Seneca County public meetings in 2025

Board of Supervisors

The Board approved a $39,558 budget to develop a new county website. It adopted numerous adjustments to the 2025 budget, including wage and benefit changes. The Board authorized contracts with affiliate organizations for 2026 and delegated tax‑refund authority for amounts up to $2,500. Finally, it ratified the 2026 tax rolls and set the county tax levy at $16,591,362.

• Authorized development of a new official website, cost not to exceed $39,558.00 (adopted)
• Approved amendments to the 2025 budget with specified wage, benefit, and other line‑item changes (adopted)
• Authorized contracts with affiliate organizations for 2026, allocating $1,304,500 in total (adopted)
• Delegated authority to correct and refund taxes of $2,500 or less to the County Treasurer or Manager for FY 2026 (adopted)
• Ratified the 2026 tax rolls (adopted)
• Adopted final 2026 county tax levy totals, totaling $16,591,362 (adopted)
• Held and closed a public hearing on Local Law 7 of 2025 to eliminate residency requirements for the County Manager (hearing opened and closed)

Community Services Board

The board unanimously accepted the November 2025 meeting minutes. Joseph Lorenzetti was appointed Chair and Tammy Anhorn Vice Chair. All 2025 subcommittee chairs were confirmed to continue serving in 2026.

• Accepted November 2025 minutes – all in favor, none opposed
• Appointed Joseph Lorenzetti as Chair and Tammy Anhorn as Vice Chair
• Confirmed all 2025 subcommittee chairs will remain in place for 2026

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will meet to review three land-use applications and receive a presentation on a county housing strategy. The meeting will be held in-person only.

• Review of Area Variance for 14' x 24' shed at 759 Waterloo-Geneva Rd
• Review of Minor Subdivision for 3-acre lot at 3250 State Route 96
• Review of Subdivision for 0.102 acres at 5581 State Route 96
• Presentation on Seneca County Comprehensive Housing Strategy
• Department of State Winter Webinar Series presentation

The board approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting unanimously. It adopted resolutions 52-25, 53-25, and 54-25, recommending approval of an area variance for a storage shed, a minor subdivision in Fayette, and a lot‑line adjustment in Varick, respectively, leaving final decisions to local authorities. The board also appointed Bobbi‑Jo Bilia to fill in for Janet Lynch and Frank Ruzicka to fill in for Mary Kelleher.

• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (13-0)
• Adopted resolution 52-25 recommending area variance approval (13-0)
• Adopted resolution 53-25 recommending subdivision approval (11-0, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted resolution 54-25 recommending lot‑line adjustment approval (13-0)
• Appointed Bobbi‑Jo Bilia to sit in for Janet Lynch
• Appointed Frank Ruzicka to sit in for Mary Kelleher

Airport Advisory Committee

The Seneca County Airport Advisory Committee will hear the Airport Manager’s report on activity, fuel sales, maintenance, and other services. It will review a project update from McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc., and consider the FLAPS, county, and Chamber of Commerce reports. The meeting also includes old business, new business, and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Airport Manager’s Review (activity, fuel sales, maintenance, mowing/plowing, car rental)
• McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc. project review
• FLAPS Review
• County Review by Jill Henry
• Chamber of Commerce Review by Jeff Shipley

Board of Supervisors

The Board approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted Resolution 289-25 authorizing 2026 mental health and substance‑abuse service contracts. It also adopted Resolutions 290-25, 291-25 and 292-25 to authorize Division of Human Services contracts, a veterans‑services agreement up to $100,000, and $293,547 in weatherization funding for 2026.

• Accepted October 14, 2025 meeting minutes (adopted)
• Adopted Resolution 289-25 authorizing 2026 mental health & substance‑abuse contracts
• Adopted Resolution 290-25 authorizing Division of Human Services to enter 2026 contracts
• Adopted Resolution 291-25 authorizing Veterans One‑Stop Center agreement (up to $100,000)
• Adopted Resolution 292-25 accepting $293,547 weatherization program funding

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. It moved the regular January 2026 meeting from Jan 1 to Jan 8, 2026. The board entered and later exited an executive session to discuss a firm's financials and employment, both motions passing unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 6, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Rescheduled Jan 2026 meeting to Jan 8, 2026 (unanimous)
• Confirmed consultant interview dates: Dec 8 MRB Group & RKG; Dec 16 Fourth Economy, Hickey Global, Better City (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss financials/employment of a firm (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation Governance Committee will examine the Board self‑evaluation results and conduct a policy review. Items under review include the Governance Committee Charter, the corporation’s mission statement, the bylaws, the Code of Ethics, and the Whistleblower‑Retaliation Prevention policy. No new business is listed, and the meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Review Board Self‑Evaluation Results
• Review Governance Committee Charter
• Review Mission Statement
• Review Bylaws
• Review Code of Ethics and Whistleblower‑Retaliation Prevention

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation's Governance Committee will meet to review board self-evaluation results and update governance policies, including the charter, bylaws, and code of ethics. No specific actions or contracts are scheduled for this meeting.

• Review Board Self-Evaluation Results
• Policy Review (Charter, Bylaws, Code of Ethics)
• Governance Committee Charter review
• Whistleblower – Retaliation Prevention policy review
• Travel and Training policy review

Mental Health Subcommittee

The Seneca County Mental Health Subcommittee meeting on November 18, 2025 consisted of quarterly reports and updates from various agencies. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The next meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM, with the CSB meeting to follow at 5:00 PM.

Community Services Board

The board approved the October meeting minutes and received reports from various programs. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational, with updates on services, staffing, and upcoming events.

• Approved October meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation convened a special meeting on November 20, 2025 to interview town supervisors and the Waterloo mayor as part of its countywide listening tour. The session was intended to gather local input on economic development priorities. No old business was carried over, and an executive session was scheduled to discuss the financials or employment of a firm.

• Interviews with Romulus Supervisor David Hayes and Waterloo Supervisors Michael Enslow (Chair), Robert Shipley, Don Trout, plus Mayor Walter Bennett
• Executive session to discuss the financials or employment of a firm
• No old business items listed
• Meeting held at Lyons National Bank Community Room, 2433 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165
• Purpose of the listening tour: strengthen relationships and align countywide economic development with community priorities

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation will hold a special meeting on November 20, 2025 at the Lyons National Bank Community Room in Waterloo. The agenda includes interviews with Romulus Supervisor David Hayes and Waterloo Supervisors Michael Enslow, Robert Shipley, Don Trout, plus Mayor Walter Bennett, as part of the SCLDC’s listening tour. An executive session is scheduled to discuss the financials or employment of a firm. No old business is listed.

• Interviews with Romulus Supervisor David Hayes and Waterloo Supervisors Michael Enslow, Robert Shipley, Don Trout, and Mayor Walter Bennett
• Executive session to discuss the financials or employment of a firm
• Location: Lyons National Bank Community Room, 2433 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165
• Date and time: November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct General Municipal Law reviews for several projects in the Towns of Tyre and Seneca Falls. These items include residential subdivisions, a solar installation, and a request for a use variance to build a home.

• Subdivision of 76-acre parcel at 864 Gravel Road, Town of Tyre
• Installation of 24 ground-mounted solar panels at 2885 Cosad Road, Town of Seneca Falls
• Subdivision of 3-acre portion from a 90-acre parcel at 639 Gravel Road, Town of Tyre
• Special Use Permit and Use Variance for a home at 1629 Auburn Road, Town of Seneca Falls
• Site plan for a 40' x 40' x 10' auto repair pole barn at 178 Ovid Street, Town of Seneca Falls

The Board approved the minutes from the October 9 meeting. It then adopted resolutions 47‑25, 48‑25, 49‑25, 50‑25 and 51‑25, each recommending approval of the respective subdivision or site‑plan applications. All five resolutions carried with a vote of 13‑0‑1.

• Approved resolution 47-25 for Upstate NY Property Development minor subdivision (13-0-1)
• Approved resolution 48-25 for Larsen/Lotz flag‑lot subdivision (13-0-1)
• Approved resolution 49-25 for John Wehrle photovoltaic site‑plan (13-0-1)
• Approved resolution 50-25 for Nicholas Rotondo special‑use permit and use variance (13-0-1)
• Approved resolution 51-25 for Rob Smithoover auto‑repair pole barn site‑plan (13-0-1)
• Approved minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting (13-0-1)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors adopted the certified equalization rates for the 2026 county tax apportionment. It also authorized the purchase of new network switches for $59,939.44, directed the Clerk to advertise a public hearing on the tentative 2026 budget, re‑appointed Dr. Dale Frier to the County Board of Health, and approved a $23,125 contract with the Pivital Public Health Partnership. All resolutions were moved, seconded, and adopted as recorded.

• Adopted 2026 county tax equalization rates (Resolution 266-25)
• Authorized purchase of aging network switches for $59,939.44 (Resolution 265-25)
• Directed Clerk to advertise public hearing for 2026 budget; Shipley voted nay (Resolution 267-25)
• Re‑appointed Dr. Dale Frier to Board of Health for 2026‑2029 term (Resolution 268-25)
• Approved $23,125 contract with S2AY Rural Health Network (Pivital) for 2026 (Resolution 269-25)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board approved the minutes from the October 2 and October 16, 2025 meetings unanimously. The board agreed to place a discussion of consultant proposals on the agenda for the November 20 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. after a unanimous motion.

• Approved October 2 and October 16 minutes (unanimous)
• Added consultant selection discussion to Nov 20 agenda
• Adjourned meeting at 7:29 p.m. (unanimous)

Community Services Board

The Community Services Board unanimously approved the minutes from the June meeting. No other substantive actions were taken. The meeting was then adjourned by motion.

• Approved June meeting minutes (all in favor, no opposition)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

OPWDD Subcommittee

The sub‑committee approved the July 15, 2025 minutes with all members in favor and no opposition. A motion to adjourn was made by all members and carried. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Accepted July 15, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion made by all)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board unanimously added Audit and Finance Committee reports to the agenda and later unanimously adjourned the meeting. Nineteen proposals for strategic planning services were received, and the board agreed to schedule an Executive Session to discuss contract procurement once finalists are identified. The board assigned Laura Ortiz to prepare an evaluation rubric and Ave Bauder to distribute all submissions to members.

• Added Audit and Finance Committee reports to agenda (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous approval)
• Agreed to schedule Executive Session to discuss contract procurement
• Assigned Laura Ortiz to prepare evaluation rubric for RFP
• Assigned Ave Bauder to email all RFP submissions to board members
• Decided all board members will review all submissions for initial screening
• Decided to extend RFP review timeline due to 19 submissions
• Set target date for vendor selection: November 6, 2025

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted Resolution No. 239‑25, authorizing a subscription agreement with ClearGov for digital budget book software at a 2025 cost of $10,325 and a 2026 cost of $15,000, funded by reallocating contingency and accounting fee line items. The Board also adopted Resolution No. 240‑25, amending the 2025 budget to adjust equipment, repairs, and public defender funding. Additionally, the Board approved Resolution No. 241‑25 urging the Governor and State Legislature to grant counties permanent home‑rule sales‑tax authority up to 4 %. The September 9, 2025 meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved ClearGov subscription agreement (2025 $10,325, 2026 $15,000) – Resolution 239‑25
• Adopted budget amendments for equipment, repairs, and public defender – Resolution 240‑25
• Urged state to grant permanent home‑rule sales‑tax authority up to 4% – Resolution 241‑25
• Approved September 9, 2025 Board meeting minutes

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review several land use applications under General Municipal Law §239-l. The board is examining projects including solar energy systems, a residential subdivision, and a multi-unit housing project.

• Special Use Permit for a 4.0 MW AC solar energy system and battery storage at 1872 Gravel Road
• Area Variance for a 30.91 kW AC residential solar system at 9778 Savercool Road
• Subdivision of a 13-acre parcel into four parcels on State Route 96
• Site Plan Review for eight 1-bedroom units at 58 Border City Road
• Special Use Permit for an educational pavilion at 741 Lerch Road

The board adopted seven resolutions. It approved an area variance for Intelligent Green Solutions’ 31.6 kW solar system, approved BlueWave Energy’s 4 MW solar project with a special use permit and a condition to submit a decommissioning plan and bond, approved a special use permit for Van Cleef Capital’s deck, approved a subdivision of a 13‑acre parcel for David Rauscher with easement and signage conditions, and approved site‑plan reviews and area variances for William LaQuitara III’s residential project. All motions passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes, with only a few abstentions.

• Approved minutes of September 11, 2025 meeting – Carried 11-0-1
• Approved Area Variance for Intelligent Green Solutions (Resolution 41‑25) – Carried 11-0-1
• Approved BlueWave Energy Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review (Resolution 42‑25) – Carried 12-0-2
• Approved Van Cleef Capital Special Use Permit (Resolution 43‑25) – Carried 11-0-3
• Approved David Rauscher Subdivision Review (Resolution 44‑25) – Carried 12-0-2
• Approved William LaQuitara III Site Plan Review and Area Variance (Resolution 45‑25) – Carried 13-0-1
• Approved LaQuitara III conditional approval – Carried 13-0-1

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation (SCLDC) will meet with the supervisors of Covert and the Village of Interlaken on October 16, 2025. The agenda outlines a 45–60 minute conversation to learn about local strengths, challenges, and visions for county‑wide economic development. No decisions, contracts, or policy changes are scheduled; the meeting is purely informational and collaborative.

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation board will adopt a Compensation and Attendance Policy for board members, an Investment Policy governing how corporation funds are invested, and a Procurement & Lobbying Policy setting thresholds and procedures for purchases and vendor interactions. These policies outline board member attendance expectations, expense reimbursement, investment guidelines, and procurement rules including bidding thresholds and lobbying restrictions.

• Compensation and Attendance Policy – board members serve without salary; reasonable expense reimbursement requires Board approval
• Investment Policy – funds must be deposited in FDIC‑insured banks or trust companies in Seneca County; deposits exceeding insurance limits must be collateralized with eligible securities, letters of credit, or surety bonds
• Procurement thresholds – purchases up to $1,000 (goods) or $1,500 (public works) at Executive Director’s discretion; $10,001+ require competitive bidding
• Procurement exceptions – emergency situations, sole‑source needs, or resolutions waiving bidding requirements may be used with proper documentation
• Lobbying restrictions – Executive Director designated as contact during restricted period; records of bidder contacts kept; bidders must certify accuracy of information

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board will adopt the Audit Committee Charter adopted on March 6, 2025. The charter defines the committee’s purpose, powers, composition, meeting requirements, and reporting duties. It directs the committee to recommend hiring a certified independent accounting firm, establish its compensation, and oversee the independent audit. The charter also requires annual review and possible amendment by the board.

• Adopt the Audit Committee Charter (adopted March 6, 2025)
• Committee to recommend hiring a certified independent accounting firm and set its compensation
• Committee to provide direct oversight of the independent audit performance
• Committee must meet at least twice a year and before any debt issuance
• Committee to report actions and recommendations to the board annually and conduct an annual self‑evaluation

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation board will approve policies governing board member attendance and compensation, the corporation's investment of cash, and procurement and lobbying procedures. The attendance policy requires the chair to review any member who misses more than six meetings in a year or three consecutive meetings. The investment policy limits deposits to FDIC‑insured banks in Seneca County and sets collateral requirements for amounts exceeding insurance limits. The procurement policy establishes spending thresholds, quote requirements, and a restricted‑contact period for bidders.

• Attendance rule: missing >6 regular meetings or 3 consecutive meetings triggers chair review
• Compensation: board members serve without salary, may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses
• Investment policy: funds must be deposited in FDIC‑insured banks or trust companies in Seneca County; excess deposits must be collateralized with securities, letters of credit, or surety bonds
• Procurement thresholds: up to $1,000 (executive discretion), $1,001‑$5,000 (verbal quotes from 3 vendors), $5,001‑$10,000 (written quotes, board discretion), $10,001+ (competitive bidding)
• Lobbying restrictions: designated contact person for bidders, record‑keeping of all contacts, and certification requirements in contracts

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation Board adopted an Audit Committee Charter on March 6, 2025. The charter defines the committee’s purpose, powers, composition, meeting schedule, and reporting duties. It directs the committee to recommend hiring a certified independent accounting firm, set its compensation, and oversee audit performance. The board will receive the committee’s reports at its regular meetings.

• Adopted the Audit Committee Charter (effective March 6, 2025)
• Committee to recommend hiring a certified independent accounting firm and set its compensation
• Committee composition requires at least three independent board members serving 1‑year terms
• Committee must meet at least twice a year and before any debt issuance
• Committee to report recommendations and annual self‑evaluation to the Board

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation will meet with the Town Supervisors of Covert and the Village of Interlaken on October 16, 2025. The agenda is a structured conversation to learn about local economic strengths, challenges, and priorities, and to explore how the SCLDC can support future projects. No formal decisions or actions are being taken at this meeting; it is an information‑gathering session.

• Listening tour meeting with Town Supervisors of Covert and Village of Interlaken
• Guided conversation covering community strengths, challenges, vision, and collaboration
• Discussion of potential countywide economic development alignment
• Identification of local projects and planning efforts for possible SCLDC support
• Collection of follow‑up action steps based on supervisor input

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board approved the consent agenda minutes from September 2025 and adopted the draft 2026 budget without dissent. Committee meeting dates for audit, finance, and governance were set. No executive session was held and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved September 4 and September 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Scheduled Audit Committee meeting for Oct 16 at 5:00 p.m. (confirmed)
• Scheduled Finance Committee meeting for Oct 16 at 5:15 p.m. (confirmed)
• Scheduled Governance Committee meeting for Dec 4 at 5:00 p.m. (confirmed)
• No executive session was held
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Mental Health Subcommittee

The subcommittee met via Zoom on September 16, 2025; members presented quarterly reports on counseling services, suicide‑prevention training, staffing, and housing issues. No votes, approvals, or other formal actions were recorded. The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM.

ASA Subcommittee

The committee voted to accept the June meeting minutes, with all members in favor and none opposed. The remainder of the meeting consisted of quarterly reports from agencies on addiction services, overdose incidents, gambling issues, and treatment program updates. No additional proposals were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Accepted June meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)

Community Services Board

The Community Services Board accepted the June meeting minutes after a motion by Stanley Hatch and a second by Mike Alessio. All members voted in favor with none opposed. Afterward, the board adjourned the meeting on a motion by Jeanette Rock, seconded by Stanley Hatch. No new business was considered.

• Approved June meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will consider six General Municipal Law (GML) items. These include an area variance for photovoltaic panels at 5199 East Lake Road, a subdivision proposal on Yellow Tavern Road and State Route 96, a special use permit to expand propane storage at 3605 State Route 96, a site‑plan review for a natural gas regulator station on State Route 414, a special use permit to change an auto‑repair shop to a convenience store at 1436 West River Road, and a site‑plan review for a light‑commercial HVAC business at 1005 State Route 96.

• Area variance for photovoltaic panels – 5199 East Lake Road (Town of Varick)
• Subdivision of one acre from a 172‑acre parcel – Yellow Tavern Rd & State Route 96 (Town of Fayette)
• Special use permit to add a 60,000‑gallon propane tank – 3605 State Route 96 (Finger Lakes Propane)
• Site‑plan review for a natural gas regulator station – State Route 414 (NYSEG, Town of Seneca Falls)
• Special use permit to convert auto‑repair shop to convenience store – 1436 West River Road (Town of Fayette)

The board adopted resolutions to approve an area variance for a solar panel array (9‑3‑0), a minor subdivision of farmland (10‑0‑2), a special use permit for an additional propane tank (10‑0‑2), and a site‑plan review for a natural‑gas regulator station (10‑0‑2). Each approval was conditional on the applicant providing additional information or documentation. No public comments were made.

• Approved solar panel area variance (Resolution 35‑25) – vote 9‑3‑0
• Approved minor subdivision of 172‑acre farm (Resolution 36‑25) – vote 10‑0‑2
• Approved special use permit for additional propane tank (Resolution 37‑25) – vote 10‑0‑2
• Approved site‑plan review and related permits for NYSEG gas station (Resolution 38‑25) – vote 10‑0‑2

Airport Advisory Committee

The committee will receive reports on airport activity, fuel sales, and maintenance. William Verfuss of McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc. will provide reviews of current and future projects.

• Airport Manager's review of fuel sales and FBO status
• McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc. project and future project review
• FLAPS review
• County review by Jill Henry
• Chamber of Commerce review by Jeff Shipley

The committee accepted the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. It approved scheduling the next meeting for Dec 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the airport terminal conference room. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted June 11, 2025 minutes (motion by Dr. Ken Padgett, seconded by August Gillon)
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm (motion by August Gillon, seconded by Bob Shipley)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation is conducting a listening tour meeting with town supervisors from Seneca Falls and Varick to gather input on economic development. The agenda includes introductions, an overview of the tour, a guided conversation using a set of 14 questions, and a closing recap. No decisions are being made; the purpose is to strengthen relationships and understand local priorities.

• Interviews with Seneca Falls supervisors Kronenwetter, Rhinehart, and Schmitter
• Interview with Varick supervisor Hayssen
• Guided conversation using a 14‑question framework covering strengths, challenges, vision, and collaboration

Board of Supervisors

The Board approved the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes after Supervisor Enslow moved and Supervisor Brownell seconded the motion. No vote tally was recorded. The meeting also included a presentation of a $27,540.50 donation check from the Friends of the Three Bears. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Enslow, seconded by Brownell)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation will review and recommend 2026 budgets and finalize the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The agenda includes updates on the Willard property, supervisor interviews, and the adoption of a videoconference policy. The board is also expected to discuss the Finger Lakes Regional Airport runway extension, which was previously supported with a letter to county officials.

• Review and recommended budgets for 2026
• RFP for Strategic Planning Services to update the Seneca County Economic Development Plan
• Discussion regarding the Video Conference Policy
• Updates on the Willard property title transfer proposal to Empire State Development
• Schedule for Town Supervisor Listening Tour interviews

The board approved the amended minutes from the April 3, 2025 meeting. It allocated $250,000 across checking, money‑market, and CD accounts as recommended. The Finger Lakes Times was named the official publication for public notices, and a public hearing on the videoconferencing policy was scheduled for June 5, 2025.

• Approved April 3, 2025 minutes (Ave Bauder motion, 1 abstention, rest in favor)
• Allocated $250,000 banking funds: $10K checking, $70K money market, $180K CD (unanimous)
• Designated Finger Lakes Times as official publication (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for videoconferencing policy on June 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Formed Project Steering Committee to guide Economic Development Strategic Plan (planned)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:02 p.m. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review several land use applications under General Municipal Law §239-l. The board is examining the county and inter-municipal impacts of proposed developments across five different towns.

• OnnexCo USA site plan for a temporary structure and truck scale at 184 Ovid Street
• Request for a digital commercial advertising billboard at State Routes 414 and 318
• Special Use Permit for an ice cream stand at 5785 State Route 96
• Special Use Permit adjustment for a wedding venue and bar/restaurant at 3978 East Lake Road
• Subdivision of a five-acre parcel at 2240 Poorman Road

The Planning Board voted 12‑0‑0 to recommend approval of Leonard Marr’s area variance to build a 48’ × 40’ accessory pole barn in the Town of Waterloo’s Agricultural district, contingent on the property owner providing a signed, notarized authorization. The board also approved three other requests—Michelle Schrader’s special‑use permit for an ice‑cream stand (11‑0‑1), OnnexCo USA’s site‑plan review (11‑0‑1), and the Martin subdivision (10‑0‑2)—each with conditions related to health approvals or agricultural notifications. The proposed billboard variance for Cole Fletcher was denied in two votes (5‑7‑0 and 7‑5‑0), and no decision was recorded for the Meseke special‑use permit.

• Approved Leonard Marr area variance (12-0-0)
• Denied Cole Fletcher use and area variance for LED billboard (5-7-0, 7-5-0)
• Approved Michelle Schrader special‑use permit for ice‑cream stand (11-0-1)
• Approved OnnexCo USA site‑plan review (11-0-1)
• Approved Martin & Esther minor subdivision review (10-0-2)

Board of Supervisors

The Seneca County Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the 2025 budget, adopted the 2026 Workers’ Compensation budget, and authorized a contract with TimeClock Plus for time‑attendance software. It also declared a 2009 Ford F‑250 surplus and approved its auction, authorized acquisition of a donated 2009 Ford EC2 van, approved advertising for the Office for the Aging’s annual public hearing, and accepted a $53,900 grant to replace three EV charging stations.

• Approved amendments to the 2025 Seneca County Budget (Resolution 184-25)
• Adopted the 2026 Workers’ Compensation Budget (Resolution 185-25)
• Authorized agreement with TimeClock Plus, LLC for software ($25,200 implementation, $24,300 annual license) (Resolution 186-25)
• Declared 2009 Ford F‑250 surplus and authorized its auction (Resolution 187-25)
• Authorized acquisition of donated 2009 Ford EC2 van (Resolution 188-25)
• Authorized advertising of the Office for the Aging’s annual public hearing (Resolution 189-25)
• Accepted $53,900 grant from Power Management for replacement of three EV charging stations (Resolution 190-25)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting and closed a public hearing with no public comments. It voted to send a letter of support to the Seneca County Board of Supervisors for extending the Finger Lakes Regional Airport runway. The board also adopted a schedule for supervisor interview meetings and approved the timeline for a strategic‑planning services RFP.

• Approved minutes of June 5, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved sending support letter for Finger Lakes Airport runway extension (unanimous)
• Approved draft “Common Questions” for Supervisor Listening Tour (unanimous)
• Adopted supervisor interview schedule for September‑November (unanimous)
• Approved RFP timeline for strategic‑planning services (unanimous)
• Requested creation of an SCLDC email address (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:25 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted Resolution 182‑25, reinstating the Deputy County Manager position and placing it at Grade 9 on the Management Salary Schedule. It also adopted Resolution 183‑25, introducing Local Law D of 2025 to waive the residency requirement for that position and scheduled a public hearing for August 12, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Adopted Resolution 182-25 reinstating Deputy County Manager position (Grade 9)
• Adopted Resolution 183-25 introducing Local Law D of 2025 to waive residency requirement
• Scheduled public hearing on proposed Local Law D of 2025 for August 12, 2025
• Authorized Clerk to publish hearing notice at least ten days prior
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Community Services Board

The board approved the minutes from the June meeting with all members in favor. In executive session, Donald Black was approved as a new Community Services Board member. No other business items were decided.

• Approved June meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Donald Black as new Community Services Board member

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will conduct General Municipal Law reviews for six land use proposals. These include site plan reviews, special use permits, and minor subdivisions across five different towns.

• Site plan review for a 60,000 square foot egg roll processing facility at 678 State Route 318
• Site plan review for a 3,200 square foot Visitors Center and offices at 1781 State Route 318
• Special use permit for a produce and baked goods roadside stand at 2954 Lower Lake Road
• Minor subdivision of an 18 acre parcel at 5578 State Route 89
• Minor subdivisions at 122 Bridge Street and 412 Abbott Drive

The Planning Board adopted five resolutions recommending approval of various permits and site plans, each with conditions and recorded vote tallies. The resolutions cover a special‑use permit and variances for a roadside stand, a minor subdivision in Seneca Falls, a Chamber of Commerce visitors center, a minor subdivision of a 17‑acre lakefront parcel, and a site‑plan for an egg‑roll manufacturing facility. All motions carried with the votes shown in the minutes.

• Approved recommendation (Resolution 23-25) for Special Use Permit, Use Variance and Area Variance for Megan Johnson roadside stand, conditional on town confirmations – vote 10-0-2
• Approved recommendation (Resolution 24-25) for Minor Subdivision review and Area Variances for Dean and Rebecca Zettlemoyer – vote 11-0-2
• Approved recommendation (Resolution 25-25) for Chamber of Commerce visitors center site plan, conditional on SPDES permit if disturbance ≥1 acre – vote 11-0-2
• Approved recommendation (Resolution 26-25) for Minor Subdivision review of Jason Martin’s 17‑acre lakefront parcel – vote 13-0-0
• Approved recommendation (Resolution 27-25) for Mark Lin egg‑roll facility site plan, conditional on SPDES permit – vote 12-0-1
• Approved minutes of the June 12, 2025 meeting – vote 11-0-1

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the 2025 Seneca County budget, adjusting salaries, contracts, CHIPS funding and DHS allocations. It recognized four middle‑school students with the 2025 Brightest Star Award. The Board also appointed new members to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board and approved the June 10, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved budget amendment: decrease salaries $40,000
• Approved budget amendment: increase contractual partners $40,000
• Approved budget amendment: increase CHIPS capital revenue $940,716.71 and construction expenditure $940,716.71
• Approved budget amendment: decrease DHS POS 44 $20,000 and increase DHS POS 11 $20,000
• Approved recognition of 2025 Brightest Star Award winners (Phoebe Leo, Anna Pollino, Joey Mull, Joshua Borst)
• Appointed Sara Bruzee, Steve Clemenson, Randi DiAntonio, and Dr. Robert Nye to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board
• Appointed Lucinda Trask to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board
• Approved the June 10, 2025 Board meeting minutes

ASA Subcommittee

The ASA Subcommittee accepted the March meeting minutes. The motion to accept was carried with all members in favor and none opposed. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the meeting.

• Accepted March meeting minutes (unanimous)

Community Services Board

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March and April meetings. The board also unanimously approved the local plans for fiscal year 2025‑26 for ASA, mental health (MH) and OPWDD services. No opposition was recorded for either motion.

• Approved March & April meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved 2025‑26 local plans for ASA, MH and OPWDD (all in favor)

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review three land use applications under General Municipal Law. The board will examine the county and inter-municipal impacts of these proposed projects.

• Site Plan Review and Area Variance for a 10’ x 30’ double-sided LED billboard at Routes 5&20
• Minor Subdivision Review for 2668 Leader Road to sell approximately 8 acres of a 15-acre parcel
• Special Use Permit for a roadside farm stand and chicken flock expansion at 2478 Reed Road

The board adopted resolution 20-25 to approve a double‑sided LED billboard site plan and area variance, with a 10‑0‑3 vote. It adopted resolution 21-25 to approve a minor subdivision of 8.129 acres, also with a 10‑0‑3 vote. It adopted resolution 22-25 to approve a special‑use permit for a farm roadside stand and related structures, with a unanimous 13‑0‑0 vote.

• Approved billboard site plan & area variance (resolution 20-25) – vote 10-0-3
• Approved minor subdivision of 8.129 acres (resolution 21-25) – vote 10-0-3
• Approved farm roadside stand special‑use permit (resolution 22-25) – vote 13-0-0

Airport Advisory Committee

The committee will receive reports on airport activity, fuel sales, and maintenance. McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc. will provide reviews of current and future projects.

• Airport Manager's review of fuel sales and FBO status
• McFarland Johnson Engineers, Inc. project and future project review
• FLAPS review
• County and Chamber of Commerce reviews

The committee approved the minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting with a motion by Bob Shipley and second by August Gillon. No other motions were adopted; members discussed signage, equipment replacement, courtesy‑car use, and landing‑light operation, but no decisions were recorded. The next meeting is set for September 10, 2025.

• Approved March 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted six budget amendment resolutions covering a mortgage tax distribution, a mandated mental‑health stay, capital‑project funding, water and sewer repairs, and a professional services agreement with Three+One. It also approved a two‑year extension of the county’s Rabies Control Program grant. Additionally, the Board approved the minutes from the April 8, May 13 and May 27 meetings.

• Approved mortgage tax payment to municipalities totaling $247,192.88 (Resolution 129‑25)
• Approved budget amendment for mandated mental‑health stay (increase $50,000 medical expenses, decrease $50,000 contingency) (Resolution 130‑25)
• Approved agreement with Three+One for cashVest liquidity monitoring services at $28,000 (Resolution 131‑25)
• Approved budget amendment for capital projects (decrease contingency $145,397.40, increase interfund transfers) (Resolution 132‑25)
• Approved budget amendment for water and sewer repairs using $10,000 fund balance (Resolution 133‑25)
• Approved two‑year extension of the Rabies Control Program grant ($10,234 annually) (Resolution 134‑25)
• Approved minutes from the April 8, 2025 Board meeting
• Approved minutes from the May 13 and May 27, 2025 meetings

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board approved the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously and postponed the videoconferencing public hearing to August 7, 2025. It agreed to deprioritize the Willard project until site control is clarified and to invite Town Supervisors to future meetings. Two workgroups were created to handle supervisor engagement and the RFP scope, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

• Approved May 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed videoconferencing public hearing to Aug. 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Deprioritized Willard project until site control clarified
• Agreed to invite Town Supervisors to future meetings
• Formed Supervisor Engagement & Questions workgroup (Laura Ortiz, Heather Robson, John Bell, Sarah Davis)
• Formed RFP Scope and Format workgroup (Ave Bauder, John Bell, Russell Goodman, with assistance from Sarah Davis)
• Develop common and custom questions for guest conversations
• Adjourned meeting at 7:23 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted Resolution No. 128‑25, authorizing an emergency contract with Dr. Marshall Trabout to serve as medical director and provide doctor services at the Seneca County Correctional Facility for the remainder of 2025 at $9,000 per month. The Chairman was authorized to sign the agreement and the Finance Department to make the necessary budget entries. The Board entered an executive session for review of litigation and personnel matters, then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved emergency contract with Dr. Marshall Trabout ($9,000/month) for jail medical services (Resolution 128‑25)
• Authorized Chairman to execute the contract and related documents
• Authorized Finance Department to record the contract in the budget
• Entered executive session to review litigation and personnel matters (no action taken)
• Adjourned the meeting

Mental Health Subcommittee

The subcommittee reported that Lakeview's offer on downtown Geneva office space was accepted and ownership will occur over the summer. Betsy Fuller is retiring and Deana Simpson will assume her position. The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM.

• Lakeview office space offer accepted; ownership to occur summer
• Betsy Fuller retiring; Deana Simpson to take over position
• Next meeting scheduled for September 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted Resolution 105‑25, amending the 2024 County budget with revenue increases and expenditure allocations for water and sewer districts. It also adopted Resolution 106‑25, authorizing the purchase of a 2025 Kia Sorrento for the Mental Health Department. The minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Adopted Resolution 105‑25 amending the 2024 budget (adopted)
• Increased Water District revenue $12,500.09 (budget transfer)
• Increased Water District revenue $40,958.84 from metered‑water sales
• Increased Water District revenue $3,078.38 from interest/penalties
• Decreased Fund Balance $88,091.88 (Water District)
• Increased Sewer District #1 revenue $14,427.63 (sewer charges)
• Approved purchase of a 2025 Kia Sorrento for the Mental Health Department (Resolution 106‑25)
• Approved the April 8, 2025 Board minutes

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The LDC will consider signing fiduciary statements, allocate banking funds to CD accounts, review a draft videoconferencing policy and set a public hearing, discuss next steps for updating the county economic development strategy, and review the Willard Highest & Best Use Study.

• Sign fiduciary statements (routine compliance)
• Allocation of banking CD rates
• Review draft videoconferencing policy and set public hearing
• Discuss next steps for Economic Development Strategic Plan update
• Review Willard Highest & Best Use Study

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review several site plans, subdivisions, and local law amendments referred by towns. Items include a 40,000-bird chicken barn in Waterloo, a private airstrip in Junius, and a large propane tank addition in Fayette. The board will also consider moratorium extensions for campgrounds and mobile home parks in Ovid, and law updates in Seneca Falls and Tyre.

• Town of Fayette – Finger Lakes Propane – add 60,000-gallon propane tank at 3605 State Route 96
• Town of Waterloo – Brubaker – 40,000-bird chicken barn, egg packing room, storage at 1020 Hecker Rd
• Town of Junius – Martin – private airstrip (3500' x 60') on farm at 863 Smith Rd
• Town of Ovid – extend one-year moratorium on campground establishment and expansion
• Town of Seneca Falls – propose local law amendments on solar energy systems and stormwater management

The Planning Board adopted several recommendations, including approval of a private airstrip and hangar site plan with environmental and permitting conditions. It also recommended approval of a chicken farm special‑use permit, a propane tank expansion, a minor subdivision, and local law amendments for Seneca Falls and Tyre. All actions were approved by unanimous or near‑unanimous votes.

• Adopted resolution 11-25 recommending approval of private runway and hangar site plan, conditional on environmental permits (12-0)
• Adopted resolution 10-25 recommending approval of chicken farm special‑use permit (11-0-1)
• Adopted amended resolution 12-25 recommending approval of propane tank expansion, conditional on third‑party safety inspection (9-0-3)
• Adopted resolution 13-25 recommending approval of minor subdivision (9-0-3)
• Adopted resolution 14-25 recommending approval of Seneca Falls solar and erosion local‑law amendments, conditional on state compliance (11-0-1)
• Adopted resolution 15-25 recommending approval of Tyre Site Plan Law amendment (12-0-0)
• Approved minutes of the April 10, 2025 meeting (12-0)

Community Services Board

The board approved the Community Care Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) grant, a four‑year program funded at $4 million. The 2026 Local Service Plan was reviewed and a vote was taken, though the result was not recorded in the minutes. The meeting was adjourned after a motion by Jeanette Rock and second by Paul Kronenwetter.

• CCBHC grant for 4‑year $4 M program approved (no vote tally provided)
• 2026 Local Service Plan reviewed and voted upon (outcome not recorded)
• Motion to adjourn adopted (motion by Jeanette Rock, seconded by Paul Kronenwetter)

OPWDD Subcommittee

The subcommittee accepted the minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting unanimously. The 2026 Local Plan was reviewed and approved. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Accepted January 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Local Plan (vote not specified)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board adopted resolutions recommending approval of four applications: a special‑use permit and area variance for Craig Mirand, a local‑law review rezoning eight parcels near the Cayuga‑Seneca Canal, a site‑plan review for a duplex by the Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank, and a subdivision of a 66.313‑acre farm. All motions were carried with votes of 9‑0‑1 or 10‑0‑0. The board also appointed Bobbi‑Jo Bilia to fill a vacancy and approved the March 13 minutes unanimously.

• Bobbi‑Jo Bilia appointed to fill vacancy (unanimous)
• March 13, 2025 minutes approved (10‑0‑0)
• Approved Special Use Permit & Area Variance for Craig Mirand (9‑0‑1)
• Approved rezoning of eight parcels near Cayuga‑Seneca Canal (9‑0‑1)
• Approved duplex site‑plan for Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank (10‑0‑0)
• Approved subdivision of 66.313‑acre farm for Jerry Brubaker (9‑0‑1)

Board of Supervisors

The Board adopted several resolutions, including extending tax‑roll services for school districts and villages, approving a $5.46 million amendment to the Hurrell‑Harring legal‑services grant, and authorizing a Home Rule request to let the county impose an additional 1% sales and use tax. It also approved $84,417 from opioid‑settlement funds for United Way and authorized contracts for the state‑mandated preschool program. All motions were moved by Supervisor Partee and were adopted.

• Adopted Resolution No. 88-25 extending tax extract files to six school districts for 2025
• Adopted Resolution No. 89-25 extending tax rolls and bills for four villages for 2025
• Adopted Resolution No. 90-25 amending the Hurrell‑Harring Reform grant to $5,464,452.47
• Adopted Resolution No. 91-25 authorizing Home Rule requests for Senate Bill S 3493 and Assembly Bill A 3644 to impose an additional 1% sales tax
• Adopted Resolution No. 92-25 awarding up to $84,417 from opioid settlement funds to United Way of Seneca County
• Adopted Resolution No. 93-25 authorizing contracts for the 3‑5 preschool program

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The board unanimously approved a 2025 budget that halves each line item except a $50,000 contract services allocation. It also approved Lyons National Bank as the LDC’s primary banking institution and created a checking money‑market account with four officers as signers, each motion passing with one abstention. The board unanimously agreed to notify the County Board of Supervisors that the LDC will fund and facilitate an update to the economic‑development strategy. The July 2025 meeting was cancelled.

• Approved 2025 budget, halving each line except $50,000 contract services (unanimous)
• Approved Lyons National Bank as primary banking institution (passed, vonHahmann abstained)
• Approved checking money‑market account at LNB with four officers as signers (passed, vonHahmann abstained)
• Approved notifying County Board of Supervisors of LDC willingness to fund and facilitate strategy update (unanimous)
• Cancelled the July 2025 meeting (agreed)
• Approved minutes of March 6, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Community Services Board

The board accepted the February minutes and heard a presentation on the CCBHC grant's Year 1 achievements, which were mostly met or exceeded, with partial goals due to prescriber wait times and recruitment challenges. Reports from various agencies and committees were presented, including updates on the United Way's Ovid fire response, FLACRA's opioid program, and staffing vacancies at the clinic. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved February meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Heard CCBHC Year 1 report: goals mostly achieved or exceeded
• Noted CCBHC Year 2 priorities: fill vacancies, retention, CQI committee, quality measures
• Received consumer report on DIC Presidents' week activity
• Received committee reports from ASA subcommittee and various agencies
• Noted clinic staffing vacancies: 4 mental health therapists, 1 anticipated, crisis and school-based positions
• Noted crisis team staffing changes: Jessica Stein left, Desirae Hobby moved, Haley Fleischer new, Natalie split time
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Ashley Kisa, seconded by Maria Gigliotti)

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will hold a public hearing and review two land-use referrals under NYS General Municipal Law §239-l. The first is a subdivision in the Town of Fayette to split a 2.4-acre parcel at 1691 State Route 336 into two residential lots. The second is a proposal by the Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation to construct a triplex at 1473 Pleasant Road in the Hamlet of Willard, requiring both a special use permit and an area variance. The board will also handle routine items such as approving prior minutes and appointing alternate members.

• Town of Fayette – Mitchell, Allan – Subdivision review – 1691 State Route 336: 2.4-acre lot split into a 1.4-acre and a 1-acre residential lot
• Town of Romulus – FLRLBC – Special Use Permit & Area Variance – 1473 Pleasant Road: triplex construction on site of demolished single-family dwelling
• Public comments will be accepted; projects with representatives are reviewed first

The Seneca County Planning Board approved a special use permit for a three-unit townhouse project by the Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation in Romulus, with a recommendation that any area variance also be approved. The board also approved a minor subdivision in Fayette. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved special use permit for Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation townhouse project (11-0-1, Lynch abstained)
• Approved minor subdivision for Allan Mitchell in Fayette (10-0-2, Brady and Bilia abstained)
• Approved February 13, 2025 meeting minutes (12-0)

Airport Advisory Committee

The committee will hear reports from the airport manager on operations, fuel sales, maintenance, and car rental. The engineering firm McFarland Johnson will review current and future projects. Other reports include FLAPS, county, and chamber updates. The meeting is primarily procedural with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of minutes from December 11, 2024
• Airport Manager's Review covering activity, fuel sales, maintenance, mowing/plowing, and courtesy car
• McFarland Johnson project review and future projects
• FLAPS review
• County and Chamber of Commerce updates

The Finger Lakes Regional Airport Advisory Committee approved the minutes of the December 11, 2024 meeting and declared the old 1994 concrete fuel tank surplus, with Jill Henry and Bob Shipley tasked to bring the recommendation to the County. The committee also discussed airport staffing, approach light adjustments, FAA funding, and a possible plane lease, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved December 11, 2024 meeting minutes (motion by Peter Same, seconded by Bob Shipley)
• Declared old 1994 concrete fuel tank surplus (motion by Peter Same, seconded by Bob Shipley, passed unanimously)

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation holds its regular meeting to adopt organizational policies and bylaws, appoint officers and committee members for 2025, and set a public hearing for a videoconferencing policy. The board will also discuss initial projects, with a focus on redeveloping the Willard Campus and Babcock-Hovey property in the Town of Ovid.

• Adoption of Resolution 2025-3-1 to adopt organizational policies (bylaws, code of ethics, whistleblower policy, procurement policy, etc.)
• Motion to appoint officers for 2025: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary
• Motion to appoint committee members for Governance, Audit, and Finance committees
• Set public hearing for videoconferencing policy
• Discussion of initial projects, particularly redevelopment of Willard Campus and Babcock-Hovey property

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation (LDC) held its inaugural meeting and formally organized. The board unanimously adopted a slate of officers, appointed members to three statutory committees, and approved a resolution adopting organizational policies and bylaws required by state public authority laws. The board also discussed future projects, including the Willard redevelopment, and tentatively scheduled its next meeting for April 3rd.

• Adopted organizational policies and bylaws via Resolution 2025-3-1 (unanimous roll call vote)
• Appointed officers: Heather Robson (Chair), Ave Bauder (Vice Chair), Kraig vonHahmann (Treasurer), Laura Ortiz (Secretary) (unanimous)
• Appointed committee members: Governance (Ortiz, Bauder, LaGasse), Audit (Goodman, vonHahmann, LaGasse), Finance (Goodman, Robson, Bell) (unanimous)
• Designated Treasurer vonHahmann as Contracting Officer and Chair Robson as PARIS representative (part of Resolution 2025-3-1)
• Tabled adoption of a videoconferencing policy for further review
• Tentatively scheduled next meeting for April 3rd at 5:30 PM

Board of Supervisors

The Seneca County Board of Supervisors met on March 11, 2025, and approved a series of resolutions, including amendments to the 2024 budget, acceptance of several state grants for health, emergency management, and elections, and contracts for services. The board also authorized a grant application for a redevelopment plan for the Village of Ovid following a devastating fire, and supported a water infrastructure grant application for the village.

• Approved amendments to the 2024 Seneca County Budget (Resolution 52-25).
• Accepted NYS Department of Health grants for tobacco enforcement ($29,350), immunization action ($31,050), healthy neighborhoods ($125,432), and water enhancement ($102,070) (Resolutions 53-56).
• Authorized contracts for aging services with several vendors for 2025-2026 (Resolution 57-25).
• Authorized a contract with Stark Tech Services LLC for generator, boiler, and HVAC services up to $46,420 (Resolution 59-25).
• Approved the creation and filling of two full-time Peer Advocate positions in the Mental Health Department (Resolution 64-25).
• Authorized the Sheriff to enter intermunicipal agreements to house incarcerated individuals for other counties at $110 per day (Resolution 72-25).
• Approved a grant application for a redevelopment plan for the Village of Ovid, with a $50,000 local match (Resolution 83-25).
• Approved a Home Rule Request to increase the hotel and motel tax from 3% to 6% (Resolution 87-25).

Economic Development – Local Development Corporation

The Seneca County Local Development Corporation held its inaugural meeting, adopting organizational policies and appointing officers and committee members. The board also discussed future projects, including the Willard redevelopment, and set a tentative monthly meeting schedule.

• Adopted organizational policies (Part 1 and Part 2) via unanimous roll call vote
• Appointed officers: Chair Heather Robson, Vice Chair Ave Bauder, Treasurer Kraig vonHahmann, Secretary Laura Ortiz
• Appointed Governance, Audit, and Finance committees
• Tentatively agreed to meet first Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM, next on April 3rd

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors approved two resolutions at a special meeting. They authorized the purchase of two 2024 International HV613 ten-wheel trucks from Tenco Industries for a total of $651,880, funded from the 2024 Highway Road Machinery Vehicle Account. They also appointed nine members to the newly established Seneca County Water and Sewer Authority board, with terms ending in 2025, 2026, and 2027. No other business was discussed.

• Approved purchase of two 2024 International HV613 ten-wheel trucks from Tenco Industries for $651,880 total (Resolution 50-25)
• Appointed Curtis Viery, Faith Smith, and Brian Preston to Water and Sewer Authority board for one-year terms ending Dec 31, 2025 (Resolution 51-25)
• Appointed Clara Walburn, Tom Dyson, and Bobby Carrol to Water and Sewer Authority board for two-year terms ending Dec 31, 2026 (Resolution 51-25)
• Appointed Damon Nicholson, Greg Keefe, and Mike Shores to Water and Sewer Authority board for three-year terms ending Dec 31, 2027 (Resolution 51-25)

Mental Health Subcommittee

The Seneca County Mental Health Subcommittee met on February 18, 2025, and received quarterly reports from member agencies. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting was informational only. Reports covered Lakeview's housing programs, Glove House's children's services, and staffing vacancies across mental health services.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at the meeting

Community Services Board

The Seneca County Community Services Board met on February 18, 2025, and heard reports from various program directors. No substantive decisions were made; the only formal action was approving the previous meeting's minutes. Reports covered staffing vacancies, program updates, and a new supportive housing project.

• Approved November meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Stanley Hatch, seconded by Maria Gigliotti)

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review three General Municipal Law referrals: a use variance for a horse barn in Seneca Falls, a special use permit for a 6,000-square-foot airplane hangar at the Finger Lakes Regional Airport, and a local law update from the Town of Waterloo that removes owner-occupancy requirements for short-term rentals and reduces fees. The board also will appoint alternate members, approve prior meeting minutes, and hear public comments. Its role is advisory, focusing on county and inter-municipal impacts under NYS GML §239-l.

• Town of Seneca Falls – Owens, Robert & Amanda – Use & Area Variance for a 900 sq ft horse barn and one-acre pasture at 52 Mechanic Street in an R-1 district where horses are not permitted
• Town of Seneca Falls – Seneca County, Finger Lakes Regional Airport – Special Use Permit for a 6,000 sq ft airplane hangar at 2727 Martin Road to increase operational capacity
• Town of Waterloo – Local Law Review updating Short-Term Rental Law to remove owner-occupancy requirement and reduce fees in the three-year fee schedule

The Seneca County Planning Board reviewed three referrals and voted on each. It recommended approval of the Town of Waterloo's proposed removal of the owner-occupied/owner-supervised requirement from its short-term rental law. It also recommended approval of a use variance for a barn and pasture in Seneca Falls and a special use permit for an aircraft hangar at the Finger Lakes Regional Airport, though both votes failed to carry due to insufficient votes.

• Approved resolution 03-25 recommending approval of Town of Waterloo STR law change (8-0)
• Recommended approval of use variance for Owens property in Seneca Falls (6-1-1, failed to carry)
• Recommended approval of special use permit for airport hangar in Seneca Falls (7-0-1, failed to carry)

Board of Supervisors

The Seneca County Board of Supervisors approved all resolutions on the agenda, including the purchase of a new wireless system for $27,547.75, a 2025 Ford Explorer for the Code Enforcement Office at $39,283.05, and several budget amendments. The board also authorized contracts for veterans' services, speech therapy, and an intermunicipal agreement with Monroe County for housing incarcerated individuals. A local law to provide a salary stipend to the Board Chairman during the County Manager vacancy was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for February 25, 2025.

• Approved $27,547.75 purchase of new wireless system (Res. 28-25)
• Approved $39,283.05 purchase of 2025 Ford Explorer for Code Enforcement (Res. 29-25)
• Approved multiple amendments to 2024 county budget (Res. 30-25)
• Accepted amended Indigent Legal Services grant of $207,963 (Res. 31-25)
• Accepted NYS Health Performance Incentive grant of $20,286 (Res. 32-25)
• Approved contract with Veterans One-Stop Center up to $100,000 (Res. 34-25)
• Authorized intermunicipal agreement with Monroe County for jail housing (Res. 45-25)
• Introduced Local Law B for $2,500/pay-period chairman stipend during manager vacancy

OPWDD Subcommittee

The Seneca County OPWDD Subcommittee met on January 21, 2025, and approved the minutes from the October 15, 2024 meeting. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of informational reports from OPWDD, Mozaic, and Prime Care, covering topics such as rate updates, staffing shortages, and service expansions.

• Approved minutes from October 15, 2024 meeting (all in favor)

Community Services Board

The Seneca County Community Services Board met on January 21, 2025, and approved the minutes from the November meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of committee and program director reports on housing, staffing, and service updates. The board discussed ongoing challenges such as housing shortages for the OPWDD population and staffing vacancies, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved November meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)

Board of Supervisors

The Seneca County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and adopted Local Law 4 of 2024, setting 2025 salaries for elected officials and senior county personnel. The board also authorized 2025 contracts with affiliate organizations, approved mental health provider contracts totaling $1,798,550, and accepted several state grants for the Health Department and Board of Elections. A resolution was adopted formally requesting the NYS DEC to deny or further review Cargill's permit application for the Cayuga Salt Mine.

• Adopted Local Law 4 of 2024 setting 2025 salaries for county officials and senior personnel
• Authorized 2025 contracts with affiliate organizations (e.g., Cornell Cooperative Extension $501,000, Soil & Water $530,000)
• Approved 2025 mental health provider contracts totaling $1,798,550
• Authorized contract with NYS DOH for Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant ($37,600)
• Authorized contract with NYS DOH for Early Intervention Grant ($28,158)
• Authorized contract with NYS DOH for CYSHCN Grant ($53,854)
• Accepted $210,284 from University of Rochester for opioid/substance use disorder services
• Adopted resolution requesting DEC deny or further review Cargill's Cayuga Salt Mine permit application

Planning Board

The Seneca County Planning Board will review two General Municipal Law referrals: a proposed subdivision at 4700/4710 State Route 96A in the Town of Varick to split off 1.916 acres for a new dwelling, and a proposed local law in the Town of Junius to limit large-scale solar energy systems over 25 kW while allowing small-scale systems by-right. The board will also appoint alternate members, approve prior minutes, and hear public comments.

• Town of Varick – Barry, Chelsea & Jacob – Subdivision Review – 4700/4710 State Route 96A: propose to subdivide 1.916 acres from a 2.61-acre parcel for a new dwelling and removal of an old mobile home.
• Town of Junius – Local Law Review: propose a new local law to limit large-scale solar energy systems over 25 kW and allow small-scale systems by-right.
• Appointment of alternate members for the planning board.
• Approval of December 12, 2024, meeting minutes.

The Seneca County Planning Board approved a minor subdivision in Varick and recommended approval of the Town of Junius' Energy System Law, subject to a condition. The board also approved the December 12, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed upcoming training opportunities.

• Approved minor subdivision for Chelsea & Jacob Barry in Varick (10-0)
• Recommended approval of Junius Energy System Law, conditional on clarifying Town Enforcement Officer role (9-0-1)
• Approved minutes of December 12, 2024 meeting (9-0)