This Regular Meeting of the Brant Town Board was held on Tuesday December 09, 2025, at the Brant Town Hall, located at 1272 Brant North Collins Rd, Brant, New York at 7:00 PM.

PRESENT WERE:

Mark DeCarlo Town Supervisor

Tish Brady Councilwoman

Linda Giancarlo Councilwoman

Michael Muffoletto Councilman

Donna Marien Councilwoman

Kristen Podkulski Recording Secretary

Absent

Bill Trask Town Attorney

Barb Daniel Town Clerk

ALSO, PRESENT AND LEGIBLY SIGNED IN WERE:

Ellsworth Nolan Highway Superintendent

Patty Friend Town Historian

Janice Ross Resident

Brian Rott Resident

Daryl Novoa Highway

Tracy Kaczmarek Supervisor’s Secretary

Mark Slawek Chief of Police

Debra Ritz Planning Board Chair
 

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

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the NOVEMBER ^3rd 2025 TOWN BOARD MEETING: Councilwoman Brady motioned to approve the minutes and was seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

SUPERVISOR’S OCTOBER 2025 FINANCIAL REPORT: Councilman Muffoletto motioned to approve the Supervisor’s November Financial Report, seconded by Councilwoman Brady. 4 ayes, 1 nay. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR’S AUGUST, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2025 REPORTS: Councilwoman Brady motioned to approve the Town Clerk’s Tax Collector Report, seconded by Supervisor DeCarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

COURT CLERK’S OCTOBER 2025 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR KACZMAREK & GIER REGULAR AND BAIL ACCOUNTS: Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to approve both Bail and Regular Financial accounts for Justice Kaczmarek’s & Justice Gier for November 2024, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 4 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2025: Report was read by Chief Mark Slawek. He stated that they were working on the radios with the Town of Evans due to issues with service on their radios especially down by the lake and other parts of the Town. They discussed areas of the Town that they can install antennas to get better service. He requested the Hire of a PT Police Officer, Jeff Mayer, at the rate of $30.80 per hour with an 18-month probationary period. He is interested in working afternoons and weekends. Councilwoman Giancarlo made a motion to approve the hire, seconded by Supervisor DeCarlo. Roll Call was taken.

Councilwoman Giancarlo Aye

Supervisor DeCarlo Aye

Councilman Muffoletto Aye

Councilwoman Marien Aye

Councilwoman Brady Aye

5 ayes, 0 nays.

MOTION CARRIED.

Chief continued to speak about a murder investigation from the 70’s connected to the Town of Brant. There is a joint investigation with The Brant Police Department, Buffalo Police Department and the Chautauqua Police. Richard Fox was arrested for several murders. Brant was asked for a press release and also been contacted from Dateline. Chief Slawek wanted to discuss with the Board before anything was done. Chief discussed the Juvenile room and addressed utilizing the middle hallway and install a door and frost the windows. It was an easy solution instead of building a room in the office. Councilwoman Giancarlo and Supervisor DeCarlo offered assistance to help put that together. Chief Slawek then discussed 957 Hammond Road and that there is a construction crew hired by the Bank but Councilwoman Marien reported that they have been coming at night. He also reported about issues at 907 Brant Farnham Road and dealing with a hostile resident. He suggested using extreme caution when going to this address for any calls. They are living in a camper inside a pole barn which is being addressed by Code Enforcement. Chief Slawek thanked councilwoman Marien for her service on the Town Board and congratulated Councilman Muffoletto and Don Clark for their win. Councilwoman Brady spoke about the SPCA issue and asked if Chief if he could set up a meeting with herself and Councilman Muffoletto and the SPCA to set up a plan in case of future issues. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS: Superintendent Nolan read his Highway report. He requested an automatic tarp system be installed on the new dump and on the current trucks they have. The new truck to add that on would be an additional $4,400 and the cost to add it to the International and Kenworth would be $4840 each. Councilman Muffoletto asked him to provide copies of those estimates to the board for them to look over before they approve it. He then discussed with the Board and Chief Slawek if the highway department could have the old PD SUV to use for highway instead of putting it up for auction. The highway depart could use the vehicle to run for parts instead of using his personal truck or the big trucks. The Board said they will look into the legal process to make that happen. Superintendent Nolan asl request to look at options to replace the cab on the International because it is all rusted out. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accepted the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TOWN CLERK’S NOVEMBER 2025 ACTIVITY REPORT TO THE BOARD: Deputy Town Clerk Kristen Podkulski read the report. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Chairperson Debra Ritz stated that they have not had any meetings therefore there is no report. She did inform the board that they have 3 vacancies and need to get those vacancies filled. Deputy Clerk Kristen Podkulski offered to create a flyer to post these vacancies and post them on social media and the website. No vote was taken.

ZONING BOARD REPORT: No report.

RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT: No report.

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS REPORT: No report.

TOWN HISTORIAN REPORTS: Town historian Patty Friend read her report. She stated that she was given 2 wooden desks from the Town of Evans, a butter churn from a resident and a few photos from Donna Borngraber. She also spoke at the Seniors Meeting and inform them with a lot of historical information that they were not aware of including the historical room at the Town Hall. She complimented the Town’s Tree Lighting and Tractor parade. The next Historical Meeting is December 20^th. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Brady. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: No report presented.

BRANT FARNHAM SENIORS: The report by Secretary Lynda Ostrowski was read by Councilwoman Brady. Next Trip is the Buffalo Philharmonic on December 19^th to depart at 8:445 am. The Seniors Christmas Part will be held at The Colony on Sunday December 14^th at 1pm. Election of officers was taken. Richard Vespa was voted as President, Faith Delong as Vice President, Kathy Vespa as secretary & Geri DePovelo as Treasure. Janet Bowman was voted as assistant secretary and Bart Vaticano as Assistant Treasure. The installation of Officers will take place at the Christmas Lunch. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motioned to approve the report as read, seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORT: Code Enforcement report was read by Supervisor DeCarlo. It was reported that 16 notices of violation were sent out. 4 appearance tickets were mailed out. Investigated complaints and acted accordingly. Worked along with the Bank on 957 Hammond Road. Inspections are being performed for the Solar project. Permits issued were Phillips Farms for a barn, GNR Solutions for a demo, Scott March 10982 Southwestern Blvd. for demo, Gretka on 10577 Mileblock Road for Generator, Mileblock for a Solar Farm. Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to accept the report, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

OLD BUSINESS:

ZONING REFERRAL FROM ERIE COUNTY REGARDING PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AS NO RECOMMNEDATION. PROPOSED ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AND REVIEWD AND DETERMINED TO BE OF LOCAL CONCERN-SIX MONTH MORATORIUM PROHIBING REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR “BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS” IN THE TOWN OF BRANT. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to enact local law #2-2025, seconded by Councilwoman Giancarlo. Roll Call was taken:

Supervisor DeCarlo Aye

Councilwoman Giancarlo Aye

Councilman Muffoletto Aye

Councilwoman Marien Aye

Councilwoman Brady Aye

5 ayes, 0 nays.

MOTIONED CARRIED.

NEW BUSINESS:

SET DATE FOR 2026 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to set the date for January 5^th at 7pm for the 2026 Organizational Meeting. Seconded by Councilwoman Brady. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

APPROVAL OF THE LAKE SHORE STORM GIRLS SOFTBALL LETTER TO REQUEST USE OF THE REC BUILDING Supervisor DeCarlo stated that he received the letter to request use of the building from December to mid-April on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. Insurance was received from them. Supervisor DeCarlo made a motion to approve. Seconded by Councilwoman Brady. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

TERMINATION OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR STORAGE OF TOWN EQUIPTMENT FROM DONNA BORNGRABER AT 1007 BRANT FARNHAM ROAD. Supervisor DeCarlo made the Board aware of the termination letter and all equipment will be removed by January 5^th. Equipment will be moved to the Highway Barn for now.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NYS BRICKS GRANT Supervisor DeCarlo announced that the Town of Brant was awarded a $400,000 grant for the renovation of the Recreation Building at the Town Park. He read the letter received by the Towns Grant Writer, Connie Minor. He explained that this is a 4-year grant and will tackle items like issues with the septic, offer new kitchen equipment, windows and doors, restrooms will be renovated and make ADA compliant. A committee will be put together and an engineer will be hired. The Town is still waiting to hear back from CDBG on the grant to address the playground at the Town Hall.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FLOOR: No one spoke.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEE AND TOWN BOARD REPORTS:

Supervisor DeCarlo and the Town Board: Thanked Kristen and Tracy for the organizing and decorating for the Christmas Tree lighting and 2^nd annual Tractor Parade.

Deputy Town Clerk Kristen Podkulski: The new 2026 Garbage Calendar for Brant and Farnham are out and will be available on the Town Website and on social media. Copies were available at the Town Board meeting and also are available in the Town Clerks Office.

Councilwoman Giancarlo: Congratulated Councilwoman Marien for retirement from the Town Board and thanked her for her years of service.

APPROVAL OF ABSTRACT 12 read by Supervisor DeCarlo:

ABSTRACT 12 of 2025

*Prepaid and unpaid as of 12/09/25 Total Claims $ 379,395.11

Gen Fund Town wide Vouchers Totaling: $ 213,568.09

Gen Fund – Part Town Voucher Totaling: $ 15,595.13

Highway T.W. Vouchers Totaling: $ 8,621.05

Highway P.T. Vouchers, Totaling: $ -

Fire Contract Vouchers Totaling $ 135,133.50

Street Lighting: Voucher Totaling: $ 6,477.34

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

PAYROLL (2 pay periods):

General Town Wide Payroll 10/19/25-11/15/25 – Totaling $ 64,208.71

General Part Town Payroll 10/19/25-11/15/25 Totaling: $ 1,809.35

Highway Payroll TW 10/19/25-11/15/25 Totaling: $ 11,086.21

Highway Payroll PT 10/19/25-11/15/25 Totaling: $ -

Supervisor DeCarlo made the motion to approve the abstract. Seconded by Councilwoman Brady.

Roll call was taken.

Supervisor DeCarlo Aye

Councilwoman Brady Aye

Councilwoman Giancarlo Aye

Councilman Muffoletto Aye

Councilwoman Marien Aye

5 Ayes, 0 nays

MOTION CARRIED.

MEETING & CORRESPONDENCE

The first December sales tax remittance is in. The current transfer is 7.72% greater than the corresponding 2024 amount. Year-to-date transfers are running 5.12% ahead of last year at this time.

NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING: January 13, 2025 at 7pm.

At 7:55 pm, Supervisor DeCarlo motioned to adjourn the meeting in memory of Joan Macko, Joan Renaldo, Judy Peacock, Adeline DeCarlo and Rosetta Lofton. Seconded by Councilwoman Marien. 5 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION CARRIED.

Respectfully submitted by,

Kristen Podkulski

Brant Deputy Town Clerk