The calendar says it is spring, but it is slow at arriving in Scipio! The snowbanks have disappeared, but the highway crew continues to be busy with nuisance snow and, recently, the heavy rains which have flooded many of our roads. The other day I saw the highway superintendent going past with the snowplow and asked him why he had that on. He said, "I've been plowing corn stalks and soybean stubble." Additionally, they have been busy cleaning the culverts and road ditches.
Town Clean Up Day:
Many people have been asking about our spring cleanup day. Last year we delayed it until June so the seasonal residents could participate as well. However, due to the close proximity of the dates, the fall cleanup day was not well attended. This year we are planning to have only one day, and that is July 18.
Digital Newsletters:
We have not published a town newsletter for several years due to the cost and delay from time of information submission to people getting the information. We are in the second quarter of this century, and the internet is the way to get information. I hope you are all signed up to receive an email blast when important information such as this newsletter is published on the Scipio web page, townofscipiony.gov. Also, we encourage everyone to sign up at the bottom of this web page to be notified when something new appears. Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up as well for future timely e-blasts.
Fire Department Chicken BBQ:
The Scipio Fire Department is hosting several events this month as well. On April 25, the high school seniors that are involved in the fire company are having a chicken barbecue to help with senior expenses. Advanced registration is needed. Please call Tammy Pettit at 315-283-8075 to purchase tickets.
Free Emergency Preparedness Class:
Four days later, on April 29, beginning at 6:30 PM, the Cayuga County Office of Emergency Services will be presenting a Citizens Preparedness Training for Emergencies Seminar at the Scipio Fire House.
Preregistration is required at www.prepare.ny.gov.
This was offered several years ago and there were not enough people who signed up. Let's encourage one another to take advantage of this opportunity, as there are gifts provided by the state for everyone as well.
Solar Farm Update:
The solar farm on Center Road continues to progress. In December of 2024, Cordelio Power sold the project to Altus Power, who made the final arrangements and began construction about May 1. This was the fifth company sale since the project was conceived almost 10 years ago. Construction continues this year and is expected to go online early next year.
Windmill Update:
On April 1, 2026, the Administrative Law Judges issued an opinion which disposed of all outstanding issues on appeal, essentially disposing of Scipio's appeal in favor of Liberty Renewables. In addition, ORES issued its final siting permit that same day. The project now has all of the NY State permissions necessary to move toward construction. While there are existing federal permissions that might be needed, ORES is the sole agency responsible for determining compliance with the permit that has been issued. The Town has nearly finalized its Host Community Agreement with the developer, but we are still working through issues with the Road Use Agreement. Should you have any questions on the project, please reach out to the Town Attorney Jeff Eaton at jeaton@ccf-law.com.
Seasonal Traffic:
With warmer weather approaching, be aware of farm machinery proceeding down our roads at a slower and wider pace. Also, a number of our roads will be paved or oil and chipped this year, so please be safe and drive carefully around the equipment and workers.
As always, feel free to come to our board meetings the second Wednesday of every month, or contact me directly.
Be safe and enjoy our beautiful farmland and Finger Lakes.
Sincerely yours,
Gary Mutchler
Scipio Town Supervisor
315-730-3638 or supervisor@townofscipio.com
