Jason Faso

The Village of Walden's Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap to define and enhance its unique sense of place, guiding future growth and development while respecting the Village's character. It focuses on enhancing historic, cultural, and natural resources, ensuring social and economic vitality, and improving the quality of life for its residents. Key strategic areas include land use regulation, natural resource protection, housing, open space preservation, and downtown revitalization, aiming to balance preservation with economic development and necessary infrastructure improvements over the next five to ten years.

The board meeting covered a wide range of administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included a report from the Village Manager on staffing updates, department performance metrics such as police activities and permit issuance, and updates on ongoing capital projects including sewer infrastructure and park trail renovations. The board voted to switch from Facebook to YouTube for broadcasting live meetings. Other topics included municipal waste contracts, public announcement strategies for fire hydrant clearing, and planning for upcoming budget sessions. Additionally, the board addressed resident concerns regarding property maintenance and zoning, held an executive session for personnel matters, and acknowledged the service of a departing trustee.

The board received a presentation on capital projects including water, sewer, park improvements, and street maintenance. Discussions covered the budget, the status of the village manager position, and current staffing challenges. The board reviewed and tabled several sets of past minutes, addressed public concerns regarding infrastructure and security cameras, and processed administrative motions including park use and event requests. The meeting concluded with a resignation announcement from a board member and a move to executive session to discuss personnel and budgetary matters.

The meeting addressed several key business items, including the resignation of a trustee, approval of audited bills, and the cancellation of procurement paperwork. The board granted a park use request and scheduled public hearings for the Community Development Block Grant and a new local law regarding residency requirements. Additionally, the board discussed and adopted a succession plan, approved a re-levy resolution for arrears, and accepted a garbage collection bid. Finally, the board reached a decision to terminate the village manager due to ongoing staffing and financial considerations.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the comprehensive plan, discussing zoning changes and mixed-use development proposals, and subsequently moved to refer the plan to the board. Reorganization actions included the appointment of the Deputy Mayor, Village Treasurer, and the retention of the Village Attorney. Key administrative actions included setting dates for future meetings, authorizing park use, approving the Memorial Day parade and Stop DWI initiatives, and initiating a bid process for garbage services. The board also scheduled public hearings for the budget and tax cap, and held an executive session concerning personnel and attorney-client matters.