Newfane BCA Meeting Minutes September 10, 2026

 

Tax Appeal Hearing — Jonathan Julian

Properties: 31 and 32 Dover Road
Meeting called to order: 5:35 PM

Priscilla called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM and proceeded to swear in Doris Knetchel, Newfane Lister, and John Julian.

Katie Johnson-Aplin presented the inspection report, which was read into the minutes. Gloria Cristelli made a comment regarding the church, followed by discussion.

A motion was made to approve the inspection report and was seconded by Apple Gifford.

Julian thanked the members of the BCA and acknowledged that he should have paid greater attention to the whole hearing process.

Apple Gifford made a motion to close the hearing. Gloria Cristelli agreed.

The motion passed.

The Board of Civil Authority entered deliberative session at 6:13 PM.

Deliberative Session

Steve Levine, Katie Johnson-Aplin, and Wannetta Powling presented a proposed new value for 31 Dover Road of $50,000.

Discussion ensued.

Apple Gifford made a motion regarding the proposed value. The motion was seconded by Marion Dowling. One member abstained.
The motion passed.

Gloria Cristelli made a motion to adjourn the Tax Appeal Hearing. Apple Gifford seconded the motion.
Meeting adjourned: 6:17 PM

Other Business — Election Day Procedures

The BCA discussed Election Day procedures, including check-in absentee envelopes, signatures, computers, and correspondence.

It was determined that two people should be assigned to this process going forward. A record will be maintained in the calendar/daybook identifying who assisted and helped with verifying envelopes that have been properly examined.

Gloria Cristelli stated that she and Carol Hesselbach would assist with reviewing the process with Wannetta.

Additional topics discussed included:

• Front Porch Forum postings regarding election procedures.
• Posting a notice on the front door of the building instructing voters not to drop ballots at the building mail slot, but to hand deliver them or use the secure voter box at the back of the building.
• Staffing assistance for voter check-in and check-out. Having two poll workers on each side, with an additional person stationed at the tabulator.
• JP scheduled to help with the end-of-night final count. Creating a sign-up sheet for scheduling assistance, including Selectboard members helping in the polling process.
• Possibly attending a Selectboard meeting to invite members to BCA training regarding policies and procedures.

Next BCA meeting: October 8 at 5:30 PM.

Gloria Cristelli made a motion to adjourn. Marion Dowling seconded the motion.

Meeting adjourned: 6:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,
Wannetta Powling
Town Clerk / BCA Secretary