Karen Morris

The meeting included a presentation from the Genesee County Office of the Aging regarding services and outreach events in Oakfield. The Superintendent of Highways reported on completed roadside mowing and striping, building maintenance estimates for siding repair, cemetery activity, and equipment servicing, including preparations for winter. The Town Clerk processed Abstract 11-2025 for various funds totaling $113,504.15. In new business, the Board authorized repairs to damaged siding on the Town Building not to exceed $4200.00. The Board also decided to delay the appointment to fill the unexpired council seat until after the first of the year so the incoming elected board could make the selection.

The Town Board meeting addressed several items related to town business and planning. The Town Planning Board requested an engineer or consultant to review their progress on the land development project and requested an update to the current Land Development document, which dates back to 1992. EDP discussed the submission of an application in April. A resident expressed concerns regarding the proposed land development area. The Superintendent of Highways provided updates on roadwork, including plowing, salting, and snowbank clearing, and discussed the potential ordering of additional road salt. Financial actions included authorizing Abstract 2-2026 totaling $441,361.47 across various funds, transferring funds from Water District 5 to the General Fund to cover debt service, and acknowledging the required annual audit of Town Justices' court records and dockets. Other items included reversing a fraudulent tax payment, transferring funds to the Sick Time Reserve, installing BETA setup for Williamson Law Book, scheduling the Easter Egg Hunt, noting the success of the Father/Daughter dance, working on an online dog registry/renewal platform with Permitium, and applying for a Cybersecurity analysis service from RIT. The board also approved the hourly rate for the appointed town attorney at $200.00 per hour and planned to begin reviewing and creating policies in the following month.

Discussions covered updates from EDP Solar regarding cultural surveys, compliance letters, and the ORES permit application timeline, including an offer for informal site plan review. The Oakfield Historical Society reported on its audit schedule, 250th birthday display planning, and grant funding received for porch replacement. The Oakfield Betterment Committee outlined several scheduled 2026 events. The Town Supervisor of Elba introduced himself to foster continued collaboration. Solar representatives provided updates on project activities, and concerns were raised regarding a PILOT agreement structure, which will be investigated further. A resident expressed concerns about the CEO/ZEO's dual compensation and alleged targeting related to business activities. Department reports included routine road maintenance and tree clearing by the Highway Superintendent, and Assessor updates awaiting state data. Key resolutions involved approving Abstract 1-2026 expenditures, authorizing a budget not to exceed $1500.00 for a website redesign, accepting the 2025 Year End Clerk's Report, authorizing budgets for Town Clerk Software and a Payment Portal, declaring surplus property (two 2013 laptop computers), authorizing the disposal of specific Town Records per guidelines, authorizing the Highway Superintendent to enter shared service contracts, approving an agreement for highway fund expenditures, accepting the 2025 Cemetery Report, approving attendance at Highway Superintendents Schools, authorizing a $50,000 transfer to the Highway Equipment Reserve account, approving the Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers documents, accepting an EMCOR proposal for HVAC preventative maintenance (saving $357.00 over the previous provider), appointing Jake Whiting as the Town Attorney for 2026, and authorizing a payment through the solar escrow account. The Cider Solar Tax Equity resolution was tabled pending attorney investigation. The board also discussed joining the Chamber of Commerce and investigating the Wreaths Across America program.

The meeting began with an Oath of Office for new Town Board members, followed by the appointment of Joel R. D'Alba to fill an unexpired term. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 Salary Schedule. A comprehensive list of appointments for 2026 was approved, covering monthly meeting times, official newspaper designation, bank depositories, and specific functional roles such as Zoning Officer and Code Enforcement Officer. Committee appointments for 2026 were also approved. Finally, two resolutions were passed: Resolution No. 1-2026, concerning the removal and addition of members to NYCLASS accounts, and Resolution No.2-2026, detailing the removal of former members and the addition of new members to various bank accounts at Tompkins Bank of Castile.

The meeting commenced with a general review of department reports, including updates on roadwork, equipment status, and cemetery activities (two cremations and one plot sale). Key financial actions involved the authorization of Abstract 12-2025, totaling $113,522.00 across various funds. A major resolution (35-2025) was passed to authorize year-end budget modifications involving numerous transfers between accounts and utilizing unanticipated revenue sources such as Justice Fees and NYClass Building Interest. New business included setting the date for the year-end meeting and approving an invoice payment to Grasby Consultants. Assemblyman Steve Hawley recognized outgoing board members for their service, including a special recognition for Councilperson Glor's 25 years of service.