**CLAY** – As the energy landscape shifts toward renewable power, the Town Board is taking steps to ensure new technology is implemented safely. During their regular meeting on April 20, 2026, the board initiated the process to adopt a new "Battery Energy Storage System Law," aiming to balance green energy promotion with public safety. The board unanimously moved to schedule a public hearing for May 4 at 7:38 p.m. to consider Local Law No. 4. This legislation would create a new chapter in the Town Code specifically for battery storage systems. According to the meeting minutes, town officials recognize that while these systems represent a reliable form of renewable energy storage, the technology is relatively new. Currently, the town lacks a governing ordinance to address their use. The proposed law aims to establish guidelines for properly siting these facilities, with a focus on protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of residents. Also on the horizon for the May 4 meeting is a proposed change to how the town regulates tobacco retail. The board scheduled a separate hearing for 7:41 p.m. to consider Local Law No. 5. This law would amend the Town Code to define "Smoke Shops" and require them to obtain a Special Permit from the Town Board to operate in the RC-1, HC-1, and NC-1 Commercial Zone Districts. In other business, the board is preparing for potential commercial expansion. A public hearing was set for May 4 at 7:41 p.m. regarding Case #1247. This application seeks a Special Permit for Community Bank, represented by Erik Turner, to construct a bank with drive-thru services. The proposed site is located at 4000 State Route 31, within an existing retail plaza in the RC-1 Regional Commercial District. Infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda. The board scheduled a hearing for May 4 at 7:44 p.m. to consider an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The funds would specifically target street repairs for Steelway Blvd. South in 2027. Looking toward disaster preparedness, the board adopted a resolution accepting the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan for Onondaga County. The minutes note that this plan is required by state and federal agencies to keep the town eligible for non-emergency disaster assistance and mitigation funds. Finally, the town is seeking financial assistance for its own facilities. The board authorized the Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor to apply for a grant through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The funding would be used to purchase and install a generator for Town Hall. The grant requires a 25% local match from the town, which the board agreed to provide. The public hearings for the battery storage law, smoke shop regulations, bank permit, and street funding are all scheduled for May 4, 2026.