Town Board Meeting Minutes- August 20, 2025

TOWN OF FORESTPORT
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
OTTER LAKE FIRE HALL
13853 State Route 28, Forestport, N.Y.
August 20, 2025 @6:00 PM

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

RECORDING SECRETARY: Tracy Terry, Town Clerk

CALL TO ORDER:

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PUBLIC HEARING:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
On August 20, 2025, from 6:00P.M.- 6:30 P.M. at the Woodgate Fire Hall (12445 NY-28, Woodgate, NY 13494), the Town of Forestport Town Board is holding a Public Hearing on the final draft of the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan. The project consultants and the Town Supervisor will be in attendance to answer questions and discuss the project and process.
The Town of Forestport Comprehensive Plan is a Town-wide planning document that outlines the community’s vision for the future. It begins with the community’s history and existing conditions, then describes the future of the community and the steps to get there. It provides thoughtful direction for Town leaders on land use, transportation, emergency services, housing, parks and recreation, and natural resources. Recommendations in the Plan include, but are not limited to, developing a strategy to assist seniors with maintaining safe households that support independent living, creating a comprehensive trail map for the Town that delineates snowmobiling, hiking, navigable waterways, multi-use, and ATV trails, and assessing the conditions and lifespans of dams within the Town along the Black River.
All members of the public and all interested parties are invited to attend and participate. The Comprehensive Plan will be available for inspection and review at the Town Office during normal business hours, Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or online at www.townofforestport.gov, which should be read in their entirety by interested persons.
OPENING:
Jonathan Derworiz, with LaBella gave an introduction. The plan is available on the town website and in the town offices during normal business hours. The Draft Comprehensive Master Plan was implemented from the community forums in April of 2024 and May 2025, the Community Survey, and research and analysis by LaBella. It is a vision of where the town may be in 20-25 years.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Jeannie VanValkenberg, from the Gallery asked what the biggest changes are compared to the old plan. Supervisor Entwistle answered the old Comprehensive Master Plan was outdated and some of it is no longer relevant. The draft Comprehensive Plan is more specific and will help with getting grants.
• LouAnne Cossa, from the Gallery, asked when the current Comp plan was written and it was answered about 25 years ago.
• Bob Whitehead, Comprehensive Plan Committee Member gave an update on what the committee for the plan. They started in July 2023 and had more than ten meetings. They thought of the community first as their number one goal.
• Jeannie Wolcott, from the Gallery asked what was the first thing that was going to happen with the Comprehensive Master Plan. Supervisor Entwistle stated land use. The Site Review Law and Subdivision Law are going to be updated. Ideally, Jon Derworiz may be the one updating it as he is a land use expert. Councilman Addison mentioned the Town of Forestport has to answer to New York State, but part of the town answer to the Adirondack Park agency.
• Connie Kennedy, from the Gallery asked if there are any plans for large solar farms or windmills. Supervisor Entwistle stated when you read the plan and the map itself, it shows areas to preserve and places for development. There are zero plans for solar or wind. Carl Thomas stated the town can only comment on solar farms until a certain level, then the state takes over. Supervisor Entwistle stated there’s Residential- panels on your own roof, Community-anything under 5 megawatts and Industrial- over 5 megawatts. The town has the ability to regulate any community or residential solar. The state is the permitting authority and if the town squawks, they can override the Town.
• Supervisor Entwistle thanked Dave Ultsch, Bob Whitehead, Erin Burns, Jen Hartsig, Jon Derworiz, Harley, Grant Writer, Jen Hartsig and Dan Lapin for all their work into the Comprehensive Plan.

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Scouten to put the meeting into recess until September 17, 2025.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

MOMENT OF SILENCE:
Supervisor Entwistle called for a moment of silence for Barbara Smith as she passed away. She was the town clerk from 1984-1991.

ABSTRACTS:
GENERAL:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to pay Abstract # 8 Vouchers #453- #533 in the amount of $92,639.95.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
HIGHWAY:
A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #8 Vouchers #205- #229 in the amount of $177,498.00.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
WATER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers #82- #88 in the amount of $2,290.67.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
SEWER DISTRICT #1:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers #38- #42 in the amount of $314.01.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
BUCKHORN:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #8, Voucher #21 in the amount of $79.38.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
PLANNING:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilman Addison to pay Abstract #8, Vouchers # 3-#9 in the amount of $392.06.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
TOWN CLERK MINUTES:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Verschneider and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the minutes from the:
July 16, 2025: Regular Town Board Meeting
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED
REPORTS
TOWN CLERK REPORTS
JUSTICE REPORT
PLANNING REPORT
DOG REPORT
SUPERVISOR REPORT
WATER
BUCKHORN
SEWER

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilwoman Abrial to accept the monthly reports.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

NOCCOG: John Healt went over the monthly announcements.

WATER:
• Hydrants: The hydrants are all painted, thanks to Lucas and his Assistant.
• Phone line changes for water plants: The current phone system from one plant to the other is very antiquated and is currently costing the town $1,000/month. Councilman Addison is looking into changing providers. He contacted Frontier and they could only bring the bill down around $160/month and they wanted a very lengthy contract signed. There’s another vendor through the water system he looked at and they stated the system was very antiquated and would cost approximately $10,000 plus manual maintenance charges. He called Northland Communications, and this is outside their parameters. They recommended something cellular based, and he reached out to Perk Tech. It will cost $10,000 to replace, and $1500 in annual fees. This will end up paying for itself in a short amount of time. The distance between the two plants is approximately a couple of miles.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to accept the move forward with Perk Tech.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

SEWER:
• Income survey for Sewer District Customers: Over the last couple of years, Jen Hartsig, the Grant Writer has been chasing grants. One piece of the puzzle is an income survey. It boosts the chances of getting a grant.
OLD BUSINESS BOARD:
• Demolition of the Church: The church has been demolished by Bronze Construction, and the fees will be placed on the homeowner’s taxes. There is a possibility the town will not get all the money from the demolition. Anna Hennessey, from the gallery, asked if there were any talks about other abandoned properties. Supervisor Entwistle stated if there are no public safety concerns, they mow the lawn sometimes there is nothing the town can do. The hamlet is moving in the right direction.
• Youth Recreation: The kids had another great year of Summer Recreation. The After-school art program starts on September 9th.
• Community EXPO: The Community EXPO is September 24, 2025, from 10AM-2PM. Tracy spearheads this with many vendors. We are taking donations for the St. Patrick’s St. Mary’s Food Pantry with the following items: Progresso soups, baked beans, instant oatmeal, cereals, pancake/ muffin mix, boxes of tea. Any questions contact Tracy Terry, Town Clerk.
• Senior Rec Group: They have a small Health Fair planned on September 12th from 10am-2pm. They also have a Train trip planned for September 26th. Details to follow for both.
• Codes Department: Codes is way ahead of permits for the year. This is in addition to falling down buildings and complaints. The town averages 20-25 new residences a year. He has $3,000 in fines for the year, Building and demolition- $9,000.
• Grant updates: Councilman Addison gave updates on grants. The town is applying for several grants for the Woodgate Community School, Site review Law Grant and DEC Smart growth Grant.
• Cannabis Dispensary: The state allows the town to comment for thirty days. The town has applied for an extension. There were a couple of hundred comments and a petition. The town has until September 3rd to submit the comments. The comments are overwhelmingly against it. Don Frank, from the Gallery, asked why the town did not opt out. Supervisor Entwistle stated they did not opt out because there are benefits to the town, but the board didn’t think anyone would actually open a dispensary in the town of Forestport in 2017 when this was brought up. Anna asked if there was a survey from the Cannabis Board. Supervisor Entwistle stated they received a name, address and location. Some people have done homework on the proposed owner of the dispensary, and it led to questions to if the location would matchup with the Cannabis guidelines.
• Councilwoman Verschneider asked how the boat wash was doing. The last day is Columbus Day. Supervisor Entwistle will be putting data together for the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS BOARD:
• Highway Contract Negotiations: Highway negotiations are underway with teamsters. They have another meeting set for September 10th.
• Tax Cap: Supervisor Entwistle stated the town has increased its services for the Seniors, youth, etc. There’s a solid chance the town is going to break the tax cap this year. There is a possibility they may need to break the tax cap, but it’s not absolute.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule a Public Hearing for Local Law# 2 of 2025: To override the 2026 Tax Cap, September 17, 2025, at 6:20P.M..
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Budget Public hearing:
A motion was made by Councilwoman Abrial and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule a Public Hearing for the 2026 Budget on: November 3, 2025, at 6:30P.M.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Special Meeting: This may tentatively be on October 1, 2025.
• SEQR Resolution:
Town of Forestport – SEQR Resolution Declaring the Intent to Be Lead Agency.
Whereas, the Town of Forestport Town Board (hereinafter referred to as Town Board) has reviewed the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, prepared by the Comprehensive Plan Committee for the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan; and
Whereas, the Town Board determines that said Action is classified as a Type 1 Action under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Regulations; and
Whereas, the Town Board determines that said Action is also subject to review and approval by other involved agencies under SEQR Regulations; and
Whereas, the Town Board determines that it is the most appropriate agency to insure the coordination of this Action and will provide written notifications to involved agencies, for the purposes of conducting a coordinated review and making the determination of significance thereon under the SEQR Regulations.
Now, therefore be it resolved that the Town Board does hereby declare its intent to be designated as the lead agency for the Action.
Be it further resolved, that Consultant for the new Comprehensive Plan (LaBella Associates DPC) is directed to provide notice hereof to the involved and interested agencies seeking their agreement (or objection thereto) in writing on or before noon on Monday, September 20, 2025.

A motion was made by Councilman Addison and seconded by Councilman Scouten to pass Resolution #9 of 2025: SEQR Resolution Declaring intent to be lead agency.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Buckhorn: The Town is looking to raise the rate to $115.00 a quarter instead of $103.75 a quarter.
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to schedule a Public Hearing for the 2026 Budget on: September 17, 2025, at 6:10P.M.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

• Pro-Housing Community Resolution:
Pro-Housing Communities Resolution

RESOLUTION No: 10 of 2025

Councilmember Addison moved and Councilmember Scouten seconded that

WHEREAS, the Town of Forestport believes that the lack of housing for New York residents of all ages and income levels negatively impacts the future of New York State’s economic growth and community well-being;

WHEREAS, the housing crisis has negative effects at regional and local levels, we believe that every community must do their part to contribute to housing growth and benefit from the positive impacts a healthy housing market brings to communities;

WHEREAS, we believe that supporting housing production of all kinds in our community will bring multiple benefits, including increasing housing access and choices for current and future residents, providing integrated accessible housing options that meet the needs of people with sensory and mobility disabilities, bringing economic opportunities and vitality to our communities, and allowing workers at all levels to improve their quality of life through living closer to their employment opportunities;

WHEREAS, we believe that evidence showing that infill development that reduces sprawl and supports walkable communities has significant environmental and public health benefits; and

WHEREAS, we believe that affirmatively furthering fair housing and reducing segregation is not only required by law, but is essential for keeping our community strong and vibrant;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that Town of Forestport, in order to take positive steps to alleviate the housing crisis, adopts the Pro-Housing Communities pledge, which will have us endeavor to take the following important steps:

1. Streamlining permitting for multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.
2. Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing.
3. Incorporating regional housing needs into planning decisions.
4. Increasing development capacity for residential uses.
5. Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.

I, Tracy M. Terry, Town Clerk of the Town of Forestport do hereby certify that the aforementioned resolution was adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Forestport on August 20, 2025, by the following vote:

Aye Nay Absent
Harold Entwistle x
Steven Addison x
Danielle Abrial x
Glenyce Verschneider x
Ronald Scouten x
STATE OF NEW YORK
ONEIDA COUNTY
This is to certify that I, Tracy M. Terry Town Clerk of the Town of Forestport, in Oneida County, have compared the foregoing copy of the Resolution #10 of 2025- Pro-Housing Communities Resolution

With the original now on file in this office, and the same is correct and the true transcript of such originals and the whole thereof.

In witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Town this 20th day of August 2025.

SEAL Tracy M. Terry, RMC
Forestport Town Clerk- Oneida County

• Forestport Fire Department: Councilwoman Verschneider stated they are having Old Forestport Days, and they are looking for volunteers to help out. Jeanne Wolcott, from the Gallery, said that she has people who signed up to help. It was almost cancelled this year because they were lacking volunteers. The town is sponsoring a fishing derby from 7am-1pm. Town Clerk, Tracy Terry has come up with categories for the derby such as weirdest catch, casting and most entertaining.
NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC:
• Discussion took place on ambulances billing those taken by ambulances. Bob Whitehead, from the Gallery, went through StaR Ambulance, currently North Star Ambulance as far as budgets go. Sometimes they do not get reimbursements.

• Kim Lambert, from the Gallery, asked where they were in regard to the radar signs. Supervisor Entwistle has been playing phone tag with the company. Kim will be reaching out to them.
• Carl Thomas, from the Gallery mentioned Trestle Road is getting dangerous as there are more residents and the biggest issue is Amazon drivers. He asked the town to straighten out part of the road where it curves. Supervisor Entwistle stated he will ne reaching out to the County DPW to see if he and Bil Gardner can figure out a solution.
• Supervisor Entwistle mentioned Dave Combs graded the end of the launch for the fishing derby.
• Anna Hennessey, from the Gallery, introduced herself. She is concerned with younger people moving to the area and vacant homes. Supervisor Entwistle said one of the survey parts was split into groups. All concerns were placed in the plan. A lot of properties are really high everywhere. The plan is to repurpose housing, get younger people to the area and get broadband internet for people to work from home. The town is turning around.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Councilman Scouten and seconded by Councilwoman Verschneider to adjourn the meeting.
5 ayes/ 0 nays/0 absent MOTION CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:44 pm by Supervisor Entwistle.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy M. Terry

Forestport Town Clerk