Jonathan Goodsell

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to address procedures for the Highway Superintendent to call in replacement workers due to illness. The Board accepted a list of potential replacement workers for the Superintendent to use, prioritizing Town of Richland residents. Furthermore, the Board approved a motion allowing the Highway Superintendent to contact Board members for approval to hire additional help for the winter season. Other topics discussed included an update on an issue with a highway truck requiring manufacturer repairs and a lengthy discussion resulting in a motion to end the second public comment section at the conclusion of the meeting.

The Town Board meeting covered various topics including a public hearing scheduled for January 9, 2018, regarding Local Law #1 of 2018 for a new Zoning Update. The Village of Pulaski decided to opt out of the Joint Highway Garage Project, and the board discussed the timeline for a public vote and bond resolution. There was a water report discussing the replacement of a 30hp pump and questions about the materials used. Zoning and code reports addressed proposed changes in zoning and mapping, with a focus on defined lines for Fernwood and Richland Hamlets and the Water overlay. The board also discussed a guideline for a local windmill law. Other topics included dog control, highway matters, the Haldane Advisory, justice reports, a warrant of bills, cemetery updates, and miscellaneous business such as training for newly elected officials and updates to the Policy Manual and Employee Handbook.

The comprehensive plan for the Town of Richland and Village of Pulaski guides elected officials in making future decisions affecting land use, environmental resources, economic development, transportation, utilities, tourism, recreation, community services, and quality of life. It analyzes the community's past and present conditions, envisions its future, and programs actions to be taken. The plan addresses issues such as population trends, housing, economic base, land use, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources, and aims to balance economic growth with the protection of natural resources and the environment.

The Town of Richland Board reviewed all bids received for the project to replace the ice rink chiller at the Haldane Memorial Arena and awarded the bid to Davis Mechanical Service Inc., contingent on state approval.

The Town Board meeting addressed several key areas. A presentation was given regarding the possibility of starting a Boys and Girls Club in the Pulaski/Sandy Creek area, and the Board expressed its support. Updates were provided on Hager Drive, including a hearing date, and on the DPW building project, with discussions on whether to put the project to a public vote. Water updates included a meeting with the Town of Sandy Creek to discuss the IMA and splitting the cost of a new tap machine. Zoning and code reports were presented, including a rough draft of the Solar Law and proposed amendments to building code fees. The Highway Superintendent reported on ongoing issues with hiring workers, and the Board discussed prioritizing Town of Richland residents for available positions. The Comprehensive Planning Board's recommendations were reviewed, and a resolution was passed to authorize regional planning and establish energy benchmark requirements for certain municipal buildings. The Board also discussed and ultimately approved making Councilman Goodsell a second Deputy Supervisor, splitting the existing Deputy Supervisor's salary for the role.