Alan Arnolts

The Town Board meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one council member was absent. Discussions primarily revolved around public hearings concerning the local law for a zoning map update as part of the comprehensive plan review. Key concerns raised included the need for earlier notification to the planning board regarding zoning changes, details regarding property classification (such as those sold to the state/DEC), and attributing dead tree causes. Further public comments addressed specific sections of the draft comprehensive plan, including the inclusion of student participation, the current status of wastewater treatment plant regulations, the need to address accessory dwelling units and tiny homes within the housing section, and confusion regarding population trend charts. A factual correction was noted regarding the location of the Town Hall. Additionally, the board recognized the excellent 21% response rate to the comprehensive plan survey and discussed invasive species management and recreational opportunities.

The meeting primarily focused on the decision regarding a variance application concerning a fence height and its substantial obstruction, particularly in relation to required setback distances (75 ft legs of a triangle). Discussions involved the applicant's focus on area percentage variance versus the height variance, which was deemed substantial regardless of the percentage calculation due to the fence being solid and obstructive. The board adopted a drafted decision, allowing the applicant 30 days to appeal before further action is taken regarding the removal of the illegal fence, which remains standing due to ongoing legal proceedings. There was also a general procedural discussion regarding the legality of board members voting remotely via Zoom.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. A key discussion point during the Privilege of the Floor concerned the impending term expiration and re-upping of a board member. The approval of previous minutes was conducted with a minor typographical correction noted. Reports covered town board activities, including a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget which saw no public comments, and updates on timber harvest paperwork review, with suggestions received for outside expertise from Ontario County Soil and Water and DEEC state. Highway department activities included clearing downed trees and ditching work, and the retirement of the mower operator. Discussions on the Comprehensive Plan involved receiving the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and subsequently delaying the public hearing date to allow for review, with the goal of adoption in January 2026. Other actions included passing a resolution to upgrade conference room video equipment and reappointing members to the Zoning Board and Planning Board. The final segment focused extensively on updating the Timber Harvest Regulation for the Town of Canada, comparing current regulations to South Bristol's more detailed law concerning water quality protection, steep slopes, and creek crossings, and addressing concerns about forester certification oversight and liability insurance requirements for timber harvesting operations.

The Town Board meeting included discussions on several operational and infrastructure matters. Key topics included the approval of previous minutes with a correction regarding the annual roadside trash cleanup date, which was confirmed as Saturday, April 26th. A member provided an update on attending the New York State Association of Counties conference, noting discussions on short-term rental laws and tours of the capital building. Progress is being made on organics disposal options in coordination with the Town of Richmond and Ontario County Department of Sustainability. The Town Clerk reported on disbursements for various funds. The Planning Board reported on two subdivision applications: final approval for one and preliminary approval for another, alongside concerns raised by Ontario County Planning regarding major housing developments stalled due to electric service capacity issues. The Highway Superintendent detailed significant salt usage, delivery delays due to supplier constraints, and the successful piloting of rate control monitoring equipment on salt trucks to reduce material usage. Furthermore, a major issue was reported concerning the delivery of a new Western Star truck where the configuration for the hydraulic pump installation is causing significant delays and potential major repair costs. Finally, the Water Operation expert noted an increase in gallons pumped during February 2025 due to two extra pumping days during cold weather, anticipating a leveling off in subsequent reports.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included approval of the August 28th meeting minutes, with corrections noted regarding a location name and motion numbering discrepancies, which were subsequently approved. General reports covered highway department activities such as surface repairs, repaving, road striping, shoulder maintenance, and equipment issues, including dissatisfaction with a new roadside mower. The Honey Lake watershed task force reported on blue-green algae bloom activity attributed to lake turnover. Water operations were reported as smooth despite a minor leak. Under old business, the board finalized the propane contract, selecting Superior at a rate of $2.19 per gallon over a competing bid that required the town to purchase tanks. New business included the appointment of an alternate planning board member and reappointment to the Board of Assessment Review. Significant discussion centered on code book updates, specifically establishing a public hearing for Chapter 120-66 (recreation vehicles) and reviewing the status of the sewer code update (Chapter 92-82), noting that the planning board's recommendation to reduce septic setback from 80 feet to 10 feet (aligning with New York State code) had been accepted by the Town Board but not yet formally enacted into local law, necessitating follow-up with the Town Supervisor to ensure submission to the county planning board. Members also discussed the need for clarification on all required county planning board submissions for future zoning changes.