Webster Town Board
April 2, 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
Finance Director ..................................................................................Paul Adams
Personnel Director .......................................................................... Kelsey Feeney
Parks and Recreation Director .............................................................Chris Bilow
Also in attendance was Rick Kenealy, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, and Maria Dewar,
Administrative Assistant for the Director of Community Planning and Development.
***
Rick Kenealy, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, and Kelsey Feeney, Personnel Director,
appeared before the Town Board to discuss a proposed update on the organizational structure at
the Sewer Department. An overview was presented of how the current organizational structure
differs from standard industry practice and recommended changes to make it more functional
and sustainable. In most wastewater operations, the Chief Operator sits at the top of the
hierarchy because their professional license carries legal responsibility for plant operations. The
proposed reorganization would reflect this norm by placing the Chief Operator at the top of the
structure and un-funding the Deputy Commissioner position. The funding from that role would
support creating an additional full-time operator position, keeping overall staffing at the same
number.
Several position adjustments were described to better align staffing with current needs. A
part-time maintenance position that was originally intended to support retirees returning
temporarily is no longer needed and would be eliminated. In its place, the Sewer Department
recommends creating a part-time operator position to retain the retiring lab director in a training
and support capacity as new staff are brought on board. Additionally, one full-time maintenance
position would be reclassified into a second sewer foreman role. This would allow one Foreman
to focus on the extensive collection system and the other to oversee plant-side maintenance,
equipment, and inventory, giving both areas dedicated attention while still providing coverage
for each other.
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The presentation also highlighted compensation adjustments needed for specialized roles. The
retiring lab director had long been paid above the standard grade due to the advanced nature of
the position, and the department seeks to formally document this higher pay step for whoever
holds the role in the future. A temporary stipend is also proposed for the current Clerk 2, who
has taken on significant additional responsibilities related to engineering coordination and new
operational programs. This stipend would last until her retirement and help support the transition
for the new clerk who will eventually take over those duties.
Overall, the department emphasized that staffing numbers will remain unchanged at nineteen
positions, but the structure will be more efficient and less dependent on specific individuals. The
changes are expected to improve management of the lab, collection system, and plant facilities
while also generating an estimated annual savings of about $119,000 in the 2026 Budget, largely
due to retirements and lower-benefit replacements. Several of the staffing changes require Town
Board approval, while others must be negotiated with the union.
Following the presentation a general discussion took place.
***
Rick Kenealy, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, appeared before the Town Board to
discuss the purpose of the contingency budget, which was created to address unforeseen issues
during the construction and upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. Earlier in the
project, there was a proposed split of the contingency funds between the Town and Navitas, the
project manager. Through negotiation, this was improved to an 80/20 split in the Town’s favor.
As the project nears completion, just under one million dollars remains in contingency.
Throughout the process, several items were removed through value engineering to control costs,
but with available contingency funds, the department now proposes restoring six previously
eliminated improvements.
The first proposed restoration is the heating system for the maintenance shop. Although the
main administration building received a major HVAC upgrade, the older shop system could not
handle the new glycol system, leaving staff reliant on portable heaters. A new radiant heating
system is recommended to efficiently heat equipment and maintain consistent temperatures.
Another item to restore is the dumpster shelter near the high-strength organic waste receiving
building. Originally, dumpsters were going to be moved a long distance using a loader; the
shelter would create a proper structure closer to the receiving area and improve operational
efficiency.
Additional items include replacing outdated aeration slide gates, which are difficult to operate
and were previously removed to save costs. Restoring them is now seen as necessary for
maintaining the new aeration systems. The department also seeks to purchase spare parts for the
sludge pump, which is the only pump capable of moving solids to the belt press building. Since
the pump supplier is in Albany, storing spare “wet ends” onsite would minimize downtime and
protect operations. Another request is to re-engage Material Matters, the consulting firm that
previously evaluated potential end uses for the plant’s new Class A fertilizer product. Originally,
they provided a broad overview of possible markets; the new agreement would allow them to
complete detailed customer identification, develop bid documents, and guide the program until a
buyer or distribution plan is secured.
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The final request involves solving a newly discovered ice issue in the primary clarifier collection
system. Cold weather has caused ice buildup that triggers limit switches and would disrupt
operation. The vendor offers a heating system, but it was not included in the original installation.
Staff have been relying on temporary heat lamps and extension cords, which are unsafe and
unsightly. A permanent heating solution is recommended. Overall, the contingency balance
stands at approximately $988,000, and Navitas is comfortable reducing their held amount to
$500,000 with four months remaining in the project. The department is requesting approval to
use $462,000 for the identified needs, leaving a remaining contingency of about $526,000.
Councilman Wagner asked if there could be other expenditures on the contingency. Mr. Kenealy
explained that the Town Board and administration need to discuss how they want to handle the
remaining project contingency funds. One option is to simply bond for a lower amount if the
contingency isn’t used, reducing borrowing. Another option is to identify additional needs,
particularly future capital projects already anticipated within the next five years—that could be
addressed now using the existing bond structure, avoiding the need to issue a separate bond later
for other major improvements. Mr. Kenealy suggested that this evaluation should take place
over the next two to three months.
Following the presentation a general discussion took place.
***
Maria Dewar, Administrative Assistant for the Director of Community Planning and
Development, as well as the Town Grant Liaison, appeared before the Town Board to discuss the
Open Space Conservation Grant opportunity. The Open Space Conservation Grant is funded by
the 2022 Environmental Bond Act. The Grant supports New York State’s goal of conserving 30
percent of its land and waters by 2030 and focuses on projects that protect air and water quality,
preserve ecosystems, support climate resilience, and expand equitable access to open space.
The Grant awards range from $50,000 to $3.5 million per project, with no required Town match.
Unlike typical reimbursement grants, this program provides performance-based funding,
meaning payments are issued ahead of deliverables, though some expenses may still need to be
paid by the Town before reimbursements are released.
Eligible costs include property acquisition, surveys, appraisals, legal fees, environmental studies,
title insurance, recording fees, and limited site preparation.
Two properties were identified as potential candidates by a sub-committee made up of Diana
Davis, Webster Open Space Committee Chair, Ben Wisnewski, Friends of Webster Trails, and
Town Staff, Maria Dewar, Chris Bilow, and Councilman Wagner:
•
•
959 Five Mile Line Road (known as Tax ID#079.09-1-37.11), which supports habitat
connectivity, diverse ecosystems, and provides community access through existing trails.
799 Holt Road (known as Tax ID#079.08-1-13), which contributes to ecosystem
resilience and offers access through proximity to parks and bike paths.
Acquired properties would be permanently protected through conservation easements and deed
restrictions, ensuring ongoing public access and limiting development. The Board must decide
whether to apply for one or both properties. Up to two applications may be submitted. The next
step will be a formal vote to authorize the submission of the selected application(s).
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Councilman Wagner requested that Diana Davis approach the podium for additional questions.
Councilman Wagner asked what was the process that was used to identify these two parcels
versus everything on the list.
Diana Davis, Webster Open Space Committee Chair, responded the two parcels under
consideration—959 Five Mile Line Road and 799 Holt Road—have both been identified in the
Town’s 2001 and 2022 Greenprint Plans, meaning they’ve long been recognized as priorities for
potential open space acquisition. When reviewing the Town’s current open space inventory for
this grant opportunity, several parcels were evaluated, but these two stood out as the strongest
matches for the grant’s conservation-focused criteria.
A key advantage is that both property owners are willing to participate in the grant process.
Since landowner willingness is often one of the biggest hurdles in conservation acquisitions, this
alignment made these parcels especially suitable, and it conveniently matches the grant limit of
two allowable applications.
Councilman Wagner asked how the grant application will be structured so the two properties
could jointly improve access and connectivity while preserving the Town’s future flexibility—
avoiding overly restrictive grant conditions, as discussed with the Parks Department. Ms. Davis
responded, although each property must be submitted as a separate, standalone application under
the grant rules, the team strengthened both applications by highlighting how the two parcels
connect to each other through the Route 104 bike path and surrounding trail network. This
demonstrated broader community benefits and enhanced overall project value.
At the same time, the application language was carefully crafted to avoid restricting the Town’s
future options. By emphasizing active recreation rather than narrowly defined uses, the Town
ensures it retains flexibility for a wide range of allowable activities and improvements on both
properties in the future.
Councilman Wagner stated the grant opportunity operates on a three-year cycle, allowing the
Town to apply for up to two properties each year. Since the State covers 100% of the funding,
the Town could potentially acquire up to six properties over three years, provided willing
landowners are identified for each cycle.
Supervisor Scialdone asked a question regarding the proposed parcel at 959 Five Mile Line
Road, asking if the current parcel will have to be subdivided. Ms. Davis responded that the
property in question is a single tax parcel made up of two lots. The grant application focuses on
acquiring most of the front portion, known as Lot
2. The DEC confirmed that the parcel does not
need to be subdivided before applying; subdivision would occur only if the grant were awarded.
The area being appraised matches the section intended for acquisition.
The Town would have multiple access points to the property, including direct access from Five
Mile Line Road and potential pedestrian access from Gaywood Lane and possibly Patty Lane,
creating three possible entry routes. Councilman Wagner clarified that both parcels that are
included within the presentation would have to be subdivided if the grant is awarded as well as
the subdivision being paid with the grant funding.
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Councilman Hunter asked about the risks regarding the four stages of the performance-based
grant work, if the payments would stop at a certain stage and then the Town would be left on the
hook for any remaining payments. Councilman Wagner clarified that early stages of the grant
(Stages 1 and 2) mainly reimburse smaller costs such as additional appraisals and legal fees. The
major funding for the property purchase is provided in Stage
3. Up until Stage 3, both the Town
and the property owner can still decide to withdraw without commitment. Once Stage 3 funding
is issued to purchase the land, the commitment becomes final and cannot be reversed.
Councilman Wagner asked what the current projected date is where the State says they will get
back to us. Ms. Davis responded the grant awards will likely be announced in summer 2026,
about three months later than originally projected due to the extended application deadline.
Councilwoman Wright brought up the need for keeping these potential parcels flexible enough to
support active recreation, such as much-needed sports fields, given the high demand for athletic
space. Ms. Davis responded that the parcel at 959 Five Mile Line Road is large and laid out in a
way that leaves substantial open space near the front and maintains plenty of wooded habitat
toward the back, providing room for potential uses while still preserving natural areas.
***
At 7:16 p.m. Supervisor Scialdone called for an Executive Session.
Resolution No. 131: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
enter into Executive Session pursuant to New York State Public Officer’s Law §105(1)(d) to
discuss matters regarding proposed, pending or current litigation.
WHEREAS, New York State Public Officers Law provides that the Town Board may enter into
Executive Session to discuss certain subjects or matters:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town Board enter into an Executive Session pursuant to New York State Public
Officer’s Law §105(1)(d) to discuss matters regarding proposed, pending or current litigation.
That the following persons were authorized to attend: Kyle Taylor, Attorney for the Town, Josh
Artuso, Community Development Director, and Danene Marr, 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. 132: MOTION by Supervisor Scialdone, seconded by Councilman Cahill, to
return to regular session at 7:36 p.m.
Vote on motion:
Supervisor Scialdone .......... Aye
Councilman Cahill ............ Aye
Councilwoman Wright ....... Aye
Councilman Hunter ........... Aye
Councilman Wagner………Aye
Motion carried .................. 5-0
***
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There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at
7:36 p.m.
____________________________________
Danene M. Marr, Town Clerk
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