Village of Menands Board of Trustees, semi-monthly meeting. I am Mayor Meg Grenier and as it is 6:00 o’clock, I will call this meeting to order. For anyone outside the village staff who is attending this video conference, I would ask if you would please identify yourselves, Suzanne Harrington, Bill Nevins, John Stangle. The Mayor asked them to mute their microphones.
Mayor Grenier then did a roll call of Village staff: Deputy Mayor Aileen Nicoll, present, Trustee Seth Harris, present, Trustee Diane Foley, present, Trustee Brian Marsh, present, Clerk Don Handerhan, present, Village Attorney Stephen Rehfuss, present. On behalf of the Village Board, I would ask all residents that we please keep our First Responders, all essential workers and those affected by this pandemic in our thoughts and prayers.
Pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s executive order number 202.1 issued on March 13th, 2020: Suspending article 7 of the public officer’s law, to the extent necessary to permit any Public body to meet, and take At 6:00 PM on Monday, May 3rd, 2021 Mayor Meg Grenier read the following statement: this is the such actions authorized by law that allowed the public to not be physically present at the meeting, but allow the public to listen to or view such meetings via teleconference call or video conference, while recording and later transcribing of the meeting. Village of Menands Board of Trustees semi-monthly meeting is being held via Google Meets video conference to protect Public Safety and Welfare during this COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to conduct this meeting effectively we asked those in attendance to please mute your microphone during the meeting. As we are conducting only essential business during tonight’s meeting, there will be no public comment. Any comments previously submitted to Clerk Handerhan prior to the meeting and deemed essential will be read into the record. Governor Cuomo has extended executive order number 202.1 through May 25th, 2021.
Mayor Grenier opened the Public Hearing at 6:00 P.M.
The Clerk Read the following statement: Public Hearing May 3, 2021
Two Public Hearings will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. via Google Meets for a proposed Local Laws # 2 and 3 of 2021 Local Law #2 to erect Children at Play Signs and Local Law #3 to Amend Chapter 120, Article II Tobacco Use in parks to include Marijuana with the regular meeting to follow. Such public hearings are open to the public via Google Meets meet.google.com/rsf-wvdp-gbt by phone (US) and1 617-675-4444 PIN: 712 494 837 1220# #. All are encouraged to attend or to present comments in writing to Clerk Handerhan before 12PM May 3, 2021.
Article XV
Designation of Children at Play Signs
[Adopted 4-17-2021 by L.L. No. 2-2021]
- [Added 4-17-2021 by L.L. No. 2-2021]
Yellow and Black Children at play signs shall be erected, maintained by Menands Department of Public Works and placed at the following locations in the Village of Menands near each Pocket Park:
§ 160-112 Locations of Children at Play Signs:
Name of Street Side Location on Street
Menand Road North Menand Road and Cornell Drive
Village Attorney Rehfuss explained all traffic control devices under Village Code must be a Local Law. Mr. Rehfuss explained the wording of the Local Law once introduced, items cannot be added after being introduced.
An Amendment to Local Law # 2 would need to be introduced to add additional locations for Children at Law Signs.
Mayor Grenier asked if there were any comments. Bill Nevins replied he agrees with the signs.
Mayor Grenier hearing no other comments closed the Public Hearing for Local Law # 2 of 2021.
Article II
No Smoking or Vaping in Parks
[Adopted 8-15-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016]
[Amended 4-3-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021]
§ 120-4 Policy established.
A. The objective of this article is to establish a policy to create a smoke-free environment for all Village of Menands parks and playgrounds.
B. Reference: New York State Public Health Law, Article 13-E, § 1399-r.
C. Policy statement. Smoke and vape free parks enhance visitors’ enjoyment of clean air, natural beauty and healthy activities, communicate a positive message to the community that smoking and vaping is not compatible with active, healthy living and reduce maintenance and fire risks.
§ 120-5 Definitions.
As used in article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SMOKING AND VAPING PRODUCTS
Include, but are not limited to, any product containing combustible leafy material, such as cigarettes, marihuana. Devices used for smoking and vaping such as pipes, cigars, hookahs and any electronic delivery system (any battery-operated device designed to emit a vapor without being lit) such as e-cigarettes and vape pens. Also, smokeless tobacco products, such as chew, spit, dip and snuff and herbal cigarettes are also prohibited.
TOBACCO OR MARIHUANA USE
The act of smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other smoking material or device.
VILLAGE OF MENANDS PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS
Includes, but not limited to, Ganser Smith Park, Hutton Street Park, Polk Switzer Park, any village trail system and that portion of Sage Estates deemed forever wild.
§ 120-6 Smoking and vaping use prohibited.
The use of use of smoking or vaping products as defined in 120-5 is prohibited in all parks and playgrounds located in the Village of Menands.
§ 120-7 Signage; public notification.
Signage will be posted in all parks and playgrounds in the Village of Menands to notify the public of this policy.
§ 120-8 Penalties for offenses.
Any violation of this article is hereby declared to be a nuisance. Penalties for violations include warnings for a first offense, with fines of $100 for each repeat offense.
Mayor Grenier explained that Local Law # 3 is Amending Section 120 Tobacco use in parks to also include Marihuana. A discussion following. Hearing no further comments, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 6:05 P.M.
The regular semi-monthly meet reconvened at 6:05 P.M.
A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to accept the minutes for the April 19th, 2021 Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to approve payments for the following, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
WARRANT # 23:
GENERAL totaling $66,971.86
WATER totaling $ 9,660.25
SEWER totaling $ 1,575.00
TOTALS $78,207.11
PAYROLL # 24: totaling $96,398.63
(04/09/21-04/22/21)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve Local Law # 2 Placement of Children at Play signs, seconded by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve Amendment to Local Law # 3 No Smoking or Vaping in Village Parks, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Mayor Grenier introduced Local Law # 4 of 2021 to Amend Local Law # 2 Children at Play Signs to add the following locations to Local Law # 2:
Name of Street Side Location on Street
Menand Road North Menand Road and Villa Road
Menand Road South Menand Road and North Lyons Avenue
Amsterdam Avenue North Amsterdam Avenue 100 feet East from
Hutton Street Park
Amsterdam Avenue South Amsterdam Avenue 100 feet East from
Hutton Street Park
Hutton Street East Hutton Street 30 feet South from Hutton
Street Park
Elmwood Road North 30 feet South of Polk Switzer Park
Elmwood Road South Elmwood Road and Harts Lane
The Menands Police Department would like to surplus a 2016 Ford Taurus Police Car (VIN # 1FAHP2MK6GG132175. This vehicle will be used as a trade-in for new vehicle to be purchased under the 21-22 approved budget.
Trustee Foley made a motion to surplus the 2016 Ford Taurus Police Car (VIN # 1FAHP2MK6GG132175. The vehicle will be used as trade-in for new vehicle purchased under the 21-22 approved budget, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Mayor led a discussion regarding the Juneteenth Holiday.
June 19 or Juneteenth, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and celebrates African American freedom and achievement; and further commemorates this important day in our history we would Official make Juneteenth an Official Village Holiday for employees to observe and reflect on this meaningful day of History.
Right now, this would only apply to Full-time Non-Union Employees. Union employees will have to negotiate this into their contract. A discussion followed.
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve to make Juneteenth an Official Holiday in the Village of Menands, seconded by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Clerk led a discussion regarding a Loading Zone for 337 Broadway. A discussion followed.
The Mayor tabled this discussion.
The Clerk requested permission to purchase six 8’ picnic tables from Jamestown Advanced Products at a cost of $367.00 each totaling $2,202.00 under State Contract.
Trustee Marsh made a motion to purchase 6 picnic tables from Jamestown Advanced Products at a cost of $2,202.00 under State Contract, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Clerk advised the guard rail at Ganser Smith Park is in need of replacement. We have received the following quotes:
AFCO Fence Supply Co, Inc. $40.59 foot
Bruce Fence Co, Inc. $46.67 foot
Siena Fence Co, Inc. $41.86 foot
Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve AFSCO Fence Co, Inc. to install the guard rail along Menand Road side of Ganser Smith Park at a cost of $40.59 a foot or $15,750.00, seconded by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board the WNYT has asked to remove the sidewalk east of the north/south sidewalk on North Pearl Street to WNYT’s driveway. A discussion followed.
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve WNYT to remove the sidewalk east of the north/south sidewalk to WNYT’s driveway, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board that Nominations for 2 Trustees and 1 Village Justice will be accepted May 4th, 2021 at 8:00 A.M. until May 11th, 2021 at 5:00 P.M.
The Clerk reminded the Board that Saturday, June 5th, 2021 is Voter Registration Day held at the Menands Fire Department from 12:00 P.M. to 5 :00 P.M.
And the Village Elections will be held will be held on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 upstairs in the Village Hall from 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. (2 Trustees and the Village Justice are to be elected).
Trustee Harris gave an update on the Story Walk. The Story Walk panels may be delayed. A discussion followed.
Trustee Harris advised that the Menands Library is holding a Button Contest for Story Walk. Please contact the Library if interested.
Memorandum 5/2/21
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey, Jr
I got letters of importance and concern. They are:
On 3/15/21 while driving west on Clifford Road, I observed one forest green barrel placed next to one fire hydrant which it is on southside of that street. This forest green barrel next to fire hydrant is on 21 Clifford Road strawberry house property. According to New York State Fire Safety Rules and regulations nothing can be placed next to any fire hydrant. So, I reported this problem to the Menands Police right away. So, the Police Dispatcher informed me that she will send police officers to look into the problem. So, the next morning while driving west on Clifford Road again, I saw that the forest green barrel was removed from the fire hydrant and I like to thank the Menands Police for doing their job to enforce State Fire Safety Rules and Regulations dealing with fire hydrants. Well done. Remember if you should see something say something.
On 3/8/21 I went to the Menands Police Station to ask for information on how miles is Alexis Dinner north of I-90 highway. So, the Menand Police Dispatcher looked up the information for me. So, within two minutes she informed me that Alexis Dinner which it is on Route 4 is 3.6 miles north of I-90 highway. Although I did not get the Police Dispatchers name. However, I wish to thank her for her help. I appreciate it.
For the last several weeks while driving or walking on Menand Road, I still observing several wooden guide rails on Ganser-Smith Park have already been damaged. Of course, I got no idea in how those wooden guide rails of Ganser-Smith Park got damaged, but those damaged wooden guide rails need to be repaired or replace with new wooden guide rails and the earlier the wooden guide rail repair or replacement project job is done the better this is going to be for everyone concern. Please pass a resolution to have our public works crew repair or replace wooden guide rails of Ganser-Smith Park when they are able to get the project job done. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely
Bill Garvey Jr
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 6:30 P.M.
______________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk