Village of Homer

The primary item discussed was a minor subdivision request from Homer Development LLC for the property located at 41 James Street, Tax Map Number 66.74-02-34.0000 in an industrial district. The request aimed to subdivide the parcel containing the police station building from the larger tract that includes two warehouses, aiming to differentiate the use cases. The board noted that the existing property boundary currently runs through one of the buildings. The discussion also covered existing easements, including one related to a chain-link fence by the railroad tracks. Following environmental review procedures, including the completion of SEQRA Part One by the applicant and discussion regarding Part Two, the board determined that the proposed action would not result in any significant adverse environmental effects and voted for a negative declaration. A motion was passed to approve the environmental assessment conclusion.

The meeting involved a public hearing for appeal number 517 regarding the property at 41 James Street for a subdivision request and area of errors for a nonconforming structure. The applicant detailed the property's composition, which consists of five parcels including lots, a parking lot, a building at 37, and a larger parcel encompassing a factory, warehouses, and a train station. The primary request was for a variance on setback requirements to facilitate the subdivision. Discussion centered on repurposing the historic train station building for potential retail or office space, separating it from the industrial areas (warehouses/factory), and ensuring adequate parking for the newly subdivided parcels, noting the current use of adjacent areas for parking. The unusual property line configuration due to an existing railroad easement was also a key point of discussion.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence honoring the passing of Ward Ducllo, a recreation committee member, while also acknowledging his wife Joanne's injuries. Discussion included noting Women's History Month and an event hosted by the League of Women Voters. The Board approved the minutes for the meetings held on January 13, January 27, and February 10, 2026, and authorized payment of various bills, including funds for the BNL water tank and a fire compressor. Updates were provided on facility improvements, including working toward an April 1st completion for a building project, solar panel installation, exterior painting, and potential historical roofing restoration. The Board declared a property at 35 James Street a dangerous building following a fire, initiated condemnation notice procedures, and discussed the utilization and recouping of village funds used for emergency securing of the property. A conditional approval was granted for the sale of village property located at Derwood Drive and John Street, pending final signatures. The Board tabled the review of the comp time policy for police department employees to gather more information and discuss it further with the Chief. Additionally, discussion occurred regarding the potential switch from quarterly to monthly payments for certain employees to simplify tax and fiscal year reporting. Finally, a significant portion of the meeting addressed the aftermath of the Town of Courtlandville opting out of the recreation contract, leading to the issuance of a statement explaining that Courtlandville residents may face non-resident fees for certain recreation activities to cover costs previously shared.

The proceedings began with a public hearing for the adoption of the final budget for the Village of Homer for the fiscal year 2627, which was subsequently approved. During the regular meeting segment, the approval of minutes was deferred due to staffing turnover, with minutes expected at the next meeting. The board moved to authorize the payment of bills across several funds totaling a substantial amount, largely due to a large payment to the New York State Retirement Fund. Privilege of the floor included an update on the progress of the downstairs renovation, targeting an April 1 completion, and discussions regarding planning an open house for the renovated building and the town highway department, emphasizing shared services. Legislator Cleveland's forwarded update noted the county legislature's approval to move forward with broadband initiatives and a temporary lease extension for the mental health facility due to labor shortages. The board also discussed County Resolution 25-26 establishing a finance department registry fee ladder for short-term rental units and provided conditional support for Cortland County's application for a Local Government Efficiency Grant for a county-operated ambulance service to supplement existing EMS. New business included the approval of a one-year contract renewal with Syracuse Haulers for waste services, noting a 7% increase and the inclusion of a rider addressing sludge contamination in recycling. The board also confirmed the meeting dates for the 2026 meeting year and approved department assignments. Finally, the board granted conditional support for a draft Certificate of Need concerning the county-operated ambulance service grant application, which aims to enhance countywide EMS capacity.

The primary agenda item considered was a minor subdivision application for property located at 17 Clinton Street (Tax Map No. 066.66-03-10.0000000) in an R2 zone, involving the conveyance of approximately 0.12 acres to 19 Clinton Street. The County Planning department determined the application to be technically adequate without comments, and a Type Two short environmental assessment form was completed, not requiring further review. The Board approved the site plan, contingent upon the applicant providing a consolidated deed for the parcels involved. The Board also approved the minutes from the preceding meeting held on December 8.