July 1, 2025
The regular meeting of the Varick Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Robert Hayssen at 7:00 p.m. Present at this meeting were Councilmen Richard McCulloch, Tom Fox, James Velie & Eric Riegel, Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen, Highway Superintendent, Ben Freier, Bookkeeper, Angela Testa, Attorney for the Town, Emil Bove, Code Enforcement Officer, Tim Dorn and Planning Board Member, Cindy Lont. Also present were Erik Heitz, Jim Hagadorn, Rich Olsen, Val Dorn, and M. J. Persing, Jr.
Petitioners To Address the Board: Mr. Olsen inquired about the timetable for the proposed Sewer Capital Project along Route 89. It was reported to him that if the project receives funding and when Fayette’s line is in place, this project could begin. Currently it is at minimum on a five-year plan.
Jim Hagadorn inquired about the process of obtaining a Short-Term Rental Permit. The board, Cindy Lont and Tim Dorn responded to his inquiries. He also questioned if any road work was scheduled for Hahnel Road. Highway Superintendent Ben Freier informed him that the end of Hahnel Road, towards Route 96A is scheduled for resurfacing.
Abstract: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Jim Velie and so carried unanimously to approve Abstract No. 6, Vouchers 177 to 205 in the amount of $22,068.47.
Highway: Mr. Freier reported that household clean-up went well, and they collected 24 ton of materials. He noted that the collected tonnage of materials has reduced over the past couple of years. He further reported that oil has been put on the dirt roads to keep dust down and he will oil and stone a portion of Hahnel Road and laying black top on a portion of Yale Farm Road.
Judge: Nothing to report.
Supervisor/Bookkeeper Report: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve the May 2025 Monthly Report of the Supervisor.
Code Enforcement Officer: Tim Dorn reported that he has issued 21 permits to date this year; 12 permits to Lakeshore District and 9 permits to the Agricultural District.
Water/Sewer Operator Report: June’s operator’s report will be presented at the August meeting.
Varick Sewer District No. 1: Nothing to report.
Varick Sewer District No. 2: Nothing to report
Proposed Capital Project-Varick Sewer District No. 3 & 4: MRB Engineering provided a supporting resolution to make application for the WQIP funding along with signature forms to be submitted with this application for board approval.
Resolution No. 2025-3
Resolution of Support from the Town of Varick
2025 NYS DEC Water Quality Improvement Project
Creation of Sewer District No. 4 Along Cayuga Lake
WHEREAS, the Town Board for the Town of Varick, located in Seneca County, supports the submission of a 2025 Water Quality Improvement Program application through the NYS Consolidated Funding Application on behalf of the Town for the construction of a sewer district along Cayuga Lake; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides a competitive statewide reimbursement grant program for local governments, administered to directly address documented water quality impairments; and
WHEREAS, an Engineering Report entitled Sewer District No. 3/Sewer District No. 4 Sanitary Sewer Project, recommends implementing the Project to help improve water quality and protect public health; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Varick Town Board identifies the Town Supervisor as the authorized representative of the Town to execute necessary documents relative to and as required for the grant application; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Board does hereby accept that they shall provide at least 25% match of the total of any grant funding awarded, as a local match are hereby appropriated in the form of in-kind services, cash contributions and obligated from the sewer fund or SRF financing in accordance with the Bond Resolution; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board for the Town of Varick, located in Seneca County, recognizes and fully supports the submission of the 2025 WQIP application through the CFA by MRB Group on behalf of the Town to improve water quality and protect public health.
Motion by: Eric Riegel
Seconded by: Richard McCulloch
Passed by the following vote of all Town Board Members voting in favor thereof: Affirmative Town Board Members: Robert Hayssen, Richard McCulloch, Tom Fox, James Velie, Eric Riegel
Affirmative: 5
Negative: 0
Abstain: 0
Varick Water District No. 1: Nothing to report.
Seneca Lake Water District: Nothing to report.
Varick Water District No. 3: Nothing to report.
Varick Water District No. 4: Nothing to report.
Town Clerk’s Report: A motion by Jim Velie, seconded by Eric Riegel and so carried unanimously to approve the June 2025 Town Clerk’s Report; Supervisor: $640, NYS AG & Markets: $9, Total Disbursements: $649.
Minutes: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Tom Fox and so carried unanimously to approve the minutes of June 3, 2025.
Varick/Romulus Summer Recreation Program: Mr. McCulloch reported that the Summer Recreation Program began on June 30th and has 63 students signed up to attend. Ashley Chamis provided the students with a calendar of events for the duration of the camp.
Assessor’s Report: Final Rolls have been filed for 2025, Assessors Annual Report 2025 was filed (mandatory for NY State) address changes and bank codes are being changed as they are received, Files ae being moved to make room for 2026 file to begin, and summer field work begins next week.
Zoning Board: Nothing to report.
Planning Board: Cindy Lont reported that two public hearings were held for STR applications one on East Lake Road and one on Route 89. They have an application for a subdivision on Route 89 and 2 lot lines approved contingent on the submission of requested materials.
Cindy Lont questioned the board if they wanted to move forward with the requirement for signage to be placed by residents who have applied for a zoning or planning permit notifying them of the public hearing, date and time. Eric Riegel expressed his support for this suggestion; however, several questions were raised by himself and other board members as to the procedure that would be followed, what language would need to be put in the zoning ordinance and the legality of the placement of the signs. The board directed the attorney to research how to implement this proposed requirement into the zoning code with local law. Cindy will discuss the board’s remaining questions with the Planning and Zoning Boards and report at the next meeting.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Richard McCulloch and so carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Karlsen
Varick Town Clerk