Webster Town Board
December 19, 2024
A workshop meeting of the Webster Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Flaherty at
6:30 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Road, Webster, New York, with
the following officials present:
Supervisor ................................................................................ Thomas J. Flaherty
Councilwoman .......................................................................... Patricia T. Cataldi
Councilman .......................................................................................John J. Cahill
Councilwoman ........................................................................... Ginny L. Nguyen
Councilwoman .......................................................................... Jennifer S. Wright
Town Attorney ...............................................................................Charles Genese
Town Clerk .................................................................................. Danene M. Marr
Department Heads Present:
Deputy Commissioner of Public Works- Sewer .................................. Art Petrone
Town Assessor .................................................................................Donna Komor
Communications Director .............................................................. Bridget Harvey
***
Erin Ryan, from Barton & Loguidice, appeared before the Town Board to provide an update on
the critical state of the sewer infrastructure at Shipbuilder’s Creek. An exposed sewer pipe has
become undermined due to erosion. A site visit was conducted on October 24, 2024 and despite
most infrastructure remaining intact, the exposed pipe that is no longer supported in an estimated
ten foot section and presents a future risk in leaking sewage into the creek. To address this, Erin
suggests a temporary solution involving the placement of large stones to support the pipe and
prevent further erosion, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive restoration project that
has previously been proposed, which would involve additional funding and permitting processes
with the state.
Erin discussed the design and permitting process for addressing the sewer pipe that has been
compromised. A small-scale permit package will be assembled and submitted to the DEC for
emergency review, although there is a possibility that the DEC might not classify it as an
emergency due to the absence of active sewage leaks. This could necessitate additional
permitting steps, potentially increasing costs from an estimated $16,500 to as much as $100,000
encompassing engineering and construction expenses. The timeline for commencing work is
contingent on the DEC’s response. If deemed an emergency, construction could begin in the
spring of 2025; if not, it could be delayed until mid-fall of 2025. Funding for the project is
planned to come from the Sewer Reserve Budget, as immediate action is deemed necessary
rather than waiting for grant opportunities.
Following the presentation, a general discussion took place.
***
Donna Komor, Town Assessor, appeared before the Town Board to discuss the progress and
planning of a 2027 Town-wide Revaluation Project. Donna and committee members solicited
quotes for Professional Services based on a standardized outline, compared the interested
valuation firm’s presentations, contracts, experience, and references, then performed interviews.
An emphasis was placed on the importance of public education over the next twelve months to
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familiarize residents with the revaluation process. The timeline includes an eighteen-month
engagement phase beginning in January, culminating in the final assessment roll by July 2027,
with anticipated impacts on tax bills in fall of 2027 and early 2028. Donna notes that both firms
GAR Associates and KLW Municipal, Inc., requested the same data to provide their quotes,
suggesting a clear understanding of the project’s requirements. The pricing difference is
significant, with GAR Associates quoting approximately $1.1 million and KLW Municipal, Inc.
proposing $411,500. Donna underlines the importance of maintaining good data for future cost
efficiency and mentions additional costs associated with specialty properties not fitting the mass
appraisal approach.
Ultimately the recommendation is to proceed with KLW Municipal, Inc. for the Townwide
revaluation process, acknowledging the committee’s efforts in reaching a timely decision. KLW
Municipal, Inc. is a smaller, more personal firm that emphasizes direct community engagement,
which the committee feels may be a better fit for the needs for the Town. Funding for this
project is planned to come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which must be under
contract by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.
Following the presentation, a general discussion took place.
***
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
7:28 p.m.
___________________________
Danene M. Marr, Town Clerk
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