Draft – Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – Halcott Grange
October 20, 2025, 6:00pm

Present: Town Supervisor Samantha Wickham, Councilmembers Innes Kasanof, Alan Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Town Clerk Patricia Warfield, Budget Officer Paul Tamaccio. Absent: Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Councilman Eric Fronckowiak

Call to order at 6:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of the minutes of the September 15, 2025, meeting: Motion to approve by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof with the following correction: 3 million in funding will be allocated for the building of a new bridge allowing better access to the highway garage. 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye.

Executive Session: Motion to enter Executive session at 6:04 pm by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Supervisor Samantha Bouton: aye. Motion to exit Executive session at 6:10 pm by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Supervisor Samantha Bouton: aye.

Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget opened at 6:12 pm: The preliminary budget was updated to reflect the ten percent highway salary increase. With no public input and no comments from the Board, the Public Budget Hearing was closed at 6:14 pm.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton has ordered a new hand-held radio, parts for the old ones are few and far between. (B) The Ford has a noise in the front-end and is due for a software update, Superintendent Bouton will take it in for a check up before winter. (C) The Chevy pick-up is useful but aging, and the highway department is uncertain about its remaining service life.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G1025 – vouchers 143 – 151 = $2,955.38. Highway Abstract #H1025 – vouchers 152 – 155 = $2,479.38. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds. Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye.

Budget Officer’s Report: (A) Budget Officer Paul Tamaccio presented the monthly finance report.

Clerk’s Report: Building Permits: 1 @ 300.00, Transfer Station/Garbage: 769.00. The Town collected and disbursed 1,069.00 for the month of September

Other Business: (A) Motion to adopt the updated 2026 Budget by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye. (B) Motion to reappoint Garth Slocum as Town Assessor by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye. (C) Congressman Nick Langworth with Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia has introduced the Energy Choice Act (HR 33699, S.1945), federal legislation that ensures state and local governments cannot restrict consumer access to natural gas and other affordable energy sources. It was requested the Town adopt a resolution in support of the Energy Choice Act and in opposition to government mandated natural gas bans. Motion to adopt Resolution 6-2025: A Resolution in Support of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act (HR 3699, S. 1945) and in Opposition to Government- Mandated Natural Gas Bans by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye. (D) 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of our country. A descendent of John Halcott would like to honor him by applying for the Patriot’s Burials Marker Grant program through the Son’s of the American Revolution. The funding for the blue and yellow sign will come from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. The Town will need to give written permission to erect the sign which would be placed either on the roadside near his grave, or in the field just off the highway, leading to his grave, It would be the Town’s choice. The Town would be responsible for the installation of the marker. The town will reach out to Greene County since the marker would be on a county road. (E) The Town Board received a formal letter from a resident who previously appeared before the board during the June town board meeting to discuss issues concerning Silas Lake Road, particularly the unpaved section where his home is situated. In his correspondence, the resident expressed frustration with the persistent dust generated by passing vehicles on the unpaved roadway which cause him to keep windows closed and health concerns due to breathing in road dust. Highway Superintendent Bouton will look into applying calcium to the road surface to control the dust, as Silas Lake is not due to be on the road work schedule until 2027. (F) Due to family commitments, Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto has resigned from the Town Board. Greg DiBenedetto has offered to fill the vacant position.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting November 17, 2025, 6:00 pm.

Motion to Adjourn at 6:49 pm by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynold, Supervisor Samantha Wickham: aye.

Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – Halcott Grange
August 18, 2025, 6:00 pm

Present: Town Supervisor Samantha Bouton, Council Member Alan Reynolds, Eric Fronckowiak, Innes Kasanof, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Town Clerk, Patricia Warfield, Budget Officer Paul Tamaccio. Absent: Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Deputy Clerk Ariel Bogert.

Call to Order at 6:00 p.m.

Approval of the minutes of the July 21, 2025 meeting: With the following correction: Motion to adjourn by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto. Motion to approve by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) There is a pop-up camper in the turn-around on DiNicola Road. This may present a challenge for snowplows during adverse weather, as they require that area to turn around. (B) During the off season (spring or fall), the Highway Superintendent proposes renting a brush machine to clean the road shoulders. The estimated cost for a two-week rental is approximately $2,000.00, while monthly rental rates range from $6,000 to $10,000. (C) The Highway Department has completed stone and oil work on Johnson Hollow Rd., and Greene County has finished the same on County Rt. 1.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0825 – vouchers 122-126 = $874.96. Highway Abstract #H0825 – voucher 127 = $952.50. Motion to pay bills by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, 2nd by Councilman Alan Reynolds, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Supervisor Samantha Bouton: aye.

Budget Officer Report: (A) The Town was a victim of an internet fraud scam with a request for a change in banking information for an individual who receives direct deposit payment from the Town, resulting in a loss of 2,000.00. The Town will create a policy for the steps needed to be taken for verification of such requests before any account changes can be processed. (B) The Board reviewed several key factors for consideration in preparing the Tentative Budget for 2026, including the necessity for the Highway Department to replace the Oshkosh truck, anticipated increases in insurance costs, and projected COLA adjustments.

Clerk’s Report: Grange Rental: 1 @ 50.00, Building Permit: 1 @ 340.00, Garbage (June): 754.00. The Town collected and disbursed $1,144.00 for the month of June.

Other Business: A Feasibility Study and cost analysis for the proposed Highway Garage has been funded by the CWC to provide a more precise estimate of the project’s total cost.

Next Meeting: Regular Town Board Meeting, September 15, 2025, 6:00 pm.

Motion to Adjourn at 6:37 p.m. by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Councilman Alan Reynolds: aye, Supervisor Samantha Bouton: aye.

Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – Halcott Grange
July 21, 2025, 6:00 pm

Present: Deputy Town Supervisor Alan Reynolds, Councilmembers Judy DiBenedetto, Innes Kasanof, Town Clerk Patricia Warfield, Deputy Clerk Ariel Bogert. Public: Fred and Susan Herzog, Warren Reynolds,Sheri Reynolds. Absent: Town Supervisor Samantha Bouton, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton.

Call to order at 6:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Hearing on the Adoption of Local Law 2-2025, A Local Law Repeal and Replace the Town of Halcott Land Use Code: Public hearing was opened by Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds at 6:01pm. The was no input from Board members, and no questions or comments from the public. Public Hearing was closed at 6:02 pm

Approval of the minutes of the June 16, 2025, meeting: Motion to approve by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye. A correction of the spelling of the name Mostert, incorrectly spelled Mosert.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) The Highway Department hasa company making pug ( a mixture of old road grindings, stone dust and stone) for fill work. It is also something other towns may be interested in purchasing as well. (B) Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton is diligently working towards early CHIPS reimbursement; he has passed along the paperwork needed for submission to the State.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0725 – vouchers 107 – 114 = $1,543.29. Highway Abstract #H0725 – vouchers 115 – 121 = $61,709.31. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.

Budget Officer’s Report: (A) Councilwoman Innes Kasanof presented the monthly finance report. (B) Due to the absence of both Supervisor Bouton and Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, a motion was made to pay a bill from A & J Transport for $225.00 and voucher at the next meeting. Motion to pay A & J Transport before vouchering by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds, aye. (C) Councilwoman Innes Kasanof informed the Board that the annual budget would need to be put together to present at the September Regular Board Meeting and asked the council to think about any ideas or concerns to address, keeping in mind that a new truck purchase is needed for the Highway Department, and the new highway garage is still in the works with the Town waiting for CWC approval of the Town’s request for funding in order to do a feasibility study for the project.

Clerk’s Report: Grange Rental/2 local @ 50.00 each, Building Permits 1 @ 100.00, BP Renewals: 1 @ 77.50, 1 @ 150.00. Transfer Station/Garbage/May: 294.00. The Town collected and disbursed 721.50 for the month of June.

Adoption of Local Law 2-2025: “A Local Law Repealing and Replacing the Town of Halcott Land Use Code”. Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds introduced Resolution 5-2025, A Resolution to Adopt Local Law 2-2025, a local law to repeal and replace the Town of Halcott Land Use Code. Motion to Adopt Resolution 5-2025 and Adopt Local Law 2-2025, a local law to repeal and replace the Town of Halcott Land Use Code by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.

Other Business: Halcott resident Sheri Reynolds sent an email to the town board in hopes of beginning a conversation with Greene County and the Town about instituting an Emergency Response Network in the valleys of the Town of Halcott, she was prompted by the horrific events in Kerr County, Texas. Due to spotty cellphone service in many places in Halcott, and that many homes are now being used as Air B & Bs for non-residents, or the possibility of no power during a weather emergency for land line use, she asked that the Town look into an emergency siren notification system, evacuation signs, and routes with places to go to shelter. Both board members and residents at the meeting thought it was a good idea to look into.

Next Meeting: Regular Meeting October 21, 2024, 6:00 pm.

Motion to Adjourn at 7:08 pm by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto: aye, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.

Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes – Halcott Grange
June 16, 2025, 6:00 pm

Present: Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds, Council Members Eric Fronckowiak, Innes Kasanof, Judy DiBenedetto (late), Town Clerk, Patricia Warfield, Deputy Clerk Ariel Bogert, Highway Superintendent Russell Bouton, Planning Board Chair Nancy Reynolds. Public: Andrew Camarata, Richard and Marion Corso, Thomas and Margaret Cangero. Absent: Town Supervisor Samantha Bouton.

Call to Order at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Hearing Opened at 6:00 pm: Planning Board Chair Nancy Reynolds explained that the changes to Solar Panels was to meet state mandates and everything else in the LUC had been discussed. The Board had nothing to add and the floor was opened for public comment. Andrew Camarata feels the LUC is too strict and would not like to see something akin to a homeowner’s association here in Halcott. He also stated that the town can not add the legal fees incurred when a property owner is brought to court for violations to the property owner and said he spoke to his lawyers who charge $300.00 per hour. Councilwoman Innes Kasanof responded by explaining that residents of Halcott were asked for their input at the start of this process and the LUC update was a product of that input. She also stated that the Town attorney was the one who suggested having a property owner reimburse the town for legal fees if a case needs to go to court. Andrew also asked who gets to vote on the adoption of the LUC and was told that it is the Board who votes. If allowed, he would vote no. Public Hearing Closed at 6:05 pm.

Approval of the minutes of the April 21, 2025 meeting: Motion to approve by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.

Highway Superintendent’s Report: (A) The Highway Department is behind on regular road maintenance due to the weather. (B) The Highway Department is also struggling to complete CHIPS road work and submit the necessary paperwork for reimbursement because of rainy weather. (C) Should it be needed, the Highway Reserve Fund can be used until the town receives reimbursement from the State.

Voucher vote: General Abstract #G0625 – vouchers – 94 – 99 = $1,172.14. Highway Abstract #H0625 – vouchers 100 – 106 = $15,271.00. Motion to pay bills by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, 2nd by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, Deputy Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.

Budget Officer’s Report: (A) Councilwoman Innes Kasanof presented the finance report for May. (B) (C) Budget Officer Paul Tamaccio explained to the Board that after the accounting firm of Mosert, Manzanero, and Scott finished with the Town’s AFR report, it was suggested the Town should consider a restructure of the Town bank accounts. According to the accounting firm, there are too many accounts, especially highway, and instead of reserve accounts, there should be savings accounts dedicated to a future purchase (i.e.: new town truck, equipment, buildings etc.) Motion to have the Town of Halcott Finance Committee start the process of restructuring the Town of Halcott bank accounts for better State compliance by Councilman Alan Reynolds, 2nd by Councilwoman Innes Kasanof, Councilman Eric Fronckowiak: aye Supervisor Samantha Bouton: aye.

Clerk’s Report: BP Renewal: 1 @ 250.00, Transfer Station (April): 246.00, Certificate of Occupancy Search: 1 @ 25.00, Genealogy Search: 1 @ 10.00. The Town collected and disbursed 531.00 for the month of May.

Other Business: (A) LUC UPDATE: The Planning Board, along with Nan Stolzenburg took a second look at the camping/glamping and are satisfied with the results which will be sent out to the public for review before the next public hearing.

Public: Tom Cangero introduced himself to the Board and inquired about if/when the town would be stoning the part of Silas Lake Road that his house is located on as other parts of the road are stoned. He stated that traffic on the road creates a lot of dust, and he is forced to keep his windows closed.

Next Meeting: Regular Town Board Meeting, Monday July 21, 2025, 6:00 pm.

Motion to Adjourn at 6:37 p.m. by Councilwoman Judy DiBenedetto, 2nd by Councilman Eric Fronckowiak, Councilwoman Innes Kasanof: aye, Deputy Town Supervisor Alan Reynolds: aye.