Town of Union board adopts financial policies, hires parking-enforcement firm and approves July 4 fireworks

The Town Board of the Town of Union met April 2, 2025 in the Town Board Room in Endwell and unanimously approved several administrative, public-safety and personnel items affecting town operations and summer events.

The board adopted a set of finance procedure policies — Fund Balance Policy, Investment Policy and an updated Procurement Policy — recorded as created or updated March 11, 2025 and moved by Councilman Thomas R. Augostini. The board also approved submission to the New York State Office of Court Administration/Department of Audit and Control for annual justice court audits for the fines and bails accounts of Town Justice Gregory Thomas and Town Justice Christopher Grace for the period ending Dec. 31, 2024.

In public-works business, the board accepted and approved a contract with T2 Systems for enforcement of winter parking in accordance with the 'Parking During Snow Emergencies' Local Law and authorized Supervisor Robert Mack to execute the contract, subject to the Town Attorney's review. The motion was introduced by Councilman Frank J. Bertoni and seconded by Councilman Thomas R. Augostini; the board recorded all yes votes.

The board authorized Supervisor Robert Mack to sign a Fireworks Exhibition Agreement with Young Explosives Corporation for the town's July 4, 2025 Highland Park fireworks display (rain date July 5, 2025) and also approved scheduling for July 4, 2026 (rain date July 5, 2026). That resolution was moved by Councilman David Kudgus and seconded by Councilman Frank J. Bertoni.

Personnel and training actions included approval for Highway employees John Mase and Greg Teeples to attend the 2025 Highway School at Ithaca College (June 2–4, 2025) with registration fees and use of a Town vehicle covered; and a $2,500 salary increase for Highway Superintendent John Mase effective March 30, 2025 (the six-month anniversary of his employment). The board also approved in-person code training for Code Department staff through the Southern Tier Building Officials Association (STBOA) on April 16, 2025; the motion listed the STBOA member fee ($35) and non-member fee ($45) and recorded the total training cost as $170.

The board approved and referred community-event requests: a pavilion reservation and fee waiver at Highland Park on June 17, 2025 for St. Anthony of Padua Parish; assistance with 'No Parking' for Church of the Holy Family's July 18–20 event; and permission for the O.L. Davis Fire Company to hold a 5K race on Aug. 9, 2025 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.). Those requests were forwarded to the Commissioner of Public Works and Highway Superintendent for implementation details.

Planning department reports filed with the Town Clerk included minor site-plan approvals for paving and restriping the parking lot at West Corners Plaza, 1001 Union Center–Maine Highway (Tax Map #140.20-5-8), and conditional approval for recreational enhancements at Jellystone Campgrounds, 600 Boswell Hill Road (Tax Map #124.02-1-5).

During the hearing of visitors, resident Joe Beldoni of 2660 Laguna Drive asked for a summary of Town rules for operating a home business that raises, breeds and sells animals ("for example cats"). Supervisor Robert Mack recommended Beldoni contact the Head of the Code Department, Brian Lucas, for guidance.

Votes at a glance: approval votes on motions were recorded as unanimous unless otherwise noted. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 P.M.