Shawn Occhipinti

Key discussions during the meeting included accepting the resignation of Officer Horace, effective January 18, 2026, and the appointment of Robert Roberts as a Part Time Police Officer. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the Host Community Agreement concerning solar farms. Concerns were raised regarding the potential costs of decommissioning, the lack of training or equipment for firefighters to handle solar farm fires (specifically mentioning lithium battery fires), and property tax revenue distribution. The Board ultimately approved the Limberlost Host Community Agreement and expressed support for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, including billboard restrictions. The Board also entered into and exited an executive session to discuss a new personnel matter. General Department reports noted issues at the senior center, including locking mechanisms, mold, and drainage problems. The session concluded with the review and approval of audited bills across various funds.

The meeting began with an organizational session focused on establishing appointments and setting annual salaries for various Town officials and employees for 2026, including Councilpeople, Justices, Clerks, the Town Supervisor, Budget Director, Deputy Town Supervisor, Police personnel, and department heads. Reappointments were made to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, and Felt Evans, L.L.P. was appointed as Town Attorney. Committee assignments for 2026 were also established for liaisons across various departments. Following the organizational segment, the regular meeting approved key directives, appointments, and salaries via Resolution #1. The Board also formally approved the minutes from the December 22, 2025 meeting via Resolution #2. General reports were given by the Attorney, Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and Police Department Administrative Officer. The meeting concluded after a review of monthly Safety Inspectors' Reports and Animal Control Officer's Reports.

The special meeting of the Town Board was held for the sole purpose of discussing the Resolution regarding Interim Snow Plowing Services to the Village of Clinton. The primary discussion centered on Resolution #104, which authorized the Town Highway Superintendent to continue snow plowing services for the Village on an interim basis, not to exceed thirty days, pending the adoption of a formal inter-municipal agreement. The resolution also stipulated that the Village must resume clearing sidewalks along College Street and NYS Route 12b as a condition for continued interim service.

The regular meeting addressed the topic of Village and Town plowing/sidewalks. Key resolutions included the approval of the service cost increase to the 2026 Animal Control Municipal Agreement and the approval of the amended agreement for Animal Sheltering Services. The Board also approved year-end intrafund transfers, detailing several budgetary reallocations. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved audited bills across multiple funds, totaling over $200,000 from the Capital Fund H. The Police Department reported that all was proceeding well and that they were in the process of interviewing a new officer.

The meeting included public comments regarding the Senior Center activities, a request for permission to place a historical marker at the Brimfield Street Cemetery, and a site plan modification application by LS Solar, LLC for array expansion impacting a parcel in the Town of Kirkland. The Board adopted several resolutions: approving a budget transfer of $60,000 from Health Insurance to Equipment to fund sidewalk snow clearing equipment, approving a budget transfer of $25,000 for Machinery/Equipment, and granting emergency powers to the Highway Superintendent to plow Village Streets. The Board also reviewed monthly Safety Inspectors' and Animal Control Officer's Reports. An executive session was held to discuss pending and possible litigation, followed by the adoption of a resolution to review and approve audited bills totaling $329,837.71 across various funds.