Town of Keene

Key discussions included the introduction of the new School Superintendent who expressed interest in continued collaboration with the Town. Updates were provided on Youth Commission/Recreation, noting successful grant funding and a new youth hockey program. The Town Clerk reported on cash payments, coin shortages, and postal delays affecting tax deadlines. The Highway Superintendent detailed the installation of new plows and plans to declare surplus equipment, with an upcoming meeting regarding a new truck quote adjustment. The Water Department proposed amending the Water Law to transition from fire hydrant lease agreements to usage fees, scheduling a public hearing for January 27, 2026. The Board approved amending the AES Engineering contract for environmental review services related to EFC financing and NBRC grant compliance. New business covered increasing prize amounts for the Christmas Tree Lighting Contest and approving traffic control services for Community Day. The Board also audited and approved payment of monthly vouchers.

The board meeting covered several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the review and approval of departmental bill payments and financial transfers. The board addressed a request for green burial in the town cemetery, which was denied. Approval was granted for the Town Clerk's travel and training expenses. The Highway Department reported on the status of a new dump truck procurement and the delivery of a new grader. Negotiations regarding a cell tower lease conversion to an easement were discussed. Water system issues, specifically booster station freezing, and infrastructure funding updates were reviewed. Several resolutions were passed, including updates to water usage rates and hydrant reporting requirements for fire departments. Additionally, the board addressed a salary correction for the Deputy Supervisor and discussed scheduling for the annual audit.

Key discussions during the meeting included the denial of a request for green burial in the Town cemetery by non-residents, and the approval of travel and training expenses for the Town Clerk to attend the New York State Town Clerks Association annual training. The Highway Department provided an update on procurement options for a new tandem axle dump truck and confirmed the delivery and funding of a new grader, noting a discrepancy with the vendor regarding the trade-in value is being resolved. Communications covered ongoing lease negotiations for the cell tower, specifically focusing on converting the lease to an easement. Water System updates addressed temporary repairs to booster stations due to freezing temperatures and progress on water infrastructure funding. Four resolutions were unanimously approved, establishing high-traffic water usage rates and eliminating hydrant rental fees for both the Keene Fire Department and the Keene Valley Fire Department, and amending the Keene Water Law and Keene Valley Water Law regarding hydrant usage reporting requirements. Old Business involved a correction to the Deputy Supervisor salary, returning it to $500. New Business included scheduling coordination for the annual audit of Town books and the approval of the Supervisors Monthly Report. Financial Matters included a review of the 2025 operating statement and approvals for fund transfers within the General, Highway, Library, and Water Funds, as well as transfers within the 2026 General Fund.

The Board discussed matters involving town clerk reporting procedures, sales tax distribution, and tax payment notifications. The Highway Department provided updates on vehicle procurement and asset management planning. The meeting included a discussion on federal grant compliance and the rescheduling of a public hearing regarding Water Law amendments. The Board reviewed and adopted organizational resolutions, covering items such as appointments, wage adjustments, and contract clarifications. Additionally, the Board approved increases to employee clothing and deputy supervisor allowances, authorized the Doc Lopez Run event, and passed a resolution supporting the NYS Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.

The Board addressed multiple operational and financial matters, including the establishment of stricter oversight and signatory requirements for the library checking account. Discussions covered accessibility concerns at Town Hall, a request from the local Fire Department regarding raffle sales, and potential regulations for tax payment methods. The Board authorized the purchase of a new tandem truck for the Highway Department and approved the '284 Agreement' for road paving. Water system operations were addressed through approvals for equipment purchases and conference attendance. Additionally, the Board updated the comp time policy, passed a Pro-Housing resolution, set hangar rental fees, and approved various budget amendments and fund transfers.