The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was held on Monday, November 4th, 2024, 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
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer Absent
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney Virtual
Ryan St Gelais, Police Chief Absent
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt Absent
David Ognan, Fire Chief Absent
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Steve Boulet, Bill Nevins, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Mike & Susan MacKay, Katelyn Petry, Marie Petry, Bella Petry, and Mark Brown
Virtual attendance; Kathy Mosca, Lisa Neuman, Paul Harbour, and Peg Holland
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and advised that this meeting is being recorded.
Resolution Number 250080
Trustee Harris made a motion to accept the minutes of the October 21st, 2024, Board Meeting, seconded 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 250081
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the following, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
WARRANT # 11A:
GENERAL totaling $256.36
WARRANT #11:
GENERAL totaling $259,580.71
WATER totaling $ 5,546.86
SEWER totaling $ 1,500.00
TOTALS $266,627.57
PAYROLL #11: totaling $110,945.54
(10/15/24-11/01/24)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye
Budget Transfers
Resolution Number: 250082
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
FROM TO
Description Contingent Account Clerk – Consultant
$44,500.00 $22,000.00
to cover Bill’s time during transition
” Street – P/T and Summer Help
” $7,500.00
Hired more summer help then budgeted
” Economic Opp & Dev
Personnel Services
” $5,000.00
Jason’s salary – res #250026
” Celebrations
” $10,000.00
” Centennial and Community night
Charges
Description Storm sewers Sewer Storm Sewers – MS4 Expenditures
Amount: $6,000.00 $6,000.00
Labella Engr bill
WATER FUND
Description Contingent Account Administration – equipment misc.
Amount: $7,800.00 $6,800.00
New generator for pump sta.
” Distribution -Water Meters
$1,000.00
Mtce Agreement extension
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye
Resolution Number: 250083
The Treasurer requested approval to amend the 2024-2025 Village budget as follows; Amend the Police vehicle maintenance line by $9,978.55 for the repairs to car#943 and amend the Fire vehicle maintenance line by $5,301.12 for the repairs to fire chief’s vehicle. These dollar amounts were reimbursed from insurance. On January 3,2024 $5,926.99 was received reimbursement for the police accident of Detective Braden, as well as on February 2,2024 $3,466.65 and March 14,2024 $584.91. The insurance reimbursement for the fire chief’s car was received on January 22,2024 for $5,301.12. Also, amend the Police Insurance line by $15,000 as the Police Liability charges were higher than the amount in the budget. And amend the Building’s Light, Power, & Gas line by $9,500.00 to cover the charges that were moved from the Fire Department budget to the Buildings budget.
After a discussion, Trustee Harris moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Lane a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to Amend the 2024 – 2025 Village Budget as 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 250084
There was a discussion regarding the Health Care Plan for the Medicare Eligible retirees. The current plan CDPHP Group Medicare Advantage PPO has a 34% increase in monthly individual cost for the 2025 calendar year. After a discussion on the various plans available.
Trustee Harris moved the following resolution: Medicare eligible retirees will now receive a $150 monthly offset to the Medicare Part A & B deductions from their social security checks. This $150 monthly offset will be paid on the first board meeting in December each year. Each Medicare retiree or spouse will then need to enroll in any Individual Medicare Advantage Plan available (there are several options available including one with a $0 (zero) monthly cost). Our Healthcare consultant Employee Benefits Center will be available to discuss the options that are available and to enroll anyone in the plan of their choice. The resolution was 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
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding upgrading and expanding the access system for 250 Broadway. Discussion followed.
Quotes that have been received:
Company Proposal
ABS $36,220.00
Doyal $57,210.00
Mangione $37,295.00
International $41,565.00
After a discussion, the Board decided to table until November 18, 2024, meeting.
Resolution Number 250085
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding replacing the server at 250 Broadway for the camera system at 250 Broadway. Discussion followed:
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the replacement of the server at 250 Broadway for the camera system at 250 Broadway at a cost of $$18,409.00 to be installed by ABS Solutions, second 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 a new cleaning contract for 250 and 280 Broadway. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250086
After s discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to Daigle Cleaning complete a deep cleaning of 250 & 280 Broadway 4 times a year at cost of $1,700.00 per year and to Daigle Cleaning wash windows at 250 & 280 Broadway 2 times a year at cost of $600.00 per cleaning, 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 led a discussion regarding reviewing and approving all Village Policies on an annual basis. The Board will receive a policy or two before each meeting to review and comment on and will be approved each meeting. The Board as received the following policies for review:
1. Sexual Harassment
2. Workplace Violence
Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250087
After a discussion Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve the Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence Policies, second 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 Health Care Insurance for Village Employees. Waiting for final prices Albany County. Must vote on Health Care Insurance at the November 18, 2024, Board Meeting. Discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the following masonry repairs to 250 Broadway:
1. Chip off loose plaster on building
2. Plaster foundation
3. Repair loose and missing bricks on stairs in front of Fire House
4. Install stainless chimney cap.
Davco Masonry can complete the work for at a cost of $5,800.00. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250088
After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to have Davco complete the masonry work at 250 Broadway at a cost of $5,800.00, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye
Clerk that the Village received a request from 12 Elmwood Road regarding an old easement that put in place in 1950 for the Village Right Away for highway and incidental purposes over a portion of the property. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250089
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the Mayor signing the Release and Termination of the 12 Elmwood Road Easement for the Village Right Away for highway and incidental purposes over a portion of the property, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye
Mayor’s Update:
- Tax Relevy figures were given to the Board and will be going to Albany County
- Gave update on Holiday Train arrival November 25th at 4:00 P.M.
- Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be December 8th, 2024, at 4:00 P.M.
- Trunk of Treats was a success the event was held at the Menands Market
- Simmons is working with Albany County IDA for monies to assist with the building of 7-million-dollar addition to Simmons.
- Glenwood Road renumbering was excepted by Albany County Real Property.
- The Mayor was invited to Kasselman Electric to Celebrate the fact that they have designated as A Historic celebrating 75 years of being in business.
- Treasurer Vredenburg is working on having Tax Bills and Water Bills available online.
- Village One Apartments has been sold. While completing the final water meter reading a discrepancy was found. It appears their water meter has stopped working. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250090
After a discussion Trustee Harris made motion to approve the following fee schedule for final water meter readings:
- Residential $50.00
- Commercial $100.00
- Requests for final water meter readings must be received 48 hours in advance.
- For expedited final water meter readings the following fees will be charged:
- Residential $100.00
- Commercial $200.00
The motion was seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye
10. Treasurer Vredenburg would like to pay the National Grid bill via ACH. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 250091
After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Treasurer to pay the National Grid bills via ACH, 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
11. Mid-City shopping center at 90 Broadway has a new business. The Business is STEM gaming. There will be a Grand Opening everyone will be invited.
12. Creighton Manning has completed a rendering for RT378 and Broadway corridor. The Village is collaborating with DOT and Albany County on this project. More information to come.
Trustee’s Update:
Trustee Lane: Thanked the Mayor and Code Enforcement Officer Darmetko for getting the property maintenance issues fixed at 444 Broadway and 182 Van Rensselaer Blvd.
Trustee Kalogridis: Would like to have CDTA create a shelter for the bus stops near Glenwood Road. Discussion followed.
Trustee: Harris:
1. Advised the Board there will be a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 26, 2024, at 5 P.M in the Village Hall
Trustee Harbour: There will be bake sale during the Election out on by the Menands Auxiliary.
Clerk’s Report: Election Day is tomorrow; the polls open at 6 AM. The Clerk will be working 5 AM to 1 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
To: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got some important Village items as follows:
- He is happy that Dunkin Donuts Shop has been remodeled
- He supports the upgrade of exterior lighting at on the 250 Broadway building
- He would like to see lighting upgrades on all Village buildings
- He would like to see the Children at Play sign on Villa Rd on its own aluminum post
- He reported dog waste on N Lyons Ave which he reported to the Police and the Clerk
- He observed a chipmunk in the men’s room, it run out when the door was opened
- He found a piece of jewelry after a kickball game which he turned in at the Police Dept
- He wishes to thank DPW for clearing weeds and brush of fire hydrant at former PC bldg.
- Besides his outdoor duties he cleans cobwebs from restrooms, concession & store
- He observed a Balsam tree being removed and replanted in the Ganser Smith Park,
- He would like to see more fir or spruce trees planted on 250 Broadway property
- He donated a push broom to the DPW Garage
- He is happy to see the Regeneron landscaping with stones and evergreen trees
- He is hearing residents complaining about dust created by vehicles driving on Market Rd
- He is requesting that DPW replace the old signpost on Upland Road
Resident Mike MacKay:
- Asked how much was Village One Billed? The Mayor advised it was $56,000.00. Discussion followed.
Resident Steve Boulet:
- Asked if there permits for parking during the Holiday Train. The Clerk advised that it will be the same as last year and the letters will be mailed out tomorrow.
- Would also like to see the Halloween Party go back to the way it was that the park with the parade from the Fire House.
- Commented that Mid-City looks great and would like to see 444 Broadway look better.
Resident Bill Nevins:
- Thanked DPW for everything they and the great job.
- Asked if there was anything the Village do about the condition of pavement on Broadway. The Mayor advised he has a meeting with the Region One Director of DOT that will be discussed.
- The Movie and Dinner night at the Market was a success and would like to do it again.
Resident Diane Carrol:
- Asked if there have been any complaints of sewer smell in the homes along Amsterdam Ave. Discussion followed.
- The speed of the vehicles on Amsterdam Ave are still a concern.
- The employees of 800 North Pear are also passing School Busses.
Trustee Harris made a motion to adjourn the meeting, 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 duly adjourned at 7:00 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, resolutions and ordinances passed or enacted, and all other procedures had and taken by the Village of Menands Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held on November 4, 2024.
________________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk