Michael T. Schatzel

The Town Board meeting addressed several personnel changes, including the retirement of the highway superintendent and the appointment of a replacement highway superintendent and a deputy water superintendent. The board also approved modifications to stipends for various deputy superintendent roles. Additionally, the meeting covered authorization for an RFP for solar projects, the purchase of a traffic monitoring system, and administrative actions related to a small cities grant for a sewer project on Brigham Lane. A revised proposal for human capital management and payroll services was authorized, and a resolution was passed in support of an airport grant application.

The board discussed several planning and development applications. Key topics included a major subdivision and site plan for Zena Homes, the closure of a mining permit to allow for construction equipment storage for Leo Boice, and a special use permit for a four-unit multifamily dwelling by J. Rich LLC. Additionally, the board received a presentation on a battery energy storage project by Lincoln Park Energy, noted the withdrawal of an application by Chung Lam, and reviewed interior and exterior renovation plans for the Tractor Supply store on Ulster Avenue.

The board meeting involved various financial and operational actions including the approval of budget modifications, transfers, and abstracts of claims. The Board accepted annual financial and operating reports and independent audit reports for the Justice Court. Personnel actions included the hiring of seasonal camp counselors and a part-time police officer, as well as authorizing an assignment for a detective. The Board also addressed infrastructure and utility matters, such as supporting a county grant for MS4 mapping, approving the purchase of a mini excavator with a flail mower, executing a long-term NYSDOT work permit agreement, and formalizing agreements for sewer services for a state park. Furthermore, the Board granted final approval for a site plan and special use permits for a solar project, authorized an easement agreement for the project, and executed a memorandum of understanding for a comprehensive plan update grant.

The meeting included discussions on several zoning variance applications. The board addressed an area variance request for a pool at 1049 Pine Place and a fence variance at 49 Esopus Avenue, both of which did not proceed as applicants were absent. The board also reviewed an area variance application for the construction of a new garage at 45 Catskill Avenue, which was moved to a public hearing for the subsequent meeting.

The board reviewed several project applications including a major subdivision and site plan for Zena Homes, where environmental and construction impacts were discussed. Additionally, the board considered a site plan amendment for Kingston SS, approved a lot line adjustment for Quarry Waters, and noted that no action could be taken regarding a façade change for Popeye's as no applicant appeared.