Southtowns Record

Town Board minutes — February 13, 2026 (full text)

Town of Marilla Town Board Feb 13, 2026 4 pages

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Regular Meeting February 13, 2026 9 The regular organizational meeting of the Marilla Town Board was held on Friday February 13, 2026, at 5:05 pm. at the Marilla Town Hall, 1740 Two Rod Road, Marilla, New York. Officials present were: Earl Gingerich Jr., Supervisor Brian Nolan, Councilman Matthew Dolegowski, Councilman Randy Reichert, Councilman Absent: Anthony Sebastiano, Councilman Supervisor Gingerich called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given. Communications None Committee Reports Councilman Dolegowski stated that Councilman Sebastiano and himself completed the Court Audit. Open Board Presentations from the Public None Old Business Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Dolegowski to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on 1/8/2026. Councilman Reichert – Aye Councilman Nolan - Aye Councilman Dolegowski – Aye Supervisor Gingerich - Aye Motion Carried. New Business Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Reichert to add to the Pay Scale Town Constable $30 per hour, $70 per summons, $35 per additional attempts. Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Dolegowski moved, seconded by Councilman Reichert to Accept the resignation of Will Albers from the Conservation Advisory Board with regrets. Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Dolegowski appoint Daniel Santasiero as an Alternate for the Conservation Advisory Board term to expire December 31, 2027. Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Reichert moved, seconded by Councilman Nolan to authorize the Supervisor to enter into an agreement with Skylighters Fireworks for July 4, 2026, in the amount of $20,000. Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Reichert to Adopt Local Law #1 2026 extending the Supervisors term from two years to four years. Special Election to be held on Tuesday April 21, 2026. Motion Carried.

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Regular Meeting February 13, 2026 10 Councilman Reichert – Aye Councilman Nolan - Aye Councilman Dolegowski – Aye Supervisor Gingerich - Aye Motion Carried. Councilman Nolan stated that the main reason this is being done as majority of other towns are four-year terms and it will give whoever is the Supervisor time to get to know the requirements, procedures and process of all government duties. With it being only a two-year term there really isn’t enough time to learn everything that is needed to know. Personally, think it is best to give someone the opportunity to have four years in office instead of two years. Motion: Councilman Reichert moved, seconded by Councilman Dolegowski to authorize a One-time payment of $250,000 to the Marilla Historical Society for the lost venue space of approximately 1800 square feet (910 square feet by the Marilla Post Office and the remainder to the Town) located in the Marilla Community Center. The town part to be vacated within two years of this Resolution. Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Dolegowski moved, seconded by Councilman Nolan to accept the Resolution for ICE. Motion Carried. Town of Marilla, New York Resolution Supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Immigration Enforcement Efforts WHEREAS, the Town of Marilla is a close-knit rural community in Erie County, characterized by its family-oriented residents, strong sense of community, and dedication to maintaining its peaceful rural lifestyle; and WHEREAS, communities across New York State, including areas in Western New York, have experienced significant strains on housing affordability, the availability of affordable rentals and homes, local employment opportunities and wage growth, healthcare services, and public resources, due in part to high volumes of immigration and recent migrant relocations; and WHEREAS, effective federal immigration enforcement is essential to uphold national laws, secure the nation’s borders, remove individuals who violate immigration statutes, and alleviate undue pressures on local communities that lack the capacity, resources, or funding to absorb rapid population changes without local consent; and WHEREAS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plays a vital role in carrying out these federal responsibilities, including civil and criminal enforcement, deportation proceedings for those unlawfully present, and policies aimed at restricting unauthorized immigration; and WHEREAS, robust federal action—including mass deportation of immigration violators where lawful and restrictionist immigration policies—is necessary to protect taxpayer-funded services, preserve community stability, ensure public safety, and prioritize the needs of long-term residents; and WHEREAS, while immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, local expressions of support can encourage federal authorities to prioritize resources and enforcement in ways that benefit small communities like Marilla; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Marilla hereby: 1. Expresses its strong support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its mission to enforce federal immigration laws. 2. Affirms the importance of federal immigration enforcement, including deportation of those in violation of immigration laws and policies restricting immigration, as necessary measures to address local and national impacts. 3. Encourages federal authorities to continue and expand efforts to secure borders, enforce existing laws, and prioritize the removal of criminal violators and those unlawfully present. 4. Directs the Town Clerk to transmit a copy of this Resolution to relevant federal officials, including ICE leadership and Congressman Nick Langworthy, to convey the Town’s position. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption. Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Marilla this 13th day of February, 2026.

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Regular Meeting February 13, 2026 11 Motion: Councilman Dolegowski moved, seconded by Councilman Nolan to amend the agenda. Motion Carried Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Reichert to accept the Court Audit for 2025. Motion Carried Motion: Councilman Nolan moved, seconded by Councilman Dolegowski to amend the agenda. Motion Carried Motion: Councilman Dolegowski moved, seconded by Councilman Nolan to authorize the Supervisor/Town Board to sign the required documents for the LOSAP program. Motion Carried. Report of Town Officials Bill Blarr from the Marilla Fire Company stated they had 14 people make LOSAP points for last year. There is a form that the Town Board needs to sign and the Supervisor needs to sign a separate form. Open Board Presentations A member from the Marilla Historical Society stated that they are unable to accept the $250,000 from the town at this time as they want to get an agreement in place with the town so the Board of Trustees can see it. Supervisor Gingerich Jr. stated what you do with the funds is up to you, if you decide to move forward with a building the town will need to know that so that an agreement can be drawn up at that time. The town cannot draft an agreement until we know that you are moving forward with the building, as the town can’t have any involvement. What you decide to do with the funds is 100% up to you. The Historical Society has to make decision for themselves. Once you decide that you are moving forward and start the process the Town can then draft an agreement. A member of the Marilla Historical Society stated they are not set up for that right now, that they would have to set up an account for the funds and someone in charge of it. Supervisor Gingerich Jr. stated that the Town is basically reimbursing the Historical Society for the loss of the venue. My understanding you need a Variance, if you move forward with the Variance that shows the Town you are moving forward with the building in which the Town can draft up an agreement. The town cannot draft up an agreement before you start the process of the building. Proof has to be shown that you are using the money for the building. Marilla Historical member stated they need to know what the Town is going to do. We are worried about having to pay for the gas, electricity, etc. Supervisor Gingerich Jr. stated that the town will take care of the upkeep of the grounds, The utilities and maintenance of the building we can’t have anything to do with it. The money the town pays for the current storage facility can go to the Historical Society and the $3,000 that the town currently gives the Historical Society you can use to pay for anything that you wish to. A member of Marilla Historical Society stated again that they are worried that they won’t be able to pay for anything. Councilman Nolan stated that any organization that asks for money you must prove why you need the money. Councilman Reichert stated the 250th Anniversary Celebration is pretty much laid out. Highway Superintendent Ron Unverdorban Jr. and Councilman Reichert have been working behind the

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Regular Meeting February 13, 2026 12 scenes. The two concerts, the fireworks and the rides booked. It is going to be the Town of Marilla and Town of Wales venue. The Town of Elma has opted out. We will be having a Varity Parade, Bands and more details to come. Thinking about having Marketing person help us as this is going to be a big event. Hoping to start posting more on social media to get the word out. Councilman Sebastiano asked if the Town of Alden was contacted. Supervisor Gingerich Jr. stated they have not as they were waiting to hear back from the Town of Elma. Councilman Nolan stated they will be reaching out the other non-profit organizations in town now that we have an answer from the Town of Elma. Councilman Dolegowski stated they did Valentines for Veterans again this year. Thank You to Mrs. Laskey from Marilla Primary. The Valentines were given to the Marilla Veterans and are at the Marilla Library if anyone else would like one. Councilman Reichert stated West of the Mark is going to be the headliner on Friday night (7/3/26) and Tammy Cloon will be playing on Saturday night (7/4/26). Supervisor Gingerich Jr. stated he received official notice from Iroquois Central School and Alden Central School that they can’t get enough kids from the school bands to come play at any of our events. It is very sad. They won’t be able to make the Memorial Day parade, Ag-Day parade or Independence Day parade. The town even offered them $500 (the band) to participate in each of the parades. Motion: Councilman Dolegowski moved, seconded by Councilman Sebastiano to approve the claims previously audited by the Town Board. General Fund Vouchers 12-59 $117,102.59 Highway Fund Vouchers 8-25 $ 46,614.28 Special Districts; Sanitation Voucher 7-20 $ 28,477.62 Water 2 Vouchers $ .00 Water 3 Voucher $ .00 Water 4 Voucher $ .00 Water 5 Voucher $ .00 Cemetery Voucher $ .00 Special Fire Voucher $ .00 Community Dev Voucher 1 $ 2,180.00 Motion Carried. Motion: Councilman Sebastiano moved, seconded by Councilman Reichert to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Motion Carried. Respectfully submitted, Town Clerk _________________________ Supervisor ________________________ Councilman ________________________ Councilman ________________________ Councilman________________________ Councilman _______________________

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