Jessica Douglass

The public hearing was convened to discuss the proposed Local Law #2026-1. A motion was made and seconded to waive the reading of the public hearing posting in the Press Republican, which was approved by all in favor. There were no public comments presented during the session.

Key discussions included a presentation regarding the fiscal crisis at Au Sable Valley Central School. Several resolutions were adopted: authorizing the Supervisor to issue a request for professional engineering services for the sewer phase 2 project involving the Towns of Jay and Black Brook; purchasing a new Western Star 49X with Tenco plow equipment; amending the 2026 budget to allow the purchase of highway equipment using unappropriated fund balance; allowing the supervisor to transfer unappropriated fund balance to an interest-bearing account; authorizing the purchase of a used bucket truck; authorizing the deposit of 2026 tax levy moneys into designated interest-bearing accounts; approving a budgetary transfer within the General Fund; authorizing a 5-year contract with Dean Schneller as town attorney; and authorizing an agreement with TEXTMYGOV for resident communication services. The board also supported the 2026 Labor Day event and the Town of Schuyler Falls' grant request. Procedural items included scheduling an audit committee meeting for various town offices and agreeing to review and revise the Town of Black Brook Employee Handbook. A public hearing was set for Proposed Local Law 2026-1.

The board meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key new business involved the acceptance of Resolutions #2026-01 through #2026-20. Other resolutions passed included the purchase of two new defibrillators and allowing the supervisor to close two unused bank accounts associated with the Youth Commission and the Ski Program. The board also received notifications regarding franchise fees and mortgage tax distribution payments. Furthermore, a motion was carried to schedule a public hearing for February 9, 2026, concerning a local law for the reappointment of Councilman Rhino as Dog Control Officer.

The board meeting involved discussions and actions on several resolutions. These included authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign documents and approve payments (Resolution #2025-117), approving an interfund transfer for a deficiency in the water district #1 account (Resolution #2025-118), and authorizing payments for the General Water Supply Well #3 Project (Resolution #2025-119). Furthermore, the board adopted resolutions for internal transfers within the General Fund (Resolution 2025-#120), budgetary adjustments and transfers for the General Fund (Resolution 2025-#121), Highway Fund (Resolution 2025-#122), Water District #1 (Resolution 2025 #123), Water District #2 (Resolution 2025 #124), and Sewer Fund (Resolution 2025 #125) at year-end. Other discussions covered an employee incident report concerning a town highway truck accident and updates on new town email addresses. The meeting included a brief executive session during which no decisions were made.

The board meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding an interfund transfer, monthly reports, acceptance of Cody Lawrence's resignation, acceptance of the Clinton County Highway Annual Maintenance Agreement, and acceptance of the Chips Reimbursement report. An agreement was made for Emergency Medical Services between Au Sable Forks Volunteer Ambulance Service Corporation, the Town of Jay Ambulance District, and The Town of Black Brook Ambulance District. Savannah Atkins was hired for the Town of Black Brook Ski Program coordinator. Resolutions were accepted concerning the reports of 2025 Water and Sewer District Re-levies. The board also discussed employee time sheet and timecard policies, changing the payroll schedule to a bi-weekly schedule, and the town attorney's health insurance. The Towns updated claims, coding and audit policy manual was adopted. Supervisor Douglass was authorized to make the first payment on FEMA projects for Buck Hill Road and Narrows Road, and Evan Boyd was hired for the vacant highway MEO position. The board also discussed the ski program activities and the highway department's need for new tools.