From the supervisor: A busy start

By Janet Aaron

Skaneateles Town Supervisor

For many in the Town, Jan. 1 marked changes in positions. Julie Stenger started her first term as your elected Town Clerk after serving as Deputy Town Clerk for 21 years, Michele Norstad began her first year as Deputy Town Clerk, after serving part time in the Assessor’s Office and the Town Clerk Office, Mark Tucker began his first term as town councilor after serving on the Planning and Zoning Boards for over 20 years, Kevin McCormack began his first term as town councilor and I am starting my first term as town supervisor after serving as town clerk for 25 years.

Skaneateles Lake issues have dominated my first month.  The town will be sponsoring a grant that Skaneateles Lake Association has initiated to develop a 9 Element Plan.  If the grant is successful, the Plan will identify and quantify sources of pollutants, determine the water quality goal(s) or target(s) and the pollutant reductions needed to meet the goal, and describe the actions (best management practices) needed to achieve the reductions that will improve water quality.  The primary goal of completing a 9E Plan is to secure access to state and federal funding for projects that will protect water quality.  Once the 9E Plan is complete, it becomes easier to secure funding for implementing projects that are recommended in the plan.  This is a great coordinated project between all of these agencies that are working together for the betterment of Skaneateles Lake.

Sue Murphy and Gene LaForte are leading the effort in organizing a boat washing station in Mandana.  Thanks to funding receiving from the Onondaga County Legislature the Town is able to purchase the equipment and to develop the property for this project that will further help protect Skaneateles Lake.  Skaneateles Lake Association has Stewards who over the last few years have lead the effort inspecting boats at the NYSDEC Boat Launch and the Town Board Launch.  Last year the Stewards inspected 3,043 boats at the NYS Boat Launch and 659 boats at the Town’s Mandana Boat Launch.  Boats that do not meet the Clean, Drained and Dry requirement of the NYSDEC Law will be directed to Mandana to have their boat washed.   Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing equipment can spread invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned after use. Regulations adopted in 2014, prohibit boats from launching from or leaving DEC launch sites without first draining the boat and cleaning the boat, trailer and equipment of visible plant and animal material. In May 2016 Statewide regulations known as the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spread Prevention regulation, or 6 NYCRR Part 576, require that “reasonable precautions”, such as cleaning, draining and treating, are taken to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species prior to placing watercraft or floating docks into public waterbodies.  We will bring more information on the operation of this boat washing station as the project is moved forward.

Curt Coville’s position was changed from part time to full time Codes Enforcement Officer in December.  In January the Board hired R. J. Cunningham as part time Codes Enforcement Officer. Michele Jackson, who is our part time Clerk to our Zoning Board of Appeals was authorized to also work a few hours in the Codes Office.  We believe this additional support will help this department keep on top of the projects not only in the watershed but throughout the Town and the extra support will be more available to help our residents with their building and home improvement needs.

Please feel free to stop in my office, call or email me with questions or concerns you have.