The Pompey Town Board met on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:30pm. A video of the full meeting can be viewed from the Town of Pompey Facebook Page.
Solar Farm Discussion
Supervisor Renee Rotondo requested feedback from Board members on the Frank Long Road solar farm proposal. All members, including Supervisor Rotondo, expressed significant concerns about the project and indicated that they would not approve the proposal as it currently stands. Concerns centered on the already difficult drainage issues and potential repercussions of any drainage mitigation recommendations that may be brought forth. During public comment at the end of the meeting, a few members of the audience made statements expressing their opposition to the project.
Pompey Hill Cemetery Association
Laini Amaritnant, President of the Pompey Hill Cemetery Association, requested that the Board consider providing funding for software that will help the Association catalog the graves at the site. Ms. Amaritnant spent some time discussing the dire condition of the cemetery and some of the historic aspects of the site, which dates back to the early 1800s.
The request was for a total of $1,800, which pays for the software and a one-year license. The Board voted and unanimously approved the request. Money will be taken from ARPA funds to pay for the project.
Pompey Historical Society
Historical Society President Anne Shelley reported that former Delphi Falls resident and author Jerry Antil is interested in donating his writing studio — a 9’x12′ structure — to the Pompey Historical Society. Ms. Shelley proposed using the property next to the Society that is owned by the Town and which currently houses other exhibits as a location for the building. She and Ruth Hotaling discussed the relevance and importance of the building and its contents to Pompey’s local history. Antil is the author of a series of books of his reminiscences of growing up in the Pompey area during the post-WWII era. The books cite many family names and locations in Pompey and provide a unique look into the character of the area during that time.
Mr. Antil has agreed to pay for all costs relating to the transport and siting of the building. The Board voted unanimously to allow the Historical Society to place the building on Town property. Further details need to be fleshed out, and there will be a legal review prior to finalizing any agreement to ensure the Town does not incur any liability or cost for the project.
Community Events
Town Clerk Nikki Reid reminded everyone that there will be an Earth Day event on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9am until noon at the Town Hall and Highway Garage. The Highway Dept. will host an open house, and there will be a seedling giveaway. The Pompey Cemetery Association will also hold a Cemetery Cleanup Day in conjunction with the Earth Day event. More info on the events can be found here and here.
Swim Program
Due to the closing of Cazenovia College, the Pompey Swim Program has contracted with the Town of Tully for Pompey residents to send their children to the Tully Lake program. Parents should note that registration begins May 1, and the Town of Pompey is limited to sending 50 students. If additional spaces become available, the Town of Tully will open those up to Pompey residents.
Supervisor Rotondo assured residents that the Board understands this solution is not ideal due to the limited availability and the program being held outdoors. She will continue to be in contact with Cazenovia college representatives to try to reinstate the Pompey Swim Program there once they’ve finalized their plans for the space.
