Webster Town Board
November 21, 2024
A workshop meeting of the Webster Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Flaherty at
6:30 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Road, Webster, New York, with
the following officials present:
Supervisor ................................................................................ Thomas J. Flaherty
Councilwoman .......................................................................... Patricia T. Cataldi
Councilman .......................................................................................John J. Cahill
Councilwoman ........................................................................... Ginny L. Nguyen
Councilwoman .......................................................................... Jennifer S. Wright
Town Attorney ...............................................................................Charles Genese
Town Clerk .................................................................................. Danene M. Marr
Department Heads Present:
Finance Director.................................................................................. Paul Adams
Communications Director .............................................................. Bridget Harvey
Community Development Director......................................................Josh Artuso
***
Paul Adams, Director of Finance, and Bridget Harvey, Communications Director, appeared
before the Town Board to provide an overview of the revenue sources related to cable TV
franchise fees, including past audits and asset sales. They highlighted the historical revenue data
back to 1995, which resulted in $44,000 in recovery and discussed plans for a future audit with
Troy and Banks Consultants, LLC to potentially recover discrepancies in the contractual
arrangement, emphasizing that this revenue stream is based solely on cable subscription and is
unrelated to cable access television production. It was also stated, that if there is no recoverable
underpayment identified to benefit the Town, there will be no fee payable to Troy and Banks
Consultants, LLC. The presentation also touched on the assessment of assets like video
equipment and furniture as the Cable Department gets wound down. They are also assessing and
selling equipment that is no longer in use, including items stored in the Spectrum Building and in
the Town Board Room. They will continue to sort through the items to decide whether to sell,
donate, or repurchase for other Town departments. The conversation also touched on previous
audits regarding equipment recovery, cable TV revenue trends, and the impact of streaming
services on subscribership. They noted a steady revenue despite a decline in cable TV
subscribers and discussed the need to prepare for a potential decrease in revenue if cable TV
trends continue.
Following the presentation, a general discussion took place.
***
Russ Ziskind, CEO of North Onondaga Volunteer Ambulance, appeared before the Board to
provide and update to Long-term Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the Town of Webster.
Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent by the committee in mid-October. Responses were
received from Monroe Ambulance and Penfield Volunteer Ambulance by the
November 18, 2024 deadline. The submitted RFP by both organizations will be reviewed. Mr.
Ziskind shared insights about potentially having the Town operate an ambulance service
internally, drawing from his experiences as the CEO of Nova Ambulance. He outlines the costs
involving payroll, ambulances, and facility, giving detailed breakdown of the potential expenses
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involved in such an operation. Mr. Ziskind discussed the costs associated with outfitting
ambulances, including the expenses for ambulances themselves, stretchers, equipment, and
defibrillators, which can total up to approximately $250,000 each. With the estimated need for
4-6 ambulances, the cost to fully equip them would amount to around $2.4 million.
Additionally, considerations are made for building costs, projected revenues, potential deficits,
and funding sources to cover the expenses, highlighting the financial challenges involved in
establishing an ambulance service in New York State and the implications of not being classified
as essential workers. Mr. Ziskind added the challenges of starting an ambulance service in
Webster due to the lower call volumes, making it difficult to sustain as a business model. Mr.
Ziskind emphasized the trend towards outsourcing ambulance services to third parties to meet
the area’s needs rather than starting a service within the Town. Town Board members agreed
that pursuing an ambulance service within the Town is not a viable option given the financial
constraints and complexities involved in operating it as a municipal service.
***
Matt McAlpin, Owner and CEO of McAlpin Industries, appeared before the Town Board to
provide a concept site proposal for a vacant parcel at 875 Publishers Parkway (Tax ID
079.06-1-32.123). Mr. McAlpin highlighted being a family-owned third-generation company
specializing in precision sheet metal fabrication for various industries like transportation and
automation. Mr. McAlpin emphasized his company’s community involvement, sustainability
efforts, and core values, emphasizing their commitment to culture and performance. They also
shared their connection to Webster as lifelong residents and their dedication to local trade
associations and schools to promote interest in manufacturing. Their proposal for Publishers
Parkway was a result of careful consideration and ties to the Town, showcasing a long-standing
commitment to Webster. He discussed how they arrived at the decision to locate their company
in Webster and highlighted their need for more space and an ideal location for employees. He
shared the details about the proposed property, emphasizing the potential for job growth, plans
for job training in manufacturing skills, and a future education center. Mr. McAlpin also
mentions leaving a portion of the property undeveloped for potential community use, like a
library, showing their interest in establishing a long-term relationship with the Town. Despite
environmental challenges with the property such as poison ivy and dead ash trees, he expressed
optimism about the project and the opportunities it can bring to the area. Mr. McAlpin discussed
his company’s commitment to sustainability and cleanliness in their facilities, emphasizing the
importance of a clean working environment for their associates and the community. He
mentions his exploration of geothermal heating, solar energy, and rainwater reclamation to
enhance their sustainability efforts.
Following the presentation a general discussion took place.
***
Matt Chatfield, Webster Economic Development Alliance, appeared before the Town Board to
provide a presentation on the 2024 Restore NY Round 9, Grant Application proposal for
revitalizing a blighted property in West Webster, with a focus on enhancing safety, improving
infrastructure, and resolving longstanding issues in the area. The presentation outlined the
progress made so far and the upcoming steps for applying for funding to address community
needs.
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Mr. Chatfield discussed the Town's responsibility in dealing with a property on 600 Ridge Road
that is in failing condition and requires substantial funds for stabilization. Despite seeking private
sector partnerships for rehabilitation, the Town faced an underwhelming response, leading to
consideration of applying for a State funding program for demolition and environmental
remediation to prepare the site for future development. The deadline for the application is on
December 20, 2024, with potential project completion by the end of 2026. The Town aims to
handle the property with outside assistance to avoid shouldering the high costs on its own,
leveraging the community demand and public support for addressing the building's condition
through available funding opportunities.
Mr. Chatfield discussed efforts to find a buyer for the property at 602 Ridge Road, also known as
the Jade Palace, which is currently on the market for sale. He estimates a total project cost of
around $275,000 to address environmental concerns and potential restoration, with a request for
$250,000 in funding from the Town. Despite facing obstacles in securing a developer, the Town
remains committed to revitalizing the Hamlet through various initiatives like zoning changes,
streetscape improvements, and seeking funding from sources such as the State and Federal
government.
Following the presentation, a general discussion took place.
***
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
7:27 p.m.
___________________________
Danene M. Marr, Town Clerk
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