Webster Town Board
June 18, 2026
A workshop meeting of the Webster Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Scialdone at
6:30 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
Communications Director ............................................................. Bridget Harvey
***
Josh Artuso, Community Development Director, came before the Board to discuss authorization
for the Town to apply for a 2026 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). The presentation
reviewed the Town of Webster’s plan to apply for funding through New York State’s
Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), specifically under the Smart Growth Community
Planning Program. The Town intends to seek a $150,000 grant to support community-wide
zoning regulation updates, which are the next step following completion of the ongoing
Comprehensive Plan update.
The Smart Growth program funds projects related to climate resilience, housing, livable
communities, and waterfront development. The Town previously received $100,000 from this
same program to support the current Comprehensive Plan update. The zoning update project is
estimated to cost around $150,000, with a required 25% local match (either cash or in-kind staff
time). Consultant support, public engagement, data analysis, and technology resources will be
needed. Town staff plan to include the full amount in next year’s budget, with grant proceeds
offsetting the cost if awarded. A Town Board Resolution will be required to authorize the
application and commit to the local match. Applications are due July 30, 2026, with award
announcements expected in late December or early January. Staff are seeking clarification from
the Department of State about the possibility of beginning work prior to the award announcement
should timing align with the adoption of the comprehensive plan.
Mr. Artuso explained that in-kind contributions for the grant must be documented by tracking
staff hours and corresponding salary rates, including fringe benefits, and that this information is
submitted quarterly. It was noted that if the Town was a registered Climate Smart Community, it
would add two to three points to the grant application.
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Questions were raised about whether Town staff could perform portions of the work rather than
relying on consultants. Mr. Artuso advised that limited capacity, particularly for extensive
public engagements, makes consultant support necessary and would expedite the project given
the current moratorium. Communications staff may be able to assist, but clarification is needed
on whether their work qualifies as in-kind match.
Regarding project funding, the anticipated consultant cost is estimated conservatively at up to
$150,000, though firms indicated the work may come in under that amount. The required match
may be paid either in cash or through staff time, but not a combination. Mr. Artuso noted that
in-kind matching is often preferable since salaries are already budgeted.
Consultants would be expected to draft zoning code updates based on best practices and prior
experience. A grant application checklist has been received, but staff have not begun drafting
the application pending Board direction. Mr. Artuso believes the application can be completed
by the third week of July for submission by the July 30 deadline. Clarification is expected soon
regarding whether pre-grant labor can count as in-kind match.
***
Leigh Ann Kimber, Interim Executive Director of the Webster Economic Development
Alliance (WEDA), provided an overview of the Webster Transportation Infrastructure Project,
previously known as FAST New York. A brief refresher was given on the purpose and scope of
the project, including roadway extensions and improvements intended to enhance circulation,
improve access to the Northeast Technology Area, and support redevelopment within the Xerox
campus area. Specific emphasis was placed on the Bolter Industrial Parkway Extension, which
will provide safer and more efficient access for truck traffic associated with the fairlife facility,
and on the Chiyoda Drive Extension to support circulation and redevelopment goals.
Ms. Kimber explained that several existing Xerox-owned roads within the Village must be
rehabilitated before the Village can accept them as public rights-of-way, a requirement for
subdivision and redevelopment activity. Funding is now available to complete this work.
The Board received an overview of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)
process, which began two weeks prior when the Town Board initiated coordinated review and
expressed intent to serve as lead agency. Presenters outlined the differences between Type I,
Type II, and Unlisted actions and explained that this project qualifies as a Type I action due to
the amount of land disturbance and its proximity to parkland. As a result, a full Environmental
Assessment Form (EAF) is required, and multiple involved agencies must be notified.
The Board was updated on SEQR timelines, including expected lead-agency confirmation in
early July, preparation of Part 2 of the EAF by July 30th, a workshop scheduled for August 6th,
preparation of a draft Part 3 by August 13th, and an anticipated determination of significance by
August 20th. Ms. Kimber noted they are available to return frequently as the process advances.
Preliminary environmental findings were also shared. Completed investigations indicate no
wetlands, no historic or archaeological resources, no rare species, and no critical environmental
areas on site. One existing stream crossing will require a culvert installation for the Chiyoda
Drive Extension, and potential impacts to the Chiyoda Trail are being reviewed with the design
team and trail stakeholders to minimize disruption.
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The Board expressed appreciation for the update and noted the importance of continuing to
receive frequent project briefings due to the size and pace of the project.
Councilman Wagner showed appreciation for the extensive work on the roadway project, noting
its complexity despite appearing straightforward. Wagner asked what the Board could do to
support progress. Ms. Kimber emphasized the importance of Board engagement, timely review
of materials, participation in workshops, and asking questions to ensure readiness for the August
20th decision deadline.
Councilwoman Wright asked whether the previous night’s Village vote regarding municipal
boundary lines would affect the project. It was confirmed that the vote does not materially
impact the roadway project, grant eligibility, or dedication requirements. She also asked about
land ownership for the Chiyoda Drive and Boulter Extension areas. The Chiyoda Extension is
on Town-owned land, while Boulter requires continued coordination with Xerox to finalize
dedication boundaries, though no timeline delays are anticipated.
Further discussion addressed the school district land needed for part of the roadway. Staff
indicated that all land acquisitions and real estate matters are targeted for completion in 2026 to
support the goal of going out to bid by the end of that year. Conversations with the school
district are ongoing, supported by an existing memorandum of understanding. Appraisals and
agreement development are underway.
Board members expressed concern about maintaining schedule timelines and encouraged staff to
alert the Board if any issues arise that require Board input to avoid delays.
***
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
7:10 p.m.
____________________________________
Danene M. Marr, Town Clerk
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