Ceilidh Cheeseman

The Town Board addressed several resolutions during this year-end meeting. Key actions included authorizing payment for Abstract of Audited Claims No. 25-13, approving the hiring of Civil and Environmental Engineering Services for the Catalyze Solar project, and authorizing a $20,000.00 escrow for associated fees. The board also accepted presented budget amendments, approved hiring a part-time clerk at $20.00 per hour for 10 hours a week, and resolved to advertise the Connell Road Culvert project.

The Town Board meeting included the approval of Abstract No. 25-12 for $190,205.29, the acceptance of the Supervisor's report and other monthly reports. Key resolutions involved authorizing the Supervisor to amend the 2025 budget to balance for year-end, renewing the annual contract for AuSable Town Court security services, and allowing significant fund balance draws from wastewater for Vac Truck purchases for both the Town and AuSable Heights. Additionally, the board set the permit fee for floodplain development for AuSable Chasm at $250.00.

The Town Board conducted a regular meeting which included several key resolutions and discussions. The board approved Abstract No. 25-11 for audited claims amounting to $446,656.78 and accepted the Supervisor's report. Key capital expenditure approvals included adding gymnasium heaters to the generator for an additional $2,000.00, purchasing a manlift for the Civic Center, setting up a $20,000.00 solar escrow account with Catalyst Solar, and authorizing $1,700.00 plus soft costs for housing rehabilitation project #AUS-23-05. The board entered into a contract with the County for snow and ice removal on County Roads for the 2025-2027 winter seasons. A resolution was passed to immediately cease the practice of prorating wastewater charges based on temporary water shut-offs, enforcing a flat-rate billing system. Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of a member from the Zoning Board of Appeals and appointed a new member, accepted an agreement with JCEO for $24,187.70, donated $750.00 to the beautification committee contingent on a Chesterfield donation, authorized tree removal on Lower Liberty Street for $7,000.00, approved a service contract with White Knight Kennels LLC for dog seizure services commencing January 1, 2026, and reappointed a member to the Planning Board. Finally, a resolution was adopted requiring property owners to maintain clear stormwater facilities and remove potential fire/health hazards.

The public hearing focused on the 2026 preliminary budget. Key actions included opening the public hearing at 5:05 p.m. and closing it at 5:27 p.m. The proceedings concluded with the acceptance of the 2025 preliminary budget as presented, followed by the formal adoption of the 2026 budget as presented. The meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m.

The meeting included several public hearings: one concerning CDBG (opened at 6:00 p.m. and closed at 6:12 p.m.) and another regarding the Zoning Law (opened at 6:15 p.m. and closed at 6:23 p.m.). Following the public hearings, the Town Board formally adopted Local Law #2 of 2025, which amends the Town of AuSable Zoning Law. Financial matters included authorizing payment for Abstract No. 25-10 totaling $191,267.33. Action was taken to authorize the Supervisor to complete renovations on two rooms and two ceilings at the Civic Center, and to charge non-refundable project fees upfront for Solar Projects, including the building permit. Furthermore, the proposal for sidewalks along Main Street in the amount of $37,014.00 was approved, and an allocation of up to $1,000.00 was authorized for a liner for the skating rink on the Main Street tennis court. The meeting included an executive session for legal matters.