Village Notes 2025-11-24

Public Hearing: Volunteer Fire & Rescue Property Tax Exemption

The Board opened a public hearing on a proposed local law allowing volunteer rescue and fire workers to receive a property tax exemption.

Public comment supported the proposal.

Downtown Streetscape Design Guidelines Presentation

Consultants from Planning4Places presented the full draft of the new Streetscape Design Guidelines — a project developed jointly with the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation and the Village.

The consultants explained that the goal is to create a cohesive identity in the downtown core by standardizing benches, lighting, planters, trash cans, bicycle racks, and other elements. As they put it, the plan is meant to give Saranac Lake “a downtown that looks intentional, not accidental.”

Trustee Brunette, who served on the Streetscape Committee, emphasized the importance of having everything — materials, specs, manufacturers, placement, best practices — all in one place, so the Village can apply the standards consistently and be more competitive for grant funding.

The plan will come back to the Board for adoption.

Board Actions

Bill 172-2025 — Volunteer Fire & Rescue Tax Exemption (Passed 4–0 / Trustee Ryan abstained)
Adopted after the public hearing.

Bill 173-2025 — Accept Franklin County Experiential Tourism Grant (Tabled 5–0)
Tabled acceptance of the grant for Boothe River Park until more details could be provided about the required match.

Bill 174-2025 — Appoint Members to the Parks & Trails Advisory Board (Passed 5–0)
Appointed two new members — Peter Waldt and Allison Brunner.

Work Session: Cannabis Sales Tax Grant Program

The Board held a work session to refine a proposed grant program that would reinvest cannabis tax revenues back into the community — specifically for youth, seniors, and recreation.

Trustees discussed issues such as:

• Who can apply

• Should the program fund new programs, existing programs, or both

• How awards are granted

• Whether matching funds should be required

• How much annual revenue to dedicate

The program will come back to the Board for adoption.

Work Session: Emergency Services Complex – Tax Impact Analysis

Fiscal Advisors provided multiple debt-service schedules — from $5 million to $30 million, over 25–30 years — showing estimated annual tax impacts of borrowing for the proposed public safety building. These ranges were included in the packet.

The information lacked:

• Impact of different scenarios on homeowner tax bills

• Estimated operating costs

• Funding sources

Trustee Brunette reiterated the need for a complete financial picture before decision-making, emphasizing that the public deserves transparency. She asked for the deliverables set forth in the resolution that was previously unanimously approved. The Village Manager committed to provide complete information for the December 22nd board meeting. 

Public Comment

Residents made comments about:

• The affordability of long-term borrowing

• Public art recommendations in the Streetscape Guidelines

Executive Session

The Board entered executive session to discuss:

• Collective bargaining

• Current litigation

No action was taken afterward.