Catherine E. Williams

Key discussions included approving budget transfers and modifications, along with various fund abstracts and specific payments. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the request for a minor to serve as an assistant basketball coach, leading to a decision to approve her as a volunteer assistant for practices only, while directing the Recreation Board to develop a formal policy regarding assistant coaches. Department head reports covered updates on code enforcement, including new home construction by Habitat for Humanity, a request for residents to keep fire hydrants clear of snow, and issues with the influent pump requiring repair or replacement. The Board also approved co-sponsoring a Winter Break Program, holding a Spring Craft Fair, and organizing a Glow Bowl event. Furthermore, the Board reserved funds for the potential purchase of a used 2023 International CV dump truck, contingent on policy adherence. Results of a special election confirming the shift of the Village election date to November starting in 2026 were discussed. Discussions also touched upon the unsuccessful BRICKS Grant application, a contract extension with the Menikheims, and accessibility concerns downtown.

The meeting addressed several financial actions, including budget modifications and the approval of numerous abstract payments and debt service wire/ACH transfers for both the General Fund and Sewer Fund bonds. Departmental reports included updates from Recreation, the Village Historian, the Fire Chiefs, and the Code Enforcement Officer, who discussed issues such as AED equipment usage, a historical marker project, police matters, trespassing/camping near the pond, and enforcement tickets. Key discussions involved the ongoing parking issues on the south side, inflow and infiltration (I and I) in the water system, and preliminary talks regarding a solar energy contract discount and potential day care zoning locations. Personnel actions included approving a volleyball program, appointing a new MEO, accepting a crossing guard resignation, and appointing a replacement crossing guard. Further actions included authorizing the turnover of uncollected taxes to the County Clerk's Office, approving service agreements for phone service and a demolition contract for 116 Mill Street, and approving the use of Clark Park for wreath placement. Administrator comments highlighted the need to investigate replacing an old generator and addressing damage to a sewer main. An executive session was held to discuss contract discussions.

The meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, budget modifications for the CHIPS Appropriation and Revenue, and a loan from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund to cover FEMA Air Pack Grant expenses. The Board also approved an agreement with the International Boxing Hall of Fame, authorized payment of abstracts for various funds, and declared specific equipment as surplus for disposal via auction or scrap. Key discussions involved ongoing drainage issues with culverts on First Street, requiring action from the developer, and the implementation of a new storm warning siren. A Public Hearing was held regarding a Community Development Block Grant Planning Application to support Canastota Dairy's growth. The Board also discussed the status of the Erie Mill acquisition, recreation department needs including pool signage and fall events, necessary repairs to sewer infrastructure identified by the City of Oneida's camera, and the scheduling of sidewalk work. Personnel actions included the appointment of a full-time Laborer to the DPW and the acceptance of a Crossing Guard's resignation. Further actions included the closure of South Peterboro Street for a 9/11 Ceremony, awarding the 2025 Street Paving Project contract, and approving a No Cost Space Agreement with the US Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance. Financial discussions covered bonding for a new fire truck, applying for WIIA grant funding for sewer separation, and exploring funding opportunities for playground rubber surfacing. Updates were provided on the SCBA grant status and the start of the brownfield remediation project at the DPW.

The meeting included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as budget modifications to fund a new police vehicle and a sewer cleaner lease, and the approval of abstracts for General Fund and Sewer Fund payments. The Board approved a Master Lease Purchase Agreement for a Sewer Cleaner with annual payments starting August 6, 2025. Key discussions involved the proposed Local Law B of 2025 creating the Canalside Pocket Neighborhood Planned Development District, which passed after a SEQRA negative declaration was issued. The Board also approved events requested by the Recreation Board, including a Dye Dash, Senior Apple Picking, ASL Classes, and Trunk or Treat. Public comments included a resident expressing interest in purchasing additional Business Park land for corporate expansion. Grant applications for BRICKS and WIIA received supporting resolutions and negative declarations. An appointment was approved for a part-time Office Assistant I for the Police Department. Administrator comments noted approval received from the Oneida Indian Nation to clean up a creek post-flood and updates on ongoing issues with the police garage roof and property demolition at 116 Mill Street. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding the PBA contract, resulting in the approval of a Memorandum of Agreement.

The special meeting focused on discussions with school officials regarding shared services between the Village and the school district. Key topics included a proposal for shared services concerning snow plowing during severe winter events, where the Village would assist the school with clearing snow from specific areas like the new circular driveway after significant snowfall. Discussions also addressed facility usage by Village Recreation Programs, particularly concerning access to school facilities on Sundays. The need to establish a formal agreement outlining terms, safety concerns, and staffing responsibilities for any shared service arrangement was emphasized. School representatives noted their primary concern is ensuring facilities are ready for use the following day, and clarified that while they are willing to discuss usage, any after-hours use without dedicated school staff present might incur a standard hourly fee, though no fee would apply if school staff are already on-site. Additionally, a request was made for copies of the annual fire safety inspection reports.