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Thread: When is a cousin not a relative?

  1. #16
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    A bit off subject but I noticed that the HWY. DEPT. is now driving an SUV......... Good for driving back and forth for lunch or a break. Not good for , oh lets see; ... picking up litter, a load of stone, blinking signs, a shovel.......

  2. #17
    Member dtwarren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by People View Post
    I'm not disagreeing with you that no one should be approving their own OT but I hardly believe the Senior Center processes and certifies payroll her timesheets went across multiple people specifically whoever processes payroll. It's not like she was cutting her own checks. That was a mistake of the town not Josefiak in particular the finance office should have caught that in the beginning. Shame on them
    She should have known she could not sign paperwork in relationship to herself.
    “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” ― Thomas Jefferson

  3. #18
    Member dtwarren's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gorja View Post
    Do they have a nepotism policy in West Seneca?
    Town Code 13-2 defines:

    RELATIVE A spouse, child, stepchild, stepparent or any other person who is a direct descendent of the grandparents of the reporting individual or the reporting individual's spouse, and the spouses of the aforementioned persons.
    Town Code 13-3(A) prohibits:

    General prohibition. A Town official, officer or employee shall not use his or her official position or office to take or fail to take any action in a manner which he or she knows or has reason to know may result in a financial benefit or interest for any of the following persons or entities:

    (1) The Town official, officer or employee;

    (2) His or her outside employer or business;

    (3) A member of his household;

    (4) A customer or client; or

    (5) A relative.
    Town Code 13-3(B) provides:

    Recusal. A Town Board member, official, officer or employee shall promptly recuse himself or herself from acting on a matter before the Town when acting on the matter or failing to act on the matter may provide a financial benefit to the persons or entities listed in § 13-3A above. A Town Board member shall promptly recuse himself or herself from voting on the appointment, hiring, or other matter involving a person or entity described in § 13-3A above.
    Town Code 13-4(A) provides:

    In addition to any penalty contained in any other provision of law, a violation of this chapter may result as follows:


    (1) Forfeiture of pay, suspension or removal from office. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute cause for suspension or removal from office or employment or such other disciplinary action as the Town Board may consider advisable, after an executive session, pursuant to the law currently in effect.
    And Mr. Hart admitted that the person in question is a cousin. From: http://www.westseneca.net/index.php?q=node/1228

    Dale Clarke questioned if a recent hire in the Buildings & Grounds Department is related to Councilman Hart.

    Councilman Hart responded that Daniel Walsh is his cousin.

    Mr. Clarke did not believe the Ethics Code allowed board members to hire relatives and stated that he would like to see appointments made to serve on the Ethics Committee. He further commented on information posted on Facebook regarding super bowl tickets, airfare and hotel accommodations given to Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Timothy Elling. Mr. Clarke submitted this information to the board members and suggested an investigation take place.

    Supervisor Meegan stated they will discuss this with the Town Attorney and will be appointing members to serve on the Ethics Committee.
    Last edited by dtwarren; April 15th, 2014 at 07:45 PM.
    “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” ― Thomas Jefferson

  4. #19
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    Maybe Mr. Hart should practice what he preaches.......

    2. Councilman Rusinski re Title change for Matthew Melski
    Motion by Supervisor Meegan, seconded by Councilman Rusinski, to terminate Matthew Melski as part-time Recreation Supervisor and appoint Matthew Melski as part-time Youth Service Program Coordinator at a rate of $18/HR, effective October 17, 2013 and authorize the Supervisor to complete and sign the necessary forms for Erie County Personnel.

    On the question, Councilman Hart stated he was aware the position was advertised and that several people applied, but he questioned why no interviews were conducted and why there was no process in place to select an individual for this position. People who applied for the job never had a chance and others who were interested were discouraged from applying.

    WEST SENECA TOWN OFFICES TOWN BOARD PROCEEDINGS
    1250 Union Road Minutes #2013-22
    West Seneca, NY 14224 October 17, 2013
    Page three . . .

    22-D COMMUNICATIONS

    2. (continued)

    Supervisor Meegan strongly disagreed and stated that Matt Wach was asked to put a calendar together and was afforded the opportunity to take on this position. A total of four people that work for the town applied for the position and all resumes received were reviewed. Mr. Melski currently works for the town and within the school system and letters of recommendation were received on his behalf.

    Councilman Rusinski commented that all applicants are not necessarily interviewed when applying for a position.

    Ayes: (2) Councilman Rusinski, Supervisor Meegan

    Noes: (1) Councilman Hart Motion Carried

  5. #20
    Tony Fracasso - Admin
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    Were any resumes reviewed of people who applied who didn't work for the town? If not, why not?

  6. #21
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    Gene Hart demanded an apology last night at the Town Board Meeting from Dale Clarke during the open discussion. Hart's cousin was placed in a motion to be transferred to another position within the town. Hart recuse himself from voting on one of the individuals stating he was a family member. When questioned on why he did not recuse himself from an earlier vote hiring his cousin originally to a town job Hart's answered, 'I didn't know he was a relative. How many other relatives has Hart hired that he has no knowledge of being related to him? The other two board members did vote to accept Hart's. cousin to the new job. West Seneca's new policy on hiring relatives!

  7. #22
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    On the question, Councilman Hart stated he was aware the position was advertised and that several people applied, but he questioned why no interviews were conducted and why there was no process in place to select an individual for this position. People who applied for the job never had a chance and others who were interested were discouraged from applying.

    Angry - Every Civil Service job along with its requirements should be posted on the Towns website for all to see. When Town Civil Service jobs are not made public questions need to be asked.

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