Travis Howe

The board discussed and approved three applications. The first involved replacing a septic tank with a holding tank at 9 Little Bay Lane, requiring a variance for property line setbacks. The second approved the installation of two holding tanks at 37 Cramer Point Road with a variance for shoreline setbacks. The third approved a septic system upgrade including a pump station and absorption field at 26 Still Bay Road, requiring multiple variances for property line and dwelling setbacks. All approvals included specific conditions regarding emergency shutoff alarms and site plan requirements. The board also scheduled their next meeting for late March.

The Town Board meeting addressed several resolutions primarily focused on the EMS Department. Key actions included entering into a two-year maintenance agreement with Stryker for equipment, purchasing two Saphire IV pumps, and approving the purchase of a new Demers ambulance not to exceed $250,000. The board also implemented new EMS service fee rates effective January 13, 2026. Furthermore, John Carr was appointed as an alternate member to the Zoning Board. Resolutions were passed authorizing agreements with LaBella Associates for a C&D pit permit renewal closure estimate and with Suozzo, Doty and Associates for further analysis on the Northern Caldwell Sewer District extension and for bid assistance on the Gateway Landscaping project. The board authorized utilizing Diamond Point Water District funds for emergency water leak repairs at Olympian Village and directed the levy of costs onto the responsible party. A discussion regarding amending the EMS Holiday Pay Policy was tabled pending further review by the Personnel Committee. The board accepted NYSLRS Standard Workday Results for Judge Brian Reichenbach and approved 2025 maximum sick time payouts. Multiple budget transfers were approved across various town accounts.

The public hearing focused on Site Plan Review SPR#1-2026 submitted by Sun Castle and Erlowest Resort for a 6-Phase renovation project. Key components include upgrading guest amenities, improving infrastructure, and expanding capacity with new duplexes and a bridal executive retreat. A central issue revolves around future municipal sewer line expansion, as later phases, including a new boutique hotel and employee housing, depend on securing this access; otherwise, an on-site treatment plan must be designed. Initial phases concentrating on lakeside amenities, pool replacement, and new recreation facilities (tennis/pickleball courts, half basketball court) can proceed without new sewer access. The Board also discussed lighting plans, property buffering in collaboration with the Lake George Waterkeeper, and lot coverage/floor area ratio calculations. The application was accepted as complete and then tabled pending updates from the Town designated engineer and the Waterkeeper. Additionally, a discussion was held regarding scheduling a subsequent special meeting for Green Harbour concerns.

The meeting addressed three key public hearings involving applications for sanitary system improvements requiring variances. The first application involved replacing a septic tank and seepage pit with a 2000-gallon holding tank, with variances sought for setbacks due to site conditions like slope and bedrock. Conditions included setting the high-level alarm at 90%. The second application concerned the installation of two new 1,500-gallon holding tanks and the continued use of an existing tank, requesting a variance for shoreline setback due to bedrock constraints; conditions involved setting the shut-off valve at 90% and making every attempt to meet the setback requirement. The third application involved replacing two cesspools with a septic tank pump station and a Presby disposal field, necessitating multiple variances for distance to property lines and the dwelling due to site limitations like shallow bedrock and existing infrastructure. Conditions for the third application included setting the high-level shutoff flow at a maximum percentage and ensuring a high vent is shown on the Site Plan. Following the public hearings, the Board scheduled their March meeting for the 24th at 1:00 p.m. before adjourning.

The Town Board meeting covered numerous resolutions and discussions. Key topics included a resolution to support designating the Northway Exit 23 overpass bridge in memory of ECO Stephen L. Raymond, which involved extensive discussion about his service connections to the Town. The board also passed resolutions authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Polaris Ranger for Buildings and Grounds, the purchase of a new steel building, the appointment of a Marriage Officiant, and the purchase of two Ventis HeroVent ventilators using grant funds for the EMS Department. Furthermore, the board addressed personnel matters by accepting two resignations and authorizing the hiring of new staff for the Youth Commission. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the joint purchase of a Rosenbauer fire truck with the Village, specifically addressing concerns regarding co-ownership, financing, and training requirements, resulting in a resolution to schedule a Public Hearing regarding the purchase. Other items included approving the framework for the Gateway project landscaping bid process, authorizing the NYS Rt 9N road project advancement via federal/state aid, discussing updates to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code restrictions concerning APA regulations, considering collaboration with Warren County DPW on a Diamond Point water line project, and reviewing the MS4 Annual Report notice availability. Finally, discussions covered the CSD/DEC billing update and the selection of a portable pump for the CSD, alongside committee reports.