Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
APPROVED
At the REGULAR MEETING of the Town Board, Town of Clay, Onondaga County,
held at the Town Hall, Clay, New York on the December 18th, 2023 at 7:30 P.M., there were:
PRESENT:
Damian Ulatowski Supervisor Joseph A. Bick Deputy Supervisor/Councilor Eugene Young Councilor Kevin Meaker Councilor Ryan Pleskach Councilor
Deborah Magaro-Dolan Councilor Jill Hageman-Clark Town Clerk
Robert Germain Town Attorney
Ron DeTota Town Engineer
ABSENT:
David Hess Councilor
Mark V. Territo Commissioner of Planning and Development OTHERS PRESENT:
Russ Mitchell, Planning Board Chairman; Hal Henty, Planning Board Member.
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Ulatowski at 7:30 P.M. All present joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilor Bick made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2023 Town
Board meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Cancellation and/or requested adjournments:
Supervisor Ulatowski said that item number 7 will not be heard.
Correspondence:
Announce retirement of Zoning Board Chairman, Edward Wisnowski, Jr.
effective November 17, 2023.
Councilor Bick said that tonight is Councilor Meaker’s last meeting as a Town Councilor and extended his gratitude for his service and wished him well in his new
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - December 18, 2023 Town of Clay
role as County Legislator. All other board members followed, extending their thanks and well wishes to Mr. Meaker.
Supervisor Ulatowski asked if anyone would like to address the Town Board on any matters not on the agenda.
Shannon Allen of 112 Sagamore Drive South began by explaining that she and several neighbors were present to discuss an ongoing problem on their street. There have been many police visits and two recent deaths. Several residents spoke about erratic driving, underage drinking, drug use and sales, prostitution, illegal burning and other disturbing happenings. One resident explained that the bus garage has decided to pick students up at their homes rather than the designated bus stops. Another resident stated that there have been many calls to the Sheriffs department many resulting in arrests.
The residents overwhelmingly expressed their fear for the safety of the children and residents as threats have been made when encountering people visiting this particular home. One resident explained that the gentleman that owned the house passed several years ago, and things changed after that. One resident said that she is concerned about the close proximity to the school and the walking path leading to it; adding that it is not uncommon to see people smoking crack outside the house and a registered sex offender spends time there.
Another resident said that there is no running water in the house and that various pets are allowed to roam free resulting in the death of a Husky on Route 57. The Crisis Unit has been called and the resident slammed the door on them.
Mike Brown Chief of MCFD said that he had been to the home as well. He continued that they have been burning plastic and using gasoline on the fire. Mr. Brown said that first responders have been threatened by the inhabitants.
Deputy McKenna of the Sheriffs Department said that they receive numerous calls regarding this address and they have made many arrests of different people at this address. He suggested that residents continue to call the sheriffs when illegal activities are happening, take pictures when safe to do so and use the 411 tip line if a drug deal is suspected.
Supervisor Ulatowski thanked the residents for bringing this to the attention of the board. He said that there would be no resolution tonight but that the Town and the Police will work together to try to rectify this crisis. Supervisor Ulatowski said that he would not send Code Enforcement without Police backup. Councilor Pleskach asked if there were any registered weapons and Deputy McKenna said there are not. Councilor Magaro-Dolan said that she had spoken with a resident that sent her a petition that was signed by neighbors. Councilor Meaker suggested a larger police presence. Supervisor Ulatowski thanked the residents for bringing this to the Town Boards attention.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - December 18, 2023 Town of Clay
Supervisor Ulatowski asked if anyone else would like to address the board.
Robert Aluzzo said that he was present with Peter Sindone, Engineer regarding stagnant water along Route 57 and backing up to Condor Circle and Redwing Drive where there is a 15’ drainage easement. Mr. Aluzzo stated that the neighbor on Condor Circle brought in 30 tons of soil to elevate his property, and this has created a flooding situation on his property. He continued, on July 6th and 7th when over 2” of rain fell the water did not move.
Mr. Aluzzo reached out to Steve Calcerinos, who tried to set up a meeting with the
Supervisor and Town Engineer to discuss this but was unsuccessful at setting it up; he then hired Mr. Sindone.
Supervisor Ulatowski called an executive session Councilor Bick made the motion and Councilor Meaker seconded the motion to go into executive session at 8:19 PM. Motion was unanimously carried. The Town Board members exited.
At 8:25 PM the Board members returned. A motion was made by Supervisor
Ulatowski and seconded by Councilor Meaker to end the executive session. Motion was unanimously carried.
At 8:26 PM the Town Board meeting reconvened based on a motion made Councilor
Pleskach and seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan. Motion was unanimously
carried.
Supervisor Ulatowski addressed Mr. Aluzzo that he would be happy to look into this and Mr. Aluzzo should contact his office to set up the meeting. Mr. Aluzzo thanked him.
REGULAR MEETING:
Appointment — Zoning Board of Appeals:
Councilor Young moved the adoption of a resolution appointing Edward Wisnowski,
Jr. as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals effective November 20, 2023. Said term to expire December 31, 2027. Motion was seconded by Councilor Meaker.
Ayes — 7 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Supervisor Ulatowski explained that Chairman Wisnowskhi retired and had to be retired for at least one day to begin receiving retirement benefits.
Assessor - Exemption for Low Income Seniors:
Sewer Connection (A) - 3953 Bonstead Road:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - December 18, 2023 Town of Clay
Councilor Magaro-Dolan moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing a sewer
lateral connection, pursuant to the written request of Michael Ciciriello & Mara Morabito (the property owners), to a Town of Clay sanitary sewer force main located along Bonstead Road for servicing their home at 3953 Bonstead Road (Tax Map No. 025.-01-10.0). The cost of construction will be at no cost to the Town of Clay. The property owner agrees to pay all costs (Town and private) associated with the sanitary sewer connection as well as the Town of Clay Operation and Maintenance charges as annually assessed at one unit and the County Sanitary District charges. The property is located in the Horseshoe Island Sewer District. The property owner
further agrees to pay all annual Town and County charges thereafter. Motion was seconded by Councilor Meaker.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Transfer of Appropriations (amending) 2023 Town of Clay Budget:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing transfer of
appropriations and amending the 2023 Town of Clay Budget in various funds to
provide monies for 2023 expenditures. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro- Dolan.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Franchise Renewal/Spectrum — (CPH):
Councilor Bick moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing January
3, 2024, commencing at 7:35 p.m., local time, to consider the proposed ten (10) year franchise renewal agreement between the Town of Clay and Spectrum Northeast, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Charter Communications. Motion was seconded by Councilor Pleskach.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT (Transfer) - TOWN OF CLAY LAND USE STUDY:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution approving the transfer in the
amount of $200,000.00 from the Capital Reserve Account to the General Capital Fund to pay for the professional services associated with the creation of a TOWN OF CLAY LAND USE STUDY for a sum not to exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($200,000.00), said resolution subject to permissive referendum. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes — 5 and Noes — 1. Motion carried. Councilor Meaker voting no.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - December 18, 2023 Town of Clay
Transfer of Funds (ARPA) - GASKIN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS
PROJECT:
Councilor Meaker moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Supervisor to
transfer American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in the amount of $104,755.25 to the General Capital Fund for the Gaskin Road Infrastructure Repairs project and transfer funding in the amount of $210,795.96 to the General Capital Fund for the Moyers Corners Fire Department Station #4 renovation and transfer funding in the amount of $308,515.99 to the Consolidated Drainage Fund for the
Forest Hills drainage replacement project. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Councilor Bick moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Town of Clay to
pursue grant funding from the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family to provide youth team sports and youth sports education and services. Request for Proposals are to be submitted to Onondaga County Division of Purchase. Motion was seconded by Councilor Pleskach.
Ayes — 6 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 P.M. upon motion by Councilor Young and seconded by Councilor Bick.
Ayes — 7 and Noes — 0. Motion carried.
Cu Lhpernl uw
Jill Hagenfan Clark — Town Clerk/RMC