Aaron Freimark

The meeting focused primarily on an application concerning window and door replacements for a historic building. Key discussion points included the necessary modification to exterior casing, where siding was currently proud of the casing, and the decision to fur out the casing material (preferably Boral for weatherproofing) to align it flush with the siding. The discussion also covered the replacement of existing historic double doors with a system utilizing sliding historic doors mounted on a rail system to operate in front of new, full-width glass doors that would serve as the primary building envelope seal. Further technical discussions addressed the existing window configuration, the potential need for drip edges, and accessibility concerns regarding the exterior entry configuration, including options for a ramp or two steps to address code requirements for rise and run, and railing placement.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a proposed Local Law 01-2026 concerning the Village Justice Court, intended to establish positions for associate and acting justice and define residency requirements. Department reports were accepted as submitted, noting that the reservoir level reached 91%, allowing for the lifting of the emergency water order, though conservation is still encouraged. The Firefighter of the Year was announced as Charlotte Brooks, coinciding with the Fire Company's 130th anniversary. A deep dive presentation on the Police Department's 2025 activity utilized data from the new CAD system, highlighting that reactive call activity remained constant at 962 calls between 2024 and 2025. The analysis showed peak call volume shifted earlier to mid-spring (April/May) rather than the traditional fall period, largely driven by traffic and EMS calls, including parking complaints, which consume officer time needed for proactive community policing efforts. A motion was made to add a recommendation for hiring a shared employee for Highway and Water/Wastewater to the board business section.

The Board of Trustees Workshop Meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions covered a Haldane Central School Presentation regarding a Traffic Pilot program, and a presentation by Hahn Engineering detailing plans for the FEMA recovery project at Fishkill and Mountain Avenues. The agenda also included updates and potential action on the Village Dock, specifically structural engineering updates, approval of an RFP for inspection, docking fee comparisons, and discussion of 2026 Docking Requests. Further business involved a vote to adopt a Proposed Resolution for the Packaging Reduction Act, a proposal from the Recreation Committee to conduct a Resident Survey, and a discussion concerning findings related to the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail FGEIS. Finally, the board planned to discuss and vote on accepting a proposal for Village Employee Handbook Update consultation and authorize the payment of bills from voucher batch #8304.

The Planning Board meeting included a public hearing for a change of use application at 37 Main Street, converting the space from retail to restaurant use. Key discussion points centered on requested updates, including basement square footage, lighting specifications (which must meet HDRB requirements), and trash receptacle placement. The applicant confirmed operating hours from 7 AM to 7 PM and discussed future stormwater management plans for the property. After receiving public support both written and verbally, the Board approved Phase 1 of the plan, contingent upon several conditions, including the payment of escrow fees, approval of exterior signage design by the HDRB, 18 parking waivers, and submission of revised plans. Authorization was also granted to refer the request for 18 parking waivers to the Village Board of Trustees.

The session was conducted as a workshop, meaning no formal board business or voting occurred. Key discussion points revolved around an application for exterior modifications. Updates were provided on construction delays concerning the installation of correct windows for the east side of the building, with a temporary measure to install incorrect windows to seal the envelope. Siding updates were discussed, adhering to historic specifications. The main proposal for review focused on the north side of the building: the construction of a porch along Main Street and updating the primary entrance doors. The plan involves modifying the historic wooden doors to swing outward while retaining their look, and installing modern, energy-efficient glass doors inside this entryway to manage temperature control. Further details included plans to extend the rear deck and bluestone walkway to create grade-neutral, handicap-accessible access connecting to the sidewalk and crosswalk. Discussions also covered railing details, proposing an ornamental iron railing for the front deck and potentially a modern stainless steel cable railing for the future rear deck.