The regular meeting of the Varick Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Robert Hayssen at 7:00 p.m. Present were Councilmen Tom Fox, James Velie and Eric Riegel, Town Clerk, Donna Karlsen, Bookkeeper, Angela Testa, Water Department, Nate Craig and Planning Board Chair, Linda Mastellar. Also present was Miles J. Persing and Linda Weaver. Absent: Councilman, Richard McCulloch, Highway Superintendent, Ben Freier, and Attorney for the Town, Emil Bove.
Petitioners to Address the Board: None.
Abstract: A motion by Tom Fox, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve Abstract No. 3 Voucher 438 to 445 and Vouchers 54 to Voucher 74 in the total amount of $34,639.73.
It was noted that the vouchers numbering is out of order due to a programing issue which has been corrected.
Highway: Mrs. Karlsen reported on Highway Superintendent’s behalf that the department is working on dirt roads.
Judge: Mrs. Karlsen reported that Language Line Services requested that 1.3 Phone Interpreting Equipment be added back into the original contract they submitted. They noted this section is an optional feature for equipment to be purchased or leased and noted that the town will not be using this part of the agreement.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to direct Supervisor Hayssen to sign the Statement of Work submitted by Language Line Phone Interpreting as presented for court services.
Supervisor’s Report: A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve the written Supervisor’s report dated January 2026.
Code Enforcement Officer: Mrs. Karlsen reported that the 2026 STR Renewals have been completed and emailed to the applicants. Planning Board Chair, Linda Mastellar confirmed that the renewal certificates did not need to be snail mailed out.
Mrs. Karlsen reported that she received an email from Joanne Squires withdrawing her interest as STR clerk due to upcoming travel plans for 2026.
Water/Sewer: It was reported that there have been two applications received for the vacant position of Water Operator. It was noted that the position should be advertised on the Town’s Facebook page and website. Follow-up will be done with the Seneca County Personnel Department. Supervisor Hayssen and Councilman Richard McCulloch will determine a date to review applications.
Mrs. Testa recommended that the board create a Water Operator position in the Town of Varick in case Seneca County Personnel determines the Water Operator position is separate from a Water Maintainer position.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by Tom Fox and so carried unanimously to create a Water Operator position in the Town of Varick.
Water/Sewer Operator Maintainer Report: February 2026
- 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
- Rebuilt sewer pumps
- Took Bac T samples in each water district
- Filled out and submitted monthly report to health department
- Did inventory for parts
- Built sewer adapters
- Organized and cleaned shop and truck
- Cleaned shop out on East Lake Road
- Updated lead and copper inventory
- Picked up new sewer pumps
- Fixed leak in district 4
Varick Sewer District No. 1: Nate Craig reported that he will be picking up the two generators for storage until they can be put in place at the pump stations.
Varick Sewer District No. 2: Nate Craig reported that he placed an order and picked up 5 more grinder pumps for this district.
Varick Sewer District No. 4 Proposed Project: The following resolution was prepared for approval by MRB Engineering to apply for grant funding:
Resolution: 26-004
Town of Varick
Resolution of Authorization & Support for the Town of Varick
2026 Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program
Sewer District No. 4 Along Cayuga Lake
WHEREAS, the Town of Varick, Seneca County, supports the submission of a 2026 Catalyst Program grant on behalf of the Town for the construction of Sewer District No. 4 along Cayuga Lake;
WHEREAS, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) provides a competitive reimbursement grant program to assist with the construction of this infrastructure project; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board, on behalf of the Town, identifies Robert Hayssen, Town Supervisor, as the Authorized Official for the project, who is empowered to act on behalf of the Town of Varick as the Authorized Official to execute the NBRC Catalyst application and upon award of funding, execute all NBRC documents that bind the Town relative to and as required for this application and award; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize and obligate local matching funds of the minimum 20% of the total grant funding awarded in the form of in-kind services or cash contribution, as well as additional cost share as required; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Varick recognizes and fully supports the submission of a 2026 NBRC Catalyst Program application for the Sewer District No. 4 Project.
Motion by: Tom Fox
Seconded by: James Velie
Passed by the following vote of all Town Board Members voting in favor thereof:
Affirmative Town Board Members:
Robert Hayssen: Yes
James Velie: Yes
Tom Fox: Yes
Eric Rigel: Yes
Absent: Richard McCulloch
Affirmative: 4
Negative:0
Abstained: 0
Varick Water District No. 1: Nothing further to report.
Varick Water District No. 2: Nothing further to report.
Varick Water District No 3: It was reported that the water usage has been running slightly higher and is being researched.
Varick Water District No. 4: It was reported that there was a water main break in this district and has been repaired and a reduction in usage is being realized.
Town Clerk’s Report: A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve the Town Clerk’s Report. Supervisor: $1,835, NYS Ag. & Markets: $2, Total Disbursements: $1,837.
Minutes: A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to approve the minutes of February 3, 2026.
Planning Board: Mrs. Mastellar reported that currently the Planning Board is working on the dock and hoists part of the zoning code. She feels the town board can move forward with reviewing and updating the Zoning Code with the minor changes that have been made. The board asked that they be provided with a copy of the code with the minor changes highlighted for their review.
Supervisor Hayssen asked that the board review the code for the side setbacks on non-conforming lots. Currently the side setback is fifteen feet, which was changed from ten feet. He reported that this is affecting property owners who have smaller existing lots. Mrs. Mastellar will review this with the Planning Board.
Comprehensive Plan Questionnaire: Eric Riegel agreed to be the point of contact on the questionnaire that will be circulated.
New Business, Old Business, Correspondence:
Supervisor Hayssen reported the Town of Romulus is still working on sheltering dogs with April Moore.
A motion by Eric Riegel, seconded by James Velie and so carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Karlsen
Varick Town Clerk