Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press town on FOIL responses, pole easements and retaining-wall concerns; allegation of firewood delivery raised
Summary
Residents used public comment to press the board for outstanding FOIL responses, questioned easements for pole relocations, raised a retaining-wall erosion issue at 78 West Sand Lake Road, and alleged a highway-employee firewood delivery to the superintendent's home; the board and town attorney described follow-up steps and denied awareness of the allegation.
Several residents used the May 14 public-comment period to press the Town Board for follow-up on open FOIL requests, to question past administrative decisions and to report a property safety concern.
Resident Joe Styczynski thanked the board for tabling Resolution 2026-05-48 and said he opposed re-running a local law that failed last year, adding concern about erosion above a retaining wall at 78 West Sand Lake Road. Town Attorney Nia Cholakis told the board the property is a pre-existing nonconforming four-unit and that the town plans to meet with the owner, the engineer and the building inspector to review the retaining-wall questions. Cholakis said any abutting neighbors may attend but the property itself is private.
Resident Michael Carey said he has about 15 FOIL requests outstanding and asked why Supervisor Bott had signed easements with NYSEG to relocate poles at the lake, alleging the town spent money on relocations that he believes were unnecessary. Carey asked whether the Supervisor had board approval before signing easements. Supervisor Bott said he had not received a report substantiating Carey’s assertions and suggested safety concerns can underlie such relocations.
Councilperson Sabo relayed a resident report alleging that Superintendent of Highways Mike Martinez received a delivery of firewood during work hours from highway employees. Supervisor Bott said he had not been made aware of that report and noted ongoing union negotiations can prompt internal reporting during bargaining; no formal investigation or corroboration was recorded in the meeting minutes.
Town officials said they would follow up: the attorney will meet with property representatives regarding the retaining wall, and the comptroller and the town clerk were asked to address FOIL and payment questions raised.
