Janice Rider

The Town Board meeting included several key actions and discussions. The Board accepted the Supervisor's Report for December 2025 and conducted an audit review, finding financial records in order. Updates were provided regarding upcoming bids for the Redi Grant and a pumping station upgrade. Resolutions were adopted authorizing the sole source purchase of 150 Badger water meters for a total of $48,523.50, and one additional Badger meter for $3,516.55. The Board accepted the findings of the 2025 annual audit for various departments and authorized the advertisement for sale of surplus items including tables, desks, and a trailer. Numerous annual appointments were made for 2026, including to advisory committees, Zoning Board, and Planning Board. Contracts for 2026 were approved with the Historical Society, Fort Hyde Kennels, Town of Somerset Senior Citizens, Somerset Youth Baseball, American Legion, Niagara Community Action Program, and Ontario Shores Community Organization. Agreements with the Village of Barker for highway and water equipment/services were also approved. The Board authorized the execution of agreements with Seaman Law LLP (Attorney) and Wendel (Engineer). Resolutions were passed authorizing purchases up to $3,000 without prior approval, prepayment of utilities, and allocating $230,000.00 for general repairs on town highways. The Town's investment policy and procurement policy were approved. Finally, the Board authorized payment of claims totaling $91,959.04 (General Fund), $42,229.80 (Highway Fund), $5,306.41 (Sewer Fund), and $93,905.97 (Water Fund). The public floor raised concerns regarding an Artificial Intelligence project, specifically citing road destruction by huge trucks, excessive noise, light brightness, destruction of woods, and lack of environmental review.

The Town Board meeting addressed several key items including the acceptance of monthly reports, such as the Supervisor's Report for November 2025 and the Police Report. Communications involved filing Local Law #5-2025 and notification regarding a change in liquor license ownership and media channel programming. The Engineer reported the completion and opening of the Hartland Road bridge. Resolutions were adopted to schedule the 2026 Reorganizational Meeting, authorize year-end audits for various town officers, encumber funds for goods not received in 2025, and authorize prepayment of 2025 bills. Budget amendments were authorized for 2025 expenses exceeding budget amounts. Payments totaling $100,000.00 were authorized to the Town Engineer (Wendel WD Architecture, Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture, P.C.) for services related to PUD applications and the Hartland Road pumping station update. The Board authorized entering a three-year Niagara County Snow and Ice Agreement. A refund of $200.00 was authorized for a withdrawn Zoning Board of Appeals application. The Board authorized a five-year lease with an option to purchase a John Deere Wheel Loader for the Highway Department. A new monthly charge of $1.00 was established for customers receiving new water meters. Authorization was given to acquire a new Spectrum internet and phone system for administrative properties, and an application from Aiden Munn for the Barker Fire Department was accepted. Following a report that police computers running Windows 10 needed replacement by January 1st to communicate with county systems, the Police Chief was authorized to purchase new computers not exceeding $2,700. The Board also noted an award received by the Police Department from AAA. Finally, the Board authorized payment for General Fund, Highway Fund, Sewer Fund, and Water Fund claims, and entered an Executive Session to discuss negotiations.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding various town matters. A public hearing was held and closed on a local law to modify the Battery Energy Storage Systems code for UPS. The board also addressed the Hartland Road bridge upgrade, EPG grant acceptance, and the Redi project. They adopted resolutions for local law modifications related to battery energy storage systems, coastal consistency, and culvert/water meter replacement refunds. Additionally, the board discussed the annual tire drop off, tire recycling bids, and authorized bids for REDI grant Somerset WWTP improvements. They also addressed an amendment to the code of the Town of Somerset, an agreement with the Lions Club, a dual representation intermunicipal agreement, and funding for the court. New Zoning Board members were appointed, and updates were provided on the Hartland Road bridge repair, Wulf Compute's plans, railroad ties on Hosmer Road, and the demolition of a silo. Finally, there was a discussion regarding noise from a plant, and the board entered an executive session to discuss contract negotiations.

The Zoning Board of Appeals convened to discuss an area variance request for 9781 Haight Road, where Christopher & Amanda Schaefer sought approval to construct a detached garage in front of the front building line. The discussion included the intended use of the garage as a workshop and potential in-law apartment. The board also addressed a letter of resignation from Zoning Board Member Lauritz C. Dent. A negative SEQR declaration was approved for 9781 Haight Road, and an area variance was granted for the construction of the detached garage at that location.

The Town Board meeting addressed several key issues. These included a proposed local law regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems, a road closure for the Cornfest 5K, and an agreement with Barker Central School for a School Resource Officer. The board also discussed fireworks for the Barker Corn Festival, a Somerset Solar Project PILOT, and an audit of claims. Additionally, there were discussions about noise concerns from a local plant, updates on the Lake Road damage, and a Zoning Board vacancy. The board entered an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.