nextstep Meeting Minutes The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was held on Monday, March 20th, 2023, and was called to order by Mayor Megan Grenier at 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Megan Grenier, Mayor Diane Foley, Trustee Seth H. Harris, Trustee Timothy Lane, Trustee Brian Marsh, Trustee Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk William T. Smith, Jr., Village Treasurer Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Virtual Attendance Chief David Ognan, Fire Dept Also attending: Bill Garvey, Nicole Ognan, Nick Kalogridis, Philip Sabatino, Charles Ansert The mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance Public Hearing Mayor Grenier Opened the Public Hearings for the purpose of Subdivision of 444 Broadway, Local Law #2 Volunteer Fire Fighters Real Property Tax Exemption, and Local Law #3 Authorizing a Property Tax Levy in Excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3c at 6:01 P.M. The Clerk read the following notice: Village of Menands PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Hearings will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. in the Village Municipal Building at 250 Broadway for the purpose of the following: Subdivision of 444 Broadway. A Local Law Repealing Chapter 153-6 of the Code of the Village of Menands Volunteer Fire Fighters Real Property Tax Exemption and replacing with Local Law number 2 of 2023, Enacting a 10% Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters Pursuant to Section 466-a of the Real Property Tax Law. Local Law #3 of the year 2023 authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c. 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 March 20, 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 Laws is available at the Menands Village Office or on the Village of Menands Website at www.villageofmenands.com. The regular Board meeting to follow. Subdivision of 444 Broadway. Hearing no further comments Mayor Grenier closed the hearing at 6:03 PM. Mayor Grenier Opened the Public Hearing for the purpose of A Local Law Repealing Chapter 153-6 of the Code of the Village of Menands Volunteer Firefighters Real Property Tax Exemption and replacing it with Local Law number 2 of 2023, Enacting a 10% Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters Pursuant to Section 466-a of the Real Property Tax Law at 6:03 PM. Hearing no further comments Mayor Grenier closed the hearing at 6:04 PM. Mayor Grenier Opened the Public Hearing for the purpose Local Law #3 of the year 2023 authorizing a property tax levy more than the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c at 6:04 PM. Hearing no further comments Mayor Grenier closed the hearing at 6:05 PM. Resolution Number 230167 A motion was made by Trustee Foley to accept the minutes of the March 6th, 2023, Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Marsh. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230168 A motion was made by Trustee Lane to accept the minutes of the March 9th, 2023, Budget Workshop, seconded by Trustee Marsh. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230169 A motion was made by Trustee Foley to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Harris. WARRANT # 20: GENERAL totaling $168,655.98 WATER totaling $ 4,355.15 SEWER totaling $ 525.00 TOTALS $173,536.13 PAYROLL # 21: totaling $ 94,113.53 (02/24/23-03/09/23) ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230170 A motion was made by Trustee Marsh, seconded by Trustee Lane, 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.1110.0154 To Acct: A.1110.0152 Description Clerk of Court P/T-O/T Court Clerk $5,000.00 $5,000.00 No Help From Acct: A.7310.0449 Youth To Acct: A.7310.0447 Youth Description Instructors Transportation $600.00 $600.00 Skiing Trips ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230171 Trustee Harris entered the following resolution: Resolution of the Menands Village Board Issuing SEQRA Neg. Dec. & Two-Lot Minor Subdivision Approval 442-444 Broadway in Menands S.B.L. 44.18-2-15 Whereas, the applicant, Niko Ventures, LLC, proposes a minor, two-lot subdivision of Parcel: 44.18-2-15 into: Lot 1 (442 Broadway) to be 40,166+ SF and Lot 2 (444 Broadway) to be 3.81+ acres; and Whereas, the parcel is owned by Niko Ventures, LLC, and located at 444 Broadway; and Whereas, Niko Ventures, LLC is seeking to convey proposed Lot 1 to 4G Realty Holdings, LLC, and retain proposed Lot 2; and Whereas, both lots are improved by existing retail buildings, and future uses are proposed to remain retail; and Whereas, the Village Board deemed the application complete on March 6, 2023, and scheduled a public hearing; and Whereas, on March 16, 2023, Albany County Planning Board found that the proposed two-lot subdivision will not result in a significant countywide or intermunicipal impact; and Whereas, the Village Board conducted a public hearing on March 20, 2023; and Whereas, the Village Board has reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form, as required for SEQRA review; and Jennifer Nechamen from LaBella Associates explained the subdivision of 444 Broadway, Albany County Planning is in favor of the subdivision. Jennifer stated that the application is complete and recommended the subdivision go through. Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Subdivision for 444 Broadway, seconded by Trustee Marsh. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230172 Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve Local Law No 2 of 2023 Volunteer Fire Fighters Real Property Tax Exemption, seconded by Trustee Foley. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Resolution Number 230173 Trustee Foley made a motion to approve Local Law # 3 of 2023 Authorizing a Property Tax Levey in Excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3c, seconded by Trustee Harris. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE A discussion was held regarding the masonry work needed for 250 Broadway. After a discussion, the masonry work was tabled. TABLED The Clerk led a discussion regarding changing the name of Railroad Ave to Station Street. Railroad Ave name change has been discussed for many years. The clerk noticed on Google Maps the road at the top of Tillinghast was named Station Street. The Clerk advised the Board he has spoken to the one resident that lives on Railroad Ave regarding the name change he approved the change. Clerk also spoke to Albany County E-911, the Town of Colonie Head of Communications, and the Assessor’s Office they all approved the name change. If the Board approves the change the Clerk will send a notice of the name change to Albany County E-911, Albany County Real Property, Postmaster of 12204, Google Maps, Town of Colonie Head of Communications, and the Assessor’s Office. Discussion followed. Resolution Number 230174 Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve the name change from Railroad Ave to Station Street, seconded by Trustee Foley. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Mayor Grenier led a discussion regarding the Fire Inspection Fee Schedule. A discussion followed. 2023 FIRE INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE Fireworks Permit: $175.00 Public School Fire Inspection (Group E): $115.00 per property Multiple Dwellings (Group R occupancies): Minimum: $125.00 up to 40 units Business and Mercantile Occupancies (Group Band M): $125.00 per tenant up to 2,500 SF $4.25 per additional 1,000 SF Industrial and Storage Occupancies (Group F-1, F-2, S-1 & S-21): $125.00 per tenant up to 2,500 SF $4.25 per each additional 1,000 SF Public Assembly Occupancies (Group A): Assembly Spaces: 1 – 50 people $60.00 per tenant 51 – 99 people $85.00 100 – 300 people $125.00 301 – 1,000 people $150.00 1,000 + people $175.00 Institutional Occupancies (Group I): $140.00 Miscellaneous (Group U): $140.00 Hazardous Inspections (Group H): $175.00 New Truss Placarding: $50.00 Family Home Day Care Inspections: $100.00 Adult Care Facilities Inspections: $100.00 Group Family Day Care Home Inspections: $100.00 Operational Permit: $150.00 Reinstate Revoked Operational Permit: $350.00 Not for Profit Inspections: $60.00 Re-Inspection Fee – 3rd Follow Up: $150.00 Late Payment Fee: $200.00 Hazardous Materials Technical Assistance Fee: $200.00 per hour Before or After Hours Fees for Inspections of Special Events: $200.00 per hour* (*2-hour minimum) Miscellaneous: $125.00 Fee for Returned Check: $20.00 All fees are non-refundable Resolution Number 230175 Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve the Fire Inspection Fee Schedule, second by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Susan Dube and Judge Chris Flint advised the Board that the Menands Village Court has been awarded $23,000.00 from the J-Cap Grant. The work to be done at the Court: A Replace hallway window B Repair holes in walls and repaper C Repair window in cleaning closet and replace ceiling tiles D Replace paper shredder The Board thanked Susan for her hard work in getting the J-Cap Grant. Mayor Grenier advised the Board that Saturday, April 1st, will be the Easter Party. Youth Director Samantha Hall is working on it. The party will be 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Resolution Number 230176 Trustee Harris enter in the following resolution: A RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 2, 2023, EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY VILLAGE OF MENANDS WHEREAS a quality education is one of the significant foundations for the continuing success of our state, our country, and our society at large; and in the Village of Menands we strive for the betterment of all of our citizens through an increased focus on education and sharing; and WHEREAS, in order to achieve its highest goals, education must not only impart knowledge but also teach the students how to live, forming and strengthening their moral character to make a better life for themselves as individuals and for society as a whole; imparting moral and ethical values that have been the bedrock of society since the dawn of civilization; and WHEREAS, a global spiritual leader and leading advocate for the advancement of education, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, stressed that a moral and ethical education empowers every individual to develop their full potential in making the world a better place; and WHEREAS, such an education can nurture the unity of diverse peoples through encouraging increased acts of goodness and kindness, imbued with the awareness that even a single positive act of an individual can change the world and usher in an era of global peace, when there will “be peace within your walls, serenity within your mansions” (Psalms 122); and WHEREAS, “Education & Sharing Day” is observed each year on the Rebbe’s birthday in recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions toward the improvement of education, morality, and acts of charity around the world; a day to pause and reflect on our responsibility to ensure our youth have the foundation necessary to lead lives rich in purpose and fulfillment through service and good works; and WHEREAS, April 2, 2023, will mark 121 years since the Rebbe’s birth, capping a year in which thousands of new institutions and initiatives were launched throughout the world in tribute to this celebration; and WHEREAS, this year has an added significance as a year of “Hakhel,” a biblical event of unity, education, and spiritual growth emphasizing how every person is crucial to perfecting the world; NOW, THEREFORE, I, SETH HARRIS, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Menands, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 2, 2023, to be: EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY in the Village of Menands and call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and citizens to reach out to those within your communities and work to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all. IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the Village of Menands to be affixed at the Village Hall, 280 Broadway, this twentieth day of March in the year two thousand and twenty-three. Second by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Trustee Harris asked about the status of the Stop Signs. The clerk advised that he had spoken to Mike Hagmann, and will follow up again. Chief Ognan advised the Board that the engine from West Albany is in, and the fire department has started training on it. Next week the engine is going out to be re-lettered. Mayor Grenier advised the Board that the new gas keys are in from Albany County. Now every village-owned vehicle has its own gas key to maintain better control of usage. Trustee Harris led a discussion regarding the Playground equipment at Hutton Street Park. Discussion followed. The Treasurer advised that Mayor Grenier has submitted the Preliminary Budget: Resolution Number 230177 Trustee Marsh made a motion to hold the Public Hearing for the 2023 – 2024 Budget on April 3, 2023, at 6 P.M., seconded by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE Trustee Harris made the following motion: A RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 2, 2023, EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY VILLAGE OF MENANDS WHEREAS a quality education is one of the significant foundations for the continuing success of our state, our country, and our society at large; and in the Village of Menands we strive for the betterment of all our citizens through an increased focus on education and sharing; and WHEREAS, to achieve its highest goals, education must not only impart knowledge but also teach the students how to live, forming and strengthening their moral character to make a better life for themselves as individuals and for society as a whole; imparting moral and ethical values that have been the bedrock of society since the dawn of civilization; and WHEREAS, a global spiritual leader and leading advocate for the advancement of education, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, stressed that a moral and ethical education empowers every individual to develop their full potential in making the world a better place; and WHEREAS, such an education can nurture the unity of diverse peoples through encouraging increased acts of goodness and kindness, imbued with the awareness that even a single positive act of an individual can change the world and usher in an era of global peace when there will “be peace within your walls, serenity within your mansions” (Psalms 122); and WHEREAS, “Education & Sharing Day” is observed each year on the Rebbe’s birthday in recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions toward the improvement of education, morality, and acts of charity around the world; a day to pause and reflect on our responsibility to ensure our youth have the foundation necessary to lead lives rich in purpose and fulfillment through service and good works; and WHEREAS, April 2, 2023, will mark 121 years since the Rebbe’s birth, capping a year in which thousands of new institutions and initiatives were launched throughout the world in tribute to this celebration; and WHEREAS, this year has an added significance as a year of “Hakhel,” a biblical event of unity, education, and spiritual growth emphasizing how every person is crucial to perfecting the world; NOW, THEREFORE, I, SETH HARRIS, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Menands, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 2, 2023, to be: EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY in the Village of Menands and call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and citizens to reach out to those within your communities and work to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all. IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the Village of Menands to be affixed at the Village Hall, 280 Broadway, this twentieth day of March in the year two thousand and twenty-three. Second by Trustee Lane ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE At 6:48 P.M. Trustee Marsh made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter, seconded by Trustee Harris. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Trustee Marsh voting AYE Mayor Grenier voting AYE The regular meeting reconvened at 7:15 P.M. Trustee Harris made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Marsh. ADOPTED: Trustee Foley voting AYE 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. The following was submitted to the Board. There was no Open Forum for this meeting. TO All Menands Village Board Members FROM Bill Garvey Jr Items of concern: Thanked DPW & Albany County Health Department for their work. Reported an open door on Broadway to the police. Inquiring what will be done with the building on 412 Broadway after the fire. Concerned about signs on So Lyons Ave & E Kenmar Rd being blocked and needing replacement. He would like to turn 33 Glenwood Rd into (a) red brick Dutch gable style home or a Cape cod style home. Concerned about brush & weeds on railroad property area on Villa & Menands Rd Glade that Samantha Hill was selected as Youth Director Inquired about the number of stop signs to be replaced. _________________________ Donald Handerhan Village Clerk
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