St. Lawrence County legislator urges town to consider county votes on ATVs, renewable energy and solid waste

St. Lawrence County Legislator Larry Denesha updated the Town of Clifton board on recent county actions and local project timelines. He said the county passed a resolution to raise the allowable weight for all‑terrain vehicles from 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds and asked that the town consider similar action if desired. He also reported a county resolution opposing renewable energy development on state forest lands that lacks local control and an economic‑impact review; Denesha said he would like to see the town consider passing a similar resolution.

Denesha told the board the county approved moving Solid Waste out of the Highway Superintendent’s duties and creating a standalone department; he said county transfer stations are funded by tipping fees and those revenues do not cover costs. He also reported industry and infrastructure updates: Benson Mines had discussions with Megawatt Solar and a tentative construction start of spring 2027 was mentioned; the minutes also report conversations with an entity spelled in the transcript as "Astroagragates" about railroad supply arrangements (transcript spelling). Denesha flagged Tooley Pond Road/Newbridge as a summer rebuild project that may require closures and said a planned communications‑tower project could be finished by early fall if schedules hold.

Denesha’s remarks were delivered as informational updates; the board did not record formal motions on these items during the May 13 meeting.