Patricia A. Clarino

The special town board meeting addressed two time-sensitive matters. The first agenda item involved declaring the Town of New Windsor as the lead agency for the environmental review (pursuant to SEQR) concerning improvements to the Butter Hill Wells Water Treatment Plant G system. The proposed action is deemed an unlisted action, and the intent is to develop a permanent, redundant water source, potentially increasing capacity from 3 million to 5 million gallons. The second item involved the approval to receive and participate in the 2026 recreational funds distributed by Orange County, amounting to $16,500, funded through the Interstate Youth Development Program, and authorizing the supervisor to execute necessary documentation. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.

The Town Board Workshop Meeting focused on several key administrative and property matters. Discussion included the potential sale of the old Steuart gym, with an offer of $750,000 being discussed for its operation as a catering headquarters, contingent on future planning board approvals for an additional pad site. The board also addressed the potential sale of a parcel of land in the Fox Run area, which includes a silo that the town wishes to divest of responsibility, requiring division of the parcel due to existing drainage easements. Furthermore, a significant discussion covered infrastructure improvements for the 207 corridor and Morsel Road intersection, where the state has agreed to fund widening projects, including design in 2026 and construction in 2027, which will involve temporarily shutting down westbound traffic on Route 207. Additionally, the board reviewed an impending contract for cloud-based financial utility software and discussed changes to the ethics disclosure form, moving it to DocuSign for electronic submission to ensure completeness.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the amendment of Chapter 25 of the town code of ethics, specifically to allow for electronic submission of ethics forms, which also aimed to reduce paper usage. The board also reviewed and authorized several financial and contractual actions. These included receiving and filing an agreement with Orange County for snow and ice control services on county-owned roads, authorizing Change Order Number One with Baron Construction Group Incorporated for the Caesar's Lane wastewater treatment plant upgrade, and authorizing a second amendment to developer agreements concerning the reallocation of sewer capacity. Further actions involved receiving and filing a modified state discharge permit for the wastewater treatment plant, receiving and filing a grant disbursement agreement for inflow and infiltration mitigation in sewer district number nine, receiving and filing a planning specific technical approval for Phase 2 of the wastewater treatment plant project, amending the 2025 standard schedule of fees, authorizing an amendment to the contract with Tyler Technologies Incorporated for financial software services moving to a cloud-based system, authorizing the signing of a certificate of insurance for county tax collection, and authorizing fund transfers from the Woodlawn Cemetery Investment Fund and the Parkland Recreation Fund to the general fund for reimbursement purposes.

The workshop included discussions and potential actions regarding several items. Key topics included the reappointment of members to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Zoning Board of Appeals (involving a role switch between two members), and the Planning Board. A significant discussion focused on the necessary upgrade of Pump Station 2, with engineering proposals ranging from $3.9 million to $4.7 million. The board also discussed petitioning the state regarding traffic safety at the intersection of River Road and Extension, following six reported accidents. Furthermore, the board deliberated on opting into retail marijuana dispensary revenue, reviewing potential income figures from Newberg, and planning further research. Updates were provided on the ongoing sewer plant project, including Phase 1 construction progress and a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Phase 2. Finally, the agenda covered updating the town code to require ethics disclosure forms for various deputy and IT staff positions.

The meeting covered multiple agenda items, including the adoption of the 2026 rules and procedures and authorizing the town clerk to advertise regular town board meeting dates. Key actions involved approving the minutes for a prior public hearing on local law amending the ethics code and the December 2025 town board meeting minutes. The board authorized the highway superintendent to make purchases up to $750 without prior approval. Anthony Fyo was appointed as Supervisor of Refuge and Garbage for 2026 with a set salary. Final payment was approved for the Lakeside Drive culvert replacement project. A new water consumption rate of $6.90 per 100 cubic feet was established, reflecting a 5-cent increase in the water fund. Amendments to engineering service agreements were authorized concerning the new raw water pumping station and water filtration plant projects, including engaging a cost estimator. The bid for sight surveying services for the pump station was awarded to Tectonic Engineering Consultants. Authorization was granted for pre-construction environmental surveys for the pump station project. Resolutions were passed to advertise for qualifications for engineering services related to water and sanitary sewer improvements near Steuart International Airport, and for an inflow and infiltration study of the sanitary sewage collection system. The board accepted the dedication of public improvement sanitary sewer pump station number 7 and authorized the release of related performance and maintenance bonds. Several sewer capacity reallocation agreements involving SDC Realty Acquisition LLC and Access Support for Living were accepted for filing. The board accepted the resignation letters of Councilwoman Eve Lincoln (effective January 7, 2026) and Zoning Board of Appeals member Michael Schwarz (effective January 6, 2026). Eve Lincoln was subsequently appointed as Town Justice, and Michael Schwarz was appointed to fill the vacant Town Council person position. Steven Monroe Maro was appointed as Deputy Supervisor, and David Zeon was reappointed as Town Attorney. Dorian Casey was reappointed as Town Controller.