Village of Potsdam

The regular meeting addressed a member of the public's request to discuss the voluntary nature of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board congratulated a Trustee on the opening of the Children's Museum's second floor. Discussions were held regarding committee meeting compliance with Open Meetings Law and clarification on Village Law discussions. The Board also reviewed progress on theatre discussions for the old Snell Building and the installation of a reusable banner for Frosty Fest. Department reports covered DPW activities, including snow removal and preparation for cold weather water main issues. Public comment involved discussions about grants for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, objective consideration of the Pledge of Allegiance practice, investigation into traffic patterns for large trucks carrying various loads through the Village, and reconsideration of fireworks displays and recycling observations. New business included approving expenditures for December 2025, authorizing budget modifications, declaring intent to serve as SEQRA Lead Agency for the Fall Island Park Soil Remediation and Skatepark Project, authorizing a Revolutionary War reenactor encampment in Ives Park for the 250th anniversary, approving contracts with the Town of Potsdam regarding museum access and fire protection services, discussing real property matters and employment history during an executive session, appointing a Planner 1, and setting the Treasurer's salary and stipend.

The meeting included Mayor Jacobs-Wilke thanking participants of the First Night Potsdam event and commenting on an upcoming public arts project mural session. Trustees also thanked organizers of First Night and discussed the NYS Open Meetings Law clarification, as well as the Frosty Fest event. The Administrator reported on the Lead Service Lateral project. Public comment included reading an email expressing opposition to the recent fireworks display over the Raquette River, citing environmental, wildlife, sensory, PTSD, and pet impacts, and questioning the involvement of a sustainability-focused sponsor. New business involved approving expenditures for December 2025, making budget modifications for FY 2025-26, establishing a mileage allowance for Village officials for 2026, approving the appointment of Zachary Burnett as Building Maintenance Assistant, and entering into and adjourning from an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person.

The Mayor commented on the success of the 'Light the Night' event, thanked participants, and provided updates on the upcoming 'First Night Potsdam' event. The Village was selected to receive a Native Plant Demonstration Garden. Trustees discussed concerns regarding committee assignments, communication, and respect for process, leading to a discussion about modernizing local laws and governance. Reports were heard from the Administrator and Police Chief, noting the completion of the police department's website transition. The Board approved expenditures for December 2025 and November 2025, authorized a budget modification, and approved an agreement with L&S Energy Services, Inc. for an energy audit of the Civic Center, funded by a NYSERDA grant. Resolutions were passed to accept a donation for locker room clocks, approve the early completion of a probationary period for a Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee, and to enter into executive session to discuss employment history and pending litigation.

The annual meeting included the appointment of Trustee Ryan Deuel as Deputy Mayor, and the designation of compliance officers for the Village's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment. Erica Russell was appointed as Village Treasurer, and Johanna Kastner as Deputy Village Clerk/Registrar. The Board set the official business hours for Village Offices, designated North Country This Week as the official newspaper, and set the regular meeting dates for 2026. They also designated official banks of deposit, authorized the Village Treasurer to sign checks, and fixed the amounts of surety bonds for Village officials and personnel. The Board renewed the Written Procurement Policy and the Written Investment Policy, authorized employees to attend training seminars, and provided for a mileage allowance for Village officials and employees. They approved the acceptance of phone and internet services at Pine Street Arena, and approved expenditures for November 2025. Finally, Georgine Scott was appointed as Village Clerk and Registrar.

The public hearing was held to receive public comments on the proposed Local Law 4-2025, which aims to amend Chapter 168 of the Village of Potsdam Municipal Code, specifically regarding vehicle and traffic regulations. Key discussion points included concerns about parking spots behind Brick and Mortar and the Isle of you, with a suggestion to change them to 2-hour parking. There were also concerns raised about the use of parking spots by the Children's Museum for overnight parking and the need to re-evaluate parking utilization in the area.