Lenox Funds Fireworks for Bicentennial

By Margo Frink

(Town of Lenox, NY) A request by the Canastota Fire Department to pay all or a portion of the fireworks display that will kick-off Canastota’s Bicentennial next year was accepted. At the regular town board meeting held Nov. 9, the board voted to fund the $1,700 for about 20 minutes of fireworks.

Consolidation of services

Supervisor Rocco DiVeronica asked the board to consider organizing a lay committee to discuss consolidation of services with the village of Canastota.

“When I was running for office, the taxpayers asked for it,” DiVeronica said. “I think it’s got to be addressed for the benefit of the taxpayers.”

DiVeronica said one issue he’d like studied is one taxing identity for village residents and one taxing identify for taxpayers living outside the village.

Water district 12

Public hearing bids for surveying of water district 12 were opened. Myers and Associates of Canastota’s bid came in at $46,400 and Delta Engineering of Vernon’s bid was $49,275. No bids were accepted at the meeting.

A resolution was passed to borrow $100,000 on a Bond Anticipation Note for water district 12. The BAN is for engineering fees, consultants and other tests. DiVeronica said all of the $100,000 may not be spent and the town will draw it as needed.

The notice of intent was accepted for the district with one abstention by Councilman Anthony Palamara. The board also approved a resolution authorizing DiVeronica to apply for USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) funds.

John Dunkel, engineer for Dunn & Sgromo submitted costs for the archaeological study for water district 12. DiVeronica said the project may be held up because the Oneida Indian Nation wants a consultation with the state Department of Environmental Conservation before these projects can be approved and move forward.

“They (Oneida Indian Nation) say they want to work government to government but it looks like they are stalling government,” DiVeronica said. “Once we do our archaeological study I would hope they wouldn’t hold us up. We are diligent in our studies.”

Another fly in the ointment is the annual amount allowed each household in the district. According to DiVeronica, the state Comptroller is allowing $626 a year and including water usage the amount exceeds that. Town attorney Peter Finocchairo said he is working with the state on the issue.

Street light proposed

Councilman Richard Rossi proposed a street light at the intersection of Route 31 and Stephens Road. Rossi said residents living in the area had asked him if a street light could be installed. DiVeronica said if it’s at an intersection then he recommends a light. The cost would probably not exceed $150 he said. A motion was made and approved.

In other news

Lenox resident Dave Taylor approached the board on setting up a small butcher shop in the town. Taylor had applied for a permit with Code Enforcement Officer Richard Stagnitti but because the location he’s proposing is zoned AR (Agriculture/Residential), Stagnitti denied the request because it doesn’t fit the use. AR zones allow use of residence and operation of farms.

Taylor said the shop would be located on a piece of property off of Bruce Road. He has put a purchase offer on the property but said the seller may not hold it until Taylor gets approval. He’s proposing a small butcher shop for personal use only with possible plans to expand into a custom slaughter house. Taylor said he doesn’t plan to sell anything at this time.

DiVeronica told Taylor he needs to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

After further review by the state Department of Transportation, a request to have the speed limit lowered on South Court Street from Route 5 to Seeber Road was denied.

The board agreed to split the cost with the village for upgraded maintenance of the elevator at the Municipal Building at an increase of $300.

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Lenox Funds Fireworks for Bicentennial

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