Ridgeway board adopts law allowing sawmills, approves ARPA spending and contracts

The Ridgeway Town Board on Dec. 16 unanimously adopted Local Law No. 3 to permit sawmills in the Agricultural‑Residential, Light Industrial and General Business districts and approved a package of ARPA‑funded purchases, contracts and emergency water‑system work.

Local Law No. 3, offered by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint and seconded by Councilman Cliff Barber, adds a definition of “sawmill” to the zoning code and sets special‑use and site‑plan criteria for any operation. Provisions include a 90‑decibel limit at property lines for cutting operations, a requirement that cutting and sawing occur in an enclosed building unless the Planning Board approves otherwise, a minimum 100‑foot setback from adjacent residences, screening or fencing for outdoor storage, and rules prohibiting on‑site burning or landfill disposal of sawdust. The law will take effect upon filing with the New York State Department of State. The adoption vote was 4‑0.

In the same meeting the board approved multiple ARPA‑funded items and contracts. Notable actions included a $75,137.91 purchase of materials for a waterline extension from Core and Main, award of a two‑year ambulance contract with the Village of Medina, a $6,880 purchase of handicap door openers for Town Hall from Imperial Door Controls, Inc., and a $6,928 award to K & L Heating to install air conditioning at the Historical Society building. The board also approved an annual service contract with Municipal Solutions, adopted an employee evaluation form for the personnel handbook, allocated the remaining ARPA balance of $8,050.54 for furniture and supplies, and authorized emergency repairs to waterlines on South Lyndonville Road. All motions passed unanimously, with movers and seconders recorded in the minutes.

Town Clerk Hannah Hill reported administrative matters, saying she “has received the tax bills via email and should get the paper copies this week,” and that her office was working on end‑of‑year tasks and meeting with auditors. Code Enforcement Officer Jason Raduns reported issuing three building permits in November, closing two permits, receiving three formal complaints about unsafe structures, and ongoing work to close out the 11202 Ridge Road solar project. Highway Superintendent John Olinger said crews have been plowing, salting and addressing water system repairs and began reading water meters. Assessor Julie Cecchini reported three new listings and four recent house sales that closed above assessed value, and two commercial sales.

Votes at a glance - RES 77 (12/16/2024): Approve handicap door openers (Imperial Door Controls, Inc.) $6,880 — moved by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; seconded by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; adopted 4‑0. - RES 78 (12/16/2024): Adopt Local Law No. 3 (amend zoning to permit sawmills) — moved by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; seconded by Councilman Cliff Barber; adopted 4‑0. Law effective upon filing with NYS Department of State. - RES 79 (12/16/2024): Approve two‑year ambulance contract with Village of Medina; authorize Supervisor to sign — moved by Councilman Cliff Barber; seconded by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; adopted 4‑0. - RES 80 (12/16/2024): Approve annual service contract with Municipal Solutions; authorize Supervisor to sign — moved by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; seconded by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; adopted 4‑0. - RES 81 (12/16/2024): Purchase materials for waterline extension (Core and Main) $75,137.91 — moved by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; seconded by Councilman Cliff Barber; adopted 4‑0. - RES 82 (12/16/2024): Install air conditioning at Historical Society (K & L Heating) $6,928 — moved by Councilman Cliff Barber; seconded by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; adopted 4‑0. - RES 83 (12/16/2024): Add employee evaluation form to personnel handbook — moved by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; seconded by Councilman Cliff Barber; adopted 4‑0. - RES 84 (12/16/2024): Use remaining ARPA funds ($8,050.54) for furniture, cleaning supplies, etc. — moved by Councilman Cliff Barber; seconded by Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; adopted 4‑0. - RES 85 (12/16/2024): Authorize emergency repairs to waterlines on South Lyndonville Road — moved by Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; seconded by Councilman Cliff Barber; adopted 4‑0.

The board approved payment of the abstract totaling $88,323.51 and heard routine departmental reports. Supervisor Brian Napoli opened the meeting to public comment and no members of the public spoke. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.; upcoming meetings include an end‑of‑year meeting on Dec. 27 and the organization meeting Jan. 2, 2025, both at Ridgeway Town Hall.