Town of Camillus

The primary discussion centered on proposed improvements to the Municipal Building, specifically converting the largely unused gymnasium space into a functional multi-purpose area to accommodate the Town Board, Planning Board, ZBA, and Courts during construction of a new elevator entrance, which is anticipated from mid-2025 into 2026. The proposed space would offer significantly increased capacity compared to the current Board Room. Discussions covered funding the conversion using the town's special buildings account, potential ADA compliance upgrades, and the integration of security enhancements. Several board members expressed support for keeping town government offices in the Municipal Building due to cost effectiveness compared to leasing or building new facilities, while one member maintained the position that the building should be sold.

The Supervisor addressed recent developments concerning the Camillus Sportsmen's Club, detailing the issuance of a Cease-and-Desist Order due to stray bullet complaints and management's refusal to apply for a modified special use permit or retain a third-party range expert. The Supervisor also publicly refuted accusations of conflict of interest regarding this matter. Highway Superintendent reports noted judicious salt use due to shortages and recognized employee service. New Business included the approval of Warrant No. 3 payments, payment for the Camillus C&D Landfill Capital Improvements Project, approval of the Camillus Tree Committee Members list, and the introduction of three proposed local laws: one imposing a twelve-month moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (with a public hearing scheduled for March 10, 2026), one repealing and replacing Chapter 38 (Dumpsters), and one repealing and replacing Chapter 27 (Smoke Detectors). Public hearings for the latter two local laws were also scheduled for March 10, 2026. The Board also approved a Property Access Request from the USDA for the European Cherry Fruit Fly Program.

Discussions included Highway Superintendent reports regarding dispatch frequency and judicious use of road salt due to shortages, potentially mixing salt with sand. New business involved several resolutions: approval of Warrant No. 2 for payments totaling $660,437.09; amending the 2025 budget to reallocate funds to cover a franchise fees audit expense; setting a date for the opening of bids for the Firing Range Storage Building Project; approving an application for fire hydrants related to the Rolling Meadows Water District installation; authorizing actions related to the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System General Permit, including funding a regional stormwater compliance program; and authorizing payment for surveying services for property staking at 125 East Gate Road. Public comment addressed the upcoming School District vote and a local security camera location.

The Planning Board meeting addressed several agenda items, unanimously approving the site plan application for an electronic billboard sign for Stephen Frank at 4400 West Genesee Street. The board also unanimously approved the site plan submission for Mater Dei Academy's expansion, inclusive of a new chapel. Discussions for Local 315 Brewing Company's site plan involved clarifications on engineering comments regarding tree removal, parking calculations based on tasting room size and pavilion inclusion, site access flow, stormwater drainage routing, building grading around doorways, and lighting details. For the Cameron Hinsdale, LLC application involving a sketch plan and preliminary plat, the board closed the sketch plan review stage and advised proceeding with preliminary and final plat stages, focusing on drainage easements and ensuring infrastructure adequacy for the subdivided church parcel. Additionally, the board unanimously approved extending the application submittal deadline from six days to two weeks prior to meetings and authorized payment of a voucher from Barton & Loguidice, DPC.

The meeting included comments from the Highway Superintendent regarding the dispatch frequency of plow crews and judicious use of road salt due to shortages, noting potential mixing with sand. New Business involved the unanimous approval of Warrant No. 2 for payments totaling $660,437.09. The Town Board also approved amending the 2025 budget by reallocating $43,375.50 from Franchise Fee Revenue to Contractual Expense to cover the franchise fees audit costs. Furthermore, the Board set a date for opening bids for the Firing Range Storage Building Project and approved the application for fire hydrants related to a water district installation. A resolution was unanimously approved authorizing work described in Attachment A pertaining to the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit, including funding $3,600 for program costs. Finally, payment was authorized for surveying and 3D laser scanning services for a property on East Gate Road. Public comments addressed the upcoming School District vote and a security camera location.