Robert J. Benson

The agenda included a new public hearing for Highway Displays exterior modifications, a continued public hearing for the Cool Sunny retail cannabis dispensary, and workshops regarding a pre-submission site plan and special use permit for Cardinal Used Auto Parts, FDP approval for Caris Memory Care at Bellefield, and site plan amendment approval for Relyea Properties LLC. Other business included site plan waiver approvals for residential projects by Gary and Liz Hilton, Marc Vumbico, and Denise Meyerson.

The Town Board meeting included multiple resolutions, such as rescinding a previous memorandum of agreement for the CSEA Highway Unit and acknowledging the retirement of a deputy town clerk. The board created a new position for a deputy building inspector and established a bi-annual meeting schedule for the remainder of the year. Additionally, the board approved waivers for alcohol consumption on public property, scheduled a public hearing for a retail cannabis special use permit, authorized tax certiorari settlement negotiations, and approved various budget revisions. Other actions included extending intermunicipal agreements for fuel and salt services, continuing grant consulting services, awarding construction contracts for pool renovations, and authorizing police department training and grant applications.

The board addressed multiple administrative and operational items, including the resignation of the Deputy Town Clerk, the creation and appointment of a Deputy Building Inspector, and the approval of the bi-annual meeting schedule. Key discussions involved the waiver of alcohol restrictions for a library event, the initiation of a public hearing for a retail cannabis special use permit, and the authorization of tax certiorari settlement negotiations. The board also approved budget revisions, extended intermunicipal agreements with the local school district for fuel and salt, and renewed a grant consulting services contract. Additionally, the board awarded construction contracts for the Hackett Hill pool renovation project, authorized proposal requests for police facility parking lot repairs, approved agreements for youth recreational programs, and sanctioned various grant application submissions. Professional development training for police department personnel was also approved.

The board meeting included formal acknowledgments for community members, specifically recognizing a centenarian and a local business owner for their dedicated service. A student from Marist College presented a new GIS street map created for the town, which was commended for its utility in building and zoning efforts. Additionally, the board discussed traffic concerns regarding turning onto Route 9 from Farm Lane. The board heard perspectives from the former highway superintendent and a local resident, concluding that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, though the town will continue to monitor the situation through the new highway superintendent.

The board conducted public hearings for Highway Displays and Cool Sunny Retail Cannabis Dispensary, granting conditional site plan amendments and special use approvals. Key outcomes included requirements for specific building materials, lighting adjustments, and landscaping updates. Additionally, the board held a workshop to review a history of site violations at Cardinal Used Auto Parts.