Dan Degear

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key discussions involved resolutions from the Government Operations Committee, including welcoming new members, honoring NO graduates, and approving an agreement with Civic Plus and a CSEA white power unit agreement. The Finance Ways and Means Committee reported strong sales tax revenue increases for 2025 compared to 2024, noted upcoming closures of the County DMV for statewide software updates, and addressed several budget modifications, including those related to the Kasanovia property and inmate commissary accounts. The Planning Committee addressed funding for community development partnerships ($120,000), the appointment of a Syracuse Regional Airport Authority member, stream maintenance funding ($150,000 for soil and water), funding for watershed protection entering Onidal Lake ($137,000), extending mobility management contracts, appointing members to the Central New York Regional Planning Development Board, and accepting an additional $300,000 for the Microenterprise Grant Fund. The Criminal Justice Public Safety Committee discussed support for local EMS agencies, including financial support for KVAC and Casnova areas, and a resolution regarding special patrol officers at Cano Central School which addresses payment for snow days. The Highway Billings and Grounds Committee complimented the road work completed over the winter, discussed setting new electric supply renewal rates, addressed surplus county property, and reviewed plans for expanding the highway garage facility. The Health and Human Services Committee reported on a presentation from the Onidita Police Department crisis worker detailing assistance provided to 109 individuals in obtaining necessities like PO boxes for ID, food, benefits, and housing.

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The organizational meeting focused on annual designations and appointments for the year 2023. Key resolutions included designating the official newspaper, naming the official bank depository, setting regular meeting times and locations, and establishing the mileage reimbursement rate. Personnel appointments were made for various town offices, including Budget Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and Town Historian. The Board also approved the legal services agreement with Stokes Law Firm PLLC and established the salary and wage schedule for 2023. Further resolutions authorized payment in advance of audit for certain charges, established standard work days for officials, approved bookkeeping services with Bryn on the Books LLC, and authorized enrollment in NYCLASS. The Board also adopted the 2022 Madison County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and extended the moratorium on commercial wind and ground solar energy facilities through July 9, 2023. Additionally, the 2022 Adopted Town Budget was modified for both General and Highway Funds, and a contract for ambulance services with Smithfield Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corp. was approved.

The Town Board meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Monthly reports for November 2022 regarding the Supervisor's and Town Clerk's activities, including revenues and expenditures for the General and Highway Funds, were reviewed and filed. The Board also reviewed the Codes Enforcement Report. Under Public Courtesy of the Floor, permission was granted for holding an unadvertised watch night event outside the Community Center on December 31st, and concerns were raised regarding road width on Pleasant Valley Rd and signage for Elizabeth St. Liberty Renewables provided an update on their wind project activities, including upcoming raptor observation. The Board reviewed the 2023 Budget under Old Business. New Business included the adoption of several resolutions: modifying the 2022 Adopted Town Budget, authorizing the use of ARPA funds for lighting upgrades from Green Energy, appointing Joe Rowlands as Deputy Town Clerk, and authorizing the purchase of a new Town Clerk program. Finally, outstanding bills were ordered paid.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming 1462 votes present, with Jones absent. The minutes from the December 2nd meeting were approved. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to establishing and presenting the inaugural Team Madison County Awards, which recognize the dedication and hard work of county public employees through peer nominations. Awards presented included the Community Service Award, won by the Mental Health Crisis Team (Andrea Mitchell, Julie Mosley, and Marcy Soul); the Leadership Award, presented to Jenna Illingworth, Director of Madison County EMS; the Distinguished Team Award, given to the Madison County DMV, despite the difficulty in choosing among highly nominated teams; two Rising Star Awards presented to Aiden Delaney (Department of Social Services) and Anthony Dardino Jr. (911); and the Above and Beyond Award, awarded to Veronica Bailey (DSS) and Kathy Chairs (Sheriff's Office). Discussions surrounding the awards highlighted exceptional performance in areas like EMS development, handling Real ID deadlines at the DMV, and dedication in child and family services and secretarial support.