The Walworth Town Board held multiple meetings in October to address a series of administrative appointments, upcoming infrastructure actions, and public comments on development concerns, following a wave of resignations and transitions in town government.
At a special meeting on Oct. 20, the board appointed Nadine Seppeler to the position of Town Clerk, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Jenna Camacho, who stepped down effective Oct. 17. Seppeler was also appointed Registrar of Vital Statistics and Tax Collecting Officer, consolidating the clerk’s statutory roles.
During that same session, officials also approved a motion to advertise and interview candidates for the clerk’s position beginning in late October. The move was described as a precaution in case Camacho—whose name remains on the November ballot—wins reelection and later declines to serve. Supervisor Susie Johnson said the measure was intended “to ensure the office does not suffer a vacancy if it again becomes open January 1.”
The board later entered executive session to discuss employment matters involving the town’s attorney and human resources consultant.
At its regular meeting earlier in the month, the board approved several administrative and infrastructure-related resolutions. These included:
- Ratifying sewer easements on Sherburne Road, allowing the town and the Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority to move forward with a long-planned force main replacement project. Johnson and Deputy Supervisor Amber Winston credited staff and residents for their cooperation on the easement process.
- Supporting the federal “Energy Choice Act” sponsored by Congressman Nick Langworthy, a symbolic resolution opposing New York State’s ban on natural gas hookups in new residential construction. Board members said residents should retain the ability to choose between electric and natural gas heat.
- Authorizing the hiring of a full-time parks and facilities groundskeeper, with the position funded from the 2025 budget but not taking effect until Jan. 1, 2026. The amendment was made to avoid an additional tax burden on residents while still allowing the search process to begin this fall.
- Appointing the town clerk as Records Access Officer and the deputy clerk as the deputy Records Access Officer, ensuring continuity in processing Freedom of Information requests.
- Accepting the resignation of Jessica Vance from the Walworth-Seely Public Library Board of Trustees after a decade of service, during which she helped oversee the library’s expansion and budget referendum process.
The board also scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. to review the 2025 Sewer District special assessment roll and another hearing the same evening on a local law updating Chapter 139 of the Town Code to align sewer-use regulations with the Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority’s operating standards.
During public comment, former Planning Board member Phil Williamson urged the town to consider a six-month moratorium on new development at the former golf course property, citing concerns over code compliance and the risk of legal challenges if procedural requirements aren’t followed.
Williamson said the pause would allow time for new attorneys, engineers, and board members “to study and understand the procedures found in the town code that must be followed when considering the Calder application” — a subdivision proposal currently before the Planning Board.
Town Historian Jean Mavis also updated the board on recent historical programs, including the Walworth Historical Society’s 50th anniversary celebration, an open house concert, and the upcoming Patriot Marker Dedication honoring six Revolutionary War soldiers buried in local cemeteries.
The board’s next regular meetings are scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Dec. 4 meeting at Town Hall. The special session on Oct. 29 will include both sewer-related public hearings and budget discussions.
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