Webster Town Board
December 21, 2023
A regular meeting of the Webster Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Flaherty at
7:30 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Road, Webster, New York,
with the following officials present:
Supervisor ................................................................................ Thomas J. Flaherty
Councilman .......................................................................................John J. Cahill
Councilwoman .......................................................................... Patricia T. Cataldi
Councilwoman ........................................................................... Ginny L. Nguyen
Town Clerk ........................................................................... Dorothy M. Maguire
Absent:
Councilman .............................................................................. William G. Abbott
Town Attorney ........................................................................... Charles J. Genese
Department Heads Present:
Communications Director .............................................................. Bridget Harvey
Community Development Director......................................................Josh Artuso
Finance Director.................................................................................. Paul Adams
Highway Superintendent .................................................................... Pat Stephens
Supervisor Flaherty led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
***
Supervisor Flaherty stated that the first item tonight was not listed on the agenda. It was a
planned surprise for Councilman Abbott who is retiring at the end of this month. However,
Councilman Abbott is not in attendance so, he asked Councilwoman Cataldi to take the podium
to explain.
Councilwoman Cataldi stated the Town Board was hoping to honor Councilman Abbott tonight
as it was to be his last Board meeting as a Councilman. She explained his fourth grandchild is
about to make his or her entry at any moment which is a wonderful Christmas gift for the Abbott
family, and he felt he needed to be there.
Councilwoman Cataldi invited former Councilman Barry Deane to the podium to accept a
Proclamation in Councilman Abbott’s honor. In addition, she also invited to the podium former
Town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt.
Councilwoman Cataldi read the following Proclamation.
Proclamation for Outstanding Public Service
presented to
William Abbott
WHEREAS, William Abbott will be retiring in December of 2023 after more than twenty years
of service to the Town of Webster; and
WHEREAS, Bill began working for the Town of Webster’s Highway Department in 1987 as a
part time seasonal laborer and dispatcher. Bill worked at other locations such as MRB Group
and was the Deputy Commissioner for the Public Works Department in Irondequoit. In addition,
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Bill was the Superintendent of Grounds at East Irondequoit Central School District. Bill worked
as the Superintendent of Grounds for East Irondequoit from 2006-2017, and this is when he first
retired! His knowledge and skills were versatile and advantageous in each job he obtained; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1996 Bill was appointed to the Planning Board in Webster and
remained a member of this Board until January 2006. I t was at this time that Bill was appointed
for a one-year term as a Councilman on the Town Board. Bill was re-elected many times, as a
Town Board Councilman and served in this capacity from 2006 through his ultimate retirement
in December 2023; and
WHEREAS, during his years on the Town Board, Bill was thrilled to see many new Projects
begin and then completed. He enjoyed sharing his wisdom and vision on the exciting ventures
the Town was absorbed in and was especially pleased of the new Highway Facility that is
presently being built; and
WHEREAS, Bill often spoke to his wife Diena about wanting to make a difference to the Town
of Webster. Bill, you have done just that. Your efforts will be appreciated for many years to
come. Your countless hours and commitment to the Town of Webster have not gone unnoticed.
Thank you for your service and dedication, but now it’s time to relax and enjoy your family and
all those beautiful grandchildren!
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that on the occasion of William Abbott’s
retirement, as the Supervisor of the Town of Webster, on behalf of the Webster Town Board and
the entire Webster Community, we extend our sincerest wishes to Bill for a long, happy and
healthy retirement. It is my honor to pronounce December 22, 2023 as William Abbott Day in
the Town of Webster.
December 21, 2023
Thomas J. Flaherty, Town Supervisor
Mr. Deane stated it was an honor to accept the Proclamation on Bill’s behalf. He shared that
they are longtime friends and had known each other for decades, long before being involved with
the Town of Webster. He also stated that Bill has been a steadfast source of information and
guidance as a member of the Town Board.
Mr. Nesbitt stated that before Bill’s service on the Town Board he was a member of the Planning
Board for twelve years and also co-chaired the Comprehensive Plans in 2000 and 2004. Bill was
the guru when it came to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act advising his
administration and the current administration on the proper way to maneuver through the many
State Regulations. He stated he wanted to thank Bill for his helping hand on the new Recreation
Building, First Responders Playground and Spray Park, the rebirth of the new Town Hall Board
Room and the remodeling of the Town Hall. He also stated Bill has been working on the new
Highway Building and he is sure Bill’s presence in the coming months will be missed. He
wished him all the best in the coming months and years in retirement and thanked him for his
service.
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Peter Elder stated that he has had the honor of being the leader of the Republican Party and was
elected 30 years ago. In all that time he has worked with a variety of candidates. He shared that
when Bill first ran in 2006, he ran as a single candidate in a gubernatorial election year. This had
not been done before so there was a lot of concern. Bill was the hardest worker, walked to every
house, did it all on his own, was an outstanding candidate and that was the pattern he set for the
rest of his career in politics and on the Town Board as well. He shared that every single time
Bill ran, which was five times, the results showed the kind of popularity he had with the Webster
residents as they reelected him each time. He also shared that over the years council members
changed but no matter what changed the one thing that was always steadfast was Bill, his hard
work, his dedication and his ability to connect with the residents of Webster. He stated he
wanted to thank Bill for that as he made their lives as the political party a lot better. Bill
appealed to the voters, knew what to say to them, and knew what to represent. He stated it was a
wonderful thing to be able to work with Bill for all those elections. He was sorry Bill was not
present tonight, but he hopes Bill will hear this and understand how much the Party appreciates
his efforts over the past 18 years.
***
Ron Kampff and Beth Cunico of Challenger Miracle Field of Rochester appeared before the
Town Board.
Mr. Kampff stated it has been almost ten years since there was an idea to have a Miracle Field in
this area. He further stated that the things that have happened in ten years are quite unbelievable.
Outdoor lights were installed on the baseball field this year and games are being live streamed.
In ten years, they have expanded to operate year-round with various activities. Added was
bowling at AMF Lanes. The first year there were 75 bowlers, 125 bowlers the following year
and approximately 150 bowlers this year. To continue to expand on programs and outreach, the
organization decided to hire a full-time employee. After a lengthy process of interviews, Beth
Cunico was hired. Ron introduced Beth to the Town Board.
Ms. Cunico thanked the Town Board and stated she has been a Webster resident for
approximately twelve years. Prior to that they were a Navy family for ten years up and down the
East Coast. She is originally from a very small town in Illinois and stated that small towns even
to this day do not have a space for families with special needs and so often times those families
and those kids and adults with special needs go overlooked and unseen. She thinks it is very
fortunate and we are very lucky in Webster to have the Miracle Field and to have a space where
those families can come and just be a family and their kids can participate in sports. She shared
that her daughter has Cerebral Palsy and is unable to play competitively but she loves sports and
if they did not live here, and if they did not have this field and have these programs, she would
not be able to participate with her friends and feel that sense of community that everyone should
feel. She thinks they are extremely lucky to be in Webster and to have this space and feels
honored to be able to go from being a volunteer and a parent to now working for the program. It
involves developing programming, trying to secure funding and grants, getting into social media
and a lot of the challenges that go with running a well-rounded program. She stated she is
looking forward to working with everyone and very excited to see the program grow and very
thankful to the Town for all the support that has gotten this organization to where they are now
which is an incredible place for all their families.
***
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The meeting was open to the floor for public comment. No comments were received.
***
Resolution No. 417: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve the December 7, 2023 Town Board Minutes as submitted by the Town Clerk.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 418: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilwoman Cataldi, to
approve the December 14, 2023 Town Board Workshop Minutes as submitted by the Town
Clerk.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 419: MOTION by Councilman Cahill, seconded by Councilwoman Cataldi, to
approve the bills as submitted in Warrant #1223A by the Director of Finance.
Fund
General (A,B) CL #9167-9365
Highway (C,D)
Sewer (G)
Library (L)
Drainage Districts (M)
Park Districts (P)
Water Districts (R,SW)
Trust & Agency (T/A,TP,XM,XD)
Capital Projects (H) #184-192
H213 SB Waterfront Park Design
H222 Klem & Fawnwood Pump Sta
H223 Lake Rd WE Drainage MO.56
H224 Sandbar Protection MO.59
H226 Lake Rd Pump Station MO.65
H230 Sandbar Floor Wall MO.78
H232 Highway Garage Building
H237 Coca-Cola fairlife
TOTAL
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
Inside
158,797.92
56,488.21
66,858.57
5,618.31
5,899.86
2,880.00
0.00
0.00
Outside
66,344.12
8,974.88
83,061.33
4,519.80
0.00
2,280.24
6,509.38
329,576.97
Total
225,142.04
65,463.09
149,919.90
10,138.11
5,899.86
5,160.24
6,509.38
329,576.97
9,773.37
1,106.00
9,892.04
5,256.47
7,758.73
2,077.37
79,811.10
13,262.37
425,480.32
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
501,266.72
9,773.37
1,106.00
9,892.04
5,256.47
7,758.73
2,077.37
79,811.10
13,262.37
926,747.04
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
***
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Resolution No. 420: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve the prepaid vouchers included in Warrant #1223A by the Director of Finance in the
amount of $501,266.72. [Included in the summary of vouchers approved in Resolution #419]
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 421: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilwoman Cataldi, to
approve purchase orders as submitted by the Director of Finance.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 422: MOTION by Councilwoman Cataldi, seconded by Councilwoman
Nguyen, to authorize the Town Supervisor to sign a one-year Agreement ending
December 31, 2024 with Pilato Entertainment, Marketing & Media LLC for publication of the
Town magazine, Webster Today, for an amount not to exceed $45,000.00, inclusive of postage.
[Copy of the Agreement to be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk]
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Supervisor Flaherty stated that the Town has been involved in a lawsuit for three or four years.
He stated from the Town’s perspective we have settled this lawsuit and because Charlie [Town
Attorney] is not here we are unable to get into the terms of the settlement. The Board is well
aware of what they are, and Charlie will have to counsel the Board on how much of that, if any
can be disclosed or “foilable” [released under FOIL]. But one of the terms that the plaintiff and
their legal counsel requested within this, is that at a Town Board Meeting the following
statement or proclamation would be read by one of the Town Board Members or Town
Supervisor.
Supervisor read the following Proclamation of the Town Board in regard to the Matter of
Watkins v. Town of Webster:
“The Town of Webster and the Town of Webster Police Department unconditionally respect and
accept the decision of the Monroe County jury in finding Kali Watkins not guilty of the charge
of rape and clearing his name in the case of the People of the State of New York against Kali
Watkins.”
***
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Resolution No. 423: MOTION by Councilman Cahill, seconded by Councilwoman Nguyen, to
declare the following item for transfer from the Cable Department to the Community
Development Department:
Dell Latitude 7640 Laptop
Asset Tag #07618
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 424: MOTION by Councilwoman Cataldi, seconded by Councilwoman
Nguyen, to declare the following items for recycling from the Sewer Department:
Kennedy Toolbox
Asset Tag #1994
Dell Precision Computer T1700
No Asset Tag-Service #8NLRR52
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Appearing before the Town Board was Billie Lynn Bester and Timothy Bester with a request for
an Excavation and Fill Permit for 941 Gravel Road.
Pat Stephens, Highway Superintendent, has reviewed the permit application for 941 Gravel
Road. In a letter to the Town Board members, he stated the property owner has completed fill
and grading work in this area previously under a fill permit that has expired. This application is
to follow through with the completion of the grading started.
A review of the drainage in this area has indicated that the completion of this work will not affect
adjoining properties drainage. The area disturbed is not large enough to trigger stormwater
management thresholds for post construction treatment and the surface of the land will remain
naturally vegetated upon completion of the grading. He is in support of the application with
conditions.
Resolution No. 425: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve the issuance of an Excavation and Fill Permit pursuant to Section 201 of the Webster
Town Code for property owned by Billie Lynn Thompson (Bester) located at 941 Gravel Road,
Tax ID No. 078.16-1-1.1 with the following conditions:
•
•
•
•
407
All grading work is to be completed on the applicant’s property only and not alter
drainage on adjoining properties.
The area must be stabilized and vegetated immediately after completion of
grading. The perimeter of the work area is to be installed and stabilized with
vegetation or stone surface within 45 days of beginning grading work.
Only clean fill may be used for this effort. Hard fill, debris or rubble refuse of any
kind is not permitted.
Clean the roadway immediately if it becomes dirty.
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Webster Town Board
•
Install silt fence and any other necessary NYSDEC “Best Management Practices”
as needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
• Be prepared to handle dust by having a water truck on call. Any dust issues must
be addressed within two hours of being identified.
• Comply with the Town of Webster Noise Ordinance.
• The owner is responsible for any road damage caused by the fill operation.
• Allow Town access during the project to review site and progress.
• Any deviations from the proposed grading plan are to be submitted to the Town
for its review and approval. This includes a change in the volume of fill or fill
properties proposed to be brought on site.
• If project appears to adversely affect surrounding properties, stop work and
contact Town to reevaluate plan.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Resolution No. 426: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilwoman Nguyen, to
table a Resolution authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign a contract to obtain title work/owners
insurance policy for 600 Ridge Road from Frontier Abstract at a cost not to exceed $1,500.00.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
Josh Artuso, Community Development Director, and Matt Chatfield, Webster Economic
Development Alliance, appeared before the Town Board to provide a presentation on the 2024
Transportation Alternatives Program commonly known as the TAP Grant and how this
opportunity would further the Town’s vision for the West Webster Hamlet. Provided was a
review of the recent revitalization efforts to date and the priority plan recommendations; the TAP
Grant Program’s intent and eligibility; the proposed Streetscape Improvement Project scope of
work and preliminary cost estimates; and some next steps.
The proposed Phase I Scope includes: sidewalks on both sides of street from Empire Blvd. to
Cane Patch; curbing and decorative concrete treatments near the intersection only; streetlighting
every seventy-five (75) feet alternating sides, tree lawn with street trees; and underground
relocation of overhead utility wires near Gravel Road intersection only. The estimated cost for
the project is $5,084,579.00.
Following the presentation, a general discussion took place.
***
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Resolution No. 427: MOTION by Supervisor Flaherty, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
authorize the submission of a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant Application for
pedestrian improvements and safety enhancements to bolster the West Webster Hamlet
revitalization efforts.
WHEREAS, municipalities, defined as cities, towns and villages, have been invited to submit a
Request for Funding proposal through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to support
bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation related projects that increase options for
non-vehicular transportation; and
WHEREAS, as the Town of Webster recently completed a community-driven revitalization plan
for the West Webster Hamlet area in June 2023 that contains several priority recommendations
for improvements and safety enhancements to the public realm specifically for pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the Webster Town Board recognizes the need for improved pedestrian connectivity
and safety enhancements in this area and believes the proposed improvements will further bolster
existing efforts already undertaken towards the revitalization of the West Webster Hamlet; and
WHEREAS, financial assistance grants are available to municipalities through New York State
on a competitive basis to promote transportation alternatives that optimize prior infrastructure
investments and improve pedestrian safety; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board recognizes the value of a project of this nature and acknowledges
the positive impacts for both existing residents in the area and the community as a whole:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Webster Town Board authorizes the request for funding through the Transportation
Alternatives Program (TAP) application process and commits to the twenty percent (20%) local
match, if said grant is successfully awarded.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Flaherty .............Aye
Councilman Cahill ........... Aye
Councilwoman Cataldi........Aye
Councilwoman Nguyen .... Aye
Motion carried ..................... 4-0
***
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
8:38 p.m.
___________________________
Dorothy M. Maguire, Town Clerk
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