Joey Varin

The special meeting was convened to discuss Proposed Local Law #1 of 2024 Regulating the Short-Term Rental Law for the Town of Dannemora. Key proposed adjustments included changing the permit duration from two years to one year (with a corresponding cost adjustment to $150), qualifying the Town's CEO to conduct required inspections for a $100 fee, and changing quiet hours to 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Other proposed changes involved enforcing that the STR owner must address rules and regulations, specifying requirements for garbage removal during rental periods, inserting the word "recommended" before fine amounts, and granting the Code Enforcement Officer authority over code-related violations, directing other complaints to appropriate entities.

The organizational meeting of the Town Board addressed several key administrative actions for the year 2026. Key discussions and resolutions involved approving the regular meeting schedule for the year, adopting the Supervisor's appointments for various roles including Deputy Supervisor, Budget Officers, and various department liaisons. The Board also approved committee appointments for areas such as Administration, Grants, Parks, and Fire Departments. Furthermore, the Board approved the appointments for several Town positions, including Town Attorney and Assessor, and confirmed several Town employees. Finally, resolutions were adopted authorizing the Secretary to the Supervisor to handle claims, approving the payment of routine bills prior to audit, adopting operational procedures and designations (including bank and newspaper), authorizing the Highway Superintendent to post weight limit signs, and adopting numerous Town policies such as Hiring, Code of Ethics, and Procurement policies.

Key discussions included a person addressing the Board regarding the 'Reeling for Recovery' event scheduling and potential ice racing event on Chazy Lake in early 2026, with details on fish stocking and permits. Resolutions were adopted to pay December 2025 bills totaling $450,873.56 across various funds. Old business covered updates on the LMWWTP project delays due to boiler component waiting and inconsistent power supply from NYSEG, confirmation of final payment from Alliance for Ore Sand Sales, commencement of the 2025 books closeout, pending installation of new phones from Verizon, the success of the Santa Visit event, the lack of grant funding for Chazy Lake Dam repairs, receipt of a grant for Water District #2 line freezing issues, the need for a solution for Lyon Mountain Sidewalks, and backup heating solutions for the Fire Building. New business focused on scheduling service for the Fire Alarm Notification System due to a daily fault, checking for available grates for Sewer District #2, continued interest from Phoenix Trailings in purchasing Ore-sand, resolving a legal road access issue on Gordan Road, and authorizing repair of the Chazy Lake Electric Sign by Daktronics. An organizational meeting for January 7th, 2026, was scheduled.

Key discussions included the need for a punch list concerning poorly executed repairs during the Lyon Mountain Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, with parts still on backorder. The closing of 2025 books was discussed, as was the installation of a new phone system pending Verizon's coordination. An issue with the NCC Fire alarm notification system that was contacting a Councilman nightly was resolved. The Board addressed concerns regarding Gordan Road ownership, clarifying interest only in the town road segment. The possibility of Pheonix Trailings conducting mineral extraction at the sand pit was noted, and the Board considered surveying the pit. Discussions also covered searching for grants for the Chazy Lake Dam repair, the need to move forward with the comprehensive plan with assistance from MJ Engineering, and a water basement issue at a burned-down property. Additionally, a resignation from the District 2 operator was accepted, and Deborah Coryer was appointed to fill a vacant Councilperson position for 2026.

The Town Board meeting included the approval of numerous resolutions. Key actions involved paying November 2025 bills totaling $350,619.51 across various funds, accepting recommended changes to the Local Law #1 of 2024 regarding short-term rentals, and approving the standard workday duration for the Dog Control Officer and Code Enforcement Officer for retirement system purposes. Old business discussions covered updates on the LMWWTP project, the Lyon Mountain Road closure, FEMA paperwork finalization, and the Sand Hauling contract status. The Board also approved a resolution allowing the Town Supervisor to sign the Clinton County Highway Department Contract for snow and ice removal. Further old business included planning for fire hydrant replacement and approving a contract with Bangor Shelter for dog control services at a reduced annual cost. New business involved receipt of a grant reimbursement for an I&I study, scheduling Christmas with Santa, planning for the 2025 book close-out, the scheduled upgrade of the Municipal Building phone system, and the surplus of a 2012 GMC truck, with associated transfer of funds for a recently acquired F150 truck. The meeting concluded with committee reports and entry into and exit from an executive session, followed by approval to pay a stipend to the Dog Control Officer.