Village Notes 2025-10-14
Special Guest
Lake Flower Corridor Study
The Board heard from Greg Swart of Stantec Design & Architecture (SDA) and a subconsultant from MJ Engineering, who provided an update on the Lake Flower Corridor Study, funded through an Adirondack Park Smart Growth Grant. The goal of the plan is to guide work along the corridor that will make it safe and more accessible for all modes of transportation.
Board Actions
Bill 139–2025: Public Hearing Scheduled (Passed 4–0)
A hearing will be held Monday, October 27 at 5 PM to consider annexing Pine View Village Apartments, LLC into the Village.
Bill 140–2025: Police Chief Training Travel (Passed 4–0)
Approved travel for the Chief of Police to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy, a 12-week program. Trustee White requested clarification on insurance and vehicle use during off-hours.
Bill 141–2025: Quarterly Budget Adjustments (Passed 4–0)
Payroll adjustments were approved for the first quarter.
Bill 142–2025: Municipal Building Energy Upgrades (Passed 4–0)
Created a Capital Project Fund to manage energy-efficiency improvements at Village buildings.
The Village will front the costs and be reimbursed through NYSERDA funding, returning funds to the General Fund after completion.
Bill 143–2025: Franklin County Cooperative Marketing Grant (Passed 4–0)
Approved participation in the County’s tourism marketing program to help fund the Hop & Shop Holiday event this winter.
Bill 144–2025: APA Term Sheet Authorization (Passed 3–1)
Authorized the Village Manager to execute a term sheet with the Adirondack Park Agency for the proposed lease at 1–3 Main Street. Trustee White voted no, citing concerns about the termination clause and potential taxpayer exposure if geothermal work proceeds before a lease is finalized.
Bills 145 & 146–2025: Contract Amendments for Water/Wastewater Projects (Passed 4–0)
Approved additional survey work at both the Water Pollution Control Plant and the Water Treatment Plant to keep projects moving before winter.
Bill 147–2025: NYSWIMS Grant Support (Passed 4–0)
Approved a resolution supporting a New York SWIMS Grant to improve accessibility and safety at William Wallace Park and Lake Colby Beach.
Bill 148–2025: CDBG Subrecipient Agreement (Passed 4–0)
Authorized an agreement with the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation to administer federal funds for renovations at the Saranac Lake Adult Center.
Bill 149–2025: Rail Trail Signage (Tabled)
Approved in concept, but tabled to coordinate design and logo use with ARTA and local advisory boards (PTAB, DAB).
Bill 150–2025: Cannabis Sales Tax Grant Program (Tabled)
Tabled for further discussion. The proposal would reinvest local cannabis sales tax revenue into community projects and programs.
Old Business
Internal Audit
The Village’s auditing firm, B.S.T. & Co., will visit November 12–13 to complete the Internal Control Checklist required by the NYS Comptroller’s Office.
Housing Task Force
Trustee Scollin shared that work continues to modernize zoning regulations and promote higher-density housing where appropriate. Next meeting: November 13.
New Business
Community Safety & Immigration Outreach
Trustee White initiated a discussion on how the Village can better communicate with residents about immigration-related concerns and clarify the Police Interface Committee’s role.
Rate Relief for Condemned Properties
Mayor Williams proposed a new water/sewer rate reduction for properties under repair. Staff will review the legal and fiscal implications before a draft proposal is presented.
Public Comment
A resident requested that all public records related to the Emergency Services Complex be made fully accessible, citing state transparency requirements for contractor-held documents.
Executive Session
The Board entered executive session to discuss:
The proposed lease or sale of Village property,
Collective bargaining negotiations, and
Personnel matters.
Do Outs
Meet with auditors from B.S.T. & Co. during their November visit.
Continue review of Rail Trail signage designs and pricing.
Advance Housing Task Force zoning and density updates.
Develop legal framework for water/sewer rate reductions on vacant properties.
Provide full FOIL access for Emergency Services Facility documents.
Clarify the Police Interface Committee’s communication scope.
