Village Notes 2025-04-14
Do Outs
📌 Post Sewer Rates: After a resident pointed out that proposed sewer rate changes had not been posted prior to the public hearing—as required by New York State Law—the Village will post them online as soon as possible.
Public Hearing: Tentative Budget & Sewer Rates (FY 2025–2026)
A resident raised concerns during the hearing, noting that:
The proposed sewer rates had not been posted in advance, in violation of state requirements.
Substantive changes appeared in the final budget that were not discussed at the public budget work session, including new line items and adjustments.
In response, the Village Board initially agreed to keep the hearing open until the sewer rates were published. However, due to a legal requirement that the hearing be closed by April 15, the Board formally closed the hearing that evening.
Key Board Actions
(All bills passed 3-0; Trustee Brunette was absent, Trustee White participated remotely and could not vote.)
✅ Bill 36: Establishes a Capital Reserve Fund for Fire Department equipment.
✅ Bill 37: Approves AES Contract Amendment #6.
✅ Bill 38: Allocates $10,000 in this fiscal year’s beach budget for immediate accessibility and mobility improvements.
✅ Bill 39: Authorizes the hiring of a Water/Sewer Maintenance Helper.
✅ Bill 40: Accepts a CFA grant for the 1–3 Main Street Waterway Restoration Project.
✅ Bill 41: Declares specific equipment as surplus.
✅ Bill 42: Approves an agreement with the Town of Harrietstown for the Ampersand Avenue Sidewalk Project.
✅ Bill 43: Issues a negative SEQR declaration for construction work at Garwood POW Park.
✅ Bill 44: Authorizes submission of a grant application for Garwood POW Park improvements.
✅ Bill 45: Establishes a funding source for Riverwalk improvements.
💬 Board Discussion Highlights
🚔 Police Department Facility Repairs
Trustee White raised a question about previously requested budget allocations for police department improvements. Her concerns prompted an update from Mayor Williams:
Heating issues are being addressed, with parts already ordered.
Electrical repairs have been completed.
Front ramp and stairs are still pending. The Village Manager will gather estimates, including the possibility of having the DPW complete the work, and report back to the Board.
