Town of Somerset

This document outlines the Town of Somerset's Road Work Plan for 2025-2030. It details specific road construction and maintenance projects for various streets across different years, including asphalt work, gravel application, culvert installation, and other infrastructure improvements, along with their associated costs. The plan also notes annual maintenance activities such as seal coating and crack filling to ensure ongoing road quality.

The Town of Somerset Comprehensive Plan (2023 update) serves as a guide for coordinated community development, focusing on public health, safety, and general welfare. It addresses nine key elements: Issues & Opportunities, Housing, Transportation, Utilities & Community Facilities, Agricultural, Natural, & Cultural Resources, Economic Development, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Use, and Implementation. The plan aims to achieve managed, sustainable growth that preserves rural character, protects natural and environmental features, balances development impacts, and enhances quality of life through parks and recreation.

The Public Hearing was opened to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. A correction was made to move funds from the 2025 budget line to the 2026 budget line for the Deputy Water Clerk/Bookkeeper. The Youth Program Grant money was allocated to the Grant Account, and funds were designated for park improvements. There was also a discussion about the brush pile and the possibility of it lasting another year, as well as clarification that sales tax cannot be used for the water maintenance fund.

The meeting included reports from the Code Enforcement Officer and Historian, covering permits, certificates of occupancy and compliance, and participation in the Erie Canal anniversary. The Highway Superintendent reported on vehicle maintenance and road work. The Planning Board sent the Junkyard Laws approval back to the Town Clerk, and a Public Hearing was scheduled. The board discussed water transmission fees, the Supervisor's report, and a water bill agreement, including a one-time forgiveness. Public comments covered the youth program grant and upcoming events.

The meeting addressed various budget-related topics, including adding delinquent water bills to taxes for specific residents. Discussions covered insect spraying rates, machinery equipment contractual needs, and repairs to the Highway doors. The last payment on the 10-wheel Dump Truck account was reviewed, and adjustments were proposed for the Metered Sales account. The board also discussed raising the Water Clerk Contractual Account and explored the possibility of transferring sales tax money into the Water Maintenance Fund. A potential water reservoir at the highway garage was proposed, along with park improvements such as a water fountain and new amenities. The board discussed a grant for park improvements and the Youth Program, and they entered an executive session to discuss raises for Highway staff. Additionally, a new account was created for the Deputy Water Clerk, and Marie Cronin was appointed to the position.