Lisa M Baker

The Town Board Organizational Meeting addressed several key items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a review of agenda procedures. Significant discussion involved contractual matters such as the Technical Temperature Transfer 2026 for the Town Hall HVAC, the Miller Engineering contract for Landfill Monitoring 2026, and an Intermunicipal Agreement for shared Fire Marshal services. The agenda also included numerous appointments for 2026, such as Chairpersons for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, members for the Tree Commission and Deer Committee, and appointments for the Director of Planning and Development, Town Records Officer, and Town Safety Officer. Furthermore, service agreements were reviewed for Town Information Technology Services (Garam Group), Town Attorney engagement (Harris Beach PLLC), Police Department Accreditation Manager (Blu Line Accreditation Consulting), and Property Evidence Specialist (North Woods Services LLC). The board also addressed administrative items including health insurance premium splits, prepaid expenses, the Procurement Policy, committee assignments, official town newspapers, fee schedules, and the rate for EV charging stations at Town Hall.

The meeting included discussions regarding staffing, where the department had 38 of the 42 funded positions filled and was continuing interviews to fill vacant SPO positions. There was an announcement that LT Snyder was participating in leadership classes at the FBI National Academy. The department was working on several training initiatives and assisting with community events. The PBA made a donation to Golisano Upstate Children's Hospital for Child Cancer Awareness. The Retail Crime Task Force (RCTF) was in full swing, and TMPD was working with CORE Businesses on multiple training programs. A concern was raised regarding vehicles passing on the right while vehicles are turning left, and a suggestion was made for an educational post on social media. Emails regarding traffic concerns on Lakeview Drive were mentioned, and the Traffic Unit would gather data.

The Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A public hearing was scheduled for a local law concerning the property tax cap override. The board discussed the Climate Smart Zoning Project with Colliers Engineering & Design, and reviewed the Justice Court Annual Audit. Budget items were addressed, including budget increases for various services and funds. Additionally, the board considered the Kirkville Fire District's 2026 budget and addressed traffic concerns on Lakeview Dr. Approval was given for a letter of intent to purchase a new wheel loader for the Town Highway Department. The board also approved an estimate for seasonal snow shoveling and discussed the success of the Wicked Woods event. The meeting also involved a presentation on the 2026 Budget and a public hearing on the tax cap override.

The agenda includes the Pledge of Allegiance, an open podium, and a public hearing for the 2026 Preliminary Budget. Other items include setting a date for a public hearing on a local law regarding property tax cap override for 2026, a Climate Smart Zoning Project update from Colliers Engineering & Design, a Justice Court Annual Audit, and discussion of budget items.

The agenda includes a public hearing for Andrew Marquart requesting a 6' height variance, Ryan Hanlon requesting a rear yard setback variance of 33', Michael Doolittle requesting a front yard setback variance of 28', and Wayne Welshans requesting to appeal a decision by the Code Enforcement Officer. The board reviewed applications for variances related to construction projects and land division, considering factors such as the feasibility of alternative methods, impact on the neighborhood, and whether the difficulty was self-created. Variances were granted for a detached garage, an inground pool, and a land division, each with specific conditions to preserve the character of the community.