Town of Independence
Regular Meeting October 14, 2025
5:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
2. Roll call was read by Town Clerk, Julie Peterson.
3. Present was Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike
Muscarello. Quorum was present.
4. Prayer was led by Larry Cardaronella.
5. Pledge was led by Police Chief Frank Edwards.
6. Public Input: Public Input was heard from Darlene Genova, Norma Hauck, and Dawn
Autin opposing the approval of the Occupational License for Smitty’s Supply Inc. located
at 145 West 7th Street.
7. A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Mike Muscarello to approve the
minutes from the September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting. Voting to approve was as
follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike Muscarello.
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to approve minutes from September 9, 2025 Regular Meeting was passed
unanimously.
8. A motion was made by Eric Costa, seconded by Joe Galofaro to adopt the financial
statements-budget to actual for July and August 2025. Voting to approve was as
follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike
Muscarello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to adopt the financial statements – budget to actual for July and August
2025 was passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Ordinance #2025-1129 which limits the amount of fill dirt allowed for new
Residential or Multi Family Construction was discussed by the board. Alderman Mike
Muscarello voiced his opposition of the proposed ordinance. After some discussion on
the subject a motion was made by Larry Cardaronella, seconded by Eric Costa to adopt
Ordinance #2025- 1129 – An Ordinance to limit amount of fill material allowed to be
brought in for residential or multi-family construction. Voting was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro
NAYS: Mike Muscarello
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2025-1129 passed by a majority vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. The occupational license application for Smitty’s Supply Inc. located at 145
West 7th Street was discussed. After a lengthy discussion on the matter a motion was
made by Eric Costa, seconded by Larry Cardaronella to approve the occupational
license for Smitty’s Supply Inc. Voting was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro
NAYS: Mike Muscarello
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to approve occupational license for Smitty’s Supply Inc. passed by a
majority vote.
b. The matter of rescheduling the November 11, 2025 Regular Town Meeting
due to the Veteran’s Day Holiday was discussed. A motion was made by Eric Costa,
seconded by Joe Galofaro to hold the meeting on Monday, November 10, 2025. Voting
was as follows:
YEAS: Larry Cardaronella, Gaye Guzzardo, Eric Costa, Joe Galofaro, Mike
Muscarello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Motion to reschedule the November Regular Town Meeting to Monday, November
10, 2025 passed unanimously
c. Setting the date for the Annual Christmas Open House event was discussed.
The board decided to hold the event on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10:30am –
1:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 232 Dileo Drive.
d. Alderman Mike Muscarello asked for clarification on what the process is on
condemning a home in town. Town Attorney Nicky Muscarello advised that the town did
put an ordinance in place that covers all the steps that need to be taken for the town to
be able to condemn a property.
e. Alderman Mike Muscalleo asked about existing that are for sale that are not
in the best condition. Mayor Paine did state that should that house be used as a rental
property an inspection would have to be done by the fire department to make sure is
safe before someone would be allowed to occupy the home.
REMARKS:
Mayor Pro-Tem Larry Cardaronella: Stated that they have the Knox Box System at his
job and he thinks it is a good thing.
Gaye Guzzardo: Stated that is has been a pleasure to work with everyone. She stated
that learning more about Smitty’s operations in town helped her to be more at ease.
Mike Muscarello: None
Eric Costa: Reminded everyone of the upcoming Truck or Treat event being held
on October 30th at the pavilion. He also hopes to see everyone at the luncheon in
December. He stated the he hoped the discussion that was had regarding Smitty’s
helps put some minds at ease.
Joe Galofaro: None
Mayor Paine: Thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
Police: Chief Edwards informed the board that he does have some open positions in his
department.
Fire: Brian Mashon with the fire department addressed the board regarding some
ordinances that they are looking to have stronger language added to so that they are
able to enforce them better. He asked for a fine schedule to be added to the burn
ban ordinance. He also asked the board to consider raising the price of the rental
inspection cost from $35.00 to $50.00 with the town receiving the additional funds. He
also informed the board of an ordinance that the fire department is asking to be passed
called a Knox Box Program. The purpose of the program is for the fire department to be
able to access buildings faster in case of an emergency.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Jim Paine, Mayor Julie Peterson, Town Clerk