Trent Gravelle

The meeting included an organizational session followed by the regular board meeting. Key resolutions included setting the date for future regular board meetings to the second Tuesday of each month in 2026, limiting public remarks to five minutes per speaker, and the appointment of various Town officials and board members for 2026. Appointments covered positions such as Deputy Supervisor, Town Attorney, Clerk to the Supervisor, Budget Officer, Sole Assessor, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Dog Control Officer, Code Officer, and members for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board also authorized bonding for individuals collecting money, designated bank depositories for 2026, accepted several policies, established standard work days, designated official newspapers, and authorized the Supervisor to sign contracts with various local entities and the IWORQ Service Agreement for Code Enforcement software enhancement. Financial actions included auditing and paying bills from various funds and accepting bank reconciliations. The Board also discussed the need to establish replacement values for Town buildings and vehicles, and the potential for a local law regarding Short Term Rentals. An executive session was held to discuss water issues.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding a proposed subdivision at 364 Port Douglas Road, Keeseville, which involved discussion about future dwelling rights on a vacant parcel intended for agricultural use. Following the hearing, the Regular Meeting addressed the subdivision approval, which created one lot for a single-family dwelling and one vacant lot. Other topics included the confirmation that an illuminated sign for Soundview Marketing (NAPA) was within code requirements, and a comprehensive discussion on updating the Town of Chesterfield Zoning Law. This update discussion covered complex intertwining topics such as tiny homes, short-term rentals, auxiliary dwelling units, affordable housing, and SEQRs, with projected costs and funding splits noted.

The meeting addressed critical water issues, specifically clogged intake screens at Butternut Pond due to the intake line being too close to the bottom, requiring the use of temporary pumps and pending diver intervention once ice conditions allow. The Board approved allowing the Supervisor to sign a release of contingency funds from the Water Project, contingent on Essex County approval, to cover costs associated with fixing the intake system. Amendments were made to the employee Handbook concerning overtime procedures, sick time calculation in overtime, and conversion of unused comp time to vacation time at year-end. The Board resolved to purchase IworQ software for the Code Officer pending recommendation from Essex County IT Department, and passed a resolution to support Governor Hochul's veto of Bills A2748/S2537, which would link Workers' Compensation claims to Federal Disability requirements. Discussions also covered the Thompson Road project, the 2026 budget, the potential for a water ordinance regarding theft of services, and reconstituting a Town Constable position. Various departmental reports were reviewed, and the Board accepted the Supervisor's Financial Report, water billing and adjustments, all bank reconciliations for November, and paid outstanding bills totaling $357,234.38 across various funds.

The End of Year Board Meeting included the swearing-in of two Councilmen for their four-year terms. Key discussions involved updates on water issues for the Chesterfield Water Department, including conversations with AES regarding water intake elevation monitoring by divers, and an unexpected invoice from Kingsbury related to intake viewing. The date for auditing the Chesterfield Courts and Tax Collector accounts was set for January 20. The Board discussed the request to sign up for Town Code Officer software, agreeing more investigation into options was necessary. Resolutions were passed to pay all bills received since December 9, 2025, across several funds, to file all letters received since December 12, 2025, and to audit and accept all Budget Amendments up to December 29, 2025. The Board entered an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, emerging with no decisions made.

The Planning Board discussed a proposed minor subdivision on Mace Chasm Road and the need to update the town's zoning laws to align with the new Comprehensive Plan. The board reviewed a consolidated summary of priorities and recommendations for revising the zoning regulations, focusing on unifying and simplifying regulations, improving clarity and accessibility, strengthening enforcement, and enhancing processes. A public hearing was held to address questions about the subdivision and property regulations. The board approved the minor subdivision of 414 Mace Chasm Road. Member Zais volunteered to chair the Climate Smart Community Committee, and Margaret Sheehey was recommended for the Age Friendly Community Committee.