Town Board Meeting Minutes- July 16, 2025

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
OTTER LAKE FIRE HALL
13853 State Route 28, Forestport, N.Y.
July 16, 2025 @6:30PM

PRESENT: Supervisor Entwistle
Councilman Addison
Councilwoman Verschneider
Councilwoman Abrial
ABSENT: Councilman Scouten

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract # 7 Vouchers #363- #452 in the amount of $120,889.35.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #7 Vouchers #185- #204 in the amount of $26,251.49
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #7, Vouchers #68- #81 in the amount of $38,282.11.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #7, Vouchers #42- #45 in the amount of $418.77.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract #7, Vouchers #19-#20 in the amount of $111.87.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED

TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to accept the minutes from the:
June 18, 2025: Regular Town Board Meeting
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
DOG REPORT
SUPERVISOR REPORT
WATER
BUCKHORN
SEWER

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the monthly reports.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED

NOCCOG: John Healt went over the monthly announcements.

WATER:
• Woodhull Road Leak: There was a major leak on Woodhull Road. Supervisor Entwistle thanked Lucas Kafka and Jim Pelno for their swift action in fixing it. Without their work, the whole district would’ve been out of water.
• Hydrant Flushing: There will be a delay in hydrant flushing due to the water needing to be built back up. Once it is announced, it will be in the newspaper, and on the radio and website.
SEWER:
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:

• Church Demolition: the church demolition should be done tomorrow. Supervisor Entwistle thanked the Town Board, Tony Donatelli and Ryan Abrial for their time in this.
• Comprehensive Plan: The draft Comprehensive Master Plan will be discussed at the next Town Board meeting in August. The next piece after the Comprehensive Master Plan is the Subdivision and Site Review Law. The Town will continue to work with LaBella and Associates.
• Grant Updates: All three grants are in the finalization period. Supervisor Entwistle read the following grant aloud:

Resolution No.6 of 2025
Town of Forestport Smart Growth Community Planning Program

WHEREAS, the Town of Forestport is a member of the New York State Smart Growth Communities Program, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Consolidated Funding Application is currently offering grant monies for the purpose of Smart Growth, and
WHEREAS, the Town is seeking to revise and update our Land Use regulations,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Forestport is committed to applying to the Smart Growth Community Planning Program for the purpose of updating and revising our land use regulations. The grant proposal shall not exceed $125,000, and the local share will not exceed 10% ($12,500).
ALSO BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Forestport authorizes the Town Supervisor to act on and execute any agreements, and/or contracts necessary for the grant.

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to approve Resolution # 8 of 2025.
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Summer Recreation: Ashley Galligan and Eric Freeman are doing a great job with summer recreation. Tomorrow the zoo mobile will be at the Town Hall in the gym from 10am-11am. Supervisor Entwistle invited the public.
• Senior Picnic: The Senior Picnic is scheduled for July 28th at 12PM. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers. The Senior meeting was brought up. Tracy Terry, Town Clerk requested information from Councilwoman Verschneider for the information to be placed on the website.

NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• NYMIR Renewal: This is a pretty standard renewal.
• Codes Enforcement Officer: Supervisor Entwistle stated there’s a possibility Ryan Abrial may not continue on and may resign. If he does resign, the Town Board will look at the civil service list and leave the position open for the remainder of the year. Supervisor Entwistle appreciates the professionalism and help Ryan has shown to the Codes Department and for the town. Ron Davies, from the Gallery asked who will issue permits and Supervisor Entwistle stated Tony will continue to issue permits and the Codes Department will function as smoothly as it has been.
• Enders Property: The Enders Property is the property directly next to the boat launch on Woodhull Road. Supervisor Entwistle wanted to bring up the possibility of the town purchasing the property for the right price. They could tear the building down and add bathrooms that could eliminate the porta potty’s. Discussion took place.
• Cannabis Dispensary: This is much like a liquor license. The Town Board has 30 days to submit a response. Supervisor Entwistle will be sending the notice to the Planning Board and the Planning Board of Appeals to see what their thoughts are. He is allowing the public to voice their opinion in writing to him as well.

NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• Tom Abrial, from the Gallery asked if he heard anything about Town of Webb School District approving the 10% real property tax exemption for Volunteer Fire Fighters and Ambulance Workers. Supervisor Entwistle will be looking into this.
• Ron Davies, from the Gallery, stated he heard nice comments about the senior trip from the public.
• Bob Whitehead, from the Gallery let the Public know StaR Ambulance is being run by Marcellus Ambulance Service. They are anticipating 150 calls in July. Discussion took place regarding having an ambulance stationed in the Town of Forestport because they are looking for a more centralized location. Supervisor Entwistle stated the board would be for it.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to enter into Executive Session .
4 ayes/ 0 nays/1 absent MOTION CARRIED
The Board returned from the Executive Session at 7:15 with no action taken.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk