said he will talk to highway about it.  Councilwoman Marien would like to speak with Farnham

regarding a source for water while this retention pond refills. Donna also stated she attended a

meeting in Eden that was very informative regarding resources available for seniors.  Councilwoman

Brady also addressed the meeting.

Supervisor DeCarlo:

                Stated he has a tentative meeting scheduled with the Brant Fire Co. regarding budgetary issues and will speak with them about the possibility of filling the pond.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

Angela Bedaske from Brant Angola Rd asked when the website will be updated.  She wanted to know why it’s not a .gov website.  Supervisor DeCarlo stated the Town has until the end of the year to change the .com site to a .gov.  She suggested it be made more Smartphone friendly.  Supervisor DeCarlo stated the Town is working on having a new website built.

MEETINGS & CORRESPONDENCE:

SALES TAX:  Supervisor DeCarlo stated the first August sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer is 9.26% greater that the corresponding 2024 amount. Year-to-date transfers are running at 6.5% ahead of last year at this time.

ERIE COUNTY HOSTING TWO WASTE EVENTS IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO (Registration required, see flyers):

                September 13^th Paint collection *

                September 27^th Household hazardous waste *

NATIONAL GRID USAGE COMPARISON OF CURRENT WITH 2024:  Supervisor DeCarlo announced that the Town received an “energy Usage” report from National Grid.  The report shows that the Town of Brant shows a decrease in usage between 15% to 50% overall.

APPROVAL OF ABSTRACT 9: Supervisor DeCarlo read the Abstract (9 of 2025):

ABSTRACT 9 of 2025

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $ 61,773.20

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $ 32.98

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $ 2,549.99

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling:  $ 123,079.67

Fire Protection District: $ -

Street Lighting:  Voucher Totaling:  $ 2,639.19

Brant Water Dist 1 (SS2&SW):  – Totaling $ -

PAYROLL (3 pay periods):

General Town Wide Payroll 7/13/25-8/23/25 – Totaling $ 187,375.06

General Part Town Payroll   7/13/25-8/23/25 Totaling:  $ 2,049.51

Highway Payroll TW 7/13/25-8/23/25 Totaling:  $ -

Highway Payroll PT 7/13/25-8/23/25 Totaling:  $ 14,866.36

Councilwoman Brady motioned to approve Abstract 9 of 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 4 ayes, 0 nay.

 Roll Call was taken:

Councilman Brady               Aye

Councilwoman Marien        Aye

Councilwoman Giancarlo   Aye

Supervisor DeCarlo              Aye

MOTION CARRIED.

Supervisor DeCarlo announced the next regular Town Board meeting to be held October 14th, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

At 8:07 pm, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to adjourn the meeting in memory of Sherman Reickart, Jr and Peter Muscarella, seconded by Councilwoman Marien.  4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully submitted by,

Barbara J Daniel

Brant Town Clerk