At Tuesday night’s Seneca Falls Town Board meeting, residents voiced strong concerns over the continued operation of the Seneca Meadows landfill, rising municipal spending, and the structure of town departments. The public comment session drew pointed criticism about perceived shifts in board priorities and transparency, particularly around landfill oversight and department leadership.
Landfill odor and permit controversy takes center stage
Mark Pitifer, speaking on behalf of Waterloo Container Company, criticized the board’s recent decision to approve a 2025 operating permit for Seneca Meadows landfill. Pitifer said employees at the company fell ill from severe odors on March 29, the day after he returned from a business trip.
“This was a very bad odor day, and employees fell ill,” he told the board. “We are confused by your decision to approve the permit while these issues remain unresolved.”
Pitifer and others questioned why three board members changed their position on the permit just as a new financial agreement with the landfill was brought forward. He cited campaign connections between those board members and Responsible Solutions for New York, a political action committee backed by Seneca Meadows’ parent company. Pitifer commended Supervisor Frank Schmitter and Councilman Jackson Puylara for voting against the permit.
Resident Jean Gilroy also spoke out, citing public health concerns. She warned that the landfill’s proposed expansion includes placing 33 million tons of waste over a former Superfund site, raising fears of groundwater contamination and future environmental damage.
“We are not paid protesters,” she said. “We are residents, farmers, parents, and business owners who are being harmed.”
Town spending and DPW cooperation an issue
Some residents raised alarm over spending related to the newly formed Department of Public Works. They questioned four proposed expenditures totaling over $400,000.
Several resolutions related to DPW equipment were approved, including the lease of new machinery and the purchase of a dump truck. Disagreements emerged over equipment sharing and internal coordination, with Supervisor Schmitter accusing Highway Superintendent Jeremy Wendt of refusing to let DPW use certain town-owned equipment.
Other updates from the meeting
Despite tensions, the meeting also highlighted positive local developments:
- Youth Football Program: Organizers reported on the success of a youth football and cheerleading program that served nearly 90 kids in its first season. The program will offer free camps and continue expanding community sponsorship opportunities.
- Music in the Park: Dr. Andrew Holden proposed moving the popular summer concert series to the Community Center due to park renovations. He noted attendance grew from 679 in 2023 to over 2,200 in 2024.
- Infrastructure Projects: Supervisor Schmitter provided updates on several ongoing initiatives, including:
- The DRI waterfront and museum improvements.
- The John Street culvert and Miller Street construction projects.
- Progress on the Kingdom Road pump station and other wastewater upgrades.
- Community Events: Earth Day cleanups, composting workshops, and the Falls Rockets Easter Egg Hunt were among the events announced.
Hiring and Budgeting Remains Flashpoint
Board members debated whether to fill vacant positions before negotiating a new contract with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). Ultimately, the board voted to delay hiring, including a replacement for retiring water and sewer department veteran Fred Peterman.
Several board members expressed concern over how departmental budgets are being structured and whether the general fund is being stretched too thin to support the growing DPW.
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