Susan Keller

The meeting involved approving several appointments, including Anne Kuhn as a Part-Time Clerk to Town Justice, and Zachary J. Constas and Bruce A. Relyea, Jr. as Motor Equipment Operators in the Highway Department. The board also accepted and approved a rate increase for the Storage Tank Liability Policy from Highstreet. Significant budget adjustments were approved through transfers from the Highway Secretary personnel line item to increase funding for Comptroller Personnel, Deputy Clerk II Personnel, and Confidential Secretary personnel. The board entered into Executive Session to discuss the NH PBA Contract, Personnel Matters, the New Hartford Central School Contract, and Wachs Tax Certiorari. Upon returning to regular session, the board approved and authorized the execution of a formal offer of settlement for the new PBA contract with an amendment reducing the contract period from four to two years.

The Town Board addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the appointment of Maria McNiel as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a one-year term. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to email credit card purchase documentation to all members for review and prior approval to prevent incurring late fees under the current voucher process. Furthermore, the Board formally reviewed and denied a FOIL appeal (JER 2025-635), directing the Town Clerk to issue a formal denial response with detailed reasons.

The Town Board meeting involved several key actions. A zone change application for a Planned Development District at 4647 Middlesettlement Road was referred to the Planning Board for review and SEQRA action. A public hearing was held regarding Local Law Introductory "1" of 2026, which enacted a six-month moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems. The Board adopted this Local Law No. 1 of 2026. Resolutions were passed to approve vouchers, add a Councilman as an additional financial signer, authorize internet connection for the Municipal Animal Shelter, and enter into an agreement with the Town of Marcy for animal shelter services. The Board also authorized agreements with Oneida County for mowing and ditching services for the 2026 season and approved the appointment of two seasonal laborers for the Highway Department. Furthermore, the Board introduced a Local Law to adjust the Town Supervisor's salary to $32,000 and scheduled a public hearing for March 4, 2026. Discussions were held regarding fire district boundary discrepancies involving Willowvale Fire Co. and New Hartford Fire Department, which will result in a corrective letter being sent based on a 1982 map.

The Town Board addressed several agenda items during this special meeting. Key discussions included the appointment of Maria McNeil as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a one-year term. The Board also adopted a resolution authorizing the Finance Director to email credit card purchase documentation to all members for review and approval prior to invoice due dates to prevent incurring late fees. Additionally, the Board formally reviewed and denied FOIL appeal JER-2025-635, directing the Town Clerk to issue a formal denial response with detailed reasons.

The Town Board meeting included several significant actions and discussions. Key items included the preliminary review and referral to the Planning Board for a zone change application regarding a Planned Development District (RPDD) at 4647 Middlesettlement Road. A Public Hearing was held concerning Local Law Introductory "1" of 2026, which established a six-month moratorium on large-scale solar energy systems, followed by the adoption of Local Law No. 1 of 2026. The Board approved various resolutions, including the payment of vouchers, adding a Councilman as an additional financial signer, and renewing the Notary license for Delores B. Shaw. The Board also introduced a Local Law to restore the Town Supervisor's annual salary to $32,000, scheduling a Public Hearing for March 6, 2026. Discussions occurred regarding fire district delineation errors involving Chapman Road properties, the New Hartford Central School District terminating its office space rental, and reviewing the BAN renewal with the Bonadio group to work towards restoring the S&P credit rating. The Board authorized an agreement with the Town of Marcy for animal shelter services in 2026 and executed agreements with Oneida County for ditching and mowing services for the 2026 season. Furthermore, two seasonal laborers were appointed for the Highway Department, and Joseph Chiffy was appointed as an Alternate on the Planning Board.