Jody Fisher

The meeting commenced with organizational items, including the establishment of regular Town Board meeting schedules, affirmation of existing policies (Procurement, Equal Opportunity Employment, Internet Usage), and requirements for annual safety and sexual harassment training. Administrative items confirmed the official newspaper and designated polling sites. Fiscal resolutions covered the auditing of 2025 departmental records, designation of official bank repositories, confirmation of elected officials' salaries, and approval of various expenditure authorizations. Annual appointments for 2026 for various boards and positions were made, along with the setting of stipends for board members and defining mileage and fee structures. The Board adopted an amended fee schedule for Building and Codes activities. During the regular meeting segment, resolutions included approving Official Undertakings, amending the minutes of the December 18, 2025, meeting, approving Abstract #1, accepting the Town Supervisor's Statement and December 2025 bank reconciliation, and authorizing signatory updates. Highway report updates included the delivery of a new truck and discussions regarding the potential sale of an older truck. The Code Enforcement report detailed permits issued and listed new code violations, including ongoing issues with Marcheterre Properties. Old business included tabling Cemetery Plot Layouts and assigning leads for the Veterans' Park Fence & Pergola repair. The Board discussed the proposed commercial solar array project for 1714 East Lake Road, with plans for the Town Attorney's office to provide written responses to resident inquiries and host an informational session. New business focused on authorizing attendance and delegates for the NYAOT Annual Conference and approving contracts for accounting and legal services, including the adoption of new accounting software. A budget transfer was authorized to cover independent auditor costs.

The Town Board meeting addressed several financial and operational matters. Resolutions were passed approving payment for bills listed on Abstract #12 and authorizing budget transfers within the SOAWD Fund, including a transfer from Contingent, Contractual to Attorney (Litigation) and Central Data Process, Contractual. The Board also authorized the Town Supervisor to make end-of-year line item transfers. Reports reviewed included the November Town Supervisor's Report and the Town Clerk's Cash Receipts Report for November. Highway issues discussed involved repairs to a broken-down truck, expected delivery of a new truck, reminder about NYS law concerning snow disposal, and parking obstruction at an old turnaround area. The Board noted OCRRA's impending tipping fee increases for 2026. Old Business included updates on culvert projects awaiting Army Corps of Engineers review and steps toward implementing the new website domain. The Board authorized reimbursement for Newly Elected Training expenses and scheduled the 2026 Organizational Meeting. Finally, resolutions were passed recognizing the service of the outgoing accountant and renaming the Town Hall in honor of the Town Clerk.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of Abstract #2 for General Fund and Highway Fund bills, and review of abstracts from January 8, 2026. Budget transfers for year-end 2025 between various General Fund and Highway Fund accounts were detailed. The Board authorized the publication of the Town of Spafford Annual Financial Report for 2025 and confirmed a positive audit of the January 2026 bank statement. The Highway Superintendent reported on salt usage and plans to purchase a new backhoe via permissive referendum, and discussed potential intermunicipal purchase of a 10-wheel truck with Onondaga County. Earth Day 2026 was recognized, authorizing designated disposal activities. An amendment to the Snow and Ice Control Agreement with Onondaga County for Richard Road maintenance extension was approved. The Board formalized a policy to waive building permit fees for residents affected by property catastrophes and non-profits. Old Business included updates on Cemetery Plot Maps (RFP preparation), Veterans' Park improvements, and bringing the new Town website online. Updates were provided on SAM -- DASNY Grant reimbursements for the Salt Shed and Town Campus Modifications, requiring updated quotes for pending work. Several culvert/road repair projects funded by FEMA, Onondaga County Grant, and BridgeNY were reviewed, noting approval statuses and required next steps. The Board reviewed the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 1714 East Lake Road proposed commercial solar array. A discussion on a proposed energy choice resolution was tabled due to the State placing a hold on the related natural gas ban. The Board directed the Town Attorney to draft a one-year moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems for research purposes. A proposal to switch internet and telephone providers from Spectrum to Kinetic was tabled for further information. Positive audits for the 2025 Financial Records kept by both the Town Supervisor and the Town Clerk were declared complete. Discussion regarding continuing support for the Southern Hills Preservation Corporation was tabled pending a future presentation. Public comments addressed fire department training on lithium-ion battery fires and safe disposal locations for household batteries.

The Town Board meeting addressed various topics, including a scoping session for a proposed commercial solar array at 1714 East Lake Road and a public hearing for the drafted scope document. The board also discussed and approved the General Fund and Highway Fund bills listed on Abstract #10 for payment, reviewed the Town Supervisor's Report for September, and authorized a budget transfer within the SOAWD Fund. Additionally, the board addressed the Spafford Fire District's Preliminary 2026 Budget, amended the time of the Public Hearing for comments on the 2026 Preliminary Budget, and supported the request for school bus stop warning signs in the area of 1741 East Lake Road. The Town Clerk's Cash Report for September 2025 was reviewed and accepted, and the board discussed culvert projects and concerns about Borodino Cemetery maintenance. Furthermore, the board held public hearings and enacted local laws related to the codification of local laws, written notification of defects on town highways, and overriding the tax levy limit.

The Town Board meeting included discussions and resolutions on various topics. The scoping session for the proposed commercial solar array at 1714 East Lake Road was postponed. The board considered Laura Holt for the Dog Control Officer position. Budget matters were addressed, including approvals for General Fund, Highway Fund, and Southern Onondaga Area Water District bills, as well as a General Fund budget transfer. The Town Supervisor's Report for August was reviewed and filed. The board declared two Stihl chainsaws as surplus equipment to be sold at auction. The Highway Report covered paving projects, the receipt of a Compact Track Loader, the need for additional "No Parking" signs, and a recommendation to trade in a Western Star dump truck. The Town Clerk's Cash Report for August 2025 was reviewed and accepted. The board discussed zoning violations and culvert projects, as well as updates on Veterans Park and website hosting. They also addressed DASNY grants, Town Hall sign lighting, security cameras, and proposed local laws related to codification, notification of defects on highways, and overriding the tax levy limit. Finally, the board accepted the resignation of a Zoning Board of Appeals member and directed the Town Clerk to advertise the vacancy.