Chili · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chili public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential area variances for home improvements
Two homeowners needed variances to place sheds closer to lot lines than the R-1-15 zoning district's 8-foot setback allows. Both were approved unanimously, showing the board's flexibility for minor intrusions.
Library Board of Trustees Nominee
The board was scheduled to approve a nominee for the Library Board of Trustees, shaping the library's future governance.
Residential variance requests in the R-1-15 District
The town allowed a family to build a small attached suite so a mother can live next to her family in a new home in an R-1-20 neighborhood. The trade-off: it can never be rented out, keeping it strictly a family-living arrangement.
Deputy Public Works Commissioner Resignation
Adam Cummings is leaving the town effective November 6. The board praised his work and wished him well.
Ilze Bullwinkel memorial tree
A replacement October Glory red maple will be planted this fall on the south side of the Community Center to replace the memorial tree for Ilze Bullwinkel.
Statewide library construction needs
The State Librarian's report found over $2.2 billion in library construction needs across New York — up 25% — covering accessibility, energy efficiency and building upgrades relevant to aging libraries like Chili's.
Scam email targeting permit applicant
McKay reported an email demanding a $4,950 fee and purporting to come from the Chili ZBA. Staff said it was a scam and advised verifying senders use @chiliny.gov addresses.
State-local relationship: AOT Bill of Rights
Chili formally endorsed the Association of Towns' Bill of Rights pushing back on state preemption of local zoning and unfunded mandates.
MCLS integrated library system replacement
The county library system is replacing its aging catalog software. Three vendors — Insignia, Clarivate, and SirsiDynix — are in the running, with a decision expected this fall and a full rollout through 2027. Costs and training impacts for Chili aren't known yet.
Wehle Farm historical signage
The board finalized the wording for side 2 of the sign at the historic Wehle Farm stables, celebrating the Genesee Brewing Company's twelve-horse hitch.
Stone Arch Bridge signage proposal
Chairman Widener proposed a smaller wooden sign or plaque for the Stone Arch Bridge, to be considered in the 2027 budget year.
Signage limits on commercial corner lots
Chili Family Dental wants a third wall sign, but the code allows corner-lot businesses only two — one per street frontage. The Board tabled the request while the applicant weighs shrinking or relocating the sign.
Davis Park Parking Lot Expansion
Council asked when the new phase of the Davis Park parking lot will open — Public Works says by the end of the month — and clarified that tree clearing there restores the lot to its original size.
Retail store at 4400 Buffalo Road
After getting its ZBA variances and Architectural Advisory Committee sign-off, The Broadway Group's 10,566-square-foot retail store cleared final site plan review with standard conditions.
Sweet Sammie Jane's outdoor ice cream cafe
A local bakery won approval to add an ice cream take-out window and outdoor seating facing Chili Avenue, operating about April through September. Residents at the hearing were enthusiastic.
Parks Department Resignation
Bradley Shaw of the Parks Department is resigning effective February 25.
Town of Excellence Award
Chili was named a 'Town of Excellence' by the NY Association of Towns — the only Monroe County town recognized in the program's first year.
Rose Hill Estates Section 4 monument sign
Faber Builders wanted a bigger-than-code entrance sign at the new section of Rose Hill Estates to match the one at Phase 1. The board found it helps wayfinding and community identity and approved it with no conditions.
Conservation Board member vacancy
The board has an open seat and is looking for candidates — referrals go to Supervisor Dunning and Chair Lazenby.
Monroe County Climate Action Plan briefings
Board chair Larry Lazenby attended county EMC meetings in December covering Monroe County's Climate Action and Sustainability Action Plans — greenhouse gases, water quality, waste, fleet fuels, and solar-powered signals and lighting.
Records access and information security officer roles
Supervisor Dunning asked how the records access and information security officer positions work. Town Clerk Virginia Ignatowski explained the records management role is required of the clerk by state law and long-standing practice, and the information security role must be independent of the IT department.