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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT_2026-02-20 Town Board Meeting Minutes1 | P a g e Town of Danby Town Board Regular Meeting Minutes Held Friday, February 20th, 2026, at the Danby Town Hall Board Members Present: Joel Gagnon, Town Supervisor Leslie Connors Mariah Dillon Zachary Larkins Mark Pruce Town Staff and Officials: Blake Savoy, Town Clerk Greg Hutnik, Town Planner Gary Huddle, Town Justice Theresa Klinger, Town Justice Laura Shawley, Town Bookkeeper Other Attendees: Ronda Roaring Ted Crane Pat Woodworth Capt. Charles Tilton Jennifer Tiffany Jonathan Zisk Meeting Called to Order at 6:04pm Additions/Deletions to the Agenda − More on Succession Planning for Bookkeeper/Assistant to the Supervisor − Naming Leonard Dodge to be Representative for the Town and Water District in Contract Execution Decisions − NYSEG Resolution − Acknowledgement of Credit Card Pre-payment Discussion of Future Alternatives Privilege of the Floor Ted Crane stated that he preferred the previous arrangement of the meeting room , which showed the audience as well as the Board. He stated concerns that the Board may be undereducated about the potential impacts of the NYSEG FLAIR project, particularly given that other towns have passed resolutions against the project while the Danby Town Board has not. He stated that he was glad to see that the Bookkeeper to the Supervisor position had been posted publicly, noting some discomfort that the initial hire for the position came "out of the blue". He also asked that items on the agenda be linked. Ronda Roaring stated that she would like to see a comparison of the "proposed [special events] law and the events law" prior to any votes being held. She stated that she would lik e the special events law to include a requirement that the Town be notified, even in cases where no fee is charged, in order to pass such notification to the fire department and potentially the sheriff's office. She stated that she would like to see the Town take action against those currently charging for events or use of a site for an event, particularly noting concerns regarding events held near the Danby State Forest. Correspondence An email was received from the NYDOT announcing approval of the request to lower the speed limits on Michigan Hollow and Hornbrook Roads from 55mph to 45mph. An email was received from Shaun Brown regarding the NYSEG FLAIR project, specifically urging the Board to submit comment by the extended public comment deadline of March 26th. Supervisor Gagnon noted that Mr. Brown had reached out to him previously and expressed concerns about the impact of the project at the time of the initial presentation. 2 | P a g e Announcements Clerk Savoy announced that in light of the "Zoom-bombing" at the last meeting, going forward, Zoom participants would be unable to unmute themselves. The procedure for unmuting will be utilizing the "raise hand" feature on Zoom and waiting for recognition from the chair (i.e. Supervisor). To aid this, Clerk Savoy stated that he would raise his hand to indicate that there is a request to comment from the public. Minutes Resolution 88 of 2026 to Approve the February 20th Meeting Minutes Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Absent Gagnon Yes Resolution 88 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Reports and Presentations • Highway Department Report- Bookkeeper Shawley, in her capacity as the Highway Secretary, reported that the Highway Department has been beginning the process of brush clearing along roadsides. • Supervisor's Report Warrant Abstract 4 of 2026 Resolution 89 of 2026 to Approve the General Fund Vouchers #44-75 for $30,849.03 Discussion The Board discussed the contents of the abstract, specifically voucher 76 for the General Fund. With input from Bookkeeper Shawley, it was determined that voucher 76 should actually have been charged to the Highway Fund. The Board amended the resolution to include this change. Board Member Pruce entered the meeting at about 6:28pm. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Abstain Gagnon Yes Resolution 89 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Resolution 90 of 2026 to Approve the Highway Fund Vouchers #10-21 for $51,202.52 Discussion With the understanding that voucher #76 was incorrectly on the General Fund, that voucher became Highway voucher #21. The resolution was amended to reflect this total. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon 3 | P a g e Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 90 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Resolution 91 of 2026 to Approve the Water Fund Vouchers #3 -4 for $387.00 Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 91 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Resolution 92 of 2026 to Approve the General Fund Voucher #76 for $611,000 Discussion It was stated that this voucher specifically was for the Fire District's annual levy, paid out of the general fund. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 92 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Business Special Events Law Draft Planner Hutnik presented the latest draft of the special events law. He noted that the last changes to this law were presented last Fall. The new draft reflects a redefinition of what constitutes a special event in terms of event attendance, number of cars on a property, and density. It was agreed to bring this proposal back for further discussion at a later meeting. Resolution of Support for FLLT Grant Application to Help Fund Addition to the Lindsey-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve Resolution 93 of 2026 to Support the Finger Lakes Land Trust’s Grant Application to Help Fund Acquisition Discussion Supervisor Gagnon stated that he had written a letter of support with confidence that the Board would pass a resolution supporting the application. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: 4 | P a g e Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 93 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Board Member Connors affirmed that she supports the acquisit ion but would like to see this kind of grant funding put towards other properties eroding into Buttermilk Creek directly. Board Member Pruce noted that there are grants from the County that may apply towards these situations. The Board discussed various areas of Buttermilk Creek that protection may be sought for, as well as sources of funding for preservation efforts. Use of Meeting Room for Town’s Attorneys Resolution 94 of 2026 to Allow the Proposed Meeting Room Use for Lawyers Representing the Town Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 94 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Supervisor Gagnon referenced that the meeting room use policy was in the process of being updated, specifically regarding eliminating a clause requiring insurance to make it easier for groups to use the space. More on Succession Planning for the Bookkeeper/Assistant to the Supervisor Supervisor Gagnon acknowledged concerns regarding the appointment, and stated that he would be holding his appointment in abeyance to consider other potential candidates. He further stated that while $10,000 was allocated towards training the prospective candidate, funding was not put towards raising the salary for the role. He noted that the position was listed on the Tompkins County Civil Service Jobs page and advertised in the Danby Town News and on the Town’s website , and that he had even heard it on the radio. The Board discussed whether the position should be full-time or part-time, and the salary for the position. Resolution 95 of 2026 to Rescind Resolution 88 of 2026 Vote Moved by Pruce Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 95 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 5 | P a g e Resolution 96 of 2026 to Hold a Special Meeting to Consider the Employment Scenarios Discussed Discussion The date will be decided later. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 96 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Naming Leonard Dodge to Represent the Town and Water District Supervisor Gagnon noted that in order for a member of an advisory committee to serve in a decision - making capacity, they must have Board authorization. Resolution 97 of 2026 to Name Leonard Dodge as the Representative for the Town and Water District in Contract Execution Decisions Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 97 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Resolution 98 of 2026 to Extend the Meeting by 15 Minutes Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 98 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 NYSEG Resolution Board Member Connors stated that she heard about this at Dryden Town Board meeting. There are several local towns that have passed similar resolutions with the goal of adding enough weight to the issue for the Public Service Commission to take notice regarding the cost of NYSEG electricity. Board Member Pruce stated that he would like to continue this conversation because there is still more to be done. Resolution 99 of 2026: 6 | P a g e A Resolution Strongly Urging Immediate Review of Electric Delivery Charges, Demanding Improved Cost Controls and Transparency, and Authorizing Formal Complaints to the New York State Public Service Commission Regarding the Escalating Cost of Electricity. WHEREAS, residents and businesses in the Town of Danby are experiencing unsustainable, repeated, and compounding increases in electric bills that are placing a growing financial strain on households and the local economy; and WHEREAS, a substantial portion of these increases is attributable not to increased energy consumption, but to escalating delivery charges, fees, and approved rate adjustments imposed by NYSEG; and WHEREAS, electric delivery charges and rate structures are regulated and approved by the New York State Public Service Commission, which is statutorily charged with ensuring that utility rates are just, reasonable, and affordable for ratepayers; and WHEREAS, the Danby Town Board has received numerous complaints from residents who are struggling to afford basic electric service and who have expressed serious concern regarding the frequency, magnitude, and lack of transparency surrounding recent and ongoing rate increases; and WHEREAS, rural and low-density communities such as the Town of Danby are disproportionately impacted by delivery charge increases and cost-recovery mechanisms that fail to adequately account for affordability, equity, and the cumulative burden placed on ratepayers ; and WHEREAS, the Town Board finds that continued approval of rate increases without stronger cost controls, greater transparency, and meaningful affordability protections is unacceptable and contrary to the public interest; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby formally and strongly urges the New York State Public Service Commission to conduct a thorough and immediate review of electric delivery charges, rate increases, and cost -recovery practices applicable to NYSEG customers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby calls upon the Public Service Commission to prioritize ratepayer affordability, demand greater transparency from NYSEG, and require demonstrable cost-containment and operational efficiency measures before approving any future rate increases; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Danby expressly opposes continued or automatic rate increases that shift rising operational, infrastructure, and administrative costs onto ratepayers without clear justification or adequate protection for rural communiti es; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor of the Town of Danby is hereby authorized and directed to submit formal complaints, written comments, and supporting documentation to the New York State Public Service Commission on behalf of the Town and its residents, objecting t o excessive electric costs and requesting regulatory intervention; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Danby is directed to transmit copies of this resolution to the New York State Public Service Commission, NYSEG, the Governor of the State of New York, our representative members of the New York State Legislature, and adj oining municipalities served by NYSEG, and to encourage coordinated action among affected towns; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: 7 | P a g e Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 99 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 Acknowledge Prepayment of Town Credit Cards Supervisor Gagnon stated that a credit card bill was paid prior to Board audit because of the NYAOT annual meeting causing a postponement of a Board Meeting that would have been on 2/17/26 to 2/20/2026. Due to this, the credit card bill was paid so as not to incur late fees. Resolution 100 of 2026 to Acknowledge a Credit Card Prepayment due to the Postponement o f the Board Meeting Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 100 of 2026 passed on February 20th, 2026 The Board discussed the audit from the State Comptroller's office regarding the best practice in this situation. The Comptroller's suggestion was to hold special meetings when these circumstances arise to both pay the bill on time and allow for Board audit. They also discussed noticing requirements and scheduling conflicts regarding this suggestion. The discussion will be continued at the next meeting. Discussion of Next Meeting Agenda • Procedure for Credit Card Payments- Special Meetings? • Credit Card bills review and audit • Court Audit The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM.