Town Boad August workshop (con’t)
NEW BUSINESS
Budget Calendar Schedule.
Supervisor Collins included the schedule of 2027 budget meetings that are on the Town Board calendar of meetings. They occur during scheduled Town Board meetings, with one additional “special” meeting if needed) beginning on Thursday, September 3 and ending on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The 2027 Town Budget must be approved by November 20, 2026, per NYS Town Law.
NYMIR Driver Safety Course Recommendation.
Supervisor Collins said a recent risk management review by Town’s insurance company showed that there has been “a frequency of backing-related claims” by the Town over the last 10 years. Based on that review, the Town will follow up with a recommendation to implement a formal “Safe Backing” program with specific training components as outlined by the insurance company.
Staffing requests from Highway Superintendent James Fetzer.
Highway Department Superintendent Fetzer presented several staffing requests for the remainder of 2026 (a Deputy Highway Superintendent and a Highway Clerk), and other changes that will impact the 2027 budget. The Board discussed the financial implications and potential morale implications of these proposals, and will follow up on them in future meetings.
Update on Crellin Park planning
Update on pond algae and geese at Crellin Park. Town Board member Wapner said the state of the Crellin Park pond has improved over the past weeks, but it will be important to plan for 2027, relative to geese removal and permitting for pond treatment and algae control. Plans to do so are in the works.
Subcommittee plan. Wapner said that he is planning to form a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Committee to research and plan for the tennis court repurposing project. He reminded the Board that there are several proposals for this project, and that assessment of options and costs will take time. The Board had no objection to the establishment of this subcommittee.
Fund Balance Policy
Supervisor Collins introduced a proposal to increase fund balances in major cost centers of the Town budget to ensure that the Town has adequate reserves to meet its financial obligations; i.e., to ensure sufficient cash flow for daily financial requirements, to guard against significant economic downturns, to protect against unforeseen expenditure related to emergencies, and to provide a framework to help guide budgetary decisions.
Public Comment highlights
A request that documents on the Town website be “searchable”, which is not possible when a document is scanned onto the website. This may or may not be possible, per the discussion, but it will be explored.
Detour sign placements are not ideal in certain areas affected by the recent storm.
Highway work related to storm damage is still in process. It has been proceeding and has included shared services from neighboring towns.
Appreciation to Tammy Shaw for posting of pending proposals on the website.
Concern about potential morale issues in the highway department due to proposed staffing changes.
An opinion that pond treatment at Crellin Park may be difficult due to water flow through local swamps; it will likely need to occur on an annual basis, with annual costs incurred.
Announcement that the annual Farm Tour will occur on September 19, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Stay tuned for additional information.
In formal business/resolutions, the Board voted:
To accept the financial abstract as presented to pay Town bills.
To appoint Troy Herion to the Parks & Recreation Citizen’s Advisory Committee.