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Hamilton, New York

Hamilton public meetings in 2025

31 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Dec 11, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to adopt amended Zoning and Subdivision Laws

The Board will continue the public hearing from Dec. 4 on the proposed amended Zoning Law and Subdivision Law, then consider SEQRA reviews and resolutions to adopt both statutes. New business includes appointing Rebecca Lennon as the Town’s sole assessor for the term 1/1/2026‑9/30/2031, repealing the Petersen Road resolution, and approving the 2025 audit by Farrow & Locke CPA Associates PLLC at a cost of $13,600 plus $400‑$600 out‑of‑pocket expenses.

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✓ Decided: Town Board adopts new comprehensive Zoning Law (Local Law B‑2025)

The Board adopted a SEQRA Negative Declaration and approved Local Law B‑2025, which replaces the 2009 Zoning Law with a new comprehensive zoning framework. The final version removed references to natural‑gas activities from the heavy‑industrial definition and eliminated the provision allowing accessory residential structures in agricultural buffers. The public hearing on the zoning amendment was formally closed after unanimous votes.

Thu Dec 4, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Public hearing on proposed zoning law and subdivision regulations

The Town Board will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed zoning law and subdivision regulations. Residents may speak for up to three minutes following the stated comment rules. The meeting will take place at the Poolville Community Center and via Zoom.

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✓ Decided: Town Council adopted resolution to open zoning law public hearing

The council adopted Resolution 2025-109, opening the public hearing on the proposed amended Zoning and Subdivision Laws. The motion was moved by Councilmember Griff, seconded by Councilmember DuBois, and passed with 5 Ayes and 0 Nays. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded in the meeting.

Tue Nov 18, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board will hold public hearings on four minor subdivision proposals

The Hamilton Planning Board will review four minor subdivision applications at 1017 Humphrey Road, 7543 Chappel Road, 7465 Chappel Road, and the Route 12 and Larkin Road site. For each, the board will hear brief applicant explanations, discuss survey maps, conduct an open and close public hearing, and consider SEQRA Part 2 before voting to approve or deny. The agenda also includes signing of vouchers and approval of the October 14 and November 13, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting will adjourn after these items are addressed.

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✓ Decided: Board approved four minor subdivision applications, including town purchase

The Planning Board approved four minor subdivision applications: three private requests and one by the Town of Hamilton with a condition on lot consolidation. All approvals passed with a 5‑aye, 0‑nay vote. The Board also approved the meeting minutes and adjourned the session.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town of Hamilton to hold information session on proposed zoning and subdivision laws

The Town of Hamilton is hosting a public information session to discuss proposed updates to its Zoning Law and Subdivision Regulations. These changes aim to align local laws with the 2017 Comprehensive Plan and New York State laws. An official public hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

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✓ Decided: Town Board adjourned the meeting unanimously

The November 17, 2025 meeting was a public information session on the proposed zoning and subdivision laws. No substantive actions, approvals, or denials were taken. The council adjourned the meeting unanimously at 7:36 p.m.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Planning Board

Board to schedule public hearing for Route 12/Larkin Road minor subdivision

The Planning Board will conduct a preliminary review of a minor subdivision project at the intersection of Route 12 and Larkin Road (Tax Map # 170‑1‑78). The board will hear a brief explanation from the applicant, review the site plan and SEQRA Part 1 documentation, and adopt resolutions to declare the Town of Hamilton the lead agency and to schedule a public hearing on November 18, 2025. The meeting also includes signing of vouchers and a motion to adjourn.

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✓ Decided: Board approves review and schedules public hearing for minor subdivision

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to designate itself as the lead agency and to review part one of the SEQRA short form for the minor subdivision application on Route 12 (tax map # 170‑1‑78). It also voted 5-0 to schedule a public hearing on November 18, 2025 for the same subdivision application submitted by Bridget Sulton. The board adjourned at 6:17 PM following a unanimous 5-0 vote.

Thu Nov 13, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to adopt 2026 budget and schedule zoning law public hearing

The Town Board will discuss the 2026 budget, introduce new compensation and FOIL policies, and schedule public hearings for amended zoning and subdivision regulations. The board will also review highway and financial reports.

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✓ Decided: Hamilton adopts new sales‑tax split, adding about $11 K in revenue

The Town Board approved an amendment to the Madison County sales‑tax distribution, keeping the 50/50 split through 2024 and allocating excess revenue 75% to the county and 25% to towns, which is expected to bring Hamilton roughly $11,000 more. The Board also adopted Option D for the county’s Community Benefits distribution, reducing Hamilton’s share by $3,572 to just over $40,000. Resolutions authorizing $249,971.82 in payments and approving prior meeting minutes were adopted unanimously.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to hold public hearing on 2025 preliminary budget and fire contracts

The Town Board will conduct a public hearing on the 2025 preliminary budget. It will also hear fire protection contract proposals for the Village of Earlville ($30,657) and the Village of Hamilton ($88,966). A resolution will move the tentative budget to a preliminary budget for this hearing. Legal notices for the budget hearing and fire contracts were posted in the Utica Observer‑Dispatch, the town website, Google Calendar, and the town office bulletin board.

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✓ Decided: Town Council approves fire contracts and moves 2026 budget to preliminary

The council adopted resolutions approving the Village of Earlville fire protection contract for $30,657 and the Village of Hamilton fire protection contract for $88,966, each with a 5‑0 vote. It also moved the 2026 tentative budget to become the preliminary budget, again unanimously. The full 2026 budget approval is scheduled for the November 13 board meeting.

Mon Oct 27, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Council adjourned meeting unanimously, no decisions made

The October 27, 2025 meeting reviewed updated budget numbers and discussed the last remaining budget lines. No formal budget approvals or other actions were recorded. The council adjourned the meeting by unanimous vote.

Wed Oct 22, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Council to schedule public hearing on zoning revisions

The Hamilton Town Council will review comments from the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and staff on proposed zoning changes. They will discuss a public information session on November 17 at the PCC, including a Zoom hotspot. A resolution to set a date for the official public hearing will be considered.

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✓ Decided: Town Council approves zoning law changes, including density increase

The Hamilton Town Council reviewed Planning Board, ZBA, and staff comments and approved several amendments to the town’s Zoning Law. Changes include increasing the density in the ARD to 1 dwelling unit per 4 acres, updating the Use Table, allowing one accessory dwelling unit per single‑family dwelling, and setting a variance lapse period of two years. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 8:30 p.m.

Tue Oct 14, 2025

Planning Board

Hamilton Planning Board reviews four minor subdivisions

The Hamilton Planning Board will review four preliminary subdivision applications and approve meeting minutes. The board will also schedule public hearings for November 18, 2025.

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✓ Decided: Board approved minor subdivision at 1237 Poolville Road

The Planning Board approved the minor subdivision application submitted by Roger Foster and Charles Wilburn for the property at 1237 Poolville Road, with the condition that parcels be joined with tax map 199.12‑1‑11. The Board also scheduled public hearings for three other minor subdivision applications—Bridget Sulton (1017 Humphrey Road), James White (7543 Chappel Road), and Jeff Schindler (7465 Chappel Road)—all set for November 18, 2025. Lead‑agency status for the Sulton, White, and Schindler applications was reviewed and confirmed, and the Board approved the minutes from the September 9 and October 6 meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Thu Oct 9, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to vote on repealing 1958 bingo ordinance and tax‑levy limit law

The October 9 Town Board meeting will hold public hearings on two proposed ordinances: one repealing a 1958 ordinance that limited bingo games, and another overriding the town's tax‑levy limit. The agenda also includes department and committee reports, updates on a Housing Project Restore NY grant, a Zoning Update, and a Good Nature Brewing Company PILOT update. New business items feature a Seasonal Roads Annual Resolution and resolutions to adopt the two proposed ordinances.

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✓ Decided: Town Board authorized $147,932.78 in payments from Abstract #10

The Board adopted Resolution 2025-84, authorizing payments totaling $147,932.78 as listed in Abstract #10. It also adopted resolutions to open and close public hearings for Proposed Local Ordinance A and Proposed Local Law A, each passing unanimously. The Board agreed to support a formal memo to Wanderers’ Rest Animal Shelter requesting it stop issuing dog licenses without proper agreements.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Planning Board

Planning Board reviews proposed new Zoning Law and related land-use issues

The Hamilton Planning Board held a special meeting to review the proposed new Zoning Law. Board members discussed redistricting a portion of Route 12 to commercial use, the use table categories, conservation subdivision requirements, whether contiguous properties can host event centers, and criteria for flag lots. No formal decisions were recorded on these topics during the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.

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✓ Decided: Planning Board adjourned meeting with unanimous vote

The Hamilton Planning Board held a special meeting on October 6, 2025, and discussed several zoning topics, including commercial redistricting of Route 12, use table categories, conservation subdivisions, event‑center property contiguity, and flag‑lot criteria. The only formal action taken was a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM. The motion was adopted with a 5‑0 vote. No zoning proposals were approved, denied, or tabled.

Tue Sep 30, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town reviews 2026 tentative budget with $1.2 M tax cap

The Town Board and Supervisor will review the 2026 tentative budget, including a budget officer’s talking points and an estimated fund balance. The meeting will also address upcoming public hearings on the budget and zoning matters. Specific line items include $20,000 for an Assessor Trainee, $2,000 for an AED, and $1,670 for a dog enumeration.

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✓ Decided: Town Council adjourned meeting; no budget decisions were made

The council heard a budget officer’s overview of the 2026 tentative budget, including $27,170 for five one‑time projects and a $131,282 reserve draw from equipment. No votes or approvals on budget items were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

Thu Sep 11, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to consider Snow‑Ice service contract and tax‑cap override

The Hamilton Town Board will vote on a Madison County Snow & Ice Agreement covering October 2025 through April 2026 and on Local Law A‑2025 that would override the town’s tax cap. Additional items include a housing project grant, zoning updates, and a shared services agreement with Hubbardsville Fire District. The meeting also addresses the assessor appointment, repeal of a 1958 bingo ordinance, and introductions of amended zoning and subdivision laws.

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✓ Decided: Town Board approved $67,538.30 in audit claim payments (4-0)

The board adopted Resolution 2025-69, authorizing $67,538.30 in payments for General Fund, Highway Fund, Lighting Districts, and other items, with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. It also approved the August 14, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. Additionally, the board resolved that the bills listed on Abstract #9 are authorized for payment, with vouchers to be signed in October.

Tue Sep 9, 2025

Planning Board

Decision on Special Use Permit for 7162 Bonney Hill Road

The Planning Board will hold an open public hearing and vote on the special use permit application for 7162 Bonney Hill Road (Tax Map 154‑1‑11). The board will also review a minor subdivision proposal at 1237 Poolville Road (Tax Map 199.12‑1‑13) and schedule its public hearing for October 14, 2025. Additional items include signing vouchers, approving the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes, and adjourning the session.

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✓ Decided: Board approved a short‑term rental special‑use permit for 7162 Bonney Hill Rd

The Planning Board opened, conducted, and closed the public hearing on the Rock special‑use permit application, made a negative SEQRA declaration, and approved the short‑term rental permit. It also accepted the SEQRA review for the Foster/Wilburn minor subdivision, scheduled a public hearing for that subdivision on October 14, 2025, approved the August 12 minutes, and adjourned the meeting.

Mon Aug 25, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

Town Board to discuss zoning district definitions and density bonuses

The Town Board will hold a workshop to review proposed changes to zoning district purpose statements, dimensional tables, and density bonus structures. The meeting will focus on updating the Master Zoning Document and discussing affordable housing incentives.

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✓ Decided: Town Board adjourned special meeting unanimously

The Hamilton Town Board met to review final edits to the proposed zoning law, including purpose statements, dimensional tables, map districts, and density bonuses. No votes or approvals on the zoning changes were recorded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. on a motion by Councilmember Griff, seconded by Councilmember Helfant, carried unanimously.

Mon Aug 18, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Zoning Board approved side‑yard and road‑frontage variance for 1237 Poolville Road

The Hamilton Zoning Board opened and then closed public comment on the variance application for 1237 Poolville Road. It approved the requested side‑yard and road‑frontage variances, voting 4‑0 in favor. The board also approved its March 25, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

Thu Aug 14, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board awards fuel contract to Broedel Fuel Group

The Board adopted Resolution 2025-63, awarding the town’s diesel, fuel oil and propane contract to Broedel Fuel Group (5‑0). It also approved payment of $44,525.37 for bills listed in Abstract #8 (5‑0), approved the July 1, 10, 14, and 29, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0), and adopted the Social Media Policy with an edit (5‑0). The shared‑services agreement with Hubbardsville Fire District was tabled for September, and a contract with C&S Engineers for a new highway garage was presented, with no vote recorded.

Tue Aug 12, 2025

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Planning Board approved a major subdivision of 5 acres into four parcels

The Board opened, conducted, and closed the public hearing on Kurt Bolte's major subdivision and then approved the subdivision as shown on the survey map. It scheduled a public hearing for September 9, 2025, on the Rock family's special‑use permit for a short‑term rental, and it tabled the Forward Sand and Gravel special‑use permit application pending ZBA action. The minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting were also approved.

Tue Jul 29, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board adjourned meeting unanimously after zoning review

The council continued reviewing the Use Table and Zoning Map for residential, hamlet, and commercial districts. No further business was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. on a unanimous motion.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board scheduled a follow‑up meeting for July 29

The Board continued its review of the Use Table and will resume it at a later date. A follow‑up meeting was set for July 29. The Board also examined the most recent versions of the proposed town logo. No other business was acted on.

Thu Jul 10, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town authorized a bid for 2025‑2026 diesel, fuel oil and propane contracts

The Board adopted several resolutions, including authorizing payments totaling $196,962.72 for various town funds, and distributing $3,247.96 of foreign fire tax income to three fire departments. It also approved the minutes from June meetings and authorized the town to issue a bid for diesel fuel, fuel oil and propane for the 2025‑2026 contract year. The Social Media and Procurement policies were tabled pending full board attendance.

Tue Jul 8, 2025

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Board schedules public hearing for Bolte subdivision on Aug 12, 2025

The Planning Board approved a short‑form SEQRA review and waived the long‑form requirements for Kurt Bolte’s major subdivision. It declared the Board the lead agency for the project and set a public hearing for August 12, 2025. The Board also approved the April 8, 2025 minutes and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Tue Jul 1, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board schedules follow-up meeting for July 14

The board began reviewing the Use Table but did not finish the discussion. A follow‑up meeting was set for July 14 to continue the review. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion. No other business was taken.

Thu Jun 12, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board approved $307,876 in payments across multiple funds

The Board adopted Resolution 2025-52, authorizing $307,876.02 in payments for General Fund A, General Fund B, Highway Fund DB, Lighting Districts, and prepays (vote 5‑0). It also adopted Resolution 2025-53 approving the May 8, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 5‑0). The council approved the purchase of a pressure reducer for the town building.

Tue Jun 10, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board adjourned meeting without substantive decisions

The special meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to adjourn at 5:10 p.m. No other business or decisions were taken.

Thu May 8, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Sue Adams appointed Planning Board alternate for a 3‑year term

The Town Board adopted a resolution appointing Sue Adams as a Planning Board alternate for three years (4‑0). A separate resolution authorized payment of $62,740.41 for items in Abstract #5 (3‑0). The Board also approved the meeting minutes from April 10 and April 11, 2025 (3‑0).

Fri Apr 11, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board held a workshop on conservation subdivision; no decisions made

The Town Board met with Nan Stolzenburg for a workshop on conservation subdivision and density bonuses related to a proposed zoning and subdivision law. The meeting was adjourned unanimously with no substantive actions taken.

Thu Apr 10, 2025

Supervisor and Town Board

✓ Decided: Town Board authorized $63,990.73 in payments and approved March meeting minutes

The Board adopted Resolution 2025‑45, authorizing $63,990.73 in payments from several fund abstracts, with Councilmembers Helfant and Krueger assigned to sign the vouchers. It also adopted Resolution 2025‑46, approving the March 3 and March 13, 2025 meeting minutes. The board voted to continue ScrapPaper Social’s posting for two more months and postponed any decision on archiving social‑media content. No other substantive actions were taken.

Tue Apr 8, 2025

Planning Board

✓ Decided: Board approved Dakota Browning's 14.6‑acre subdivision with Wetland Trust condition

The Planning Board unanimously approved Dakota Browning's application to subdivide 14.6 acres on Route 12, requiring the Wetland Trust to merge the new parcel with its adjacent land within 30 days. The Board also approved Barry Campbell's Special Use Permit to rebuild a house on a substandard lot at 1351 Poolville Road. All related public hearings were opened and closed, and both applications were declared to have no significant environmental impact.

Tue Mar 25, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

✓ Decided: Board approved four variances for 1351 Poolville Road property

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4‑0 to approve four area variances for the property at 1351 Poolville Road, including side‑yard, lot‑size, front‑setback with porch, and road‑frontage variances, with conditions for engineering review. Earlier the Board adopted the March 25 minutes, opened and then closed public comment on the application, and adjourned the meeting.