Steve Boniface

The Council meeting involved the welcoming of a new member and updates regarding recent Town Board and Planning Board meetings, including contract approvals for herbicide treatments and discussions on stormwater drainage and landscaping for the Mountain View Avenue development. The group also reviewed Planning and Zoning Department updates, including potential regulations for grid-tied battery energy storage systems, plans for planting a Liberty Tree for the 250th anniversary of the USA, and professional development training opportunities. Additionally, the Council discussed the preparation of an annual report, logistics for the upcoming annual tree giveaway event, and the implementation of treatments for hemlock wooly adelgid at Town Park.

The council reviewed updates from other town boards, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule. Preparation for the CAC Annual Report was initiated, with an outline planned for the next session. The members finalized recommendations for the landscaping of the Town Center Phase 2 project. Additionally, the group discussed plans for the annual tree giveaway, including potential public outreach regarding dark-sky compliant lighting, and evaluated options for treating hemlock wooly adelgid infestations at the town park, focusing on the need for appropriate pesticide application near water bodies.

The meeting agenda includes business updates regarding the annual report and Planning and Zoning Department (PZD) activity. Key discussion topics involve providing input for development projects, specifically regarding stormwater management guidelines for the Mountain View Avenue development. Other agenda items cover commemorative tree selection, logistics for the upcoming annual tree give-away, and monitoring the health of hemlock trees at the town park. The Council will also explore regulatory mitigation measures for Grid-tied Battery Energy Storage Systems and discuss potential updates to the Natural Resources Inventory and map viewer.

The Town Board discussed and approved various infrastructure and operational matters, including the procurement of professional consulting services for the ambulance district, the replacement of odor control carbon, and the rebuilding of grit and primary pumps for the wastewater treatment plant. Resolutions were passed to solicit bids for water line, sewer line, and pavilion deck improvements. Personnel actions included appointing a heavy equipment operator and a police dispatcher, as well as updating a job title within the police department. The board also approved appointments to the Conservation Advisory Council, authorized an updated fee schedule for ambulance services, approved cured-in-place pipe lining for sanitary sewer mains, accepted the 2025 Board of Ethics report, retained an independent auditor for the 2025 financial statements, approved the purchase of ultrasonic water meters, increased the budget for a police station feasibility study, authorized 2025 budget transfers, and approved the purchase of new server hardware.

The board meeting included the adoption of several resolutions. Key actions involved honoring a local citizen, Mandy McCord, on her 60th birthday and designating a special day in her honor. The board also authorized a change order for the Cross Street Pump Station upgrade project, specifically regarding the installation of gate valves. Additionally, approval was granted for the purchase of nineteen replacement computers and monitors for the police department and town offices.