December 8, 2025

A regular meeting of the Village Board held on the above date was called to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Village Hall, 1 West Main Street, Clifton Springs, NY  14432.    

Presiding:                                                Mayor Jim Keyes

Village Trustees Present:                      Brian Rickerson, Jeff Linsner, Scott Janas

Trustee Absent:                                      Earl Lincoln

Also Attending:                                       Jason Lannon – Street and Water Supervisor,

Bob Fuller – Police Chief, Eric Merkley – Chief Wastewater Operator, Paul Conklin – Fire Chief, Clerk/Treasurer Lori Reals.

Minutes:                                                   The meeting minutes from November 10, 2025 were approved upon motion of Trustee Linsner 2^nd by Trustee Rickerson.  All members present voting AYE.  Carried.

Vouchers:                                                General, Water and Sewer Vouchers #477 through #550 were approved for payment by Trustee Linsner 2^nd by Trustee Rickerson. All members present voting  AYE.  Carried.       

General Fund =                    $   64,171.56 

Water Fund =                        $   50,607.05

Sewer Fund =                       $   16,564.22 

Resolution Adopting Local Law NO. 2 of 2025 Local Law to Override the tax Levy Limit

Public Hearing opened at 6:30 PM

Discussion was held on the local law. This hearing was properly advertised on November 21^st, 2025 in the Village Newspaper (The Finger Lakes Times), on the Village Sign board and on the Village Website. No one appeared before the Board for the Public Hearing. After discussion, Motion was made by Trustee Rickerson and seconded by Trustee Linsner to Adopt Local Law 2-2025. All members present voting AYE, Carried.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADOPTION BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE

VILLAGE OF CLIFTON SPRINGS OF LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2025

WHEREAS, a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Clifton Springs for a public hearing to be held by said Board of Trustees on December 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 1 West Main Street, Clifton Springs, New York, to hear all interested parties on a proposed Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c; and

WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing was duly advertised in the official newspaper of the Village of Clifton Springs, on November 21, 2025 and all other notices required by law to be given were properly served, posted or given; and

WHEREAS, said public hearing was duly held on December 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 1 West Main Street, Clifton Springs, New York, and all parties in attendance were permitted an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition to said Proposed Local Law, or any part thereof; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Clifton Springs, after due deliberation, finds it in the best interest of the Village of Clifton Springs to adopt said Local Law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Clifton Springs hereby adopts said Local Law No. 2 of 2025, entitled, “A Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c”, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part of this resolution, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer be and she hereby is directed to enter said Local Law in the minutes of this meeting and in the Local Law Book of the Village of Clifton Springs, and to give due notice of the adoption of said local law to the Secretary of State of New York.

            I, Cassandra Turner, Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer of the Village of Clifton Springs do hereby certify that the aforementioned resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Clifton Springs on December 8, 2025 by the following vote:

                                                                                                Aye                 Nay

                        James Keyes                                                   X                    

                        Earl Lincoln                                                    NOT PRESENT

                        Jeffrey Linsner                                                X

                        Brian Rickerson                                              X

                        Scott Janas                                                      X

Dated:  December 8, 2025                                          ______________________________

                                    Cassandra Turner,

                           Deputy Village Clerk/Treasurer

SEAL

Said public hearing closed at 6:54 P.M.

PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:

J. Lannon – street and water report

Jason Lannon, Street & Water Supervisor, appeared before the Board.

Street Report: Plans are underway to solicit bids for the Crane Street project in January. Expenses this winter have been elevated due to a shortage of road salt. The Festival of Lights proceeded successfully and smoothly, without any reported issues. Additionally, a member of the Department of Public Works is currently undertaking painting work at the Village Hall.

Water Report: Supervisor Lannon Suggested to proceed with the Stephen’s Street Water Project and delay repainting the water tanks for approximately three to four years. Discussion regarding potential adjustments to water rates will be necessary as work on the tanks progresses.

In mid-January, staff training on the new water meter reader is scheduled. After acquiring sufficient proficiency with the device, we will initiate the replacement of meters identified as needing upgrades.

Supervisor Lannon recommended that bids be solicited to assess affordability, on the Crane Street Drainage Project. Motion was made by Trustee Janas and seconded by Trustee Linsner to proceed with putting this out to bid. Should the project prove financially unfeasible at this time, postponement may be considered.

Discussion was held on the SEQR for the Stephens Street Water Main Replacement. After discussion Motion was made by Trustee Janas and seconded by Trustee Rickerson and offered the following Resolution and Authorized Mayor Keyes to sign the SEQR. All Members Present voting AYE, Carried.

SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) Resolution For Stephen’s Street Water Main Replacement Project

Village of Clifton Springs – Village Board OF TRUSTEES

Stephens Street Water Main ReplaCement Project

SEQR RESOLUTION – DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

WHEREAS, the Village of Clifton Springs Village Board of Trustees, (hereinafter referred to as “Village Board”) is seeking to replace approximately 700 linear feet of 4-inch cast iron water main with new 8-inch ductile iron water main along the northside of Stephens Street in the Village of Clifton Springs, Ontario County, New York. The new main will also include new valves, hydrants, services, and appurtenances; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board has determined the above referenced application (hereinafter referred to as Action) to be an Unlisted Action under Part 617 of the State Environ­mental Quality Review (SEQR) Regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board has determined that the proposed development is subject to a single agency review pursuant to Part 617.6(b) (4) of the SEQR Regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board determines that it is the most appropriate agency for making the determination of significance thereon under the SEQR Regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board has given consideration to the criteria for determining significance as set forth in Section 617.7(c) (1) of the SEQR Regulations and the information contained in the Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1; and

WHEREAS, the Village Board has completed Part 2 and Part 3 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board does hereby designate itself as lead agency for the proposed development above herein; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board has reasonably concluded the following impacts are expected to result from the proposed Action, when compared against the criteria in Section 617.7 (c):

(i)         there will not be a substantial adverse change in existing air quality, ground or surface water quality or quantity, traffic noise levels; a substantial increase in solid waste pro­duc­tion; a substantial increase in potential for erosion, flooding, leaching or drainage prob­lems;

(ii)        there will not be large quantities of vegetation or fauna removed from the site or de­stroyed as the result of the proposed action;  there will not be substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species as the result of the proposed action; there will not be a significant impact upon habitat areas on the site; there are no known threatened or endangered species of animal or plant, or the habitat of such species; or, are there any other significant adverse impacts to natural resources on the site;

(iii)       there are no known Critical Environmental Area(s) on the site which will be impaired as the result of the proposed action;

(iv)       the overall density of the site is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan land use recommendations;

(v)        the proposed action will not impair important historical, archeological, architectural,  aesthetic re­sources, community, or neigh­bor­hood character;

(vi)       there will not be a major change in the use of either the quantity or type of energy re­sult­ing from the proposed action;

(vii)      there will not be any hazard created to human health;

(viii)     there will not be a substantial change in the use, or intensity of use, of land including open space or recreational resources, or in its capacity to support existing uses;

(ix)       there will not be a large number of persons attracted to the site for more than a few days when compared to the number of persons who would come to such a place absent the action;

(x)        there will not be created a material demand for other actions that would result in one of the above consequences;

(xi)       there will not be changes in two or more of the elements of the environment that when considered together result in a substantial adverse impact; and

(xii)      there are not two or more related actions which would have a significant impact upon the en­vironment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that based upon the information and analysis above and the sup­porting documentation, the Village Board determines that the proposed action WILL NOT result in any significant adverse environmental impacts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village Board directs the Village Mayor to sign and date Part 3 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form and to identify on the Form that the proposed Action will not result in any significant adverse impacts. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Village Board directs that copies of this determination be filed as provided for under the SEQR Regulations.

Dated: December 8, 2025

The above Resolution was duly adopted on Monday, December 8, 2025 by the Village of Clifton Springs Village Board.

___________________________

Cassandra Turner, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer

Village of Clifton Springs

E. Merkley - wastewater report

E. Merkley, Chief Wastewater Operator, presented to the Board.

The plant has been busy lately; the UV system is fully operational and running smoothly.

Unfortunately, the blacktop work was not finished before the asphalt plant closed.

We received a credit from C.O. Falter due to an engineer demolishing a manhole.

Fire System: We’re still waiting for a bid from Lantek. Doyle submitted bids of approximately $25,000 for the fire system and $32,000 for the SCATA, both under the OGS State bid. We’ll attempt to cover these costs with contingency funds but will wait for confirmation from EFC and BP Donegan.

Police Chief R. Fuller – police report

Police Chief, R. Fuller, appeared before the Board.

The Festival of Lights had a good turnout despite the cold, thanks in part to the Village of Phelps assisting with street closures. We should send a thank you note to the Phelps Police Department for their help.

J. Slade completed paperwork and may start in about two weeks if all documents and fingerprints are finalized.

Continuation of discussion of the East Rochester Rental Dwelling Unit Law

The Board agreed that they will reach out to East Rochester’s Attorney to discuss possibly moving forward.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Formal Acknowledgement from Clifton Springs Area Chamber of Commerce for Spooktacular Event

The board acknowledged and valued the expression of gratitude.

Letter of Appreciation from A. Copeland

The board reviewed the letter from A. Copeland expressing gratitude to the Village for installing “cross traffic does not stop” signs at the intersections of Kendall and Main Street, as well as Pleasant and Main Street. The board expressed its appreciation for her thoughtful correspondence.

Email from a Village Resident about the Main Street/ Broad Street

The board reviewed an email from a Village Resident regarding Main Street and Broad Street, and subsequently discussed potential solutions to the issues raised.

Copy of Fire Department November Report

The Board thanks the Fire Department for submitting the report.

Zoning board Member training certificate

Zoning board member Charlie Hall completed training, and the board received his certificate with appreciation.

Copy of Insurance Dividend Check received

The Board appreciates receiving the update regarding the dividend check.

STREET DEPARTMENT:   Trustee Lincoln was not present and his report was covered under privilege of the floor.

WATER DEPARTMENT:    Trustee Lincoln was not present and his report was covered under privilege of the floor.  

SEWER DEPARTMENT:   Trustee Rickerson’s report was covered under privilege of the floor.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:   Mayor Keyes report was covered under privilege of the floor.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Conklin reported that the painting of the truck bays has been completed. The department is diligently working to restore all items to their proper locations. Chief Conklin expressed appreciation to DPW Supervisor Lannon and the crew for their assistance with hanging the flag and other heavy items.

The membership purchased a new stove for the fire hall using 2% funds and intends to surplus the old stove. A motion to approve the surplus of the old stove was made by Trustee Linsner and seconded by Trustee Janas. All members present voting  AYE, Carried.

The board approved the addition of new member Cullen Dunn, who has successfully completed a background check. Mr. Dunn is a former member of the Phelps Fire Department and is certified as an EMS. The motion to approve his membership was made by Trustee Linsner and seconded by Trustee Janas. All members present voting  AYE, Carried.

Truck #61 has returned from the shop fully repaired; however, a quote is needed to replace the lettering. Truck #51 has also been repaired, and the insurance company has been notified of its completion.

Currently, Two garage doors at the fire hall are inoperative, with an estimated replacement cost of $7,800.00 per door.

In an effort to enhance digital capabilities, the department has initiated a 90-day free trial of a program designed to support this transition.

ZONING & PLANNING DEPARTMENTS: Nothing was reported.     

PARK – YOUTH DEPARTMENT:   Nothing was reported. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:      Nothing was reported.   

COURT DEPARTMENT:    Nothing was reported. 

MAYOR KEYES REPORT: Nothing was reported. 

Deputy Clerk Turner Report: The Board was presented with abstracts outlining payments made since the previous meeting, as well as a copy of the affidavit confirming publication of the Legal Notice in the Village newspaper dated November 21st, 2025.

Clerk Reals Report: Per the 2025-2026 budget, clerk reals discussed with the board a pay increase to Deputy Clerk Treasurer Cassandra Turner. motion was made by Trustee Linsner 2^nd by Trustee Janas to increase Cassandra Turner hourly rate from $23.00 per hour to $24.00 effective January 1 2026, all members present voting AYE, Carried.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board, motion made by Trustee Linsner 2nd by Trustee Rickerson to adjourn. All members present voting AYE, Carried.  The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,    

Cassandra Turner 

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer