Two Walworth residents used the Town Board’s Sept. 3 meeting to press officials over a disputed sign permit and what they described as broader problems with how the Planning Board, Building Department and town professionals are applying local code.
Ed Rayner submitted written materials outlining steps he believes the Town Board can take to monitor actions by the Planning Board and building officials, along with a formal request seeking revocation of the sign permit. Phil Williamson followed with a broader criticism of the town’s handling of code and procedure, arguing that officials and consultants should not sidestep requirements such as obtaining a variance.
Rayner said he was disappointed with the way both the Building Department and Planning Board had handled the matter and said he also remained frustrated by what he viewed as a lack of legal guidance when competing sections of town code were being cited.
He submitted what he described as seven actions he believes the Town Board or individual board members could take to review the issue, along with a formal demand letter asking that the permit be revoked and that officials respond to concerns he has previously raised.
The board accepted the materials but did not revoke the permit or take other formal action during the public portion of the meeting.
Williamson then submitted packets for Town Board members that included provisions from town code dealing with subdivision and site plan review, signs and other procedures.
Citing his past service on the Planning Board, as a code enforcement officer and on the Board of Assessment Review, Williamson said he was frustrated by what he characterized as officials “freestyling” interpretations of local law rather than following established procedures.
He specifically argued that Chapter 151, dealing with subdivision and site plan review, was being used in a way that could bypass variance requirements under Chapter 143, which governs signs.
“I am not demanding, but I would advise each staff person, planning and town board member, consultants, and professionals are expected to follow town code and procedure therein when doing your jobs,” Williamson said.
He also offered to meet with board members or answer questions as they reviewed the materials.
No formal decision on the disputed sign permit was made during the meeting.
Mileage reimbursement policy sparks lengthy debate
Beyond the sign dispute, the longest board discussion centered on a new mileage reimbursement policy for town personnel.
The proposal is intended to standardize reimbursement for employees and officials using personal vehicles for town business while improving documentation and oversight.
Board members spent considerable time debating how the rules should apply to elected officials, particularly who would have authority to pre-approve travel by a Town Board member or elected department head.
The policy requires pre-authorization for non-routine or out-of-county travel. Members questioned whether elected officials should be treated the same as employees and whether the board’s existing voucher-review process already provided enough oversight.
Officials said the policy is also intended to simplify paperwork. Instead of repeatedly printing route maps for mileage claims, town personnel will use a centralized form that documents the date, route, business purpose and mileage.
The board amended the policy to explicitly include appointed personnel in its scope before approving it.
Flood law review begins
The board also declared its intent to serve as lead agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act for a proposed local law updating the town’s flood damage prevention regulations.
Officials said the proposal is tied to updated Federal Emergency Management Agency flood mapping and work with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The updated mapping includes additional addresses compared with the town’s previous flood maps.
The Sept. 3 action does not adopt the local law. It begins the coordinated environmental review process, with involved and interested agencies given until noon Oct. 3 to agree with or object to Walworth serving as lead agency.
The discussion came one day after severe storms affected the region, prompting board members to note the timing of the flood-related action.
Court grant application authorized
The Town Board also authorized Walworth Town Court to apply for up to $30,000 through the Justice Court Assistance Program for the 2026-27 grant cycle.
Officials said the program can help pay for eligible court improvements, including furniture, fixtures and equipment, reducing the amount that would otherwise need to be covered locally.
One board member said the town could eventually consider whether to dedicate additional staff or outside assistance to pursuing grants more broadly.
The authorization allows the town supervisor to sign and submit the application. It does not mean the town has received the funding.
Fire award administration renewed
The board authorized renewal of Firefly Admin Inc.’s agreement to administer Length of Service Award Programs associated with the Lincoln and West Walworth fire protection districts.
The programs provide service awards for qualifying volunteer firefighters. Firefly handles third-party administration, actuarial work and related services.
The agreement calls for annual fees of $5,500 for each program in 2027.
During discussion, officials said the cost is paid from the programs’ investment funds rather than the town’s general fund.
The board also acknowledged the appointment of Teressa Wilcox in the Town Clerk’s Office. Meeting materials list her rate of pay at $17.94 per hour, effective Aug. 26, subject to required alcohol and drug screening.
Town officials said her appointment will help keep the clerk’s office open with limited services while other staff attend training Sept. 9.
Budget work sessions scheduled
The town scheduled budget work sessions for Sept. 22, 23 and 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Regular Town Board meetings are also scheduled for Sept. 17, Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The board ended the public portion of the meeting by entering executive session to discuss the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters that could lead to appointment, employment, promotion, discipline, suspension, demotion or removal.
Officials said no additional business would be conducted after the executive session.
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