The Walworth Town Board moved forward with a long-developing farmland preservation deal Thursday night, approving a key agreement despite a split vote among council members.
The resolution allows the town to partner with the Genesee Land Trust on protecting roughly 240 acres of farmland along Walworth-Ontario Road, advancing a project years in the making and funded through a state grant program.
The meeting itself was otherwise largely procedural, with minimal public participation and limited debate beyond a handful of questions on spending and contracts.
Farmland preservation deal draws lone dissent
The most consequential action of the night came with approval of a purchase of development rights agreement tied to the Genesee Land Trust’s farmland protection effort.
The project centers on land owned by Terry Westfall and would permanently preserve approximately 240 acres for agricultural use through conservation easements. According to project materials, the purchase price is $635,325, funded through the state’s farmland protection implementation grant program.
A representative from the Genesee Land Trust told the board the effort has been in progress since 2023 and would connect multiple protected properties, creating a larger, contiguous block of farmland.
Board approval was required because the town is a co-holder in the agreement and must sign off before the project can move forward with the state.
The resolution passed, but not unanimously. Councilman Kelly voted against the measure, providing the only dissent, while the rest of the board supported it.
No extended debate accompanied the vote, though the split suggests at least some concern or hesitation among board members.
Spending and contracts prompt limited discussion
Most other business moved quickly, though a few items generated brief discussion.
Board members approved the abstract of claims after amending it to include an additional summary report, with one council member noting appreciation for staff preparing financial documents on a more frequent schedule to improve oversight.
A separate resolution authorized a multi-year lease agreement for a postage meter machine, estimated at just over five years in length. That item passed without significant pushback.
The board also approved a preventive maintenance agreement covering the town hall, lodge and another municipal building. That contract drew the most discussion of the night, with one council member questioning the roughly $5,000 annual cost before clarifying it covered multiple facilities rather than a single building.
Personnel changes and seasonal hiring approved
The board unanimously approved several personnel-related resolutions, including:
- Appointment of Andrea Colocillo as second deputy town clerk, effective April 6
- Hiring of two seasonal park groundskeepers
- Acceptance of a resignation from a motor equipment operator
Colocillo’s appointment received positive comments from the board, with one member highlighting her involvement in the community, including service with the local fire department.
Public comment notably absent
Despite a designated public participation section on the agenda, there was little to no recorded public comment during the meeting.
That absence stood out given the significance of the farmland preservation agreement, which commits the town to a long-term conservation partnership and permanently restricts development on a sizable parcel of land.
Routine reports, reminders round out meeting
Outside of formal resolutions, officials provided routine updates.
The town clerk reported the completion of tax collection, with remaining payments now directed to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office. Residents were also advised about permitted solicitors operating in the town and encouraged to verify credentials if approached.
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