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Board authorizes follow-up on grant consultant to pursue water and wastewater funding
Summary
Waverly's board discussed engaging a grant consultant to develop feeder and larger grant applications for water and wastewater upgrades; members raised concerns about the town's delinquent filings and asked the consultant to put eligibility in writing. The board authorized bringing a contract back for formal approval.
Waverly ' The Waverly Town Board discussed hiring a grant consultant to help assemble feeder grants and larger master-plan applications aimed at funding multimillion-dollar water and sewer upgrades.
The Chair said he met with a grant consultant (referred to in the transcript as Lavela/LaVilla Associates and a contact named Jamie Kankowski/Kacoski) who provided a pipeline of potential grants and a staged approach: seed or feeder grants (examples discussed at costs such as $3,000 and $4,500) to complete design and planning work required for larger applications. "You gotta get seed money," the Chair said, describing the consultant's approach of using smaller grants to pay architects and assemble a master plan before pursuing large awards.
Several board members cautioned that the town's delinquent financial filings (multiple years in arrears were mentioned) could harm grant eligibility. One member suggested asking the consultant to confirm in writing which grants would accept late or incomplete financials; the board asked staff to request written confirmation from grant administrators when needed.
The Chair asked for permission to return a contract with the consultant for a future vote. Jim made the motion and Billy seconded; the board agreed the contract would be prepared and brought back for formal approval with clearer billing terms (the consultant proposed phased monthly bills rather than a single large up-front payment).
Why it matters: Upgrading the town's water and sewer systems was repeatedly framed as a multimillion-dollar need, and pursuing staged grant funding is the town's chosen route to cover design and construction costs. Board members emphasized due diligence on eligibility and written assurances from grant administrators before committing town funds.
What comes next: Staff will prepare contract language and follow up with grant administrators to document eligibility and any conditions related to the town's financial filings; the board will consider the contract at a subsequent meeting.
