The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Monday, June 16th, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Brian Marsh at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Brian Marsh, Mayor
Molly Harbour, Trustee
Seth H. Harris, Trustee – Absent
Nicholas Kalogridis, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Virtual
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief – Absent
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt. – Absent
David Ognan, Fire Chief
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Steve Boulet, Lisa Neuman, Rose Marsh
Virtual attendance: Matt Rodgers, Peg Holland, Mike & Sue MacKay, Dara Blanchett, Kathy Mosca, Kelly Lemyre, Deb DiBiase, Diane Foley, Beth Harbour, Colin, Matt Saxon, Catherine Sheridan, Paul Harbour
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that this meeting is recorded.
Mayor Marsh congratulated Trustee Molly Harbour on her engagement.
Resolution Number: 250228
Trustee Lane made a motion to accept the June 2nd, 2025, Village Board Meeting Minutes, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250229
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
WARRANT #26 ENC:
GENERAL totaling $ 105,775.81
WATER totaling $ 1,684.88
SEWER totaling $ .00
TOTALS $107,460.69
WARRANT #2:
GENERAL totaling $247,831.81
WATER totaling $ 17,687.21
SEWER totaling $ 375.00
TOTALS $265,894.02
PAYROLL # 1: totaling $124,957.15
(05/30/25-/06/12/25)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Treasurer Vredenburg requests approval to transfer $51,166.00 from the prior years budget to pay invoice #2318 from Corbett Industrial Cleaning Services for the tire removal from tire dump. Approval to transfer from the contingency account A-1990-0400 $51,166.00 to Contracted Services Account A1620-0413 $51,166.00.
Resolution Number: 250230
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve to transfer from the contingency account A-1990-0400 $51,166.00 to Contracted Services Account A1620-0413 $51,166.00 for the tire removal at the tire dump, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board that Bill Nevins Candidate for Village Trustee has withdrawn from the campaign. Bill’s name will still be on the ballot. If Bill does win in the election he will have to resign the position. There are two options 1st The Mayor could appoint a Trustee for 1 Year and in June of 2026 the Village will have to hold a special election. The 2nd option is that the Mayor does not appoint a Trustee and after 30 days the Village will hold a special election. Nothing can be done until after the election.
Matt Rodgers from LaBella led a discussion regarding Brownfield Opportunity Area Planning Grant:
This program provides up to 90% of the costs for planning and analysis activities required for
Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) nomination, with a funding cap of $300,000. A BOA Plan is a
revitalization study that encompasses a community vision, goals, and strategies for brownfield-
affected areas. Matt advised that LaBella would prepare and submit a BOA Planning grant application on behalf of the Village, which will include the following:
• Prepare all narrative components and budget justifications
• Develop or compile supporting documentation and required attachments
• Design scope and cost estimates, where needed
• Coordinate with Village staff to obtain site data, cost estimates, and resolutions, as needed
• Ensure all submissions comply with current program guidance and deadlines
LaBella proposes to complete the application for a flat fee of $5,000. This includes all staff time and
expenses related to the preparation and submission of both applications. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250231
Trustee Lane made motion to approve LaBella to prepare and submit the Brownfield Opportunity Area Planning Grant for a flat fee of $5,000.00, second by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Matt Rodgers and Trustee Lane gave an update on the Little River Project and the next steps to move the project forward. Discussion followed.
Mayor advised the Board that Bill Nevins has rescinded has application for Youth Director. Brianna Coughlin and Elizabeth Schanz have offered to split the Youth Director this year. Mayor Marsh appointed Brianna Coughlin and Elizabeth Schanz as Youth Directors at a salary of $2,500.00 each.
Resolution Number: 250231
Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve the appointment of Brianna Coughlin and Elizabeth Schanz as Youth Directors at a salary of $2,500.00 , second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk led a discussion regarding changing Workers Comp companies. Currently the Village is using Comp Alliance. The Village has received the following Quotes:
• Comp Alliance $102,000.00
• Perma $82,210.00 per year for 3 years
The advised the Board that the Village’s Liability Insurance has risen by $20,000.00. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250232
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve PERMA to provide Workers Comp Insurance at a cost $82,210.00 per year for 3 years, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh asked the Board to consider offering an Employee Assistance Program. The Program would assist employees with Legal, financial, behavioral – it can help someone get guidance in writing a will, health care proxy, real estate questions, depression information – it can be a huge benefit, even if just a few employees use it a couple of times a year. The cost of the program is $3,000.00. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250233
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the Employee Assistance program for Village Employees at a cost of $3,000.00, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Chief David Ognan requested the purchase of the following items from MES:
1. 5 sets of Turnout Gear at cost of $32,143.75
2. Assorted Fire Hose at a cost of $27,135.00
3. Standpipe Bag Kit at a cost of $5,400.00
All purchases will be in 25-26 Budget, All items are under NYS Contract. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250234
Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve the purchase of 5 sets of Turnout Gear at a cost of $32,143.75, Assorted Fire Hose at a cost of $27,135.00 and a Standpipe Bag Kit at a cost of $5,400.00, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk requested that the Board eliminate Menands Voter Registration Day. The Clerk spoke to NYCOM and confirmed that voter registration day can be eliminated by resolution. Voter registration forms will still be available in the Village Office for anyone needing to register. Over the past 2 registration days only 1 person has registered.
Resolution Number: 250235
Trustee Harbour made a motion to eliminate Voter Registration Day for the Village of Menands, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board that the auction for the 2019 Durango has complete and final bid was $7,800.00.
Resolution Number: 250236
Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to approve the bid of $ 7,800 for the auction of the 2019 Dodge Durango vin number 1C4SDJFTKC681802, second by Trustee Lane
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor’s Report:
- On July 9, 2025, Insulation will be installed in ceiling of 250 Broadway
- The Town of Colonie has paid is half on the sewer line inspection that was completed by KPI.
- The Mayor has signed the Community Block Grant that Village was awarded.
- The Village has entered into an agreement with the City of Watervliet to allow the residents of Menands to use the Watervliet Pool along with Green Island.
- Concerts in the Park and Food Truck Festival will begin in July. The schedule is on the Village Website.
- Community Night will August 20, 2025. The rain location will be the Menands Market for Concerts and Community Night.
- Mayor has set up a meeting with Capital Roots this week to discuss planting trees and a community garden.
- The new wall at the firehouse in complete the door will be in soon.
- The Contract with the Police Command Staff has been revised and will be available to the Board before the next meeting.
- The Polk Switzer Park committee had a very positive meeting
- The Glenwood Road parcel agreements will be ready for the next meeting.
Trustee’s Report:
Lane: Request the Village contact CP Rail regarding the flooding of Menand Road after the last storm.
Kalogridis: 434 Broadway should remove signage and clean up lot
Harbour:
- Senior Picnic is this Thursday
- Menands School will be closing this week
Clerk’s Report:
- Reminder tomorrow is Election Day there are 2 Trustee positions open. The candidates running for 2 Trustee positions are Seth Harris, Tim Lane, and Lisa Neuman.
- Concerts in Park begin Tuesdays beginning on July 8 and this year the rain location will the Menands Market. The concert dates with the bands playing are available on the website
- Food Truck Festival Wednesdays, beginning on July 9.
- Tax Bills are due by June 30th
- Water / Sewer bills will be going out in July.
General Comments:
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got my own report dealing with several important Village items as follows:
- He thanked DPW for fixing alarm system in men’s room next to Pavilion.
- He picked up a box on Tillinghast Avenue and took it to the dumpster
- He reported to an employee at Menands True Value about a fire extinguisher being blocked and the employee removed the barrel
- He reported a fire hydrant on Broadway covered with high grass
- He opposes the unionizing the police command staff
- He reported the soap dispenser in the men’s room next to pavilion broken
- He looks forwarding to the 2026 Little League Season
- Walking in lower Menands he observed residential properties cluttered with junk and weeds. He removed those items from walkway
- He is happy to report that the reflector sticks connected to hydrants on Broadway have been repaired
- He’s happy that 11 Clifford Road has been painted white
- He is still opposed to abolishing the Village Court and merging with Town of Colonie Court system
- Please replace signpost and Lyme Disease warning sign on West Upland Road
- During Memorial Weekend he saw a trailer truck parked on Elmwood Road with no one in it he reported the issue to the Menands Police Department
- He’s happy the hydrant on Elmwood Road covered in grass has been removed. Plus, he removed 1 lawn signpost from this area.
- Lights were left on at pavilion
Resident Steve Boulet advised that clothing bin on Market Road is overflowing, and other items are along side of it. Discussion followed.
Resident Lisa Neuman:
- Is in favor of EAL Program
- Agreed that the Polf Switzer meeting was successful.
At 6:58 P.M. Trustee Lane made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a Legal and Personnel matters, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:30 P.M.
A motion was made by Trustee Harbour to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:30 P. M.
I, Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk for the Village of Menands, Do Hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true and correct report of all motions and resolutions and or enacted, and all other procedures had and taken by the Village of Menands Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held on June 16th, 2025.
_____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk