Solar Moratorium, Public Hearing April 1st - Transfer Station Developments

Above: Middletown Transfer Station’s conceptual drawing for the remodel project. Next steps will be design and engineering phase, with development of a budget, Supervisor says.

MIDDLETOWN - On recommendation by the town attorney, Middletown Town Board members are working toward passing a moratorium on future solar projects. A public hearing is scheduled Wednesday, April 1, at 6 p.m. If approved, the moratorium will be in place for six months.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner assures residents that the language in the resolution will mirror that of a resolution passed in July last year. The former moratorium was incorrectly filed and needs to be re-established, he explained.

The moratorium will give the town time to review and adopt legislation governing solar farm projects, including provisions on storage and implementation. Current code requires issuance of a special use permit; however, Falukner said a law will provide additional oversight to protect the town.

In another discussion, Councilmember Nelson Delameter raised concerns about New York City-owned land potentially being leased for solar farms.

My understanding, said Faulkner, is that new language in agreements for the City water supply permit regarding solar farms imposes limitations. Some regulations include no clear-cutting with specific percentages allowed and no use on agriculturally viable land, he reported.

Delaware County officials and the Coalition of Watershed Towns are discussing this issue.

“We definitely want to keep an eye on it,” said Faulkner.

Delameter said he would oppose any solar farm development on city-owned land.

Councilmember Robin Williams added that those parcels are intended to remain forever wild, and opening them to solar use could be a slippery slope.

Transfer Station

Conceptual drawings for the transfer station rehab project are complete. A major feature will be improved traffic control, Faulkner reported.

The drawings show a single entry and exit, with coverings over the drop-off areas.

The next step will be design and engineering phase, he said, and development of a budget around the conceptual drawing.

Other Business

Lillian Taylor was approved to remain as a part-time assessor's clerk through Oct. 1. While the role was originally intended to be temporary, assessors say the position is critical to maintaining statutory deadlines, meeting operational demands, and ensuring the long-term efficiency of the office.

After receiving a service agreement quote of $7,752 for a single inspection, cleaning, and analysis, the board will not continue the annual contract with Siemens of Syracuse. Instead, the town will use Muthig’s Plumbing and Heating of Hobart, as needed, at an hourly rate of $150.

The annual $10,000 agreement, which was budgeted for with MARK-Project, was approved.

James Conine was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review to fill the vacancy of Paul Gregory, whose term ends in September 2027.

Cassandra Finnis-Palen was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review as an alternate through September 2027.

Justice Town Clerk Sandi Rockwell’s retirement resignation was accepted, effective April 15th. The board will advertise to fill the position. “Sandy has done a wonderful job...” Faulkner said, “It is a busy town court, my goodness...she will be sorely missed.”

Faulkner will meet with NYSEG officials later this week to discuss communication issues related to increased heat bills. “They could have done a better job communicating what is going on, even if it is out of their control,” Faulkner said, adding that the public should be able to get in touch with representatives more easily.

The Short-Term Rental Committee is expected to present recommendations on regulations at the next monthly workshop on March 4th. Recommendations include safety protocols and fee structures.

Roughly $1,564 will be used for various repairs to the chlorinator for the Arkville and Halcottsville water systems.

The Emergency Communications and Emergency Preparedness committees are expected to meet in the coming months to hash out emergency plans.

Middletown received $1,039 in cannabis tax revenue.

The discussion of adjustments to veterans' tax exemptions was tabled in anticipation of state amendments to clarify the language.

The transfer station porta-john will no longer be rented from Oneonta Rent-A-John and will instead be contracted with Titan Drilling Company.

The council entered an executive session to discuss code enforcement personnel negotiations.

The next regularly scheduled town board meeting is Wednesday, Mar. 11, at 6 p.m.