Peter Bachem

The Town Board meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussion points included announcing vacancies on the Board of Assessment Review and Ethics Advisory Council, and changes to the Town's email domains. Old business involved resolving an issue with radioactive material detected in Transfer Station compactors, with subsequent distribution of flyers regarding proper disposal of medical waste. A presentation was given by The Fort Stops PFAS regarding opposition to a current NYSDEC permit review for the Fort Edward Clean Earth facility, focusing on potential environmental justice impacts and facility operational concerns, leading to the scheduling of a public hearing for a moratorium on battery energy storage systems (Proposed Local Law 2 of 2026). Actions taken included extending the term of a Zoning Board of Appeals member and establishing the ReZone Moreau Committee to review commercial zoning along the Route 9 corridor. The Board approved a resolution to secure funding for safety and accessibility improvement projects. Water and Sewer Department matters involved authorizing operator conference attendance and prepayment for necessary equipment. The Board also ordered a public hearing for Sewer District No. 1 Extension No. 7 concerning the Grove on Sisson development. In Recreation, decisions were made regarding purchasing cost-saving modifications for a backhoe bucket, hiring a part-time laborer, and authorizing repairs for a department truck. Finally, the Board authorized contracts for legal services and approved sponsoring a Concerts in the Park event, while also approving a policy to offer Town resident rental rates for pavilion use by South Glens Falls High School students for graduation parties, and reappointing a member to the Ethics Advisory Council. Monthly department reports were accepted.

The meeting involved public hearings regarding Local Law No. 1 of 2026, the 2026 contract with the South Glens Falls Fire Company, and the 2026 contract with the Moreau Emergency Squad. Local Law No. 1 of 2026, which reduces Planning Board member terms from seven to five years and strengthens training requirements, was adopted. Authorization was granted to the Supervisor to sign the 2026 contracts for both the South Glens Falls Fire Company and the Moreau Emergency Squad. The Board authorized the Highway Superintendent to prepare an RFP for an open front highway storage building. In Water & Sewer matters, authorization was granted for an operator to attend training, the purchase of bypass pump parts, and the repair of the Route 9 sewer pump seal. Action on a Water Department truck purchase was tabled pending review of procurement procedures. The purchase of a spare sewer pump for the Farnan Road Pump Station was authorized. The Board accepted December department head reports for the Transfer Station and Dog Control Officer. A grievance concerning confidentiality and the handling of a harassment complaint was formally documented by an employee. The floor was opened for public comment, including a presentation opposing a proposed PFAS thermal destruction project in Fort Edward. The Board also authorized the Town Attorney to initiate Supreme Court action against a property owner at 398 Fortsville Road for multiple code violations, including building a deck without a permit. Various appointments and term extensions were made for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Supervisor reported a significant increase in sales tax revenue.

The meeting commenced with an announcement honoring the retiring former Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman, Gerhard Endal, for his long and valuable service. The Board did not address any Old Business. Under New Business, the primary item was Appeal No. 902, an application by Erica & Rebecca Tyrel for a variance regarding fence height restrictions in their front yard (District R-2). The applicants sought to maintain a fence exceeding the permitted height to block the view of a neighbor's property deemed to contain "junk." The Board discussed the application against established variance criteria, noting concerns regarding the extent of relief requested (50%), the availability of alternatives like plantings, and the impact on the neighborhood's appearance. A neighbor submitted a favorable email regarding the applicants. Following the public hearing, a motion to approve the variance failed with a vote of 3 against and 2 in favor. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting consisted of a month-end audit where the Supervisor confirmed that vouchers were signed, and there were no transfers or other items requiring discussion. The main action taken was the approval of the warrant as audited under Resolution 30-2026, which passed unanimously among the attending members. The meeting was subsequently adjourned under Resolution 31-2026.

The Town Board meeting involved setting public hearings for the 2026 Fire Company and Moreau Rescue Squad contracts, scheduled for January 27, 2026. A proposed Local Law 1 of 2026 to reduce Planning Board terms from seven years to five years was discussed and a hearing set. The Board authorized expenses for the Building, Planning and Development Coordinator to attend the annual training conference. In Highway Department matters, authorization was granted to purchase proprietary components for the sand feeder chain for Truck #10 and to purchase a cab and chassis from Romeo Chevrolet and a dump body from Legacy Equipment, LLC, to replace Truck #5 components. The Water & Sewer Department vacancy was addressed by authorizing the advertising for a full-time laborer position with applications accepted until February 3, 2026. A yearly subscription for Diamond Maps software was authorized to benefit the department. Temporary measures were discussed for a failed seal on a pump at the new pump station. The Recreation Department received authorization to purchase a 340-gallon compact water trailer. The Supervisor's Office resolutions included setting the retroactive hourly pay rate for part-time Recreation Laborers, and accepting bids for the sale of surplus copiers. Monthly department head reports were accepted. Committee discussions included exploring the possibility of a dog park and reviewing an RFP timeline for updating recreational courts.