The Seneca County Board of Supervisors met October 28 for its monthly committee meeting, where discussions centered around infrastructure projects, contractor accountability, and engineering costs. The most contentious debate focused on approving additional payment to an architect following delays in a county building renovation project.
Public works: Heated debate over delays, payment
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a contentious debate within the Public Works Committee concerning the Office for the Aging (OFA) and Security Renovations Project. Supervisors considered a resolution to approve an additional $13,630.61 in funding for John Snyder Architects due to extended project oversight needs.
Architect John Snyder explained that contractor mismanagement and lack of coordination—particularly after the retirement of a key superintendent—led to missed deadlines and forced his firm to invest more time than budgeted. He attributed 100% of the additional billing to those contractor delays.
“This project has dragged on way too long,” said one supervisor, expressing frustration that despite agreed-upon deadlines, the completion date had slipped by several months without clear enforcement mechanisms in place.
Supervisor Bob Schmitter strongly criticized the situation, saying, “The taxpayer shouldn’t lose out on this project. We’re paying for someone else’s mistake.” He and others pressed why there were no financial penalties in the contractor agreements and stressed that future contracts must include enforceable deadlines and liquidated damages.
Code Enforcement Director Lee Davidson backed Snyder’s account, adding that his department had been forced to do work typically done by contractors, including inspections and coordination. Davidson noted the contractors failed to schedule inspections, causing additional complications.
Supervisors debated whether Snyder’s additional payment should be withheld until the project was fully complete. Ultimately, the committee voted to move the resolution to the full board for a final decision, despite several supervisors voicing opposition to paying the overage now.
Supervisor Rhinehart noted, “I’m not in support, but I will let the whole board decide.”
In response to the turmoil, the board tentatively scheduled an executive session for November 13 to discuss potential litigation related to the project.
Water and sewer: Resolution rejected, further study ordered
The Water and Sewer Committee addressed another point of contention: whether to authorize engineering plans to decommission the aging Hillside Water Tower and replace it with a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). A resolution to that effect, based on a memo from Wendell Engineers, was ultimately rejected.
Supervisors expressed confusion and concern that the resolution implied a final decision to decommission the tank, whereas some believed the committee had only agreed to continue investigation.
Supervisor Dave Trout suggested a simplified approach: “Can’t we just direct the director to continue investigating options and report back?” The committee agreed, withdrawing the original resolution and opting instead to have the Water and Sewer Director meet with relevant parties—including Wendell, MRB Group, and local water authorities—to collect further data.
The resolution was defeated by a voice vote, with at least two supervisors voting “nay.” The committee informally directed staff to continue information gathering and explore alternatives before reconsidering the issue.
Other actions taken
Purchases and agreements:
- Approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150 and a 2026 Ford F-250 for the Highway Department for $97,235.16.
- Renewed a snow and ice agreement with the Town of Fayette for the 2025–2026 season, not to exceed $142,000.
- Declared surplus vehicles and equipment for auction through Auctions International.
Delayed contract vote:
- A separate resolution to authorize a $22,800 contract with John Snyder Architects for renovations to the Health and Human Services building was postponed. Supervisors agreed the current OFA project should be fully resolved before entering a new agreement with the architect.
Agriculture and environmental affairs: Support for opt-out legislation
The committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting Senate Bill S8481 and Assembly Bill A8996, which would allow local governments to opt out of mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Supervisor Kronenwetter, who introduced the resolution, said, “The mandates we have now are just not practical for anything.” Fellow supervisors noted the burden of unfunded mandates on rural communities and emphasized the importance of home rule.
Public comment and future meetings
Though extensive discussion occurred, there was no public comment. The full Board of Supervisors will meet on November 13, when final decisions on several matters—including the architect payment and contractor accountability—are expected.
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