January 6, 2026
The regular meeting of the Varick Town Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Robert Hayssen. Present at this meeting were councilmen Richard McCulloch, Tom Fox and James Velie, Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen, Bookkeeper, Angela Testa, Highway Superintendent, Ben Freier, Attorney for the Town, Emil Bove, Assessor, Anne Morgan, Planning Board, Linda Mastellar, and Zoning Board, Susan Ottenweller. Also present were Miles Persing, Linda Weaver and Jeff Hogue. Absent: Councilman Eric Riegel
Petitioners to Address the Board: Susan Ottenweller presented a questionnaire prepared by herself and Cindy Lont pertaining to the town’s Comprehensive Plan. She reminded the board that they were open to sending out a questionnaire to the town residents seeking information regarding “Life in Varick” that could be used in determining if an update to the current Comprehensive Plan should be considered further. Mr. Fox recommended that a question be added regarding water preservation around the lakes. The board will review and make further recommendations to this questionnaire. It was recognized that currently there is no funding to complete a new Comprehensive Plan, and this questionnaire could be mailed in a Town Newsletter when the 2026 Clean-up notification is mailed.
Abstract: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve Abstract No. 1, Vouchers 1-13 in the amount of $113,041.42.
Highway: Highway Superintendent, Ben Freier reported that Frank White started working on December 22nd and is working out very well to date. He also reported that currently the roof over his office is leaking. He received a quote to resurface Deal Road, and due to the high cost, this will need to be a multi-year project. Mr. Freier reported the process in which the County can fund the McDuffey Town Road project prior to receiving the grant funding was approved by the Seneca County Supervisors.
Ben Freier appointed Frank White as his deputy Highway Superintendent with a term to expire of December 31, 2027.
Judge’s Report: Jeff Hogue reported that the newly elected Judge seems to be taking his new position seriously. He further reported that Jim Crissimi, court security, retired as of December 31, 2025. Mr. Hogue presented a proposed contract from AMRIC Associates to provide security for the court for the town attorney and board to consider. Supervisor Hayssen also reported that several of the towns in the county will be contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for court security which was brought up by resolution at the last County board meeting. Supervisor Hayssen will speak with the Sheriff to see if it is possible for the Sheriff’s Department to provide security to Varick court and obtain pricing from them. If it is possible, he will have the Town of Varick added to the County Resolution. He will also see if the Sheriff’s Department can provide security for January until the town board meets in February for further discussion on this matter. Attorney Bove and Councilman Fox will also review the presented contract for a report at the February meeting.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to authorized Supervisor Hayssen to contact the Sheriff’s Department to obtain availability and quote for Security Services to the Town of Varick court and add the Town of Varick to the resolution for approval by Seneca County Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Houge would also like to present some court figures to the board and asked that he be put on the February agenda.
Supervisor’s Report: Mrs. Testa reported the December 2025 report wouldn’t be available until she closed the 2025 books this month.
Mrs. Testa presented the following Resolution:
Resolution No. 2026-1
A Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed
Be It Resolved, that the Town of Varick,/30022 hereby established the following standard work day for these titles and will report the officials to the New York State and Local Retirement based on their record of activities:
| Name | SSN | NYSLERS ID | Title | Current Term | Standard | Record of | Pay | |
| Work Day | Activities | Frequency | ||||||
| Richard McCulloch | 3848 | R12985745 | Councilman | 1/1//26-12/31/2028 | 6 | 1 | Monthly | |
| Donna Karlsen | 3032 | R11479310 | Tax Collector | 1/1/26-12/31/.2027 | 6 | 6.5 | By-Weekly | |
Motion by: Richard McCulloch,
Seconded by: Tom Fox
So Carried Unanimously
Code Enforcement: It was noted the Code Enforcement Office provides quarterly reports and is available for questions by appointment and phone.
Water Operators December 2025 report:
- Marked Out Dig Tickets as requested
- Read each master meter and did calculations of daily usage
- Answered customers question in each sewer and water district
- Did final reads as needed
- Changed out grinder pumps as needed
- Took Bac T samples in each water district
- Filled out and submitted monthly report to health department
- Ordered parts for upcoming projects
- Serviced hydrants and valves in Varick #4
- Did inventory for parts
- Built sewer adapters
- Rebuilt sewer pumps
- Purchased/ Placed order for generators for Sewer # 1
- Water turn offs as needed
- Organized and cleaned shop and truck
- Cleaned shop out on east lake rd
- Pump for sewer #2 rebuilt and installed
- Quarterly meter reads
- Updated lead and copper inventory
- Submitted L&C inventory to the state
- Sent letters to remaining unknowns for L&C(30)
Mr. Fox noted that Ben Karlsen, Water and Sewer Operator’s last day will be the middle of January and submitted a resolution of Support and Gratitude and asked that it be passed and entered into the minutes:
Resolution No. 2026-2
Resolution of Support and Gratitude
Whereas Varick Water Superintendent Ben Karlsen will be leaving his position January 2026
Whereas The Varick Town Board would like to recognize him for his dedication to our Water Districts in Varick and to the Community for his excellent knowledge and service.
Whereas He has been a tremendous asset to the Town of Varick, and we wish him will in his next position.
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Varick Town Board says Thank you to Mr. Karlsen and would like to file this resolution on record for the Town of Varick.
Motion by: Tom Fox
Seconded by Richard McCulloch
So Carried Unanimously
The board determined that they would advertise the Water/Sewer Operators position and Supervisor Hayssen and Richard McCulloch will meet with Mr. Karlsen the week of January 11th to discuss the job description and requirements to be met for this position.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to advertise for the upcoming vacant position of Water and Sewer Operator.
Varick Sewer District No. 1: Nothing further to report.
Varick Sewer District No. 2: Nothing further to report.
Varick Sewer District No. 4 Proposed Capital Project: The Supervisor reported that the town received a letter from EFC informing them the town was awarded a NYS Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant (WIIA) in the amount of $5,303,500 for this project. This project is contingent on the Town of Fayette moving forward with their sewer project. Supervisor Hayssen will contact Fayette Supervisor Trout for an update on their project and their funding. Supervisor Hayssen reported that the WQIP funding should be announced within the coming month.
Varick Water District No. 1: Nothing further to report.
Seneca Lake Water District: Nothing further to report
Varick Water District No. 3: Nothing further to report.
Varick Water District No. 4: Nothing further to report.
Assessor: Mrs. Morgan reported that her office has been receiving tax bill questions, which they do not handle. She also reported the assessors no longer handle STAR applications and her office is directing people to call Albany. The new Real Property Program is at a standstill currently and Mrs. Morgan recognized Tina Lotz for her outstanding performance as director in the real property tax office.
Personnel: Mr. McCulloch will continue to look for a replacement for the Summer Recreation Director.
Town Clerk: A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve the December 2025 Town Clerk’s Report: Supervisor: $590.00, NYS Ag & Markets: $3.00., Total Disbursements: $593.00.
Mrs. Karlsen reported that she issued oaths of office to re-elected Councilmen Richard McCulloch and Eric Riegel on December 29, 2025.
Molly Headly prepared a quote for Cyber Security for the attorney’s and boards review. This was tabled for the attorney’s review of coverage and report back at the February meeting.
Planning Board: Linda Mastellar reported the Planning Board approved a new application to be used for STR Owner Occupied/Owner Supervised properties. She reminded the board that an STR Owner Occupied is when the owner is living in the same structure and Owner Supervised is when the owner is supervising the rental on the same property or adjacent property. They will continue to look at the wording on pertaining to other aspects of STR rental regulation in the code.
One Year Appointments:
Supervisor Hayssen appointed Eric Riegel and Richard McCulloch to the Auditing Committee for Highway, General, Water and Sewer with Tom Fox and James Vellie as alternates.
Two Year Appointments:
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by Tom Fox and so carried unanimously to appoint Tim Dorn as Code Enforcement Officer for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Bryan McCann as Dog Control Officer for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Records Manager for a term to expire December 31,2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Dolores Dinsmore as Town Historian for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Tax Collector for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Pasty Cool as Deputy Tax Collector for a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Donna Karlsen as Registrar with a term to expire December 31, 2027.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Patsy Cool as Deputy Registrar with a term to expire December 31, 2027.
Five Year Appointments:
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to appoint Ann Kaminski to the Planning Board for a term to expire December 31, 2030.
It was noted that Andrew Herkovic’s term on the Zoning Board has expired and he has decided not to accept a reappointment. Susan Ottenweller, chairperson of this board, is aware of his wishes and will look for a replacement for this vacancy.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to designate the following banks for the town: Community Bank NA, Lyons National Bank and Five Star Bank.
Old Business, New Business, Correspondence:
The board received an email from Ian Golden notifying the town the 2026 Seneca 7 will be run Sunday, April 26th.
Mrs. Karlsen received a phone call from the property owner of 5282 East Lake Road informing us that the residence has since been torn down and the property is currently vacant and would like the operation and maintenance fees for Sewer and Water be removed until a new structure can be built.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to remove the water and sewer operation and maintenance fee from account V1260 until the taps become operational again.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to enter into executive session for attorney/client privilege at 7:50 p.m. and invite the Town Clerk and Assessor to attend.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to come out of executive session at 8:55 p.m.
Mr. McCulloch reported that he sent an email in response to concerns expressed over the non-working streetlights in the hamlet of Romulus.
A motion by Richard McCulloch, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Donna Karlsen
Varick Town Clerk