John Haughton

The board approved audits for the 2025 and 2026 abstracts, payrolls, and various annual reports, including the Clerk's and the Building and Codes reports. The Highway Superintendent provided a report regarding activities at the highway garage. Discussions covered potential shared police services with the Village of Dolgeville, which will require a study and public consultation. Additional business included a progress report on cemetery tree removal for a Civil War monument and an update from MOVAC regarding their capital campaign, staffing challenges, and financial position, resulting in the approval of a contract with the organization.

The Board approved various financial items including Abstract #2 of 2026, payrolls for the beginning of the year, and the Supervisor and Clerk reports. Financial transfers for the General, Highway, and Library funds were authorized. The Superintendent provided a report on the highway garage covering equipment maintenance and supply needs. The Board discussed the potential cost and feasibility of utilizing the Dolgeville Police Department and determined not to proceed with this option. Additionally, the Board received notice of snowplow funding, initiated updates to existing Rules and Regulations, eliminated the transfer fee for Cemetery Deeds, and considered surveying the cemetery.

The meeting focused on establishing the administrative framework for the year 2026. This included membership in the Association of Towns, scheduling regular board meetings, designating official depositories and newspapers, and setting mileage reimbursement rates. The board also authorized the Supervisor to attend the Association of Towns meeting, appointed a Deputy Town Supervisor, and empowered the Supervisor to manage financial investments. Key personnel appointments were made, including the Zoning Code Enforcement Officer, Dog Control Officer, Court Clerk, Town Justice, and other staff. Additionally, the board adopted the annual salary schedule for town officers and employees, established auditing procedures for Justice accounts, and appointed members to the Planning Board and Board of Assessment Review.

The meeting included the approval of Abstract #12 of 2025, Payrolls #23 and #24 of 2025, and the Supervisor report for October 2025, and the Clerk's Report for November 2025. The Superintendent of Highways provided a detailed report, addressing the need to replace aging batteries in the Volvo and noting recent plowing activities and equipment maintenance. Old business included a discussion regarding police coverage in the Town, which will require a study and a potential public vote. New business involved receiving the resignation of the Town Bookkeeper effective December 31, 2025, and planning for the purchase of a new truck next year, noting that the Town's only current debt, the sand and salt storage, will be paid off in 2028.

The meeting included the approval of several financial items, such as Abstract #11 of 2025 and Payrolls #21 and #22 of 2025. The Superintendent of Highways provided a detailed report, noting issues with traffic damage on Carlson Road due to diversions, the status of CHIPS paperwork submission, and the receipt of information regarding a state-funded work experience program. In Old Business, it was noted that roof painting will be required next year due to small holes discovered after work on the Highway Garage was completed. There was also discussion regarding the need for a meeting with the police chief to review coverage numbers before presenting potential tax implications to the public. During New Business, an update was given regarding the County's search for a new IT person.