The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was held on Monday, February 6th, 2023, and was called to order by Mayor Megan Grenier at 6:00 P.M.

PRESENT:
Megan Grenier, Mayor
Seth H. Harris, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Brian Marsh, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Attended virtually
Chief Ryan St. Gelais, Police Dept
Chief David Ognan, Fire Dept

Absent:
Diane Foley, Trustee

Also attending: Bill Garvey, Bill Nevins, Matt Rogers, Brian Soboda, Kevin Schwebki, Jen Nechaman, Mike Mackay, Samantha Hall, Alison, Graham, Susan Harris, and Steve Boulet.

The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance

Public Hearing Zoning Law Updates

The mayor introduced Samantha Hall the new Village Youth Director. Samantha will be replacing Brianna Coughlin and the Board welcomed her to the Village.

Mayor Grenier opened the Public Hearing at 6 P.M.

The Clerk read the following:

There will be a Public Hearing held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. Local Law #1 of 2023 seeking to repeal existing Chapter 169 Zoning Law of the Village of Menands, Chapter 30 Planned Development District, Chapter 100 Gasoline Stations, Chapter 140 Site Plan Review, and chapter A172 Site Plan Review Regulations and replacing with a new chapter 169 Zoning Law of the Village of Menands. Such public hearings are open to the public and accessible to the handicapped. All are encouraged to attend and comment at or to present comments in writing to Clerk Handerhan before noon on February 6, 2023, at email hidden; JavaScript is required. You may attend the Public Hearing in person in the Village Hall second floor of 250 Broadway or via the Google Meets link: meet.google.com/mre-txbp-btk or Join by phone ‪(US) +1 401-646-0768‬ PIN: ‪541 841 494‬#‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
A copy of the Local Law is available at the Menands Village Office or on the Village of Menands Website at www.villageofmenands.com.

Matt Rogers from LaBella Associates explained the new Zoning Law update prior to hearing any comments. Matt explained the procedure and that the Zoning Law has been submitted to the Albany County Planning Board. The Planning Board is meeting on February 16th, 2023. The Albany County Planning Board will return results after review. The Village Board should be able to vote on the Zoning Law at the March 6th, 2023 Village Board Meeting.

Bill Garvey is in favor of the Zoning Law update.

Scott Hobson, emailed the following comments prior to the meeting:

Clerk Handerhan,

I had hoped to provide comments in person at tonight’s meeting, but a conflict has come up and I am unable to attend.

I simply wish to state my strong support for the proposed new zoning laws and thank all involved in their creation. I believe this new plan will make our village a more beautiful, desirable, and prosperous community. I particularly appreciate the focus on urban infill, walk/bike-ability, and sustainable development. This is an excellent plan and I sincerely hope it is adopted.

Scott Hobson
10 Hampton St.
Menands, NY 12204

Hearing no further comments Mayor Grenier closed the Public Hearing at 6:07 P.M.

Open Forum:

Susan Harris is concerned with the spotty cell phone coverage in the Sage Hill area. A discussion followed.

TO: Mayor and All Village Board Members
From: Bill Garvey, Jr.

• He supports turning the former 2 Guys and Grand Union Store by adding a new building on the other side of the parking lot, including a medical care building.
• The construction of a new shed at Menands Farmers Regional Market was completed in 2022.
• He observed fire extinguishers blocked by items at businesses. He removed items from fire extinguishers and reported those problems to store managers.
• From late March to November each year, a yellow crossing warning sign on the north side of Brookside Ave is blocked by a tree. He would like DPW to remove the tree.
• There is a handicapped sign not in the right location it needs to be moved to the blue line reserved for handicapped drivers.
• Recently he picked up 2/3 maple leaves from the floor at the Police Station and threw them in the trash. He said he “ done” it to avoid any potential accidents.
• He’s requesting DPW to sandblast, prime, and paint dugouts and restroom bldg. just before or after the 2023 Little League Baseball Season is over.
• He has already talked with the Little League organizers about repairs to guest bleachers before the 2023 season.

Resolution Number: 230132

A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to accept the minutes of the January 17th, 2023, Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Lane.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

Resolution Number 230033

A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Lane.

WARRANT # 16X:

GENERAL totaling $227.60 United Health Care

WARRANT # 17:

GENERAL totaling $178,545.68
WATER totaling $ 68,054.16
SEWER totaling $ 35,528.61
TOTALS $282,128.45

PAYROLL #17x: totaling $ 463.98 MS-4 payment
(12/30/22-01/12/23)

PAYROLL #18: totaling $105,544.75
(01/12/23-01/26/23)

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

Resolution Number 230034

A motion was made by Trustee Lane, seconded by Trustee Marsh, to accept
the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized to make the following Budget Transfers

Account Account

From Acct: A.1990.0400 To Acct: A.3410.0405
Description Contingent Account Fire Insurance
$10,700.00 $2,700.00
Cancer Ins.

From Acct: ” To Acct: A.8140.0400
Description ” Storm Sewers
Amount: ” $6,000.00
Storm Sewer Cleaning – N. Pearl

From Acct: ” To Acct: A.9089.0800
Description ” Compensated Absences
Amount: ” $2,000.00
Boyer sold vacation days

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

Matt Rogers from LaBella led a discussion regarding Lead Agency for the purposes of SEQRA review of proposed Local Law #1 of 2023. Discussion followed.

Resolution Number 230035

Trustee Lane entered the following Resolution,

VILLAGE OF MENANDS RESOLUTION
February 6, 2023

WHEREAS, the Village Board of the Village of Menands has been considering repealing and
replacing Chapter 169, “Zoning Law” through proposed Local Law #1 of 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Village Board of the Village of Menands accepted the proposed Draft of Chapter
169, “Zoning Law” on January 17, 2023, and scheduled a public hearing for February 6, 2023; and
WHEREAS, The Village Board has received Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form for
the proposed Local Law, as required for SEQRA review, which it will review prior to taking action on the
proposed Local Law; and WHEREAS, The Village Board has sole decision-making authority for the adoption of this Local Law, and there are no “involved agencies” as defined by SEQRA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows: The Village Board of the Village of Menands hereby declares itself to be Lead Agency for the purposes of SEQRA review of proposed Local Law #1 of 2023 and further determines that the proposed Action is a Type 1 Action under SEQRA.

Second by Trustee Marsh.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

Nicholas Daniels from Hershberg & Hershberg led a discussion regarding the subdivision of 444 Broadway. They would like to Subdivide the old pharmacy from the rest of the plaza. Discussion followed.

Matt Rodgers and Jen Nechaman from LaBella Associates explained that LaBella has received the subdivision plans and have not fully reviewed them. Jen and Matt believe the review will be completed before the next meeting scheduled for February 27th the Board will be able to vote on the subdivision. A discussion followed.

Chief Ognan led a discussion regarding the 2022 LOSAP Program for the Fire Department. Chief Ognan has reviewed the points for the year 2022 and is asking permission to post them for 30 days.

Resolution Number 230036

Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve the Posting of the Fire Department LOSAP points for 30 days, seconded by Trustee Lane.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

Chief Ognan gave an update on the Fire Engine purchased from West Albany. Chief Ognan believes the engine will be delivered the first week of March. A discussion followed.

Resolution Number 230037
Election Inspectors Resolution

Trustee Marsh entered the following resolution

RESOLVED, that Susan Handerhan, Lorna McCartan, Nancy Casler, and Elaine Habbinger are hereby appointed Inspectors of Election to preside at all Village Elections pursuant to Section 15-116 of the Election Law, and be it further

RESOLVED, that such inspectors of Election shall be paid at the rate of $16.00 per hour for each hour served upon audit by the Board of Trustees, and be it further

RESOLVED, that Elaine Habbinger be, and hereby is constituted and designated to act as Chairman of such Inspectors of Election, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk be, and hereby is, directed to notify such Inspectors of Election of their appointment; and to direct that they shall take and subscribe to the constitutional and statutory Oath of Office.

Resolution second by Trustee Lane.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

The Clerk led a discussion regarding the need for Filming Permit. The Village was contacted that a Filming Company wanted to film in the Village.

Film Permit Application Information

A filming permit is required for individuals and businesses wishing to conduct commercial film, television, video, photography, and other media use projects on public or private property.

Please find all pertinent regulations below. Complete the permit application and submit it to the Menands Village Clerk along with the following documentation:

1. Signed Property Owner Consent Form
2. Liability insurance certificate naming the Village of Menands as the additional insured
3. Workers’ compensation coverage (C105.2 form)
4. Disability coverage (DB-120.01 form)
5. Parking plan sketch

Once the application and required supporting documentation have been submitted, Menands Village Office will review and reply via email with the next steps of the application process. Work must not commence until the official permit has been issued. Once issued, the permit must be in the possession of the applicant on location at all times.

Regulations

Application regulations:

1. A Permit is required to film, videotape, video record, televise or take still photographs for commercial purposes (including student and not-for-profit projects) on public or private property. All filming must adhere to Village Code regulations (i.e.: no graffiti or open fires). All activity associated with filming shall be fully disclosed on the application form and shall not be amended. Permits must be signed by the property owner, even if filming in a rented space/business, and their phone number must be provided.
2. No permit shall be issued for filming on a property with an open Zoning Code, Building Code, Property Maintenance Code, and/or Fire Code violations.
3. A Filming Permit application must be submitted in the completed form with all applicable fees, including a non-refundable $100.00 preliminary application fee, at least one week before the first day of proposed filming. This fee shall be applied to the final filming permit fees.
4. Standardized fees including prep, restoration, photos/stills, TV, commercials, film/movies, and base camp range between $100.00 per day. Additional administrative and personnel costs are levied based on the details of the application. Fees are not refundable.
5. The permittee shall provide the Village with the names, addresses, telephone, and cellular phone numbers of at least two contact people who are available 24 hours/day and who are authorized to act on behalf of the Permittee should the need arise.
6. Location fees for filming on private property are between the property owner and the film company.
7. A certificate of insurance and an endorsement naming the Village of Menands as an additional insured, with minimum coverage of $2,000,000 for public liability and $1,000,000 for property damage, together with evidence of statutory workers’ compensation coverage (C-105.2 form) and disability coverage (form DB-120.1) are required.
8. Filming, including all setup and strike activities, shall only be conducted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. No filming shall be permitted on legal and religious holidays.
9. Off-duty patrol officers may be required, addressed on an individual shoot basis. If a Police Officer is needed the cost will be $65.00 per hour. If an off-duty patrol officer is required, the film company must contact the Chief of Police at 518 463-1681.
10. Permittees are required to personally deliver, email, or mail a photocopy of the filming permit, and/or a letter of intent to film, to all owners of real property located within 100 feet of a property line of the filming and/or recording site as shown on the latest assessment roll of the Town of Colonie Assessor and to all owners of real property located on the same street as the filming and/or recording site who are located within 500 feet of a property line of such site, all at least two calendar days for personal delivery or four postmarked mail delivery days for mailing before the first day of filming and/or recording. The Village Clerk may require notice to additional owners of real property in the vicinity if conditions of the filming and/or recording so warrant. A list will be provided to you.

MOTION PICTURE / TELEVISION/ STILL PHOTOGRAPHY /VIDEO

This permit is issued to the applicant to film, televise or take still photographs on streets or property subject to the jurisdiction of the Village of Menands at the times and location designated below. This permit must always be in the possession of the applicant while on location. For additional information call the Menands Village Office: 518 434-2922.
APPLICATION-PLEASE PRINT: DATE: ________________________
1. Company: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
2. Production Contact: ____________________________ Telephone No. __________________
Two (2) 24 Hr. Contacts for the Day of Filming:
Name: _________________________________________ Telephone No. __________________
Name: _________________________________________ Telephone No. __________________
3. Location: ___________________________________________________________________
Signed Consent Property Owner: __________________________________________________
Printed: ________________________________________ Telephone No. __________________
4. Dates of Filming: ______________________ Specify hours including set up, strike, and
the arrival of production vehicles: ________________________________________________
5. Dates and times Prep and Restoration: ___________________________________________
6. Type of Production (Commercial/TV/Photos/Other) ________________________________
7. Name of Production/Product: __________________________________________________
8. Interior: __________ Exterior: _________ Both: _______ Scene Description(s) _________
____________________________________________________________________________
9. No.in cast/crew/background: ____________ No./Types of all vehicles: _________________
10. Plan to Minimize Traffic Disruption: ___________________________________________
11 Full Equipment List: __________________________________________________________
12. Director __________________________ Production Manager________________________
13. Insurance Company: ___________________________ Copy of Insurance Certificate: _____
14. Anticipated Viewing Date: ___________________ Celebrities: _______________________
15: Signature of Film Representative: _______________________________________________
Print: ___________________________________________
Office Use Only
Copies Forwarded to: Police Department ______ Fire Department: _______ DPW: _________
Village Board: _______ Village Office: _______
Village Clerk: ___________________________________ Date: ___________
Police Chief: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

After a discussion, the Board wanted to review the Application and Permit further and tabled the February 27th, 2023 Meeting.

Trustee Harris advised the Board that Albany Rural Cemetery has received a grant to construct a trail that will connect Van Rensselaer Boulevard through the cemetery to Broadway. A discussion followed.

Mayor Grenier advised the Board that she attended a conference put on by NYCOM. The mayor attended a session regarding lowering the Village Speed Limit to 25 MPH, she forwarded the information to the Board. The mayor advised that the Village is still waiting to hear about a grant opportunity from CDTC. A discussion followed.

Trustee Marsh and Chief St. Gelais advised the Board that the Police Department has received a grant for $38,000.00 to purchase body cameras for the police officers. The Village will be responsible for the body camera maintenance. A discussion followed.

The Clerk reminded the Board that the next Board Meeting will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 6 pm and at that time All Village Department Heads will be presenting their Budget requests.

At 6:52 P.M. Trustee Marsh made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter, seconded by Trustee Lane.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

The regular meeting reconvened at 7:14 P.M.

A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Harris.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE

The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:16 P.M.

________________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk

 

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