TOWN BOARD MEETING – JANUARY 7, 2025
The Town of Hastings Town Board held a special organizational meeting on Tuesday January 7th, 2025 at 7:30pm.
ATTENDANCE
Board members present: Supervisor Bush, Councilman Alan Hanson, Councilman Mark Martino, Councilman Richard Waldron, and Councilman John DeBottis.
Also present: Erin Goodrich, Town Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Supervisor Bush called the Town Board meeting to order at 7:31pm, asked for the Pledge of Allegiance and pointed out the emergency exits.
DISCUSSIONS
Supervisor Bush opened the floor for public comments. There was no public present and no discussion.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board authorizes the continuous of the standard work week for the Town of Hastings employees as 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday for the year 2025.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-1 adopted.
2.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the scheduling of 2025 regular Town Board meetings for the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm in the Town Hall at 1134 US Route 11, Central Square, NY , or such other locations at times within the Town that are approved by the Town Board from time to time.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-2 adopted.
3.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings to be scheduled “as needed” in the Town Hall at 1134 US Route 11, Central Square, NY, or such other locations at times within the Town that are approved by the Zoning Board from time to time for the year 2025.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-3 adopted.
4.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the Planning Board setting regular meetings for the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:30pm in the Town Hall at 1134 US Route 11, Central Square NY, or such other locations at times within the Town that are approved by the Planning Board from time to time for the year 2025. The schedule is attached and hereby approved.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-4 adopted.
5.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the continuance of the system of 26 bi-weekly pay periods, 24 semi-monthly pay periods, and 12 monthly pay periods for the Town Employees and Elected Officials for the year 2025.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-5 adopted.
6.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the designation of Pathfinder Bank and M&T Bank as the depository for the Town of Hastings funds for the year ending 2025.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-6 adopted.
7.) Councilman Waldron introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the designation of Valley News – Oswego County News and Advanced Media as the official newspaper for the Town of Hastings and Palladium Times as an alternate newspaper for the year 2025.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-7 adopted.
8.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board authorizes for the use of a facsimile signature of the Town Supervisor or Deputy Town Supervisor for signing checks, subject to the Town Board approval.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-8 adopted.
9.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board authorizes the Department Heads to attend monthly association meetings. Provided funds are available in the appropriate budgeted line for the year 2025.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-9 adopted.
10.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the attached 2025 Holiday Schedule.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-10 adopted.
11.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby appoints Barton & Loguidice as the Town Engineers and C&S Engineers as the alternate Town Engineer for 2025 services.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-11 adopted.
12.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board accepts the 2025 Library Service Agreement with the Central Square Library, dated December 23rd 2024 commencing January 1st 2025 to December 31st 2025.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-12 adopted.
13.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board accepts contract with CNY SPCA for the 2025 CNY SPCA Cruelty Investigation Services commencing January 1st 2025 to December 31st 2025.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-13 adopted.
14.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby approves the donation of seven hundred and fifty dolars ($750) to Coit Cemetery Association to assist with the continued maintenance and improvements of Coit Cemetery.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-14 adopted.
15.) Councilman DeBottis introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby approves the donation of five hundred dollars ($500) to Carly Mills Cemetery.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-15 adopted.
16.) Councilman Martino introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the agreement with Bonadio & Co. for the preparation of the 2024 Anuual Financial Report (AFR). The fee will be $10,500 budget code A13204.01.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-16 adopted.
17.) Councilman Martino introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the agreement prepared by the Town Attorney with Maxwell Appraisal Services as a contractor to provide 2025 Assessing Services at an annual payment of $42,500. This agreement shall take effect upon the execution of said agreement between Maxwell Appraisal Services and Town Supervisor.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-17 adopted.
18.) Councilman Martino introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Hastings accepts the 2025 Contract for Legal Services with Cerio Law Offices is hereby appointed as the attorneys to the Town.
Councilman Hanson seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-18 adopted.
19.) Councilman Martino introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Hastings authorizes the monthly retainer payment of $2,000 with Cerio Law Offices, PLLC effective January 1, 2025, for legal services.
Councilman Hanson seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-19 adopted.
20.) Councilman Martino introduced the following and moved its adoption:
Approval of the 2025 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement for the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium.
RESOLVED, that upon receipt and review of the amended Agreement, the Town of Hastings approves at a meeting of the governing body held on January 7th, 2025, and authorizes the Chief Elected Official to sign the 2025 Amendment to the Municipal Cooperative Agreement (Effective 1.1.25) of the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium as recommended by the Board of Directors.
Councilman Hanson seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-20 adopted.
21.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the Fire Protection Agreement with the Caughdenoy Fire Department, Inc. dated January 6th, 2025, term commencing January 1st, 2025, to December 31st 2025.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-21 adopted.
22.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby approves the attached list of appointed positions.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-22 adopted.
23.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby approves the rate of $.70 per mile as established by the IRS for per-mile reimbursement to Town Officials for use of personal vehicles on official Town business.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-23 adopted.
24.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Hastings approves the attached Procurement Policy for the year 2025.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-24 adopted.
25.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves the annual membership of the Town of Hastings in the Association of Towns and the payment of the annual dues in the amount of $1,500.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-25 adopted.
26.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board authorizes the Deputy Supervisor to sign checks drawn on Town funds in the absence of the Supervisor.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-26 adopted.
27.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board hereby appoints Michael Kraus and Christopher (Chuck) Budge as the Town Constables for the year 2025.
Councilman DeBottis seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-27 adopted.
28.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town of Hastings Town Board approves a change bag for the Town Clerk, not to exceed $200.00 and the Justice Court Clerk, not to exceed $200.00 each.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-28 adopted.
29.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Hastings hereby adopts the attached code of ethics.
Councilman Martino seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-29 adopted.
30.) Councilman Hanson introduced the following and moved its adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Hastings hereby adopts the attached Hastings Board Meetings Rules of Conduct for the year 2025.
Councilman Waldron seconded. Supervisor Bush asked if there was any discussion. Vote: Supervisor Bush, aye; Councilman Hanson, aye; Councilman Martino, aye; Councilman Waldron, aye; and Councilman DeBottis, aye. Motion carried. Resolution 25-30 adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business, Supervisor Bush motioned to adjourn the meeting Councilman Martino seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:42pm.