The Walworth Town Board met twice over the last two weeks, holding a special meeting and its regular monthly session, taking up appointments, infrastructure projects, and several budget-related actions.
During the special meeting, the board formally appointed Nadine Seppeler as town clerk, registrar of vital statistics, and tax collecting officer. Seppeler replaces former clerk Jessica Vance, whose resignation was accepted at the regular meeting the following night after a decade of service to the community and the Walworth-Seely Public Library board.
During it's regularly scheduled session, the board approved easements needed to advance the Sherburne Road sewer replacement project, which will replace a deteriorating force main near the Walworth pump station. The board also set two public hearings for October 29 at 5:30 p.m. -- one for the Walworth Sewer District special assessment roll for 2025, and another on revisions to Chapter 139 of the town code governing sewer use.
The proposed local law updates definitions and responsibilities to align the town's code with its ongoing integration into the Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority system. The change would designate the code enforcement officer as the default superintendent of sewer operations unless the board chooses otherwise.
The board unanimously passed a resolution supporting Congressman Nick Langworthy's Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699/S.1945) opposing state-imposed natural gas bans. Supervisor Brett Johnson said the measure ensures residents retain the ability to choose their energy source and voiced opposition to state rules prohibiting natural gas hookups in new residential construction.
Councilman Jason Kelly noted that the state ban applies only to residential buildings, not government or commercial properties, calling it "unfair to residents." Other members cited rising electric costs as a concern for homeowners if forced to switch to electric heat.
The board approved creation of a full-time groundskeeper position for the Parks and Facilities Department. The position was budgeted for 2025 but will not be filled until January 1, using existing fund balance rather than new tax revenue.
A resolution also designated the town clerk and deputy clerk as the town's records access officers, ensuring continuity in responding to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests following the clerk transition.
During public participation, longtime resident Phil Williamson urged the board to impose a six-month moratorium on development at the Walworth Golf Course site to allow town officials and consultants to fully review zoning and procedural requirements. He warned that skipping steps could expose the town to legal challenges.
Town Historian Jean Mavis reported on recent and upcoming events, including the Patriot Marker Dedication Ceremony scheduled for October 23 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall to honor six Revolutionary War soldiers buried locally.
The board will hold its preliminary budget adoption meeting on October 23 at 5 p.m., followed by regular sessions on November 6 and November 20 at 6:30 p.m.