Town of North Castle

Key discussions included updates on trails and sidewalks, with follow-up planned for Adam Kaufman. The IBM Turf Field Project is progressing but currently halted due to snow, with no expected delays. Community Park Bubble operations are functioning well under the new operator. For the pool project (demolition and reconstruction of the deck, gutter leveling, and surfacing), the bid is out, and the target opening date is optimistically July 4th, dependent on weather. A site plan update is required regarding the usability of the pool tennis courts. For Lombardi Park, water hookup awaits Health Department sign-off; asbestos abatement and oil tank removal for the old building are approved by the Town Board post water hookup; future use of the space may be for additional parking instead of a new structure. Clove Road NCCC Fields work will resume when the snow melts. Roof repairs at Hergenhan are complete, and a quote for redoing the first-floor flooring is pending. For Quarry Park, an idea to install a half-court basketball pad was proposed, but residents have raised concerns via a petition, necessitating a meeting with affected residents. Staffing challenges were noted due to recent departures and retirements, potentially impacting outdoor movie nights. Senior programming comparisons across municipalities were distributed. In new business, the retirement date for Lisa Larsen was confirmed.

The public hearings concerned the Preliminary Budget of the Town of North Castle for the year 2023, which was noted to present a zero tax increase to residents, remaining flat year over year, and staying under the New York State 2% tax cap. Discussions also covered specific compensation details for the Supervisor and Town Council Members. Further public hearings addressed the preliminary budgets and assessment rolls for various Town districts (Sewer, Water, Street Light, Parking, Ambulance, Fire Protection, and Long Pond Park). Following the hearings, the Town Board discussed budget modifications, noting the allocation of 1.3% of Fund Balance and the addition of a $700,000 surplus. Projects completed in the current year, such as safety improvements, park resurfacing, drainage, paving, and library elevator installation, were reviewed, alongside future projects including the North White Plains Community Center and wastewater treatment efficiency program. The public hearings were adjourned to the December 14, 2022 meeting.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Discussions included going into Executive Session regarding a matter of legal compliance with the Ethics Code. Old Business covered potential amendments to the Code of Ethics, for which the Chair will attend a work session, and educational training requirements for various town boards concerning the required annual training. The status of missing disclosures was reported as resolved. The meeting concluded with a final Executive Session on ethics code legal compliance.

Key discussions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda and updates on proposed amendments to the Code of Ethics, which were reported to be nearing completion following legal review by the Town Board. A procedural concern was raised regarding a recusal at a recent ZBA meeting, prompting the Chair to send a letter detailing the proper procedure. The Board also addressed a query from the 250th Celebration Committee concerning potential conflicts of interest related to donations, agreeing that contributions are permissible if they do not violate the Ethics Code. Following an executive session to discuss outstanding annual disclosure forms, the Board finalized the date for the next meeting.

The Board addressed the preparation of recommended code amendments, determining that feedback received from the Town Board and concerns raised in a letter from Mr. Cathay should be addressed during the public hearing process rather than by the Board of Ethics directly. The board conducted the annual election of the Chair and Secretary, electing Sue as Chair with the understanding that Brett will continue to manage the proposed code changes through completion, and Charity as Secretary. A discussion regarding the role of alternate members, specifically their ability to serve as full members when regular members are absent, was tabled until the next meeting. The Chair recommended working with the town clerk to improve public access to minutes and meeting links. Future agenda topics will include revisions regarding alternate participation and minutes posting.