New Amendment to Open Meetings Law AGENCY RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC PURSUANT TO ARTICLE SIX OF THIS CHAPTER, AS WELL AS ANY PROPOSED RESOLUTION, LAW, RULE, REGULATION, POLICY OR ANY AMENDMENT THERETO, THAT IS SCHEDULED TO BE THE SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION BY A PUBLIC BODY DURING AN OPEN MEETING SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST THEREFOR, TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE AS DETERMINED BY THE AGENCY OR THE DEPARTMENT, PRIOR TO OR AT THE MEETING DURING WHICH THE RECORDS WILL BE DISCUSSED. COPIES OF SUCH RECORDS MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR A REASONABLE FEE, DETERMINED IN THE SAME MANNER AS PROVIDED THEREFOR IN ARTICLE SIX OF THIS CHAPTER. IF THE AGENCY IN WHICH A PUBLIC BODY FUNCTIONS MAINTAINS A REGULARLY AND ROUTINELY UPDATED WEBSITE AND UTILIZES A HIGH SPEED INTERNET CONNECTION, SUCH RECORDS SHALL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE TO THE EXTENT PRACTICABLE AS DETERMINED BY THE AGENCY OR THE DEPARTMENT, PRIOR TO THE MEETING. AN AGENCY MAY, BUT SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO, EXPEND ADDITIONAL MONEYS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
Village Board Meeting Conduct 1. The Village Board recognizes that the purpose of a Village Board meeting is to conduct the business of the Village. The meetings are held in public but are not public meetings. However, the Board invites public participation with the following guidelines. 2. Board members and audience members must conduct themselves in a civil manner. 3. There will be no talking or whispering permitted from the audience. 4. There will be no shouting out from the audience. 5. Comments to the board, commissions and committee shall be directed towards the business of such board, commission or committee. 6. Comments from the audience shall be pertaining to the business of such board, commission or committee. 7. Comments or questions from the audience shall be directed to the Chair of the board, commission or committee, not to individual members of such boards, commissions, or committees or employees of the Village of Webster. 8. In order to allow maximum public input, the Board unless the matter is on the agenda or is of an emergency nature as a matter of practice will not respond to public comment. The matter may appear on future public agenda’s. 9. All Public Hearings will be conducting in accordance with applicable New York State Law. 10. Comments or questions from the audience shall be directed to the Chair of the board, commission or committee, not to individual members of such boards, commissions, or committees or employees of the Village of Webster.
Open to the Floor Section at Village Board Meetings The Village Board recognizes that the purpose of a Village Board meeting is to conduct the business of the Village. Residents and guests are welcome at all public board meetings. Visitors will be recognized to address the Board on any topic during the meeting and may speak under “Public comments to the Village Board.” The Mayor reserves the right to limit the time anyone speaks to the Village Board and viewing audience to five minutes on each subject matter. Persons addressing the board must give name and address. The speaker must address their comments to the Board, not individual members of the Board, and must speak from the podium placed at the front of the room. The speaker should address the Board on subjects reinvent to the business of the Village Board. Speeches of an overtly political nature are discouraged. The fact that an issue is brought forward does not imply it must be acted upon.
Water Action Plan Adopted by the Village Board at the October 27, 2011 regular meeting. 1. Immediate Background · The Village of Webster (Village) formed a Water Committee in February, 2010 to “investigate all aspects of the water supply, including, but not limited to, the retention and/or improvement of the current supply or the transfer to a new water supply and/or the disposition or enhancement of assets connected to the Village Water Company.” · The Committee met from February-November of 2010 and by a wide margin, approved a report that was sent to the Village Board. · The Village Board reviewed the report and forwarded it to the Village Water Department Staff for their recommendations. · The Village Water Department Staff returned a recommendation to investigate enhancing the Village Water System. 2. Review of Water Committee Options · Make no changes to existing system. · Switch entire Village Water System to Monroe County Water Supply. · Purchase water wholesale from the Monroe County Water Authority. · Blend Webster water with Monroe County Water Authority water. · Soften Village water at the source with reverse osmosis. 3. Purpose of Action Plan · To chart a direct path forwards · To clearly define the Village Board’s future actions with regards to the Village Water System. 4. Goals 1. To provide a safe and healthy water supply. 2. To protect Village Water customer investment in the water system. 3. To provide for the highest quality water supply. 4. To provide for the highest customer satisfaction. 5. To provide for the best possible water rate. 5. Findings of Village Board 1. Significant investment has been made in the Village water system for about 100 years by water customers. 2. The water supply itself is an important asset. 3. The existing system has provided and continues to provide high quality, safe water at a reasonable rate. The Board believes there is no reason to rush to any decision with regards to the future of the Village water system. 4. Many Village residents have water softeners; in addition, users of other water providers also soften their water. 5. The existing water supply could be improved and enhanced through at-source softening or filtration. 6. Softening water can reduce the customers’ costs by using, for example, less shampoo, hair conditioner, and laundry detergent. 7. There should be careful consideration made to abandon a primary, valuable asset of the Village. 8. That there may be other uses for Village water such as for bottling. 9. That technology is constantly changing and that new equipment and technology may reduce costs and enhance water quality. 6. Actions going forward 1. First, a report should be completed that lists options for enhancing Village water. This may include filtration, osmosis or other systems. This report must list the cost of such system, the cost as a percentage of the total value of the system, the projected cost per 1000 gallons of water use and the length in years of any debt service required. 2. Then, the Village Board shall direct the Superintendent of Public Works to receive an offer for transfer or purchase of some or all of the Village water system to the Monroe County Water Authority. 3. After that, the Village Board shall vote on a resolution to move forward based on the results from the investigation of enhancing the existing water system, the offer to sell the system, or to do nothing at this time.
7/28/11: Citizens Advisory Committee for Village Government Efficiencies Name The name of this Committee shall be the Citizens Advisory Committee. Objective The objective of this Committee shall be to formulate recommendations to the Village Board on issues of community-wide concern as assigned by the Village Board. Composition The Citizens Advisory Committeeshall be composed of an odd number of voting members: 1. Up to 6 residents of the Village, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees; 2. The Mayor or designee. Terms of Members One year: reappointment at each Organizational Meeting. Meetings The Citizens Advisory Committeeshall meet the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Village Community Meeting Hall. Meeting Conduct 1. All meetings shall be open to the public. 2. Minutes shall be kept at all meetings. 3. There shall be a Chair to this Committee appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees. Duties 1. To research issues referred to them by the Village Board. 2. Review and compile information and prepare such reports as are necessary. 3. To make recommendations for consideration by the Village Board.
6/28/11: NEW EDUCATIONAL POLICY ADOPTED BY VILLAGE BOARD Adopted APRIL 14, 2011 1. Prior Village Board approval is required to attend any class. 2. Each employee shall be permitted a maximum amount of $1,500.00 per year. 3. Employee shall reimburse the Village if they receive a failing grade.
6/28/11 Section 506 of the Employee handbook Expense Reimbursement
Policy Statement – Upon proper authorization of the Village Board, an employee or Elected Official will be reimbursed for expenses associated with carrying out Village business, including, but not limited to, meals, lodging, mileage, parking, highway tolls, and training and membership fees. All required documentation and corresponding receipts must be submitted to the Village Treasurer in order for the reimbursement to be processed.
Education and Training – Upon proper authorization of the Village Board, an employee will be reimbursed for training courses that are directly related to the employee’s present job. Employees must first seek approval from their Department Head before the request is presented to the Village Board. A passing grade must be attained.
COMMENT
Section 506 is a POLICY adopted by the Village Board in the Employee Handbook. It has been applied to Training. Section 506 has continually been superseded by the PRACTICE of the Board to pre-approve all conferences and training. In other words, the Board approves and pays by a resolution “not to exceed” a certain amount of money and therefore removes the issue of reimbursement. In the rare instance where reimbursement is sought, approval by the Village Board has always been through authorization of the bills. Education has, prior to 2011, been done by practice for non-union employees since there was no written policy.
3/26/10: WASPS (Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, Inc.) Business Plan Overview P.O. Box 797, Webster, NY 14580-0797 PRESIDENT Sue Zientara The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters was formed in 2006 when its founders recognized the need for enhanced transportation for Webster seniors. In 2007 the Association was incorporated and granted SOl(c)(3) tax exempt status as a non-profit corporation. Our first goal was to improve the transportation available to seniors in Webster. Our initial efforts were devoted to promoting awareness and cooperation between all levels of the public, private agencies and government, in order to make funding for such transportation available. A study of census data shows that Webster has a significant population of seniors some of whom are disabled. Our current focus is to purchase, and put 2 vehicles into service, to meet some of the transportation needs of the senior residents of Webster, including those with physical disabilities. Webster is a town with very limited public bus service. The public buses run down the central Ridge Road corridor only during the morning and late afternoon. The bus stops are widely spaced and are often no more than a road-side sign. There are no shelters for waiting passengers during inclement weather, or loading platforms for disabled or wheelchair passengers. And, the lack of sidewalks makes getting to the bus stops dangerous for pedestrians on most roadways. Because of these limitations our goal is to provide portal to portal service rather than service from a central location. It is not our intent to replace any existing transportation service currently available to Webster residents. Our goal is to supplement such service(s). Models of successful and sustainable senior transportation services abound in our neighboring towns and in aliSO States. WASPS members have spent many hours meeting with the local organizations to learn from their experiences. We have met with Elderberry Express (Pittsford), Faith Link (Irondequoit), and the Fairport Baptist Home, as well as Lifespan. We will adopt as many of their successful approaches as apply to the Webster environment and our specific goals. The senior residents of Webster we propose to serve have everyday medical transportation needs. Examples are the need to get to appointments with the doctor, dentist, physical therapist, to dialysis, to chemotherapy, and other necessary medical appointments, to the pharmacy to pick up their prescriptions or health related products. These transportation needs can be thought of as "essential". But, who among us wants only their "essential" needs met? Each of these residents should also have opportunities for "life enriching experiences". These might include visiting local museums, festivals, or other cultural and educational events. Many of our transportation needy neighbors have no independent transportation and have few, if any, opportunities for such enriching experiences. These "essential" and "life enhancing" transportation needs are growing as Webster's population grows, and as the population ages. We will give first priority to servicing the "essential" transportation needs in the community and provide "enriching" transportation as scheduling permits. US Census data show that Webster has a population of 42,240 residents. Of these, 8715 (20.6%) are over the age of 60. There are 2392 (5.7%) of Webster residents over 80 years old. (See Appendix A) Of course, age alone does not define a critical need. But when combined with information on People With Disabilities, Household Income, and Households With No Vehicle, a picture emerges that tells of a significant need for 'essential transportation' in Webster (See Appendices, B, C, and D). Briefly: There are 1509 households in Webster headed by seniors 65 or older with household income below $25,000. There are 1526 people who live in Webster who live in households with no vehicle available. Noting these community needs, the members of WASPS propose to obtain and operate vehicles to help meet the transportation needs of 'the whole' Webster transportation needy resident by meeting their 'essential' and 'enriching' transportation needs, and contributing to their feelings of freedom and independence. To accomplish this we propose to obtain and operate two vehicles. These vehicles should be sized and equipped to meet both the essential needs and as many of the life enriching opportunities as possible. Initially we propose two 6 passenger mini-vans. Each mini-van should be equipped with a ramp to assist wheel chair bound passengers to board. The ramp will also enable passengers with physical limitations to board more easily. These vehicles are best suited to provide 'essential' transportation needs, but, can be used to provide 'enriching' transportation, limited only by capacity. (See Appendix E) As the need for 'enriching' transportation is better defined and the number of users identified, WASPS hopes to expand 'enriching' service by obtaining an additional vehicle, or by replacement with one or more vehicles with higher capacity. Passenger eligibility is defined as 'door to door ambulatory' (passengers must get themselves to the mini-van, they will be assisted in boarding, and into their appointment after being assisted off). Passengers must fill out an "eligibility form" (see Appendix F) before services will be provided. The form will allow us to qualify passengers before service can be provided. We currently have no permanent location for our dispatch office and phone. We are working with Mayor Elder for potential sites in the Village. Phone requests to schedule transport will be accepted Monday through Friday from gam to lpm. Rides must be scheduled at least two days in advance, or on Friday for Monday appointments. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and shorter notice as schedules permit (See Appendix Gfor scheduling worksheet). WASPS will solicit volunteer drivers and dispatcher/schedulers from the community. We will partner with Lifespan. Lifespan will provide driver training, monthly educational meetings, check the volunteers' driving records, and provide added liability insurance for the drivers. Volunteer drivers training will include requirements as defined in Appendix I in addition to that provided by Lifespan. WASPS plans to fund our operations by soliciting Webster residents and service organizations, with fund raisers and the WASPS membership fee of $5. Significant funds will be raised from donations made by the users ($5 suggested donation per one way ride). In addition, we will pursue grants from Village, Town, County, State, and Federal government agencies (See Appendix Hfor Proposed Operating Budget). WASPS has an Advisory Committee which includes a local business owner, a local Pastor, a Village of Webster Trustee, and a representative of the Town of Webster. In the event that the WASPS organization is dissolved, the vehicles could be turned over to the Webster Parks and Recreation Department or other Webster Department. Alternatively, they could be sold to the van conversion supplier. If sold, the proceeds along with the other assets of WASPS would be distributed to charitable organizations. The mini-vans will be parked at the Webster Recreation Center, Chiyoda Drive, when not in use.
March 11, 2010: Proposed Design Elements Committee. This is proposal I have asked the Village Board to approve for The Village of Webster DESIGN ELEMENTS COMMITTEE Mission (1) To compose informal design elements for building types in the Central Business (CB), Neighborhood Business (NB) and West End Business (WEB) Districts that would advise the Planning, Zoning and/or Village Board, the Building Inspector and/or Code Enforcement Officers and residents, developers, builders, and property owners. (2) To refer such plan to the Village Board by December 1, 2010. Objective The Committee shall carefully evaluate the design characteristics of the CB, NB and WEB zones and produce a comprehensive, informal guide of design recommendations for various structures and uses in the applicable zoning districts. Composition The Design Elements Committee shall be composed of: 1. Not more than 7 residents of the Village, one of who shall be appointed Chair by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees; 2. The Planning Board Chair; 3. A liaison from the Village Board appointed by the Mayor; 4. The Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee 5. The Building Inspector 6. The President of the Business Improvement District or their designee. It is desirable that members appointed to this Board have some sort of design or architectural knowledge. Terms of Members One year: reappointment at each Organizational Meeting. Meetings The Design Elements Committee shall meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Village Community Meeting Room or adjacent room. Subcommittees The Design Elements Committee may initially divide itself into subcommittees to meet the goals of the objective and mission of the Committee. Completion of Preliminary Plan & Public Input The Design Elements Committee shall conduct two public hearings prior to the plan’s referral to the Village Board. Such public hearings shall be not more than 90 days or less than 30 apart. Resources The Design Elements Committee may make reasonable use of Village office resources such as paper, the copier, and envelopes.
March 11, 2010: Proposed Water Committee. This is proposal I have asked the Village Board to approve for The Village of Webster WATER COMMITTEE Mission (1) To compose a plan for the future water supply of the Village of Webster. (2) To refer such plan to the Village Board within 1 year. Objective The Committee shall investigate all aspects of the water supply, including, but not limited to, the retention and/or improvement of the current supply or the transfer to a new water supply and/or the disposition or enhancement of assets connected to the Village Water Company. Composition The Water Committee shall be composed of: 1. Not more than 7 Village residents, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees; 2. The Water Department Administrator; 3. The Planning Board Chair; 4. The Village Board liaison to the Water Department. One member of the committee shall be appointed Chair by the Mayor and confirmed by the Board of Trustees. Terms of Members One year: reappointment at each Organizational Meeting. Meetings The Water Committee shall meet the forth Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Village Community Meeting Room or adjacent room. Subcommittees The Water Committee may divide itself into subcommittees to meet the goals of the objective and mission of the Committee. Completion of Preliminary Plan & Public Input The Water Committee shall conduct two public hearings prior to the plan’s referral to the Village Board. Such public hearings shall be not more than 90 days or less than 30 apart. Resources The Water Committee may make reasonable use of Village office resources such as paper, the copier, and envelopes.
Summary Results of Village Survey 2 (posted April 8, 2009): This the Summary Results, to date, for Village Survey 2: Services. The full document includes all comments given and is at the Village Hall or I can EMAIL a copy if you request one at pelder@villageofwebster.com.
Summary Results of Village Survey 1 (posted May 27, 2008): This the Summary Results, to date, for Village Survey 1: Quality of Life. The full document includes all comments given and is at the Village Hall or I can EMAIL a copy if you request one at pelder@villageofwebster.com.
2008-2009 Budget: Click HERE to view the budget for the General Fund. Property taxes in 2008-2009 will remain flat for the third year at $2.22 per thousand.
Village Survey: To date, over 240 people have participated in our first VILLAGE SURVEY. Please feel free to download the image at the left and send it into Village Hall. I am tabulating all the results and will present a preliminary report at the Village Board meeting on May 22. I just completed survey two (Village Services) and it will be in residents' water bills in June.
Village Survey: To date, over 240 people have participated in our first VILLAGE SURVEY. Please feel free to download the image at the left and send it into Village Hall. I am tabulating all the results and will present a preliminary report at the Village Board meeting on May 22. I just completed survey two (Village Services) and it will be in residents' water bills in June.