Webster Town Board
April 16, 2026
A regular meeting of the Webster Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Scialdone at
7:49 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Road, Webster, New York,
with the following officials present:
Supervisor ......................................................................... Alexander B. Scialdone
Councilman....................................................................................... John J. Cahill
Councilwoman...........................................................................Jennifer S. Wright
Councilman.............................................................................. Nicholas E. Hunter
Councilman................................................................................ Garrett J. Wagner
Attorney for the Town .........................................................................Kyle Taylor
Town Clerk .................................................................................. Danene M. Marr
Department Heads Present:
Community Development Director ................................................. Joshua Artuso
Town Engineer .............................................................................. Keith Mortimer
***
Supervisor Scialdone led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
***
The meeting was open to the floor for public comment and the following Webster residents
appeared before the Town Board.
Chris Nacca, a Webster resident, commented on the proposed Cell Tower Project, noting that at
the previous night’s Conservation Board Meeting which he mentions was not recorded, it
appeared that the site had not been assessed firsthand and that the land may be unsuitable due to
wetland conditions. Mr. Nacca stated that, based on the discussion, Verizon had submitted its
proposal to New York State before communicating with the Town of Webster, which was
viewed as disrespectful to the community. Mr. Nacca also expressed concerns about corporate
influence and the broader implications of increased cell tower development. Shifting to the Solar
Garden Proposal, he said they were disappointed that, despite significant public turnout and
opposition at multiple meetings, some Board members indicated their decisions would not be
influenced by resident feedback.
John Randall, a Webster resident, spoke in support of the Town adopting the Climate Smart
Communities (CSC) pledge, noting appreciation for the Board’s discussion and stating they had
reviewed the program in detail. Mr. Randall, a retired scientific software developer, explained
that they have personally adopted electric technologies to reduce emissions and believe the CSC
program is a voluntary, incentive-based framework that provides guidance, cost savings,
improved energy security, environmental benefits, and community engagement. He stated they
found no evidence that the program allows State overreach or mandates, emphasizing that
communities simply stop receiving incentives if they do not participate. Mr. Randall urged the
Board to move forward before the upcoming application deadline of May 22 and offered to help
obtain additional information if needed.
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Rebecca Collins, a Webster resident, spoke in support of adopting the Climate Smart
Communities Pledge, noting that both New York State and Monroe County have established
goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. She emphasized that CSC participation is
voluntary, free, and carries no mandates or penalties, with non-renewal every five years as an
option. Ms. Collins highlighted benefits including access to grants, eligibility for free technical
assistance, potential cost savings for taxpayers, support for local economic growth, and
alignment with existing Town projects that already qualify for CSC points. She also noted that
Monroe County and several neighboring municipalities are already part of the program and
encouraged the Board to demonstrate leadership by supporting the Resolution.
Lieve Bain, a Webster resident, made an emotional appeal urging the Town to take action to
protect the environment for future generations. She cited recent extreme weather events,
including a fallen tree that damaged a neighbor’s home and prolonged periods of poor air quality
in parts of the country. She emphasized that environmental conditions are worsening and stated
that the community has a responsibility to safeguard the environment for children and
grandchildren.
Rick Storace, a Webster resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed cell tower, expressing
concerns that such a structure could decrease nearby home values based on various national and
international studies and emphasizing the importance of buyer perception. He also cited studies
suggesting potential health and environmental impacts from RF exposure and urged the Board to
proceed cautiously and gather additional independent information. Mr. Storace questioned
whether a new tower is necessary, stating that they and others have not experienced service
issues in the areas identified as coverage gaps, and suggested considering a moratorium on new
cell towers until further evaluation is completed.
John Lagambino, a Webster resident, spoke in support of the Climate Smart Communities
initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting Webster’s natural assets, particularly the
Wellfield area, and preserving community character for future generations. He highlighted
benefits such as reduced energy burdens for taxpayers, access to State grants, improved
walkability, strengthened local agriculture, and enhanced economic appeal to young families
seeking sustainable communities. He also referenced the need for long-term fiscal responsibility,
noting the ongoing cost of the current library lease, and urged the Board to move forward with
the Climate Smart initiative and related community improvements.
Katie Malarkey, a Webster resident, spoke in support of Webster becoming a Climate Smart
Community, stating that the designation would provide access to State funding and technical
assistance for projects such as infrastructure improvements, energy savings, and resource
management. She noted that many neighboring communities are already participating and that
the program’s flexibility allows the Town to choose actions that best fit local needs. She
encouraged the Board to support the designation to help maintain Webster’s environmental
quality.
Kevin Lockart, a Webster resident, expressed opposition to adopting the Climate Smart
Community designation without clearer, consensus-based information, stating that the program’s
goals and definitions felt too vague. He also shared concerns about the role and independence of
the Conservation Board and argued that advocating for conservation is inconsistent with
removing wooded acreage for a proposed solar project. Mr. Lockart further raised objections to
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proposed cell towers, citing variance requirements, neighborhood impacts, and nondisclosure
agreements. He then questioned the prior administration’s establishment and billing of the
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, asserting that work had been conducted and invoiced
before the committee was formally authorized, and concluded by expressing frustration that
resident input does not appear to influence Town decisions.
Monica Gorlick, a Webster resident, expressed support for Webster becoming a Climate Smart
Community. She shared personal observations of increasingly severe storms over their lifetime
and stated that climate change has noticeably affected weather patterns. She encouraged the
Board to vote in favor of the designation.
Sven Vetter, a Webster resident emailed the following:
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you tonight about the Climate Smart Communities
initiative. Before addressing the program itself, I’d like to briefly share my background. I
recently retired from Nestlé, where I served as the Director of Environmental Sustainability. My
team was responsible for ensuring environmental compliance, remediation activities, and
implementing sustainability programs across 71 factories throughout the United States. I’ve
spent my career working at the intersection of environmental stewardship, operational efficiency,
and cost reduction.
I’m not here to debate climate change. What I will emphasize is this: what is good for the
environment is good for business and good for communities. At Nestlé, we were expected to
protect the environment while maintaining profitability. That meant finding solutions that
reduce our environmental footprint and reduce costs. The Town of Webster can take the same
approach.
The Climate Smart Communities certification offers multiple benefits:
•
•
•
•
Lower operating costs
Increased eligibility for grants, tax credits, and low - or zero - interest loans
A stronger ability to attract environmentally conscious businesses
Provide a clear signal to residents that we are planning responsibly for the future
To illustrate the cost savings, many of the program’s core elements focus on energy, water, and
waste reduction. These improvements can be built into a multi-year strategy and implemented as
systems reach the end of their useful life. For example:
•
•
•
Replacing traditional interior and exterior lighting with LED
Transitioning from standard boilers and air-conditioning units to heat pumps where
appropriate
Updating purchasing policies to ensure the Town procures energy-efficient,
environmentally responsible products and services.
These are a few practical, proven steps that reduce environmental impact while lowering
long-term operating costs. If the Board is truly committed to reducing costs for Webster
residents, then approving this initiative is a logical and responsible step.
***
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Resolution No. 149: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve the April 2, 2026 Town Board Workshop Meeting Minutes as submitted by the Town
Clerk.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
Resolution No. 150: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve the April 2, 2026 Town Board Meeting Minutes as submitted by the Town Clerk.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
Resolution No. 151: MOTION by Councilman Cahill, seconded by Councilman Hunter, to
approve the bills as submitted in Warrant #0426A by the Director of Finance.
Fund
General (A,B) #1251-1379
Highway (C,D)
Sewer (G)
Library (L)
Drainage Districts (M)
Park Districts (P)
Parkland (E)
Special Districts (N,Q,S)
Trust & Agency (T/A,N/SF,T/T, WEMS)
Capital Projects (H) #024-025
H231 WWTP Upgrade Phase II
H238 Boulter Ind Parkway Rd Ext
TOTAL
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Inside
34,118.29
0.00
40,856.74
51,168.43
0.00
0.00
1,150.00
2,602.50
0.00
Outside
356,453.88
121,426.01
179,288.21
25,891.42
2,092.32
77.83
0.00
4,409.20
254,185.52
283,102.74
5,130.00
418,128.70
1,609.04
0.00
945,433.43
Card/ACH
19,493.94
0.00
38,545.73
13.25
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total
410,066.11
121,426.01
258,690.68
77,073.10
2,092.32
77.83
1,150.00
7,011.70
254,185.52
0.00 284,711.78
0.00
5,130.00
58,052.92 1,421,615.05
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
Resolution No. 152: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Hunter, to
approve the prepaid vouchers included in Warrant #0426 by the Director of Finance in the
amount of $945,433.43. [Included in the summary of vouchers approved in Resolution #151]
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Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
Resolution No. 153: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
approve purchase orders as submitted by the Director of Finance.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
Supervisor Scialdone explained that the following Resolution is a companion contract to one
approved two weeks prior and is required because the work involves an environmental site. He
noted that the Village approved its corresponding measure two weeks ago and that the additional
review ensures proper documentation as new roads are constructed and dedicated.
Councilman Wagner asked what the breakdown of the cost between the Village and the Town
would be and if the Attorney for the Town was comfortable with the terms and conditions in the
agreement. Kyle Taylor, Attorney for the Town, responded that it would be 58/32 and that he
was comfortable with the agreement.
Resolution No. 154: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
authorize the Town Supervisor to sign a contract with Whitestone Associates Inc. for
environmental engineering consulting services related to the FASTNY Grant in an amount not to
exceed $49,000.00 (Forty-Nine Thousand dollars).
[Contract to be filed in Town Clerk’s Office]
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Hunter................... Aye
Councilman Cahill .............. Aye
Councilman Wagner ................. Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Motion carried .......................... 5-0
***
Prior to the following Resolution, Councilman Cahill asked if it would be possible to add Cell
Phone Towers to the proposed moratorium. Kyle Taylor, Attorney for the Town, responded that
it cannot be added to this proposed moratorium, and would require following the procedure and
changing the text of the proposed local law and setting another Public Hearing.
Councilman Wagner asked if an additional moratorium could be proposed for Cell Phone
Towers. Mr. Taylor responded that it is possible.
Resolution No. 155: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
refer the development moratorium to the County Planning Board for approval.
WHEREAS, the Town of Webster has experienced growing development pressure in certain
development districts and through certain development activities; and
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WHEREAS, the Town of Webster is currently reviewing and revising its Comprehensive Plan;
and
WHREAS, the Town of Webster desires to complete its review and potential revisions to the
Comprehensive Plan and related Zoning and Planning Laws; and
WHEREAS, while completing revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and related zoning and
planning laws, the Town of Webster desires to enact reasonable, temporary measures to halt
certain development activities to maintain the status quo and protect the public interest; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board has the authority pursuant to Article 10 of the Municipal Home
Rule Law of the State of New York to adopt and amend local laws not inconsistent with law; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of this Public Hearing was published in the Webster Herald on
March 25, 2026, and posted on the Town’s website and on the Town Clerk’s Bulletin Board at
1000 Ridge Road, Webster, New York; and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing on this matter has been held on April 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the
Webster Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Road, Webster, New York, and all interested
persons have been heard; and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a “TYPE II” Action under the New York State
Environmental Quality Review Act, it being routine or continuing agency administration and
management, not including new programs or major reordering of priorities that may affect the
environment; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to New York State General Municipal Law Section 239-m, this proposed
local law must be referred to the Monroe County Planning Department for review and any
recommendations:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Town Board of the Town of Webster shall
refer the proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2026, “A local law to implementing a moratorium on
certain permits and approvals for certain development projects” to the Monroe County Planning
Board for review and any recommendations.
Local Law No. 2 of the year 2026
A Local Law implementing a moratorium on certain permits and approvals for certain
development projects.
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Webster as follows:
Section
1. Title.
This local law shall be known as “Local Law No. 2 of the year 2026. A moratorium on certain
permits and approvals for certain development projects”.
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Section
2. Legislative Intent.
The Town of Webster has experienced growing development pressure in certain development
districts and through certain development activities. The Town Board recognizes that temporary,
reasonable measures must be implemented to halt these development activities within the Town
to maintain the status quo and protect the public interest while the Town Board completes its
review and potential revisions to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and related zoning and
planning laws.
The Town’s Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2008. Since that time, the Town has
experienced tremendous growth and significant changes. The Town Board finds that the current
comprehensive plan and zoning and planning laws are inadequate to protect and preserve the
Town of Webster’s unique character and attributes while accommodating appropriate growth.
The Town Board desires to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the desired
growth and development of the Town. To assist in this matter, the Town Board has retained the
services of a third-party consultant to review the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and to provide
recommendations and amendments and to assist in drafting the updated Comprehensive Plan. It
is expected that the draft Comprehensive Plan will be completed within the next six to seven
months. Therefore, the Town Board has determined that this Moratorium should be adopted for
a certain amount of time, as set forth herein, to accommodate the time needed to complete the
update to the Comprehensive Plan and related changes to the Town’s zoning and planning laws,
including all necessary public hearings, referrals to interested agencies, and filing of laws with
the New York State Secretary of State.
Section
3. Authority.
The Town Board enacts this Moratorium pursuant to its authority to adopt local laws under
Article IX of the New York State Constitution, Municipal Home Rule Law Section 10, and the
general powers vested with the Town of Webster to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all
the residents and property owners in the Town of Webster.
Section
4. Definitions.
Unless otherwise defined in this Local Law, all terms used herein shall have the same meaning
as defined in the Town of Webster Town Code.
Section
5. Affected Properties and Development Activities.
This Moratorium shall be applicable only to the subdivision of land resulting in more than 4
parcels of land, large scale solar projects, data centers (“Development Activities”), and all real
property located in the Town of Webster’s Office Park North District (O-P), Medium Intensity
Commercial District (MC), High Intensity Commercial District (HC), CO Commercial Outdoor
Storage District (CO), and Low Intensity Commercial District (LC-1 and LC-2) as identified on
the Town’s Zoning Map last dated May 2021 (“Affected Properties”).
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Section
6. Scope.
Subject to any exceptions set forth in Section 6 herein, no Board, commission, agency,
department, officer, employee, consultant, or agent of the Town of Webster shall process,
review, approve, hold a hearing or meeting, or make any decision upon an application and/or
appeal for any new site plan, subdivision plan, or Special Permit during the duration of this
Moratorium for any of the Affected Properties and Development Activities.
Section
7. Duration.
This Moratorium shall expire without further action of the Town Board six months following the
effective date hereof and thereafter shall be of no force or effect. However, the Town Board
may, by Resolution, extend the period of this Moratorium for up to two additional three-month
extensions.
Section
8. Exceptions.
This Moratorium shall not apply to any of the following:
A. Development applications that have received Preliminary Site Plan or Special Permit
approval as of the effective date of this Local Law.
B. Development applications for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of existing structures.
C. Development applications related to ordinary repairs, maintenance, or interior renovations.
Section
9. Administrative Relief for Moratorium.
The Town Board is authorized to grant limited relief from this Moratorium pursuant to the
standards set forth herein:
A. An application for relief from the terms of this moratorium may be submitted, with a $150
fee, to the Town Clerk.
B. An applicant seeking relief from this Moratorium shall be required to demonstrate by clear
and convincing evidence, including dollars and cents proof, that the applicant is unable to
make any reasonable use of its property as a result of this Moratorium; that this Moratorium
causes irreparable injury to the applicant; and that it would be unreasonable and unjust not to
grant relief from this Moratorium.
C. In the event relief from this Moratorium is granted by the Town Board, the applicant shall
proceed to all other Town boards and/or employees to apply for all required approvals. Any
application granted relief from this Moratorium shall be required to comply with all land use
regulations and other requirements in effect as of the date of approval.
Section
10. Suspension and Supersession of Other Law.
All local laws that conflict with the provisions of this Moratorium are hereby superseded and
suspended for the Duration of this Moratorium. This Moratorium also supersedes, amends, and
takes precedence over any inconsistent provisions of New York State Town Law under the
Town’s Municipal Home Rule powers, pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Law
§§ 10(1)(ii)(d)(3), 10(1)(ii)(a)(14) and
22. In particular, this Moratorium supersedes any
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inconsistent provisions of Article 16 New York State Town Law, including, but not limited to,
New York Town Law §§ 267, 267-a, 267-b, 274-a, 274-b, 276), and
277. To the extent that any
provision of law imposes a time frame for action by a municipal entity, board or body so that a
default approval will result from inaction, the time for any action required by any agency or body
of the Town shall be and is hereby extended until this Moratorium and all extensions thereof
have expired. No default approval shall be deemed to have taken place regarding any application
for any approval concerning land use development by reason of this Moratorium being in effect.
Section
11. Severability.
If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or other portion of this Local Law is, for any reason,
declared invalid, in whole or in part, by a court, agency, commission, legislative body or other
authority of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and
independent portion. Such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
hereof, which other portions continue in full force and effect.
Section
12. New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).
This Local Law constitutes a Type II Action under SEQR because it constitutes the adoption of a
Moratorium on land development or construction. As such, this action is not subject to review
under SEQR.
Section
13. Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately when it is filed with the New York State Secretary
of State in accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Councilman Wagner ........... Aye
Motion carried ................... 5-0
***
The Board discussed whether to register the Town for the Climate Smart Communities (CSC)
Program. It was noted that registration may improve eligibility for some DEC and
smart-growth–related grants, particularly future phases connected to the Town’s comprehensive
plan and potential zoning updates. Supporters emphasized that registration does not commit the
Town to specific actions and that many qualifying activities are already underway, such as green
space preservation, trail development, and energy-efficient wastewater treatment upgrades.
Several Board members raised concerns about potential staff workload, reporting requirements,
and whether registration could reduce local control. Questions were also raised about any
taxpayer cost, mandates associated with the program, and the overall impact on Town operations.
Members requested more information from other municipalities currently in the program
regarding their experiences and staff impacts.
It was noted that this item has appeared on previous agendas, but some Board members felt
additional detail is still needed. The Board agreed to gather the requested information over the
next two weeks before taking further action.
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Resolution No. 156: MOTION by Councilwoman Wright, seconded by Councilman Wagner, to
reschedule to the May 7, 2026 Town Board Meeting to take the pledge to becoming a Climate
Smart Community.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Nay
Councilman Hunter................... Aye
Councilman Cahill .............. Nay
Councilman Wagner ................. Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Motion carried .......................... 5-0
***
Resolution No. 157: MOTION by Councilman Hunter, seconded by Councilwoman Wright, to
approve a vehicle that was totaled from the Police Department:
• Vehicle
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Wagner………Aye
Asset Tag #07376
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Motion carried .................. 5-0
***
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
8:57 p.m.
____________________________________
Danene M. Marr, Town Clerk
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