Melissa G. Brown

The meeting included presentations and acknowledgments of departmental awards. Life-saving awards were presented to Sergeant Kidd and Officer Darlin for administering CPR and utilizing an AED on an unresponsive female in August 2025. Officer Rumfeld received the Excellence in Service Police Service Award for 2025, recognized for his service as a school resource officer, undercover work, and certification as a taser instructor. The Accommodation Award was given to Officer Dustin Hathway for intervening during an active shooter situation in Waterloo in April 2025. Sergeant Burgdorf received the Combat Valor Award for returning fire during the same active shooter incident in April 2025. The department also honored Chief Snyder for achieving 25 years of dedicated service. Additionally, the town's auditor provided an update on the financial audit process, noting that audits for 2023 and 2024 were pending reconciliation of town books. A representative from the Seneca Falls Development Corporation detailed accomplishments, including managing Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects, administering a building improvement fund, coordinating microenterprise programs, managing the farmers market, promoting events via an events calendar and SenecaFalls.info website, and initiating the process to hire a marketing agency based on the town's comprehensive plan.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation by the CPIP Housing Committee regarding community housing needs. The board addressed a retirement enrollment error for a Deputy Tax Receiver and engaged in dialogue concerning budget issues and tax increases, specifically addressing payment status from Seneca Meadows and landfill revenue dependency. The Supervisor's report covered upcoming town events, recognized department efforts in snow removal and water main repairs, and involved debate over budget cuts and retirement cost allocations. Substantive actions included the approval to reclassify a Police Officer position to Detective (3-1 vote). The board awarded Engineering Services for Water and Wastewater System Projects to Barton & Loguidice. The authorization was granted for correcting the police officers' retirement plan enrollment error and hiring a part-time Clerk to the Judge. Resolutions were passed to establish rates for EV car chargers, transfer funds for the dumpster program, increase dumpster rental fees to fifty dollars ($50.00), authorize a TRANE HVAC BAS Service Contract, authorize a 4-day work week for DPW during construction season, approve budget transfers within the Police Department for 2025 and 2026, authorize equipment purchases including a snow blower and replacement pumps, approve CDL training for employees, approve required operator training for wastewater staff, and purchase a replacement vehicle for the Water & Sewer Department. The board also reviewed and approved the annual license renewal for Seneca Meadows, Inc., and initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a forensic financial audit of 2023 through current year records. Finally, disciplinary action resulting in termination for a Department of Public Works employee was approved in executive session.

The meeting included the organizational segment for 2026 appointments covering various positions, legal counsel, financial consultant, and committee memberships. The Board then adopted the 2026 Procurement Policy, detailing competitive bidding thresholds, exceptions for best value, emergencies, sole source acquisitions, piggybacking, professional services, and discretionary purchases, alongside local vendor preference guidelines. Rules of conduct for Town Board meetings and public hearings were adopted, including time limits for public comment and decorum standards, followed by an amendment regarding police discretion on disorderly conduct charges. Committee assignments were announced. During Privilege of the Floor, extensive discussion occurred regarding liability for the 'It's a Wonderful Run' event, and a proposal to sell Fitz's Park to finance a new downtown pool and address cemetery space concerns. The Board also addressed the proposed creation of a full-time Detective position for narcotics investigation in the Police Department, which was ultimately tabled pending executive session discussion. Other resolutions included supporting the preservation of the Morehouse Boat Property as a Bridgeport Visitors Center, authorizing fund transfers for cemetery maintenance, releasing funds to the Seneca Museum, extending the Town Manager's employment temporarily, supporting the Energy Choice Act against natural gas bans, waiving the 30-day notice period for a liquor license application, authorizing the hiring of a new part-time Zoning Officer, and approving the purchase of a new copier for the Police Department.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a zoning change on W. Bayard St. from M1 district to C1 district, which concluded with no public comment. Key resolutions involved authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seneca Meadows, Inc. (SMI) regarding their permit application and a potential new Host Community Agreement (HCA), and the renewal of the annual Seneca Meadows Landfill Permit. Other significant actions included adopting a resolution supporting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Scenic Byway nomination, determining Non-Significance for the Downtown Core Redevelopment District Rezoning Project, and adopting Local Law #1 of 2025 to rezone parcels on W. Bayard St. from M-1 to C-1. The board also addressed personnel matters, approved budget transfers for the Highway Department (overtime and plow parts), awarded bids for Tree Cutting and Heavy Equipment services, authorized the purchase of an Electric Utility Vehicle and a new DPW pickup truck, and authorized the installation of a mural on a Town-owned building at no direct cost to the town.

The meeting included a public hearing and regular session. Key discussions involved a presentation from the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (CWIO) regarding watershed projects, funding needs, and a proposed phased dues increase for member municipalities. An update was provided on the facade-storefront grant program, detailing the progress of awarded projects downtown, which represent a significant investment. During the privilege of the floor, residents expressed significant concerns regarding perceived arrogance in leadership, delays in union recognition, procedural irregularities surrounding the Seneca Meadows landfill permit vote, and strong opposition to the proposed 2026 budget due to perceived service cuts and tax increases. Departmental reports were accepted, and approval was granted for the 'It's a Wonderful Life Festival' and the 'It's a Wonderful 5K Run'. New business involved tabling a resolution to appoint Charlie Cappellino as the CWIO representative, approving appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, accepting the resignation of the Parks & Rec Cleaner/Groundskeeper effective November 29, and authorizing budget transfers within the Highway Department for vehicle maintenance and plow parts. Extensive and tense discussion occurred regarding the 2026 budget timeline and content, which was scheduled for a vote on November 17th. Finally, water leak and pool credits were approved, and outstanding claims were audited.