Village of Cherry Valley Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday May 19, 2026
The Village of Cherry Valley Board of Trustees meeting opened at 6:33 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 eight guests.
Approval of the April 21, 2026 minutes (with corrections), 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 Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given.
GUESTS:
Ms. Noelle Adamoschek attended this evening’s meeting to confirm the details of the upcoming weekend’s “Spring into Summer” event, which encompassed all that was noted last month.
Ms. Pamela Noonan and Ms. Jane Sapinksy came to the meeting as representatives of Cherry Valley Artworks. They came to share all that the group has upcoming this season, of which there are fourteen between May and October. Some of the events noted in particular were the following: “Under Four Flags” presentation, taking place on May 28th; “Timber Framers Workshop” July 10-12th; “Kite Fest” September 25-26th. Also taking place for the group includes the launch of their new website where they’ve restarted their blogging, the taking down of a garage and building up of a stage (to be the “Vanessa Bley Memorial Stage”), and various repairs to the building. To do many of these things they’ve relied heavily on grants they’ve applied for and received.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Dustin Lewandowski inquired about the newly planted trees (through the work of Otsego County Soil and Water), wondering how long the tubes will remain around the trees, and why there are so many/their overall purpose. Resident and Village Building/Safety Inspector, Mr. Ricky DeAngelo, was in attendance this evening and noted that the tubes will be in place until the trees begin to pop out. In regards to the why for the project, he noted that the main purpose for the planting was to provide shade and increase the stabilization of the creek bank.
OLD BUSINESS
Terry Brant - pricing inquiry for “burial” of wife’s cremains
After further discussion, the Board agreed that no additional charges will be charged to Mr. Brant and his family for their placement of his wife’s cremation remains. The final decision was based on inquiries made about pricing, by Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Bouboulis, to other Villages/Towns in the surrounding areas. At this time, other similar “burials” will also not be charged an additional fee, though each case will be addressed individually.
Village Walkthrough - update
The originally planned walkthrough did not take place due to inclement weather. A new Village Walkthrough is being planned for Wednesday June 3rd. The walk will begin at the NBT Bank parking lot at 5:00 p.m.
America250 Celebration
The Board of Trustees discussed potential celebratory decorations for display in the Village before the 4th of July. Clerk-Treasurer Gregory will report at the next meeting, pricing for items which the Board agreed to like and think would look good.
Purchase of Deed (Section B2, Lot 72 a/b)
Motion was made by Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, to approve the deed purchase from Tony and Gail Miles, as their final payment was received on May 19, 2026.
NEW BUSINESS
Water Bills
Clerk-Treasurer Gregory inquired about the potential to combine the Library and Historical Association’s water accounts, as they share the billing each year and it would make the tracking much easier. The Board agreed that this was no problem to go ahead and do.
DPW Superintendent Valentine inquired about the addition of a $25.00 “Administrative Fee” to the water bills for this upcoming billing cycle. The Board discussed and noted a final decision will be made at the June meeting.
Department of Public Works
DPW Superintendent Valentine informed the Board about a residents’ curb stop, and how it is currently broken, making access to it difficult. He also noted that there are others in the Village with the same problem. It was agreed by the Board that this will be a very large undertaking, to 1) dig down to all the curb stops, and 2) to repair the lines that need repairing. Nothing is planned at this time for such repairs to take place.
DPW Superintendent Valentine inquired to the Board about completing work after the curb stop/on residents’ pipes, and if the DPW workers are to be doing such work. Mayor Stiles responded, stating that the Village employees are NOT to be working on residents’ pipes/after the curb stop to the homes.
DPW Superintendent Valentine also inquired about the Village’s responsibility when it comes to mowing residents’ lawns. Mayor Stiles stated that the Village is not to be mowing residents’ lawns. To this note, Clerk-Treasurer Gregory stated that an amendment to the current Village ordinance would need to be completed if the Board is to provide no more than a warning. This will be discussed in further detail at the June meeting.
The cemetery was another topic of discussion as it was noted from DPW Superintendent Valentine that many of the stones are still in extreme disrepair. Out of precaution, Clerk-Treasurer Gregory created and ordered a sign to be placed at the cemetery. Trustee Brigham suggested that these stones could also be flagged/roped off as an additional notice to visitors to maintain their distance. Regarding the roadway in the cemetery, the Board was made aware of the need to get it resealed sooner than later, as it will be cheaper than having to completely repave it. Mayor Stiles stated that more discussion can be had on this for the next year’s budget (FYE2028).
Inquiry was made as to whether or not the Town of Cherry Valley has any millings available for the Village to utilize for the driveway behind the concession stand at the Village park. At this time there is no knowledge of availability, but it will be looked into. Quarry Street is in need of repair and DPW Superintendent Valentine noted that he is hoping to work with the Town to chip seal the road. He stated the urgency of this repair work to be done to prevent further damage. He is also currently awaiting final quotes from both Suit-Kote and Gorman for this project.
Jim Donaldson-Limestone Mansion: water
Resident and business owner, Mr. Jim Donaldson, inquired to the Village about the potential to get water access/a meter to the carriage house behind the Mansion. DPW Superintendent Valentine met with local contractor, Todd Gohde, who will do the primary work on the site. He noted that both he and Maintenance Worker Van Buren, will be present for the work and to install the meter at the completion of the project.
Other
Guest, Mr. Dustin Lewandowski, who was in attendance at this evening’s meeting, asked (on behalf of someone from his live-streaming on Facebook of the meeting), what the Village’s rules are on fireworks within their limits. Village Attorney Poulson noted that something of this nature would be under the provision of law enforcement to handle, not the Village, as there is not currently an ordinance/law for this.
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
Upon motion of Trustee Brigham, seconded by Trustee Feulner, unanimously carried, the Village Board of Trustees ended the public section of the meeting at 7:28 p.m, and entered into executive session, for personnel and potential litigation purposes.
ADJORNMENT
The Village Board ended the executive session and adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. upon motion of Trustee Feulner, seconded by Trustee Brigham, unanimously carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melissa Gregory, Clerk-Treasurer
June 15, 2026
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