Darwin Guzman

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the promotion of Vincent Federici to Public Works Maintenance Worker, effective January 7, 2026. The Board accepted the revised November 2025 Justice Court monthly report. A public hearing was scheduled for January 20, 2026, regarding an introductory Local Law to override the tax levy limit established by General Municipal Law 3-C. The polling place and hours for the Village Election scheduled for March 18, 2026, were established. The Board declared the 2025 CDBG grant sidewalk improvement project as Type 2 under SEQRA regulations, requiring no further environmental review. Approval was granted for a contract with Star Flight Drone Shows, LLC, for the Independence Day Celebration drone show on July 3, 2026. An introductory Local Law amending Chapter 135, Littering, was introduced, with a public hearing set for January 20, 2026. Reports included commendations for Public Works staff regarding snow/ice events and water main breaks, and updates on the upcoming summer concert series. Public comment featured strong support for the reappointment of Park Commissioner Erika Schudde.

The agenda for this combined Public Hearing and Regular Meeting primarily focused on Site Plan Reviews. Discussions included a proposed 961 square foot accessory apartment addition at 105 Ramapo Street. Further site plan reviews covered a proposed 14,370 square foot, two-story office addition/condominium project at 581 Route 17M (Monroe Pharmacy Plaza), and a proposed new 23,342 square foot, two-story office building at 573 Route 17M (Lakeside Pet Lounge).

The meeting addressed the application for 15 Park Avenue. Due to the absence of several key personnel, including the applicant's attorney, and the fact that no revised plans had been submitted since the previous tabling on August 12th, the application was tabled again to the February 10th agenda, with a submission deadline for additional plans set for January 27th. The board also discussed the adoption of the written decisions for 123-125 Elm Street and 330 Stage; both items were tabled pending revisions based on member comments forwarded to Mr. Blanchard. Consequently, the January 13th meeting was canceled due to a lack of new applications or carried-over business. The board adopted the 2026 ZBA meeting schedule, which will consist of meetings on the second Tuesday of every month.

The meeting agenda primarily focused on Site Plan Reviews. Discussions included a proposed accessory apartment addition at 105 Ramapo Street; a proposed 14,370 SF, two-story office addition planned as condominiums at 581 Route 17M (Monroe Pharm Plaza); architectural review for a sign and a proposed 1,855 SF cold storage addition for a bakery at 562 Rt 17M (Choco Cheese); a proposed 2,000 SF addition above an existing structure at 123-125 Elm Street to support an auto body repair shop; a proposed new 23,342 SF, two-story office building for Lakeside Pet Lounge at 573 Route 17M; a proposed 55,434 SF, two-story mixed-use building at 424-434 North Main St; a site plan review for new buildings designated for Building Supply & Lumber at 386 Route 17M; and the classification of ten existing buildings with multiple uses at Threetel (324 Route 208) according to zoning and building code use.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several administrative and policy matters. Key actions included authorizing budgetary transfers and modifications to balance the budget. Several appointments were made: Juan Zuniga as Part-Time Assistant Building Inspector III, Jacob Castana as a seasonal intern, and Yesid Pino as a provisional full-time Parking Enforcement Officer. The Board resolved a long-standing property maintenance violation concerning a vehicle parked on the front lawn at 111 High Street, determining no further action was required as the violation was remedied. Discussions on garbage and recycling pail placement schedules resulted in an agreement that pails may be placed curbside as early as 6:00 PM the night before collection and must be removed by 8:00 PM the following evening; this schedule will be incorporated into local law. The Board approved a Chanukah Menorah display in Crane Park. Financial approvals included Payment Authorization #1 for the Millpond Parkway Sidewalk Improvement Project, the purchase of an Avant Snow Plow, authorization for the 2026 Independence Day fireworks contract, and a construction phase service amendment for the Crane Park Streetscape Improvement Project. Payment No. 4 for the Van Keuren Booster Pump Station project electric construction was also approved. During the Mayor and Trustees' Report, discussions included snow and ice removal mandates, the potential addition of a drone show for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration, and community matters such as a failed boiler at a local outreach center. An executive session was held to discuss advice of counsel, followed by authorization for the Code Enforcement Officer to use a Village-owned vehicle for travel to and from work only. Finally, all monthly reports, except the Justice Court report due to a clerical error, were accepted.