Esperance Board Addresses Bird Flu, RV Regulations, Roadwork

ESPERANCE — The Esperance Town Board tackled a range of issues at its regular Feb. 20 meeting, from a potential bird flu outbreak to ongoing concerns about RV regulations and upcoming roadwork.

The meeting, held at the town hall, began with a report from Planning Board member Mark Fitzgerald, who detailed the discovery of a deceased Canadian goose on Junction Road, suspected to have died from avian influenza. Fitzgerald said the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was notified and is investigating the situation, with the carcass taken to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Cornell University for further analysis. He also noted a bald eagle was observed feeding on the goose.

Roadwork dominated much of the discussion. Highway Superintendent Michelle Brust presented her report, outlining planned projects and addressing concerns from board members. Councilman Harold Conklin inquired about a steep grade sign on Conover Road, while Councilman Ben Gigandet emphasized the need to prioritize summer roadwork, similar to last year’s efforts. Brust highlighted that Lape Road is slated for cold mix paving and chip sealing in the spring, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The board also discussed the need for a bidding process and deadlines for roadwork contracts.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on RV and camping regulations, specifically concerning a situation on Burtonsville Road. Councilman Conklin expressed frustration with the lack of enforcement regarding residents living in a camper without proper permits. He questioned the town’s process and requested Supervisor Earl VanWormer follow up with the town attorney to determine why the issue was not being pursued. VanWormer clarified that the town is working to create an enforceable regulation independent of the Burtonsville Road case. Conklin said that he was done with the "charade."

"We need an enforceable regulation," VanWormer said in response to Conklin's concerns.

The board also addressed several administrative matters, including approving the supervisor’s report, town clerk and tax collection reports, and minutes from the previous meeting. They reapproved a standard workday and reporting resolution due to a clerical error and approved the appointment of a second deputy clerk/tax collector.

The board approved a motion to increase the income limit for senior citizen tax exemptions to $26,500 and scheduled a public hearing on the matter.

Financial matters were also addressed as the board approved voucher payments totaling $29,764.81 across various town funds.

Conklin also requested the supervisor invite the Health Department, town judge, attorney, and code enforcement officer to a future Planning Board meeting.

The board conducted its annual court audit checklist and examination of the Town Justice Court records.

Concerns were raised by resident Al Zwick regarding residents living “off the grid” and the potential impact on health and sanitary codes. The supervisor reiterated that campers are not intended for year-round living and that the town has a responsibility to enforce building and sanitary codes.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Special thanks to Town Clerk Jessica Castle for the meeting minutes.