After Executive Session
The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was called to order by Mayor Brian Marsh at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
PRESENT:
Brian Marsh, Mayor
Molly Harbour, Trustee – Absent
Nicholas Kalogridis, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Lisa Neuman, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Mike & Susan MacKay, Pat Brundage, Diane MacFarland, Cari Scribner, Dan Cravan, John Romano, Janice Coppola, Steve Boulet, Zach Richter(WNYT) Colleen Virkler(WNYT), Jalon Carmeni
Virtual attendance: Beth & Paul Harbour, Rob Jewett, Misty Brown, Sandra Wilson, Susan Cave, Wendy Chamberlin, Jessica Farrier, Loro Remney, Elizabeth Higgins, Heidi Sykora, Jennifer Gillis, Julia Slevin,
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that the meeting was being recorded.
Resolution Number: 270044
Trustee Neuman moved to accept the August 17, 2026, Village Board Meeting Minutes, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number:
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payment for the following, Trustee Kalogridis duly seconded.
WARRANT 9/8/2026:
GENERAL totaling $ 99,268.74
WATER totaling $ 14,523.77
SEWER totaling $ 7,964.76
TOTALS $ 121,757.27
PAYROLL #7: totaling $ 102,519.85
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
THE TREASURER REQUESTS THE MAYOR AND BOARD MEMBERS TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING TRANSFERS AND BUDGET AMENDMENT.
FROM A90400805 VOLUNTEER FIREMAN WORKERS COMP $15,000.00 TO A90400804 VILLAGE EMPLOYEE WORKERS COMP $15,000.00
FROM A73100448 YOUTH SPORTS $8,000.00 FROM A73100101 YOUTH COUNSELORS
$4,032.00 TO A 73100449 SUMMER HELP $12,032.00
FROM A14100100 ADMIN CLERK $7,275.00 TO A69890100 PERSONAL SERVICES
$7,275.00
FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE
TRANSFERRED $9,000.00 FROM THE FIRE EQUIPMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT TO THE GENERAL FUND CHECKING ACCOUNT.
BUDGET AMENDMENT TO A34100208 $9,000.00 EQUIPMENT
TRANSFERRED TO MAKE THE FIRE BUDGET WHOLE
FROM A34100419VEHICLE MAINTENANCE $49.76TOA34100414 EQUIPMENT REPAIRS $49.76
FROM A34100419 VEHICLE MAJNTENANCE $126.97 TO A34100405 INSURANCE $126.97 FROM A34100208 EQUIPMENT $2,043.32 TO A34100405 INSURANCE $2,043.32
FROM A34100208 EQUIPMENT $678.56 TO A34100404 MISCELLANEOUS $678.56
Resolution Number: 270046
Trustee Lane moved to approve the above Budget Transfers, and Trustee Neuman seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor advised the Board that the Albany County Planning Board approved Local Law 6 of 2026. Mayor asked for a motion to approve Local Law 6 of 2026, amending Chapter 169 (Zoning) of the Code of the Village of Menands to amend the Official Zoning Map and to amend the permitted uses in the Land Conservation (LC) District.
Resolution Number: 270047
Trustee Neuman entered the following resolution:
Issuing SEQRA Neg. Dec. & Adopting Local Law No. 6 of 2026, A Local Law Amending Chapter 169 “Zoning” of the Menands Village Code, by Rezoning Tax Map Parcels 54.20-1-1.22, 54.20-1-2, 54.20-1-3, and 54.20-1-1.23, and Amending Permitted Uses in the Land Conservation District (LC)
WHEREAS, Local Law No. 6 of 2026 (“LL No. 6 was introduced to the Menands Village Board of Trustees to amend Chapter 169 (Zoning) of the Code of the Village of Menands by reclassifying Tax Map Parcels 54.20-1-1.22, 54.20-1-2, 54.20-1-3, and 54.20-1-1.23 from Single-Family Residential (R1) to Land Conservation District (LC), and amending § 169-28(B) to add “Private or public golf courses or driving ranges and/or country clubs” as a permitted use by right in the LC District; and
WHEREAS, the Village Board scheduled and duly noticed a public hearing on LL No. 6 pursuant to Village Law and Village Code § 169-92; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Menands forwarded LL No. 6 to the Albany County Planning Board (ACPB) pursuant to General Municipal Law §§ 239-l and 239-m; and
WHEREAS, the ACPB reviewed the referral and determined that the proposed action will have no impact upon the jurisdictional determinant referring to this case, nor will it have significant countywide intermunicipal impact; and
WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board conducted a public hearing on August 3, 2026, for LL No. 6 where all members of the public desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to speak; and
WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board, acting as Lead Agency, has completed and thoroughly reviewed Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) in compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) set forth in 6 NYCRR Part 617; and
WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board has sole decision-making authority for the adoption of LL No. 6 and has confirmed its status as Lead Agency for SEQRA review; and
WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board has determined that the proposed legislative action brings Village zoning into conformance with the long-standing, pre-existing golf course land use, involves no direct ground disturbance or construction, preserves existing open space, and will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts, thereby issuing a Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, LL No. 6 of 2026 has been on the desks of the members of the Menands Village Board for at least seven (7) days, exclusive of Sunday, in final form prior to adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Section 1. The Menands Village Board of Trustees hereby issues a SEQRA Negative Declaration for Local Law No. 6 of 2026, determining that the action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts and that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.
Section 2. The Menands Village Board adopts attached Local Law No. 6 of 2026, a Local Law amending Chapter 169, “Zoning” of the Menands Village Code by rezoning Tax Map Parcels 54.20-1-1.22, 54.20-1-2, 54.20-1-3, and 54.20-1-1.23 from Single-Family Residential (R1) to Land Conservation District (LC), and amending § 169-28(B) to permit private or public golf courses, driving ranges, and country clubs as principal permitted uses.
Section 3. The Menands Village Clerk is hereby directed to enter said Local Law in the minutes of this meeting, file the Local Law with the Secretary of State pursuant to Article 3 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, publish a summary once in the official newspaper, and post a copy of the Local Law together with the zoning map amendment at or near the main entrance to the office of the Village Clerk in accordance with Village Law and Village Code § 169-92.
Trustee Kalogridis duly seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the bid opening has been extended, as no bids have been received for the Paving of Simmons Lane and Sage Hill. Discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh advised the Board, upon the recommendation of the Village Attorney, that because Albany
County has enacted a ban on the sale of synthetic kratom products and products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, it is not necessary for the Village to adopt a separate local law addressing the same matter. Discussion followed. After discussion, the Board decided to write a letter to Albany County giving the Village’s approval of the Ban.
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the Village has been working with LaBella to draft a Local Law establishing a weight Restriction on Simmons Lane. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 270048
Trustee Lane entered the following resolution for Local Law 7 of 2026:
A LOCAL LAW OF THE VILLAGE OF MENANDS ESTABLISHING A WEIGHT RESTRICTION ON SIMMONS LANE BETWEEN CANAL ROAD AND BROADWAY (NEW YORK STATE ROUTE 32)
BE IT ENACTED by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, County of Albany, State of New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
The Board of Trustees finds that Simmons Lane is a local village roadway not designed to accommodate regular heavy truck traffic. Large commercial vehicles on Simmons Lane create safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists; contribute to roadway deterioration; and negatively affect the quality of life for nearby residents and businesses. This Local Law prohibits through truck traffic exceeding twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds while preserving reasonable access for local deliveries, public services, and emergency operations.
SECTION 2. AUTHORITY.
This Local Law is adopted pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Law, the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York, and all other applicable laws and regulations.
SECTION 3. WEIGHT RESTRICTION.
A. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any vehicle, combination of vehicles, truck, tractor, tractor-trailer, semi-trailer, or other commercial motor vehicle having a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), registered weight, or actual gross weight in excess of twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds on Simmons Lane between its intersection with Canal Road and its intersection with Broadway (New York State Route 32).
B. The restriction established herein shall apply in both directions of travel.
C. For purposes of this Local Law, the highest of the vehicle’s actual gross weight, registered weight, or manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating shall govern.
SECTION 4. EXEMPTIONS.
The provisions of this Local Law shall not apply to:
1. Emergency vehicles while engaged in the performance of official duties;
2. Village, county, state, or federal government vehicles engaged in governmental operations;
3. Utility vehicles and vehicles engaged in public utility construction, maintenance, repair, or emergency service;
4. Vehicles engaged in construction, maintenance, repair, snow removal, or other work being performed within the restricted area;
5. Vehicles making local deliveries, pickups, or providing services to properties located on Simmons Lane or to destinations for which Simmons Lane is the most direct and reasonable access route;
6. School buses, refuse collection vehicles, and other vehicles providing essential public services within the restricted area.
SECTION 5. TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.
A. The Village shall install and maintain official traffic control devices and signage at or near the intersections of Simmons Lane with Canal Road and Broadway (New York State Route 32) advising motorists of the restrictions established herein.
B. Such signage shall substantially state:
“NO THRU TRUCKS OVER 26,000 LBS GVWR”
“LOCAL DELIVERIES EXCEPTED”
or equivalent language as approved by the New York State Department of Transportation and consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
C. The restrictions established by this Local Law shall become enforceable upon the installation of the required signage.
SECTION 6. PENALTIES.
Any person violating any provision of this Local Law shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for a first offense, five hundred dollars ($500) for a subsequent offense within eighteen (18) months.
SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Local Law shall be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provision directly involved in the controversy.
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of New York in accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law; provided, however, that enforcement shall commence only after the installation of the required traffic control signage described herein.
Section 9. Public Hearing
A public hearing on said proposed Local Law shall be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6 p.m., at which time all interested persons shall be heard.
Section 10. Notice of Public Hearing
The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said public hearing to be published in the official newspaper of the Village and posted in accordance with applicable law.
Trustee Kalogridis duly seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised that the MOU with New York State DOT needs to be updated. Discussion followed.
UNDERTAKING
For the benefit of
The New York State Department of Transportation
In connection with work affecting state highways
(For use by New York municipalities and federal agencies)
WHEREAS, the undersigned Village of Menands ( Municipality, County, Town, City or Village, or any agency of the federal government, hereinafter referred to as “Permittee”) from time to time receives permits from the New York State Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the “NYSDOT”) and otherwise conducts activities and operations upon highways and/or within right-of-way controlled by the State of New York for such purposes as the obstruction, installation, construction, maintenance and/or operation of facilities; and
WHEREAS, Permittee’s access and operation upon state right-of-way is conditioned upon compliance with Highway Law Sections 52, 103, 203 and/or 234, including the conditions that Permittee assume all responsibility for (a) the temporary control of all modes of traffic (including motorized and non-motorized travel) affected by Permittee’s operations, (b) complete restoration of state facilities to their condition prior to permitted use or activity, and (c) all claims, damages, losses and expenses,
NOW, THEREFORE, in relation to all operations and/or actions undertaken within state right-of-way, Permittee hereby agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. Permit Applications. Excepting only activities undertaken to protect public safety because of emergency conditions or incidents, Permittee shall provide timely written notice to NYSDOT of operations or activities affecting state right-of-way. Under normal circumstances, a minimum of five business days’ notice shall be provided. Notification of emergency activities shall be provided to NYSDOT as soon as practicable after the activity. The Permittee shall apply for project-specific permits for activities not allowed under any existing annual permit. Such application shall identify proposed project locations, desired dates/hours, proposed work/activities, traffic control, and site restoration
2. Applicable Rules, Regulations & Conditions. Permittee shall comply with all of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to construction, maintenance activities, and operations and shall further comply with such terms and conditions that may be imposed by NYSDOT in connection with permitted activity or operations. Temporary Traffic Control, highway safety appurtenances, and restoration of state facilities shall be completed in accordance with NYSDOT regulations and standards.
3. Site Restoration. Permittee shall, at its own expense, promptly complete the work allowed under each permit and, within a reasonable time, restore State property damaged by its work/activities to substantially the same or equivalent condition as existed before such work was begun as determined by the Commissioner or his/her designee. In the event that the Permittee fails to restore damaged State property within what the Commissioner deems to be a reasonable time, the Commissioner, after giving written notice to the Permittee, may restore the property to substantially the same or equivalent condition as existed before the Permittee’s work/activities, in which case, Permittee agrees to reimburse the reasonable expenses in connection therewith.
4. Payment & Release of Liens. Permittee shall be responsible for the payment of all costs and materials relating to its work in the public right-of-way and agrees to defend and save harmless NYSDOT against any and all lien claims made by persons supplying services or materials to Permittee in connection with Permittee’s work.
5. Indemnity. In addition to the protection afforded to NYSDOT under any available insurance, NYSDOT shall not be liable for any damage or injury to the Permittee, its agents, employees, or to any other person, or to any property occurring on the site or in any way associated with Permittee’s activities or operations, whether undertaken by Permittee’s own forces or by contractors or other agents working on
Permittee’s behalf. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Permittee agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of New York, NYSDOT, and their agents from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to, claims for personal injuries, property damage, wrongful death, and/or environmental claims and attorney fees arising out of any such claim, that are in any way associated with the Permittee’s activities or operations under any and all permits issued using this Undertaking.
FURTHERMORE, Permittee hereby warrants that the obligations of this Undertaking are backed by the full faith and credit of Permittee. Permittee may insure or bond any of the obligations set forth herein, or may rely upon self-insurance, budgeted funds, or funds for general operations.
This Undertaking shall be applicable to all permitted activities and operations undertaken after the date of execution and work initiated while this Undertaking is in effect. This Undertaking may be revoked by the Permittee or rejected by NYSDOT upon thirty days’ written notice but will continue to apply to all permitted activities/operations that were permitted by virtue of this Undertaking. Unless terminated for the purpose of future activities/operations, this Undertaking shall have a term of twenty (20) years and shall be kept on file to facilitate the issuance of future permits to which it will apply.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Village of Menands (Municipality-County, Town, City, Village, or federal agency) agrees to the terms of this Undertaking and has caused its execution by the authorized officer or employee (attach Resolution of Approval).
Resolution Number: 270049
Trustee Neuman moved to approve the MOU with NYS DOT and authorize the Mayor to sign it; Trustee Kalogridis seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the South End Project.
Mayor Marsh updated the board on the 250 Broadway Fire.
Mayor’s Report:
1. The Town of Colonie will be holding a Public Hearing regarding a cell tower off Bought Road.
2. Jason Carnegie is putting the finishing touches on a Welcome to Menands Packet
3. The Fall Festival will be on October 18th from 1 PM-3 PM at the Park
4. The exposed wiring from the streetlights on Broadway will be covered with metal boxes
5. The Graffiti has been painted over at the garage at the park and the tunnel to the bike path
6. The CPKC Holiday Train will be coming the day before Thanksgiving.
7. On October 5, Albany Rural Cemetery will be honoring President Chester Arthur
8. NSH group will be holding a ribbon cutting at 10 AM tomorrow.
Trustee’s Report:
Neuman:
1. Polk Switzer Park committee met and will be sending a survey for the residents. Discussion followed.
Kalogridis:
1. Asked if the Police could enforce the Kratom Ban.
Lane: No Report
Clerk’s Report:
1. The Phishing report for August 50 emails were sent out “0” replied
2. EV Charger at the park. The cord reel broke and was repaired today.
3. Code Enforcement Officer Darmetko and Village Attorney Rehfuss had appeared in Colonie Town Court to present Notice of Violations for two Village Properties.
Treasurer’s Report:
1. Tax Bill late notices have been sent out.
Public Comments:
Mayor Marh read the following statement regarding expectations for proper conduct and decorum during Public Comments:
Public comment is an important part of the democratic process. It provides residents with the opportunity to share their perspectives, raise concerns, and contribute to the decision-making process. To keep this time productive and respectful for everyone involved, all participants must adhere to the following standards of proper discipline.
• State your name for the record
• Comments of any length may be provided to the Village Clerk.
• The public may only speak during the Public Comment period.
• The presiding officer must recognize speakers.
• Speakers must limit their remarks to 3 minutes.
• All remarks must be addressed to the Board as a body and not to individual Board Members
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to respectful civic engagement.
Resident Bill Garvey:
1. Found a blanket near Baseball Field brought to Pavilion
2. Bill Would like to use a table at pavilion for lost & found
3. Reported on a street out at Broadway & Brookside
4. Reported a broken bench
5. Report on cars parked in fire lane at the Park
6. Put a roll of Paper towels in men’s room
7. Thanks, DPW for clearing the weeds around several fire hydrants
8. Reported no toilet paper in men’s room
9. Supports Bethany Church turning into residential home
10. There should be one type of insurance to cover the fire at the Firehouse
11. The Village should have an ordinance regarding vacant properties
12. Keeps hearing train whistles
13. I July cleared weeds around the Menands Market Pavilion
14. Propose marking the EV Spots orange or yellow
15. Received a letter from the Prime Minister of Cananda about concerns about the war
Resident Nan Miller expressed her concerns regarding the condition of Sage Hill Lane. Discussion followed.
Resident Pat Brundage asked if the sidewalks on Amsterdam Ave will be completed this year. Discussion followed.
Resident Linda Hoffman expressed concerns about cars from 800 North Pearl and the school opening. Discussion followed.
AT 7:07 P.M., Trustee Lane made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a Personnel & Legal matter, Trustee Kalogridis duly seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:37 P.M.
Resolution Number: 270050
After Executive Session, Mayor Marsh made a motion to approve a $1,000 stipend to Clerk Handerhan & Treasurer Vredenburg for extra work put on them; Trustee Neuman duly seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 270051
Trustee Lane moved to authorize the Mayor to consent to the Offer of Judgment recommended by the Village’s attorneys, Goldberg and Segala, regarding pending litigation in Federal Court, with the understanding that the Village’s exposure is limited to $5,000.00; Trustee Kalogridis seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
A motion was made by Trustee Neuman to adjourn, Trustee Kalogridis duly seconded.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Neuman voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:40 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 and resolutions enacted, and all other procedures had and taken by the Village of Menands Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held on September 8, 2026.
_____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk