Peter Coughlin

The board discussed changing the date of grievance day and a potential bond increase for the home and city road water project. The meeting included presentations from residents regarding the establishment of a storm water committee to address local flooding issues, the request for a flood warning system, and maintenance concerns regarding ditches and culverts. Additionally, the board discussed the need to address road safety concerns, specifically regarding a passing lane. A report was also provided regarding staffing challenges at the local cemetery.

The board conducted public hearings regarding the grievance day schedule and a potential bond increase for the home and city road water project. Additionally, the board discussed storm water management issues, including flooding concerns and the potential implementation of a real-time flood warning system. Discussions also covered maintenance of drainage culverts and water infrastructure, as well as traffic safety concerns related to passing zones on local roads. The president of a local cemetery raised concerns regarding administrative staffing shortages and the need for assistance with managing cemetery operations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes for the regular board meeting held on December 10, 2024, and the final voucher meeting held on December 30, 2024, followed by approval of the December 2024 financial statements. Key discussions involved making the Town of Paris the lead agency for the comprehensive plan and securing necessary budget modifications to close out the 2024 budget. The board also discussed accommodating a request from the Valley School District for a shared service agreement concerning lawn rolling, tree removal, and parking lot cleaning. Resolutions were addressed regarding signing authority for public speaking time during town board meetings. Discussions also covered potential safety measures, such as placing signs regarding ice hazards, and addressing a proposal from a local entity regarding fireworks display locations and security requirements. Further topics included updates on building permits and reports being prepared by staff, a favorable ruling in the Chris Roberts court case, and an upcoming conference regarding fire safety code status.

The organizational meeting addressed numerous resolutions concerning official appointments and compensation for the 2025 fiscal year, effective January 1, 2025. Key actions included appointing various Town officials (clerks, bookkeepers, attorneys, zoning/planning officers, superintendents for water/sewer/highways, etc.) along with their associated salaries or pay rates. Resolutions authorized payment for expenses prior to the next Town Board meeting, covering utilities, retirements, insurance, and reimbursements. The Board designated NBT Bank as the official bank and Observer Dispatch for legal notices. Furthermore, the meeting established the 2025 hourly pay rates for Highway employees, approved a $500 annual salary for the Marriage Officer/Register of Vital Statistics, appointed a Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Supervisor, set the mileage reimbursement rate at $0.67 per mile, confirmed the 2025 salaries for elected officials, authorized staff/officials to attend trainings and conferences, reaffirmed the existing procurement policy, and adopted the 2025 official fee schedule for town services, primarily related to building permits.

The proceedings began with a public hearing regarding the proposed comprehensive plan, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the financial statement for March 2025. Concerns were raised regarding speeding and drag racing on Sulpher Springs Road, which is a county road, prompting a review of current speed limits. Operational matters included a discussion about rescheduling street sweeping due to persistent winter weather. The Board addressed mandatory compliance training for workplace violence and sexual harassment. Significant financial discussions involved amending Resolution 27 of 2025 to include an additional $3,500 tariff projection for the new cabin chassis, leading to a total updated cost for the chassis and associated plow equipment. There was also a discussion about opting to perform routine traffic light bulb replacement internally to save costs, rather than paying an external service fee of $600 per instance. Finally, a review noted that two local fire departments, Paris Hill and SEO, have overdue state audit reports.