Regular Village Board Meeting
October 7, 2024
The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Monday, October 7th, 2024, 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
ABSENT:
David Ognan, Fire Chief
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt.
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Joe Condon, Mat Rogers, LaBella Assoc, Nicole Kozilsky Slohads, Mary & Wm Roylance, Nancy & Wm Moreland, Mary Brown, Jennifer Hunt-Goldy, Kim Perry, Maria Upton, Thomas Harvie, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Lisa Neuman, Dara Blanchette, John B, Laura Cook.
Virtual attendance: Steve Boulet, Kathy Mosca, Mike & Susan Mackay, Shanna Schaefer, Thomas Paresi, Beth & Paul Harbour.
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that this meeting is recorded.
Mayor Marsh opened a Public Comment Period in regard to renumbering the addresses on Glenwood Road. On Glenwood Road the mailing addresses to not conform to property number on the Assessment Rolls. Discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh gave history of the process the Village has been going through to correct the numbering for Glenwood Rad.
Resident Nancy Moreland advised that the house number doesn’t need to change but the address on the SBL could be changed.
Resident Mary Brown stated she went to the Hall of Records when Albany County switched from book records to computer that’s where the problem arises.
After a discussion, the Board decided that the work group would get back together with a representative from Albany County Real Property and a resident from Glenwood Road to produce a solution to fix the numbering problem.
Public Comments:
Received prior to meeting:
To whom it may concern:
Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the public forum tonight regarding the topic of renumbering the houses on Glenwood Road as I had a prior commitment. I wanted to express my confusion and opposition to the proposed changes. I believe these changes are unnecessary and shift an undue burden of paperwork onto the denizens of the street.
In the initial communication that was sent out, it was stated that the differing lot numbers and street numbers have been a burden to homeowners on the street. That has not been the case for me as a homeowner for over 8 years now. There are times where I have had to explain the difference to businesses, but that would be nothing compared to the long-term effects of shifting our mailing addresses.
Below are just some examples of living documents that are tied to street addresses that would be impacted by this change:
• Insurance
• Wills
• Investments
• Bank accounts
• Utilities
• Mortgages
• Identification
• Employment records
• Credit histories
• Bills
The expectation that this is just a simple change that could be solved with new house numbers and a single form to the USPS is a bit optimistic. It presumes that multiple government agencies, and large corporations will execute and update records correctly the first time.
If you assess the risk from a homeowner’s point of view, one error could lead to:
• Damaged credit scores
• Fees for misdirected bills
• Paying for a neighbor’s utilities
• Land disputes
• Time/money spent establishing the change of address for an employment background check.
• Complications for the transfer of deeds
• Etc.
As singular events they may seem mundane, but they could cascade over a lifetime. From my understanding this initiative started after a neighbor just called the village and asked for a simple letter to their insurance agency verifying the lot/mailing address differently. This seems like an overreaction from my point of view, but perhaps there is some information that was not communicated.
In summary, if this has been a burden on my fellow neighbors of Glenwood then I will concede and withdraw my opposition. However, if this is just some initiative to make the processing of paperwork for government workers/insurance agencies more convenient, I would ask that you reconsider these proposed actions. What is the cost to the government to continue status quo that demands this change? There does not seem to be any benefit to us residents.
Joshua Montanye
Mayor Marsh resumed the Regular Meeting at 6:18 P.M.
Resolution Number: 250065
Trustee Harris made a motion to accept the September 2nd, 2024, Village Board Meeting Minutes, 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: 250066
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
WARRANT # 9:
GENERAL totaling $ 387,125.62
WATER totaling $ 135,215.20
SEWER totaling $ 158,703.00
TOTALS $ 681,043.82
PAYROLL # 9: totaling $114,670.12
(09/20/210/03/24)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250067
The Treasurer requested approval to amend the 2024-2025 Village budget as follows; Amend account A.9015.0802 Police Retirement by $120,000 to cover past service cost for the Section 384-e retirement system for the police. After a discussion, Trustee Kalogridis moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Trustee Harris, a resolution authorizing the Treasurer to Amend the 2024 – 2025 Village Budget Account A.9015.802 by $120,000.
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 the Special Use Permit for 51 Irving (339 Broadway). LaBella recommends approval with the following conditions:
Resolution Number: 250068
Trustee Lane entered the following resolution for 51 Irving Place Special use Permit.
Whereas, the Applicant, First Student, Inc. is seeking Special Use Permit/Site Plan approval Site Plan approval for the construction of a parking lot to store school buses at the rear of 51 Irving Street (Parking Lot, Accessory – 2) in the Light Industrial District (LI), the Proposed Project; and
Whereas, the Applicant submitted a Special Use Permit/Site Plan Application on June 13, 2023, with supplemental information provided on May 1, 2024, June 25, 2024, August 27, 2024, September 12, 2024, and October 2, 2024; and
Whereas, LaBella Associates (LaBella), the Village’s designated engineer, conducted a full review of the application and supplemental materials; and
Whereas, the Proposed Project and application documents are more formally described in the attached Notice of Decision; and
Whereas, on June 20, 2024, Albany County Planning Board found that the Proposed Project will not result in a significant countywide or intermunicipal impact”; and
Whereas, the Village of Menands Village Board (Village Board) opened and closed the public hearing on June 3, 2024; and
Whereas, LaBella and the Village Board has reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form, as required for SEQRA review; and
Whereas, the Village Board has sole decision-making authority for the Proposed Project, and therefore declares itself Lead Agency for the purposes of SEQRA review; and
Whereas, the Village Board classifies the Proposed Project as an “Unlisted Action” and with the assistance of LaBella, determined that no significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated as a result of the Proposed Project and therefore has determined the Proposed Project meets the requirements for issuing a Negative Declaration pursuant to the requirements of SEQA; and
Whereas, LaBella and the Village Board reviewed the application and supplemental information provided against the requirements of Article 10, Site Plan Review, and Article 11, Special Use Permit Review, of Chapter 169, Zoning and has determined the application meets the requirements for approval as indicated in the Attached Notice of Decision.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved:
- That the Village of Menands Village Board issues a Negative Declaration pursuant to the requirements of SEQRA.
- The Village of Menands Village Board hereby issues Special use Permit and concurrent Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval for the Proposed Project with conditions and as indicated on the attached Notice of Decision.
The resolution was second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee HarbourvotingAYE
Trustee HarrisvotingAYE
Trustee KalogridisvotingAYE
Trustee LanevotingAYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised the Board during the NYCOM Fall Training School the Village was advised that all Fire Department Fund Raiser must be approved by the Board. The Fire Department will be holding their annual fund drive in October and asked for approval. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250069
After a discussion Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to approve the Fire Department’s Annual Fund Drive, second by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee HarbourvotingAYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the two parcels on land that the Village owns on Glenwood Road. He would like to have a survey of the properties to possibly go up for sale. Discussion followed.
TABLED UNTIL 10/21/2024
Resolution Number: 250070
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that Court is applying for a JCAP Grant to renovate the court men’s room. In addition, the Board Resolution must be certified. The deadline for our application is Friday, October 11, 2024.Discussion followed.
Trustee Harris entered the following resolution:
The Board of the Village of Menands authorizes the Menands Village Court to apply for a JCAP grant in the 2024-2025 grant cycle up to the $21,500.00.
While the Resolution may include one or more “WHEREAS” clauses, it is essential that the “Be it RESOLVED” portion of the Village Board’s resolution be worded exactly as indicated above (with the addition of the name of the Village inserted as shown above in both options and with the addition of the amount requested as shown above in the second option).
In addition, the Board Resolution must be certified.
The deadline for our application is Friday, October 11, 2024.
The resolution was seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee HarbourvotingAYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion on purchasing Trash and Recyclable containers for Ganser Smith Park with monies from the 2023/2024 Sam Grant. Discussion followed.
Quotes:
For 2 Outdoor Trash Can and 2 Outdoor Recycling Cans
Global Industries:
2 Outdoor Recycling Cans $922.50 (State Contract)
2 Outdoor Trash Can $862.50 (State Contract)
Shipping: $456.95
Total Cost: $2,065.40
Uline:
2 Outdoor Recycling Cans $1,318.00
2 Outdoor Trash Can $1,318.00
Shipping: $247.21
Total Cost: $2,683.21
Resolution Number: 250071
After a discussion Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve the purchase of two sets Trash and Recyclable containers for Ganser Smith Park from Global Industries at a cost of $ $2,241.95, under State Contract, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee HarbourvotingAYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250072
Mayor Marsh advised the Police Department would like to surplus a 2019 Dodge Charger vin number: 2C3CDXKTOKH733010 and put up for auction. Discussion followed.
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the surplus of a 2019 Dodge Charger vin number: 2C3CDXKTOKH733010 and put up for auction, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee HarbourvotingAYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the following quotes were received to replace the Fire Alarm System at 250 Broadway.
Imperial Systems INC$36,400.00
Doyal Security $38,900.00
Discussion followed.
TABLED UNTIL 10/21/2024
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the sidewalk repairs on Brookside Ave and Menand Road discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the Albany County Wastewater site improvements. Discussion followed.
Mayor’s Report:
- Getting quotes for the repairs at 250 Broadway
- The Mayor met with the ADA Sidewalk Committee
- Received 3000 points towards Climate Smart Community. By reaching the goal the Village will receive a $75,000.00 grant for energy improvements.
- A letter was sent to the businesses along Simmons Lane regarding Simmons Lane repaving.
- A letter was sent to the Town of Colonie regarding sewer contract that has expired.
- The MS4 Annual Report is being prepared.
- Gave an update on the street sign replacement
- The Village is getting quotes to repair the 250 Broadway roof.
- While working on the Village Code to add alternate street parking the code was found to have many errors and outdated items Creighton Manning’s Traffic Engineers looking at this. Gave a quote of $5,000.00 to complete. A discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250073
After the discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to have Creighton Manning prepare Section 168 of the Village Code at a cost of $5,000.00, 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
10. David Ognan and LaBella are completing the State Mandated Lead Pipe Report.
Trustee’s Report:
Harbour:
- School Board Meeting has been moved to Tuesday due to Holiday
- CYO sign up has started
- PTA Yard Sale October 19 drop off on October 18
- Movies at Farmers Market October 19
Harris:
New Story Walk is up
Kalogridis:
There is an issue with fence between Crispy Mart and Kris’s Mid City tavern. A discussion
Followed.
Lane:
- He has received complaints regarding property maintenance at 182 Van Rensselaer Blvd. A discussion followed.
- 2 Kingston Street resident advised Trustee Lane that employee at 800 North Pear Street has been moving the speed bumps. A discussion followed.
- Gave an update on Little River Grant.
Clerk’s Report:
- The Clerk is working with Comp Alliance starting in January the Village will be starting a Safety Committee that will review Worker Comp Claims, complete risk assessments, and ensure the safety of all employees. The Committee will be made up of employees, supervisors, and department heads. The Safety Committee will report back to the Board quarterly.
- Community Development Annual Performance and Evaluation report for 2023 in on file in the Village Office.
- October 22, 2024, Brookside Ave Tree work will begin.
- Election Day will be November 5, 2024, will be held on the 2ndFloor Village Hall. The Fire Department has been advised.
General Comments:
TO: All Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got several important Village items as follows:
- He was sorry to hear of Retired Officer Ed Joy’s passing.
- He agrees & supports sidewalk evaluation.
- The soap dispenser in men’s restroom is broken.
- He is suggesting the CDTC build a bus Shelton on Broadway & Glenwood Road Jct.
- He requested that Village Board require Village One Apts. remove damaged tree from Buildings G & H area.
- He is requesting that Village & National Grid work together to permit Menands to repair North & South part of Oakwood Avenue which is still in poor condition.
- He is still requesting the Village pass & enforce the poor conditions of 12 steel high voltage towers on eastside of Broadway & Canal Street or replace with aluminum towers.
- He agrees all Village employees must live in Albany County or other nearby counties.
- He donated plastic containers to DPW to store nuts, bolts, nails & screws.
- He reported dog waste left on South Lyons Ave to the Village Clerk.
- He’s delighted to see the brush & weeks were removed from the fire hydrant on Canal Street.
- He’s glad 412 Broadway is undergoing extensive repairs.
- He observed weeds and brush on fire hydrant at former Price Chopper Plaza, he reported to Menands Police and Village Clerk.
- He is concerned about the condition of 350 Broadway.
- He feels the restroom building next to Pavilion needs to be painted.
Resident Lisa Newman at 54 Glenwood there is an illegal shed with power. A discussion followed.
After a discussion, the Board asked Code Enforcement to look at 54 Glenwood.
Resident Paul Harbour thanked DPW for trimming back brush at Villa Road
AT 6:55 P.M. Trustee Harris made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a legal issue and a property maintenance matter, 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 regular meeting reconvened at 7:09P.M.
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to adjourn, 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 meeting was duly adjourned at 7:09 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 October 7, 2024.
____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk