The Town Board advanced a $23 million budget for 2026 that carries no tax increase for residents, while a controversial proposal to develop the Hinerwadels site on Taft Road was continued pending a traffic study.
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 October 20, 2025, at 7:30P.M., there were:
PRESENT:
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 Ron DeTota Town Engineer Brian Bender Commissioner Plan & Development
ABSENT:
Damian Ulatowski OTHERS PRESENT:
Supervisor Russ Mitchell, Planning Board Chairman; Hal Henty, Planning Board Member. Paula Caron, Comptroller.
The meeting was called to order by Deputy Supervisor Bick at 7:30P.M. All present joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL of MINUTES:
Councilor Magaro-Dolan made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 6,
2025 Regular Town Board Meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Deputy Supervisor Bick asked if the couple that complained about the noise at Sharkey's were present. He explained that the issues were addressed by the Codes Department. He added that there will be a public hearing to change the zone to comply.
The Deputy Supervisor Bick asked if Mr. Hall was present, he was not. He continued that the complaints have been addressed.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – October 20, 2025 Town of Clay He said that the questions brought up by Mark Goettel of MCFD, at the last meeting regarding the requested increase in benefit and decrease of entitlement age is still under consideration.
REGULAR MEETING:
TENTATIVE BUDGET for the Year 2026 (IH):
Informational hearing to consider the TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF CLAY FOR THE YEAR 2026.
Paula Caron, Comptroller, provided a brief overview of the tentative budget for 2026. She explained the budget is approximately $23,000,000 and residents will incur no increase to Town Taxes. The amount is 1.5% higher than last year, due to the cost of a new roof, highway expenses and an increase to the New York State Retirement System contributions, however, interest rates are down and other items, have offset the increase of 4.5%. Councilor Young asked if we will again come in below the Governors 2% tax cap. Ms. Caron confirmed that it will. Councilor Pleskach asked if there is a fund balance policy. Ms. Caron said that the state does not address the balance, and the auditors have not had a problem with it.
There being no additional questions or comments, Deputy Supervisor Bick closed the public hearing.
SPECIAL PERMIT (PH) – Town Board Case # 1238 – NORTHERN CREDIT UNION:
The public hearing is adjourned due to supporting site plan is on the October 22nd
Planning Board agenda for their review. Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a
resolution adjourning the public hearing to November 5, 2025 at 7:53 PM. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LOCAL LAW No. 1 of the YEAR 2025 (CPH) OVERRIDE THE TAX LEVY LIMIT:
A public hearing to consider adding a proposed Local Law to be entitled "LOCAL
ESTABLISED IN A GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW SECTION 3-C" to the code of the Town of Clay, was opened by the Deputy Supervisor.
2 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - October 20, 2025 Town of Clay Deputy Supervisor Bick explained, every year the Town of Clay does a Local Law to prepare, if the budget goes over the Governors imposed tax cap. The Law is then rescinded. He continued, to this date we have not exceeded the cap. There being no questions or comments, Deputy Supervisor Bick closed the public hearing.
LOCAL LAW No, 2 of the YEAR 2025 – Chapter 211-Traffic and Vehicles (PH):
A public hearing to consider LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF THE YEAR 2025 to amend Chapter 211 entitled “Traffic and Vehicles," Section 5 entitled "Speed Limits" of the Town of Clay Municipal Code, for the reduction of the present 55 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH on the west end of Mud Mill Road, from Caughdenoy Road, extending to the Town of Cicero line and authorization to install the necessary signs therefor.
Deputy Supervisor asked if anyone was present to speak on behalf of the request.
No one was present.
He asked for some background.
Councilor Magaro-Dolan said that the Highway Superintendent had discussed this with the board.
Deputy Supervisor Bick said that he would like more information.
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing to November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM.
Motion was seconded by Councilor Capria.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
ZONE CHANGE (PH) – Town Board case # 1236 – HINERWADELS SITE:
A public hearing to consider the application of Town Board Case #1236: HINERWADELS SITE, for a Zone Change from R-10 One-Family Residential and LuC-2 Limited Use District for Restaurants, to R-7.5 One-Family Residential District and O-2 Office District on land located at 5300 W. Taft Road, Tax Мар Nos. 117.-09-25.0, 117.-09.24.0, 117.-09-23.0 & 117.-10-01.0, consisting of +/- 29.1 acres, to allow for construction of residential lots and two commercial lots. The Planning Board at their October 8th meeting considered the item and through a vote of seven to zero composed a favorable recommendation with supportable comments for the Zone Change. (09/15/2025 Referred to Planning Board; Adjourned from 09/15/2025 & 10/06/2025 Town Board meeting) was opened by the Deputy Supervisor.
Ben Harrell of CHA Consulting was present on behalf of the applicant. He began by giving a brief overview, stating they are proposing 80-85 residential lots, 2 commercial parcels, with a 4-way intersection at Rockland Drive. He continued that he has provided a legal description as requested by Councilor Young at the previous meeting.
3 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - October 20, 2025 Town of Clay There was a lengthy discussion regarding the egress. The applicant has proposed a full access intersection at Rockland Drive. Councilor Young asked if the applicant had discussed a traffic signal at the proposed intersection. Mr. Harrell said they have not spoken with Onondaga County DOT yet.
Councilor Young asked if they are going to construct the proposed road between the two commercial parcels and if this is allowed. Mr. Harrell said that they street is shown on the conceptual plan that Planning Board reviewed.
Councilor Capria said he is not in favor of the proposed traffic light at Rockland Drive. He continued, there are currently signals at Allen Road and the District Offices.
Councilor Magaro-Dolan asked if they plan access from Wally Road. Mr. Harrell said if the Board wants it.
Councilor Pleskach asked if the commercial lots will be used for a daycare (as previously stated) and an Admin Office for the Builder. Mr. Harrell said, the daycare has not yet committed.
Lorraine Van Luven of 5292 West Taft Road asked about the proximity of the proposed office to her home. Deputy Supervisor Bick asked if the applicant would commit to a buffer between the office and the existing residential homes. Mr. Harrell said the code will require 75' buffer.
Many residents spoke regarding the proposed intersection with Rockland Drive, most adding that this would be an improvement to reduce speed on Taft Road. Other residents spoke out against the possible connection to Wally Road, stating concerns with the additional traffic that would be generated and stressing the already difficult exit onto Route 11. One resident explained that many of his family members have lived on Wally Road and urged people to look up NYS's History of Wally Road.
There was a discussion about the importance of two points of access for the subdivision. This was brought up at the previous meeting by the Fire Chief. Mr. Harrel explained that a neighborhood with only 30 homes only requires one access, however, Wally Road has 31 homes.
Several residents said they were not aware of the meeting until someone told them and wondered why they were not mailed a notice. Councilor Capria suggest a larger area of mailing. Deputy Supervisor Bick explained this is also advertised on the website and in the newspaper.
Councilor Capria asked if the applicant might consider reducing the number of homes to 30. Mr. Harrell explained the applicant would need to charge an exorbitant price for the homes if only 30 homes were constructed on a site this large. 4 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – October 20, 2025 Town of Clay There being no more questions or comments, The Deputy Supervisor said that he would adjourn the public hearing pending the traffic study. Councilor Magaro-Dolan
moved the adoption of a resolution adjourning the public hearing to November 17,
2025 at 7:35 PM. Motion was seconded by Councilor Capria.
Ayes - 6 and Noes – 0. Motion carried.
Councilor Young stepped out at 8:27 PM.
Contract/Agreement – NetManageIT (Technology Services):
Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Town
Supervisor to renew the Information Technology Services contract with NetManageIT for the period November 1, 2025, through November 1, 2026, under the same terms and conditions as the original contract. The original contract allows for two additional one-year renewal periods under the same terms and conditions. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TENTATIVE BUDGET as the TOWN of CLAY PRELIMINARY BUDGET 2026:
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution approving the TENTATIVE
BUDGET as proposed or modified, for the Town of Clay for the year 2026 as the TOWN OF CLAY PRELIMINARY BUDGET for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2026. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY SPECIAL DISTRICTS BUDGET 2026 (CPH):
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing
November 5, 2025, commencing at 7:35 p.m., local time, to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Special Districts Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY FIRE PROTECTION BUDGET 2026 (CPH):
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing
November 5, 2025, commencing at 7:38 p.m., local time, to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Fire Protection Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
5 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD – October 20, 2025 Town of Clay TOWN of CLAY UNIFORM WATER BUDGET 2026 (CPH):
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing
November 6, 2025, commencing at 7:41 p.m., local time, to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Uniform Water Budget for the Town of Clay. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
TOWN of CLAY PRELIMINARY BUDGET 2026 as the ADOPTED BUDGET (CPH):
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution calling a public hearing
November 6, 2025, commencing at 7:44 p.m., local time, to consider the adoption of the proposed 2026 Preliminary Budget for the Town of Clay as the adopted budget. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 5 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
Councilor Young returned at 8:31 PM.
OF CRUELTY ΤΟ ANIMALS:
Councilor Magaro-Dolan moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the
Supervisor to enter into two contractual agreements with CENTRAL NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS to provide Dog Control Services and Animal Cruelty Services for the Town of Clay. These agreements shall be effective January 1, 2026, and terminate December 31, 2028; and further authorizes the Supervisor to execute the document, therefore. Motion was seconded by Councilor Pleskach.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS:
Councilor Magaro-Dolan read the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Town of Clay Board hereby approves two contractual agreements with CENTRAL NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS as follows: Dog Control Services for the Town of Clay for a three-year period, commencing on January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028. The cost of this contracted service shall be $25,000 for 2026, $27,000 for 2027, and $29,000 for 2028; Animal Cruelty Services for the Town of Clay for a three-year period, commencing on January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028. The cost of 6
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - October 20, 2025 Town of Clay this contracted service shall be $13,000 for 2026; $14,000 for 2027; and $15,500 for 2028. Motion was seconded by Councilor Wisnowski.
Ayes 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
THROUGH 8:
Councilor Capria moved the adoption of a resolution awarding a 5-year contract for
the COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF ALL REFUSE, RUBBISH, GARBAGE
within the Town of Clay to SUPERIOR WASTE for the low bid of $17,378,400.00. Said amount being the lowest responsible bidder. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LEASE AGREEMENT (A) – Hardesty & Hanover, LLC:
Councilor Magaro-Dolan moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the
Supervisor and the Town Board to enter a Lease Agreement with Hardesty & Hanover, LLC, to lease a portion of certain real property commonly known as the A public meeting room at the former Town Hall space located inside the Town Highway Building located at 4483 State Route 31, Clay, NY, for the purpose of conducting Lessee business, A public outreach and other related activity. The term of this lease shall be two years and shall commence on November 1st, 2025, and expire on October 31st, 2027. Motion was seconded by Councilor Capria.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT – Town of Salina & Craftsman Reality, LLC:
Councilor Wisnowski moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Supervisor
and Town Board to enter an Intermunicipal Agreement between the Town of Clay, the Town of Salina and Craftsman Realty, LLC., to allow Glen View development, consisting of thirty-eight (38) residential parcels, to be served by water line facilities principally located and connected to the Town of Clay Water Department facilities and utilize the Oswego Road Water District service area. The term of this agreement shall be three (3) years. At the end of three (3) years the parties hereto shall re-negotiate this agreement or extend same. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
7 REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - October 20, 2025 Town of Clay RE-ESTABLISH POSITION (A) – Planner:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Supervisor
and the Town Board to re-establish the position of Planner as a full-time position within the Planning and Development Department. The Town Board recognizes the need for professional planning support to assist with development review, land use analysis, and long-range planning initiatives, and finds that reinstating this position is in the best interest of the Town. This action is required in accordance with New York State Civil Service regulations to maintain the position on the Town's official roster of positions. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LOCAL LAW #3 of the YEAR 2025(CPH) – Section 230-16B (2) (e) :
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution calling a A public hearing on
November 5, 2025, commencing at 8:02 P.M., local time, to consider LOCAL LAW NO. 3 OF THE YEAR 2025 to amend Section 230-16B.(2)(e) Uses Allowed, to add [15] "Gasoline Service Station," to allow for Gasoline Service Stations in the HC-1 Highway Commercial District with a Town Board Special Permit approval and optional advisory referral to the Planning Board. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LIGHTING (1) – Morgan Road:
Councilor Pleskach moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the installation of
one (1) 48W Roadway C LED light fixture be installed on a 16' arm on Morgan Road, as shown on a sketch provided by National Grid. The estimated annual cost for the lighting fixture is $104.28. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
LIGHTING (2) – Tiger Lily Path:
Councilor Magaro-Dolan moved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the
installation of two (2) Carriage C LED light fixtures be installed on a 14' fiberglass embedded pole on Tiger Lily Path, as shown on a sketch provided by National Grid. The estimated annual cost for this underground lighting fixture is $408.96. Motion was seconded by Councilor Young.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
8
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD - October 20, 2025 Town of Clay HYDRANTS (3) CLAY CONSOLIDATED WATER DISTRICT:
Councilor Young moved the adoption of a resolution approving the installation of
three (3) hydrants in the existing O395 Clay Consolidated Water District as proposed on OCWA Map File No. 1842, sheet 7, and authorizing the Supervisor to execute the OCWA fire hydrant application. Fire Hydrant No. 15413 - Cooper Trade Place (+/- 575' East of Mediator Way); Fire Hydrant No. 15414 – Mediator Way (+/- 375' East of Maple Road); and Fire Hydrant No. 15415 – Mediator Way (+/- 50' South of Lepinski Farm Place), OCWA Project No. 9004217. The Developer, Maple Road Associates, Inc., will pay for the hydrant installations in conjunction with the 8" Water Main Extension. The Town will be notified when the hydrants are in service and then will be billed the annual hydrant maintenance rate, which is currently $92.96 per hydrant per annum. Motion was seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 P.M. upon motion by Councilor Young and seconded by Councilor Magaro-Dolan.
Ayes - 6 and Noes - 0. Motion carried.
Jill/Hageman-Clark RMC / Town Clerk 9