Town sets hearing on Cannabis option

Town Board members set a public hearing on “Local Law No. 12 of the Year 2021” entitled “2021 local law to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites as authorized under Cannabis Law Article 4,” for November 8 at 7:25 p.m. in the Newstead Town Hall.

The purpose of this local law is to opt out of allowing cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site cannabis consumption sites in the Town of Newstead that would otherwise be allowed under Cannabis Law Article 4

Cities, towns, and villages can opt-out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses from locating within their jurisdictions. Municipalities cannot opt-out of adult-use legalization. Adult-use cannabis possession and use by adults 21 years of age or older in accordance with the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA), is legal in New York State.

To opt-out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses, a municipality must pass a local law by December 31, 2021 or nine months after the effective date of the legislation. If a municipality does not opt-out by December 31, 2021, the municipality will be unable to opt-out at a future date. However, a municipality may opt back in, to allow either, or both, adult-use retail dispensary or on-site consumption license types by repealing the local law which established the prohibition.

All local laws passed by municipalities opting out of allowing adult-use retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses are subject to a permissive referendum.

Currently there is a local excise tax imposed on the sale of cannabis products from a retail dispensary to a cannabis consumer at 4 percent of the products price. This tax is distributed to local governments based on where the retail dispensary is located. 25 percent of the tax revenue goes to the county and 75 percent goes to the cities, town, or villages within the county as a proportion of cannabis sales.

Town receives proposed new salary schedule

No one from the general public attended Monday night’s Public Hearing on the Town of Newstead Budget for 2021-2022, however, Supervisor David L. Cummings shared some changes to the previously presented spending plan.

Cummings noted that after reviewing the proposed wage and salary increases, he realized the budgeted increase for salaried employees was below the increase included for hourly employees, and to remain on par, he brought a list of new salary totals to the Board.  “This will not change the budget as far as staying under the tax cap,” Cummings said.  “The changes amount to an increase of under $20,000 and will be covered either by fund balance or sales tax estimate change.

Those proposed salaries are: Supervisor $43,068 (originally budgeted at $41,058); Councilperson (total for 4) $48,479 (orig. $48,042); Town Justice (total for 2) $46,170 (orig. $44,614; Town Clerk $56,576 (orig. $54,101); Supt Highway $69,956 (orig. $67,748); Supt. R and G, $380 (orig. 371); Supt Cemeteries $970 (orig. 955); Supt Parks $1,700 (orig. $1,700); Supt R and G $790 (orig. $790); Code Officer $74,027 (orig. $71,901); Senior Director $49,436 (orig. $46,820); Rec Director $15,498 (orig. $14,456); Rec Attendants (total for multiple) $70,378 (orig. $65,250); Disaster Coordinator (multiple) $5,378 (orig. $4,778); Dog Control $11,283 (orig. $10,983).

Opportunities to Serve

Town Board members approved a motion to advertise for appointed positions in 2022.  The Board accepts letters requesting appointment each year to determine interest and skills within the community for service in various town boards and committees.

Snow Removal

Board members approved a motion for Snow removal for Town properties during the Winter of 2021 by Golden Dome.

Building Permits

A Monthly Building Permit report showed permits issued for a wrap around porch at 12376 Stage Rd., a pole barn 2640 sq ft at 7045 Cedar St., a second story addition to a single family home at 11956 Buckwheat Rd., two 40 x 100 ft. buildings at 11061 Main Rd., floodplain dev. for drainage at 7768 Fletcher Rd.; siding and windows at 11840 Nice Road.