The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Monday, March 2, 2026, called to order by Mayor Brian Marsh at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Brian Marsh, Mayor
Molly Harbour, Trustee
Nicholas Kalogridis, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Lisa Neuman, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Virtual
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt.
David Ognan, Fire Chief
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Debbie & Dave Teitsch, Ron & Cath Mattice, Charles Ansert, Alison Walden, Courtney Jaskula, Barbara Lane, Diane Leonard
Diane MacFarland, Pat Brundage, Art Micari and Family.
Virtual attendance: PBA3, Beth Harbour, Kathy Mosca, Menands PBA, Rob Jewitt, Mike Steurer, PBA7, Steve, Steve Boulet, Gavin Klami, Alison Walden
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that he is recording this meeting.
Mayor Marsh presented the following Proclamation to Arthur Micare for his years of dedicated service as Mail Carrier for the Village of Menands.
PROCLAMATION
HONORING ARTHUR “ART” MICARE
WHEREAS, Arthur “Art” Micare has devoted more than thirty (30) years of faithful service as a Letter Carrier, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to duty, reliability, and public service; and
WHEREAS, for the past fifteen (15) years, Art Micare has proudly served the residents of the Village of Menands, becoming a familiar and trusted presence within our community; and
WHEREAS, through all seasons and circumstances, Art Micare has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the highest level of service to the residents of the Village of Menands; and
WHEREAS, Art Micare’s professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for the community have strengthened the daily lives of our residents and exemplified the true spirit of public service;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brian Marsh, Mayor of the Village of Menands, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the residents of the Village, do hereby proclaim Arthur “Art” Micare as an exemplary public servant and extend our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for his extraordinary service, steadfast dedication, and lasting contributions to our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Village of Menands to be affixed this 2nd day of March 2026.
Mayor Brian Marsh
Village of Menands
The Board Congratulated Art, on his retirement.
Resolution Number: 260101
Trustee Harbour made a motion to accept the, February 17, 2026, Village Board Meeting Minutes, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 260102
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Neuman.
WARRANT:
GENERAL totaling $ 33,912.95
WARRANT # 19:
GENERAL totaling $ 94,738.99
WATER totaling $ 48,986.54
SEWER totaling $ .00
TOTALS $143,725.53
PAYROLL #19: totaling $107,814.69
(02/06/26-02/19/26)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board that LaBella Associates is currently working with Mr. Yin and his architects regarding the application. At this time, LaBella is not able to recommend approval of the Special Use Permit, as additional steps must be completed by Mr. Yin and his design professionals in order for LaBella to confirm that the proposed building and site improvements will meet all applicable health and safety requirements. Accordingly, the application for the Special Use Permit for 93 Broadway remains incomplete. Discussion followed. Tabled to next meeting.
Mayor Marsh continued the discussion regarding Water Storage Reservoir Replacement and Intermunicipal Source Evaluation from the January 20, 2026, Board Meeting:
LaBella Project No. P2504845
LaBella Associates D.P.C. (LaBella) is pleased to submit this proposal to the Village of Menands (Village) to evaluate the municipal water storage reservoir for replacement and evaluate alternate intermunicipal water supply connections.
Project Understanding
The Village of Menands currently purchases its water from the City of Troy with storage in two Village owned and operated concrete reservoirs. The upper reservoir located on Van Rensselaer Blvd. has undergone extensive repair efforts over the years to address significant concrete deterioration and water loss. Most recently, a 2024 improvement project involved drawdown of the reservoir and targeted concrete patching and leak repairs. While these efforts were partially successful in reducing leaks, field findings revealed that the existing concrete is too deteriorated for localized repairs to be effective. Further repairs are anticipated to redistribution hydrostatic pressure, causing leakage to concentrate at new failure points on the structure.
Consequently, the 2024 project concluded without achieving the anticipated level rehabilitation and the asset has been formally deemed to have reached the end of its useful life. To mitigate the risk of further deterioration and prevent continued water loss, full replacement of the reservoir is recommended as soon as possible.
In conjunction with the reservoir replacement, the project will include a comprehensive evaluation of existing intermunicipal interconnects and investigate the feasibility of establishing new connections with neighboring providers, such as the Albany Water Board. These sources will be analyzed for their capacity to support the Village under both ordinary and emergency demand scenarios, ensuring the final design supports long term resilience of the Village water system. Project Approach
This proposal outlines the professional engineering services necessary to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) in NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) format. The PER is a critical technical requirement for listing the project on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Intended Use Plan (IUP). LaBella will assist the Village in securing a position on the IUP, providing the scoring and prioritization necessary to compete for state-wide grant funding and financing.
Scope of Services
Considering the approach outlined above, LaBella offers the following scope of services:
Task 0100 – Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) Development
Scope
LaBella will develop a PER in accordance with NYS EFC standards to serve as the technical foundation for the reservoir replacement and supply evaluation. Please refer to the attached Project Timeline: PER Development & Grant Submission document for details. Our integrated approach generally includes:
1. System Hydraulics & Interconnect Evaluation: LaBella will conduct a conceptual-level hydraulic analysis of both the existing and potential intermunicipal interconnects serving the Village to assess anticipated supply pressures and flow characteristics. This evaluation involves review of existing infrastructure including the 20-inch Troy feed and the Colonie connection while investigating the technical feasibility of new connections with the City of Watervliet and the Albany Water Board (AWB) for both regular and emergency service. The analysis will consider how these external supply sources relate to the Village’s internal distribution network and storage infrastructure.
2. Infrastructure & Storage Replacement: To address the immediate need to replace the existing concrete reservoir LaBella proposed preliminary phase engineering design of new storage infrastructure including sizing, location, and site requirements to meet current and future demands. This includes evaluating pumping improvements, system pressure management, and conceptual level water modeling.
3. Economic Analysis & Alternative Selection: LaBella will develop and compare improvement scenarios, weighing capital construction costs against Operations and Maintenance (O&M) expenses. This analysis will prioritize supply reliability and the feasibility of required Intermunicipal Agreements (IMAs).
4. Funding Strategy & Grant Readiness: A primary goal of PER development is to position the Village for potential state and federal funding. LaBella will provide a strategic roadmap for applying to NYS WIIA grants, DWSRF financing, and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs.
5. SEQR Documentation and Processing: As part of the PER phase, we will develop the necessary State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) documents, including the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF). We will actively assist the Village throughout the SEQR review and approval process. This includes establishing Lead Agency status, coordinating with involved agencies, and preparing the documentation required for a Determination of Significance (Negative Declaration or otherwise) to ensure the project remains on schedule and in legal compliance.
6. SHPO Coordination and Cultural Resource Review: As a requirement of the grant, we will develop a formal submission to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) via the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) on behalf of the Village. Our team will coordinate directly with SHPO staff to review the project’s potential impacts on archeological or historic structures within the project area, managing the consultation process until a determination letter is received to ensure all grant-mandated environmental review milestones are met.
Deliverables
• Preliminary Engineering Report
• IUP Submission (May 2026)
• WIIA Grant Submission (September 2026)
Task 0200 – Project Management
LaBella will provide planning, coordination, and oversight of technical design work, ensuring that engineering design comply with NYSDOH requirements and Recommended Standards for Wastewater Facilities (“10 States Standards”).
Task 0300 – Project Meetings
LaBella will support and represent the Village in coordination meetings with stakeholders as needed and requested. Our proposed fee assumes design level meetings with the Village, regulatory agencies, and neighboring community leaders to coordinate the regional aspects of the project.
Task 0400 – Reimbursable Expenses
This task will include Reimbursable expenses, to include mileage, overnight mailings, and extensive photocopying and map reproductions.
Professional Services Fee and Schedule
Task Number Task Description Hourly T&M1 Projected
Durations
0100 Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) Development $58,500 See Attached Timeline
0200 Project Management $7,500 Ongoing
0300 Project Meetings $5,500 Ongoing
0400 Reimbursable Expenses $500 N/A
Total Fee Requested $72,000
(1) Fees listed for Time and Materials tasks and Reimbursable Expenses are estimates only. LaBella will bill for actual hours and reimbursable expenses incurred and will make its best effort to complete each of these tasks within the estimated amounts, although it is possible that it will be necessary to exceed these amounts in order to complete the scope of services for each task.
LaBella proposes to bill each task as indicated in the following Fee and Time Schedule Summary. Invoices will be issued monthly for all services performed during that month and are payable upon receipt. Tasks will be billed hourly (time and materials).
Limitations and Assumptions
• Negotiation efforts with neighboring water systems will be coordinated by Village Counsel.
Schedule
We are available to start work immediately upon notice to proceed. We propose submission of the PER for NYSEFC Intended Use Plan (IUP) listing May 30, 2026, which is anticipated to be submitted on behalf of the Village for the 2026 grant cycle. Please refer to the attached Project Timeline: PER Development & Grant Submission document for details.
Agreement
If you find this proposal acceptable, and as our authorization to proceed, please countersign below. Work will be conducted in accordance with our Master Agreement with the Village. We greatly appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to continue working with you and your staff on this project. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at (518) 390-3416.
Respectfully submitted,
LaBella Associates, DPC
Reuben Hull, PE, PMP
Associate Vice President, Civil Regional Business Leader
Project Timeline: PER Development & Grant Submission
Phase 1: Initiation & Initial Data Gathering February 3, 2026 – Late February 2026
• Notice to Proceed: Official project kickoff (week of February 3rd).
• Project Kickoff Meeting: Meet with Village staff to define project goals, confirm storage needs, and discuss intermunicipal priorities.
• Data Collection: Gather record documents for existing reservoirs and distribution systems.
• Contract Review: Audit existing intermunicipal water supply contracts (e.g., City of Troy, Latham Water).
• Site Visits: Physical inspection of the Van Rensselaer Blvd. reservoir, potential sites for new intermunicipal connections, and other infrastructure (pump houses, DPW).
• Stakeholder Coordination: Initial meeting with Albany County Department of Health (ACDOH) to:
o Discuss current reservoir deterioration and project urgency.
o Identify immediate mitigation measures or required interim testing.
o Strategize support for NYS DOH and EFC scoring.
Phase 2: Preliminary Engineering & Alternative Analysis
March 2026 – April 2026
• Existing Conditions Summary: Detail the current state of infrastructure, water loss data from the 2024 Water Quality Report, estimate leaking from reservoir, and build argument for formal “end of useful life” determination.
• Problem Statement Development: Develop technical basis for the necessity of reservoir replacement and supply diversification, including current issues and goals.
• Hydraulic Analysis: Conduct conceptual level modeling of supply pressures and flow for existing and new connections (Albany Water Board vs. Troy vs. Latham Water).
• Development of Alternatives:
o Evaluate various storage reservoir sizes, locations, and materials.
o Assess new intermunicipal interconnect configurations including pumping modifications.
• Alternative Evaluation: Evaluate alternatives based on capital costs, O&M expenses, and supply reliability (tangible vs intangible factors).
• Selection of Preferred Alternative: Finalize the proposed project scope (reservoir replacement plus selected source connections) This will be the project focus for the grant submission.
Phase 3: Finalization & IUP Listing May 2026
• Cost Estimating: Develop detailed capital construction and opinions of probable construction cost for the preferred alternative.
• SHPO Coordination: We will develop the SHPO submission documents and assist the Village through the SHPO review and approval process.
• SEQR Initiation: Begin State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. EFC requires project to be treated as a Type 1 action and coordinated review conducted.
• PER Completion: Finalize the Preliminary Engineering Report in NYS EFC format.
• IUP Submission: Labella to submit the PER and IUP listing form on behalf of the Village to the NYS EFC for listing on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Intended Use Plan by the May 30, 2026, deadline.
Phase 4: Grant Readiness & Formal Submission June 2026 – August 2026
• Finalize SEQR: Complete the environmental review and pass the SEQR Resolution.
• Bond Resolution: Village Board to pass the necessary bond resolution to demonstrate local financial commitment.
• Refine Project Scope: Finalize any preliminary layouts and/or Opinions of Probable Construction Cost for the full design phase.
• Grant Strategy: Finalize applications for NYS WIIA and Intermunicipal Grant (IMG) programs.
• Coordination with Stakeholders and Letters of Support: We will engage with elected officials and local business owners to gather letters of support, ensuring the project has the necessary political and community backing.
Phase 5: Final Grant Submission September 2026
• Submission: Preparation and formal submission of grant applications (WIIA/IMG) by the anticipated early September deadline.
Resolution Number: 260103
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve LaBella to evaluate the municipal water storage reservoir for replacement and evaluate alternate intermunicipal water supply connections, Preparation, and formal submission of grant applications at a cost of $72,000.00, seconded by Trustee Neuman.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting NAY
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Chief David Ognan presented the Board the2025 LOSAP results that have been posted for 30 days. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260104
Trustee Neuman made a motion to approve the 2025 LOSAP results that have been posted for 30 days and to approve the Mayor Authorization Form, second by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting OBSTAINED
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Chief Ognan advised the Board that the Fire Department has applied for a grant to replace the boiler, replace the truck floor heating units, and replace the truck floor windows. The total amount applied for is $99,200.00. Discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh continued the discussion regarding the Park Rental Fees. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260105
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the raise in Park Rental Fees to:
Village Residents:
Weekday Monday-Friday $75.00 Total at Rental: $225.00
Weekend Saturday-Sunday $100.00 Total at Rental: $250.00
Refundable Deposit $150.00
Village Businesses/Organizations:
Weekday Monday-Friday $175.00 Total at Rental: $425.00
Weekend Saturday-Sunday $200.00 Total at Rental: $450.00
Refundable Deposit $250.00
The following may rent Ganser Smith Park one month after
Village Residents and Businesses:
Watervliet Residents:
Weekday Monday-Friday $100.00 Total at Rental: $250.00
Weekend Saturday-Sunday $125.00 Total at Rental: $275.00
Refundable Deposit $150.00
Non-Residents:
Weekday Monday-Friday $150.00 Total at Rental: $300.00
Weekend Saturday-Sunday $175.00 Total at Rental: $325.00
Refundable Deposit $150.00
Non-Village Businesses/Organizations:
Weekday Monday-Friday $225.00 Total at Rental: $475.00
Weekend Saturday-Sunday $275.00 Total at Rental: $525.00
Refundable Deposit $250.00
Harbour and to start taking reservation on March 16, 2026, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the need to override the 2% Property Tax Levy. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 26106
After a discussion Mayor Marsh entered in the following resolution for Local Law #1 of 2026 to override the 2% Property Tax Levy:
LOCAL LAW # 1 OF THE YEAR 2026
Village of Menands, County of Albany
A local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.
Section 1. Legislative Intent
It is the intent of this local law to allow the Village of Menands to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2026, that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law §3-c.
Section 2. Authority
This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3-c, which expressly authorizes a local government’s governing body to override the property tax cap for the coming fiscal year by the adoption of a local law approved by a vote of sixty percent (60%) of said governing body.
Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, County of Albany, is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2026, that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-c.
Section 4. Severability
If a court determines that any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance is invalid or unconstitutional, the court’s order or judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this local law, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered.
Section 5. Effective Date
This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.
Resolution Number: 26107
Trustee Harbour made a motion to hold a Public Hearing on March 16, 2025, at 6 PM for a local law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.,
second by Trustee Neuman.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board he would like to schedule a Budget Workshop on March 19, 2026, at 5 PM. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260108
Trustee Harbour motioned to hold a Budget Workshop on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 5 PM, second by Trustee Neuman.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board he would like to schedule a Public Hearing regarding the 2026-2027 Budget on April 6, 2026, at 6 PM. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260109
Trustee Harbour motioned to schedule a Public Hearing regarding the 2026-2027 Budget on April 6, 2026, at 6 PM, second by Trustee Neuman.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the following buildings are vacant and under Chapter 64 Article III Vacant Building Registry they must pay a fee $1,500.00 per year:
1. 28 Menand Road
2. 11 Highland Street
3. 5 Elmwood Road
4. 19 Glenwood Road
5. 563 Broadway
6. 45 Broadway
7. 179 Broadway
Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 26110
Trustee Lane made a motion to assess a $1,500.00 fee to the following buildings 28 Menand Road, 11 Highland Street, 5 Elmwood Road, 18 Glenwood Road, 559 Broadway, and 45 Broadway,
second by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Mayor and the Clerk led a discussion regarding authorizing the Clerk to execute and file Satisfactions of Civil Judgment upon proof of full payment with the Albany County Clerk’s Office. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260111
Trustee Lane made the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MENANDS AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE AND FILE SATISFACTIONS OF JUDGMENT UPON PROOF OF FULL PAYMENT
WHEREAS, the Village of Menands from time to time obtains civil judgments for the recovery of unpaid civil penalties, code enforcement fines, property-related charges, contractual debts, and other lawful municipal claims; and
WHEREAS, such judgments are docketed with the Albany County Clerk and constitute enforceable liens pursuant to the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CPLR § 5020, a judgment creditor is required to execute and file a Satisfaction of Judgment within twenty (20) days after full payment of the judgment; and
WHEREAS, the Village Board of Trustees desires to ensure timely compliance with statutory requirements and efficient administrative processing of fully paid judgments;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. Authorization Granted
The Village Clerk of the Village of Menands is hereby authorized and directed to execute, acknowledge, and file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the Albany County Clerk upon receipt of proof of full payment of any civil judgment owed to the Village.
2. Proof of Full Payment
Prior to executing a Satisfaction of Judgment, the Village Clerk shall confirm:
• Payment of the full principal amount;
• Accrued statutory interest pursuant to CPLR § 5004;
• Any authorized costs or fees associated with enforcement.
3. Consultation with Village Attorney
The Village Clerk may consult with the Village Attorney as necessary to confirm legal sufficiency prior to filing.
4. Timeliness
The Satisfaction of Judgment shall be filed within twenty (20) days of confirmed full payment, in compliance with CPLR § 5020.
5. Recordkeeping
The Village Clerk/Treasurer shall maintain records of:
• Date of payment;
• Amount received;
• Date Satisfaction was filed;
• Filing receipt from the Albany County Clerk.
6. Effective Date
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Seconded by Trustee Neuman
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the Village has been asked by NYCOM to adapt a resolution to increase Aid to Municipalities. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number:260112
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INCREASED AID TO MUNICIPALITIES AND STRENGTHENING NEW YORK’S STATE-LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
Trustee Lane entered the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Governor Kathy Hochul released her 30-day amendments to the Executive Budget, which include an additional $100 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance (TMA) to be allocated in the same manner as in the past two years; and
WHEREAS, these additional investments reflect a recognition that New York’s strength begins in its cities, villages, and towns, and that a strong state-local partnership is essential to delivering the services, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life that residents expect and deserve; and
WHEREAS, local governments across New York continue to face mounting fiscal pressures driven by inflation, increased service demands, infrastructure needs, and rising operational costs, while striving to provide relief to taxpayers amid a rising cost of living; and
WHEREAS, NYCOM Executive Director Barbara Van Epps, along with mayors from across the State, testified at the Local Government Joint Budget Hearing in Albany, advocating for increased unrestricted aid and a strengthened state-local partnership; and
WHEREAS, the additional $100 million in TMA will offer meaningful assistance to many municipalities statewide, helping to address fiscal challenges and maintain essential services for residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Menands applauds Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of investing in local governments and for reaffirming her commitment to strengthening New York’s cities and villages; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village of Menands urges the New York State Legislature to include, at a minimum, this additional $100 million in Temporary Municipal Assistance in the adopted state budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village of Menands calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to develop a more permanent and predictable solution for unrestricted municipal aid to ensure long-term fiscal stability for New York’s local governments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED those copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the members of the State Legislature representing the Village of Menands.
Second by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised that the auction has been completed for the Safety Trail on Auction International the highest bid was $1,650.00. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 260113
Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to accept the bid of $1650.00 for the Safety Trailer that was on Auctions International, seconded by Trustee Neuman.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor’s Report:
1. Advised the Board he has received what the Village payments will be for the next 30 years
a. Albany Wastewater:
2. Reminded Board that beginning April 8, 2026, Special Pickup will be the second Wednesday of each month and residents will no longer need to call in for Special Pickup.
3. Mayor Marsh wrote a letter the Postmaster for the 12204 area regarding the problem with recent mail delivery.
4. Working on completing the documentation regarding the $1,092,000.00 from Congressman Tonko for the EPA.
5. The Mayor and the Treasure are working on Bond Rating paperwork.
6. The Village is in the process of the Quiet Zone renewal.
7. The Easter Party will be March 28, 2026, from 12 PM-4 PM in the Village Hall in cooperation the Menands Public Library.
8. The Preliminary Budget will be posted as soon as it’s completed.
9. The Menands Monthly will be out tomorrow.
10. A Perim Celebration will be held tomorrow March 3, 2026, at 5 PM until 6:45. Purim is Overall, Purim emphasizes themes of resilience, faith, and communal responsibility, celebrating how courage, unity, and moral action can transform danger into deliverance and sorrow into joy.
11. Starting negotiations with DPW for their Contract.
Trustee’s Report:
Neuman:
1. I have been accepted into the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Climate Stewards Program. I am currently attending classes and when they finish, I will work on a project to help the Village complete steps toward our Bronze Certification for the Climate Smart Communities program. The Village joined the Climate Smart Communities program in 2021 and we have done some projects toward certification. I have been emailing with Tara at the Capital District Regional Planning Commission to confirm what projects we have completed and what else we can do to achieve Bronze status.
2. The Menands Public Library has some great programs coming up this month. They have two crafts for kids and will start a teen crochet lab on Tuesdays from 4 to 6, beginning March 31st.
Kalogridis:
1. Fish Fries every Friday
2. Menands Fire Department will be marching the St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Lane:
1. Asked if anyone is interested in Earth Day this year. Discussion followed.
Harbour:
1. PTA Parents night out K-5 Friday
2. Drama Club play March 27 & 28
3. The Seniors have more trips coming up.
Clerk’s Report:
1. During the Budget Workshop held on Thursday, February 6, 2026, a technical issue occurred with the microphone used for live streaming the meeting. I have since been accused of intentionally muting the meeting, which would constitute a violation of the Open Meetings Law. This allegation is completely untrue. When the audio problem was brought to my attention, the Workshop was paused, and no discussion took place during that time. I immediately attempted to troubleshoot the issue; however, I was unable to restore the microphone’s functionality. In order to ensure the meeting could continue with audio available to the public, I used my personal cell phone as a temporary substitute microphone. Near the conclusion of the meeting, my cell phone battery became depleted. Following the meeting, with assistance from ABS Solutions, it was determined that the conference room speakerphone system was malfunctioning. I have since contacted the vendor from whom the system was purchased, and they are in the process of replacing the defective speakerphone. The replacement is expected to resolve the audio issues affecting the live streaming system. At no time was the meeting intentionally muted, and no action was taken to restrict public access to the proceedings.
2. PERMA Grant, The Village has received a $3,500.00 grant from PERMA to be used for Backhoe Training for the DPW Department.
Treasurer’s Report: No Report
General Comments:
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got some important Village subjects to deal with as follows:
1. 1/8/26 he observed Christmas lights on at the firehouse.
2. Same day he picked up empty boxes outside the Village Office and put them in the dumpster.
3. He was delighted to hear that a state grant will be applied for to build new salt/gravel shed.
4. He donated 6 plastic containers to DPW free of charge.
5. He thanked DPW guys for repairing ruts on N Lyons Ave, however there are others that need repair.
6. He is requesting the outside of DPW should be primed and repainted.
7. He supports resurfacing and repairing sidewalks.
8. Since he donated for proposed evergreen trees for Switzer-Polk Park, when will trees get planted.
9. During Spring 2026 he plans to try removing red graffiti from street marker No 8 on Harts Lane.
10. He sweept road salt, paper, and other debris from doors at 250 Broadway.
11. He removed a Christmas tree away from an ADE box in hallway at Farmers Market.
Resident Charles Ansert advised the Board that if they are planning to sell Village owned properties, they should have a proper procedure. Discussion followed.
Resident Paul Harbour:
1. The area near the tracks is getting worse with potholes
2. The Railroad should clean the ditch this spring
3. Asked about report from when the Court closed. Discussion followed.
4. Advised the sidewalks are better now that they have been ground.
Resident Mike MacKay:
1. Asked if Village has any records regarding Court Funds. Discussion followed.
2. Asked then the 1st Bond payment will come due. Discussion followed.
Trustee Harbour made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The meeting duly adjourned at 7:01 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, March 2, 2026.
_____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk