Julie K. Allen

The Board conducted a public hearing for a minor subdivision application at 277 & 279 Canada Street, which involved a discussion regarding the procedure for referring variance applications between the Planning Board and Zoning Board before referring the application back to the Zoning Board. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved an application for the construction of a second single-family residence at 3 Norman Street, discussing setbacks, utilities, and property usage.

The meeting commenced with three concurrent public hearings concerning proposed local laws: one to amend Chapter 208 regarding electric vehicle parking space reservation and increased fees in the James Street Parking Lot to $2 per hour; another to amend Chapter 220 concerning Stormwater regulations; and a third to repeal the outdated Chapter 30 "Local Laws." The Board approved monthly reports from several departments. A resolution was adopted authorizing the Clerk-Treasurer to relay unpaid water rents totaling $38,765.71 onto the June 2017 tax roll. The Board subsequently approved installing internet connection at the new Peace Officer headquarters, contingent upon restricting usage to administrative purposes and limiting WiFi access. The Board unanimously approved the hiring of three new seasonal employees for Beautification and Restroom Cleaner positions and approved a training opportunity at the NYCOM Annual Meeting. Several resolutions were passed, including authorizing the Deputy Mayor to sign an agreement for Cobra notification services and authorizing acceptance of an $87,000 grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program for a Stormwater Runoff Direct Discharge Reduction Project. The request to allow private property owners to park during high-volume events was tabled for full Board discussion. Approval was granted for the use of the Lake George Skate Park on July 8, 2017, for an event benefiting Nico's House, contingent upon Warren County approval. Resolutions were adopted concerning water billing adjustments (penalties and final reads) and various fund transfers, audits, and wire transfers. Finally, the Board adopted three Local Laws: Local Law No. 6, 2017, repealing Chapter 30; Local Law No. 7, 2017, amending Chapter 220 (Zoning/Stormwater Management Regulations); and Local Law No. 8, 2017, amending Chapter 208 (Vehicle & Traffic) to implement electric vehicle parking and adjust parking meter fees in certain lots. The meeting concluded with a request to seek Occupancy Tax funds for upgrading the Visitors' Center displays.

The board convened to discuss the potential purchase of a new aerial fire truck. The Fire Chief presented an overview of the proposed replacement, highlighting the condition of the current vehicle, the necessity of a 70' aerial truck over a 100' model for district navigation, and the comparative benefits of purchasing a demonstrator truck versus a new unit. Financial considerations, including the use of the Fire Equipment Reserve account and potential bond financing, were also reviewed alongside public feedback regarding warranty terms, transparency of financial figures, and funding strategies.

The Board discussed various administrative and operational matters including the approval of a food service RFP, evaluation of sewer rate calculation options, and the upcoming renewal of the cable franchise agreement. Key discussions involved the drafting of housing inspection and vacant property laws, the potential acquisition of property at the wastewater treatment plant, and preparations for emergency resolutions related to COVID-19. The Board also addressed staffing needs, approved handbook revisions regarding health insurance and vehicle operation age requirements, and reviewed the proposed annual budget, including specific line-item adjustments and infrastructure project updates.

The Special Meeting primarily focused on revisiting and approving shared services contracts with the Town of Lake George. Key discussions included the Code Enforcement Officer contract, which adds the employee to the Town's payroll and insurance while providing a retirement clause for Village insurance continuation. The Board also discussed two proposals for the Planning and Zoning Director position, ultimately agreeing to continue the shared services agreement for 2020, including an addition of $5,000 for expanded planning and grant writing services, which necessitated rescinding a previous resolution (No. 193, 2019). Furthermore, the Board approved a special event application for the High School Softball Tournament to use the REC Center baseball fields, waiving associated fees. Approvals were granted for the Lake George Winter Carnival to use Shepard Park, Blais Park, and for their parade on February 1, 2020, contingent upon required documentation and fee payments for the use of the Charles R. Wood Park Festival space for outhouse races. Other items included a request from the Lake George Rotary Club for raffle approval and Superintendent follow-up on parking area improvements at the REC Center. Discussions also covered funding requests for the Waste Water Treatment Plant and issues with the brine vendor composition.