clayny.news

AI for transparency
Clay, New York · Sunday, September 20, 2026· Sep 20, 2026
🏛️ Town Board

Clay Board Weighs Two Bank Drive-Thrus, Sets Hearing on a Third After Credit Union Withdraws and Refiles

2025-05-05 · 2658 words
Read Article →

Key Actions & Decisions

  • Northern Credit Union's zone-change application (Case #1223) was withdrawn by the applicant; the board voted 7-0 to schedule a May 19 public hearing on a new application (Case #1229) to rezone 5004-5008 West Taft Road from PDD/R-10 to O-2 for a bank/credit union with drive-in service.
  • Public hearing closed, no vote taken: Canandaigua National Bank (Case #1227) special permit for a drive-in bank on Oswego Road, including two teller lanes, an ATM lane and a bail-out lane.
  • Public hearing closed, no vote taken: Seneca Savings Financial Facility (Case #1225) special permit for a bank with drive-thru on Route 31; Councilor Pleskach said it was a good use of the O-2 parcel and could set a precedent for the Route 31 corridor.
  • Public hearing closed, no vote taken: Justin's Canine Campus (Case #1226) special permit for an 80-100 dog daycare in the former Firestone building at Marketfair North Plaza.
  • Board voted 7-0 to adjourn hearings at applicants' request: Goguen Drive Realty (Case #1220) to June 16, McDonald's USA (Case #1224) to June 2, and Sonbyrne Sales/Byrne Dairy (Case #1222) to May 19.
  • Board approved (7-0) the 2025 CDBG road-repair application prioritizing Woodward Way and Winchester Drive this year, pushing Steelway Blvd. South to 2027; separately approved (7-0) a 2026 CDBG application for Maltage Drive and Goguen Drive.
  • Board adopted (7-0) an amended Workplace Violence Prevention Program required under state labor law, and authorized (7-0) bid advertising for Phase II contracting on the Green Education Center, with bids due June 4.
  • Board awarded (7-0 each) two NYSERDA-grant-funded contracts: $11,300.00 to Isaac HVACAR for a tankless water heater, and $77,661.00 to Huen Electric for LED lighting at Town Hall.
  • Board approved (7-0 each) release of subdivision securities to developers for Riverwalk Sections 4 and 5 and Farmstead Section 5, reducing each withheld amount to $0.00.

At its May 5, 2025 meeting, the Clay Town Board closed public hearings on special permits for two bank drive-thru facilities and voted to schedule a hearing on a third, after Northern Credit Union withdrew a zone-change application for one parcel and filed a new one for a larger site on West Taft Road the same night.

Topics
Growth & Subdivisions
People
Joseph Bick (Deputy Supervisor / Town Councilor) Russ Mitchell (Planning Board Chairman (predecessor to Borton)) Damian Ulatowski (Town Supervisor) Hal Henty (Planning Board Member) Eugene Young (Town Councilor) Ron DeTota (Town Attorney) Jill Hageman-Clark (Town Councilor (2026- ); previously Town Clerk) Ryan Pleskach (Town Councilor (through 2025)) Robert Germain (Town Clerk) Deborah Magaro-Dolan (Town Councilor (through 2025)) Edward Wisnowski (Town Councilor) Tim Coyer (Land use attorney, Ianuzi & Romans PC (frequent applicant representative before Town boards)) David Capria (Town Councilor) Paul Graves (Planning Board Member) David Tessier (Interim Commissioner of Planning & Development) Mike Redhead (Fire Inspector)

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 May 5, 2025, at 7:30P.M., there were:

PRESENT:

Supervisor Damian Ulatowski Joseph Bick Deputy Supervisor/Councilor Eugene Young Councilor Ryan Pleskach Councilor Deborah Magaro-Dolan Councilor David Capria Councilor Edward Wisnowski Councilor Jill Hageman-Clark

Town Clerk

Robert Germain Town Attorney David Tessier Interim Commissioner Plan & Development

ABSENT:

Ron DeTota OTHERS PRESENT:

Town Engineer Russ Mitchell, Planning Board Chairman; Hal Henty and Paul Graves, Planning Board Members. Mike Redhead, Fire Inspector.

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Ulatowski at 7:30P.M. All present joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL of MINUTES:

Councilor Bick made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2025 Regular

Town Board Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

A resident from Caughdenoy Road approached the Board and asked if they had seen the front page of the Sunday paper. She continued that she is deeply disturbed by the increasing interest in residents that wish to have chickens and various other livestock and non-domestic animals in residential neighborhoods. She continued that she has lived in her home for several decades and now is wakened by roosters. She also has seen an increase in the number of coyotes and foxes with the increase of livestock. She stated that one of the neighbors got a variance to keep one horse on the property, then there were two, then three and they keep a bucket by the road offering free manure. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay She urged the Town Board to restrict farm animals to agricultural zones. Supervisor Ulatowski said that he would investigate this.

CANCELLATIONS and/or REQUESTED ADJOURNMENTS:

Town Board Case #1220: GOGUEN DRIVE REALTY, LLC., adjourned to 6/16 @ 7:35 P.M.

Town Board Case #1224: MCDONALD'S USA LLC., adjourned to 6/2 @ 7:35 P.М. Town Board Case #1222: SONBYRNE SALES, INC./CLAY-DOLSHIRE BYRNE DAIRY, adjourned to 5/19 @ 7:35 P.M

REGULAR MEETING

Community Development Block Grant 2025 (A):

Councilor Bick moved the adoption of a resolution approving the 2025 application of

street repairs for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. After a street reassessment by the Highway Superintendent, it was determined an urgent need of road repairs to Woodward Way and Winchester Drive is required this year rather than Steelway Blvd. South which will Councilor moved to year 2027. Motion was seconded by Councilor Pleskach.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Community Development Block Grant 2026 (A):

Councilor Bick moved the adoption of a resolution approving the 2026 application of

street repairs for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for Maltage Drive and Goguen Drive for application due April 11, 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

SPECIAL PERMIT (PH) – Town Board Case #1227 - CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK:

A public hearing to consider the application of Town Board Case #1227: CANANDAIGUA NATIONAL BANK for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 230-16 C.(2)(e) [2] – Drive-in Service, to allow for construction of a bank with drive-in service on land located at 7515 & 7519 Oswego Road, Tax Мар No. 093.-04-08.1, consisting of +/- 74.82 acres of land. The property is located in the RC-1 Regional Commercial 2 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay District was opened by the Supervisor; proof of publication and posting was furnished by the Town Clerk.

Lisa Wennberg of Keplinger, Freeman and Associates was present to speak on behalf of the applicant. She began by explaining that the parcel is located at the north portion of the Wegmans John Glenn parking lot. They are not going to add a curb cut onto Route 57 but will use the existing two entrances. They will construct three traffic lanes; one for ATM and two teller manned lanes. There is also a proposed bail out lane. They will not require any variances. Councilor Capria asked if the tellers will be live manned. They will but will be on a camera screen, not face to face. There will also be inside service.

Councilor Magaro-Dolan asked about the retention pond. Ms. Wennberg said that the engineer will check the stormwater runoff. The Councilor then asked if there will only be one entrance/exit tot the bank. Ms. Wennberg confirmed that there will. There will be a 40' green area that will abut the road and some trees will need to be relocated. Supervisor Ulatowski asked about the (Veteran) flags placed by the Boy Scouts. She said that they are figuring that out, but they may be relocated. All question and comment having been heard, the Supervisor closed the public hearing.

Special Permit – (PH/Adj.) Town Board Case # 1220 - GOGUEN DRIVE REALTY, LLC.:

Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing

to June 16, 2025 at 7:38 PM (at the request of the applicant). Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

SPECIAL PERMIT (PH) – Town Board Case # 1224 – MCDONALD'S USA, LLC:

Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing

to June 2, 2025 at 7:35 PM (at the request of the applicant). Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

3 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay SPECIAL PERMIT (PH/Adj.) – Town Board case # 1222 - SONBYRNE SALES, INC./CLAY-DOLSHIRE BYRNE DAIRY.:

Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing

to May 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM (at the request of the applicant). Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

SPECIAL PERMIT (PH) – Town Board Case #1225 - SENECA SAVINGS FINANCIAL FACILITY:

A public hearing to consider the application of Town Board Case #1225: SENECA SAVINGS FINANCIAL FACILITY for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 230-15 B.(2)(e)[2] – Bank/Credit Union, to allow for a bank with drive-thru service on land located at 5332 State Route 31, Tax Map No. 051.-01-11.1, consisting of +/- 2.66 acres of land. The property is located in the O-2 Office District. (Referred to Planning Board & adjourned from 04/21/2025 Town Board meeting) was opened by the Supervisor.

Geoff Hillenbrand of Plumley Engineers was present on behalf of the applicant. He began by explaining that they received a positive referral from the Planning Board. He continued they have the potential for more vehicle stacking than anticipated. They will landscape around the perimeter.

Councilor Pleskach said that he feels this is a good use for this parcel and is happy with the O-2 zoning. He concluded that this may set a precedence for future development along the Route 31 corridor.

There being no more questions or comments; the Supervisor closed the public hearing. SPECIAL PERMIT (PH) – Town Board Case #1226 - JUSTIN'S CANINE CAMPUS:

A public hearing to consider the application of Town Board Case #1226: JUSTIN'S CANINE CAMPUS for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 230-16 C.(2)(e)[14] – Animal Care/Training Facility, to allow for a dog daycare facility on land located at 4112 State Route 31, Taх Мар No. 055.-01-06.1 (Marketfair North Plaza), consisting of +/- 0.345 acres of land. The property is located in the RC-1 Regional Commercial District. (Referred to Planning Board & adjourned from 04/21/2025 Town Board meeting) was opened by the Supervisor.

4 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay Tim Coyer of Ianuzi and Romans was present on behalf of the applicants. He began by stating that they were before the Planning Board last week and received a positive referral. He continued that the applicant is proposing to open in the former Firestone building. They will see 80-100 dogs per day with arrival and departures staggered. They will fence the property to the rear and add a fence.

Councilor Pleskach asked about the hot pavement on the paws in the summer. The

applicant said that they will continually hose it down to cool the pavement and clean the area, concluding that the pavement is preferable.

There being no more questions or comments, the Supervisor closed the public hearing. ZONE CHANGE (PH) – Town Board Case # 1223 – NORTHERN CREDIT UNION:

This application was WITHDRAWN by the applicant.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM (amended) (A):

Councilor Magaro-Dolan moved the adoption of a resolution approving an amended

version of the Town of Clay's Workplace Violence Prevention Program, in accordance with the requirements of New York State Labor Law §27-b and 12 NYCRR Part 800.6, which mandate that public employers develop and implement such a program. The Town of Clay affirms its commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees and recognizes the importance of preventing and mitigating incidents of workplace violence. Further authorization is granted to the Supervisor, or their designee, to take all necessary actions to implement and maintain the Program, including but not limited to conducting employee training, maintaining appropriate documentation, and reviewing and updating the Program annually or as otherwise required. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

BID Advertisement - Phase II General Contracting Services - New Green Education Center.

Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the advertisement

of bids for Phase II General Contracting Services for the New Green Education Center project located at 9604 Black Creek Road, Brewerton, New York. This project is partially funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is intended to support environmental education and community engagement initiatives. The scope of work includes plumbing, flooring, mechanical systems, 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay sheetrock installation, decking, siding, gutter system, and electrical services, in accordance with the design documents prepared for the facility. Sealed bids will be received by Jill Hageman-Clark, Town Clerk, at the Town of Clay offices, 4401 State Route 31, Clay, NY, until 1:00 p.m. (local time) on June 4, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. A mandatory pre-bid site visit will be held on May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the project site (9604 Black Creek Road, Brewerton, NY). Specifications, drawings, and other related documents will be available starting May 15, 2025, at Syracuse Blueprint Co., Inc., 825 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY, and online at https://www.syracuseblueprintplanroom.com or by email at info@syracuseblueprint.com. The Town of Clay Town Board reserves the right to waive any informalities, reject any or all bids, and re-advertise if deemed in the best interest of the Town to do so. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Project/Release of Securities – RIVERWALK SUBDIVISION, SECTION No.4:

Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution, pursuant to the written

recommendation of the Town Engineer April 29, 2025, recommending the release of securities withheld for Riverwalk Subdivision Section No. 4 as follows: Riverwalk Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Overland Drainage) from $25,000.00 to $0.00; Riverwalk Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Storm Sewers) from $4,022.00 to $0.00 and Riverwalk Sewer District, Contract No. 1 (Sanitary Sewers) from $4,693.00 to $0.00, to the developer. ). Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Project/Release of Securities – RIVERWALK SUBDIVISION, SECTION No.5:

Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution, pursuant to the written

recommendation of the Town Engineer dated April 29, 2025, recommending the release of securities withheld for Riverwalk Subdivision Section No. 5 as follows: Riverwalk Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Overland Drainage) from $15,000.00 to $0.00; Riverwalk Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Storm Sewers) from $10,056.00 to $0.00 and Riverwalk Sewer District, Contract No. 1 (Sanitary Sewers) from $11,731.00 to $0.00, to the developer. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro- Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

6 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay Project/Release of Securities – FARMSTEAD SUBDIVISION, SECTION No.5:

Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution, pursuant to the written

recommendation of the Town Engineer April 29, 2025, recommending the release of securities withheld for Farmstead Subdivision Section No. 5 as follows: Farmstead Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Overland Drainage) from $15,000.00 to $0.00; Farmstead Drainage District, Contract No. 1 (Storm Sewers) from $5,852.00 to $0.00 and Farmstead Sewer District, Contract No. 1 (Sanitary Sewers) from $10,083.00 to $0.00, to the developer. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Contract – Award (A) – ISAAC HVACAR Commercial& Industrial Services:

Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution awarding a contract for the

purchase and installation of a new A.O. Smith High Efficiency Tankless Water Heater located at 4401 State Route 31, Clay, NY. The Town applied for and received grant funding of $205,000.00 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the Clean Energy Communities Program to assist with the cost of installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater. After a thorough review, Isaac HVACAR Commercial & Industrial Services, was determined to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder and has proposed to complete the scope of work for a total amount not to exceed $11,300.00, as outlined in their proposal dated March 31, 2025. The Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute any and all necessary documents to effectuate this project, which will be offset through NYSERDA grant funding as outlined above. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Contract – Award (A) – HUEN ELECTRIC, Inc.:

Councilor Young moved the adoption of a resolution awarding a contract for LED

Lighting Renovations at the Town of Clay Town Hall Offices located at 4401 State Route 31, Clay, NY. The Town applied for and received grant funding of $205,000.00 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the Clean Energy Communities Program to assist with the cost of energy- efficient lighting improvements. In accordance with procurement requirements, three (3) proposals were received. After a thorough review, Huen Electric, Inc., was determined to be the most responsible and responsive bidder and has proposed to complete the scope of work for a total amount not to exceed $77,661.00, as outlined in their proposal dated April 28, 2025. The Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to 7 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – May 5, 2025 Town of Clay execute any and all necessary documents to effectuate this project, which will be offset through NYSERDA grant funding as outlined above. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

ZONE CHANGE (CPH) – Town Board Case # 1229 – NORTHERN CREDIT UNION:

Councilor Bick moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing on May 19,

2025, commencing at 7:38 P.M., local time, to consider the application of Town Board

Case #1229: NORTHERN CREDIT UNION to allow for a Zone Change from PDD

Planned Development District and R-10 One-Family Residential District to O-2 Office District on land located at 5004-5008 West Taft Road, Tax Map Nos. 116.1-01-04.1 and 116.1-01-05.0 to allow for use of a Bank/Credit Union with a drive-in service on +/- 2.52 acres of land. Motion was seconded by Councilor Capria.

Ayes - 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 P.M. upon motion by Councilor Young and seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.

Ayes 7 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.

Jill Hageman-Clark RMC / Town Clerk 8