SEWARD — The February Seward town board meeting began with a public hearing, on the night of Feb. 9. The public hearing was announced at the meeting last month. The purpose of this was to discuss the salary of the Highway Superintendent. Chad Evans has taken this position. The original salary was $35,000. It was brought up in prior meetings that the salary should be raised due to the work, duties, and knowledge of the person holding this position. The town was able to voice their stance on this, in favor against. Supervisor Mark Fletcher received one email from a resident, and shared it with the community. This email was in favor of the increase from $35,000 to $55,000. There were a few community members that showed up and had the opportunity to speak, six of them. There is now a 45 hearing day period. If you are in favor or against the raise in pay, you may still reach out to Supervisor Mark Fletcher and your town board.
The normal town board meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The meeting minutes, from January 2026, were approved. There were no requests for privilege of the floor. Mark Fletcher gave his Supervisor report and shared some of the County Board meeting discussion he had attended, in County Business review. He also spoke of NYMIR, the insurance policy thst is held on the barn where the Seward Farmers and Artisans Market is held. His report was approved by the board.
Chad Evans gave his Highway Superintendent’s report. He spoke of the new truck the town will be receiving, not sure of the date for pick up yet. The town did have an employee move down to part time, and more a full time position, but that new hire left a week latter. So the town remains the same with the amount of employees. Evans is working on a grant for a building to store the sand and salt. Evans will be going go training on March. He is still looking for ways to better the shop
He has received quotes on new doors, the board is reviewing. Evans has requested that if anyone has any issues with his employees, please reach out to him. His report was approved.
Brenda Southworth, Town Clerk, reported that 3/4 of the taxes have been paid. She has been very busy with the tax collection. Her report was approved. Mark Fletcher read the Code Enforcement report, it was approved. Mark then read the Assessor report. She reminded the town, in her report, to make sure your exemptions are in by the March 1, 2026 deadline. Also if you can get the enhanced Star program, fill out the form. Her report was approved. The Dog Control report was the last to be approved.
There are still two vacancies on The Planning Board, Mr. Barbic came with one possible replacement, Chad Kniskern. The Board then went into Executive Session to meet privately. Mr. Kniskern was brought in later to meet with them. Chad shared his experience of being on the board previously and his desire to be again. The board voted and returned a 3/2 decision to not elect him on the Planning Board. If you wish to serve on this board, please reach out to Mr. Barbic.
The town will also look into opening a credit card only available to board members. This card would be paid in full each month. It saves the board members from using their own money because the reimbursement takes 30-40 days for that.
The Fire Alarm systems at the town have been an old business issue. Mr. King came to help with this. There will be a new device put in place, as our old one is out of date. The money for this has already been put aside months ago. There will be four people on the list for Central Security to reach out to. The board then audited bills. The next meeting is March 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.