TOWN BOARD MEETING AGENDA
July 9, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD MUNICIPAL HALL
8635 Clinton Street, New Hartford, New York

BOARD MEETING MINUTES – Approval of Special Meeting May 14, 2026 minutes

                                                            Approval of Regular Meeting June 3, 2026 minutes

                                                            Approval of Special Meeting June 29, 2026 minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limited 3 Minutes)

PRESENTATIONS

·      Dresher and Malecki – 2024 Audit Review – 6:00 pm

·      Insurance Broker Presentations

o   Gilroy Kernan and Gilroy – Robert Broccoli presenting: 6:30 pm -7:00 pm

o   Northwestern Mutual – William Gall presenting: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

o   Highstreet – Bill Cole and Chris Petrillose presenting: 7:30 pm -8:00 pm

o   Adirondack Financial Services – Bill Kline presenting: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

PUBLIC HEARING(S)

VOUCHERS – Approval of vouchers

MATTERS SUBMITTED BY TOWN SUPERVISOR

·      Accept resignation of stormwater committee member Gary Bullis – due to work constraints

·      Accept resignation of full-time codes enforcement officer George Farly

·      Approve part-time position of codes enforcement officer George Farly

·      Approve full-time codes enforcement officer – name to be announced at time of meeting

·      Resilient Watershed Grant (RWG) update – grant submitted

·      Association of Towns State of New York - February meeting in NYC – obtain approval for attendees to include in 2027 budget process

·      Update on preparation for 2027 budget with following departments in the month of July to include the Bonadio Group

o   Highway

o   Police

o   Clerks

o   Parks

·      Parks Director pick-up Truck – discuss during budget amendments

·      Highway Equipment Truck – discuss during budget amendments – budgeted in 2025

·      Utica University 80^th Anniversary banners on Champlain Ave

·      Oneida County Office of the Aging – Pavilion fee waiver request

MATTERS SUBMITTED BY TOWN ATTORNEY

·       Pending FOILs

REPORTS OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS

a.     Town Clerk – Michele Moran

·    Clerk’s Monthly Report

·    Large Gathering Permit – NHFD Fire Truck Spectacular

Chief Ronald Fontaine

·       Damage to Police SUV Insurance Discussion

·       Doris Rd Property Issue Warning Letter

·       Animal Shelter Update/Discussion

·       HVEC DWI Grant Agreement Signature (Clerk Office has Copy)

·       Surplus Police Equipment

·       Andover Ave Sign Placement and Mowing

·       Sangertown Mall Services Invoice Status – Paid

·       New Hartford Central School District – SSO, SRO, Special Events  Agreement – Review and Sign

·       Building Infrastructure Discussion

·       Solicitor Permit Application Update Discussion

·       “America 250” Event Debrief

b.     Assessors Office

NO MATTERS SUBMITTED

c.     Highway

• Higby & Chapman signalization project Bids

• Johnson Controls Contract renewal

• Seal Coating Quotes

d.     Codes

NO MATTERS SUBMITTED

e.     Finance/Personnel

·      Budget Adjustments per Bonadido request

MATTERS SUBMITTED BY COUNCILMEN

f.      Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Tehan

·      Budget item - Change Order Murphy Excavating – Sedgewick Park Drainage Improvement

·      Fire Safety Revenue Received

g.     Councilman Reynolds

·      Planning and ZBA board compensation and attendance

·      Bed and cannabis Tax

·      Fire Safety inspections

h.      Councilman Latini

·      Heather Mowat – Planning Board letter of intent

i.      Councilman Pristera

NO MATTERS SUBMITTED

TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES DRAFT

TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD, NEW YORK 

HELD AT TOWN HALL, 8635 CLINTON STREET, NEW HARTFORD, NY 

ON THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

Supervisor Messa called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. The Supervisor led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll was then taken with the following Town Officials and Department Heads present:

TOWN BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Councilman Vincent Pristera

Councilman John Latini

Councilman David M. Reynolds

Deputy Supervisor / Councilman David Tehan

Supervisor James Messa

OTHER TOWN OFFICIALS/EMPLOYEES PRESENT:

Personnel Director/Finance, Christina Lacy

Police Chief, Ronald Fontaine

Highway Superintendent, Richard Sherman

Town Attorney, Herb Cully

Town Clerk, Michele Moran

Deputy Town Clerk, Susan Keller

Assessor, Darlene Abbatecola

Members of the media: Alexis Manore, Rome Daily Sentinel

A quorum was declared present for the transaction of business.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Councilman Reynolds introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Pristera:

RESOLUTION NO. 233 OF 2026

RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Special Town Board meeting held May 14, 2026, and does further waive their
reading.

Upon roll call: Councilman Latini – Aye Councilman Pristera – Aye Councilman Reynolds – Aye Councilman Tehan – Aye Supervisor Messa – Aye

The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly adopted.

Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Tehan:

RESOLUTION NO. 234 OF 2026
RESOLVED that the New
Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Regular Town Board meeting held June 3, 2026, and does further waive their reading.

Upon roll call: Councilman Latini – Aye Councilman Pristera – Aye Councilman Reynolds – Aye Councilman Tehan – Aye Supervisor Messa – Aye

The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly adopted.

Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Pristera:

RESOLUTION NO. 235 OF 2026 RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Special Town Board meeting held June 29, 2026, and does further waive their reading.

Upon roll call: Councilman Latini – Aye Councilman Pristera – Aye Councilman Reynolds – Aye Councilman Tehan – Aye Supervisor Messa – Aye

The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly adopted.

DRESCHER & MALECKI – 2024 AUDIT REVIEW

Representatives from Drescher & Malecki, LLP presented the results of the Town’s 2024 external audit. They explained the role of an independent audit and confirmed that the Town received a clean opinion on its fund‑level financial statements. A modification remains on the government‑wide statements due to historical capital asset records.

The auditors noted that although the Town is still catching up on prior audits, fieldwork proceeded normally once records were available in April 2026. They summarized financial trends across major funds, highlighting strong General Fund performance, stable Police and Highway funds, and a declining Sewer Fund balance that warrants monitoring.

Internal control findings improved significantly from prior years. Bank reconciliations and journal entries were brought current, reducing the prior material weakness to a significant deficiency.

Supervisor Messa thanked the auditors and Town staff for their work and noted that the Town is positioned for timely completion of the 2025 audit. No further questions were raised.

INSURANCE BROKER PRESENTATIONS – CONSOLIDATED BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

Supervisor Messa introduced the next presentations, noting that the Town currently uses two insurance brokers - one for health insurance and one for dental and vision. After reviewing administrative processes with the Personnel Director earlier in the year, the Town began exploring consolidation to a single broker to streamline administration and improve efficiency.

Both existing brokers expressed interest in serving as a single‑source provider for all benefit lines. Supervisor Messa stated that a unified broker would simplify personnel administration and reduce duplicative communication.

The Supervisor allotted approximately 30 minutes for overviews from Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy, Northwestern Mutual, Highstreet and Adirondack Financial Services followed by questions from the Board.

VOUCHERS

Supervisor Messa opened discussion on several vouchers requiring clarification. Councilman Reynolds asked whether certain invoices reflected approved change orders or were part of the original contract amounts, noting that the documentation referenced net changes of $154,000 and $134,000.

The Highway Superintendent confirmed that the James Bray Paving invoice related to the Washington Mills Park capital project and was part of the proposed work. He also noted that a separate change order for the Sedgewick Park draining project would be discussed later in the meeting.

Supervisor Messa stated that Bonadio advised the Town to formally approve change orders through Board resolution whenever project costs exceed the original bid amount, and that this process will be followed going forward.

Additional vouchers not included in the original packet were presented for approval. These items had not yet been paid and required Board authorization.

No further questions were raised.

A motion to approve the vouchers was offered by Councilman Latini and seconded by Councilman Reynolds.  Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE (with Abstain from Arrow Bank vouchers), Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

America 250 Fireworks Event – Sherrillbrook Park

Supervisor Messa briefly reported on the July 5 “America 250” fireworks event, noting strong attendance and excellent coordination among the Police Department, Fire Department, Parks staff, Highway Department, EMS, and event volunteers. He thanked all participating agencies, the Town Clerk’s Office, the New Hartford Central School District, and Hale Transportation for their support. The Supervisor stated that public feedback was overwhelmingly positive and that the Town intends to hold the event again next year.

Stormwater Committee – Resignation

Supervisor Messa announced that Gary Bullis submitted his resignation from the Stormwater Committee due to work and travel constraints. A motion to accept the resignation was made by Councilman Latini and seconded by Councilman Tehan.  Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

Codes Enforcement Officer – Resignation and Part‑Time Appointment

Supervisor Messa reported that Codes Enforcement Officer George Farley submitted his resignation from full‑time service and requested to remain with the Town in a part‑time capacity.

A motion to accept Mr. Farley’s resignation from full‑time employment was made by Councilman Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Tehan. Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

RESOLUTION 236 of 2026

Part Time Codes Officer

The Supervisor then requested action to appoint Mr. George Farley as a part‑time Codes Enforcement Officer at $32.00 per hour, effective July 6, 2026, for 17.5 hours per week, with no benefits.

Brief discussion followed regarding scheduling, office coverage, and documentation of hours. The Personnel Director will coordinate Mr. Farley’s schedule and ensure proper tracking. The Supervisor noted that Mr. Farley will also assist with training during the transition to a new full‑time successor.

No further discussion was offered.  Councilman Latini made the motion, seconded by Councilman Reynolds.  Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Full‑Time Codes Enforcement Officer Recruitment

Supervisor Messa reported that the Town interviewed the sole applicant for the full‑time Codes Enforcement Officer position and extended a conditional offer pending background checks and Board approval. The applicant has prior codes experience, including fire inspection work, and demonstrated strong customer service skills.

The Supervisor noted that the Town continues to seek an additional part‑time officer to support coverage. Board members discussed the need for consistent in‑office availability, completion of fire inspections, and the importance of adequate staffing given increasing development activity.

The proposed salary for the full‑time position is $60,000 plus benefits, and the appointment remains contingent upon standard pre‑employment clearances.  Board members discussed concerns regarding experience, the size and workload of the Town, and the need for strong fire‑inspection coverage.

The Board agreed that a probationary period should be confirmed with Oneida County Civil Service to ensure the appointment can proceed with appropriate performance expectations.

RESOLUTION 237 of 2026

Full Time Codes Officer

A motion was made by Councilman Pristera, seconded by Supervisor Messa, to appoint Gene Whipple, Codes Enforcement Officer, Full-time, with benefits, at an hourly rate of $32.97 contingent upon verification of the civil service probationary period and an anticipated start date in late July.  Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Resilient Watershed Grant (RWG) – Submission Update

Supervisor Messa reported that the Town’s Resilient Watershed Grant (RWG) application, previously presented by Kristin Campbell, was submitted on June 26. The application includes three project components, and award notifications are expected late October or early November. Ms. Campbell also noted that future rounds of RWG funding will allow the Town to apply for additional stormwater improvements.

Association of Towns – February Conference Attendance

Supervisor Messa stated that the Town will begin the 2027 budget process and requested confirmation of attendees for the Association of Towns Annual Meeting in New York City in February so travel costs can be budgeted. The following individuals expressed interest in attending: Town Clerk Michele Moran, Councilman John Latini, Highway Superintendent Rick Sherman, Personnel Director Christina Lacy, Assessor Darlene Abbatecola, Supervisor James Messa, Confidential Secretary Christine Martin

RESOLUTION 238 of 2026

ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS ATTENDANCE 2027

A motion approving attendance to the Association of Towns Conference in 2027 was made by Councilman Latini and seconded by Councilman Reynolds. Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Parks Department

Supervisor Messa noted that Parks Director John Randall has been using his personal vehicle for Town park operations and recommended purchasing a Town vehicle for his use. Highway Superintendent Sherman reviewed State bid options and identified a Ford Ranger as the lowest‑cost suitable model.

RESOLUTION 239 of 2026

Vehicle Purchase for Parks Director

A motion to authorize the purchase of a pickup truck for the Parks Director was made by Councilman Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Highway Department

Dump Truck Delivery and Funding Update

Supervisor Messa and Highway Superintendent Sherman reported that the previously authorized highway dump truck has been completed and delivered. The truck was originally ordered using grant funding of approximately $400,000, and the remaining balance—about $198,000—is included in the evening’s budget transfer amendments.

The Supervisor noted that all procurement steps were completed properly, the funds had already been received, and the purchase was approved by prior Board resolution

Utica University – Banner Request

Supervisor Messa reported that Utica University requested permission to install approximately five to six banners along Champlin Avenue near the campus entrance in recognition of the University’s 80th anniversary. The installation will occur after the Boilermaker and remain through the fall. The University will handle all installation and removal.

A motion to approve the request was made by Councilman Pristera and seconded by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

Office for the Aging – Pavilion Fee Waiver

Supervisor Messa stated that Legislator Maria McNiel requested a waiver of the pavilion fee for an Office for the Aging event scheduled for July 23 at Sherrillbrook Park.

A motion to waive the fee was made by Councilman Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

RESOLUTION 240 of 2026

FOIL APPEAL – John D’Amore

The Town Attorney advised that a FOIL appeal was filed by John D’Amore, alleging constructive denial and bad faith. He explained that the Town’s response timeframe of up to 45 days was communicated in advance and was based on several legitimate operational constraints:

• Departure of the full‑time Codes Enforcement Officer, who previously maintained portions of the requested records.

• Employee absences, including scheduled vacations in the Codes and Clerk’s Offices, which temporarily limited access to historical files.

• Ongoing good‑faith efforts to locate, review, and prepare the responsive documents, including offering the requester in‑person access to the full file.

The Attorney stated that these circumstances make the statutory 20 day response period unreasonable and that the Town has acted appropriately under FOIL by communicating expected timelines and continuing to work toward full compliance.

A motion to affirm the Town’s denial of the FOIL appeal was made by Councilman Tehan and seconded by Councilman Latini. The Board noted that denial of the appeal does not halt production; the Town will continue providing records within the stated 45‑day period.  Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

TOWN CLERK - Monthly Report

Town Clerk Moran reported monthly receipts totaling $23,698.09 Of this amount, $113 was remitted to the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets for dog licenses, and $180 to the NYS Department of Health for marriage licenses. The remaining revenue was distributed to the Town’s general and part‑town funds.

New HARTFORD Fire Department – Large Gathering Permit

The Clerk stated that the New Hartford Fire Department inquired about whether a large‑gathering permit was required for its upcoming “Firetruck Spectacular” event. As attendance may exceed 1,000 people, a permit application was completed and submitted along with the required map and insurance documentation. The Clerk noted that a prior year’s fee waiver letter was located and recommended proceeding with the permit and waiving the fee.

RESOLUTION 241 of 2026

Firetruck Spectacular – Fee Waiver

A motion to waive the permit fee for the New Hartford Fire Department for the Fire Truck Spectacular was made by Councilman Pristera and seconded by Councilman Latini. Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Animal Shelter – Project & Staffing Update

The Chief reported continued progress on the Municipal Animal Shelter improvements. Parks staff have begun work on sanding the floors using rented equipment, and kennel assembly will follow. HVAC matters will be addressed separately through an RFP process.

The Department has interviewed candidates for the part‑time Shelter Assistant position. The Chief recommended appointing Luke Wilson, an existing volunteer and Mohawk Valley Community College student, who is available weekends and has demonstrated reliability.

RESOLUTION 242 of 2026

ANIMAL SHELTER – Part Time Employee

A motion to appoint Luke Wilson as Part‑Time Shelter Assistant at $20/hour, pending civil service approval, was made by Councilman Latini and seconded by Councilman Reynolds. Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

STOP‑DWI High Visibility Enforcement Grant

Chief Fontaine requested authorization for the Town Supervisor to sign the Oneida County STOP‑DWI High Visibility Enforcement Campaign Grant Agreement, which allows the Town to continue receiving reimbursement for enforcement activities.

RESOLUTION 243 of 2026

STOP DWI/HVEC GRANT

A motion to approve and authorize the Supervisor’s signature on the Oneida County STOP‑DWI High Visibility Enforcement Campaign Grant Agreement was made by Councilman Pristera and seconded by Councilman Reynolds. Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Surplus of Police Vehicles and Equipment

The Chief requested authorization to surplus two retired police vehicles and two boxes of removed equipment through Auctions International:

2020 Police SUV, minimum sale amount $4,550 or higher (VIN ending A71231)  Motion by Councilman Latini, Seconded by Councilman Pristera.  Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

2015 Police SUV, current bid $2,075 or higher (VIN ending C27210)  Motion by Councilman Reynolds, Seconded by Councilman Latini.  Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

Box of assorted used emergency lights, current bid $65 or higher Motion by Councilman Reynolds, Seconded by Councilman Latini.  Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

Box of metal vehicle partitions, current bid $25 or higher Motion by Councilman Reynolds, Seconded by Councilman Pristera.  Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE, Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE, Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion was carried.

New Hartford Central School District – SSO/SRO & Special Events Agreement

Chief Fontaine presented the New Hartford Central School District’s annual SSO, SRO, and Special Events Agreement for the 2026–2027 school year, submitted for Town review and Supervisor signature. The agreement remains consistent with prior years and provides 100% reimbursement to the Town for services rendered.

RESOLUTION 244 of 2026

New Hartford Central School District – SSO/SRO & Special Events Agreement

A motion authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign the agreement was made by
Councilman Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Latini. Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - AYE,
Councilman Tehan – AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE,
Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The
Resolution was carried and adopted.

Highway Department

The Highway Superintendent reported that bids were opened for the traffic signal
upgrade at Chapman Road/Valley View. One bid was received from Power Line, the
contractor currently performing related work at the lower intersection. The
project includes new poles, upgraded signals, new software and cabinet, video
detection, and battery backup. Bid Amount: $343,996.88.

RESOLUTION 245 of 2026

Traffic Signal – Chapman Road / Valley View

Motion to accept the bid from Power Line was offered by Councilman Latini and seconded
by Councilman Pristera. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE; Councilman
Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE; Councilman
Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted.

The Highway Superintendent presented the annual renewal for Town Hall’s fire
protection service contract with Johnson Controls. Contract Amount: $2,842.85
for one year. A copy will be provided to the Town’s insurance carrier for
compliance verification.

RESOLUTION 246 of 2026

Johnson Controls – Fire Protection Contract Renewal

Motion to authorize the Supervisor to sign the renewal was offered by Councilman
Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Tehan. 
Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE;
Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE.
The Resolution was carried and adopted.

The Highway Superintendent reported that the FEMA‑related work at Washington Mills
Park is complete. Crack sealing will be performed by Town staff, followed by
seal coating. Four quotes were received:

• Three Brothers – $9,450

• TWW – $14,962

• Special Maintenance – $12,764

• Scott Seal Coating – $15,495

He recommended awarding the work to Three Brothers.

RESOLUTION 247 of 2026

Seal Coating – Washington Mills Parkn

Motion to approve Three Brothers was offered by Councilman Latini and seconded by
Councilman Reynolds. Discussion confirmed the work falls under previously
authorized paving resolutions. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE;
Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE;
Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted.

Paving – Oxford Road to Elm Street

The Highway Superintendent outlined plans to pave the remaining section of Oxford
Road to Elm Street. Work will include joint cutting, cleaning, and binder
placement through shared services with DOT. A binder coat will be applied to
stabilize the roadway until sidewalk and curb work is bid and completed. Full
topcoat paving will occur afterward to avoid re‑disturbance.

Theb Superintendent will proceed with measurements and preparation; no motion was
required.

Finance

RESOLUTION 248 of 2026

Budget Transfer – Street Lighting Loan Payment

A transfer was requested to cover the LED street lighting loan payment to NYPA:

From: A912000‑0 General Unrestricted Fund Balance – $52,500 To: A51820‑40 Street
Lighting Contractual Motion to approve the transfer was offered by Councilman Reynolds and seconded by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan –
AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera –
AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 249 of 2026

Mack Truck Loan Payment - 2025

To allocate funds for the 2025 MACK truck loan payment:

From: DB912000‑0 Highway Part‑Town Unrestricted Fund Balance To: DB97200‑6 Debt
Service Amount: $34,515.60

Motion by Councilman Latini, Second by Councilman Reynolds. A brief clarification was
provided regarding the fixed payment schedule. 
Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – ABSTAIN;
Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE.
The Resolution was carried and adopted.

RESOLUTION 250 of 2026

Accounting Oversight Contract – Budget Reallocation

To reallocate funds for the 2026 accounting oversight contract:

From: A90600‑80 To: A13150‑40 Controller Contractual Amount: $34,767

Motion by Councilman Tehan, Second by Councilman Reynolds. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 251 of 2026

Accounting Oversight Contract – Additional Reallocation

To reallocate additional funds for the 2026 accounting oversight contract:

From: A14300‑10 To: A13150‑40 Controller Contractual Amount: $10,000

Motion by Councilman Reynolds, Second by Councilman Tehan. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 252 of 2026

Highway Truck Purchase – 2025

To allocate funds for the 2025 Highway truck purchase:

From: DB912000‑0 Highway Part‑Town Unrestricted Fund Balance To: DB51300‑20 Machinery
– Equipment Amount: $198,392.50

Motion by Councilman Latini, Second by Councilman Reynolds. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 253 of 2026

Parks Director Truck Purchase

To allocate funds for the Parks Director’s new truck:

From: A912000‑0 General Unrestricted Fund Balance To: A71100‑20 Parks Equipment
Amount: $36,450

Motion by Councilman Reynolds, Second by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 254 of 2026

2025 Audit – Budget Allocation

To allocate funds for the 2025 audit previously approved:

From: A912000‑0 General Unrestricted Fund Balance To: A13200‑40 Auditor Contractual
Amount: $20,000

Motion by Councilman Tehan, Second by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted.

RESOLUTION 255 of 2026

Animal Shelter – Revenue Reallocation

To reallocate revenues received for animal shelter services:

From: A15501‑0 Animal Control Revenues To: A35100‑41 Animal Shelter Expenses Amount: $15,000

Motion by Councilman Latini, Second by Councilman Reynolds. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 256 of 2026

Sedgwick Park Drainage Improvement Project – Change Order

Resolution 216 of 2025 authorized an expenditure of $222,500 for the Sedgwick Park
drainage improvement project awarded to Murphy Excavating. A subsequent change
order in the amount of $6,225 was completed but did not receive prior Board
approval. Bonadio advised that all change orders exceeding the original bid amount must be
formally approved by Board resolution. The request is to approve the change
order and revise the project’s not‑to‑exceed amount to $228,725.

Motion to approve the change order and revised project total was offered by Councilman
Tehan and Second by Councilman Latini. Discussion confirmed the additional work
was necessary and completed satisfactorily. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa –
AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini –
AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 257 of 2026

Planning & ZBA Board Compensation Discussion

The Board discussed compensation and attendance requirements for Planning and ZBA
members. The Supervisor proposed returning to the original compensation
structure, under which members are paid even if a meeting is not held, noting
concerns about members receiving significantly reduced checks and the risk of
losing qualified volunteers.

Several members noted that current law (Local Law 6 & 7 of 2024) requires payment
pro rata based on meetings actually attended, and allows removal of members who
miss two meetings in a year absent good cause.

The Board agreed that:

• Members should be paid if no meetingoccurs.
  

• Members who miss a meeting should not be paid, and alternates who attend should receive the stipend.
  

• Attendance reporting should be provided monthly by each board’s secretary.

A public hearing is required to amend the local law to reflect these changes. The
Board directed that a draft local law be prepared for the next meeting and
moved to schedule the public hearing.

Motion to draft the local law and schedule the public hearing was offered by
Councilman Reynolds and Second by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor
Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan – AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman
Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera – AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

RESOLUTION 258 of 2026

Senior MEAL PROGRAM/Presbyterian Home License Agreement

Supervisor Messa and Councilman Reynolds reported meeting with the Presbyterian Home to
explore providing take‑out senior meals and potentially establishing a more
comprehensive senior center in the future. The County currently provides meals
at the village church, with limited participation. The Presbyterian Home offers
improved facilities and meal quality.

The Town Attorney reviewed a proposed license agreement allowing use of a 3,500 sq.
ft. activities room at a rate of $200 per day, and optional meals prepared by
the Presbyterian Home at $5 per person. The agreement is terminable at will.
The Board noted that the “paid in advance” clause must be revised to allow
monthly billing.

Motion to proceed with the agreement and authorize continued discussions with
Presbyterian Home representatives was offered by Councilman Reynolds and Second
by Councilman Latini. Upon Roll Call: Supervisor Messa – AYE; Councilman Tehan
– AYE; Councilman Reynolds – AYE; Councilman Latini – AYE; Councilman Pristera
– AYE. The Resolution was carried and adopted

Planning Board

Councilman Latini reported that Planning Board Chairwoman Heather Mowat is approaching the
end of her seven‑year term (December 31). He expressed support for
reappointment. The Board confirmed that, per established process, the position
must be posted for three months, beginning six months prior to expiration.

At that time, applications will be reviewed, and an appointment made in October or
November. Updates to Planning Board alternate listings and ZBA renewal dates will be forwarded to
the Town Clerk for website correction.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Councilman Latini, Seconded by Councilman Reynolds.

Upon Roll Call:  Supervisor Messa - Aye,
Councilman Tehan - AYE, Councilman Reynolds - AYE, Councilman Latini - AYE,
Councilman Pristera - AYE.  The Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 PM.

Next Meeting:  August 5, 2026

Respectfully submitted,

Michele Moran
Town Clerk

7/16/26

Last Updated 7/9/26 8:20  am