SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — The Seneca Falls town supervisor says that a vote on the future of the Seneca Meadows Landfill is valid, despite a local advocacy group saying that the vote was deemed invalid.

The Seneca Falls Town Board voted on Tuesday night in favor of granting an operating permit to expand the state’s largest landfill. That’s despite some community members expressing health concerns over the landfill. The Seneca Lake Guardian said officials have found a “procedural oversight” that invalidates the vote.

Town Supervisor Frank Schmitter said on Thursday that he has consulted with the town’s attorneys and determined that the vote is valid. Here is his part of his statement:

“While it was a busy meeting with many members of the public present to address the board and a Public Address system that did not always cooperate, I do not recall if particular items on the agenda were seconded by a board member or not.  But if any item before the board was not seconded by another board member, it would not affect the validity of board action on that item in any way.”

Schmitter also addressed the possible procedural oversight. According to the town’s clerk, the town board failed to properly introduce or second resolutions about the landfill’s operating permit, FingerLakes1 reports. Schmitter said there is no such requirement under state law.

“Our Board generally follows Robert’s Rules of Order during our meetings, which states that the reason a second is usually required to prevent a group from considering motions that only one member supports. Once a vote is taken and a motion is adopted, the lack of a second has no impact.”

“Further, New York State Public Officer’s Law section 106(1) states that ‘Minutes shall be taken at all open meetings of a public body which shall consist of a record or summary of all motions, proposals, resolutions and any other matter formally voted upon and the vote thereon.’ The matters considered by the Town Board at the March 4 meeting were formally voted upon and are valid.  They have not been nullified.  And they will appear in the minutes of that Town Board meeting.”

The vote to approve the permit has sparked outrage among community members. Heather Bonetti, a lifelong resident of Seneca Falls, expressed her frustration, saying, “Like many community members we were disgusted, upset to say the least.”

Despite this, Bonetti remains skeptical about any changes to the decision.

“I don’t see a change in that vote whatsoever which is very sad,” she said.

Residents have long opposed the landfill’s expansion, citing health and environmental concerns. Bonetti highlighted the area’s high lung cancer rates, stating, “Unfortunately the area of the landfill has the highest rate of lung cancer in New York state.”

Originally set to close this year, the landfill’s management company requested an extension to operate until 2040 and expand the facility. Many neighbors have been fighting against this for years.

“They stated time and time again of the health concerns. The environmental concerns but yet this town board does not listen,” Bonetti added.

While most neighbors oppose the landfill, a few support it, questioning its link to cancer diagnoses.

One resident cited personal habits as potential causes, asking, “Was it the 45 years I smoked, the 40 years I drank scotch, was it the landfill?”

The future of the landfill’s expansion remains uncertain as the community awaits further developments. We reached out to the members of the Seneca Town Board but haven’t heard back.

The next town board meeting is set for April 1.

RELATED:

• Seneca Falls residents can now track air quality near landfill with new air monitors (Oct. 30)
• Seneca County demands state investigation before allowing landfill to expand, continue through 2040 (Oct. 22)
• Fate of Seneca Meadows landfill remains in limbo after town board meeting (Sept. 4)
• Lawsuit aims to close state’s largest landfill in Seneca Falls (March 26)

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