nextstep Meeting Minutes The regular bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was held on Monday, March 4 th , 2024, and was called to order by Mayor Brian Marsh at 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Brian Marsh, Mayor Molly Harbour, Trustee Seth H. Harris, Trustee Nicholas Kalogridis, Trustee Timothy Lane, Trustee Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk Chief David Ognan, Fire Dept. Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mike & Susan Mackay, Matt Rogers, LaBella Associates, Chuck Price, Mark Carnegie, Courtney Jaskula, Dave LaFleur, L Neuman, Katelyn Kelley. Virtual attendance: Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney Chief Ryan St. Gelais, Menands Police Lt. Kevin Schwebke, Menands Police Brendan Kelly, Steve Boulet, Kathy Mosca, Cindy Price, Bill Nevins, Chris DiMao, Val Parker, Peg Holland, Evan Sullivan, Paul Harbour. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and advised the meeting is being recorded. Mayor Marsh opened the Public Hearing regarding Local law #1 of 2024 authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c. at 6 PM. The Clerk read the following: A Public Hearing will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. in the Village Municipal Building at 250 Broadway for a proposed Local Law # 1 of 2024 Tax Cap Override authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c with the regular meeting to follow. To view via Google Meets, please use the following link: meet.google.com/mre-txbp-btk or Join by Phone (US) +1 401-646-0768 PIN: 541 841 494#. Such public meetings are open to the public and are handicap accessible. All are encouraged to attend or present comments in writing before noon on the meeting day to Clerk Don Handerhan at email hidden; JavaScript is required The Mayor explained the need to override the Tax cap. Comments: Bill Garvey is against any Tax Cap increase. Mike Mackay would like the Board to explain in writing why they are going over the Tax Cap. Chuck Price would like a collaboration with the Budget. A discussion followed. Steve Boulet there should be a detailed explanation of the Budget. Lisa Neuman what percentage of increase is allowable. Hearing all the comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 6:07 P.M. PM. Resolution Number: 240172 Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to accept the minutes of the February 20 th , 2024, Board Minutes, seconded by Trustee Molly Harbour. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting ABSTAINED Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240173 Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis. WARRANT # 18X: GENERAL totaling $ 44,698.46 WARRANT #19: GENERAL totaling $ 46,534.17 WATER totaling $290,491.39 SEWER totaling $ 7,850.00 TOTALS $344,875.56 PAYROLL # 20: totaling $114,438.94 (02/09/24-02/20/24) ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240174 A motion was made by Trustee Harris, 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.1990.0400 To Acct: A.1210.0120 Mayor Description Contingent Account Executive Asst. $8,500.00 $1,000.00 Not in original budget " A.6989.0100 Economic Opp & Dev " Personal Services " $2,000.00 Treasurer Error – trans money out " A.9089.0800 Compensated Absen Regular Semi-monthly Board Meeting March 4, 2024 " $5,500.00 " Alexanian; Ognan From Acct: A.3120.0106 Police A.3120.0104 Police Descriptio n Holiday Overtime Amount: $8,000.00 $8,000.00 Short budget-no p/t avail From Acct: A.5110.0210 Street A.5110.0414 Street Descriptio n Dump Truck Equipment Repairs Amount: $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Short Budget From Acct: A.7310.0449 Youth A.7310.0441 Youth Descriptio n Instructors Transportation Amount: $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Budget shortfall WATER FUND From Acct: F.9010.0801 F.8340.0426 – Water Distribution Description State Retirement Maintenance of Chlorinators Amount: $5,150.00 $5,150.00 Purchases of new parts SEWER FUND From Acct: G.1990.0400 G.8120.0430 Sanitary Sewers Description Contingent Account Outside Contactors Amount: $3,000.00 $3,000.00 Repairs to N. Pearl St Sewer line ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240175 The Treasurer requests the Board approve a new resolution to correct Resolution #240144 of January 16, 2024. The resolution authorized the treasurer to transfer monies from the ARPA account to offset the amounts spent for the replacement of the Police Garage Doors; Replacement and upgrade of the Windows on the 2 nd floor of the Fire House; Replace and upgrade the Air Conditioning Units at 250 Broadway; the conversion of Street Lights in the Village to LED; and the Conversion of the lighting in all Village Buildings to LED. The Treasurer has transferred the monies to the General Fund but needs to amend the following 2023-2024 Budget items to cover the amounts spent on the previously mentioned items. Amend the following accounts: A.1620.0200 by $68,263; Account A.5182.0400 by $20,065 for the Street Lighting conversion to LED; Account A.1620.0412 by $11,723.62; Account A.7110.0412 by $6913.96; and account F.8310.0412 by $7,657.01 for the Lighting conversion of the Village Buildings. The total cost of the amendments is $114,622.59, the amount transferred from the ARPA Account. After a discussion Trustee Harbour offered the following resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Kalogridis, a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to amend the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget by the amounts stated above. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240176 The Treasurer requested approval to transfer an additional $20,000 from General Saving to Key Bank Account # 329681422484 the HSA Account. So far, we have used approximately $13,000 for the HSA portion of our Health Insurance plan. After a discussion, Trustee Harris moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Kalogridis, a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to Transfer $20,000. From General Savings to Key Account #329681422484. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Matt Rodgers from LaBella led a discussion regarding Conditional Approval of Site Plan for 3 Oakland Ave. Discussion followed. Resolution Number: 240177 After a discussion Trustee Lane read the following resolution: Whereas, the Applicant, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, is seeking approval of a Site Plan Amendment to construct two new building additions totaling 6,500+ square feet, demolition of the existing maintenance building, the construction of additional parking areas, and a new bottle redemption building on the northern corner of the property, the “Proposed Project”; and Whereas, the Applicant received Site Plan approval from the Menands Village Board for the construction of the existing facility on July 18, 2016; and Whereas, the Applicant submitted a Site Plan Application for the Proposed Project dated March 28, 2023, followed by supplemental information on October 2, and December 12, 2023; and Whereas, Village of Menands Designated Engineer LaBella Associates has reviewed all application materials and provided two Project Review Letters dated November 7, 2023, and February 6, 2024; Whereas, on February 15, 2024, Albany County Planning Board found that the Proposed Project will result in no impact upon the jurisdictional determinant, nor will it have significant countywide or intermunicipal impact and included an advisory opinion requesting the Village ensure that a demolition review is provided by the applicant to ensure no hazardous materials are present on the site; and Whereas, on February 20, 2024, the Village Board classified the Proposed Project as an Unlisted Action, declared Lead Agency status for an uncoordinated review, and issued a Negative Declaration for the Proposed Project pursuant to SEQRA; and Whereas, LaBella Associates and the Village Board have reviewed the application and supplemental information provided against the requirements of Article 10, Site Plan Review of Chapter 169, Zoning, and has determined the application meets the requirements for concurrent Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval, with conditions, as detailed in the Attached Notice of Decision. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the members of the Menands Village Board, as follows: (1) Based upon an examination of the application materials and recommendation from LaBella Associates, the Menands Village Board issues concurrent Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval, with conditions, as detailed in the attached Notice of Decision. (2) A copy of this Resolution, together with the attachments hereto, shall be placed on file in the office of the Village Clerk where the same shall be available for public inspection during business hours. (3) This Resolution shall take effect immediately. The Village Cleark is hereby authorized to distribute copies of this Resolution and do such further things to perform such acts as may be necessary or convenient to implement the provisions of this Resolution. The resolution was seconded by Trustee Harris. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240178 Trustee Harbour made a motion to Approval of Local Law 1 of 2024, authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c, second by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE The Clerk advised the Board that a Public Hearing for the Budget has to be after the Preliminary Budget is presented to the Board March 18, 2024, and before April 15, 2024. The Public Hearing takes approximately 1 and half hours for the hearing. The vote on the budget must be before April 30, 2024, or the Preliminary Budget will become the Budget. Discussion followed. Resolution Number: 240179 Trustee Harbour made a motion to hold the Budget Public Hearing on April 1, 2024, at 6:00 P.M., seconded by Trustee Kalogridis. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding recognizing the Village of Menands DPW as First Responders. When people think of First Responders, they always think of Police, Fire, and EMS. DPW First Responders are as critical to first response as public safety personnel. For this reason, I would like to recognize the Menands DPW as Municipal First Responders. Resolution Number: 240180 Trustee Kalogridis entered the following resolution: Whereas, the Menands DPW Public are the backbone of our Village’s infrastructure, who respond at a moment’s notice to the scene of the incident and restore important infrastructure and services when emergencies happen. The Village of Menands hereby recognizes the Menands DPW as Municipal First Responders effective this date, second by Trustee Harbour. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE The Clerk advised that Mayor Marsh, Trustee Harbour, and Trustee Kalogridis have completed their Record of Activity for the Standard Workweek. A resolution needs to be approved to be posted for 30 days and then sent to NYS Retirement. Discussion followed. Resolution Number: 240181 Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the posting of the Standard Workweek Resolution, second by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Resolution Number: 240182 Chief Ognan led a discussion regarding the LOSAP list that has been posted for the past 30 days. After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the 2023 LOSAP for the Menands Fire Department, seconded by Trustee Harbour. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE The Clerk reminded the Board that the Budget Workshop will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2024, at 6PM in the hall. Mayor’s Report: The Fusion advisory board meeting will be held March 26, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. Ballfield upgrades – by Cloverleaf Nursery Albany County Wastewater upgrades – discussion regarding SEQRA – lead agency. Update on EV charging stations. Recognizing Judge Flint by the NYS Bar Association Update on budget. AIM letter & support. Econ Dev – Dake Construction – 4 Wolfert, Mailworks 236 Broadway, McCarthy Tire expansion, 35 Broadway, 431 Broadway – Regeneron IDA filing Molly Harbour will be taking over the Village Facebook page administration. Update on 5 Elmwood. Resolution Number: 240183 After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Mayor to sign the SEQRA Lead Agency Designation for Albany County Water Purification District Sludge Improvements Project, second by Trustee Lane. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE Trustee’s Report: Trustee Harbour asked about the status of repairing the black streetlights that are out. The Clerk advised he has called Kasselman Electric Company regarding repairs to the lights. A discussion followed. Trustee Harris asked the status of the High Service Reservoir and Dave Ognan advised that it is completely filled. A discussion followed. Trustee Kalogridis: Asked about service for the Dumb Waiter at the Fire House General Comments: To: All Menands Village Board Members FROM: Bill Garvey Jr. I got several important Village items as follows: I approved buying turnout gear for the Fire Department. He supports payment assistance for the Firefighters Grant. He believes all firefighters should receive the Tax Exemption. He supports the improvements at the Albany County Sewage Treatment Facility. He proposed all elected Village Officials my serve and number of terms but NOT more than 2 terms in succession. He wishes to propose alternate parking on some streets at certain times of day and night. He requests Village pass and enforce tough laws delaying with property owners who fail to clear sidewalks of snow and ice. There should be fines, surcharges, and community work services. He is requesting NYS DOT repair traffic lights on Broadway and Brookside Avenue. Requesting DPW remove a tree at Water Plant which is blocking 2 sticks marking utility pole No 9. He would like DPW to remove and replace the stop sign at the end of Clifford Road and Station Street. He would like the Village to pass and enforce a law dealing with abandoned shopping carts, large boxes and other items with penalties including fines and community work service. He would like to see the Village apply for State and Federal Grant monies to install red traffic violation cameras on Broadway and Van Rensselaer Blvd. He supports removal of 4 dead trees in Polk-Switzer Park and proposed planting 8 evergreen trees to replace the trees being removed. He also recommends that Village should get volunteers to plant trees in Village Parks and Playground. He’s delighted that the CDTC bus shelter on Broadway has been cleaned. Monica St asked why the repairs to the Albany County Sewage Treatment Plant are taking so long. A discussion followed. Mike Mackay why when the Board gives an employee a raise there is no discussion. A discussion followed. What is the HAS Account? The Mayor explained it’s part of the Health Insurance deductible that the Village pays to lower the cost. A discussion followed. Chuck Price, why does the Village make so many Budget Transfers? A discussion followed. Why isn’t the Village going after 444 Broadway regarding the appearance. A discussion followed. What is the status of 434 Broadway with the trucks? A discussion followed. Lisa Neuman asked why the stop sign at the top of Clifford on a telephone pole and not on a pole where the other stop signs are. A discussion followed. Resolution Number: Trustee Harris made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis. ADOPTED: Trustee Harbour voting AYE Trustee Harris voting AYE Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE Trustee Lane voting AYE Mayor Marsh voting AYE The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:56 P.M. ____________________ Donald Handerhan Village Clerk
Village Board Meeting Monday, May 6th, 2024 The Menands Village Board Meeting will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 in the Village Municipal Building located second floor at 250 Broadway. To... READ MORE
