DeWitt board approves hires, forms lead mitigation committee and sets public hearing; multiple routine motions pass

The Town of DeWitt town board approved several personnel hires, routine administrative actions and a new infrastructure committee during its Jan. 13 meeting.

Most motions were approved by voice vote. The board authorized a public hearing on proposed changes to the town—s fee schedule, approved hiring for multiple positions, authorized attendance at a professional training conference and formed a lead mitigation and infrastructure task force to advance water-service line inventory and potential lead-abatement work.

On personnel and administrative items, the board: - Approved hiring Nora Osman as deputy town clerk, starting Jan. 27, at a step 1, grade 5 salary of $20.44 per hour. The board voted in favor by voice vote. - Approved authorization to hire Kyle Posma as a Clerk 2 in planning and zoning, pending standard onboarding and training in March. - Approved a Recreation Department hire (presented as "Senator Farrell" in the packet) to a grade 7 position with an immediate start reported by staff; the board voted to confirm the hire.

The board also considered several operational items: - Set a public hearing on changes to the town fee schedule for Feb. 10 at 6:05 p.m. - Authorized staff to send a planning and zoning staff member to the New York State Building Officials conference (a three-day event providing annual training credits) at $400; funding for training was in the budget. - Approved the purchase and installation of two replacement heat pumps for a quoted total of $13,616.91 from Davis Mechanical; staff said the vendor would start installation immediately. - Discussed and advanced a water-meter replacement program that would deploy new electronic meters across the system in roughly a 12- to 18-month window; staff said the meter project would also enable inspection of the service line at time of replacement to identify potential lead components.

The board voted to create a Lead Mitigation and Infrastructure Task Force to inventory service lines and pursue funding and legal support for lead-abatement work. The board discussed retaining bond counsel for any borrowing related to large-scale mitigation projects and noted potential state and federal funding sources.

The board also authorized execution of an amendment to the municipal cooperative agreement for the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium and passed a resolution approving a 2025 amendment to that agreement. Staff and board discussion cited Article 47 of the New York Insurance Law and the rules of the New York State Department of Financial Services during the resolution presentation.

Other routine business included approval of prior meeting minutes, acceptance of a waiver request and partial refund of fees for a homeowner whose house was struck by a vehicle, and approval of wiring and installation work on a police gate paid to Atlas Fence for $15,005.25. The board then moved into executive session for contract-related negotiation items.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Waive $75 of variance fee and refund $4.75 already paid (house struck by vehicle). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Hire Recreation employee (grade 7). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Hire Kyle Posma, Clerk 2 in planning and zoning. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Hire Nora Osman, deputy town clerk, start Jan. 27, $20.44/hr. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Set public hearing on fee schedule (Feb. 10, 6:05 p.m.). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Authorize attendance at NY Building Officials conference ($400). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Approve purchase/installation of two heat pumps from Davis Mechanical ($13,616.91). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Form Lead Mitigation and Infrastructure Task Force. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Motion: Authorize execution of contract and adopt 2025 amendment to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium agreement. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Why it matters: The lead mitigation committee and the planned water-meter program could unlock state and federal funding, change how the town inventories and handles aging service lines, and affect large-scale capital planning. The hires and routine purchases keep town operations staffed and facilities running.

What the board said: Planning and zoning staff described the meter replacement as a 12- to 18-month, town-wide effort that would speed meter readings and help identify service-line materials. Board members noted funding would likely require bond counsel and likely state or federal grant support for private-side lead-abatement assistance.

Next steps: The town will advertise the Feb. 10 public hearing on fee changes, proceed with hires and equipment purchases, formalize the lead mitigation task force membership and seek bond counsel for potential financing of mitigation work.