Mike LaFlair – 2nd Ward Councilor

The Camillus Parks Department recently came to an agreement with the West Genesee School District that will help out both entities and will save the taxpayers money.  East Hill Ski Lodge parking lot is in dire need of paving.  In exchange for use of the lots the school district will be performing the necessary work.  We estimate that the anticipated savings will be between $15,000-$20,000.  Regardless of the exact number, it is a significant savings to the Town and an excellent example of the Town and School District working together to serve the same taxpayers.

A new statewide law prohibiting smoking at New York playgrounds between sunrise and sunset when children under the age of twelve are present took effect on October 10, 2013. The law aims to protect children from the dangers of toxic chemicals in secondhand smoke.
In recent years, hundreds of counties, cities, towns, and villages in New York State have passed laws or adopted policies to restrict smoking in their municipal parks and/or playgrounds. Nearly all the municipalities in Onondaga County have adopted such policies through Tobacco Free Onondaga County’s Young Lungs at Play initiative. The new law does not prevent local municipalities from adopting anti-smoking policies that are more rigorous than the new statewide law.

Through the continual efforts of our Town Comptroller and Finance Committee, we have been able to save approximately $5,000 by working with a new vendor to handle our GASB 45. GASB 45, or GASB Statement 45, is an accounting and financial reporting provision requiring government employers to measure and report the liabilities associated with other (than pension) post-employment benefits (OPEB). Reported OPEB’s may include post-retirement medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, long-term disability and long-term care benefits that are not associated with a pension plan.

From our Police Chief – attached is a FBI Active Shooter Quick Reference Guide. It would be especially beneficial for business owners, Chamber of Commerce and others that deal with the public.  For further questions please contact the Camillus Police (315) 487-0102.  You can access the guide by clicking here:  Active Shooter Guide

F.O.C.U.S. and SUNY Oswego Active Aging Community Engagement Center are conducting a community-wide survey that seeks to understand why people leave or stay in Central New York as they grow older. We are trying to reach people from everywhere – from the heart of the city to deep within the suburbs and farmlands. We are counting on you to help shape the future of CNY. We would like to gather as much information as possible from just about everyone. The final results will be shared with governments, businesses, academia, nonprofit, philanthropic and citizen engagement organizations.   For our community to prosper and be economically sound, we need to retain and engage citizens of all ages as significant and productive citizens, consumers of goods, and taxpayers.

You can access the survey by going to this site:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cPzFJqR9mm0VkSgdl-kdmvjMFaNxXunm86-pTMvmYs0/viewform

During the course of the fall of 2013, the Camillus Parks Department had concerns over the integrity of the pavilion at Reed Webster Park.  Due to these concerns the pavilion was taken down.  I am working with the Parks Department to develop a plan to replace the structure.  Part of the thought process is how much the pavilion and park are utilized.  This year we hope to see the boathouse completed and in future years to have the canal trail link up to Onondaga Lake.  This would greatly increase the usage.  If you would like to see this pavilion as a priority please let me know (mwlaflair@aol.com or 706-8803).  Also let our Town Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan (mcoogan@townofcamillus.com) and Parks Director Eric Bacon  (ebacon@townofcamillus.com) know about your concerns and you want this project to be a priority.

The success of the Phase II regulatory program depends on voluntary cooperation and compliance from homeowners, local interest groups, municipal governments officials and you. Opportunities to make a difference in local water quality are everywhere. Simple actions such as picking up after your dog, participating in organized stream clean ups, or simply attending a municipal board meeting to learn more about local efforts in your community will make a difference.

The Personnel Committee will meet on Tuesday at 6:15 to discuss changes to the employee handbook.

Here is the Planning Board Agenda for Monday’s meeting.  Please note all items under New Business are in the 2nd Ward:

New Business

1. 4176 Milton Ave/Annette Williams  TM # 020.-04-08.1                                                                     Site Plan Review for Special Use Permit                                                                                                  (Home Occupancy)
2. Township 5/Rare Hospitality International, Inc.                                                                                          TM # 017.00-5-65.1    Site Plan                                                                                                                      New Construction – Longhorn Steakhouse)

Old Business

1. W. Genesee St/ McDonalds USA, LLC                                                                                                         TM 035.-05-25.1                                                                                                                               (Approximately 300’ from Vanida Drive)                                                                                                     (New Construction)

Here is the Agenda for Tuesday’s town Board meeting.  Please note that items  7 & 8 are within the 2nd Ward:

New Business

1. Approve the 2014 contract between the Town of Camillus and Lakeside Fire Department in the amount of $55,698.00 to be paid before March 15, 2014 and authorize supervisor to sign.
2. Approve the 2014 contract between the Town of Camillus and WAVES Ambulance in the amount of $410,000.00 to be paid on February 1, 2014 and authorize Supervisor to sign.
3. Approve the donation of $500.00 for the 2014 “All Night/After the Ball Party” for the West Genesee High School Class of 2014.
4. Accept the proposal dated January 13, 2014 from Harbridge Consulting Group, LLC for GASB No. 45 Actuarial Services and authorize Supervisor to sign.
5. Approve the Workplace Violence Policy as an amendment to the Town of Camillus Employee Handbook dated October 23, 2013.
6. Approve the contract with the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth for Town Shop funding in the amount of $13,722.00 and authorize the Supervisor to sign.
7. Approve site plan Security Agreement with the Cameron Group with regards to Township 5 connector road and related development.
8. Authorize the Town Supervisor to sign documents from New York State with regards to the connector road (Township 5).
9. The Town of Camillus agrees to participate in a grant study funded by Onondaga County for Shared Services/Consolidation regarding police services with the Town of Geddes and Village of Solvay at no cost to the Town.