Southtowns Record

February 10, 2026 Minutes

Government
Town of Wales
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Feb 10, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Budget and taxes, Zoning and land use, Energy and data center siting, Moratoriums, Short-term rentals, Public safety, Roads and traffic

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 1 of 5

TOWN OF WALES
  Town Board Minutes
  February 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting of the Wales Town Board was held on the 10th day of February 2026 at the Wales
Community Center, 12345 Big Tree Road, Wales Center, New York.
Supervisor Howard called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
  • Supervisor Howard – Present
  • Councilman Butcher – Present
  • Councilman Gallo – Present
  • Councilwoman O’Connor – Present
  • Councilman Newman – Present
Others Present: Wendel Engineering – Robert Klavoon, Attorney Phyllis Torodo and (3)
Residents whose names are on file with Town Clerk.
INVOCATION: led by Councilman Butcher
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Councilman Newman
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION # __By Councilman Butcher, second by Councilwoman O’Connor, approving the agenda for
February 10, 2026. Carried ayes-5 nays-0.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING:
Approval of prior meeting minutes was tabled until the next regular scheduled meeting.
INVITATION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS:
Supervisor Howard explained all persons wishing to speak in favor of or against any items on the agenda
as published and/or adoped may be heard at this time. Agendas have been provided when signing in and
any persons wishing to speak will be recognized. When recognized, please state your full name and
address and you will then be allowed three (3) minutes to speak on the agenda items. Note, persons
wishing to speak will be heard once per agenda item, discussions on non-agenda items may be
discontinued.
Deputy Matthew Malican of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office presented January statistics: 111
calls for service, 8 traffic stops, and 17 traffic accidents, most weather-related, with one reported
larceny. The representative noted concerns about snowmobile activity and agreed to refer noise
and safety issues on Two Rod Road and Route 20A to the snowmobile/ATV unit and local clubs.
OLD BUSINESS
  1.) Local Law 3-2025 Comprehensive revisions to Chapter 200
  The Board discussed continued review of Chapter 200. A Workshop was scheduled for
  Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:00PM at the Wales Town Hall to continue line-by-line
  review.
  2.) Local Law 4-2025 – Short Term Rentals
  Short Term Rentals will be addressed at the upcoming Workshop. The Short Term
  Rentals will be first on the agenda.
  3.) 13748 Big Tree Solar Project
  Big Tree Solar – SEQRA and Special Use Permit Representatives of Wendell
  Engineering and the Big Tree Solar applicant attended.
  • Part 1 of the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) was prepared by the applicant; Parts
  2 and 3 and a supporting memorandum were prepared by Wendell Engineering.
  • A noise study analyzing multiple receptor points around the project area was submitted
  and found acceptable by the Town’s Engineer, Robert Klavoon.
  • Coordinated SEQRA review was conducted with Erie County, Wyoming County,
  NYSDOT, NYSDEC and other involved agencies; two minor comment letters were
  received and addressed.
  • Town Attorney Phyllis Torodo and Engineer Robert Klavoon confirmed:
  ➢ Application will follow the old Special Use Permit process because it was filed in
  October 2024, prior to code changes.
  ➢ Host Community Agreement will be handled between the Town and applicant, not
  as part of the SEQRA resolution.