01) Deputy Supervisor Stalteri called to order the Regular Meeting of the Town Board of Herkimer held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00PM at the Herkimer Town Hall located at 114 N. Prospect Street, Herkimer, NY 13350
02) Roll Call of Officers
Present:
- Deputy Supervisor - Daniel Stalteri
- Councilman - Randy Kast
- Councilman - Vito Carbone
- Councilwoman - Kathleen DeCarlo
- Highway Supt. - Ken Ward
- Attorney - Christopher Bray
- Town Park Supervisor - Kathi Nasypany
Excused:
- Supervisor - Dominic Frank
- Codes Enforcer - Ken Collis
- Deputy Attorney - Joseph Macri
- Dog Control Officer - Erica Dutton
- Public Relations Consultant - Shannon Costello
03) Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Councilwoman DeCarlo led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
04) Reading of the Minutes.
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilwoman DeCarlo, to accept and place on file the minutes of the previous special meeting held on May 4, 202 as written.
CARRIED AYES ALL
05) Public information meeting
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we have a public information meeting for the Shells Bush Road Over West Canada Bridge project, I will have it over to our consultants. Wayne Bonsteel from Azar Design Co introduced him. Mike Moore from Azar Design Co introduced himself and stated the Shells Bush Road bridge was built in 1989, you can see in your broacher the existing condition of the bridge. There is a failed compression, the approaching slabs are cracking, the railing needs steel tubing replaced in some spots, a failed expansion joint from the roadway, there is corrosion and rust which is eating away at the barriers. Our main goal is to reduce the lifestyle maintenance on the bridge and minimize disruption for the public. This is a federally funded project through Bridge NY with 5% percent of the cost coming from the Town of Herkimer. We have 850,000 funded for the project with a local match of 42,000 from the Town of Herkimer. The project total cost is coming in higher at 2.2 million. Concrete in the middle of the bridge needs to be repaired and sealed to protect the concrete. There are structural steel repairs, heat straightening and strengthening web of the beams. We are looking at doing joint elimination detail to avoid this from happening again and avoid water from seeping onto the joint. We need to do a barring components correction, repaint the outside due to deterioration. We will be repaving approaching slabs approximately 100 feet to improve the ride. All our big ticket items are occurring underneath the bridge. The construction should take about eight months and it will be an eight-mile detour. The detour would be Shells Bush Road to Pine Grove Road to Gros Blvd to NY-5. The bridge is too tight to do stage construction on NY-28 and would add additional costs, the best option is to close the bridge. There will be no night disruptions and all work will be done during the day. Fred M from FCM Engineering stated DOT is aware of the project and has told the Town of Herkimer to get to the design phase and then they will look into more funding for the project through DOT. Wayne Bonsteel stated this funding is from the last round of Bridge NY and it is possible there is new funding through the next round. Fred M. from FCM Engineering stated the goal is to get to the bidding phase. Wayne Bonsteel stated the design will be completed in the next couple months and we are working with DOT. Fred M. from FCM Engineering stated hopefully we will be out for bid in November and we will start the project in January or February 2027. Mark Nagele, Herkimer County Highway Superintendent stated I think it would be beneficial to have the consultants look into funding from Region 2. Are there any other options? Mike Moore stated this is to get the bridge in the best place as possible. We did a full bridge replacement option and it was around six million dollars. Councilman Carbone asked what about emergency services? They will need to be notified and it will take them longer to get to calls. Mike Moore stated we will notify them once it is closer. Highway Superintendent Ward stated the emergency services can use Folts Road but not the tractor trailers. Patrice Gleim of 756 Shells Bush Road asked can the weight be posted? Are the tractor trailers contributing to the deterioration? Wayne Bonsteel you can only post if there are structural issues. The bridge is inspected by DOT every two years and has not been posted. John Ahern of 534 Shells Bush Road stated I am going to summarize it just so I can make sure I got everything correct. The proposed bridge is estimated at 2.2 million, there is some funding but the Town will be looking into more funding and you are not looking to do anything on the bridge until 2026. You are dumping the traffic into a school zone. Mike Moore stated yes we are aware. If you have any other comments or questions, there is a form that can be submitted to our office. The form has to be submitted by May 26, 2026, they can be mailed or emailed. Councilman Carbone asked is the bridge safe enough to travel on until it is fixed? Mike Moore stated yes it is, it has not been flagged. Mrs. Obreza of 139 Shells Bush Road asked will it be less bumpy riding over the bridge? Mike Moore stated it should be a smoother transition.
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Kast to close the public informational meeting for Shells Bush Road Bridge Over West Canada.
CARRIED AYES ALL
06) Public Meeting.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated if anyone would like to address the board to please state you name, address, and tell us why you are here. With no one in the public coming forward.
Motion by Councilwoman DeCarlo, seconded by Councilman Carbone to close the public meeting.
CARRIED AYES ALL
07) Petitions and Communications.
Motion by Councilwoman DeCarlo, seconded by Councilman Kast, to accept and place on file all the petition and communication A through B listed below.
- Letters dated May 5, 2026 from Supervisor Frank to Court Clerk Applicants regarding the Court Clerk Position
- A letter dated May 8, 2026 from Charter Communications regarding an upcoming change.
CARRIED AYES ALL
07) Routing.
08) Resolutions.
Attorney Bray stated we are looking into the Arthur Street Property for 75,000. This Resolution authorizes Supervisor Frank or Deputy Supervisor Stalteri to execute the purchase offer contingent on the environmental inspection. We would do a phase one and move to phase two if there are environmental issues with the property. If it cost over 1,000 dollars to correct we can get out of the contract with the seller. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri this is contingent on the walk through. I reached out to John Piesck at the Herkimer County IDA for help with that. The Herkimer County IDA helped with the Pine Grove Road Phase two. This also authorizes Attorney Bray to communicate with the seller's attorney. Councilman Kast and I will do the walk through. Attorney Bray stated we will have to look 40 years to make sure it is a clean title. We have always used Allied American but I do want to disclose that my wife works there now. I am still recommending we use them as they have worked for us in the past but that is the board's decision.
Motion by Councilman Kast, seconded by Councilwoman DeCarlo to accept, place on file and approve Resolution No. 11 of 2026 - to Authorize Town Supervisor or Deputy Town Supervisor to execute purchase offer.
CARRIED AYES ALL
09) Old Business.
Water Districts: Highway Supt. Ward stated the Village of Herkimer notified me that the water usage is up on Highland Ave, im assuming it is because residents are filling their pools. I will check again in two days. The water is all hooked up at DNA Hoops.
McKennan Road Enhancement Project: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated there is nothing new to report.
West Herkimer Water: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated there is nothing new to report.
East Herkimer Sewer District: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated I am taking webinars on how to execute the grant money.
East German Street Extension Emergency Road Repair Project: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we are pursuing another grant and the deadline is on Friday.
Codes: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated Codes Enforcer Collis is not here, there is nothing new to report. We need to update the codes law, the last one we have is Local Law No.2 of 2006. Attorney Bray stated we need to pass a law; I will work on that.
Landbank: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated there is nothing new to report.
Subdivision Local Law: Tabled.
160 Pine Grove Road: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated I am taking a webinar on how to execute on how to execute the grant contract for the grant. The Planning Board will be the lead agency on the project.
Town Park: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we have not closed out the park renovations with Central Paving. We are going through what needs to be done still. There was a gate changed when we did not approve it, we asked for a break down. We have not received the breakdown and I am going to meet with them. The timer for the court lights are burned out, the contractor is looking to see if it is under warranty. We need to replace it and there are other electrical issues. The lights are going on and off but we have no control of them right now. The flag pole lights are in but the flags are on back order, we will need to do an annual flag replacement. Town Park Supervisor Nasypany stated we have a meeting tomorrow and we are doing good on the Wellness Fair. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated Highway Superintendent Ward and the Highway Department moved the shed. Softball contacted me and they needed to replace home plate at the field. We should be replacing it; they are going to give us a bill. The BOCES shed is not done, the instructor retired and has health issues. I spoke with the court contractor, he is going to go up look at it and fix it. Town Park Nasypany stated we are doing a park clean up on June 5. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated June 5 at 2:00 PM with the 60 years of service through Herkimer College. They will be doing grounds keeping and mulching. Highway Superintendent Ward stated he will drop off mulch this week.
Updating Zoning Ordinance: Tabled.
Signs entering Town: Tabled.
Friends of Town of Herkimer/Not for Profit: Tabled.
Public Safety: Councilman Carbone stated there is nothing new to report.
Village Court: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated Jim Shultz started today for court.
Osborne Hill Road Culvert: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated there is nothing to report.
Shells Bush Road Bridge: Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we covered this during the public meeting.
10) New Business.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated the Village of Herkimer is increasing their water and sewer rates 5%. Attorney Bray stated we will need to do a public hearing and a resolution. Councilman Kast asked how are the fund balances looking? Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we will need to increase 5% to keep the pace. Attorney Bray stated this resolution just schedules the public hearing. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated the public hearing will be set for June 1 at 6:05PM.
Motion by Councilman Kast, seconded by Councilman Carbone to accept, place on file and approve Resolution No. 12 of 2026 - to schedule a public hearing for June 1 at 6:05 PM to establish new water and sewers rates for districts in the Town of Herkimer.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we will need to do a workshop for Green Waste. Highway Superintendent Ward stated he will revisit and discuss the rules as they are old. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated would anyone like to attend the workshop? Councilman Carbone and Councilman Kast stated they will attend the work shop.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we will be entering in contract with DASNY for the Communtiy Center funding and I will be taking a webinar on how to execute the grant contract for the grant money.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated I have an upcoming training for implementation and requirements regarding the grant for the East Herkimer Sewer District.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we discussed the Final Payment for the Park Renovations earlier in the meeting under the town park.
Councilwoman DeCarlo stated a resident would like a sign on East German Street Extension for Emergency Vehicles. Highway Superintendent Ward stated can put up a sign and notify the 911 center as well. Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated I believe we notified them with our Emergency Orders, that is part of the orders. Councilwoman DeCarlo stated the resident stated they wanted a sign because it was hard for people to find their house for a birthday party and they are now worried about emergency vehicles locating their home. Highway Superintendent Ward stated I will have a conversation with the residents on that road and we will look into it.
11) Reports.
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilwoman DeCarlo to accept and place on file April 2026 Monthly Town Justice Reports from Justice Petucci and Justice Manne.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Kast, seconded by Councilman Carbone accept and place on file the deed for Sewer District 4, Herkimer Commons Pump Area
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilwoman DeCarlo to accept and place on file the Emergency Orders for East German Street Extension dated 5/6, 5/11 and 5/26 of 2026.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Kast to accept and place on file the Renewal State of Emergency Declaration dated 5/16/2026 for East German Street Ext.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilman Kast to accept and place on file the Emergency Orders for Oberle Road dated 5/7, 5/12 and 5/17 of 2026.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Carbone, seconded by Councilwoman DeCarlo to accept and place on file the Renewal State of Emergency Declaration dated 5/17/2026 for Oberle Road.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilwoman DeCarlo, seconded by Councilman Carbone to accept and place on file the Revenue and Expense Report dated May 18, 2026.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilman Kast, seconded by Councilman DeCarlo to accept and place on file the Trial Balance Report dated May 18, 2026.
CARRIED AYES ALL
11) Purchase orders and Audit.
Deputy Supervisor Stalteri stated we have purchase order number 5 to separate the Town Office and the Court Networks. Our IT recommended to separate the court computer systems and the town office as majority of the hacking is through court systems. This protects both the court and the town office.
Motion by Councilman Kast, seconded by Councilman Carbone to accept, place on file and approve purchase order number 5 to separate the court and town office networks.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Motion by Councilwoman DeCarlo, seconded by Councilman Carbone to accept, place on file and approve the audit dated May 18, 2026.
CARRED AYE ALL
12) Adjourn.
Motion by Councilwoman DeCarlo, seconded by Councilman Carbone, that the Regular Meeting of the Herkimer Town Board be adjourned until the next Regular Meeting to be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 6:00PM.
CARRIED AYES ALL
Krystal M. Moore, Herkimer Town Clerk