Steven Cooley

The Board of Trustees approved an amended bond resolution for the Sewer System Capital Improvements Project, increasing the project's scope and maximum cost to $1.7 million to cover pump station and SCADA system upgrades. The Board also passed a SEQRA resolution classifying the project as a Type II action. Following an executive session to discuss police department personnel matters, the board appointed a sergeant to the position of Sergeant in Charge and authorized an additional weekly stipend.

The board discussed public concerns regarding electricity at the Canal Basin, infrastructure and street maintenance, cemetery conditions, and public safety issues. Key agenda items included drafting a new code for short-term rentals, approving the blocking of streets for local events, and accepting donated signage for public bathrooms. Discussions also covered the operational status of the compost facility, plans for tree trimming and removal, and an inquiry into a high sewer bill for the Town. Additionally, the board approved an extension for a grant writing agreement, supported a grant application for a local playground, and authorized paving projects.

The board addressed public concerns regarding parking restrictions on Ohio Street and scheduled a public hearing to consider amending parking regulations. Financial matters included the adoption of the tax warrant for the upcoming fiscal year and authorization for necessary budget transfers. Personnel actions included several new appointments across various departments, the acceptance of resignations, and the authorization of a cost-of-living increase for staff. Additionally, the board approved a sign donation for Butts Park, authorized an intramural basketball program, supported a grant application for a new playground, and granted permission for environmental research activities. Further discussions were held regarding potential AIRBNB docking regulations, the issuance of a sidewalk grant program, and the management of the compost facility.

The board discussed and approved the 2026-2027 budget for the General, Water, and Sewer funds. Key actions included authorizing a special events permit for local businesses, setting tax rates for fireworks sales permits, approving sign locations for the Art Triennial, and agreeing to utilize a broker for the sale of a fire department ladder truck. The board also accepted a donation of benches for a public park, reviewed departmental reports from the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Code Enforcement, and entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The board conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget and reviewed tentative figures for the general, water, and sewer funds. Discussion topics included an upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, property maintenance concerns, and the scheduling of meetings with the Department of Public Works. The board addressed administrative items, including the confidential secretary position, code enforcement hours, a sewer bill for the Town of Ridgeway, and a new environmental agreement. Further business involved the adoption of police and fire chief agreements, approval for a commemorative sign at a local park, and an authorization for a transportation grant account. The board also reviewed an ongoing firefighter union grievance and discussed strategies for the future sale of a ladder truck, including potential procurement methods like an RFP or brokerage services.