The Seneca County Board of Supervisors met last week discussing infrastructure repairs, environmental initiatives, and key budget actions. Highlights included updates on the historic courthouse tower restoration, Cayuga Lake water quality monitoring, and approvals for new vehicles and public works contracts.
Courthouse tower restoration cost update
Jennifer Ahrens of Bero Architecture provided an update on the restoration of the historic “Papa Bear” courthouse tower. She reported extensive deterioration caused by water damage, affecting structural wood supports, dome sheathing, and the weather vane mount.
Proposed cost increases include:
- Structural reinforcements
- Chimney rebuilding
- Replacing decorative freeze boards with low-maintenance Azek material
An additional $8,738 in scope options is under review. Ahrens noted that the project requires specialty labor and praised contractor Streeter Associates for managing the work. The team is also evaluating whether to preserve and display the original 14-foot weather vane, now under analysis at a sheet metal shop.
A final decision on add-ons is expected by the end of June.
Cayuga Lake water monitoring highlights record HABs
Grayson Schidemantel, Executive Director of the Community Science Institute (CSI), reported on harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring in the Cayuga Lake watershed. In 2024, 127 HABs were documented—Seneca County saw a significant spike.
CSI’s monitoring includes:
- Tracking phosphorus concentrations
- Testing bloom toxicity
- Using volunteers to sample five high-priority shoreline zones
- Continuing visual monitoring elsewhere along the lake
The strategy aims to improve data reliability while maintaining long-term program sustainability.
Board passes resolutions on vehicles, HVAC, and water systems
Several resolutions were approved during the session, including:
- Vehicle Purchase: A 2025 Kia Sorrento for the Mental Health Department using a University of Rochester HRSA grant
- HVAC Replacement: New makeup air units at the Law Enforcement Center, awarded to Air Temp
- Water Services: A new agreement with Water Wise, Inc. for water treatment through 2027
Infrastructure and public works contracts approved
Additional resolutions included:
- Highway Equipment: Purchase of a 2025 International road tractor after cancellation of a previous order due to regulatory changes
- Asphalt and Stone Contracts: Awarded to multiple vendors based on cost and availability
- Veterans Cemetery: Operations contract extension for Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery through March 2026
- Engineering Contract: A $19,754 amendment with LaBella Associates for redesigning a retaining wall on County Road 150
Mental health awareness and historic recognition
Supervisors declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month and renewed an intermunicipal mutual aid agreement for public health emergencies.
The county also accepted a $2,478.29 grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for a historical marker honoring F.H. Furniss of Waterloo, an inventor linked to early railroad sleeping cars.
New policies introduced and discussed
The Board introduced Local Law B of 2025 to update the county’s hotel occupancy tax. Members also amended the policy governing employee probationary periods.
Public comments and next meeting
Frank Blaskowitz addressed the Board, urging protection of Medicaid services for vulnerable populations. No other public speakers participated.
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for June.
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