Town of Marshall

The committee members discussed the need for a new Commercial Solar Ordinance and to amend the existing town Ordinances which currently allows Commercial Excavation. The committee discussed resources and training opportunities that are available for the committee's use in drafting including the NYS Local Law Search, the Tug Hill Commission and the Oneida County planning department.

The Reorganizational meeting included the appointment of a new Councilmember. The board approved various appointments, including Deputy Town Supervisor, Deputy Town Clerk, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Town Attorney, Bookkeeper, BAR Chair, Janitors, IT help, Codes Enforcement Officer, Animal Control Officer, Town Historian, Parks & Rec Chair, Planning Chair, SWOCO Representative, Water Advisory Board Chairman, Water Billing Clerk, and ZBA Chair. The board also established mileage reimbursement, meeting time and date, the Town's legal newspaper, and the Town's bank.

The Town Board meeting addressed several key issues, including discussions on actions to compel compliance from Mr. Williams regarding zoning violations, and Attorney Schmitt was asked to follow through with action for injunction. Additionally, the board discussed excavating the canal behind a resident's house to prevent flooding. The board also addressed the CDBG application and Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) funding. Highway Superintendent discussed completed roadwork and sand. The board also discussed estimates to seal lots at town hall & town barn. The board went into Executive Session to discuss a specific employee.

The Zoning Board of Appeals convened to discuss several key items. The board addressed an application for a special use permit by John Bushman for an obstacle course at MKJ Farm, reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form and map, considered implications for the town's Comprehensive Plan, and determined that the proposed action would not result in significant adverse environmental impacts. A public hearing was scheduled for March 9, 2016, and members planned to attend the Tug Hill Commission Local Government Conference.

The Marshall Comprehensive Plan outlines a strategic direction for the Town of Marshall, aiming to guide its development and resource management over the next decade. It prioritizes maintaining the town's rural character, supporting small family farms and agri-business, protecting the natural environment and historic heritage, and fostering compatible economic development and community services. The plan seeks to preserve the town's peaceful, friendly, small-town character, enhance its aesthetic qualities, and ensure a high quality of life for residents by balancing growth with preservation, attracting tourism, and maintaining fiscal responsibility, while explicitly rejecting heavy industry.