The Walworth Town Board approved a series of resolutions last week including new cemetery contracts, budget adjustments, and a project proposal from a local Eagle Scout. The board also rescheduled a public hearing and heard updates on a proposed solar installation following a developer presentation and resident concerns.
Eagle Scout project for Ganargua Park approved
Jack Weston, a member of Boy Scout Troop 207 in Fairport, presented his Eagle Scout project proposal to install two hexagonal benches in Ganargua Park. Weston said the benches would be placed around trees near the playground and first responders pavilion. He shared detailed plans and confirmed that he had already raised the $500 needed for materials.
After receiving positive feedback from board members and staff, the board approved the project unanimously. Weston plans to complete the work by the end of October and will have the benches inspected by Mike Buckley upon completion.
Norbut Solar presents updated screening plans
Victor Ciaccia of Norbut Solar returned to the board to present revised plans for a solar installation on Cutler and Atlantic roads. Ciaccia stated that Norbut entered into private screening agreements with landowners at 1001 and 1025 Cutler Road and incorporated additional tree buffering to address board concerns about visual impact.
Mike Does, a landscape consultant with BME Associates, detailed the vegetation plan, which includes multiple evergreen species selected to avoid over-shading solar panels while complying with the town’s landscaping code. Ciaccia confirmed that the vegetative buffers would be maintained for the life of the project.
Board members requested that Norbut forward the full updated plans and notarized letters of acknowledgment from neighbors ahead of their October 2 meeting, when the board is expected to act on remaining waiver requests.
Public comments raise solar project concerns
During the public comment period, Tom DiTri, a resident of Canandaigua Road, voiced concerns about the Norbut Solar project. DiTri questioned the use of confidential screening agreements and said the proposed installation does not appear to harmonize with the surrounding residential area. He urged the board to continue exercising due diligence.
Cemetery, budget, and contract resolutions approved
The board approved several resolutions, including:
- Authorizing the Town Supervisor to sign a contract with Senecal Memorials LLC to install foundations for headstones in town-owned cemeteries. The change aims to standardize foundation construction and improve cemetery upkeep.
- Approving a permit for Guy Alvito Trucking Service LLC for excavation and topsoil removal. Approximately 2,000 yards of topsoil will be removed, with the town receiving $0.10 per yard.
- Engaging Underberg & Kessler LLP as special counsel to assist with legal review of a major project. Board members said the additional legal support is intended to ensure thorough oversight by both the town and planning boards.
- Adopting budget modifications, including a transfer of $1,500 from the contingency fund to the cemetery budget.
- Discontinuing the use of credit card services for sewer payments, as future billing will be handled directly by the Palmyra Water Authority.
- Approving the town’s monthly reports for June (Supervisor) and August (Town Clerk).
Public hearing rescheduled after legal notice error
A public hearing originally scheduled for Sept. 18 to consider a local law to override the tax levy limit was postponed due to an error in the legal notice. The board voted to reschedule the hearing and confirmed it will take place at a special meeting on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
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Board members clarified that setting the hearing does not mean the board plans to override the tax cap, only that it gives them the authority to do so if necessary.
Upcoming meetings and events announced
- The next regular Town Board meeting will be held October 2 at 6:30 p.m., with another set for October 16.
- Budget workshop sessions will be held on October 7, 8, and 9, and again on October 14, 15, and 16, all at 5:30 p.m.
- The library board is scheduled to present its annual update at a Town Board meeting in October.
- Supervisor Rick Johnson reported that the highway department completed hot patching on Walworth and Walcomb roads following winter force main breaks.
Executive session held to discuss personnel matter
The board entered a brief executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss a matter related to “medical, financial, credit, or employment history” of a specific individual or corporation. No action was taken afterward.
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