Kevin Phillips

Discussions during the work session covered several upcoming projects and administrative matters. Key topics included the completion of a box culvert project and potential leftover funds for fencing repair, delays with the Ridge Road Bridge due to changes in Department of Transportation project managers, and updates on the Animal Shelter project, specifically funding allocations for the cat building and estimated costs for kennel upgrades to meet code, noting the sewer line is not grant-funded. The Supervisor proposed consolidating various grants via a bond to manage reimbursement schedules. Other items involved waiting for HUD paperwork for the ADA Bathroom/Senior Center grant, concerns about the Gatehouse roof due to asbestos, and suggesting temporary storage solutions for historical records. The potential purchase and renovation of the Saint Patrick's Property, suggesting it be added to the bond consolidation, was reviewed. The possibility of restoring Channel 22 with technology purchased by Senator Skoufis was mentioned. Administrative discussions included the Code Red contract renewal notice requirements and reviewing the Animal Shelter Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) regarding the Village of Monroe's participation fees. Finally, the emergency plan for the Dam was noted as unapproved.

The meeting agenda included administrative business such as the acceptance of minutes from earlier January meetings, approval of an abstract, and budget modifications. Old business topics involved updates from the Clerk to the Supervisor, discussion regarding the consultant for the Assessor's I Levy, and the removal of the three-minute limit on public comment. New business items included announcing the completion of the 2025 Annual Accounting, renegotiating the Animal Control Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) with the Town of Woodbury, and reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Library and the Town of Woodbury. Departmental reports and committee minutes from December 2025 were also presented, excluding the Parks and Recreation Committee minutes.

The meeting commenced with an executive session followed by an Oath of Office Ceremony for newly elected and appointed officials, including Supervisor Hernandez and Councilmember Alvarez. Key reorganization actions included setting the Supervisor's 2025 salary, appointing Martha Lopez as Deputy Supervisor, and establishing regular meeting dates, official newspaper designation (Times Herald Record), and mileage/food reimbursement rates for 2026. The Board adopted the Investment Policy for the Town of Woodbury, outlining authorized investments and designating official banks. Several appointments were confirmed, including Martha Nask to the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the reappointment of Kelly Lopez as Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Register, and Town Clerk Young as Marriage Officer/Registrar/Records Management Officer. Legal counsel appointments were made, designating Joseph McKay as general legal counsel, Pitingaro & Doetsch as Engineers, and Thomas McDonough as labor attorney. Committee assignments were finalized for various Town functions. The Town's Procurement Policy was adopted, detailing guidelines and thresholds for purchasing goods and services. The Board approved the Official Undertaking of Municipal Officers, specifying insurance coverage details, and adopted the 2026 Fee Schedule. Administrative business included accepting minutes from previous meetings, approving a budget modification, and accepting resignations from the Parks Committee and from a Part-Time Clerk position. New business included authorizing the Supervisor to send a letter of intent to the Archdiocese regarding the purchase of the St. Patrick's Building, authorizing the Town Clerk to re-advertise for open seats on the Library, Parks, and Beautification Committees, and authorizing advertisement for a Clerk to the Supervisor. Finally, the Supervisor was authorized to sign the contract for the July 4EVER Fireworks display.

The meeting involved the continuation and closure of a public hearing concerning Introductory Local Law 5 of 2025, the Refuse Enforcement Law of the Town of Woodbury. The Board determined the law adoption was a Type II action under SEQRA, requiring no further environmental review. The Board adopted Local Law No. 5 of 2025, which was codified as Chapter 264 of the Town Code, including revisions such as extending the bulk-item removal window to 72 hours and establishing a revised penalty schedule. Administrative business included accepting minutes from the December 4, 2025 meeting, approving abstracts, and adopting several 2025 budget modifications across various departments (e.g., Equipment, Senior Center, Animal Control, Buildings & Grounds, Police). The Board also appointed Lawrence Coe as Full-Time Detective, canceled and rescheduled the January 1, 2026 meeting, and authorized the Supervisor to sign agreements related to Perma Tail Claims and the School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement. Finally, the Town's 2026 holiday schedule was accepted.

The Town Board meeting addressed the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2026, including comments from the public regarding the A Fund, B Fund, and Library funding. There was discussion about the tax amount for the Woodbury Public Library, refuse fees, and potential costs associated with personnel changes. The board also discussed executive sessions, parks maintenance, and transparency concerns related to library renovations. Additionally, the meeting covered administrative business such as budget modifications, appointments to the Board of Assessment and Parks Committee, and the tabling of Beautification Committee matters. New business included authorizing the Supervisor to sign agreements for fixed asset reporting and legal services, approving a parade permit, and scheduling a public hearing on refuse.