Michael Hampel

The meeting included a Municipal Facilities Update, which covered construction meeting minutes distribution, schedule confirmation supporting an April 1st substantial completion date, budget status projecting completion under budget, and contingency review noting approximately 30 change order requests totaling around $30,000.00. The Board authorized the Mayor to sign a purchase order agreement for $100,242.44 with Accent Commercial Furniture for the Municipal Building Renovation Project. Furthermore, the Mayor was authorized to sign an agreement with PowerDMS by NEOGOV for $1,684.20 to implement time keeping services across Village Departments, excluding the Police Department which already uses PowerTime.

The primary discussion centered on an application for an Area and Use Variance for 39 Wallace Street. The applicant sought to change the property's use from an assisted living building to a multi-family residence and requested an area variance for one apartment unit planned to be 605 square feet, which is below the 660 square feet requirement. Public commenters expressed significant concerns regarding potential issues related to tenant conduct, citing experiences from the property's previous use as an assisted living facility, including issues with odors, noise, trespassing, and public displays. The Board unanimously voted in favor of a SEQRA motion, determining the project would result in no significant adverse environmental impacts and issuing a negative declaration.

The special meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The Board reviewed a proposal from KB Engineering & Architecture, P.C. regarding Professional Engineering Services for the Village of Scotia MS4 Program Assistance for the period covering the most intensive third year of the permit. A Special Vendor Event Permit item was noted, with the Attorney preparing associated legislation. A budget amendment was approved to increase the FY25-26 Budget by $14,300, funded by the G Fund Balance, to cover Bond Counsel fees for Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades. Furthermore, the Board passed a resolution formally supporting the Schenectady County Food Council's initiatives concerning the NYS FY 2027 Budget priorities, specifically regarding SNAP benefits, HPNAP/Nourish NY funding, and Local Food Councils. A second resolution was approved urging the State Legislature to include an additional $100 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance and advocating for a more permanent and equitable municipal aid solution.

The meeting addressed three area variance reviews, all of which were approved subject to departmental reviews and SEQRA negative declarations. The first variance for Livingston Avenue concerned lot width, as the proposed 40.17' frontage was less than the required 50' minimum for six single-family homes. The second approval was for 1 Glen Avenue, allowing for micro-unit apartments with 385 square feet of livable floor area, contrary to the 660 square feet minimum, with assurances that units prohibit Air BNB use. The final variance was for 135 Seeley Street, approving an 8-foot projection for an open porch where the maximum allowed projection into the front or side yard was 6 feet.

The meeting included the swearing in and presentation of a badge to a new Officer. Key actions involved the appointment of Kyle Garcelon as Part-time Cleaner, effective January 17, 2026. The Board moved to introduce a Proposed Local Law regarding Authorization for Property Tax Levy and set a public hearing for March 11, 2026. Significant financial actions included approvals for multiple change orders related to the Municipal Building Renovation Project from CKM Electrical Services, Inc., MJG Construction Group, LLC, and H2M architects + engineers. Purchase order agreements were authorized for Prisoner Bench, LLC, School Lockers.com, and eCLIPSE Network Solutions, all for the renovation project. An agreement with KB Engineering concerning water/sewer connections for Empire State Youth Orchestra at 45 MacArthur Drive was authorized, contingent on ESYO payment. The Board authorized signing a proposal with LaBella Associates for the Village of Scotia Water System Risk & Resilience Assessment update. An amendment to the accounting services agreement with Bonadio & Co, LLP was approved. An agreement with the Freedom Park Foundation was approved to formalize their relationship regarding park management. Additionally, the Board announced receipt of a CRTC grant for a Pedestrian Infrastructure Self-Analysis and Transition Plan, and funding from the Department of State for predevelopment activities related to the Scotia BOA redevelopment. The revised Village of Scotia Policies for Medical and Dental Insurance were approved, and an executive session was held to discuss contract negotiations.