TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Marion Court Room

Monday, July 27, 2026

 

 

A Town Board meeting of the Town of Marion, Wayne County, NY was held on

Monday, July 27, 2026 at the Marion Town Court Room.

 

Supervisor, Mike Cramer called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and asked the Clerk of the Board to give a roll call.

 

PRESENT:     Julie Herman, Councilwoman

                           Mary Johnson, Councilwoman

                           Ronald Lonneville, Councilman

                         Margi Taber, Councilwoman

                           Michael Cramer, Supervisor       

 

ABSENT:      

 

Others in Attendance: Marcia Lonneville; Gina Southcott; Holly Bovet; Justin Minier; Joan Fisher; Gary & Penny Shaw; Matthew Wilder; and Casey Carpenter, Times of Wayne County.

 

The Marion Town Board will allow anyone who would like to speak for 3 minutes each with a maximum of 15 minutes of the meeting devoted to residents’ comments.  There will be time allocated at both the beginning and the end of the meeting.

 

 

Public Hearing:     

 

Acknowledgements:         1.  Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

 

The following was read by Councilwoman Margi Taber:

 

The Power of Community: Shaping the Next Century of Marion Recreation Formed in July 2024 to serve as a crucial bridge between Marion's residents, our youth, and local government, the Town of Marion Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) was tasked with researching modern recreational opportunities and delivering strategic recommendations to the Town Board. Advisory board members spent extensive time analyzing operational and funding practices in surrounding towns, navigating the legal complexities of municipal fundraising, and identifying programmatic gaps. Their pivotal recommendation—that Marion required a dedicated Director to successfully expand—was enthusiastically received by the Town Board. And now we have Matt Wilder as our part-time Rec Director! We extend a sincere thank you to Advisory Board members Jarred Savory, Joan Fisher, Justin Minier, Barb Schoonerman, Tim Holahan, Sarah Griffin, Holly Bovet, Chrissy Nelson, Zapphire Hartley, and Mary Johnson for their foundational dedication that will shape the future of Marion Recreation. For the past two years, this group has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enriching Marion’s public park and recreational infrastructure to move towards long-term sustainability. They have provided invaluable guidance, strategic vision, and dedicated volunteer leadership to support the growth and accessibility of the Marion Recreation program, directly improving the quality of life for all residents. To all of these board members who took a vision and ran with it—as well as the coordinators, coaches, parents, and most importantly, the youth who participated—we extend our deepest gratitude. Your selflessness, expertise, and passion for community vitality embody the true spirit of public service. We thank you! We extend a sincere thank you to The Town of Marion Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members: Mary Johnson, Jarred Savory, Joan Fisher, Justin Minier, Barb Schoonerman, Tim Holahan, Sarah Griffin, Holly Bovet, Chrissy Nelson, and Zapphire Hartley for your foundational dedication. Prepared by: Town Board Liaison’s - Margi Taber & Mary Johnson and Marion Rec Director, Matt Wilder

                                               

2.  Food Trucks on Summer Soccer Nights

                                                3.  Marion Events Organization – Music in the Park

                                                4.  Pioneer Gas Engine Association – Summer Show

                                                5.  Marion Historic Association – Open House/Dutch Heritage Presentation

 

Upcoming Community Events:   August 1^st – Town of Marion Bicentennial Festival/Fireworks

                                                              August 15^th – Gone Crusin’ Car Show – Town Park

                                                              August 22^nd – Vintage Softball Game – Town Park

 

Correspondence:     Email letter received from Brook Guerin

                                      Letter from NYS DOT – Rt. 21 & Witherden/Warner Road

 

Discussion:

1.      Deputy Town Clerk

2.      Air Quality & Hazardous Weather Policy

3.      Home Burials (HL)

4.      Signage for the Town Park Events

5.      Drainage Clerk

6.      Website Privacy Policy

 

Resident Comments:   None

 

Resolutions:   

 

1.      Accept Resignation of David DeRoo, Deputy Highway Supervisor

2.      Authorize Advertising for Open MEO Operator Position at the Marion Highway Department.

3.      Authorize Adopting Recreation Air Quality and Hazardous Weather Policy

4.      Authorize Hiring Allison Brewer as Deputy Town Clerk

5.      Authorize Supervisor to Sign Letter of Support for Wayne County Smart Growth Community Planning Application

6.      Payment of Claims

 

Resolution #706-2026 Accept Resignation of David DeRoo, Deputy Highway Superintendent

 

On a motion by Councilwoman Herman and seconded by Councilwoman Taber

 

ADOPTED:  Ayes: 5   Herman, Johnson, Lonneville, Taber, Cramer

     

                     Nays: 0

 

The following resolution was approved.

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board regretfully accepts the resignation of the Full-Time employment of Deputy Highway Superintendent, David DeRoo effective Friday August 29, 2026; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Principal Account Clerk

 

 

 

Resolution #707-2026 Authorize Advertising for Position of Highway MEO

 

On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman

 

ADOPTED:  Ayes: 5   Herman, Johnson, Lonneville, Taber, Cramer

     

                     Nays: 0

 

The following resolution was approved.

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the Clerk of the Board to advertise in the legal newspaper for the Town of Marion for applicants to fill a vacant position of Highway MEO; and

 

The Town of Marion is accepting applications on a rolling basis for the position of Highway MEO, Applications may be picked up at the Marion Town Clerk’s Office; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Highway Superintendent Steven Taber and the Principal Account Clerk

 

Resolution #3 Authorize Adopting Recreation Air Quality and Hazardous Weather Policy

 

On a motion from Councilwoman Herman and seconded by Councilman Lonneville – this resolution was tabled with all ayes

 

TOWN OF MARION

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Air Quality and Hazardous Weather Policy

for Youth Recreational Activities (Ages 18 and Under)

 

Purpose	3
Scope	3
Designated Weather Monitor	3
Section 1: Air Quality Policy	4
Section 2: Hazardous Weather Policy	6
Section 3: Special Considerations for Youth	9
Section 4: Documentation and Communication	9
Data Sources and References	10

 

This policy establishes mandatory procedures for monitoring environmental conditions and modifying or canceling outdoor recreational activities for participants aged 18 and under. It is designed to protect youth from air quality hazards and hazardous weather, using data from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) air monitoring network, the EPA AirNow application, and the National Weather Service (NWS).

This policy applies to all outdoor recreational activities, including organized sports, camps, playground activities, field trips, and other supervised outdoor programs involving participants aged 18 and under. This includes, but is not limited to, the Marion Summer Recreation Program and all associated outdoor programming, field trips, and activities.

The recreation coordinator of the sport program (“Weather Monitor”) will be responsible for monitoring the weather.. For the Marion Summer Recreation Program, the Weather Monitor role shall be assigned daily to a member of the on-site camp staff (e.g., Camp Director or lead counselor) for the duration of each program day. This individual is responsible for:

•     Checking the EPA AirNow app (which uses NYSDEC monitoring data) before and during outdoor activities

•     Monitoring NWS forecasts and alerts for the activity location

•     Communicating conditions to all staff and initiating activity modifications or cancellations

•     Documenting environmental readings and any actions taken

 

Air quality shall be assessed using the EPA Air Quality Index (AQI), accessed via the AirNow app or website (airnow.gov), which reports real-time data from NYSDEC monitoring stations. The AQI covers ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), and other pollutants.

AQI Action Thresholds for Youth (Ages 18 and Under)

AQI Range	Category	Required Action
0–50	Good	No restrictions. Normal outdoor activities may proceed. Action: None required.
51–100	Moderate	Most youth can be active outdoors. Staff should watch for symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness) in all participants, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Participants with known respiratory conditions should have rescue medications readily available. Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion for participants with known sensitivities.
101–150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	All children and teenagers are in the sensitive group. REDUCE prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Increase frequency of rest breaks. Substitute lower-intensity activities. Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when ozone levels are typically lower. Ensure all participants with asthma have quick-relief medication on-site. Monitor all participants for respiratory symptoms.
151–200	Unhealthy	AVOID prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion for all participants. Move activities indoors when possible. If outdoor activity must continue, limit to light-intensity, short-duration activities only. Consider rescheduling to a time when air quality improves.
201–300	Very Unhealthy	CANCEL all outdoor physical activities. All activities must be moved indoors or rescheduled.
>300	Hazardous	CANCEL all outdoor activities, including non-physical outdoor gatherings. Ensure indoor spaces have adequate air filtration. Consider program closure if indoor air quality cannot be maintained.

Wildfire Smoke Events

During wildfire smoke events (which may be identified by NYSDEC Air Quality Health Advisories or NWS alerts):

•     Follow the AQI thresholds above; conditions can change rapidly during smoke events, so check AQI hourly.

•     N95 respirators may be considered for participants aged 7 and older if brief outdoor exposure is unavoidable; cloth and surgical masks are not effective against wildfire smoke particles.

•     Ensure indoor spaces have windows and doors closed; use HEPA-rated air purifiers or HVAC systems with MERV-13 or higher filters when available.

Monitoring Protocol

•     Check AQI via the AirNow app at least 30 minutes before the start of outdoor activities.

•     Recheck AQI every 1–2 hours during extended outdoor programming.

•     If a NYSDEC Air Quality Health Advisory is issued for the region, default to AQI 101+ (Orange) protocols at minimum, regardless of the current AQI reading.

 

A. Heat

Heat risk should be assessed using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) when equipment is available. If WBGT is not available, the Heat Index (from NWS forecasts) may be used as a secondary metric.

WBGT-Based Thresholds

WBGT	Required Action
Below 82°F (27.8°C)	Normal activities. Provide at least 3 rest/hydration breaks per hour (minimum 3 minutes each).
82.0–86.9°F (27.8–30.5°C)	Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Closely monitor all participants. Provide at least 3 rest/hydration breaks per hour (minimum 4 minutes each).
87.0–89.9°F (30.6–32.2°C)	Maximum outdoor activity time: 2 hours. Reduce intensity. Provide at least 4 rest/hydration breaks per hour (minimum 4 minutes each).
90.0–92.0°F (32.2–33.3°C)	Maximum outdoor activity time: 1 hour. Light activity only. Provide 20 minutes of rest breaks within the hour.
Above 92°F (33.4°C)	CANCEL all outdoor physical activities.

Heat Index-Based Thresholds (when WBGT is unavailable)

Heat Index	Required Action
Below 90°F	Normal activities with standard hydration breaks.
90–104°F	Increase rest breaks; reduce intensity and duration. Monitor closely.
105–124°F	Limit outdoor activity to 1 hour maximum; light activity only.
125°F or above	CANCEL all outdoor activities.

General Heat Safety Measures

•     Ensure unlimited access to water or electrolyte beverages during all outdoor activities.

•     Fluid intake guidance: approximately 300–750 mL/hour for ages 9–12; 1.0–1.5 L/hour for adolescents during intense exercise in hot conditions.

•     Allow 7–14 days for heat acclimatization at the start of the season, with progressive increases in exercise intensity and duration.

•     Schedule activities during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) when possible.

•     Ensure shaded rest areas are available.

•     Staff must be trained to recognize signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and have an emergency action plan in place, including access to cold water immersion.

B. Lightning

Lightning policy follows the National Weather Service “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” standard.

Suspension Criteria

•     Suspend all outdoor activities immediately when thunder is heard OR lightning is observed.

•     If using a lightning detection system, suspend activities when lightning is detected within 6 miles.

Safe Shelter

•     Move all participants to a substantial enclosed building or a fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle.

•     Unsafe locations include: under trees, open pavilions, dugouts, picnic shelters, tents, near metal fences or poles, and near bodies of water.

Resumption Criteria

•     Wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is observed before resuming outdoor activities.

•     The 30-minute clock resets with each subsequent thunder or lightning event.

Proactive Monitoring

•     Monitor NWS forecasts and radar before and during outdoor activities.

•     Designate a weather watcher to observe for building cumulonimbus clouds, increasing winds, and darkening skies.

•     Have a predetermined plan for rapid evacuation to safe shelter, accounting for the time needed to move all participants.

 

C. Cold Weather

Wind Chill-Based Thresholds

Wind Chill Temperature	Required Action
Above 20°F (−7°C)	Normal activities with appropriate cold-weather clothing.
20°F to 0°F (−7°C to −18°C)	Reduce duration of outdoor exposure. Increase frequency of indoor warming breaks. Ensure all participants have appropriate layered clothing, including wind/waterproof outer layers. Monitor for signs of frostnip.
0°F to −17°F (−18°C to −27°C)	Limit outdoor activity to 30 minutes maximum between warming breaks. Heightened surveillance for frostbite and hypothermia. Ensure all exposed skin is covered.
Below −17°F (−27°C)	CANCEL all outdoor activities. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less.

General Cold Safety Measures

•     Require layered clothing: moisture-wicking inner layer, insulating middle layer, wind/waterproof outer layer.

•     Ensure participants have dry clothing available; wet clothing dramatically increases cold injury risk.

•     Monitor for signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech) and frostbite (numbness, white/gray skin patches).

•     Participants with cold-induced asthma should have rescue inhalers available and may need activity modification at higher temperatures than listed above.

D. Other Severe Weather

•     Tornado Warning: Immediately move all participants to the lowest interior room of a sturdy building, away from windows. Do not resume outdoor activities until the warning expires and conditions are safe.

•     Severe Thunderstorm Warning (winds ≥58 mph or hail ≥1 inch): Move all participants indoors immediately.

•     Flash Flood Warning: Evacuate low-lying areas immediately. Do not allow participants near rising water.

•     Winter Storm Warning / Ice Storm Warning: Cancel outdoor activities.

•     Excessive Heat Warning (issued by NWS): Default to the most restrictive heat protocols above; strongly consider canceling all outdoor activities.

 

•     All children and teenagers are classified as a “sensitive group” for air quality purposes due to higher respiratory rates, developing lungs, and greater time spent in active outdoor play.

•     Participants with asthma, other chronic respiratory conditions, cardiac conditions, or obesity are at heightened risk during both poor air quality and extreme heat events and require closer monitoring and earlier activity modification.

•     Parents/guardians should be informed of this policy and encouraged to download the EPA AirNow app for personal monitoring.

•     Parents/guardians of participants with asthma or other chronic conditions should provide an up-to-date action plan and ensure rescue medications are available on-site.

•     Staff should be trained annually on this policy, recognition of environmental illness, and emergency response procedures.

•     The Weather Monitor shall log environmental readings (AQI, WBGT or Heat Index, wind chill, lightning observations) and any activity modifications or cancellations.

•     Parents/guardians shall be notified of cancellations as soon as practicable.

•     This policy shall be reviewed and updated annually, incorporating any new guidance from NYSDOH, NYSDEC, EPA, NWS, or relevant medical societies.

•     Air Quality: EPA AirNow app and website (airnow.gov), which reports data from NYSDEC air monitoring stations

•     Weather Forecasts and Alerts: National Weather Service (weather.gov)

•     NYSDEC Air Quality Health Advisories: NYSDEC website (dec.ny.gov)

•     NYSDOH Heat and Health Guidance: NYSDOH website (health.ny.gov)

 

 

Resolution #708-2026 Authorize Hiring Allison Brewer for a Full-Time Deputy Town Clerk

On a motion by Councilwoman Herman and seconded by Councilwoman Taber

 

VOTE:                   Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Long Roll:

Supervisor Cramer - Aye

Councilwoman Taber- Aye

Councilman Lonneville - Aye

Councilwoman Johnson – Aye

Councilwoman Herman - Aye

The following resolution was approved.

 

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the hiring of Allison Brewer for the position of full time Deputy Town Clerk at a rate of pay of $20 per hour for 35 hours per week to be paid bi-weekly and part-time Drainage Clerk at a rate of pay of $20 per hour for 8 hours per year; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that Allison Brewer will start on Tuesday, August 4, 2026; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Allison Brewer and Principal Account Clerk.

 

 

Resolution #709-2026 Authorize Supervisor to Sign Letter of Support for Wayne County Smart Growth Community Planning Application

 

On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman

 

ADOPTED:  Ayes: 5   Herman, Johnson, Lonneville, Taber, Cramer

     

                     Nays: 0

 

The following resolution was approved.

 

WHEREAS, the Executive Director of the Wayne County Economic Development and Planning has requested support from the Town of Marion for the Smart Growth Community Planning Grant Application; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town of Marion values the efforts of Wayne County and the desire to enhance the quality of life and create greater opportunities for their residents and businesses; and

 

NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the Supervisor to sign and submit a letter of supp0ort on behalf of the Town of Marion in favor of the Wayne County Smart Growth Community Planning Grant Application; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Wayne County Economic Development and Planning.

 

Resolution #710-2026 Authorize Proposal of Prohibiting Private Burials

 

On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman

 

ADOPTED:  Ayes: 5   Herman, Johnson, Lonneville, Taber, Cramer

     

                     Nays: 0

 

The following resolution was approved.

 

WHEREAS, The Marion Town Board has reviewed samples of NYS municipal Local Laws in regard to private burials; and

 

WHEREAS, The Marion Town Board proposes a new Local Law prohibiting Private Burials and asks the Zoning Board and Planning Board to review the documentations; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to Town of Marion Zoning and Planning Boards.

 

Resolution #711-2026  Payment of Claims

 

On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman

 

ADOPTED:  Ayes: 5   Herman, Johnson, Lonneville, Taber, Cramer

     

                     Nays: 0

 

The following resolution was approved.

 

WHEREAS, the Marion Town Board has received and audited the following claims; now

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to pay said claims upon receipt of the signed abstracts of audited claims from the Town Clerk.

 

 

Abstract 

General                                               $         8,985.09  Voucher #’s: 21890, 21891, 21893-21899, 21901-21906, 21909-21920

Highway                                              $         4,421.00  Voucher #’s: 21891, 21892

Library                                                 $             346.10  Voucher #’s:  21902, 21918, 21915

Street Lighting                                    $          1,995.81  Voucher #’s: 21902, 21915

Water Fund                                         $            245.00   Voucher #: 21907

Total                                                       $     15,993.00

 

Additional Resident Comments:  One person spoke during this time.

 

Executive Session: The Town Board went into executive session at 6:51pm to discuss matters relating to employment history of a particular person. The Executive Session closed at 6:54pm on a motion from Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Johnson.

 

The Town Board went back into regular session at 6:54pm and presented the following resolution.

 

Resolution #712-2026 Authorize Hiring John Lester for a Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer

On a motion by Councilman Lonneville and seconded by Councilwoman Herman

 

VOTE:                   Ayes: 5

Nays: 0

Long Roll:

Supervisor Cramer - Aye

Councilwoman Taber- Aye

Councilman Lonneville - Aye

Councilwoman Johnson – Aye

Councilwoman Herman - Aye

The following resolution was approved.

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board authorizes the hiring of John Lester for the position of part-time Code Enforcement Officer at a rate of pay of $29 per hour for 20 hours per week to be paid bi-weekly; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED that John Lester has 18 months to complete the NYS Code Enforcement Officer Certified training to be paid for by the Town of Marion; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that John Lester will start on Wednesday, July 29, 2026; and

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marion Town Board directs the Clerk of the Board to give a copy of this resolution to John Lester and Principal Account Clerk.

 

 

With no further business, on a motion by Councilwoman Johnson and seconded by Councilwoman Herman, Supervisor Cramer closed the meeting at 6:55pm.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

_____________________________________________

Heidi M. Levan, Town Clerk/Clerk of the Board

 

Next Meeting Dates:

 

 

Monday, August 10, 2026-  Town Board Meeting at 6:30pm

 

Monday, August 24, 2026 – Town Board Meeting at 6:30pm