DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 09, 2025

 DRAFT ONLY TB MEETING OCTOBER 09, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday October 09, 2025 with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken: (P=present)
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson Excused
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson P    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P 
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field P
Mary Beth Flint-Town Clerk P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
90 Laurie Spencer $325.00pd
91 Ricoh USA Inc $50.76pd
92 Ricoh USA Inc $72.86pd
93 Laurie Spencer $200.00pd
94 Quill Corporation $91.85pd
95 Spectrotel $436.56pd
96 Optimizer Systems Inc $325.00pd
97 Public Goods Pool $3,852.00pd
98 Bassett Healthcare $94,072.28pd
99 Leona Johnson $87.50pd
100 Ricoh USA Inc $21.75pd
101 Leona Johnson $87.50pd
102 Laurie Spencer $200.00pd

GENERAL FUND
181 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
182 Spectrotel $266.04pd
183 Bruce Hall Corporation $206.66pd
184 Charter Communications $374.95pd
185 Tri-County Communications Inc $179.10pd
186 Cintas Corporation #121 $139.67pd
187 Excellus BC/BS $343.86pd
188 Constellation Newenergy Inc $5.06pd
189 State Comptroller $4,482.00pd
190 Jeff Stiles Contractor $2,108.77pd
191 State Comptroller $8,436.00pd
192 United Healthcare $5.72pd
193 NYS Association of Towns $100.00pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (370)
Item 3 (895-903)
Item 4 (0)

Councilperson Cornwell asked for clarification on a couple of the highway bills.

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented; Councilperson Waterfield seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.  All in favor-4 ayes 0 nays

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    udget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances
•    Otsego County sales tax for the month of AUG $12,796.90
•    Otsego County Traffic Diversion Program $1,000.00
•    A new Town Website is being looked at for consideration in the near future.

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Fall activities are starting so the Community Center activity will also increase.
•    Rentals are starting to come in for the fall and winter
•    All the hallways have been painted
•    Still waiting for the lights to be replaced in the gymnasium

Health Center: 
•    August Expense $103,823/Revenue $45,044
•    Kim Thompson gave an update on the health center work that is ongoing.  Current donation account is at $65,309.00.  Lots of positive momentum still happening.  The nonprofit has filed for the certificate of incorporation with NYS, awaiting status from the State.
•    Councilperson Waterfield inquired if anyone is working on the federal grant program that was announced in late September?  Kim will investigate this.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us 

Planning:
•    Frank McGrath attended a New York Association of Towns conference today. There is a new requirement of Towns with a population of 1,500 or more are required to apply for a .gov domain.  Frank supplied a name for the Town Clerk for a person at the NYSAOT that can assist with the .gov domain that the Town Clerk has already set up but doesn’t know how to move forward with it at this point.  Planning board member McGrath supplied the Town board with a copy of the agenda from the conference.  He encourages the board members to attend one of the trainings as they provide excellent information.
•    PB member McGrath received an email today from an individual who purchased the parcel of land the solar project was going to be built on.  This individual mentioned the solar project was terminated.  The individual has plans for this parcel of land and he wants to be neighbor friendly and not he does not want to aggravate anyone.  He plans to have a 50’ buffer on the edge of the property.  Supervisor Garretson states the Town Board has not heard this terminology regarding the Solar Project being terminated.

Highway Department
•    CHIPS paperwork has been submitted to the State
•    Truck ordered in July 2022 should be here next week. 


Councilperson Cornwell states there will be a temporary Moratorium on Solar and Wind Systems.  There will be a one-year Moratorium on Solar and Wind development in Cherry Valley.  

Councilperson Cornwell introduced Resolution 2025-7 Introducing Local Law No. P1 of 2025 a Local Law establishing a temporary Moratorium for certain applications for approval of solar energy systems and wind energy conversion systems that are pending or may be subsequently filed with the Town of Cherry Valley.  Resolution date is Thursday October 09, 2025.  Skipping to Part 2 actions items


NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED based on all the foregoing:


Section A.
Section B.


Section C.    By this Resolution, and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the NYS Municipal Home Rule Law, upon our own motion we introduce for consideration by the Town Board and possible adoption, Proposed Local Law No. P I of 2025 entitled "A Local Law Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Certain Applications for the Approval of Solar Energy Systems and Wind Energy
Conversion Systems That Are Pending or May Be Subsequently Filed with the Town of Cherry Valley." A copy of the proposed Local Law is attached as Appendix A.
We declare that this Local Law constitutes a Type Il Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act [SEQRA] because the proposed action constitutes the adoption of a Moratorium on land development or construction as provided in Part   of the SEQRA Regulations. As such this "action" is not subject to environmental review under SEQRA 
The Town Board hereby directs that the proposed Local Law attached as
Appendix A be referred to the Otsego County Planning Department for its review and for an advisory opinion pursuant to New York State [NYS] General Municipal Law [GMLI S 239-m. The Town Board directs the Town Clerk to make the referral in conformity with the applicable provisions and requirements of NYS GML S 239-m.

Section D.
Section E.    Town Board hereby directs that the proposed Local Law attached as Appendix A be referred to the Town of Cherry Valley Planning Board for its review and for an advisory opinion. The Planning Board shall deliver its response to this referral to the Town Board within thirty (30) days of the date of this referral.
In accordance NYS Municipal Home Rule Law S 20(5), the Town Board hereby schedules a Public Hearing on said Proposed Local Law for Thursday, December 1 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cherry Valley Community Center, 2
Genesee Street, Cherry Valley, New York. The Town Board directs the Town Clerk to provide notice of the public hearing to the public and other government bodies or agencies in accordance with the requirements for same set forth in the NYS Municipal Home Rule Law (which provides that five [5] days must elapse between publication of notice of the public hearing and the date the hearing is held). The Town Board also directs the Town Clerk to post a copy of the proposed Local Law on the Town's web site.

Councilperson Cornwell made the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-7 that introduces Local Law No. P1 of 2025 Motion 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield.  All in favor 4 ayes 0 nays. Resolution 2025-7 is duly carried.

Supervisor Garretson presented the preliminary budget for 2026 for the Town of Cherry Valley.

Supervisor Garretson states he has been working with the State Comptroller for the last 2 months.  The phone number for the state comptroller is (518) 474-4015 State Comptroller-misinformation about the budget going up over 40% State Comptroller- tax levy went up 26.88% last year.  This year as per the State Comptroller taxes will go down 18.03%.

Anyone who would like a copy of the budget please email the Town Supervisor or Town Clerk to get an electronic version sent through email.

The State Comptroller did not want the Town to reduce the taxes as much as we did.  Supervisor Garretson feels comfortable making this reduction in taxes.

Health Center Expense line went from $800,000 to $495,000.  Health Center anticipated revenue went from $275,000 (2025 budget) to anticipated revenue $540,000 for 2026.  Any excess revenue stays in the general fund and will go to the health center as needed.

Question from the public:

A question from the public regarding the contractor we pay monthly, what are the repairs that are being done every month?  What is going on with the building that there needs to be building repairs?  Supervisor Garretson read the invoice submitted for this month to explain the repairs completed.  Supervisor Garretson stated he does not believe an invoice is submitted every month.  

Question was asked when will the Cherry Valley Health Center operational oversight board when will that be explained?  Supervisor Garretson by the end of the year.

Question asked will the Health Center be moving forward still?  Yes, the board feels that the Health Center should go forward.

Frank McGrath asked if the one of the Board members, since they are elected, will be participating with the health center grant process rather than leaving up to the volunteers?  Mr. McGrath feels the board is more hands off than hands on with this grant process.  Supervisor Garretson stated the volunteers have more knowledge with the grant process.

Motion made by Councilperson VanDerwerker to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Cornwell

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:53PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, November 13, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

TB MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday September 11, 2025, with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken: (P=present)
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson P    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P 
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field P
Mary Beth Flint-Town Clerk P

Guest speaker:  Tristan Sharratt

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
78 Leona Johnson $180.00pd
79 Ricoh USA Inc $72.86pd
80 Laurie Spencer $150.23pd
81 Miller’s Cleaning Service $734.40pd
82 Quill Corporation $192.19pd
83 Spectrotel $441.97pd
84 Quill Corporation $8.73pd
85 AETNA $144.95pd
86 Public Goods Pool $2,557.00pd
87 Laurie Spencer $325.00pd
88 Bassett Healthcare $70,160.68pd
89 Leona Johnson $100.00pd

GENERAL FUND
160 Clark’s Sports Center $400.00pd
161 Lyla Abdallah $320.00pd
162 Kimberly Leavitt $96.00pd
163 Bailey Thayer $416.00pd
164 Jillian Harris $496.00pd
165 Heath Barown $496.00pd
166 Landon Rockwell $512.00pd
167 Christina Schuttig $640.00pd
168 Deb Whiteman $1,250.00pd
169 Bruce Hall $109.58pd
170 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
171 US Postal Service $88.00pd
172 Otsego Computer Experts $20.00pd
173 Spectrotel $263.45 pd
174 The Daily Star $41.33pd
175 Charter Communications $374.95pd
176 Cintas Corporation #121 $713.32pd
177 Constellation Newenergy Inc $6.12pd
178 Excellus BC/BS $343.86pd
179 Gates Cole Associates $200.00pd
180 Sue Miller $370.00pf

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (362-369)
Item 3 (889-894)
Item 4 (0)

Councilperson VanDerwerker made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented; Councilperson Johnson seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 
5 ayes 0 nays

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    udget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances
•    Otsego County sales tax for the month of JUL $12,229.89

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Hallways have been painted.  Waiting on lights to be replaced due to scaffolding unavailable in August.
•    Fall sports are starting up and the Community Center will start becoming more active.

Health Center: 
•    August Expense $79,068/Revenue $48,683
•    Kim Thompson gave an update on the health center with everything moving in a positive direction.  Nothing new to report
•    Lisa Heinrich also gave an information update as well.  She is available after the meeting for questions.  So far $66,000 has been raised to close the gap.  Spoke about 4 funds that are available to help; two of the funds are relevant to our need; the vital access provider fund and the essential plan expansion fund.  The Mohawk Valley Economic development district helps with filling out the applications.  We could also legally do a membership fee to bring in income.  The gap is getting smaller.  Goal is to get the health center off the tax roster.

Guest Speaker Tristan Sharratt a native of Cherry Valley.  He is a nurse as well as a nurse practitioner.  He spent the last 3 years at the NYS health department working amongst the programs Lisa mentioned that help rural health care hospitals and health care centers.   He gave a presentation on why we should preserve the health center.  Preventative primary care is not profitable.  Therefore, the burden is on us to bare the financial constraints of this health center for future generations.  What happens if the health center closes?  This effects Bassett because there aren’t a lot of health care centers close by to get primary health care.  Sometimes the wait can be 8-9 months for a primary care appointment.  The access to health care in this community has real impacts in the short and long term.  New studies showing banks and real estate agencies are tying home property values to accessibility to health care services.  Especially to rural communities where the population is aging and shrinking.  His research now is how does this model work in other places.  Cherry Valley is unique in how this health center is financed.   Tristan is available by email for any questions.

Frank McGrath stated The Friends of the Cherry Valley Health Center is still seeking the tax-exempt status.  Also still looking for support for upcoming grants available in 2026.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us 

Planning:
•    Councilperson Cornwell states we have been in contact with John Lyons, attorney for the solar law and will be moving forward with review of the solar law.

Highway Department
•    HS Field states they are finishing up with the summer work and are preparing equipment for the winter months.
•    Supervisor Garretson provided and update on the CHIPS account and where we are with that.

Federal/State/County
•    County representative Dave Bliss is present at tonight’s meeting.  He states it is budget time which poses a challenge for the board.  There is also a shortage in employees.

Question from the public:

Andy Minnig asked the board if the board have come to some conclusions about the health center for the upcoming preliminary budget?  Supervisor Garretson stated there is not a figure at this time.  Supervisor Garretson and the comptroller are working on the budget.

Alice Hurwitz updated the state departments environmental concerns regarding the Japanese knot weed problem.  The DEC would like to come to the Town Boards to educate people on how invasive this weed is.

Question from public: is the anticipated monthly IT Bassett charge to be $12,000 a month for the next year?  Supervisor Garretson stated it is.  The average Bassett bill will be between $75,000-$80,000.  Lisa Heinrich stated there are some other IT options the Board is not aware of yet.  SG states currently the way the contract is written this will be the figure until the end of the year.

Question from public for Councilperson Cornwell, is the solar project lawsuit settled?  Councilperson Cornwell stated the case is currently suspended and Carson Solar is currently not pursuing it.  To resurrect the case money will need to be deposited into the escrow account.  There is a time limit for how long this can be suspended.  Councilperson Cornwell will find out the answer to this question.

The Tepee is 75 years old and there will be a party on October 4th.

Question from the public:  Is Athena functioning yet?  SG stated Athena is in the testing stage to work out current issues with it.

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson Waterfield

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:43PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, October 09, 2025, 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB MEETING AUGUST 14, 2025

TB MEETING AUGUST 14, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday August 14, 2025 with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson.

 

Pledge to the Flag was said

 

Roll call of Officers was taken: (P=present)

Tom Garretson-Supervisor P

Jim Johnson-Councilperson Excused

Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson Excused   

Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P

Holly Waterfield-P

Highway Superintendent Marty Field P

Mary Beth Flint-Town Clerk P

 

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.   

 

Presentation of invoices and payments:

HEALTH CENTER FUND

68 Spectrotel $433.01pd

69 Quill Corporation $257.14pd

70 Millers Cleaning Service $777.60pd

71 Leona Johnson $130.00pd

72 Ricoh USA Inc $72.86pd

73 Public Goods Pool $2,159.00pd

74 Ricoh USA Inc $33.25pd

75 Aetna $56.54pd

76 Quill Corporation $151.66pd

77 Bassett Healthcare $72,467.23pd

 

GENERAL FUND

138 Spectrotel $273.20pd

139 Bruce Hall Corp $244.69pd

140 State Comptroller $12,071.00pd

141 RL Parsons Inc $36.65pd

142 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd

143 Hummels Office Plus $428.27pd

144 Charter Communications $374.95pd

145 Hummels Office Plus $37.05pd

146 NYSTCA $85.00pd

147 Mary Beth Flint $73.22pd

148 ABM Fire Equipment Inc $110.95pd

149 Constellation Newenergy $4.99pd

150 Excellus BC/BS $343.86pd

151 Cintas Corporation $577.14pd

152 Lyla Abdallah $560.00pd

153 Kimberly Leavitt $464.00pd

154 Bailey Thayer $128.00pd

155 Jillian Harris $600.00pd

156 Heath Barown $600.00pd

157 Landon Rockwell $640.00pd

158 Christina Schuttig $640.00pd

159 Deb Whiteman $1,250.00pd

 

Highway Vouchers:

Item 1 (356-361)

Item 3 (880-888)

Item 4 (0)

 

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented; Councilperson Waterfield seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor

3 ayes 0 nay

 

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:

·      Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

·      Otsego County sales tax for the month of JUN $13,653.77

·      US Specialty Insurance Co $7,148.24 (2020 Volvo)

 

Community Center Alden Field and Park:

·      Closed for maintenance for the month of August

 

Health Center:

·      July Expense $82,538/Revenue $120,921

·      Kim Thompson gave an updated report from the Health Center board.   Athena will go live next week.  New cleaning service will save the health center in cleaning costs. Non-profit is moving forward, obtained the tax identification number.  Draft certificate of incorporation is being reviewed at the next meeting and will be filed with NYS.  The donation account currently has $63,419.59.  Received $30,000 donation from the Roseboom United Methodist Church.

·      Supervisor Garretson met with Alan Zimmerman from the State Comptroller’s office.  Some concerned citizens reached out to Mr. Zimmerman, and he reached out to Supervisor Garretson.  SG will be sending Mr. Zimmerman health center budgets, and he would like to meet with Lisa Heinrich to make sure she is following all the avenues that are available with the State.  Once there is a report available this will be shared with the public.

·      Supervisor Garretson asked that the Town Clerk put on the Town Facebook page that the health center is accepting new patients along with the phone number to call to make an appointment.

·      SG had a meeting with Deanna Charles and Henry Weil.  They had their VP of facilities come out and evaluate the health center to see what would need to be done to bring the HC up to standards.  Currently the HC building is grandfathered in the way it is.  Exam rooms are too small, hallways are to narrow, etc.  Essentially the clinic would need to be gutted and remodeled.

 

Village:

·      Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

 

Planning:

·      Councilperson Cornwell gave an update on the solar law.  John Lyons is the attorney working on the Solar Law and has helped us defend the law against Carson Power, who recently sued the town because they did not like the minimum acreage that is in the solar law.  Attorney Lyons will be updating the Towns current Solar Law as well as reviewing the Town’s Wind Law.

·      Attorney Lyons may suggest a moratorium on future solar projects.

 

Highway Department

·      Truck is back from Chucks because the parts are unavailable currently.

·      Paving is done.

·      Dietsche Road bridge should be done by Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

Question from the public:

 

There were many comments and questions from the public present regarding the health center.

 

Two letters were received from Lynn Marsh and Doug DeLong as well as Phil Durkin regarding the health center.  These letters can be reviewed at the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours; Wednesday evenings 7-9PM and Saturday mornings 8-11AM.

 

Frank McGrath asked what the plan is by the Town Board members after all the volunteers have stopped volunteering in terms of managing the health center moving forward?  Councilperson Cornwell and Councilperson Waterfield stated moving forward there will need to be a way to incorporate what the volunteer’s tasks are accomplishing and how do we incorporate these tasks for future management of the health center. We all trying to gather what has gone wrong and what we can do to fix it moving forward.

 

Alice Hurwitz stated she has been in contact with the State Environmental people about the Japanese Knotweed that is found in properties around here.  They want to come to the Town planning boards and give an educational talk on how to control it.

 

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2^nd by Councilperson Waterfield

 

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:11PM.

 

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, September 11, 2025 7:00PM

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk

Town Board meeting was recorded

 

 

 

                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

TB MEETING July 10, 2025

 TB MEETING July 10, 2025

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday July 10, 2025 with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson

Pledge to the Flag was said

Roll call of Officers was taken: (P=present)
Tom Garretson-Supervisor P
Jim Johnson-Councilperson P
Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p    
Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P 
Holly Waterfield-P
Highway Superintendent Marty Field P
Mary Beth Flint-Town Clerk P

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.    

Presentation of invoices and payments:
HEALTH CENTER FUND
58 Ricoh USA Inc $77.86pd
59 Novitas Solutions Inc $46,014.00pd
60 Optum $24,344.00pd
61 Leona Johnson $170.00pd
62 Spectrotel $390.82pd
63 Bassett Healthcare $73,668.23pd
64 Public Goods Pool $8,249.00pd
65 Quill Corporation $36.95pd
66 Ricoh USA Inc $21.75pd
67 Quill Corporation $69.99pd

GENERAL FUND
118 Mishigan Millers $1,406.00pd
119 State Comptroller $601.00pd
120 Edward Harvey $250.00pd
121 Brian Haig $250.00pd
122 Kim Thompson $250.00pd
123 Millers Cleaning Service $2,008.80pd
124 Bruce Hall Corp $115.97pd
125 RL Parsons Inc $423.66pd
126 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd
127 Tri-County Communications Inc $179.10pd
128 The Daily Star $62.66pd
129 Spectrotel $248.23pd
130 Charter Communications $374.95pd
131 Cintas Corporation #121 $448.44pd
132 Constellation Newenergy Inc $3.95pd
133 Mary Beth Flint$133.68pd
134 Excellus BC/BS $343.86pd
135 ABM Fire Equipment Inc $571.00pd
136 Otsego Computer Experts $605.00pd
137 US Postal Service $907.05pd

Highway Vouchers:
Item 1 (351-355)
Item 3 (872-879)
Item 4 (0)

Councilperson VanDerwerker made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented; Councilperson Cornwell seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 
5 ayes 0 nay

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:
•    udget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances
•    Otsego County sales tax for the month of $9,162.00
•    Otsego County Snow and Ice for January-April $57,211.00

Community Center Alden Field and Park:
•    Closing the Community Center for the month of August for maintenance.

Health Center: 
•    June Expense $157,494/Revenue $181,823
•    Kim Thompson gave an updated report from the Health Center board
        -Medicare money received from back billing
        -billing system Athena is going to start on August 13
        -nonprofit The friends of Cherry Valley Community Health Center is underway.  
         first meeting was on July 1 with a board of 9 people.  
        -receiving health center donations so far up to $26,000 as of July
        -Lisa Gerdin is attending local Town meetings in the surrounding area asking for donations      
          from the Towns if they can help.
        -a new banner will be in front of the health center
        -cleaning company has changed; we will be spending less money to clean the health center 
          this will help on the expense side.

Kim read an email from Lisa Heinrich as Lisa could not be at the Board meeting.  She is continuing to pursue the funding which would be available for 2026.

Supervisor Garretson gave a report regarding the anticipated upcoming 2026 budget for the health center. Donations are coming in.  Supervisor Garretson will be asking the Board to start thinking about what we want to do.  Two things we want to do lower the tax levy and find enough money to help the health center we want to do that also. We have to remember to take care of everything else, highway, insurances, pay roll, etc.  By this time in August Supervisor Garretson needs to know where the everyone stands so Supervisor Garretson can put together a budget.

Village:
•    Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us 

Planning:
•    Nothing new to report

Highway Department
•    Paving is done.
•    Waiting for County Bridge and Rail to start Dietche Road.  CHIPS will take care of this project.

Question from the public:

There were many comments and questions from the public present regarding the health center.

Each board member was asked their position on where they stand on the health center.  

Councilperson Waterfield “I'm in favor of seeing where these other federal and state programs go in terms of making up some of that gap and those can help meet this rural healthcare gap and we have operational funding and there's additional subsidy there I think it would be irresponsible not to pursue those first before we make a final decision that's my thought”.

Councilperson Cornwell “I don’t know if the community is fine losing half a million dollars a year, then that's fine with me. The question that I have for all of you as your representative how much are you willing to lose to keep your health center.  So right we've run annually 1/4 of a million or a $300,000 deficit that's over the last 10 years that's kind of baked in we're getting that it looks like we're getting that down and down and down and down we're investigating some new promising things.  If you’re asking me I am a yes or a no?  I don’t know I would like to let it unfold.  If you were to ask me a year ago or 6 months ago it's too much for us to bare.  But we're in a slightly different place now we have some better communication.  I’ve been on the board for almost 20 years now and it's never made money.  So that's where I am.  If you were to ask me right now to cast a vote, I would probably be 60% let's keep it open for another year and give this a little time.” 

Councilperson Johnson “I agree with Holly and Mark we have to see what this fund-raising effort can accomplish.  Make an assessment when we know those number.  I am in favor of trying to keep it open.”

Councilperson VanDerweker “I vote the same.  When you supply a service, you’re not expected to make money on a service, that is what the health center is a service.”

Councilperson Cornwell added “with all that said I have a breaking point and what happened last year absorbing the taxes that we all did, and I say we all because I did it too, let me just say that cannot happen again it will not happen again.  I will not vote for a budget that has that kind of increase.”

Supervisor Garretson stated the public will get the preliminary budget at the October meeting and then there will be a public hearing on November 13.

Supervisor Garretson gave his opinion on the health center.  He stated “if you were to ask me this in January, I think I would have felt like Mark.  I think I would have felt enough is enough and I don't know if I can take this anymore.  But the outpouring that we've seen in the last six months is just amazing and I don't feel we can walk away from it.”

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:48PM.

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, August14, 2025 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk
Town Board meeting was recorded



                                        

 

TB MEETING June 12, 2025

 

 

TB MEETING June 12, 2025

 

The regular meeting of the Town Board of Cherry Valley was held on Thursday June 12, 2025 with meeting called to order at 7.00PM by Supervisor Garretson

 

Pledge to the Flag was said

 

Roll call of Officers was taken: (P=present)

Tom Garretson-Supervisor P

Jim Johnson-Councilperson P

Ed VanDerwerker-Councilperson p  

Mark Cornwell-Councilperson P

Holly Waterfield-Excused

Highway Superintendent Marty Field P

Mary Beth Flint-Town Clerk P

 

Reading of last month’s minutes will be dispensed of and minutes accepted as presented and or corrected.   

 

Presentation of invoices and payments:

HEALTH CENTER FUND

47 Otsego Computer Experts $70.00pd

48 Millers Cleaning Service $842.40pd

49 Spectrotel $406.33pd

50 Leona Johnson $200.00pd

51 Ricoh USA Inc $77.86pd

52 RL Parsons Inc $338.13pd

53 Quill Corporation $12.91pd

54 US Postal Service $1,778.90pd

55 Ricoh USA Inc $42.87pd

56 Public Goods Pool $2,143.00pd

57 Bassett Healthcare $68,858.09pd

Voiced check 2187

 

GENERAL FUND

105 Kim Thompson $27.00pd

106 RL Parsons Inc $2,004.99pd

107 Spectrotel $251.27pd

108 Hometown Hauling $43.25pd

109 Otsego Co Hwy Superintendent Association $150.00pd

110 Cintas Corporation #121 $567.15pd

111 Charter Communications $374.95pd

112 Constellation Newevergy Inc $4.71pd

113 Excellus BC/BS $343.86pd

114 Otsego Computer Experts $2,000.00pd

115 United Healthcare $17.65pd

116 Grant and Lyons LLP $90.00pd

117 Otsego County Magistrates Association $40.00pd

Voided check 16033

 

Highway Vouchers:

Item 1 (346-350)

Item 3 (864-871)

Item 4 (237)

 

Councilperson Cornwell made a motion to accept the invoices and payments as presented; Councilperson Johnson seconded the motion.  The invoices and payments have been presented and accepted.   All in favor 4 ayes 0 nay

 

Presentation of Invoices and Payments:

·         Budget reviewed as well as NBT Account balances

·         Otsego County sales tax for the month of March $9,855.20

·         Otsego County sales tax for the month of April $9,142.61

·         Otsego County mortgage tax $9,802.70

 

Community Center Alden Field and Park:

·         No report given

 

Health Center:

·         May Expense $78,770/Revenue $38,529  Supervisor Garretson reported currently there is a deficit of $130,000.  Supervisor Garretson stated $800,000 was budgeted for the health center and he feels we are doing well.

·         Lisa Hershey gave an update on the work to find solutions for keeping the health center open.

-we qualify for Vital Access funding through the State.  The application for this funding is open in the fall

-we qualify for The Essential Plan Expansion funding through the Federal government.  The application for this funding is open in the fall.

-new funding uncovered is Hospital Safety Net funding.  We can apply for this now.

-we meet the criteria for funding through Senator Schumer’s office called Federal Qualifying Healthcare Centers funding.

·         Amy Garretson gave an update on behalf of her sister who couldn’t be present at tonight’s meeting.

-health center board met on June 2 revenue and expenses were updated at that time

-Tammy, health center biller, is doing a lot of back billing which should turn into revenue soon.

-American Wholesaler company, operated by Cherry Valley residents, is donating supplies to the CVHC previously purchased by the Town of Cherry Valley.

-ATHENA update.  Scoping has been completed, and a meeting is scheduled to discuss interface building and connectivity.

-presented the letter going out from the citizens committee with the QR code for people to donate money to the health center.  A non-profit is in progress at this time, Denis Laughlin is donating his time with this process. 

-There are 7 or 8 people on the non-profit board.

-Lisa Gerdin has been working with the citizens committee and has attended several town government meetings.  She has visited Middlefield, Roseboom, Sharon and Springfield.  She has sent emails to several other surrounding Town governments.

 

Village:

·         Town and Village Board Minutes and info- www.cherryvalleyny.us

 

Planning:

·         Motion to appoint Alice Hurwitz to the Cherry Valley Planning Board is made by Councilperson Cornwell and seconded by Councilperson Johnson.  All in favor 4 Ayes  0 Nay

 

Highway Department

·         Scheduled for paving on June 25, 26 and 27^th

·         Truck that was supposed to be here in August has been pushed to October.  This truck was approved for purchase 3 years ago.  This is how long it takes to get a complete outfitted truck.

 

Resolution 2025-5 Required annual examination and audit of Justice Court records and dockets.

 

Motion to accept Resolution 2025-5 is made by Councilperson Cornwell and seconded by Councilperson Johnson.  Roll call vote is taken Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes.  Councilperson Waterfield-Absent. 

4 Ayes 0 Nay        Resolution 2025-5 is duly carried

 

Resolution 2025-6 Cherry Valley Health Center Consultant, Lisa Hershey

 

Lisa Hershey will be working to bridge communications and resources between the three entities…the Town Board, the Health Center Board and Staff, and the Friends of the Cherry Valley Health Center. 

 

To accomplish these goals Lisa Hershey will research additional resources, attend the meetings and will report updates to the members of the boards.

 

The updates will be limited to 5 minutes and will be addressed to the board, not to the public.

 

Lisa Hershey will agree to keep confidential communications confidential and will advise the boards as needed, and additional information as requested.

 

Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-6 is made by Councilperson VanDerwerker and seconded by Councilperson Cornwell

All in favor 4 Ayes 0 Nay. Roll call vote is taken Supervisor Garretson-yes, Councilperson Johnson-yes, Councilperson VanDerwerker-yes, Councilperson Cornwell-yes.  Councilperson Waterfield-Absent.  Resolution 2025-6 is duly carried.

 

Question from the public:

 

How are the Justice records audited?  January through December records are reviewed as an administrative review.

 

Have any updates been received on the Solar project?  There have been no updates.

 

Is Lisa Hershey’s position a paid position?  It is not.

 

Will the audit just accepted be posted on the website?  No. It is more of an examination than it is an audit

 

Is there a Town regulation on the size of a Solar project?  10 acres. Solar Regulations can be found on the website

 

Supervisor Garretson invites anyone with questions to email him and or call or text him.

 

Motion made by Councilperson Cornwell to adjourn the meeting 2^nd by Councilperson VanDerwerker

 

There being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:38PM.

 

Next Town Board meeting will be Thursday, July 10, 2025 7:00PM

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Beth Flint, Town Clerk

Town Board meeting was recorded