HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2026-02-19TB 2-19-26
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TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOWN BOARD MEETING
February 19, 2026
Zoom Hybrid
Present: Cl Daniel Lamb, Cl Leonardo Vargas-Mendez, Cl Christina Dravis,
Cl Spring Buck
Absent: Supervisor Jason Leifer
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Avery, Town Clerk
Rick Young, Highway/DPW Superintendent
Other Town Staff: Ray Burger, Planning Director
*Cassie Byrnes, Secretary to the Supervisor
In the Supervisor’s absence, Deputy Supervisor Cl Lamb opened the meeting at 6:00
p.m. Board members and audience recited the pledge of allegiance.
RESOLUTION #66 (2026) – APPROVE MEETING MINUTES
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves the meeting minutes of January 2,
January 8, and January 15, 2026.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING TOWN CODE CHAPTER 270-
TO DEFINE DATA CENTERS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY FACILITIES
AND ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS
Cl Lamb opened the public hearing at 6:02 p.m. He thanked the Planning Board for
helping develop good definitions for the document and talked about the approach. The
proposed local law adds the definitions to the code and the town deliberately chose not to put
the use in the use table. If it is not listed in the use table, it cannot be done. This was the
chosen method that the board worked on and discussed with the town attorney. They
concluded this was the most efficient way to address the issue in the town.
Comments:
Jack Wright, 7 Lee Road, Chair of the Climate Action Committee, said this is
something that has been discussed by their committee and all members voted in favor of
expressing support. He thanked the board for the time and effort put into this. The committee
appreciates the effort to protect the environment and the Dryden community in the areas of
energy affordability, noise pollution, and the other concerns listed in their previous
communication.
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David Weinstein, 51 Freese Road, thanked the board for doing this. He is involved with
the nightmare that is happening in Lansing and appreciates the board getting involved and
taking steps to help the town avoid getting involved in that kind of issue.
CL Lamb said one of the primary concerns here is energy use, including rising demands
on energy and scarcity and what that can do to energy prices, and not having these high -
energy data centers in our town. Other concerns include what they actually return to the town
in terms of value and their overall impression on the environment and the neighborhood,
among other things.
There were no further comments, and the hearing was l eft open at 6:09 p.m.
Dryden Agriculture Advisory Committee – Austin Beck of the Ag Committee
presented a resolution (attached) requesting a moratorium on major subdivisions of ‘Prime
Soils’ and ‘Soils of Statewide Importance,’ based on the USDA soil maps for New York State, for
a period of 18 months. He said over the years Dryden has struggled to find a balance between
affordable housing while protecting ag space and open space. The goal is to protect the rural
character of Dryden. They have seen the struggle that is planning and zoning and how to walk
a line between not telling people what they can and cannot do with their property while trying
to maintain Dryden’s goals as a community. The committee presents this proposal now
because the zoning rewrite is an opportunity to develop some agriculture protection zoning
specifically to support those goals that we have. We can promote the development of affordable
housing in Dryden and do it in a strategic way that aligns with our goals and also protects local
agriculture, open space, prime soils, and the soils of importance that we have. Once you lose
that you cannot get it back. He speaks for many people in Dryden that want to see the goals
met in a way that makes everyone happy.
Cl Lamb said he understands the committee is looking for protection of the land from
development based on the value of the soil and making sure that we do not forfeit those lands
to certain types of development. He asked about a map that would help identify the areas to be
protected. A Beck responded that soils are tough because there are so many different types.
The easiest map is the USDA soil maps. That map will categorize prime soils, soils of statewide
importance, prime soils that drain and so forth. That map is included in the comp plan. This is
a huge amount of land in Dryden and having a moratorium on those soils alone is extremely
broad. As this ag protection zoning is developed, they will discuss tying it to location, size of
parcels, soil details, and other factors to help get to the goal.
Cl Buck asked if forested lands could be included. There are different types of farming
in forested spaces. As we go through this process, she does not want to see land deforested to
protect the farmland. A Beck said forested lands may not fall into this specifically, but believes
it is important.
Cl Lamb said the board will need to process this further, consult with the town
attorney, and see how it impacts any pending projects. He wondered about areas where we
want development closer to the nodes. He would like to see the maps. He said the board is
open to this proposal.
A Beck said New York is unique in the agriculture industry. We have advantages that
other states do not have: climate, the technology used, and things that agriculture does today
to protect the soils. The soil loss you hear about in the Midwest does not h appen in New York
because of ag practices here. It is extremely concerning from the industry standpoint; they face
challenges to maintain efficiencies and stay viable in the state.
Representatives of the Ag Committee will also visit the Planning Board. They have been
attending the ZAG meetings.
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Nancy Munkenbeck noted there are some problems with the USDA maps. They
downgrade the good soils based on slope and she hopes that is taken into consideration. The
town of Caroline has been working on the same kind of problem and working with someone
who is helping them produce maps that adjust for the fact that USDA used a slope algorithm
as part of the assessment of the soils.
HIGHWAY/DPW DEPARTMENT
Rick Young reported that the department’s salt supply is low and it is harder to get. He
is hoping winter is over before they run out. They are doing a lot of truck repairs. He is working
on a right-of-way permit fee structure and will have it available for board review next month.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
R Burger has presented the department’s monthly update, and it is posted on the
website. The Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Watershed Organization would like to present at a
future meeting, possibly the March meeting.
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW (continued)
Cl Lamb closed the public hearing at 6:27 p.m.
RESOLUTION # 67 (2026) – DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
REGARDING ADOPTION OF PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, a proposed local law entitled “A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 270 OF THE
TOWN CODE TO DEFINE DATA CENTERS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY FACILITIES AND ADDRESS
RELATED MATTERS” was presented to the Town Board at its meeting on January 15, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board scheduled a public hearing for February 19, 2026 regarding said
local law; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the official newspaper of the
Town and posted on the Town Clerk’s signboard; and
WHEREAS, the action required GML 239 review, and Tompkins County determined in their
comment letter dated February 12, 2026, that the proposal will not have a significant county-
wide or inter-community impact; and
WHEREAS, the action was referred to the Town Planning Board for review and recommendation,
and their comments have been received and reviewed; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 19, 2026 regarding said proposed local law,
at which all interested persons appearing were provided an opportunity to speak; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the proposed local law in accordance with the New
York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law, and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617; and
WHEREAS, the proposed local law adds four new definitions within the Town’s Zoning Code,
concerning data centers and cryptocurrency facilities and clarifies that when a proposed land
use clearly falls within a category contained in the allowable use groups chart or a use defined
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within the Zoning Code, such use shall not be interpreted as falling within another category or
defined use; and
WHEREAS, such additions to the Zoning Code are regulatory in nature that solely add and clarify
definitions within the Zoning Code, and do not authorize, approve, fund or directly undertake
any physical development or land use change;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Dryden, based upon
the review and findings above, hereby determines that the Proposed Action is a Type II action
pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.5(26), (33) and (37), and as such will not result in any significant
adverse environmental impacts, and as a Type II action no other determination of environmental
significance is required in connection therewith; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
RESOLUTION #68 (2026) – ADOPT LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 270 OF THE TOWN
CODE TO DEFINE DATA CENTERS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY FACILITIES AND ADDRESS
RELATED MATTERS
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, the Town of Dryden scheduled a public hearing for February 19, 2026 at 6:05 p.m.
for proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2026 entitled “A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 270 OF THE
TOWN CODE TO DEFINE DATA CENTERS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY FACILITIES AND ADDRESS
RELATED MATTERS”; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the official newspaper of the
Town and posted on the Town Clerk’s signboard; and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Planning Department reviewed the proposed Local Law
pursuant to GML § 239-m and determined in their comment letter dated February 12, 2026, that
the proposal will not have a significant county-wide or inter-community impact; and
WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly held on the 19th day of February, 2026 at 6:05 p.m.
and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition
to said proposed Local Law, or any part thereof; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, it has been determined by
the Town Board that adoption of the proposed Local Law constitutes a Type II Action as defined
under 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(26), (33) and (37); and
WHEREAS, the Town Board, after due deliberation, finds it in the best interest of the Town to
adopt said proposed Local Law.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby adopts said local law as Local
Law No. 3 of 2026 entitled “A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 270 OF THE TOWN CODE TO
DEFINE DATA CENTERS AND CRYPTOCURRENCY FACILITIES AND ADDRESS RELATED
MATTERS,” a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof; and be it further
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RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be and hereby is directed to enter said Local Law in the minutes
of this meeting and to give due notice of the adoption of said Local Law to the Secretary of State;
and be it further
RESOLVED that this resolution will take effect upon filing with the Department of State.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
The board thanked the public for their support in this matter.
DRYDEN FIBER
David Makar reviewed the executive summary. January was a pretty busy month
overall. The added a few customers, worked on construction inventory purchasing and across
the board were very busy. There was a road incident in January. A truck went off the road on
Route 366 and hit a utility pole at 10:05 in the morning. Dryden Fiber did not lose the network
at all. However, NYSEG had about two hundred customers out of service for about four hours.
He visited the site about 3:00 p.m., called Syracuse Utilities and they reattached the network to
the new NYSEG pole. By 6:00 p.m. the work was complete. Syracuse Utilities invoiced for their
work and there are communications with the driver’s insurance company for reimbursement
for that expense.
The first reimbursement request has been submitted. The next three reimbursement
requests will happen in the late summer or early fall as miles are constructed.
All three construction projects have been bid out and awarded to Syracuse Utilities.
Materials have been ordered. There are various delivery times, and the longest delivery time is
for drop cables. There are currently 831 in stock, and delivery is expected by August 31. All
highway work permits have been submitted.
January has been the biggest single month for inbound requests, likely due to inserts
sent with both Dryden and Caroline tax bills.
Three candidates were interviewed for the account management position, and he should
have a recommendation next week.
A recent Cortland Standard article was incorrect in that it should have stated that IT IS
NOT impossible to reach the completion goal date. There are challenges but they are working
through them. Getting the poles ready takes time and there is a technology challenge that will
be worked through.
D Makar reviewed the construction schedule. There are 315 days to go to build out
141.9 miles of fiber. He reviewed the construction schedule and noted that construction will be
happening in each of the three project areas simultaneously beginning in June with the
expectation that all areas will be live by the end of December 2026.
There are new sign requirements under the MIP grant requirements. Signs will need to
include language regarding the source of the funding.
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Data for Good in Policy at Cornell students will be doing some research and conducting
a survey in three areas: existing customers, prospects not yet serviceable, and cold lists. The
data gathered will be used to assist in marketing and pricing decisions.
The Municipal Broadband Financing Modernization Improvement Act of 2026 has been
introduced at the state level. This will allow local municipalities to obtain 30-year bonds
instead of the current 10-year bonds available for municipal fiber projects. Dryden Fiber has
provided information, and the board has crafted a resolution in support. The legislation has
been introduced in the assembly and now has a senate sponsor as well. Local representatives
have been helpful.
In consultation with our vendors, it is recommended that Dryden Fiber purchase more
IP addresses. We may need up to 5,000 IP addresses and D Makar proposes to start with a
purchase of 2,000 addresses.
Resolution #69 (2026) - AUTHORIZE DRYDEN FIBER TO ACQUIRE IP
ADDRESSES FOR DRYDEN FIBER
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is a project of the Town of Dryden,
Whereas, Dryden Fiber operates by having IP Addresses available for each
subscriber, and
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is projecting to add up to 1,500 new subscribers in 2026
and less than 500 IP Addresses remain from the original 2022 purchase,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board hereby authorizes Dryden Fiber to
acquire either 2,048 (/21) or 4,096 (/20) IP Addresses at auction, not to exceed $32 per
address or $125,000 total.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
D Makar explained that there is occasionally an opportunity to shorten the acquisition
period of planned purchases and he would like to be able to take advantage of that. The time is
limited and often he would not be able to take advantage of the opportunity due to having to
wait for authorization from the town board. Storage space is adequate and he does not
anticipate taking advantage of this very often.
Resolutio n #70 (2026) - AUTHORIZE DRYDEN FIBER TO MAKE
EMERGENCY PURCHASES
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is a project of the Town of Dryden,
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is working with a defined timeline for the MIP Grant,
required to be complete by December 31, 2026, and
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Whereas, Dryden Fiber’s State Bid Materials Vendor Graybar has ordered all
materials for the project and some materials have lead times up to 14 weeks, and
Whereas, Dryden Fiber has ordered over $1,500,000 in materials, and
Whereas, Graybar has, from time to time, the ability to get 7 day delivery on
previously approved Dryden Fiber purchase orders at a price difference of 0% to 20%
higher, when acted on within 48 hours, and
Whereas, reducing acquisition time for construction materials by four to ten weeks
would have a demonstrable effect on reaching the project deadline,
Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board hereby authorizes Dryden Fiber to
acquire materials on short notice, not to exceed 20% of the original purchase order price
and not to exceed a sum total of $100,000 without additional authorization, with
reporting of such changes at the following town board meeting as part of the monthly
Dryden Fiber report.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
A resolution has been presented in support of the legislation to allow municipalities to
bond for fiber projects for a period of 30 years. The Supervisors of Dryden and Caroline and
the broadband committee will provide support letters.
Resolution #71 (2026) - AUTHORIZE SUPPORT FOR BOND MODERNIZATION
LEGISLATION
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is a project of the Town of Dryden,
Whereas, Dryden Fiber is actively engaged in developing and operating municipal fiber
broadband infrastructure to ensure our residents and businesses have access to reliable,
high-quality internet service, and
Whereas, in doing so, we have gained firsthand experience with the cost structure
and asset life characteristics of fiber networks, and
Whereas, Ample evidence demonstrates that broadband’s passive fiber infrastructure has a
lifespan of at least 30 years, and often significantly longer, and
Whereas, current Local Finance Law establishes a ten-year period of probable
usefulness for broadband infrastructure. This misalignment between asset life and
financing term creates untenable fiscal pressure on municipalities that host and operate
municipal broadband systems. Requiring repayment of long-term infrastructure within a
ten-year window artificially inflates annual debt service, undermines affordability, and
limits the ability of communities to invest responsibly in essential communications
infrastructure, and
Whereas, Assembly Bill A10212 appropriately recognizes this distinction by aligning a
thirty-year financing period with the long economic life of passive fiber infrastructure,
while allowing electronics to remain on shorter operational replacement cycles,
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Therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board hereby authorizes Dryden Town Supervisor
Jason Leifer to write, sign, and send a letter in support of A10212 – Extension of Bond
Amortization Period for Municipal Broadband Infrastructure to the New York State
Assembly.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
The broadband committee meets tomorrow to review spending of prior years and look at
the budget for 2026.
COUNTY BRIEFING
Dan Wakeman reported that half of the county legislature is new and they are still
getting their bearings. He attended his first meeting of the facilities and infrastructure
committee. This year they have supported the nurses at Cayuga Medical Center in their efforts
to unionize and they voted for DEC to review the water permit at the old Lansing power plant
site. Most recently they had representatives from NYSEG and RG&E attend their meeting to
address the rate case before the PSC. The proposed rate case is pushing rates further up than
they are. The county legislature gave the NYSEG people an earful. He noted there will be no
remote testimony during the hearing.
Cl Lamb noted that TCCOG administrative help has shifted to the County
Administrator’s office. They continue to have important things to discuss and will meet fully
online now.
D Wakeman has provided a letter in support of the Rail Trail Task Force’s application
for a TAP grant.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Internal Court Audit - Cl Dravis and Cl Vargas-Mendez conducted their annual court
audit. They met with the judge and court clerks and reviewed their books. Everything was in
order and they have a resolution to accept the audit.
Resolution #72 (2026) - Acceptance of Internal Court Audit
Cl Dravis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby accepts the report of the Finance Committee for the
internal audit completed on February 12, 2026 of the Town of Dryden Court.
2nd Cl Vargas-Mendez
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Authorize Transportation Alternative Program Grant Application – Cl Lamb
explained this application is for Phase 3 of the Dryden Rail Trail to complete certain sections
from the Route 13 bridge to Route 366, connecting the villages with a crushed stone ADA
accessible surface, reducing the slope of the ramp at George Road, and replacing a bridge over
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Egypt Creek. The Rail Trail Task Force has been working on this application for 3.8 million
dollars. The town will backstop the match and anticipates grants from non -profits and
perhaps some legislative aid. Local town workforce will also count toward th e match.
Resolution #73 (2026) - Authorize the Town of Dryden to apply to the NYS
Department of Transportation (DOT) for a grant of up to $3.8 million from the
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) to complete Phase 3 of the Dryden Rail Trail
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
Whereas the Dryden Rail Trail Task Force was created by the Town Board in 2016 with the
mission to reclaim the abandoned 14.5-mile Lehigh Valley Railroad corridor to create a multi-
use trail crossing the town from east to west; and
Whereas the task force has secured 42 of the 48 required easements, and completed sections
between the villages of Dryden and Freeville, and between Game Farm Rd. and Route 13; and
Whereas the task force has also secured $3 million in grants and donations, including a $1.5
million TAP grant, to complete the trail section from Monkey Run Road to Hall Woods Road,
and a bridge across Rte. 13 that is expected to be complete by the end of 2026; and
Whereas NYS-DOT issues requests for applications for TAP grants only every two -three years,
and the latest round was announced in November 2025 with a full application deadline March
12, 2026; and
Whereas such TAP grants are earmarked for reclaiming rail corridors for recreation and
transportation alternative uses and can provide 80% of the funding with a 20% local match;
and
Whereas, The Dryden Rail Trail Task force unanimously passed a resolution Jan.19, 2026
requesting that the Town Board approve a town application for a 2026 TAP Grant to cover the
following Phase 3 improvements:
• Construct an ADA accessible trail between Pinckney Road and Route 366 with new
culverts and stone dust surfacing
• Create a new Route 366 Road crossing, with necessary striping, lights, and signage
• Construct a parking area on the east side of Route 366 adjacent to the trail
• Make ADA accessible the trail sections in the Village of Freeville from Johnson to Union
St. and between the Villages of Freeville and Dryden
Whereas the Town of Dryden wishes to complete the trail as soon as possible since it will serve
as a vital connector for recreational users and commuters, and as a cross -town stimulant for
economic development; and
Whereas Dryden DPW work can be used to offset the local match, and the task force has
agreed to seek the local match from previous funders including NYS Multi -Modal funds,
Tompkins County, local foundations and other sources, and DOT may assume some of the
local obligation when a trail crosses a NYS highway such as SR 366; and
Whereas a fully funded TAP grant would enable the rail trail task force to complete a fully
accessible Dryden Rail Trail from Pinckney Rd to SR 366, and between the villages of Dryden
and Freeville, therefore
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Be it Resolved that the Dryden Town Board authorizes the Dryden Rail Trail Task Force to
apply for a 2026 DOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant up to $3.8 million and
commits to backstop the local match.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Urge Review of Electric Delivery Charges – Cl Dravis said the town of Cincinnatus
has passed a resolution that was shared with other municipalities. It is in line with what the
County is doing to try and combat the rate hikes. The resolution urges the state to conduct an
immediate review of electric delivery charges, rate increases, and cost -recovery practices
applicable to NYSEG customers.
RESOLUTION #74 (2026) - 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
Cl Dravis offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, residents, seniors, and small businesses in the Town of Dryden 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 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 r ate
increases; and
WHEREAS, rural and low-density communities such as the Town of Dryden 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 Dryden 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
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board 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 approvi ng any
future rate increases; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board 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 communi ties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor 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 to excessive
electric costs and requesting regulatory intervention; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk 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, members of the New York State Legislature, and neighboring municipa lities
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.
2nd Cl Lamb
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Rail Trail Task Force Application – Ava Adams has applied to serve on the Rail Trail
Task Force.
RESOLUTION #75 (2026) – APPOINT RAIL TRAIL TASK FORCE MEMBER
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby appoints Ava Adams to the Rail Trail Task
Force.
2nd Cl Dravis
Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Alice Green said the Task Force does not currently have an open slot. She will be happy
to talk with the applicant and let her know she is welcome to attend the meetings.
RESOLUTION #76 (2026) – RESCIND RESOLUTION #75
Cl Lamb offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby rescinds Resolution #75 of 2026.
2nd Cl Dravis
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Roll Call Vote Cl Vargas-Mendez Yes
Cl Buck Yes
Cl Dravis Yes
Cl Lamb Yes
Introduction of SUP Modification at 53 Pinckney Road – R Burger announced that
the application materials are not yet complete.
ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES
Affordable & Workforce Housing – They approved a resolution and sent it to the
Planning Board and others regarding the Trillium Woods project. The committee supports
cluster housing where it is possible to develop, and they also support maximum protection and
preservation of unique areas.
Conservation Board – Anne Clark will be stepping away from the Owasco Lake
Watershed Protection group, and they are looking for someone to take her role on. There is a
high school student interested in joining the board, and they are looking at developing a liaison
position from the high school sustainability club. There was a lot of discussion on the Ed Hill
Road property being sold, UNAs and other things. No action was taken, but there is a lot of
sensitivity to the use of that land.
Planning Board – No major projects anticipated.
Climate Action Committee – They are working on a plan to develop subgroups to work
on items they are interested in. Marie McRae is working on the next repair café to be held in
April at the new Dryden Center for Community. They are also looking at programs to
complement the repair café and use of drop off sites.
Rail Trail Task Force – They have had a busy month. The contract award
announcement was made for building the pedestrian bridge over Route 13. This is a 3.2-
million-dollar project and work can begin this spring with the possibility of finishing it by the
end of the year. They worked on the TAP grant application, and the team has done amazing
work. There remains a strong commitment to name the bridge after Bob Beck. They will be
building a bridge behind NYSEG east of Pinckney with grants from Triad and the Finger Lakes
Runners Club. They have permission to do that from DEC. DPW and students will provide the
labor. The bridge was designed by students and approved by a professional engineer.
CITIZENS PRIVILEGE
Pete Parks, 747 N Wood Road, would like to put in a crematorium for pets and is
frustrated by the process. There are 13 vet clinics in the area, and the closest crematorium is
in Candor. There is also one in Auburn. R Burger will talk with him after the meeting about
allowed uses and the process.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bambi L. Avery
Town Clerk