The Walworth Town Board spent much of its December meeting debating whether town-owned parkland should continue to be leased for agricultural use, ultimately voting to move forward with a revised bidding process, while also approving a liquor license resolution for a local pizzeria, according to the meeting agenda and transcript.
The most extensive discussion centered on Resolution 178-25, which authorizes the town to go out to bid for an agricultural lease of approximately nine acres of town property at 3600 Lorraine Drive. The land has been leased for farming since 2015, with the current lease set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
Supervisor Rick Johnson said the current tenant has expressed interest in leasing additional acreage. Parks and Facilities Superintendent Mike Buckley described the layout of the parcels, noting that portions of the land are already being farmed and that access corridors would remain available for park use, maintenance, and events such as cross-country activities.
Several board members raised concerns about using parkland for agriculture. Councilman Kelly argued that leasing parkland limits public access and could create liability issues, saying the land should remain available for general public use rather than private farming. He also questioned whether agricultural leases on parkland were appropriate when the town owns other parcels designated specifically for farmland.
Other board members countered that the land currently has no planned park development and that leasing it provides modest revenue while reducing mowing and maintenance costs. One council member described the arrangement as effectively paying a farmer to maintain the property until the town decides on a future use.
Discussion also focused on the structure of the lease. Johnson said the prior 10-year lease, which generated $1,000 total, was not favorable to the town and suggested a shorter lease term with potential rent increases. Board members reviewed how the competitive bid process works and noted the town retains the right to reject bids that are not in its best interest.
Following the debate, the board amended the resolution to revise the bid timeline, setting a sealed bid deadline of Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. The amendment passed by roll call vote, with Councilman Kelly voting no. The resolution was then advanced for publication and bidding.
The board also approved Resolution 180-25, expressing no objection to a liquor license application from Walworth Pizzeria Ventures Inc., located at 3719 Walworth Palmyra Road. The application involves an on-premises retail license.
During discussion, board members referenced documentation showing that the business had minor fire code issues identified during a recent inspection, which the owner committed to correcting. Town officials reported no zoning complaints or other issues with the establishment. The resolution authorizes the town clerk to notify the New York State Liquor Authority of the board’s position.
In reports, Johnson announced a fireworks demonstration scheduled at The Ballroom at Carey Lake, with notice posted on the town’s website, and reminded residents of upcoming holiday events. He also reported that the town’s building inspector is recovering from a medical issue and will not require surgery, with daily operations in the building department continuing with additional support staff.
The board acknowledged receipt of the November sewer report from the wastewater treatment plant and announced upcoming meetings, including a regular meeting Dec. 18, a Jan. 1 organizational meeting with the swearing-in of newly elected officials, and a special meeting scheduled for Dec. 10 to discuss employment matters in executive session.
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