Village of Cherry Valley Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday October 21, 2025
The Village of Cherry Valley Board of Trustees meeting opened at 6:28 PM by Mayor Stiles with the Pledge to the Flag. In attendance were Mayor Jeffrey S. Stiles, Trustees Ian M. Feulner and K. Don Brigham, DPW Superintendent Wayne B. Valentine, Clerk-Treasurer Melissa F. Gregory, and Attorney Jill A. Poulson, Esq. Also in attendance were the following: Lisa Gerdin (Village resident); Angelica Palmer (CVCFC Board Member); Mark Hayes (Town resident); Noelle Adamoschek (Historic Cherry Valley Businesses); Dustin Lewandowski (Village resident and business owner).
Approval of the September 16, 2025 minutes was made, as members received in final written form. It was upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to accept the minutes as written.
Treasurer’s Report
It was upon motion of Trustee Feulner, seconded by Trustee Brigham, unanimously carried, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given.
GUESTS:
Mayor Stiles opened this portion of the meeting with a note that from here on, each person attending the meeting, who would like to speak, will have two minutes to do so. He reminded our guests that it is important that all attending be respectful of all Board members and of the time we have during these meetings.
Noelle Adamoschek, with the Historic Cherry Valley Businesses, came to the board to finalize details for the upcoming “Falltober Fest” on Saturday October 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Angelica Palmer, who is a local Village resident, and also a board member of the CVCFC (Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corporation) , attended the meeting this evening to discuss her work with the NYForward and DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grants (which are non-matching). The application deadline for the next round of this funding will be next September of 2026. She noted she is working currently on behalf of the CVCFC and it was suggested to her to reach out to the Village and Town to discuss a “partnership” in planning for funding. She outlined the details she has as of now, and noted that as other items come along and she finds out more that she will be in touch with the Board to look at next steps. Among her work she noted that the MVEDD (Mohawk Valley Economic Development District) would like to come visit the Village to complete a walk-through with the Board to see where else they can potentially help us (or at least point us in the right direction).
Local Village resident, Lisa Gerdin, inquired about the Gazebo (and its location) in the center of town. She noted that she has seen it online for sale and was curious if the Village had any intentions of purchasing it. Mayor Stiles noted that this had been brought up at a prior meeting over this recent summer, but that the Village currently does not have the funds to outright purchase this space. Angelica Palmer noted that this may be of interest to discuss with the current owners when it comes to the NYForward and DRI grants. Further discussion with the owners will be had between this meeting and the next in November.
Dustin Lewandowski, local Village resident and business owner, attended this evening’s meeting to inquire about the status of the discussions surrounding his business. The Board members including Attorney Poulson, noted that there are currently no updates at this time because there have been no noted changes (that they are aware of up until the time this meeting began). Mr. Lewandowski noted that a walk-through with him at either of his locations has not been completed yet. He also noted that he spoke with NYSDMV (New York State Department of Motor Vehicles) regarding the fact that his businesses (on Alden and Main/Church) are within five miles of one another and how that could be interpreted when related to the law/ordinance in question. No changes/updates have been made in this matter and it rests as is.
OLD BUSINESS:
Department of Public Works (DPW)
DPW Superintendent Valentine reported that Layne Christensen and the DPW, along with Gridley Excavating, has successfully completed the repairs to Well #1. At the time of this evening’s meeting, the numbers regarding the well are as follows: 105 PSI; 200 Gallons Per Minute; maintaining a depth of 14’ 6” of water. At this time, the well will not be turned back on for use until it has gone through NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health) testing. Superintendent Valentine noted that they will be pursuing hydrant flushing as well, before getting the well back on line for resident usage. As of this time, the plan to do the hydrant flushing is set for early November, weather pending. When a final date is set, the Village Office and DPW will make the residents aware. Mayor Stiles did note that due to the issues with the well (and further updates to be done) there is a large probability that water rates will be increased upon entering into the new Village Fiscal Year (June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027).
Clerk-Treasurer
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory reported updates regarding the approval of the loan funding coming from the EFC (Environmental Facilities Corporation). A big thank you goes out to Ms. Julie Barown for her great efforts to help the Village receive funding. She is continuing to help the Village in accessing other funding opportunities as well.
A thank you note was received from the Cherry Valley Historical Association/Museum for the Village’s continued donation of money which makes access to their facility free for Village residents.
The AFR (Annual Financial Report) was noted to have been completed on time and was accepted by the OSC (Office of the State Comptroller).
Regarding the Village website, Trustee Feulner shared that he and Clerk-Treasurer Gregory are continuing to work on updates. He noted that he will be reaching out to various people regarding their knowledge of websites and their ability and willingness to help us with certain aspects as we move forward.
Regarding Casella Waste Management Systems and the troubles being incurred with toters, Clerk-Treasurer Gregory noted that she will be reaching out to them again to firm up details of residents who have still yet to receive the toters they’ve asked for. She will also be inquiring about requests/notes they have for residents as we approach the winter months.
Trustee Brigham noted that regarding office “software”, his local contact will be looking to reach out to the office in the next week or two to schedule a time to meet.
Another discussion was held regarding update to holiday decor and the appropriate use of donated funds from Mr. Nicolas Budimlic in December of 2024. It was noted that between this meeting and the next, Village Office staff and Board members will look into options and meet as needed to come up with a plan and narrowed down ideas to vote on.
NYSDEC provided an email to the Village regarding the digging of the creek behind the CV Museum, noting that there is most likely not USACE regulated resources at the site, and if it is federally jurisdictional, they may still require water quality certification depending on the action being done.
NEW BUSINESS:
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Mayor Stiles noted a complaint that was received regarding Elm Street within the Village. He stated that it is being looked into and plans are being made to take action as necessary.
Clerk-Treasurer
It was upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to officially create an “Equipment Repair Reserve” Fund in NYCLASS.
It was upon motion of Trustee Feulner, seconded by Trustee Brigham, unanimously carried, to 1) move money from NBT Bank to NYCLASS in a total of $10,000.00 to fulfill the remaining amount that was not moved after the last meeting and, 2) transfer the related monies within NYCLASS into the newly created “Equipment Repair Reserve” Fund.
Regarding an inquiry from a Village resident about the possibility of an installment plan when it comes to paying for cemetery plots, the Board agreed that doing so is fine.
Resident Lorraine Bosma has requested that the Board consider a reduction or elimination of the late fees associated with her recent water bill payment. Clerk-Treasurer Gregory noted to the Board that her check was written and dated in July however, her envelope was marked August 1. The Board discussed and agreed to eliminate her late fee and a check will be written to reimburse her.
At last month’s meeting there was a note to discuss the potential for creating a Village Planning Board; this was tabled to this evening’s meeting due to not all Board members being present. A more thorough discussion was held this evening with the next steps being to find no less than five Village residents that would be willing to be a part of this Planning Committee. Another item relating to this will be updating the comprehensive plan. It was upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to create a Village Planning Board. More details will be shared as they become available.
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory noted that it is the time of year to begin thinking about our insurance plans. Our current broker, Mike Hutcherson, with Selective Insurance, touched base with Clerk-Treasurer Gregory noting that he will be in contact as soon as he finishes working with the Town. Another company, The Reese Group, contacted the Village Office and would like to meet with Mayor Stiles as well. Mayor Stiles has instructed the Village Office to reach out to both companies and invite them to the next board meeting.
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory noted documentation she received regarding National Grid’s Lighting Incentive. Each Board member, as well as Attorney Poulson and DPW Superintendent Valentine, received a copy of the document and will be reviewing it to discuss further at next month’s meeting.
Another email received by Clerk-Treasurer Gregory was from MVEDD and their memo regarding “Rural Connectivity” plans for the areas in the Butternut Valley such as Gilbertsville and Morris. This document was provided to all as well so it could be reviewed and addressed at a later date if the Village would like to pursue efforts for our area.
Lastly, there was an email and phone call to the Village Office regarding water and wastewater work. The CVSCSD is currently working with BC Architects and Engineers to improve their said systems and the company reached out to us regarding potentially setting up a meeting to discuss if there was anything the Village could do to benefit from their work together. The email was passed along to Mayor Stiles with this item to be tabled until a later date.
Finances:
Audit of Claims:
After review by the board, it was upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to make payment on paid bills and budget modifications as follows:
Executive Session
The Village Board entered executive session at 7:51 p.m. upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried.
Adjournment:
The Village Board ended the executive session and adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m. upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Gregory, Clerk-Treasurer
October 22, 2025
