Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-19 Town Board Meeting Minutes 1 | P a g e Town of Danby Town Board Regular Meeting Minutes Held Tuesday, May 19th, 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 Ted Jones, Town Bookkeeper Laura Shawley, Town Bookkeeper Gary Huddle, Town Justice Theresa Klinger, Town Justice Other Attendees: Pacific Austin Wesley Pace Scott Davis Neff Walker Renee Owens Brad Rauch Ronda Roaring Ted Crane Pat Woodworth Capt. Tilton Hunter Grigg Katharine Hunter Steve Selin Julie Clougherty Susan Perri Meeting Called to Order at 6:03pm Public Hearing- CDBG Closing Hearing Clerk Savoy read an email from Rachel Kaiser, a current recipient of the program. She applied in 2023, was accepted then waitlisted in 2024, and then finally was accepted and received the work in 2025. Projects completed include a new well and pump and several repairs to the exterior of her house. She expressed her gratitude to have been a recipient of the grant. Ronda Roaring spoke favorably about the program as a whole but described ongoing issues with a contractor hired through the grant administration agency, Thoma Development Consultants. She asked that the Town discuss her situation with a representative from Thoma to remedy the issues. She reiterated her overall support for the grant and her gratitude for being a recipient of it. The public hearing was closed at 6:13pm and the regular meeting commenced Additions/Deletions to the Agenda -Correspondence Policy Modification (added to business) -Community Forums (added to business) -Update on the hiring process for the Assistant to the Supervisor (added to business) -Report from Leslie Connors about the County Environmental Management Council Meeting (added to reports) Privilege of the Floor Ronda Roaring explained that she had submitted a petition to the Town to lower the speed limit on South Danby Road. The Town then voted to ask the NY DOT to conduct a review, but she did not hear about the results. After not hearing anything, she followed up with Highway Superintendent Keith Shipman and was informed that the NY DOT had denied the request in January. She commented that the Town should notify those that signed the petition of the results. 2 | P a g e Steve Selin commented on his operations at South Hill Cider, including spreading crushed limestone and preparing to plant flowers. He described his background in conservation and his recent lending of his tractor to a neighbor. Regarding the draft Special Events Law, he expressed some concerns that a provision for the consideration of easements or covenants on a property would make property owners less likely to enter into those easements or covenants, specifically conservation easements. He also commented on the distinction between indoor and outdoor events, such as an uninsulated pole barn or tent. Planning Board Applicant Interviews Wesley Pace and Pacific Austin introduced themselves and described their backgrounds and relevant experience. The Board asked some clarifying questions. Correspondence • Email from Steve Selin "5/5 Event Law Comments" • Email from Mark Pruce "RE: Special Events Law" • Email from Scott Davis "This is not about the cidery!! But very important" • Email from Mary Holland-Bavis with attached letter from Assemblymember Anna Kelles "Assemblymember Kelles South Hill Cider Letter of Support" • Email from Mary Bellakbira "Memorial Day Ceremony" • Email from Susan Perri "Re: Request for Review of Sound Agricultural Practices at South Hill Cider" • Email from Renee Owens "Formal request for the next agenda: vote to oppose A10483" • Email from Katie Hallas "Letter of Support: South Hill Cider" • Email from Jennifer Tiffany "Suggested additions/revisions for events law" • Email from Susan Perri with attached letter from seven residents "Letter from West King/Yaple neighborhood re Events Laws" • Email from Brad Rauch "Specific Feedback on Draft A" Announcements Clerk Savoy announced that due to complications of ensuring correspondences are reflected on the agenda and available for the meeting, the cutoff for submitting correspondences to be included at a meeting would be 3:30pm on the day of the meeting. He emphasized that this does not mean that the Board would not see the correspondence, just that the record would reflect it at the next meeting , and it would be made available at that point. Reports and Presentations • Board Member Connors’ Report from the County Environmental Councils meeting- Board Member Connors reported that the meeting had discussed "giving teeth" to protecting of unique natural areas (UNAs). • Supervisor’s Account Analyses and Budget Transfer Resolution Account Transfer Resolution 159 of 2026 to Amend the 2026 Town Budget (General Fund)- BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Danby, New York hereby authorizes the following budget amendment to increase the 2026 Town Budget: INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS: Account Code: A1440.400 Amount: $9130.00 for Crosswalk Project expenses FROM: General Fund, Fund Balance 3 | P a g e AND: To reclassify these expenditures from Account A1990.400 Contingent Account to A1440.400 Engineering. Discussion It was explained that the budget transfer was needed to cover expenses related to the crosswalk and Town Hall entryway accessibility projects. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 159 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Meeting Minutes Board Member Connors noted that the 5/11/26 special meeting minutes had not been put on the agenda, but that Deputy Clerk Katz had sent them for approval. Resolution 160 of 2026 to Approve the May 11th Special Town Board Meeting Minutes Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Abst. Gagnon Yes Resolution 160 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Board Member Pruce noted his abstention was because he was not at the meeting. Warrant Abstract 11 of 2026 Resolution 161 of 2026 to Approve General Fund Vouchers #170-192 for $17,892.29 Discussion Board Member Connors noted that a voucher submitted by Board Member Pruce included tax. Pruce stated that he had submitted the tax-exempt form, but the voucher submitted may have included the tax, and that he would follow up to make sure it was accurate. Connors also noted that the NYSEG bill had a termination notice on it. Bookkeeper Shawley and Clerk Savoy explained that there were issues with the amount billed, specifically the absence of a solar credit that was expected to be applied which had delayed the submission. Both assured that the issue has since been resolved. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 161 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 4 | P a g e Resolution 162 of 2026 to Approve Highway Fund Vouchers #73-81 for $13,497.96 Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 162 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Resolution 163 of 2026 to Approve Water Fund Vouchers #73-81 for $13,497.96 Discussion Board Member Connors noted that one of the vouchers for a credit card payment lacked supporting documentation. Bookkeeper Shawley stated that she would follow up with the Water District and make sure that it was sent but asked that the Board presently approve the payment so that the credit card bill would not be late. Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 163 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Business Consideration of Planning Board Appointment Resolution 164 of 2026 to Appoint Pacific Austin to the Planning Board for a Term Ending on December 31st, 2030. Discussion The Board noted Austin’s qualifications and relevant background experience, as well as her demonstrated interest in the Planning Board through attending meetings. They thanked Wesley Pace for applying and showing interest, further encouraging him to stay involved. They also extended their thanks to Scott Davis for his service on the Planning Board. Scott Davis spoke about his positive experience on the Planning Board and his appreciation for the respect between the Town and Planning Boards. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Dillon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 164 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Further Consideration of the Special Events Law 5 | P a g e Two drafts of the Special Events Law were presented, one updated from the draft presented at the previous meeting (“Draft A”) and the other drafted by Supervisor Gagnon after further deliberation since the previous meeting (“Draft B”). Gagnon stated that his draft was created to further clarify some of the intents of the law, as well as certain portions defining what would and wouldn’t constitute a “special event”. Board Member Larkins stated that he would recuse himself from the discussion because he had begun booking events. The Board discussed the proposed draft by Supervisor Gagnon and ultimately decided to move forward revising Draft A, addressing his suggestions as revisions to it. The Board reviewed the draft discussing changes to address the concerns regarding parking on public roads and the criteria for special events. They discussed permit applications, the number of permits that would be issued, as well as the BZA’s role in determining whether a permit would be issued or not. They also discussed public notice requirements. Susan Perri described her background in environmental conservation and shared concerns she’s heard from property owners entering conservation easements that their easements will not be monitored or enforced when the ownership changes. She urged the Board to keep the language about conservation and other easements in the draft of the law. She also thanked Scott Davis for his service on the Planning Board. Steve Selin asked about the timing involved with getting an event permit. Planner Hutnik explained that the law only requires that a permit be obtained 24 hours in advance but added that the applications are reviewed by the BZA, which only meets once a month. He stated that he will work with applicants on ensuring that their application is ready for BZA review, which can be a longer process. He added that the draft contains a note that recommends applying two months in advance. Resolution 165 of 2026 to Extend the Meeting by 30 minutes until 8:30pm Discussion There was brief discussion of whether Board Member Larkins should be included in the vote as he had recused himself from the table. Based on the nature of the motion, he was included. Vote Moved by Dillon Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 165 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Resolution 166 of 2026 to Advance the Draft of the Special Events Law for Public Consideration and set a Public Hearing for the Town Board Meeting on July 7th at 6pm Discussion The Board discussed whether the SEQR review would be conducted at the meeting on the 7th or the 21st. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce Vote: Connors Yes 6 | P a g e Dillon Yes Larkins Abstain Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 166 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Susan Perri provided an update on her request to NY Ag and Markets for a review of sound agricultural practices at South Hill Cider, noting that Ag and Markets informed her that South Hill Cider declined to participate in the review. She stated that the review will continue and that the decision may be useful for the Town to have ahead of voting on the law. Steve Selin stated that he was working with his legal counsel and had declined the review initiated by the neighbors, not a review altogether. Resolution Opposing Assembly Bill A10483 Renee Owens, a former member of the Danby Conservation Advisory Committee, described her experience in environmental studies and conservation, including having seen similar legislation in California. She emphasized that the bill does not require public feedback or oversight, and that some of the clauses may conflict with the State Constitution. She highlighted some discrepancies surrounding the motivations for the bill, including profit motives being placed above protection of reforested lands. Resolution 167 of 2026 to Extend the Meeting by 10 minutes until 8:42pm Vote Moved by Dillon Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 166 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Resolution 168 of 2026- Resolution of the Danby Town Board, Tompkins County, New York, Opposing Assembly Bill A10483 / Senate Bill S4408A WHEREAS Assembly Bill A10483 / Senate Bill S4408A would authorize the State to enter into leases, easements, and other agreements granting private energy developers access to New York’s public State Forest “reforestation” lands for construction of energy transmission and distribution infrastructure, without third party environmental review, without limit on cumulative scope or ecological impact; while circumventing community input and bypassing local oversight; WHEREAS the Town of Danby includes most of the 7,729 acres that comprise Danby State Forest, public land that is 22.5 percent of the Danby’s total land area, and is constitutionally protected land whose watershed, wildlife habitat, and recreational values are integral to the character and wellbeing of this community and its visitors; WHEREAS the New York State Constitution declares that these lands shall be "forever devoted" to reforestation; and are designated “for the practice of forest or wildlife conservation" and that "such lands shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private." WHEREAS the Allegany County and the Cattaraugus County Legislature have each passed resolutions opposing this legislation; WHEREAS the Town of Danby supports New York's renewable energy goals and the responsible siting of renewable infrastructure by way of previously disturbed lands including existing disturbed rights-of-way and corridors, brownfields, and landfills; 7 | P a g e NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that 1. The Danby Town Board formally opposes Assembly Bill A10483 / Senate Bill S4408A and respectfully urges the New York State Assembly and Governor Kathy Hochul to oppose this legislation. 2. The Danby Town Board continues to advocate for local and county government participation in ecologically beneficial renewable energy project citing and development. 3. The Danby Town Board insists on a meaningful SEQR process when any disruption or development of any state forest land is being considered. 4. Copies of this resolution shall be transmitted to Assembly Member Anna Kelles, State Senator Lea Webb, Assembly Member Jennifer Lunsford (Prime Sponsor, A10483A), State Senator Rachel May, Speaker Carl Heastie, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Tompkins County New York Legislature. Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Connors Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 167 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Update on the Town Hall Entryway Accessibility Project Board Member Dillion gave an update on the crosswalk and entryway accessibility projects. In light of the situation of the EV charger currently, a proposal has been made to relocate the chargers to the back of the building. The Board discussed the potential challenges involved. It was determined that the Building and Grounds Committee would need to meet. No formal action was taken. Consideration for Allowing the League of Women Votes to put Signs and Flyers up at Town Hall Resolution 169 of 2026 to Allow the League of Women Voters to put Signs and Flyers up at Town Hall Discussion The Board discussed the timeframe for these signs going up and who would be responsible for taking them down. The expectation would be they would be up two weeks before and then taken down the day after the primary and general elections. Vote Moved by Pruce Seconded by Larkins Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 168 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Resolution 170 of 2026 to Extend the Meeting by 10 Minutes Vote Moved by Gagnon Seconded by Pruce 8 | P a g e Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 169 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Planning for the Planner’s Temporary Absence Planner Hutnik explained that he would be taking paid family leave from June 8th to July 3rd. He stated that he had reached out to MRB Group and George Frantz for proposals for coverage in the interim. He explained that he had worked with Frantz previously and that Frantz would be able to assist in the SEQR process for the Special Events Law. The Board discussed compensation, which Planner Hutnik noted would come largely from his salary line. Resolution 171 of 2026 to Hire George Frantz as an Interim Planner at a Rate of $55/hr. not to Exceed $7,500 Vote Moved by Pruce Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Yes Gagnon Yes Resolution 170 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Correspondence Policy Update It was noted that the suggested disclaimer from Clerk Savoy was only tangentially related to the correspondence policy. Resolution 172 of 2026 to Add the Privacy Disclaimer to the Website Vote Moved by Connors Seconded by Gagnon Vote: Connors Yes Dillon Yes Larkins Yes Pruce Abstain Gagnon Yes Resolution 171 of 2026 passed on May 19th, 2026 Board Member Pruce noted his abstention was because he had not read the drafted text. Update on the Assistant to the Supervisor Hiring Committee Board Member Dillon stated that they had received 19 applicants. A longer update may be emailed. Next Meeting’s Agenda -Assistant to the Supervisor Hiring Committee -Community Forums The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.