VILLAGE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2026

VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES February 12, 2026 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Sennett, Trustees Evans, Richards and Zapata, DMO Posella, DDMO Pagano, CEO Cromp, Police Chief Heggelke, SVFD Chief Buehler**, Asst. Superintendent Sell*, and Village Attorney Pavlus Excused: Trustee Kemp Others: Jason Gabak* Skaneateles PRESS Editor Sue Dove 9 East Lake Street Shannon and Quinn Reilly 870 Milford Drive Gregory, Katie and Ava*** Williamson 1852 Sugar Maple Lane Paul Fiutak 2742 East Lake Road *Attended via Microsoft Teams Minutes – Resolution #2026-20: On the motion of Trustee Richards, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2026, as presented. Correspondence & Announcements – Mayor Sennett noted the following: ● Receipt of “Unanticipated Adverse Water Condition” email from Ryan Grieco of NYPA. Mayor Sennett said that Niagara Falls and the Niagara River are frozen so we have to buy our power from more expensive sources. ● Receipt of January 27, 2026 Municipal Minute from NYCOM. ● Receipt of Annual Report for 2025 from Jorge Batlle, Village Historian. ● Receipt of email from Maura Molnar regarding ICE preparedness. ● Receipt of thank you card from the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce. ● Upcoming Village Operations Updates: February 24, 2026 – Sewer/Water; March 10, 2026 – Everything Else. Police Department – Upon request by Mayor Sennett, Chief Heggelke said they’ve been investigating and believe they have identified the ice sculpture vandal. In addition, he reported the following: Incident Types: 135 Calls for Service; Criminal: 1 Larceny; 1 Burglary; 1 Domestic; Non-Criminal: 2 Vehicle Lockout; 1368 Property Checks; 6 Ambulance Calls; 5 Fire Calls; 7 Alarms; 6 Recovered/Found Property; Traffic: 20 Total Traffic Stops; 4 Traffic Tickets Issued; 21 Total Parking Tickets. Codes Enforcement – Upon Mayor Sennett’s request, CEO Cromp said that he and Director of Planning and Development Carroll have an annual training in March. Civic Plus now includes all permitting, and everything is counted on the monthly report in the permit category, whether it’s for a building permit or another type. He mentioned they have had a couple of short-term rental investigations. Mayor Sennett acknowledged that Codes Enforcement Officer Cromp submitted his report which included 3 Footer Inspections; 4 Framing Inspections; 2 Insulation Inspections; 8 Final Inspections; 4 Certificates of Occupancy; 1 Certificate of Compliance; 7 Permits; 2 On Scene Fire Calls; 2 Chairman Meetings; 5 Meetings with Home Owners; 1 Complaint Investigation; 1 Violation Letter; 2 Short Term Rental Investigations; 1 Short Term Rental Violation Letter; 3 Stop Work Orders. Operations – Upon Mayor Sennett’s request, DMO Posella said they have started working on the annual re-conditioning of the commemorative benches. They have done some pothole patching and are planning to do more with warmer weather coming. 25 of 31 days in January required snow plowing, which they had to do without their big plow. All trimming was done at the water tower to clear around the fence. DMO Posella also said thank you to those residents who have shoveled out their fire hydrants. Some have done a very, very good job cleaning those up. It has been very helpful to us. REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, February 12, 2026 PAGE 2 of 5 Last month at the wastewater treatment plant, the average flow per day was .523 MGD; total rainfall was 1.65 inches; and they hauled 36,000 gallons of sludge to the Auburn wastewater treatment plant. ** Chief Buehler arrived at 7:12 p.m. Mayor Sennett read the very nice letter of appreciation to Chief Buehler from the Bergens. Fire – In response to Mayor Sennett, Chief Buehler said they had a very busy week with 2 house fires, a minor chlorine leak, and a construction accident. He also said that when 911 doesn’t know what to do with a fire call, they page out the chiefs - so he was paged at 1:30am and went and helped the people with the heat problem. He said as of tonight, they’ve had over 60 calls already this year. They had 45 last month with a normal average of 30 per month. They were over 100 above average in 2025. He read his report which included: Calls for the month of January: 23 Total Alarms; 1 Vegetation Fire; 6 EMS; 4 Motor Vehicle Accidents; 2 Hazardous Conditions; 4 Service Calls; 5 False Alarms; 1 Canceled Enroute; 2 Mutual Aid Given; 12 Mutual Aid Received; 12.3 Avg. Personnel; 1:54 Avg. Enroute time; 5:24 Avg. On-scene Time; 1 Meetings; 5 Drills; 2 Training; 2 Miscellaneous; 1 Stand-by; 907.6 member hours. Upcoming Trainings: 2/9 SCBA Battle Ball at 19:00; 2/16 Ice Rescue at 18:30; 2/23 NYSEG at 19:00. Mayor Sennett added that our DPW Supervisor Eric Sell is also a firefighter. He has been up all night keeping the roads clear, and then he is the 2nd in command at the fire department, and out responding to calls too. These are a very dedicated bunch. She also pointed out that the High Stakes Raffle Tickets are available again and buying a ticket is a great way to support the fire department. Old Business Consider Maria DeSantis’ request for the DeSantis Orchestra to perform at the gazebo on August 16, 2026. Mayor Sennett noted that Ms. DeSantis spoke of her orchestra’s history in Skaneateles at the last meeting. Resolution #2026-21: On the motion of Trustee Zapata, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve Maria DeSantis’ request for the DeSantis Orchestra to perform at the gazebo on August 16, 2026. Consider the Chamber 2026 Events as requested by Director Lindsey Babbles. Mayor Sennett also reminded us that Director Lindsey Babbles presented the Chamber’s 2026 calendar of events at the last meeting. Resolution #2026--22: On the motion of Trustee Zapata, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the Chamber 2026 Events as requested by Director Lindsey Babbles. New Business Consider the Skaneateles Community Band request to hold concerts at the gazebo on Fridays beginning on July 3 and conclude August 28, 2026, along with the additional requests pay for the school bus for transportation from the school to the gazebo and back, and to set up the gazebo each week for the concerts. The Village provides support to the Community Band every summer. Resolution #2026-23: On the motion of Trustee Evans, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the Skaneateles Community Band request to hold concerts at the gazebo on Fridays beginning on July 3 and August 28, 2026, along with the additional requests pay for the school bus for transportation from the school to the gazebo and back, and to set up the gazebo each week for the concerts. REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, February 12, 2026 PAGE 3 of 5 Consider Barry Sisson’s request to hold the Grace Chapel baptisms at the park on August 9, 2026. After a brief discussion, this matter was tabled for further consideration. Consider the Skaneateles Cares Car Club’s request to hold their annual car show on August 8th, with a rain date of August 15, 2026. Sue Dove said they are excited to hold this event again, and that this will be the 4th year of this car show. They have met their goal to raise $250,000 to pay for the Golisano Children’s Hospital playground, and they have plans to help some other hospitals in the area. Resolution #2026-24: On the motion of Trustee Evans, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the Skaneateles Cares Car Club’s request to hold their annual car show on August 8th, with a rain date of August 15, 2026. Consider sending DMO Posella, Administrator/Clerk Walter, Treasurer Hanno, Electric Staff - Benesch, Pavlus, Marshall and Touchette to the MEUA Spring 2026 Engineering and Accounting & Finance Workshops. Total cost for this training is $1,429.00. Funds for this are available in E-781- 200. Resolution #2026-25: On the motion of Trustee Evans, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve sending DMO Posella, Administrator/Clerk Walter, Treasurer Hanno, Electric Staff - Benesch, Pavlus, Marshall and Touchette to the MEUA Spring 2026 Engineering and Accounting & Finance Workshops. Total cost for this training is $1429.00. Funds for this are available in E-781-200. Consider approving the SVFD Annual Penflex Service Award Roster. Resolution #2026-26: On the motion of Trustee Zapata, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the SVFD Annual Penflex Service Award Roster. Consider approving the attendance of 7 codes department staff and board members to the Onondaga County 37th Annual Planning Symposium for a total cost of $595. Resolution #2026-27: On the motion of Trustee Richards, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the attendance of 7 codes department staff and board members to the Onondaga County 37th Annual Planning Symposium for a total cost of $595. Consider approving the Pro-Housing Resolution as Presented. Mayor Sennett explained the Pro-Housing initiative and highlighted parts of the resolution to be adopted. Resolution #2026-28: On the motion of Mayor Sennett, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to approve the Pro-Housing Resolution as follows: WHEREAS, the Village of Skaneateles believes that the lack of housing for New York residents of all ages and income levels negatively impacts the future of New York State’s economic growth and community well-being; WHEREAS, the housing crisis has negative effects at regional and local levels, we believe that every community must do their part to contribute to housing growth and benefit from the positive impacts a healthy housing market brings to communities; WHEREAS, we believe that supporting housing production of all kinds in our community will bring multiple benefits, including increasing housing access and choices for current and future residents, providing integrated accessible housing options that meet the needs of people with sensory and mobility disabilities, bringing economic opportunities and vitality to our communities, and allowing workers at all levels to improve their quality of life through living closer to their employment opportunities; WHEREAS, we believe that evidence showing that infill development that reduces sprawl and supports walkable communities has significant environmental and public health benefits; and REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, February 12, 2026 PAGE 4 of 5 WHEREAS, we believe that affirmatively furthering fair housing and reducing segregation is not only required by law, but is essential for keeping our community strong and vibrant; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Village of Skaneateles, in order to take positive steps to alleviate the housing crisis, adopts the Pro-Housing Communities pledge, which will have us endeavor to take the following important steps, to the extent allowed by our local zoning code: 1. Streamlining permitting for multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing. 2. Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing. 3. Incorporating regional housing needs into planning decisions. 4. Increasing development capacity for residential uses. 5. Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multifamily housing, affordable Authorize Mayor Sennett to sign the Camden Group contract. DMO Posella explained that Camden Group is our certified operator for our treatment plant. Resolution #2026-29: On the motion of Trustee Evans, seconded by Trustee Zapata, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to authorize Mayor Sennett to sign the Camden Group contract. Public Comment – Mayor Sennett asked for public comment – there was none. Mayor Sennett introduced Paul Fiutak. Mr. Fiutak gave a bit of his background in the community. He spoke of a meeting that was held on February 4, and attended by about 100 people, to discuss the ICE actions in Minneapolis. He attended the Village Board meeting to ask that the Village and Town Boards, and the Chief of Police, have a discussion about the possibility of an ICE event in our community. Mr. Fiutak would like the leaders to report back that they have met, and to communicate to the community that these discussions have taken place. Trustee Zapata informed Mr. Fiutak that she and the Mayor have met and discussed these things with the Chief and Lieutenant, primarily prompted by the raid in Cato. Mayor Sennett also said that she has had discussions with Supervisor Legg. Trustee Zapata said that this is an issue they are taking seriously. She thinks it is important to distinguish that our police department only operates within the Village, so it would be valuable to reach out to the County as well. Chief Heggelke said that they have chiefs’ meetings attended by all area police departments. These meetings include Sheriffs and State Police. They have even had a meeting directly with ICE, and are very much in tune with what is happening. He added we have a mutual aid agreement signed with other departments. Shannon Reilly and Quinn Reilly, both residents of the Town, were introduced. Quinn is 17, and is a junior at the high school. |Quinn and Ava Williamson, whose parents were present as Ms. Williamson was at a sports practice, decided to organize an ICE protest at their school, which will be held tomorrow. She said this is a small community, and they are hurting for the people they are seeing hurt by what is happening. She recognizes that they are the future leaders. Their protest will be on the sidewalk of Elizabeth Street. Chief Heggelke said they received a text message with a copy of the poster to make them aware of the situation. Shannon Reilly said that as a parent, Quinn was here today to speak to the police department and their plans had previously been discussed with the principal. She said it’s great being in a community that is open to this. Quinn said this is student-run, and that they don’t want to put teachers in an awkward situation. They thanked the Board for inviting them to the meeting tonight. REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, February 12, 2026 PAGE 5 of 5 Trustee Zapata said she saw the flyer and wanted to make the police department aware because Chief Heggelke does a tremendous job looking out for the kids in this community. She said to Quinn that she is exercising her constitutional right and nobody should be giving them a hard time for it. Ms. Williamson said “thank you” to the school as well for supporting their daughters and helping them move forward with this experience. Mr. Williamson added that many good points have been made and that if people don’t know that these discussions are going on with the local government leaders, then it would help to increase communication. |People get nervous when they don’t know what is happening. Chief Heggelke said it would help if those that attend meetings, and are aware of these conversations to help communicate the message that we are doing this work. ***Ava Williamson arrived at 8:03 pm. Approval of Bills – Resolution #2026-30: On the motion of Trustee Zapata, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to pay the bills. General Fund Checks #59-122 $107,466.47 Electric Fund Checks #15-21 $ 2,304.96 Water Fund Checks #6-8 $ 10,395.15 Sewer Fund Checks #16-23 $ 10,900.37 Executive Session – Resolution #2026-31: At 8:04 p.m., on the motion of Mayor Sennett, seconded by Trustee Zapata, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to enter Executive Session on attorney/client advice. Resolution #2026-32: At 8:18 p.m., on the motion of Mayor Sennett, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to come out of Executive Session. Consider Barry Sisson’s request to hold the Grace Chapel baptisms at the park on August 9, 2026. Resolution #2026-33: On the motion of |Mayor Sennett, seconded by Trustee Richards, it was resolved and carried (3-1 with Trustee Zapata voting no) to approve Barry Sisson’s request to hold the Grace Chapel baptisms at the park on August 9, 2026. Adjournment – Resolution #2026-34: On the motion of Mayor Sennett, seconded by Trustee Evans, it was resolved and unanimously carried (4-0 in favor) to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m. _______________________________________ Laurie A. Walter, Village Administrator/Clerk