A procedural dispute surrounding key votes by the Seneca Falls Town Board has been resolved after town officials confirmed the actions taken during the board’s March 3 meeting remain valid.
On Wednesday it appeared that votes to approve an operating permit and Host Community Agreement for the controversial Seneca Meadows Landfill were invalid due to the lack of a formal motion and second before the board voted. However, Town Supervisor Frank Schmitter told FingerLakes1.com Thursday that no such requirement exists under New York State law, adding that all votes taken at the meeting stand.
“After reviewing this matter with the Attorney for the Town, our review confirms that the actions taken by the Town Board at our meeting of Tuesday, March 3, are valid,” Schmitter stated. “While our Board generally follows Robert’s Rules of Order, once a vote is taken and a motion is adopted, the lack of a second has no impact.”
Schmitter pointed to New York State Public Officer’s Law, which requires minutes to reflect all formal votes taken by a public body, reinforcing the legitimacy of the landfill-related decisions.
The initial confusion stemmed from comments by Town Clerk Melissa Brown, who indicated that the resolutions had not been properly introduced or seconded before being voted upon. The clarification from Schmitter means that the 3-2 vote approving the landfill’s operating permit and the 4-1 vote approving the HCA will remain official.
The landfill has been a contentious issue in the town for years, with many residents arguing that its environmental and health impacts outweigh any financial benefits. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has yet to issue a final ruling on the landfill’s long-term future.
The next town board meeting is set for April 1, where the landfill issue may resurface as public opposition continues.
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