The Town of Sheridan has called for a public hearing on Wednesday at 7 p.m., for a proposed law to eliminate one of the two Town Justice positions. A special meeting will follow the public hearing on the matter, with the expectation of the Board that a decision will be made on the local law. Further discussion surrounding the formation of Water District 4 will also likely take place at the special meeting.

Johnathan Szumigala expressed to the Town Board that he is capable of handling the duties himself as the lone Town Justice. Eliminating one of the two positions would lead to substantial savings to the Town. The same circumstances recently arose in the Town of Dunkirk, which eliminated the second Town Justice position. In that case, Christopher Penfold handles the duties as Town Justice, with neighboring courts filling in for Penfold if he is absent. Discussions have been had between the two towns to cover each other if needed. The two towns already share a Highway Superintendent, Jeff Feinen.

In the month of June, the Town Court disposed of 131 vehicle traffic law cases, 11 penal law cases, and one tax law case for a total of $13,802 turned over for distribution. The month of April was much busier for the Town Court, as 274 vehicle traffic law cases and seven penal law cases were disposed of, along with one NYR law case, for a total of $32,710 turned over for distribution. The month of May featured 185 vehicle traffic law cases disposed of, along with one environmental conservation law case for a total of $15,875 turned over for distribution.

Also of note, work at the Community Center has been completed, including upgraded restrooms in compliance with ADA requirements. The work on the Community Center was done by 3 Pete’s Masonry. A bid was also approved for the excavation of a fire hydrant on Farmingdale Road for replacement.

Submitted Photo Pictured at left is Town Justice Jonathan Szumigala. He is pictured with Town Board member Colleen Yerico, middle, and Supervisor Tom Wik.

Code Enforcement Officer James Crowell collected a total of $1,029.48 in the month of April, including 11 building permit applications and 15 inspections on construction. In May, Crowell collected $560.72, including eight building permit applications, seven public safety inspections, three notices of violation, and two certificates of compliance/occupancy. In the month of June, Crowell handled 12 building permit applications, 14 inspections on construction, three certificates of occupancy and two certificates of compliance, and investigated three complaints for a total monthly income to the Town of $595. The total Code Enforcement income for the past three months is just shy of $2,200.

The Town Clerk’s Office collected $404 in the month of June with $370 turned over to the Town for distribution. In the month of May, $198.50 was collected and $167.59 was turned over to the Town. In April, $442 was collected and $397.50 was turned over to the Town. The remaining figures were turned over to the state.

Agreements with Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat were also approved by the Town Board. The Town will pay $4,000 for the Court Audit for 2024; $1,250 for the preparation of the Annual Financial Report; $950 monthly for bookkeeping; $155 per hour for ARPA-related bookkeeping; $165 annually for the preparation of the PCORI Form 720. The Town Board also approved a contract with the Memorial Field Association for the use of facilities on Center Road for summer recreation at a cost of $2,750.

The Town Board approved the purchase of a Power Angle Broom to fit the New Holland Skid Steer at a cost of $8,500. New Holland Skid Steer mounted rotary cutters were previously purchased at a cost of $8,100. Raptor series running boards were also purchased for $600 including installation. Crowell was authorized to attend the Western Southern Tier Building Officials Association Educational Conference at a cost of $350. The Town Assessor’s Office was approved to attend state mandated classes in Ithaca at a cost not to exceed $1,500.

Tom Mleczko was reappointed as Town Assessor. Amanda Austin, Ella Austin, and Natasha Kemp were appointed as Youth Recreation employees.

The Town Board also recognized Sally Bulger and Julius Thurn before closing the meeting, as each recently passed away.