Carrie Hewitt Choquette

The Organizational Meeting addressed several administrative resolutions for the Town of Bovina for the year 2026. Key actions included the appointment of various officers and board members, such as the Dog Control Officer, Town Historian, Planning Board Clerk, and Code Enforcement Officer. The Board also designated the official banks for the town, designated The Mountain Eagle as the official newspaper, and appointed Councilwoman Dominic Gullow as Deputy Supervisor. Furthermore, the resolution established the schedule for monthly meetings for the Town Board and the Planning Board. Authorization was granted for the Town Supervisor to pay necessary vouchers in advance of audit, and the Highway Superintendent appointed a Deputy Highway Superintendent.

The meeting commenced with a review of the 2023 Tentative Budget by the Bookkeeper, noting increases for Attorney fees and Planning, a decrease for the Transfer Station, and a $35.00 increase for septic users. The Board moved the budget to Preliminary status and set the Budget Public Hearing for November 9, 2022. Approvals were granted for the payment of General, Lighting, Water, Septic, and Highway bills. Discussions covered a matching grant for signs, protocols for the Owl Pro system, and the decision that meeting recording is optional provided it does not obstruct the proceedings. A resolution was passed to establish a no-parking zone across from the Fire Department on Maple Avenue. Advisor reports addressed highway equipment repairs, budget discussion, evaluation of the Town Hall heating system, and updates from the Planning Board Liaison regarding boundary line adjustments and a Livestock SUP. The Highway Superintendent reported on road maintenance, upcoming staff training, and developing a permit system for movie shoots on town highways. Community concerns included questions about the tax cap and potential website updates.

Key discussions included the approval of payment for General, Lighting, Water, Septic, and Highway bills. The Highway Superintendent anticipates receiving CHIPS funding shortly. A discussion was held regarding the Library tax proposition from the November ballot and its impact on the budget and tax cap. The date for the Organizational Meeting was set for January 6, 2026, followed by the next regular monthly meeting. Updates were provided on the playground renovation project using O'Connor Grant funds, and the status of a land survey for New Road. Highway reports covered filling the part-time mechanic position and maintenance needs, noting that expected CHIPS funds should resolve the year-end financial standing. Finance reported that O'Connor Grant money has been received and bank accounts are earning interest; the yearly audit is scheduled for completion in January. The Planning Board Liaison reported on a meeting with an individual interested in purchasing the Creamery and Dry Town Tavern. Code Enforcement issued 32 permits for the year and addressed zoning issues. Concerns regarding streetlights shining into residents' windows were raised, and actions were initiated to adjust problematic lights. Discussions also covered setting up a potential Town email system. The Highway Superintendent reported ongoing needs for a full-time CDL driver. Finally, Scutt Mountain Road was officially designated as seasonal, effective from December 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026, with plowing limited to one mile from the County Highway 5 intersection. Plaques were presented to two departing Councilwomen in recognition of their service.

The meeting commenced with a Budget Public Hearing for 2024, which included discussion regarding the proposed 3.78% tax increase and the process for replenishing reserve funds, which concluded without further questions. Key actions taken by the Board included the approval of resolutions for the payment of GENERAL, LIGHTING, WATER, SEPTIC, and HIGHWAY bills, totaling significant amounts across the categories. The Board also approved moving the 2023 Preliminary Budget to the 2023 Adopted Budget. Discussions on advisory reports covered Highway matters, such as winter grit supply issues and equipment repairs, Finance planning for year-end audits and CD investments, Transfer Station and Playground matters including rebidding disposal services and investigating curbside pickup figures, and updates from the Planning Board Liaison regarding property separation surveys and special use permits for an Ag Event Center and a new restaurant building. The Highway Superintendent reported on winter preparations, equipment maintenance, and future equipment replacement scheduling.

The meeting focused on financial approvals and operational updates. Multiple resolutions were passed to approve various payments covering General, Lighting, Water, Septic, and Highway bills from December 2025, as well as initial payments for January 2026. The Board formally approved the Town Accounts, Justice Accounts, Tax Collector Accounts, and Town Clerk Accounts as final for 2025. A resolution was passed to approve the annual contract with the Delaware County Planning Department for 2026. Discussions included setting up a Town email address for resident communication, the Town's improved financial standing compared to the previous year, the need for a new roller for the Highway Department, and the Planning Board's review of Zoning documents. A significant portion of the meeting involved an Executive Session for personnel discussion.