Jeanne Ovensen

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding an additional $25 quarterly sewer facility fee intended to address a New York State-identified sewer fund deficit. The Board decided to table the law temporarily to revise it to include a five-year automatic expiration clause. Public comments addressed cleanup issues related to Greenlight Fiber Construction, including dirt left on streets and soil washing into catch basins. A recent incident where fiber workers hit a gas main on Ahern Boulevard was discussed, noting that specialized equipment secured the pipe without service loss. Updates were provided on upcoming underground fiber installation areas, retention pond maintenance plans including depth measurements, and recent infrastructure issues such as a water main break and replacement of removed storm drain lids. Financial snapshots showed current revenue collected from water, sewer, and facility fees. A significant portion of the meeting addressed a zoning dispute concerning the Casazza Property, where the Planning Board recommended maintaining the current AB (business) zoning against a proposed R10 residential change. Key discussions centered on the conflict with the Comprehensive Plan and exploring the possibility of a Planned Development District to facilitate mixed-use vision. Administrative improvements, grant awards, film production updates, and approved community events were also noted. The date for the subsequent board meeting was rescheduled due to village elections.

The agenda for the Village Board meeting scheduled for March 4, 2026, included an open public hearing concerning the Sewer Facility Revenue Fee for Deficit Finance Bond Payment for five years. Announcements covered various items including scheduled Shoreline Pond maintenance, the completion of movie filming at the police station, updates on Greenlight Fiber Installation and storm drain repair, tax mailing dates, status of pond dredging, receipt of a PERMA Grant for police safety training, discussion on amended zoning, and reports on recent water and gas main breaks. The agenda also noted the relocation of the subsequent Village Board meeting date. Resolutions to be considered involved approving the Credit Card Policy, Facility Use Permits for the Red Cross Blood Drive and Kiwanis Club event, a Public Assembly Permit for a 5K Walk/Run, authorizing budget transfers and amendments, confirming the rescheduled board meeting date, approving an application for the Orange County Tourism Grant fund for the 4th of July Event, and approving a Public Assembly Permit for Hispanic Heritage food trucks.

Key discussions included addressing missing video footage for recent meetings, updates on the Edmunds Building Department Software go-live scheduled for October 2026, and progress on Sewell Park improvements, including a sidewalk proposal submitted to New York State. The board confirmed a grant is in the final stages for generators for Village Hall and DPW, which will allow Village Hall to function as a warming station. Other topics involved the approval of a grant for five Dasney LED Crosswalk Lights, funding applications for Fourth of July fireworks, exploring funding for water tank rehabilitation, and budget follow-up items, including moving fuel expense codes to DPW. The building department reported on permits issued and violations being remedied. Several resolutions were passed, including budget transfers, scheduling a public hearing for a deficit bond payment fee effective May 2026, and approving assembly/facilities permits for various upcoming community events. Discussions also covered public perception regarding Planning Board independence and ongoing DPW staffing issues. Operational matters included assigning employees to water meter replacements and addressing stormwater management concerns, particularly regarding a retention pond requiring a DEC permit and identifying a bottleneck under Route 94 as a primary flooding issue impacting East Main Street properties.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of a new board member. Key discussions included public comments on budget allocations, specifically $50,000 in fuel expenses, consolidation of trustee reimbursements, and funding sources for snow removal assistance. The board addressed the State Comptroller's (OSC) budget review, noting that delayed AFR filings were corrected, an external audit is scheduled, and the Village's response would be posted online. Updates were provided on the Summer Concert Series, preliminary approval for the hydro well development estimated between $1.5 and $1.8 million, and the ongoing bidding process for wastewater sludge removal services. The Building Department reported on January revenue and permits issued. Resolutions adopted included the 2026-2027 budget, acceptance of a part-time police officer's resignation, approval of facility use for village cleanup, approval of a 5K fundraiser pending insurance corrections, appointment of election inspectors, and authorization of budget transfers and amendments. Public comments at the end covered topics like potential leasing of renovated upstairs space, stormwater maintenance, and HOA property responsibilities.

The proceedings included the opening of a public hearing regarding the 2026-2027 Tentative Budget, which was presented by the Treasurer. Key budget highlights involved a 4% increase in the Property Tax Levy and an increase in Sales Tax Revenue. Expenditure reviews covered General Government Support, Public Safety, Transportation, and increases in Culture and Recreation and Employee Benefits. Financial details for the Water Fund and Sewer Fund were presented, including projected revenues and debt service obligations. The Treasurer explained the recent conversion of the Village's deficit into a five-year bond issued in June 2025. A public discussion ensued covering budget presentation clarity, accrual accounting practices, implementation of the sewer facility fee, water/sewer billing practices (including minimum usage charges for seniors), the restriction of bulk water revenue, and delays in audit finalization. Officials provided clarifications on revenue reporting, reserve use for bulk water funds, and ongoing review of senior sewer minimum charges.