Town of Grove County of Allegany, State of New York
Board Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2026 The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order at 7:30 pm in the Town Hall by Town Supervisor, Kenneth DeRitter. Present: Kenneth DeRitter, Town Supervisor Susan Morris, Town Clerk/Collector Michael Dieter, Councilmember Mark Ringelberg Highway Superintendent Peggy Gelser-Webb, Councilmember Richard Morris, Sole Assessor/Dog Control Officer Jesse Griffith, Councilmember James Myers, Code Enforcement Officer Kelly Mann, Councilmember Alex Pierce Town Historian Absent: Councilmember Griffith Late: Others present: Judge Wildrick-Cole Esq.: Jeremy Wildrick-Cole and Sherry Gagne’ All reports are filed in Town Clerk’s office for review. Public Participation: Judge Dawn A. Wildrick-Cole Esq. presented herself for election.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the April board meeting were read. Mike Dieter made the motion and Kelly Mann seconded it to accept the minutes as read. Carried. Ayes 4 Dieter, Gelser-Web, Mann, & DeRitter Nays 0 Absent 1 Griffith
Town Clerk/Tax Collector
Taxes ended April 3rd. Settlement was as expected. Penalties amounted to $2,144.97. We were 93% paid with 55 properties out of 757 properties going to County. Any of the 55 wanting to pay will need to go to County Treasurer.
Audit of Claims
Bills were stated in the amounts of: General Fund # 27 - 36 $ 5,417.82 Highway Fund # 42 - 53 $ 49,252.35
Town Official Reports:
Highway Report
Tons of road work to do. Tom started Monday. Rattlesnake is being worked on. Cleaning the creek some. Blocks coming. Ordered more slues pipes. Discussion ensued. Trying to get everything back in order.
Code Enforcement Report
Skyline Builders changed their plans. 1 cabin with leanto. Osborns working on their estate addition to structure and a utility structure. Issued 3 notices. Discussion ensued re: solar panels. Green Peak wants to put solar panels on rte 70.
Dog Control Officer Report
Sent out 2 more tickets.
Assessor’s Report
Waiting for assessment notices to get them out, then I can get grievance season started..
Town Historian
Would like to collect any photos re: the flood for historical purposes. Swamp is changing so focusing on the State land. NYS divisions of cemeteries asked to give back for 3 rd annual Spring clean up April 23-26th. Region is putting together DIS tool on internet for maps.
Supervisor’s Report
LEGISLATORS RESOLUTION #172-26 The protection of State Forests and Wildlife from putting solar fields on State land.
Mike Dieter made the motion and seconded by Kelly Mann to support the protection of NYS forests & Wildlife & opposes State Legislation. Carried.
Ayes 4 Dieter, Gelser-Web, Mann, & DeRitter Nays 0 Absent 1 Griffith
Correspondence:
Town of Burns – would like us to join in on their Sewer District system project. Discussion ensued.
Kelly Mann made the motion and Peggy Gelser-Webb seconded to decline.
Marty Katz sent Brian a letter re: gate on Blakely road. Then sent the letter to Town Supervisor who read the letter. No response to letter.
Old Business:
New Building Gutters estimate $1306 and school house estimate $1188.20 Kelly Mann made motion and Peggy Gelser-Webb seconded it and Mike Dieter 3 rd to do gutters.
New Business:
Tranfers
Transfers from Hwy Savings to Equipment Reserve Kelly Mann made the motion and Peggy Gelser-Webb seconded it to authorize Town Super to transfer funds
250 year anniversary deco
Sherry presented banners to choose from and flower pots.
Kelly Mann made the motion and Peggy Gelser-Webb seconded it to accept the flower pots and banners. Carried.
Ayes 4 Dieter, Gelser-Web, Mann, & DeRitter Nays 0 Absent 1 Griffith
GENERAC asking for a generator maintenance plan.
Kelly Mann made the motion and Mike Dieter seconded it to accept a 5 year plan for $580.
Thank you card to Swain Recreation Center for help during Flood Crisis
Social Media Policy – Copies & page to sign for next board meeting.
There is a Feasibility Solar Project going on Route 70.
Town needs local law to oppose solar fields in the Town of Grove.
1st step: Resolution 3-2026 Public hearing for solar farms
Kelly Mann made the motion and Peggy Gelser-Webb seconded it to accept Public hearing re: solar farm, May 5th at 7pm Carried.
Ayes 4 Dieter, Gelser-Web, Mann, & DeRitter Nays 0 Absent 1 Griffith
Adjournment:
With no further business, Kelly Mann made the motion and seconded by Peggy Gelser-Webb 3r by Mike Dieter to Adjourn. Carried.
Minutes submitted by: Susan Morris, Town Clerk