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Junius board tables local law on reimbursement for consultant fees after homeowner concerns
Summary
At a Sept. 17 public hearing, the Town of Junius heard comments from a solar developer and a property owner about a proposed local law to require reimbursement of consultant and professional fees; the board voted 3-1 to table the law pending review by the town attorney.
Councilman Rick Wadhams opened a public hearing at 6:03 p.m. on the proposed "Local Law requiring reimbursement to the Town of Junius for consultant and professional fees in certain situations." The hearing drew comments from project stakeholders and residents before the board voted to table final action.
Matt Mihaly, who identified himself as involved with the Burgess Road solar project, urged swift adoption so he could provide an escrow check to the town. Chuck Doverspike objected that the draft law lacked a specific clause to protect individual property owners from unforeseen lawyer and engineering fees and warned that owners "will not be able to afford" mandated reimbursements. Board members explained that state recording procedures mean enactment would take at least a couple of weeks after the town finalizes the language.
After public comment, Councilman Kyle Black moved to close the hearing at 6:25 p.m.; the motion passed on a voice vote (Aye-4; Nay-0; Absent-1). Later, Councilman Rick Wadhams moved to table the local law until the town lawyer can draft or confirm language that protects landowners; Councilman Kyle Black seconded. Supervisor Ernie Brownell opposed the motion; the motion to table carried, Aye-3; Nay-1; Absent-1.
The board directed staff to obtain legal advice and return the draft ordinance to a future meeting. The action leaves the proposed local law pending rather than adopted, and the law will not be sent for state recording until the board takes further action.
