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.