Ridgeway Town Board approves $313,239 truck order, accepts historic‐society furnace bid and OKs salt‐barn rental

Supervisor Brian Napoli opened the Town of Ridgeway board meeting on Oct. 21, 2024, in Medina and the board moved unanimously on a package of operational and capital measures.

The board voted 5‑0 to approve a bid and place an order for a new 10‑wheeler plow truck at $313,239. Highway Superintendent John Olinger said the vehicle "will probably take over a year to receive" and that the town has been saving in reserves to fund the purchase. The truck purchase was presented and adopted as Resolution No. 64.

Council members also approved the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to replace the furnace at the Historical Society building. Councilwoman Mary Woodruff moved to accept K&L Heating's $7,408 bid; the motion carried 5‑0 as Resolution No. 62.

The board approved a 10‑year contract to rent one bay of the town salt shed to New York State, a rental agreement Superintendent Olinger said can be changed or canceled with proper notice. That action was adopted as Resolution No. 63.

On property matters, Town Attorney Kathy Bogan presented an easement to allow a building at 211 Pearl Street in Medina to remain three inches over the town property line; the easement will terminate if its stated purpose ceases. The board authorized the Supervisor to sign the easement under Resolution No. 66.

Board members set a public hearing for Nov. 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. on Local Law No. 3, titled the "Unsafe Buildings/Structures, Equipment and Conditions Law," via Resolution No. 65.

Clerical and administrative business included acceptance of the agenda with a wording clarification from Attorney Bogan, approval of minutes from Sept. 16 and Oct. 3, and routine departmental reports. Town Clerk Hannah Hill said the office has been busy with water bills, dog registrations and hunting licenses; Assessor Julie Cecchini reported four house sales in Ridgeway in September and new listings; Code Enforcement Officer Jason Raduns reported seven permits issued in September (49 year‑to‑date) and upcoming fire safety inspections.

The board approved payment of abstracts covering multiple funds with a total of $171,827.36. The motion to pay the bills was carried unanimously.

During an open session, resident William Wilkinson thanked the board "for their open communication" and said the meeting was "very educational." With no further business, Supervisor Napoli adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution No. 61 (Refer Local Law #2 to County Planning Board): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; second: Councilman Cliff Barber). - Resolution No. 62 (Accept K&L Heating bid $7,408 for Historical Society furnace; ARPA funds): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; second: Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint). - Resolution No. 63 (Approve agreement with New York State to rent one salt‑shed bay): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilman Cliff Barber; second: Councilman Duane Payne). - Resolution No. 64 (Approve bid/order for new highway truck $313,239): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint; second: Councilman Cliff Barber). - Resolution No. 65 (Set public hearing Nov. 18 for Local Law #3 – Unsafe Buildings): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilwoman Mary Woodruff; second: Councilman Jeffrey Toussaint). - Resolution No. 66 (Authorize Supervisor to sign easement for 211 Pearl Street): Adopted, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays (mover: Councilman Duane Payne; second: Councilman Cliff Barber).

What’s next: The board will hold a public hearing on Local Law No. 3 on Nov. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. The next work session is Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and the next regular meeting is Nov. 18, both at Ridgeway Town Hall.