By Jennifer Wing

The Manlius Town Board, at its regular meeting March 25, postponed to April 22 three public hearings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting inability for the public to participate. Wednesday night’s meeting was not open for public attendance, but was live streamed on the town’s website.

“We are hoping by April 22 the public will at least be able to be at the meeting to speak on those issues that we just adjourned,” Town Attorney Tim Frateschi said.

The public hearings were regarding:

– A special use permit application by Andrew Day of Taft Road Solar, LLC, for a Solar Array – large Solar Photovoltaic Energy System located on East Taft Road, East Syracuse, between Bastable and Fremont Road.

– A proposed local law to amend sections of Local Law 2016-8 regarding Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

– Amending a chapter of the town code for stop signs to be located on Quarter Horse Run, Strawmount Trail And Harness Hook Lane.

“We will re-publish [the public hearings] and we will be ready to go to public hearings on them on April 22, God willing,” Frateschi said.

Town Clerk Allison Weber announced that the Town Hall is now closed to the public, and “we are doing what you could consider essential business only.” Weber urged residents to “call first to see if [what you need] is a critical thing to deal with at this moment” and directed them to the town’s website for further information.

Highway Superintendent Bob Cushing also announced that the highway department is closed to the public, but that blue bins are still available for pickup.

At the meeting, Supervisor Ed Theobald commended “our town hall team” including the town clerk, town manager Ann Oot, department heads and staff, Police Chief Mike Crowell and town attorney Frateschi, who he thanked for “guiding us through all of the legal processes we have put in place since this all began.”

“I would like to add to this team the town residents,” Theobald said. “They have taken on the responsible role of following the rules established by the state, county and our town.”

To view the meeting in full, visit townofmanlius.org.