Lois Mitchell

The work session meeting focused on several key discussion points. Initial discussion reviewed feedback received from other Villages regarding traffic control measures, including reports of accidents, noise concerns, and the effectiveness of solar speed signs versus speed humps, particularly near schools. The group then discussed obtaining engineering estimates from Nelson and Pope for traffic calming measures on Van Brunt and Washington roads, debating whether to proceed with a pilot on one street or both simultaneously. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion regarding the potential conflict of interest arising from the village engineer taking on private projects, specifically concerning the design of speed bumps, leading to a consensus that future engagement with the engineer should include a requirement for notification regarding private work on related subjects. Further discussion covered the procurement of solar speed signage, comparing pricing and power options (battery vs. solar) across multiple vendors, with a preference for solar-powered options and a decision to pursue pricing for a single unit as a pilot. Other topics included authorizing the purchase of new radios for code enforcement due to system changes, approving quotes for the radio purchase and outfitting of a new White Ford Interceptor vehicle, and addressing a resident request concerning the backfill and planting proposal at 27 Walnut Street, noting concerns about tree height relative to the code for triangulated intersections and the subsequent maintenance responsibilities for trees placed on village land.

The work session included discussions regarding participation in the Three Village Rotary Holiday Parade, scheduled for December 15th, with details provided on assembly times and route. The board also reviewed plans for the winter newsletter, which is currently in development. A significant financial discussion centered on moving $100,000 from the reserve investment account to the New York Class account, noting that interest income is already significantly over budget. The board reviewed proposed local revisions to Chapter 120, the Property Maintenance Law, specifically regarding the storage of boats and non-motorized watercraft, agreeing on a proposed multiplier for as-built permit fees for plumbing construction demolition items like gas fireplaces and tanks, settling on a two or three times multiplier. The L-taking report was postponed until the January meeting. An update was provided on addressing the petrochemical odor in the area, noting a meeting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the installation of a blue smoke control system by Asphalt Supply of Long Island. Residents were urged to report odors in real-time to the DEC. Finally, the board discussed pending litigation with the Village Attorney and reviewed actions taken by the ZBA and Planning Board, including a DOC application process.

The board meeting commenced with a motion to open the session. Key agenda items included placing a hold on discussion of the village insurance policy pending receipt of updated information. The board discussed the mass assembly versus special events permit, reviewing input regarding distinctions between parking applications, street use, and use of village property, deciding to circle back on this item in January. Discussions also covered an update on the village insurance policy, specifically regarding flood coverage and the NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) to potentially achieve discounts on premiums, which the board decided to pursue. Furthermore, the board reviewed the status of the landscaping fall cleanup, which was concluded with satisfactory results, and determined that the contract would be rebid in the subsequent period. Finally, updates were provided regarding code enforcement pay, with plans to address raises and retirement benefits in the January meeting, and topics for the winter newsletter were discussed.

The special meeting addressed rebidding road paving and pothole repairs, necessitating starting the process over due to initial bidder confusion regarding group versus individual bidding and parameter clarity. Specific revisions included adding a clause for disputes in pothole repairs and clarifying the scope for the approximately 3,300 square feet of paving. Bidding for paving will include Alternate A (all roads paved simultaneously) and Alternate B (individually priced roads). The board authorized withdrawing from the class action opioid lawsuit and entering into an intermunicipal agreement with the Suffach County Planning Commission for shared resources regarding land use and development. Additionally, the board decided to obtain quotes for replacing the air conditioning units at Village Hall.

The meeting included several significant discussions and updates. Key topics covered the finalization and codification of a planning board request, contingent upon the chair's approval following a single modification. A substantial portion addressed FEMA restoration efforts, requiring engineering reports for Walnut Beach, California Beach, and a retention basin to move forward with potential reimbursement. The body plans to solicit bids for these engineering reports. Updates were provided by community commissioners regarding the repurposing of straw bales, scheduling for the community garden (including plot openings, socials, and clean-up day), costs for mulching, weeding shrubs near the gravel parking lot, thinning garden beds, revitalizing the greenhouse, and seeking funding for a deer fence. An update on Van Brunt Manor Beach detailed seasonal preparations, renumbering of kayak racks, and quotes received for adding gravel stones to create a path to the beach, which requires a Title Wetlands permit from DEEC. The hazard conditions on Van Brunt Manor Road property were discussed, with the decision to table the public hearing as the homeowner filed a demolition permit. Updates on Suffach County Police Department patrols focused on identifying intersections for traffic enforcement (speeding/stop signs) and coordinating with village court for potential ADA prosecution. The village budget review noted increases in insurance and auditing costs, which were managed through internal adjustments, and incorporated FEMA road projects. An update on a newly hired Deputy Clerk, April Baro, was given. Finally, discussions included the relocation of a previously approved drain cover to Birchwood for testing and the relocation of a radar speed sign to the intersection of Singingwood and Shen.