SUMMIT — The monthly Summit town board meeting opened as usual, including a recording on Zoom and a report from the Town Supervisor Roger Gural and March’s meeting minutes. approved.
There was a presentation by David Lilac of Midtel reviewing possible options for the town to reduce their telephone bill. The Board will review the possibilities.
Public hearing opened on the Spectrum Agreement. The Board will continue to review the agreement and leave the public hearing open. Tabled until the May 21st meeting. A gentleman in the audience wondered if the town can help him with difficulties he has had with Spectrum putting up poles on his property. Discussion followed on how he could best try and rectify the problem.
In response to some complaints about Supervisor Gural having a moment of prayer he read some comments made by assorted Founding Fathers of America. Supervisor Gural will continue offering a prayer following the pledge to the flag at the opening of meetings.
Deputy Clerk Jason Andra reported that he processed 16 dog licenses and reviewed the tax monies taken in.
Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble reported that the new dump truck went into service March 20 and would like to auction off the 2009 dump truck, approved by the Board. He mentioned that the County has brought in some sand, the crew is out and about with a road broom and they are transitioning from winter to summer but always have a plow at the ready.
Assessor Mike Yorke reported the 2026 Tentative Assessment Roll will be released by May 1st and he will be available to answer any questions about it: just call Mike at 518-231-8088 for times. Tax Grievance Day is May 27 from 4-8pm at the town hall. NYS is removing the STAR exemption on properties that are over a year behind in paying property taxes. There is a Senior Citizen Aged exemption offered for low income seniors, call Mike for information. STAR Income Worksheets are being mailed out to seniors who do not file income taxes.
Dog Control Officer Jillian Smith reported a busy month.
Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox reported that he issued two building permits, two stop orders, did two research’s and is working on previous complaints that have not been remedied yet.
Historian Karen Cuccinello reported that she has been posting quite a few histories of families to go along with old photos on the Summit History Facebook page that now has 730 friends. Will be placing American flags at veterans gravestones in May. Submitted a Mini History of Summit to the Mountain Eagle for a special 250th Anniversary edition coming out in the summer.
Supervisor Gural discussed the possibility of applying for the Western Catskills housing rehabilitation program and gave the Board a possible resolution. The town has had previous grants in 2006, 2017 and 2021. He will invite a representative of Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council, Inc. to attend a public hearing on the matter May 21 at 7:15pm.
Judy Kramer inquired if there is any follow-up on homes that have received a Western Catskills grant. Once the work is done; no.
Schoharie Sheriff inquired about using space on Summit’s cell tower; sounds good.
The Summit Seniors inquired about receiving their $1,800 budgeted monies; approved.
Supervisor Gural reported that the town was able to get electric usage below 2000 watts by keeping the heat in the building down and using the generator occasionally, so the bill will not go up. He thanked the deputy clerk for tolerating the low temperatures and the highway superintendent for using the generator.
Supervisor Gural discussed a meeting he had with John Steitz about the plans Summit Community Center Inc. has. They will be buying a 1 ½ acre property on Summit Lake and plan to build a building for community gatherings that will also include a library and museum. They are in need of monetary and volunteer services to accomplish this. John concurred that Roger hit on all the high points of their meeting.
Supervisor Gural discussed Constitution Pipeline issues and the lack of communication from Constitution and Williams.
The County is offering a partial grant for homeowners on Summit Lake who want to improve their septic systems. Contact supervisor@summittown-ny.gov or 518-287-1112 for information.
Meeting open to the floor.
There was an inquiry about studies on ticks and Lymes Disease in the County. Not that anybody knows of but the Supervisor will inquire.
Query about the status of the house at 1618 Charlotte Valley Rd. that the Land Bank was supposed to refurbish. The Supervisor will inquire.
Wayne Stinson Jr. was thanked for fixing the ladies bathroom door knob free of charge. The bathrooms need an up-grade. The Board will scope out a list of needs and put the work out for bid.
The highway department is still in need of another employee, contact Jim at 518-287-1544 if interested.
The town is looking for a cleaner for the town hall, contact 518-287-1430 if interested.
The meeting closed about 8:30pm, next meeting May 21 at 7pm.
