Leslie Wolbert

The budget session focused on reviewing and adjusting all revenue lines for both the General and Water funds based on conservative estimates. Discussions included General Fund appropriations, specifically addressing wish list items for the Clerk-Treasurer's office, such as upgrading the training laptop and upgrading the Village website software to be more mobile-friendly and potentially include email blasts. A motion to adjourn the budget session was adopted. The subsequent regular meeting addressed the January 2026 sales tax receipts, noting an increase from January 2025. A major focus was the public hearing and subsequent adoption of Local Law #1-2026, which regulates Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including detailed requirements for permitting, site plans, safety standards, and decommissioning. The Board also adopted a Negative Declaration under SEQRA for the BESS Local Law, accepted an HVAC service contract proposal, and renewed Annual Highway and Water Shared Services Agreements with the Town of Somerset. Financial reports were reviewed, and budget transfers involving the Refuse Collection fund were approved. Public comment included an introduction from the President of the Ontario Shores Community Organization (OSCO) and concerns regarding sidewalk snow removal.

The primary discussion focused on the proposed Local Law Regulating Battery Storage Energy Systems. Members discussed the necessity of regulation due to potential risks associated with these systems, including fire, explosion, and environmental contamination risks to nearby residences and Golden Hill creek. Specific concerns noted included the inability of standard firefighting techniques to extinguish battery fires and the need for self-contained venting systems. Definitions for key terms such as Battery Energy Storage System, Dedicated-Use Building, and Non-Participating Property were detailed. General requirements for permits, including building, electrical, and SEQRA review, were outlined. Specific permitting requirements mandated public hearings, referral to the Niagara County Planning Board, and standards for signage, lighting, noise (not exceeding 40 dBA at the fence line), and vegetation clearing. Extensive requirements were set for Decommissioning Plans, Site Plan Applications (including commissioning and fire safety compliance plans), and Safety standards requiring UL 9540 certification. Setback requirements for systems included 1000 feet from Municipal Boundaries and Non F-1 District Boundaries. The Board ultimately voted unanimously to recommend the proposed Local Law to the Village Board of Trustees for approval.

The meeting commenced with a review of the December 2025 sales tax collection, noting an annual increase over 2024. A key agenda item involved the adoption of Resolution #01-2026, which sets the date, time, and inspector pay rate for the Village Election on March 18, 2026. The Board also introduced a Local Law regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems, outlining authority, findings, purpose, definitions, applicability, general requirements, permitting procedures, operational standards (including noise and vegetation control), decommissioning requirements, and enforcement. The Board subsequently scheduled a public hearing for this Local Law for February 9, 2026, and referred it for review to the Niagara County Planning Board and the Village of Barker Zoning Board. Discussion followed regarding applying for NYS MPR grant funding for a mixed-use basketball court/ice rink at Main Street park, resulting in a motion to apply for the grant. Finally, the Board reviewed financial reports, authorized use of a DPW pickup truck for the NYCOM Winter Legislative Meeting, noted a 4th Quarter 2025 water loss rate of 47%, and approved claims and bill payments.

The work session covered several administrative and policy matters, including the transition of legal counsel following the retirement of Attorney Dan Seaman, and the need to establish a formal policy for employee time off requests, FMLA documentation, and time accrual. Key discussion points included an enforcement complaint regarding a property violation, review of a revised Employee Handbook draft, and the introduction of Local Law #1-2026 concerning Battery Storage Systems, which involves lifting the current moratorium. The Board also discussed submitting a grant application for the MPR Grant Program for a Main Street park enhancement, involving a multiuse basketball court/ice rink, and considered ideas for requesting funding from Niagara County Legislator Foti's community partnership fund, such as playground equipment and a generator for a new building. Authorization was granted for a Trustee to attend the NYCOM Winter Legislative conference.

The agenda for the meeting included receiving the sales tax report for December 2025, which showed a slight increase from the previous year. A major focus was the introduction of a proposed Local Law regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems, detailing authority, findings regarding public safety risks like fire, purpose objectives (regulating location, construction, operation, and mitigating environmental impacts), numerous definitions, applicability, general requirements including permits, specific permitting requirements involving site plans, public hearings, and necessary technical reviews (e.g., NEC, Fire Code compliance, decommissioning plans, noise limits). The Board also addressed the Village Election scheduled for March 18, 2026, including setting the date, poll hours, and appointing Election Inspectors. Discussion points also covered pursuing a grant application for a mixed-use basketball/ice rink facility at Main Street park, reviewing quarterly water loss figures (47% for Q4 2025), correspondence from Charter Communications and other entities, and approving abstract claims and bill payments totaling $24,917.74.