David Burrows

The meeting addressed several significant matters, including the recognition and honoring of Police Officer Scott Cook for a life-saving effort on December 28, 2025, involving a rescue from icy Lake George, saving three lives. Discussion covered airport committee appointments and resolutions related to the Town Economic Development Committee appointments. Key airport agenda items included updates on fuel sales, signage for landfill dumping, construction of a new hanger, and resolutions for Phase One of the expanded apron construction, including FAA funding applications and agreements with the State of New York. Additionally, updates were given on airfield lighting improvements design and associated agreements. Committee reports covered ice rink signage, heritage museum repairs (foundation, drainage, electrical), tennis court funding deficit ($18,917.93 remaining balance needed), and library board tree removal decisions. Resolutions were passed for continuous recruitment of part-time groundskeepers and numerous adjustments to water and sewer account billing units for various properties. The Highway Transportation committee reported on storm-related breakdowns and the installation of an alarm system at the highway garage. Committee appointments were made for Facilities, Highway Transportation, Public Safety, and Public Works.

The Town of Ticonderoga's Comprehensive Plan outlines strategic goals and principles to guide its future development. The plan is structured around five core goals: Economic Development & Commercial District Vitality, Infrastructure & Essential Services, Recreation, Parks & Waterfront Access, Arts, Culture & Historic Resources, and Land Use & Zoning. These goals are supported by guiding principles focused on population retention, affordability, strategic implementation, and smart growth. The long-term vision aims to transform Ticonderoga into a model Adirondack community by 2045, characterized by a vibrant downtown, diverse economy, quality housing, excellent services, protected natural and historic resources, and a welcoming environment for all generations.

The board meeting featured the presentation of an accommodation to Police Officer Scott Cook for heroic actions during a rescue attempt in December 2025, as well as a subsequent response to a cardiac arrest incident. Committee reports covered appointments to various committees including Airport, Economic Development, Building Grounds Parks Rec Library, Highway/Transfer Station, Municipal Facility, and Public Safety. Significant discussion and numerous resolutions focused on the Ticonderoga Municipal Airport Expand Apron (Phase 1) Construction and Airfield Lighting Improvements projects, including applications for federal assistance. Committee reports also addressed the Ticonderoga Water Meter Project, including public outreach planning and necessary design finalization. Further topics included updates on sewer system separation, wastewater treatment plant upgrades, approval for utility safety training, termination of engineering services for the Chilson-Eagle Lake drinking water project, acceptance of the 2025 Court Audit findings, and an extension of the revocation of the certificate of occupancy for a nuisance property at 144 The Portage. Various utility account adjustments (water/sewer EDU counts) were approved based on property use updates.

The organizational meeting commenced with the Supervisor presenting remarks outlining key focus areas for the town, including enhancing community safety through a Neighborhood Watch Program, promoting community belonging and inclusion, diversifying the local economy while supporting existing businesses, leveraging historic assets, and developing a 5-10 year infrastructure upkeep plan, specifically highlighting the Gooseneck Pond Project and new water meter installations for 2026. A comprehensive resolution addressed numerous organizational appointments and authorizations for 2026, including reappointment of the Deputy Supervisor, Deputy Superintendent of Highway, Deputy Town Clerk, Town Historian, Health Officer, Dog Control Officer, Vital Statistics Registrar, and chairs for various boards. The resolution also confirmed the adoption of several town policies, designated official depositories and newspapers, established liaison roles and standing committees, and set the regular meeting schedule. Subsequent resolutions authorized an agreement with Essex County for emergency bus use, appointed a full-time member to the Planning and Zoning Board, and offered employment for the Recreation Supervisor position.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding the Town's updated Long Term Control Plan, necessary for compliance with the SPDES permit and to mitigate combined sewer overflow discharges into the LaChute River. Following the close of the hearing, the board addressed other business. This included authorizing attendance for the Wastewater Superintendent at Pesticide Training, accepting the scope of work and fee from Wright-Pierce for engineering services related to SPDES permit requirements, and scheduling future Public Hearings for proposed local laws concerning the adoption of updated income levels for the partial real property tax exemption for persons 65 years or older. The session concluded with a discussion in Executive Session concerning Personnel matters.