The evening of 2026-09-14 was a meeting of the Mendon Town Board.
In some ways, it felt like a meeting for priorities. To steal a line from the Superintendent (not Supervisor): We can have anything we want, but not everything we want. And since wants are infinite, the Town Board has to priorities where it’s efforts are applied.
The urgent care project came up multiple times. The attorney reported her activities, along with a projected cost for the Town’s involvement in the project. Which she ballparked at ~$100k, for legal, engineering, surveyor, insurance, etc. Joe (Supervisor) reported negotiations are ongoing. Multiple people made it clear the Town is not dragging their feet on this project. They are doing their due diligence.
Some budget adjustments were made, including pointing out that the attorney budget line is over the budgeted amount for the year. Primary reason was stated as the urgent care. I haven’t been keeping that close of track, but it certainly feels like paying the lawyer has come up at most every meeting this year. I offer no opinion on the services provided, I merely find it amusing how often the topic is discussed. But better frequent discussions then surprise shortfalls.
There was an attempt to fill the vacancy on the Planning Board. But as was pointed out, proper policy was not followed. So they will be publishing a request for letters of interest, and then reviewing this in the future. So if you are interested, keep your eyes open for where to submit. Earl was approved as the Planning Board chair, making that de facto situation official.
Purchase of three new computers was approved. I point this out in the interests of full disclosure. I continue to provide services to the Town, and they continue to pay me for such. In this case, it’s the regular hardware replacement schedule.
A few months back, the Town joined the Municipal Health Insurance Consortium so that they could find out more information about it. Having that information, they decided to leave. Primary reason seemed to be the Consortium’s push for one plan for all staff. A shame it didn’t turn out, but good to explore the possibility.
Decorum at meetings was discussed, as the Town was considering adopting a policy for all their Boards/Committees/etc. I like to think people know how to behave and such is not necessary. But… I guess it is prudent. It also came up that the Planning and Zoning Boards would be exempt. As I understand the reasoning, as nominally independent bodies, they are responsible for forming their own practices (within the bounds of the law). Although I wouldn’t be surprised if they adopt something very similar to the draft being discussed. If only because it’s primary author was Don, the Planning Board attorney.
Opening of the Mendon Youth Center was debated, in part because the value of the program itself was up for discussion. While no decision was made, I got a sense they felt it’s usage wasn’t quiet enough to justify it’s continuation. Tanner was all for finding ways to increase youth participation. Having someone with a vision should increase the success of the program. After all, it was someone with a vision that got it going in the first place.
The Town is aware of the condition of the steps at the Community Center. And believes the situation can be resolved in the 2027 budget.
And those are my Observations From Audience Land for the September 14, 2026 meeting of the Mendon Town Board.
Link to agenda on Town website and video on YouTube.
Tonight was also the Village Zoning Board and Library Trustee meetings. Alas, I have yet to master the skill of being in multiple places at once. Perhaps I’ll find a recording to watch. Perhaps not.