Town of Penfield

The work session focused primarily on the allocation of $431,000 in additional ARPA funding received from Monroe County specifically for Youth and Senior programming. Key discussion points involved approving allocations for shade structures, a passenger van with a wheelchair lift, remaining library lighting replacement, filtered water stations at various locations, park table seating and benches, and AEDs for town facilities. The board agreed to proceed with funding for six confirmed expenditures totaling $296,500, deferring the final decision on pickleball lighting fixtures, security cameras, and library furniture pending further information. Separately, the board reviewed and prepared for the adoption of the 2025 Consolidated Fee Schedule, which included various minor changes such as adding plumbing fixture fees, adjusting patio/sports court fees, and reducing electrical fees based on third-party inspections. Finally, the board agreed to designate the Planning Board as the lead agency for the environmental review (SEEKR) concerning the 47 Willow Pond application, while maintaining the Town Board's role in the final vote on the special use permit.

The meeting covered several agenda items, including updates on the Wolf-Kitts application, where the developer is on schedule for a zoning board meeting regarding an expansion of use. Updates were also provided for the Scribner Road cluster subdivision application, focusing on revised landscape plans and a proposed waiver request for sidewalk installation on only one side of the frontage. For the Crown Point application, the board received responses to written comments and is currently reviewing the stormwater management facility location and access. A significant portion of the discussion concerned the Panorama Office Park application, specifically clarification on zoning district ordinance measurements for setbacks, confirming that buffers apply to district boundaries rather than individual properties. The board debated the conventional plan for the Vino subdivision sketch plan, focusing on the placement of stormwater management facilities (whether they should be consolidated on dedicated land or dispersed in rear yards, noting dispersed facilities create maintenance burdens and potential issues like water table problems and reliance on ejector pumps). Concerns were raised about the viability of individual lots under the conventional plan due to wetlands and lot width requirements, specifically lot 54 and lot 56/57. A motion was requested to direct staff to prepare documentation outlining the board's expectations for revisions, particularly regarding consolidated stormwater management and lot configurations.

The meeting featured reports and discussions primarily focused on the Monroe County Youth Risk Behavior Survey results and corresponding action plans. Positive trends noted included increases in students watching less television, being physically active, avoiding riding with intoxicated drivers, and avoiding unwanted online sexual conversations, as well as decreases in bullying. The board received detailed information on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) data collected from the survey, showing the prevalence of one or more ACEs among students. Key areas of concern addressed included the increase in e-cigarette use and the need to address inappropriate picture sharing. Action steps discussed involved curricular alignment for K-12 health programs, the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula like Second Step, and integrating mindfulness techniques. Partnerships with community organizations were highlighted, including support from Rochester Regional Health for on-site therapists, NAMI hosting support groups, the Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council coordination for a Kevin Hines presentation, and the East Side YMCA offering discounted memberships and transportation. Professional development for staff included training on therapeutic behavior management and resiliency strategies.

The Transportation Committee meeting included discussions on traffic safety concerns and policy development. A speeding concern on Meadow View Drive was analyzed, resulting in a recommendation for educational passive measures only, as the 85th percentile speeds were not significantly above the posted limit. A request for a stop sign at Hallmark Road was reviewed; however, data collection is required as stop signs are generally not warranted as a speed control device under current guidelines. The committee also discussed and subsequently adopted new guidelines for crosswalks, Rapid Flashing Beacons (RFBs), and speed humps, incorporating committee feedback regarding acronym consistency and referencing the MUTCD with the New York State supplement. Finally, the committee began a discussion regarding shared use of sidewalks for bicycles and pedestrians, particularly in light of upcoming State Department of Transportation work on Atlantic Avenue to widen sidewalks and the possibility of modifying a short turning lane median near White Village.

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the consent agenda items. Special reports included the introduction of a new textbook, "Ender Shadow," for the 12th-grade Science Fiction and Fantasy elective, replacing "Ender Game," which is being moved to the ninth-grade curriculum. Visitor speaking time involved a representative from BOCES inviting board members for facility tours and noting upcoming presentations at the State School Board convention regarding instructional programs and field trip reduction via video conferencing, as well as a booth featuring Eastern Monroe Career Center students. Student representative updates covered the smooth execution of homecoming activities, new policies regarding hallway decorations, and successful fundraising efforts at the football game. Student council is also planning a bipartisan debate for local candidates. New clubs, including Mock Trial and Frisbee Club, were noted. Superintendent reports included introductions of new staff and students, an audit presentation, a presentation on Common Core, and an update on the capital project's security portion. Staff honors included a librarian receiving a grant for a national conference, several schools recognized as New York State Reward Schools, and the Director of Communications receiving a merit award for a publication. An efficiency award was given for implementing a paperless payroll system. The superintendent also noted the recognition of 14 high school students as National Merit Commended Scholars.