Little Falls board approves routine minutes, equipment purchases and payments; declines humane society expense request

The Little Falls Town Board on May 12 adopted a series of routine motions and financial authorizations and declined a volunteer payment request from the Herkimer County Humane Society.

The board approved the previous month’s minutes (Resolution #46) on a motion by Councilman Mitch Soules, seconded by Councilman Kirk Schwasnick; the vote was Ayes: Supervisor Dan Casler; Councilmen Schwasnick, Soules; Noes: 0.

Supervisor Dan Casler reported a request from the Herkimer County Humane Society asking the town to voluntarily cover expenses for three dogs taken from a fire on State Route 5s on May 7. After Dog Control Officer Greg Foster described the activities involved in taking the dogs, the board voted to decline that request and adopted Resolution #47 (motion by Supervisor Casler; seconded by Councilman Soules). A roll call vote recorded Casler Aye, Schwasnick Aye and Soules Aye.

The board reviewed the supervisor’s financial report and approved a $40,000 principal payment on the 2025 Western Star truck (Resolution #48). Councilman Kirk Schwasnick moved the resolution and Councilman Mitch Soules seconded; the roll call vote was unanimous in favor.

Highway Superintendent Don Cotton presented three quotes for a new lawn mower. The board approved purchase of a Ferris ISX3300 from Clinton Tractor for $15,478.67 based on model, service and free delivery and adopted Resolution #49 (motion by Councilman Soules; seconded by Councilman Schwasnick).

Town Clerk Sandra Regan sought authorization to replace an outdated computer needed for additional file storage and to support clerk software. The board authorized purchase of a new computer for $879 and disposal of the old unit under Resolution #50 (motion by Councilman Soules; seconded by Councilman Schwasnick).

The meeting recessed at 8:25 p.m. to audit bills and resumed at 8:38 p.m. The board approved payment of General Bills #40–48 totaling $3,676.80 (Resolution #51, motion by Councilman Soules; seconded by Councilman Schwasnick) and Highway Bills #65–78 totaling $21,850.46 (Resolution #52, motion by Councilman Schwasnick; seconded by Councilman Soules). Votes on both measures were recorded as unanimous.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution #46 — Approval of prior minutes. Mover: Councilman Mitch Soules; Seconder: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted. - Resolution #47 — Decline voluntary payment for expenses incurred by Herkimer County Humane Society related to three dogs taken from a fire on State Route 5s (May 7, 2026). Mover: Supervisor Dan Casler; Seconder: Councilman Mitch Soules. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted (payment declined). - Resolution #48 — Authorize $40,000 principal payment on 2025 Western Star truck. Mover: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick; Seconder: Councilman Mitch Soules. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted. - Resolution #49 — Approve purchase of Ferris ISX3300 lawn mower from Clinton Tractor for $15,478.67. Mover: Councilman Mitch Soules; Seconder: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted. - Resolution #50 — Authorize Town Clerk to purchase a new computer for $879 and dispose of the old unit. Mover: Councilman Mitch Soules; Seconder: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted. - Resolution #51 — Pay General Bills #40–48 for $3,676.80. Mover: Councilman Mitch Soules; Seconder: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted. - Resolution #52 — Pay Highway Bills #65–78 for $21,850.46. Mover: Councilman Kirk Schwasnick; Seconder: Councilman Mitch Soules. Vote: Casler Aye; Schwasnick Aye; Soules Aye. Outcome: Adopted.

The board scheduled its next regular meeting for June 9, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.