Margaret Moree

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Snow Emergency Parking Law, specifically concerning no parking zones on Second Street and Brick Row, which was subsequently passed by motion. Department head reports covered water line breaks resulting in high water usage and sewer plant flow rates, updates on hydrant ordering, budget discussions for the Fire Department, the acceptance of a bid for a new police truck, and research tracking 66 Short-Term Rentals (STRs) with a recommendation to hire a tracking service. The Board approved two Use Applications for educational drone classes and youth games. Resolutions were passed to approve payments of vouchers. New business included approving a recurring MailChimp charge for the newsletter and noting missing local laws from eCode360. Old business involved Mayor Serrago signing a NYS DOT Utility Work Agreement, planning for Summer Recreation including grant applications, and discussing a Re-Levy Fee Law amendment requiring a public hearing. Other business addressed budget requests, scheduling changes, resident feedback on water rate increases, and staff changes.

Key discussions included reviewing department head reports: reservoir maintenance success, DPW updates on snow emergency signs and surplus auction bids, Fire Department plans for new equipment, and Police Department updates on personnel changes, including the hiring of a new officer and the process for replacing a stripped police truck. The Code Enforcement section detailed findings and proposed fee structures for short-term rentals (STRs), including potential law amendments. Resolutions passed included approving meeting minutes from December 10, 2025, approving voucher payments, raising late fees for water/sewer bills to 20%, and addressing a resolution from the NYS DOT. New business addressed Summer Recreation Grant Applications and amendments to Snow Parking Laws, setting a public hearing for February 11, 2026. Other business touched upon contact person changes, the lifting of water restrictions, status updates on the NY Forward Grant, and the upcoming Emergency Preparedness seminar. An executive session was held to discuss a personnel issue.

The Board discussed scheduling a Public Hearing for the Historic Appeals Standards Local Law and addressed the need for a public hearing regarding the one-way parking proposal for Second Street. Discussions covered the resolution required for the conveyance of the Community Center building from the Village to the Town, with the Mayor instructing the Attorney to schedule related public hearings for February 13, 2019. Department head reports included the recommendation to remove six willow trees at Rainey Field and the approval for purchasing new tires for the backhoe. The Fire Department noted the status of ordered radios and the Mayor established a stricter procedure for renting the firehouse, requiring proper documentation and insurance. Water & Sewer updates highlighted ongoing network problems affecting the SCADA system, the successful implementation of a new independent alarm system, and the anticipation of major upgrades to the WFP and SCADA system during future budget discussions. Applications were approved for facility use at Riverfront Park and the Community Center gym, and a permit to peddle for NRG Community Solar was approved with time restrictions. Resolutions were passed approving the payment of vouchers across General, Water, and Sewer Funds, and approving the purchase of new tires for the DPW backhoe.

The meeting addressed various topics, including discussions on bringing natural gas into the village, a resident's request for a report on a Code Enforcement Officer's visit to their property and questions regarding their water/sewer bill, and a presentation from Green Fiber regarding a recycle receptacle for paper. Concerns were raised by residents about damaged sidewalks and the condition of a property on N. Washington Street. Resolutions were proposed and addressed the approval of minutes, authorization of voucher payments, setting a date for a public hearing on increasing the tax exemption maximum income level, approving a facility use permit, establishing a safety committee, appointing members to the safety committee, authorizing the mayor to sign a contract for random drug testing, authorizing the mayor to purchase park benches, authorizing the purchase of a new VFD for the RAS Pump at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, authorizing the purchase of tax collection software, ratifying the contract between Teamsters Local and the Village of Athens, declaring the aerial ladder truck to be surplus, accepting an offer to purchase the ladder truck, and purchasing water and sewer billing software. The board also discussed communications, trustee reports, unfinished business such as water meter installation, lagoon proposals, and new business including a presentation on the dangers of heroin and water main breaks. The meeting entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding various topics. A public hearing was held concerning the repeal of a local law related to the property tax cap. Resolutions were proposed and voted on, including authorizing a street closure for a graduation party, approving an amendment to the collective bargaining agreement with Local 294 regarding uniform supplies, renewing a copier lease, and adopting Local Law No. 4 to repeal Local Law No. 2 concerning the tax override. Additionally, the payment of vouchers for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund was approved. The board also discussed maintenance of a cemetery, inspection of chemical bulk storage tanks, community service jobs, the water plant lagoon, SCADA, WTTP contamination, an emergency action plan for the dam, cost-cutting ideas, FEMA reimbursement, expenses for water main repair, and dogs in the park.