Town Board Meeting

MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD, NEW YORK, HELD AT TOWN HALL, 8635 CLINTON STREET, NEW HARTFORD, NY ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. Town Supervisor Messa called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. and the roll was taken with the following Town Officials and Department Heads being present during the progress of the meeting. Supervisor Messa then led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. TOWN BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilman Vincent Pristera Councilman John Latini Councilman David M. Reynolds Deputy Supervisor / Councilman David Tehan Supervisor James Messa OTHER TOWN OFFICIALS/EMPLOYEES PRESENT: Town Attorney, Herb Cully Town Clerk, Michele Moran Deputy Clerk, Susan Keller Highway Superintendent, Richard Sherman Police Chief, Ronald Fontaine Finance Dept., Christina Lacy Assessor Darlene, Abbatecola NH Library Director, Anne DuRoss ABSENT: Codes Officer George Farley Thereafter a quorum was declared present for the transaction of business. Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption, seconded by Councilman Pristera (RESOLUTION NO. 49 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Regular Town Board meeting held November 19, 2025 and does further waive the reading of the same. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera - Aye Councilman Latini - Aye Councilman Reynolds - Aye Councilman Tehan - Nay Supervisor Messa - Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted. Councilman Reynolds introduced the following Resolution for adoption, seconded by Councilman Latini (RESOLUTION NO. 50 OF 2026) TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 2 of 16 RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Regular Town Board meeting held January 7, 2026 and does further waive the reading of the same. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera - Aye Councilman Latini - Aye Councilman Reynolds - Aye Councilman Tehan - Aye Supervisor Messa - Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted. Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption, seconded by Councilman Reynolds (RESOLUTION NO. 51 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the minutes of the Special Town Board meeting held January 21, 2026 and does further waive the reading of the same. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera - Aye Councilman Latini - Aye Councilman Reynolds - Aye Councilman Tehan - Aye Supervisor Messa - Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted. PRESENTATION TO TOWN BOARD – Brian Bouchard from CHA Consulting, Inc. presented a zone change application and overview of a Planned Development District (RPDD) 4647 Middlesettlement Road – CHA Project NO. 102120 for preliminary review by the Town Board. Following discussion, Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption, seconded by Councilman Pristera (RESOLUTION NO. 52 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby determine that the application meets the criteria to refer the project to the Planning Board for review and SEQRA action. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera - Aye Councilman Latini - Aye Councilman Reynolds - Aye TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 3 of 16 Councilman Tehan - Nay Supervisor Messa - Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted. PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LAW INTRODUCTORY “1” OF 2026 LARGE SCALE ENERGY SYSTEMS MORATORIUM. The Town Supervisor then opened the Public Hearing at 6:31 P.M., in the matter of Local Law Introductory “1” of 2026. [The Town Clerk had available copies of the proposed local law, the Notice of Public Hearing, Affidavit of Posting, Proof of Publication in The Observer Dispatch.] Omar Massoud – 9716 Roberts Road, Sauquoit wanted to ask about the status of a Chapman Road project. Attorney Cully quoted Section IV of the proposed local law, specifically regarding signing of a “moratorium acknowledgement in a form approved by [me], that confirms the applicant is aware of the moratorium, is processing its application at the risk of the applicable regulations being changed, and assumes the consequences of such risk.” Attorney Cully went on to further advise Mr. Massoud this is done with the understanding that if the Town of New Hartford changes the ordinance and all of a sudden solar is not allowed, that it’s “not on the Town”. Attorney Cully also referenced the hardship provision contained in the proposed local law. There being no one further to speak in the matter, the Public Hearing was declared closed at 6:37 P.M. Thereafter, Councilman Reynolds moved, and Councilman Tehan seconded that Local Law Introductory “1” of 2026 be adopted as Local Law No.1 of 2026 in the following format: Local Law No. 1 of 2026 - A Local Law to enact a six (6) month moratorium on large scale solar energy systems as were permitted in §118-74 of the Town of New Hartford Code . (RESOLUTION NO. 53 OF 2026) BE IT ENACTED - BY THE TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD AS FOLLOWS: Section I. Statement of Authority This Local law is authorized by the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the New York Municipal Home Rule Law, the relevant provisions of the Town Law of the State of New York, the laws of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD and the general police power vested with the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD to promote the health, safety and welfare of all residents and property owners in the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. Section II. Purpose The purpose of this local law is to declare a temporary moratorium on the issuance of building permits, special permits and site plans by the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD for the approval, construction, establishment and/or operation of any additional or new “LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS” within the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. This law is intended to supersede Town Code §118-74. Section III. Legislative Findings TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 4 of 16 The Town Board of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD has recently held two public meetings concerning applications for the construction of LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS in the Town. Each public meeting was attended by approximately 100 persons in opposition of such a system. Town applicants have commenced litigation against the Town and one Court has indicated that the Town should amend the current law to designate specific zoning districts in which said solar systems will be permitted. In order to comply with the direction the Town Board deems it in the best interest of the general health, safety and welfare of the residents of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD to enact a six month moratorium on the issuance of building permits, special permits and site plans by the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD for the construction or establishment of any additional or new “LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS” within the limits of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD which are not currently in existence or operation. Section IV. Moratorium No special permits or site plans permitting the construction, establishment and/or operation of any additional or new LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS which are not currently in existence or operation at the time of enactment of this section shall be issued by the Town of New Hartford within any zone within the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD from the effective date of this local law until six months from adoption and filing of this local law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, special permit and site plan applications for LARGE-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS may be reviewed by the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD. If an applicant signs a moratorium acknowledgement, in a form approved by the Town Attorney, that confirms the applicant is aware of the moratorium, is processing its application at the risk of the applicable regulations being changed, and assumes the consequences of such risk. During the period of the Moratorium, the Town Board shall endeavor to complete all reasonable and necessary review, study analysis and if warranted, revisions to the Town Code. Section V. Hardship Waiver A. Should any owner of property affected by this Local Law or any applicant with an application currently pending before any Board of the Town suffer any unnecessary and extraordinary hardship due to the enactment and application of this Local Law, then the owner of said property may apply to the Town Board of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD (for a variance from strict compliance with this Local Law upon submission of proof of such unnecessary hardship. For the purposes of this Local Law, unnecessary or extraordinary hardship shall not be: (1) the mere concern that regulations may be changed or adopted, or that the plan may be amended ; or (2) the mere delay in being permitted to make an application or waiting for a final decision on the application for a variance, special permit, site plan, subdivision, or other permit during the period of the moratorium imposed by this Local Law. B. An application for an exception based upon unnecessary or extraordinary hardship shall be filed with the Town Clerk no earlier than the effective date of this Local Law, including a fee of one thousand and five hundred 00/100 Dollars ($1,500.00) for each tax map parcel claimed to be subject to unnecessary or extraordinary hardship, by the landowner or the applicant upon the consent of the landowner. The application shall provide a recitation of the specific facts that are alleged to support the claim of unnecessary or extraordinary hardship and shall contain such other information and/or documentation as the Town Board, shall prescribe as necessary for the Town Board to be fully informed with respect to the application. C. Procedure. Upon submission of a written application to the Town Clerk by the property owner seeking a hardship waiver from the provisions of this local law, the Town Board shall, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a completed application, schedule a Public Hearing on said application upon five (5) days’ written notice in the official newspaper of the Town of New Hartford. At said Public Hearing, the property owner and any other parties wishing to present evidence with regard to the application shall have an opportunity to be heard, and the TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 5 of 16 Town Board shall, within thirty (30) days of the close of said Public Hearing, render its decision either granting, denying, granting in part or denying in part, the application for a hardship waiver from the strict requirements of this Local Law. If the Town Board determines that a property owner will suffer an unnecessary or extraordinary hardship if this Local Law is strictly applied to a particular property, then the Town Board shall vary the application to this Local Law to the maximum extent necessary to provide the property owner relief from strict compliance with this Local Law. D. Standard of Review. In reviewing an application for an exception based upon a claim of necessary or extraordinary hardship, the Town Board shall consider the following criteria: (1) The extent to which the proposed development activity would cause significant environmental harm, adversely impact surrounding natural resource areas, public health, comfort or safety concerns and/or have a negative impact upon the Town. (2) Whether the moratorium will expose a property owner or applicant to substantial monetary liability to a third person or would leave the property owner or applicant completely unable, after a thorough review of alternative solutions, to have a reasonable alternative use of the property. Section VI. Severability If any part or provision of this Local Law or the application thereof to any person or circumstances be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction , such judgement shall be confirmed in its operation to the part or provision or application directly involved in the controversy in which judgement shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this Local Law or the application thereof or other persons or circumstances, and the Town Board of the TOWN OF NEW HARTFORD hereby declares that it would have passed this Local Law or the remainder thereof had such invalid application or invalid provision been apparent. Section VII. Repeal All ordinances, local laws and parts thereof inconsistent with this Local Law are hereby repealed to extent of such inconsistency. Section VIII. Effective Date This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the Secretary of the State in accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law and remain in effect for a period of six (6) months from filing. RESOLVED that this Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing of same in the Office of the Secretary of State. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera - Aye Councilman Latini - Aye Councilman Reynolds - Aye Councilman Tehan - Aye Supervisor Messa - Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly adopted. TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 6 of 16 VOUCHERS Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Pristera: (RESOLUTION NO. 54 OF 2026) RESOLVED, that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve the vouchers. The Town Board voted upon roll call, resulting as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye (Abstain from ADK bank voucher(s)) Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED ADD COUNCILMAN DAVID REYNOLDS as ADDITIONAL SIGNER Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Pristera: (RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2026) RESOLVED, that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to add Councilman David Reynolds as an additional signer on checks at all approved financial institutions as referenced in the Jan 1, 2026 Organizational Meeting Minutes. The Town Board voted upon roll call, resulting as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED NYS COMPTROLLERS AUDIT – Supervisor Messa announced that the Town of New Hartford has been selected for a full audit. He states that auditors are on site and have started their preliminary assessment. NEW HARTFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - Supervisor Messa read a letter that has been received. The School District thanked the Town for the office space rental and cited funding deficiencies as a reason for terminating the arrangement. They anticipate vacating by June of 2026. REVIEWED BAN with BONADIO – Supervisor Messa advised the Board that he and Councilman Tehan have met with representatives from Bonadio group to review the BAN renewal coming up in April. They are discussing whether to re-ban or to Bond. They have also met with Bonadio regarding Debt Services and working towards getting the Town removed from credit watch and getting our S&P credit rating restored. Projected timeline is 2027 – following completion and review of all outstanding audits. TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 7 of 16 DRESHER and MALECKI – Supervisor Messa in discussions regarding a timeline to have 2024 Audit completed by April of 2026 and the Town’s 2025 Audit completed by August of 2026. HIGH STREET INSURANCE – Will meet quarterly to review insurance needs. Also, they will review our insurance with other carriers to compare pricing. ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS CONFERENCE – FEB 15-17. – Supervisor Messa polled the Board to see if any members were planning on attending. No one will be in attendance this year. SECURITY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS – Tabled review of General Security Maintenance Agreements until the March meeting. NOTARY RENEWAL – DELORES SHAW Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Reynolds: (RESOLUTION NO. 56 OF 2026) RESOLVED, that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve the renewal of the Notary license for Delores B. Shaw at a cost of $60. The Town Board voted upon roll call, resulting as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED VI. MATTERS SUBMITTED BY THE TOWN ATTORNEY Introduce Local Law to re-instate Town Supervisor Salary to the rate it was from previous years. Section 27 of Town, a Local Law with Public Hearing, subject to a permissive referendum. Councilman Tehan moved to introduce the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 57 OF 2026) RESOLVED, The Town Board of the Town of New Hartford finds it necessary and appropriate to adjust the annual salary of the Town Supervisor and restore it to the level it was in 2025 to reflect the responsibilities of the office and current fiscal conditions. The adopted 2026 Town Budget set the Supervisor’s Salary at $18,500. The Town Board now determines the salary should be increased to $32,000. A public hearing will be scheduled to be held on March 6, 2026. The Town Board voted upon roll call, resulting as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 8 of 16 Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED Councilman Reynolds moved to introduce the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Pristera: (RESOLUTION NO. 58 OF 2026) RESOLVED, That a public hearing will be scheduled to be held on March 6, 2026. The Town Board voted upon roll call, resulting as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED INTRODUCE LOCAL LAW FOR TERM LIMITS FOR TOWN SUPERVISOR AND COUNCILMEN – Councilman Tehan proposes and Attorney Cully recommends a discussion regarding a “consecutive 2 term” limit, rather than the State’s proposed 4 year term. This matter was tabled for further discussed after movement on the State Legislation. DISCUSSION REGARDING FIRE DISTRICTS – Attorney Cully and Councilman Reynolds have met regarding fire protection districts as relates to a number of homes in the area of Chapman Road. That are listed on 911 as being in the New Hartford Fire District but are paying for Willowvale fire coverage. A 1982 map was discovered that “clearly defines the fire districts”. Attorney Cully wants to send a letter to Willowvale Fire Co. and Oneida County 911 indicating which properties are erroneously classified as shown on the map and thereafter, correct the situation. Attorney cully asks for a resolution to send the letter. Councilman Reynolds references the recently signed Fire Contracts and suggests meeting with the Assessor’s office to delineate the specifics. Fire Chief Thomas Smith from Willowvale joins the discussion and seeks clarification on the maps origin and current location. Councilman Reynolds moved to introduce the following Resolution for adoption and duly seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 59 OF 2026) RESOLVED, Attorney Cully and Councilman Reynolds meet with Assessor’s office to draft and send a letter to Willowvale Fire Co. and New Hartford Fire Department to include the referenced map from 1982. TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 9 of 16 Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING A SPECIFIC TOWN EMPLOYEE – Attorney Cully requests combining his executive session matter with Chief Fontaine’s matter later in the meeting. CLERK’S REPORTS – November 2025, December 2025 and 2025 Annual Reports were presented to the Board. LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION – MITSUBA RESTAURANT, INC. Councilman Latini made a motion for adoption; seconded by Councilman Tehan. (RESOLUTION NO. 60 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of New Hartford does hereby approve to accept the Liquor License application from Mitsuba Restaurant, Inc. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye This Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS – AUTHORIZE THE 2026 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL $1,500.00 Councilman Reynolds introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 61 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve the Association of Towns Authorization of the 2026 Membership Renewal. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 10 of 16 This Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. AFFIRM/REAFFIRM ADOPTION OF THE LGS1 SCHEDULE - Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Pristera: (RESOLUTION NO. 62 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve that retention and disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records, issued pursuant to Article 57-A of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, and containing legal minimum retention periods for local government records, is hereby adopted for use by all officers in legally disposing of valueless records listed therein. FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Article 57-A: a.) Only those records will be disposed of that are described in Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records after they have met the minimum retention periods described therein: b.) Only those records will be disposed of that do not have sufficient administrative, fiscal, legal, or historical value to merit retention beyond established legal minimum periods. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye This Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. GAMES OF CHANCE – RAFFLE TICKETS The following Resolution was introduced for adoption by Councilman Latini and duly seconded by Councilman Reynolds: (RESOLUTION NO. 63 OF 2026) RESOLVED, that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby grant permission to Mohawk Valley Health System Foundation, an organization duly granted a Games of Chance Identification Number by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, to sell raffle tickets in the Town of New Hartford, New York, in accordance with all rules and regulations of said Racing and Wagering Board; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to execute Form GC-RCF, Raffle Consent Form. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 11 of 16 Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye This Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. The following Resolution was introduced for adoption by Councilman Pristera and duly seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 64 OF 2026) RESOLVED, that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby grant permission to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, an organization duly granted a Games of Chance Identification Number by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, to sell raffle tickets in the Town of New Hartford, New York, in accordance with all rules and regulations of said Racing and Wagering Board; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be, and she hereby is, authorized and directed to execute Form GC-RCF, Raffle Consent Form. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye This Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. TAX WARRANT REPORT – Town Clerk/Tax Collector Michele Moran provided a copy of the Tax Warrant Report dated 1/3/2026 to the Board for their review. This Warrant breaks down the taxes collected per Levy category. The Town’s portion of taxes has been collected and remitted to the Town Supervisor on February 3, 2026 via check no. 1156 in the amount of $6,638,337.23. MATTERS SUBMITTED BY Chief Ronald Fontaine 1) Pleasant St at Sylvan Glenn Rd. Request for Stop Sign – There is a municipal boundary issue. It is determined that a sign placed in this area would not be a Town road and therefore cannot be regulated by the Town of New Hartford. After speaking with Utica Police Department, Chief Fontaine will follow up with the resident making the request. 2) Andover Ave – Vehicle and Traffic Complaint – Report of large trucks with trailers are delivering to the New Hartford Shopping Center are using Andover as an entry and exit point. There have been reports of property damage to residential homes caused by the lack of turning radius available. Chief Fontaine will work with Attorney Cullen to draft an introductory local law. 3) Municipal Animal Shelter Internet Connection – Board authorizes internet connection. TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 12 of 16 ACO AUTHORITY - Upon recommendation of the Police Chief, Councilman Latini offered the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Pristera: (RESOLUTION NO. 65 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby authorize Animal Control Officer, John Treen to act as a licensing authority for purposes of Shelter operations. ACO Treen is authorized to issue licenses and rabies certificates as per §109 of the Ag & Markets Law. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. SHERRILL BROOK PARK – PERMIT APPLICATION – Ace Morreale was in attendance and spoke to Board with an overview of the event, which is proposed to take place in June. Chief Fontaine will continue to confer with Attorney Cully to confirm approval or denial of the application. Matter will be revisited at the March 4th meeting. AGREEMENT – MARCY SHELTER AGREEMENT Upon recommendation of the Police Chief, Councilman Latini offered the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Reynolds: (RESOLUTION NO. 66 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Supervisor, or in his absence, the Deputy Town Supervisor to enter into and to execute an Agreement between the Town of New Hartford and the Town of Marcy, wherein the Town of New Hartford will provide animal shelter services to the Town of Marcy during calendar year 2026, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 13 of 16 Highway DITCHING AND MOWING CONTRACT - Upon recommendation of the Highway Superintendent, Councilman Reynolds offered the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 67 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Supervisor, or in his absence, the Deputy Town Supervisor to enter into and to execute an Agreement between the Town of New Hartford and the County of Oneida, wherein the County of Oneida will provide mowing services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein. The term of this agreement shall be from May 1, 2026 through November 1, 2026 (“First Term”). This agreement will automatically renew for one additional term that shall begin May 1, 2027 through November 1, 2027 (“Second Term”). Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED DITCHING AND MOWING CONTRACT - Upon recommendation of the Highway Superintendent, Councilman Reynolds offered the following Resolution for adoption; seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 68 OF 2026) RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby authorize and direct the Town Supervisor, or in his absence, the Deputy Town Supervisor to enter into and to execute an Agreement between the Town of New Hartford and the County of Oneida, wherein the County of Oneida will provide ditching services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein. The term of this agreement shall be from May 1, 2026 through November 1, 2026 (“First Term”). This agreement will automatically renew for one additional term that shall begin May 1, 2027 through November 1, 2027 (“Second Term”). Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 14 of 16 NEW HIRE – SEASONAL – DANIEL ACHEN Upon Recommendation of Highway Superintendent, Richard Sherman, Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Pristera. (RESOLUTION NO. 69 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to appoint Daniel Achen as a Seasonal Laborer. Start date immediately. Rate of pay is starting at $19.80/hr., seasonal/temporary with no benefits. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. NEW HIRE – SEASONAL - THOMAS LACY Upon Recommendation of Highway Superintendent, Richard Sherman, Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Reynolds. (RESOLUTION NO. 70 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to appoint Thomas Lacy as a Seasonal Laborer. Start date immediately. Rate of pay is starting at $19.80/hr., seasonal/temporary with no benefits. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. MATTERS SUBMITTED BY COUNCILMEN Councilman Reynolds: 1.) Total number of Fire safety inspections for January (report by Codes) – 11 completed 2.) Total fees collected for Fire safety inspections in January (report by Codes) - $10,869.89 ALTERNATE PLANNING BOARD MEMBER – JOSEPH CHIFFY - Councilman Tehan introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Latini. (RESOLUTION NO. 71 OF 2026) TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 15 of 16 RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to appoint Joesph Chiffy as an Alternate on the Planning Board. Effective immediately. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Councilman Latini introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Tehan: (RESOLUTION NO. 72 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to go into Executive Session (9:01pm) Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. Councilman Reynolds introduced the following Resolution for adoption and seconded by Councilman Latini: (RESOLUTION NO. 73 OF 2026) RESOLVED, the Town of New Hartford Town Board does hereby approve to come out of Executive Session (9:34 pm). Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Town Board, upon motion of Councilman Latini and second by Councilman Tehan, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. (RESOLUTION NO. 74 OF 2026) TOWN BOARD MEETING February 4, 2026 Page 16 of 16 RESOLVED that the New Hartford Town Board does hereby accept and approve as submitted the approval to adjourn. Upon roll call, the Board members voted as follows: Councilman Pristera -Aye Councilman Latini -Aye Councilman Reynolds -Aye Councilman Tehan -Aye Supervisor Messa -Aye The Resolution was declared unanimously carried and duly ADOPTED. Respectfully submitted, Michele Moran Town Clerk 2/12/26