Denise Bulnes

The primary agenda item involved a public hearing regarding an application for area variances at 28 Wheeler Avenue to allow for the construction of a two-story addition. The required variance concerned increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) from 25% to 32% (later discussed as 33%). The applicant explained the addition would replace a failing deck and accommodate a third bedroom and second bathroom. After deliberation and confirming the application was a Type II action under SEQR, the Board voted to grant the FAR variance to allow 33% FAR and authorized counsel to prepare the appropriate resolution. Following the grant, the applicant was advised of the next procedural steps involving the Planning Board review.

The key discussion topics for the Planning Board meeting include introductory remarks by the Chairperson and handling the acceptance of previous minutes from the Work Session of December 9, 2025, and the meeting of January 13, 2026. The agenda features several applications requiring review or a public hearing, specifically site plan approval for the construction of a shed at 24 Howe Street, a site plan application for 23 Wheeler Avenue, and a site plan application for a multi-family project at 30 Brady Road. A notice of public hearing for the 24 Howe Street application was also issued.

The agenda covered routine administrative items, including authorization for payment of approved and audited claims. Key discussion points involved public input opportunities for the Townwide Transportation Safety Action Plan, correspondence regarding street parking, and several motions. Trustee Cheney brought forward a motion to approve payment to TAM Enterprises, Inc. for the Relocation of the Maple Avenue Booster Station Project and a resolution to offer a voluntary employee separation incentive. Trustee Collura presented a resolution supporting increased aid to municipalities and strengthening New York's state-local partnership. Trustee McKnight introduced motions concerning a Special Use Permit Application for 67 South Street, establishing an escrow for the Village View Estates Annexation, and returning escrow balances to David Jones and Ilysa Memmer. Addendum No. 1 addressed the approval of a Special Use Permit and Site Plan for a T-Mobile modification at St. Anthony's Hospital, concluding that the action would not have a significant adverse environmental impact. The Board also moved to advertise for Village Engineer Interns and an Office Intern, and authorized the purchase of a Combination Sewer Jet/Vac-Con Truck from the Equipment Reserve Fund.

Discussions covered an update on the battery fire at 28 Church Street, referencing a monitoring synopsis report from LaBella Associates and correspondence from the property owner regarding lease termination and the removal of the battery system. The Board authorized the payment of all approved and audited claims totaling $273,208.53. Further topics included an announcement regarding the Tentative 2026 Assessment Roll hearing, the granting of facility use permits for the National Night Out 2026 event in Veterans Memorial Park, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the Duck Derby event in Linear Park. Employee training for DPW staff for safety events was also approved. Board members provided updates on the Galentine's event, the Town-wide Transportation Safety Action Plan, and the Warwick Cares Community Care Cards event.

Key discussions and actions included the acceptance of January 2026 reports (Clerk's Office, Treasurer's Statement, various Departments), authorization to pay audited claims, and review of a Police Report. A Public Hearing was scheduled regarding T-Mobile's application to modify a wireless telecommunications facility. Mayor Newhard's appointment to the NYCOM Executive Committee was announced, and a Call to Artists for the Artist in Residence position was noted. Trustee Cheney motions included approving payments for the Maple Avenue Booster Station Project and Well #3 Treatment Plant Project, granting a vacation day carry-over, authorizing engineering services for a Clearwell Pump Replacement, authorizing a major expenditure from the Equipment Reserve Fund for a Combination Sewer Jet/Vac-Con Truck, and accepting a Decommissioning Security Letter of Credit for the Battery Energy Storage Site. Trustee Foster introduced motions granting permission for Warwick Youth Football and Cheerleading to use park facilities, the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold the Farmers' Market, and the Warwick Merchants Collective to hold their Summerfest Sidewalk Sale, including requests to close Railroad Avenue and use 'No Parking' meter bags. The Warwick Valley Gardeners received permission for ticket sales and a member plant swap. Wickham Works received permission for Spring and Fall Love Local Maker Markets. Trustee Collura moved to authorize a temporary pay increase for the Deputy Treasurer covering the Treasurer's leave, approve an Intermunicipal Agreement for cannabis sales tax sharing, approve the 2026 Summer Concert Series Schedule, and authorize the Village Clerk to attend the IIMC Annual Meeting. Trustee McKnight moved to authorize the Planning Board Secretary to attend the NYPF Annual Conference, authorize a contract for a Roof-Mounted Photovoltaic System at the DPW Garage, refer a site plan application for 30 Brady Road to the Architectural and Historic District Review Board, adopt Local Law No. 1 of 2026 concerning the Village View Estates Annexation, and introduce a resolution for a public hearing regarding applying a zoning designation to the annexed parcel. An addendum motion approved a proposal for appraisal services for Village buildings and equipment.