David Burmaster

The regular meeting of the Planning Board included the reappointment of the Chairperson and Secretary, and the appointment of a new Vice Chairperson. Key discussions involved tabling the preliminary site plan review for a communication tower until February. The Board considered a referral recommendation for a Zoning Board of Appeals variance concerning a pole barn constructed without a permit; the Board moved to recommend approval contingent upon the removal of an older structure. Preliminary subdivision reviews for two separate minor subdivisions were tabled initially, though one was later approved pending minor survey modification. Additionally, the Board reviewed and voted to recommend the adoption of a draft local law concerning Cannabis regulations and a draft model law for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

The Town Board meeting included several key resolutions. The board approved the purchase of a Front One Way Plow for the highway department, specifically authorizing the stainless steel Everest Front Plow from Valley Fab not to exceed $15,000. A Change Order No. 1 amounting to $6,400.00 was authorized for the Swain Road Manhole Rehab project (Contract No. 25-1) due to unforeseen field conditions. The board also passed a resolution to cease the shared services agreement for Building Inspector and Zoning Code Enforcer with the Village of Youngstown, effective January 2026. A discussion arose regarding the dissolution of the Recreation Committee, with Supervisor Johnston clarifying the committee would remain active. Furthermore, the board approved vouchers, accepted the Supervisor's report, and reviewed the Highway, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Assessor, Recreation, Bookkeeper, and Code Enforcement reports detailing activities from December 2025.

The Town Board meeting involved authorizing the Town Supervisor to execute documents for issuing bonds not exceeding $350,000.00 to finance the increase and improvement of the facilities for the Porter West Sewer District. Additionally, the Board approved outstanding vouchers totaling $220,961.87. The meeting concluded with the acceptance of budget adjustments across various funds.

The agenda for the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, the election of a Vice Chairman for the Zoning Board, and multiple applications requiring board review. Key applications included a request from Leah Stitzer for a Special Use Permit for an Animal Grooming business at 2878 Porter Center Road, and a request from Sam Talaraco of Collingwood Farms Inc. for a Variance for a pole barn without a building permit at 625 Center Street. The meeting also included scheduled discussions with the Code Enforcement Officer, Peter Jeffery, and Attorney Michael Dowd.

The Town Board meeting covered several resolutions and reports. Key discussions included the purchase of a Front One Way Plow for the highway department, authorizing Change Order #1 for the Swain Road Manhole Rehab project, and resolving to cease shared services for Building and Zoning Code Enforcement with the Village of Youngstown, effective January 2026. Furthermore, the Board resolved to dissolve the Town of Porter Recreation Committee due to difficulties in achieving a quorum. Reports detailed Highway activities, including pothole patching and addressing storm debris, Water and Sewer updates such as lead and copper testing results, and a review of Clerk/Tax Collector and Assessor activities for December 2025. Code Enforcement reported on permits issued and zoning enforcement cases for December.