Justin Drinkwine

The board authorized a petty cash fund for the Justice department and discussed the status of the Annual Financial Reports for 2023, 2024, and 2025. Approval was granted to submit a Corrective Action Plan to the Comptroller's Office and to sign a contract with MJ Engineering for a traffic study. Discussions were held regarding the auction of golf course equipment, the posting of an accounting position, and the mandatory signing of ethics and confidentiality policies by town personnel. Payment for a blacktopping project was tabled for further investigation. The board authorized a new contract for drug and alcohol testing services, received updates on DPW activities including lobbying efforts and staff hiring, and heard reports on water/sewer maintenance, website redesign progress, and EMS staffing challenges. Additionally, the board approved plans for park maintenance and improvements at Noblewood and Higby Park, including receipt of a grant for accessible playground equipment.

The board meeting focused on several operational and financial matters, including the implementation of new meeting formats and virtual attendance options via Microsoft Teams. The board approved updated fee schedules for municipal services and facilities, designated an official newspaper, and renewed membership with the Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board. Key discussions included the authorization of a NYSDOT safety study contract, the allocation of restitution funds to enhance financial controls, and an update on the status of annual financial reports. Additionally, the board approved an intermunicipal agreement for EMS services, reviewed various department reports, and authorized staffing changes for the Town Supervisor's office, including the hiring of a full-time accountant.

The Town Board meeting commenced with an introduction to a new format, starting with public comments. Key resolutions passed for 2026 included setting salaries for elected officials, designating liaisons/committees, designating the official bank and newspapers, setting the mileage allowance, and establishing the schedule for monthly meetings. The Board also authorized attendance at the NYSDOT Annual Meeting, reappointed several officers including the Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, Town Registrar, Dog Control Officer, Town Counsel, Town Engineer, and Supervisor's Clerk. Further resolutions concerned budget approvals, including authorizing the Highway Superintendent to expend amounts under $2,000, appointing members to the Board of Assessment Review and Parks Commission, affirming sewer and water user rates, and ratifying the continuation of the Youth Commission and appointments. The Board also discussed the closing of the Lily Property purchase and received a financial report on the 2025 transfer station operations. The Board approved hiring a second deputy for the Town Clerk's office and authorized an emergency purchase of motors and blowers for the water/sewer system after damage from a power phase issue. Approval was also given to install snow cleats on the Visitors Center roof. New business included the recommendation and appointment of two individuals to the Planning Board, and formal recognitions were made for a former town employee's service and the passing of a local community leader.

Key discussions included the turnover of office following the recent election, noting resignations from the acting planning board chairman and the planning and zoning board secretary. A legal matter regarding a second banner proposal required communication with the town's attorney. The board accepted the supervisor's warrant and discussed the town's expenditure on the comprehensive plan. The Clerk's Report detailed revenues from various town services, and the DPW reported on maintenance, including an in-house repair to the loader and ongoing work at the sewer plant and Noblewood roof. Old business centered on the Willsboro/Essex EMS contract extension for 2026, detailing changes in county EMS augmentation from personal to financial, with the town currently seeking a one-year exemption from the new financial structure. In new business, the board briefly discussed the playground project's additional $8,025.00 cost related to a project manual, which the Parks Commission was reportedly unaware of. The meeting concluded with an executive session to review a legal opinion.

Key discussions during the Town Board Meeting included receiving and accepting the resignation of Greg Gordon from the Planning Board, and passing a resolution of appreciation for his service. Discussions also covered the Seasonal Water System Map Plan and RFP proposals for forming a seasonal water district on Bay Lane. It was noted that the Water/Sewer unpaid list has been relieved to the county. The Board accepted the warrant, excluding one GPI invoice for further review, specifically concerning Hathaway Park charges. In departmental reports, the Clerk's office financial intake was reviewed, the DPW reported on dead tree removal on River Road, and the Water/Sewer department sought approval to purchase one new base plate for equipment replacement, subsequently lifting the water usage restriction. The Youth Commission provided updates on park contributions and upcoming basketball sign-ups. The Parks Commission reported on tree removal at Noblewood and fencing plans for Florence Hathaway Park, while also addressing an increase in administrative costs requested by GPI. The Board accepted the 2026 Preliminary Budget as the 2026 Final Budget, appointed a Deputy Supervisor, and appointed a secretary for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. The Essex County FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan was accepted as the Town of Willsboro Plan, and a road naming in the vicinity of Sheehan's Trailer Park was approved. The meeting concluded with an executive session to consider personnel action.