Wendell board approves administrative changes, personnel and UDO steering committee

Wendell — In administrative business following a series of public hearings on land-use items, the Wendell Town Board approved several items on Wednesday including a resolution of intent to begin the process to close a portion of South Pine Street, an additional human resources specialist position for FY2026, amendments to the town's sick leave and FMLA policies, and formation of a steering committee to guide the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update.

On the right-of-way item, staff presented a resolution of intent initiating the statutory notification process to consider closing a portion of South Pine Street (public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2026). Staff said the right-of-way includes drainage features and that any closing would see property revert to adjoining owners after notification and the required public hearing.

The board approved adding one HR specialist position to the FY2026 budget, allocating roughly $8,300 to cover one month of salary so a selected finalist could begin beforehand rather than reopen the recruitment. The board also approved technical amendments to sick-leave provisions and use of paid time off under the town's FMLA policy as presented by the new HR director, Melanie Joyner; commissioners asked clarifying questions about overtime and compensatory time.

Finally, staff presented a list of community and technical representatives to form a steering committee for the town's UDO update, led by consultant Kimley-Horn and expected to wrap by Dec. 31, 2026. The steering committee will meet multiple times to provide expertise and feedback; the board authorized staff to make reasonable substitutions if a named representative could not serve.

All administrative items were approved by voice vote. The board then moved to commissioner reports and adjourned the meeting.