Town of Caroline

The planning board meeting included a presentation by Chuck Schwarz, Director of Agriculture, concerning the revision of local solar energy sighting laws to encourage combined agriculture and photovoltaic generation (agrivoltaics). Key discussion points covered three categories of agrivoltaics: grazing, improving biodiversity for pollinators, and crop production (row crops, vineyards, fruit trees). The discussion explored the benefits of using sheep, cattle, or dairy under solar installations for mowing and operational cost reduction. Furthermore, the presentation detailed the use of pollinator-friendly plantings under solar arrays to attract bees and butterflies, reduce erosion, and improve water quality, including the potential for solar honey production. A significant focus was placed on dynamic agrivoltaics involving single-axis tilt solar systems where panel tilt is optimized in real-time using environmental data (moisture, temperature) to maximize agricultural benefits while balancing power generation, acknowledging that this optimization may cause a 20-25% curtailment in electric production. The board also discussed mowing frequency for pollinator mixes and the economic challenges developers face in balancing solar investment costs with agricultural enhancements.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to the new county legislator. Key agenda items included a resolution for the temporary appointment of an acting town justice, Teresa Clinger, due to the unavailability of Justice Susan Bar; this was approved unanimously. Various reports were given, covering December revenues, license sales, and a significant tax warrant payment of $500,000. Discussions also touched upon organizing financial documents for reimbursement requests, a scope expansion letter submitted for the town hall project, and upcoming review board items concerning lot subdivisions. Legislators reported on committee assignments, noting excitement over a diverse incoming class and the unanimous passage of a resolution supporting nurses' efforts at unionizing at CUGA medical. Furthermore, a resolution was introduced to formally recommend denying the current water withdrawal permit modification request for the site transitioning to a data center, advocating instead for a new application with full environmental review, in response to alleged correspondence from the applicant. Finally, resolutions of sincere gratitude were passed for the service of three outgoing board members: Sue Pierce Kelling and Craig Modisher from the town review board, and Dan Klein for his 12 years of service on the Tompkins County Legislature. News regarding the Expanded Energy Affordability Program (EEAP) was also shared.

The meeting began with the customary pledge to the flag and an opportunity for the privilege of the floor from the public. Additions to the agenda were noted, including setting agenda items for a future business meeting and scheduling an executive session to discuss a personnel matter for the code office. Committee reports included updates from the planning board regarding ongoing work to revise the solar sighting law, which involved a presentation on innovative agricultural practices under solar panels, such as grazing, pollinator plantings, and dynamic agrics. The history room report detailed efforts by volunteers to inventory objects, noting significant dust issues which led to a request for air purifiers due to a volunteer experiencing an asthma attack. The discovery of a small electric heater left on prompted a discussion on safety concerns and the potential need for air quality analysis and proper cleaning procedures for the room, including vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum. A related issue regarding the weight of materials (books and file cabinets) in the history room and planning for their relocation due to a reconstruction project was also discussed. Training sessions relevant to municipal historians and collection management were mentioned.

The meeting involved organizational resolutions for 2026. Key discussions included adding a resolution for the appointment of a town planner. The Board reviewed and discussed several resolutions, notably establishing rules of procedure, including guidance on distributing draft resolutions prior to public posting. Discussions also covered salary and wages, conforming to the county's new living wage rate of $24.82 per hour. The time for future meetings was debated, resulting in a consensus to hold meetings on the first and third Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. The procurement policy was revised to incorporate the best value purchasing law adopted previously. A policy change was approved to prepay utility, credit card, and health insurance bills upon arrival to avoid late charges, with subsequent audit review. Scheduling for the annual audit meeting was discussed, with a proposed date of January 13th or 14th. Delegates for the Association of Towns meetings were appointed. Additionally, resolutions appointing representatives to the Joint Youth Commission and Recreational Partnership were eliminated due to a lack of appointments, though vacancies remain. Finally, discussions touched upon standard workday reporting requirements related to the retirement system and revisions to the pay schedule for bi-weekly reporting synchronization.

The key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the approval of a Lot Line Adjustment for the Hoyt property at 18 Creamery Road, consolidating acreage and conveying a development unit. A public hearing was held regarding the Ogden Subdivision at 195 Old 76 Road, which was approved to be subdivided into two parcels with specific acreage and development unit counts. A rehearing and approval were also granted for the Brown Subdivision on South & Downey Roads, dividing the property into four lots with varying development units. Additionally, the Board handled an inquiry for a minor subdivision at 105 Belle School Road, completed SEQR review, declared a Negative Declaration, and set a Public Hearing for March 2, 2026. The Board also planned for annual training sessions for members.