John P. Stephens

The meeting focused on the 2026 Village street program. The Board discussed increasing the project scope by utilizing $500,000.00 from the General fund balance alongside state program rollover and anticipated funds, aiming for a total project budget of approximately $1,444,075.10. It was recommended that the project be put out for bid promptly, with provisions to utilize Herkimer County bid pricing if necessary. The Board formally approved the allocation of the additional $500,000.00 from the general fund for the street paving project.

The meeting included approval for the Mayor to sign the Duofold Access Agreement with Lahinch (Duofold Building, LLC). An Executive Session was entered to discuss specific matters with invited attendees, but no action was taken that required Village Board approval.

Key discussions during the meeting included personnel actions such as the approval to hire a new Water Maintenance Person, the appointment of an individual from Laborer to Probationary MEO in the DPW Department, and the acceptance of the registration from a Firefighter/EMT. The Board approved Resolution 2026-1 concerning the court audit and shared the Village Clerk's office statistics for 2025. The ZBA Chair reported on a public hearing approval and advised the Village Board to prepare regulating codes for Tiny and Conex homes, also mentioning free online training programs for ZBA members. Old business items involved working on new plans for the 2026 Food Truck Frenzy, addressing a FOIL Request regarding Water Usage for Rem Arms, and progressing on the Water Rules & Regulations process, which includes drafting and scheduling a public hearing for a Local Law. New business concluded with the approval of Chief DeVaul's Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Policy and the approval of the BST Engagement Letter for the Electric Rate Study. The Board entered and exited an Executive Session without taking action.

The board addressed several personnel matters, including the hiring of a part-time police officer, the promotion of a police sergeant, and a status change for an account clerk. Financial actions included the approval of a payment application for Luzzi Bros. Several resolutions were passed, including the abolition of Village Registration day, support for investment and long-term AIM stability, the naming of election inspectors, and an amendment to the LTA-NY Power Authority agreement. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Lester Avenue Housing Demo Project and plans for upcoming village events, and the department of public works schedule was reviewed.

The public hearing centered on a request by Sean Rooney for a Use Permit Variance to operate a commercial café, including an upstairs area designated for community art and crafts activities, in an R3 (Residential) zone. The applicant confirmed the business would not be used for residential purposes, and agreed to monitor parking concerns. A motion to approve the use variance for the café was carried unanimously by roll call vote. The commission also reviewed and approved the ZBA fee payment details, reviewed database contact information, established that new appeal information must be handed in together, and noted the scheduling of upcoming ZBA training.