Carol Stockman

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on the proposed plans for Riverfront Park, which will have further information available from the County in two weeks. A Consolidation meeting was noted, with data collection scheduled for the Fire Department. The Board also reviewed opportunities for small businesses presented by the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. A new retainer agreement for legal services with Dryer Boyajian was approved, raising the retainer cost and hourly rates. Fire Department Service Awards were signed off on, contingent upon physical presence for signatures. A detailed review of the 2018-2019 Budget highlighted a 2% property tax increase, adjustments to franchise fees and law accounts, increased costs for shared services and capital outlay for garage heaters, and the elimination of the reserve for sewer upgrades. Finally, payment of vouchers totaling $6,450.40 across General, Water, and Sewer Funds was approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included library updates regarding the annex ribbon cutting and the summer reading program kick-off. The Tree City Committee reported on planting lists and requested permission for new trees. The Mayor provided an update on ongoing discussions concerning development plans for the former Fort Orange site involving Core Ventures and C.T. Male Engineering. A significant portion of the meeting addressed concerns regarding parking congestion on First Street and the need for additional signage to prohibit parking. Business items included a resident's request concerning refuse fees for a specific property, a detailed presentation on the proposed Fort Orange Site Development which included discussions on noise mitigation, traffic alternatives, and water/sewer capacity challenges, and the approval for the release of escrow funds to KSR Holdings after drainage system completion. Resolutions passed included a tax credit for Time Warner based on franchise fees and authorizing the Mayor to sign a revised agreement related to the Kinderhook Bank/Community Bank merger. The Board also approved payments for abstracts and increased the hourly pay rate for Barbara Sherman.

The board meeting addressed several topics, including updates from the Village Tree Board, concerns about a proposed trucking headquarters near the water aquifer, and traffic issues near Sacred Heart Church. The board discussed the removal of Boy Scout equipment from the Noyes Engine House, Main Street Association activities, and engineering work on the water main under Castleton Elementary School. Additionally, the board discussed funding for Riverfront Park, crosswalks on Main Street, and the separation of Castleton Kids from the Village. A public hearing was held on delinquent out-of-village water bills, and an executive session took place.

The meeting addressed various issues including damage to a resident's vehicle due to rocks in the Village's right-of-way, and potential responsibility of the Village. Concerns about a fence near the pavement without a variance and rainwater flowing onto a resident's property were discussed. The opening of the Castleton Diner was announced, and insurance issues with the Main Street Association were raised. The board also discussed the separation of Castleton Kids from the Village, curtain management in Village Hall, unpaid out-of-village water bills, garbage bids, and the 2018-2019 Village budget.

The meeting included discussions on the completion of the AARP Grant, MS4 audit results, removal of trees from the Village Hall lawn, and the consolidation plan meeting with the Castleton Fire Fighters and Village Board. Updates were provided on Village matters, crosswalks across Main Street, and the AARP Grant report. The DPW reported on replacing Veterans' Banners with winter decorations, and there was a request to include an article in the Castletonian regarding proper disposal of items in the waste water system. The board discussed holiday lighting on Main Street, the Scott Avenue Subdivision escrow, water billing for 38 South Main Street, and approved payment of abstracts and online banking transfers. An executive session was held.