Town of Vienna

Town Board Meeting Minutes

February 4, 2026

 

ATTENDANCE:

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen-Absent

Councilman Darrin Smith Councilman Doug Jordan

Town Clerk Carol Huber Councilman Theodore Learned

 

PLANNING BOARD INFORMATIONAL MEETING: 6:30 PM

Orrin MacMurray discussed some issues brought up by the Zoning Board. Duration and Times for issuing permits. Zoning Permits are issued by the Codes Officer. Examples of these are building permits for houses, barns, garages, etc.

Special Use Permits are issued by the Planning Board which involve a greater impact on the community.

Special Circumstances would be, for example solar permits.

 

There is nothing in the Zoning Law currently that talks about renewals or provides for extensions past 12 months. A Zoning Permit is for 12 months, we would like to see it potentially being able to be extended another 12 months and the ability to get an additional extension. People want to build their own structures and they might need longer if only working on it a little at a time.

Special Use Permits are good for 12 months and would like to be able to extend another 12 months.

Special Occasions would keep the same language at this time and maybe extend by only 6 months.

 

Interpretations are handled by the ZBA. The ZBA takes care of appeals of the Zoning Officer. Aggrieved is the key word. Is anyone being harmed financially? The State regulation for filing an appeal is within 60 days of permit being issued. Would like to add some State verbiage to the Town Law.

 

There will be a Public Information meeting on February 12, 2026 at 6:00 pm. The information for the proposed Zoning Law changes will be posted on the website for all to follow along at the meeting. A reminder will be sent out via text.gov. Matt Johnson and his team will do the clerical work for these changes.

 

CALL TO ORDER REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING:

Supervisor Spellicy called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

NOCCOG: Joe Rowland

Cornell Local Roads Program Webinar Series continues. Records Management Officer Webinar, Feb. 26. Newly Elected Town Officials Webinar recording is available. Developing and implementing Comprehensive Plans Webinar, Feb. 26. Local Government Conference April 20 & 21.

 

COUNTY LEGISLATURE: Norman Leach

The County received a few grants including one for lead abatement and Sherriff Patrols. Chobani was awarded their contract and started clearing trees. There has to be land prepared to accommodate Sandpipers.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jordan to approve the January 7, 2026 Town Board Minutes.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

AUDITED VOUCHERS:

A motion was made by Supervisor Spellicy and seconded by Councilman Smith to approve Abstract 2 of 2026 vouchers to be paid in the amount of $103,662.21.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

SUPERVISOR'S REPORT:

Supervisor's Report is filed in the Town Clerk's office and will be posted on the Web Site.

 

TOWN CLERK /TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT:

Town Clerk read her report. Monies received for the month totaled $1093.00.

Tax Collector paid the Town in full on 1/26/26 in the amount of $1,413,263.60. Total collected in January was $2,085,081.44.

A motion was made by Supervisor Spellicy and seconded by Councilman Jordan to approve the Town Clerk report.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

ASSESSOR’S REPORT:

Filed with Clerk and uploaded to website.

Phil Amway went over procedures that are already in place pertaining to electrical power systems, but wanted to put into writing called Policy 96-01. This is for whole house power generators and not solar farms that generate income. He did discuss his policy with the Zoning Officer. He explained the difference between redundant and alternative power and off-grid power. Alternative power will not be used to ad value to assessment. Redundant power would add value based on size of storage, which would at least supply power for 24 hours. Off-grid would not add value. The Assessor will receive closed out permits from the Codes Officer to determine if any changes will take effect. If the property owner wants to challenge assessment, they would have sole responsibility to prove to the Assessor the necessary details for a more definitive tax assessment. The policy will be posted to the website for further review.

 

A concern brought up from residents was adding more taxes on already high taxes. It was explained that the practices were already in place, they just need to be in writing.

 

CODE’S REPORT:

Filed with Clerk will be posted on Web Site.

 

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: Superintendent Clayton Conover

Snow banks are being moved back. The truck that was ordered 2 years ago is still in progress. 2,000 yards of sand were delivered and 1000 yards yet to be delivered. He is in favor of signing the mowing and ditching agreement.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Jordan to sign the 2026-2027 Mowing Contract with Oneida County Department of Public Works for $450 per mile in 2026 and $455 per mile in 2027. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

A motion was made by Councilman Learned to sign the 2026-2027 Ditching Contract with Oneida County Department of Public Works. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

The Agreement to spend town highway funds in the amount of $60,000 for improvements, $646,333 for general repairs of 78.52 miles of town highways was presented. A copy will be available in the Town Clerks Office.

 

A motion was made by Councilman Jordan to sign the Agreement to spend Town highway funds. Seconded by Councilman Smith.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

Copies of agreements and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

COUNCIL REPORTS:

Councilman Smith:

Attended the Planning Board meeting last month. Next Planning Board Meeting is on February 19. Attended the Old Homes Day meeting. Will start working on a Memorial Day committee.

 

Supervisor Spellicy:

There is a new invasive species called the European Cherry Fruit Fly that that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is wanting permission from the Town to set traps on Town property. This fly will kill the branches of cherry trees.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Spellicy to sign the agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

Jason Lamb had his first night on the bench as Town Justice. Judge Desantis turned in a resignation as of January 31, 2026 because heh as moved out of the Town. We have an appointed Judge for now until April 16^th from the 5^th Judicial District until Marty Handler completes the required training before he can take the bench in April.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Spellicy and seconded by Councilman Smith to appoint Obie Burger.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

The UDIG advertisement did not get any applicants, so we need to advertise it again for 2 weeks at $50 per ticket. This process usually takes 15-30 minutes to complete. It is only for sewer lines, not water lines.

 

Councilman Jordan made a motion to advertise for someone to complete UDIG tickets at $50 per ticket. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

 

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

North Bay Chief Joe Matthews was appointed a Deputy Fire Coordinator. We congratulate him on this accomplishment.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Verizon Tower:

The tower is being worked on between the snow storms we have been getting. Oneida County Emergency Services said that the radio tower is no longer needed and will not be installing on the cell tower.

 

New Water District:

We will still be looking for more grant monies if available.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning Board interviewed Mike Fisher and is recommending to the Board that he is appointed.

Supervisor Spellicy made a motion to appoint Mike Fisher to the Planning Board effective immediately and Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

Oswego Road Bridge:

A permit was issued to begin work on the bridge. The intermunicipal agreement was signed and turned into the City of Rome and they agree to pay a portion of the costs. Our cost will be just over $100,000.

 

 

PUBLIC CONCERNS/COMMENTS:

Dr. Carriann Ray updated everyone about the Sea Lamprey and the Chemicals being put into the Mad River, Little River and Fish Creek. There was a very well attended meeting at the Camden Highschool in August of 2025. She explained how protocols are not being followed by everyone involved and there was an Audit to be submitted in 2025 that has not shown up yet. Any landowners with shallow wells should be extremely concerned about the chemical being put into the waters. Signs are not being posted, landowners are not being contacted, there have been no press releases on when this process is happening. Harden Dam is in disrepair and needs fixed to capture the Lamprey, then be disposed of which would then prevent the chemicals being used to kill the lamprey. A question from Mr. Mansfield was asked about long-term effects of the chemical being used. Carriann listed some issues that could happen. Mr. Shaughnessy asked how far away from shallow wells should the chemical be used? There are no recommendations. There is an informational file on the Sea Lamprey in the Town Clerk’s Office.

 

William Shaughnessy Jr. thanked the Highway for all their work. The Christmas lights are breaking up with all the wind and would like to plant a smaller tree that can be lit up at Christmas time.

 

Brian Kirch talked about the grand opening of the Farmers Market on June 4, 2026, which will have Big Frog 104, antique tractors, food, music and a ribbon cutting. He would like to put a shed up for the Farmer’s Market to run all week from 10-6. Also, he would like the Town to consider a donation of $2,000 to help with the costs. They are a non-profit organization.

 

Derek Buell from Time-Out Campground would like to be able to go over the Zoning Law changes for Campgrounds before it is put into law.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

A motion made by Supervisor Spellicy to enter into executive session at 8:38 pm for possible litigation with no action taken at this time. Councilman Smith seconded the motion.

 

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Spellicy to come out of executive session at 8:59 pm and seconded by Councilman Smith.

 

Voting Record: Motion Carried

Councilwoman Mary Beth McEwen Absent

Councilman Doug Jordan Aye

Councilman Theodore Learned Aye

Councilman Darrin Smith Aye

Supervisor Jason Spellicy Aye

 

ADJOURNMENT: Supervisor Spellicy made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm and Councilman Smith seconded and all were in favor.

 

Respectfully,

Carol L Huber

Town Clerk