The evening of 2026-01-05 was a meeting of the Mendon Town Board.
Another organizational meeting. This time with mostly new people. One board member is the same (Kim), as is the clerk (Michelle). Everyone else at the table is new to their positions, if not elected office.
Including the attorney, whose appointment was the first real action of the evening. I did like how a limit to attorney’s pay was set. The ‘not to exceed’ idea, if not wording. Always seems prudent to put ceilings on things, even if they are adjusted later on. Makes budgeting much easier, and limits surprises.
As for the new elected officials, their lack of experience did show. Although, they also notable improved as the meeting went on. Joe (Supervisor) in particular leaned on the attorney a number of times. In all fairness, so did John (former Supervisor) when he started out. But that is how these things go.
There was a surprisingly large crowd. Included most of the Town office staff, a few from the Village office/departments, a number of people I know have political interests. And a handful that I didn’t recognize, so have no idea why they were there. Still, the more the merrier as far as I’m concerned. At least so long as there is seating, which there was.
Kim (Board Member) brought up the Town’s Policies during the discussion on an advisory committee. Not the first time she’s brought up policy details. Which I was glad for, as it shows that the policies are being read. An important step towards being followed. And should the Board ever decide they don’t like a policy? That’s fine, they can adjust it. But until then, good to see signs they are being followed.
Pete (Highway Superintendent) brought a laugh to the room when he opposed being authorized to respond to requests from emergency providers for assistance. Now he’s not a voting member of the Board, so his objection doesn’t matter here. That and he was clearly joking, bringing a little levity to an otherwise dry meeting. Or was he? (Dun dun duuun!)
A new Chair to the Planning Board was appointed. Which wouldn’t be of note, except James (new Planning Board Chair) was also appointed to the Planning Board tonight. Which is to say, he wasn’t on this Planning Board previously. Now his resume does show a variety of experience, so I’m sure he is qualified. But I think it’s generally a better practice to promote someone on a Board like this then bring in someone new. That way they are more likely to be familiar with both the Board, as well as the community. As the Town Board was split on this appointment, I think my sentiments were shared. Regardless, I wish James and the rest of the Planning Board well as they fulfill their function in the future.
And the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights‘ (UDoHR) was tabled. Which I was glad to hear. This proposal felt like it came in from left field. It didn’t seem to fit in with the usual organizational meeting topics. Without getting too bogged down in the details of the UDoHR, which is a whole other topic, I’ll steal a line from my Dad (who probably stole it from elsewhere, as that is how these things work): What problem is this trying to solve?
While I’ll freely admit I don’t know everything, my sense is this doesn’t solve any problems. At least not at the ‘Mendon’ level of things. Thus pursuing it will likely distract more then help. Or put differently, does affirming UDoHR make Mendon a better place? If not, is it at least a necessary step towards doing so? If not, likely best to focus on topics that more obviously answer ‘yes’ to those questions.
Perhaps UDoHR will be affirmed in the future, perhaps not. Either way, I was glad it was tabled for now. I think it’s commendable Rebecca is ready to go, and wants to explore new things. But I applaud her for the wisdom to wait here.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the January 05, 2026 meeting of the Mendon Town Board.
Link to agenda and supporting documents on Town website. As an aside, sometime Monday some of the supporting documents were updated. As far as I can tell, the only changes were redacting certain email addresses. Which was hilarious, and I had a good laugh when I noticed.