Village Notes 2025-06-23
Special Guest
Mike Drew – Saranac Lake Lofts Update
Reported significant progress at the Saranac Lake Lofts. Sheetrocking and taping are underway, with insulation currently being installed. After earlier delays, the project is now back on track, with more than 30 workers on-site daily.
Kirk Sullivan & Dave Vana – Fire Tower Proposal
Described a proposed 35-foot fire tower in Ward Plumadore Park as a “mini mountain” experience intended to draw tourists and offer sweeping downtown views. They emphasized its potential tourism value and low cost. Trustees asked thorough questions, including:
ADA accessibility and seasonal maintenance
Inspection procedures and liability protocols
Long-term financial and maintenance commitments
Alternative locations
Engineering and structural review
Maximum occupancy and capacity limits
Board Actions
BILL 79 (Failed 3–2): Resolution to accept a $10,000 grant toward a fire tower in Ward Plumadore Park
Trustees Brunette, Scollin, White opposed; Mayor Williams and Trustee Ryan in favor
The Village Board voted down a proposal to accept a Franklin County grant for a fire tower in Ward Plumadore Park, located at the corner of Broadway and Bloomingdale Avenue. While supporters described the tower as a tourism asset, board members raised serious concerns:
No complete, itemized project budget (estimated total cost: $60,000+)
No stamped engineering drawings or foundation specifications
No clear plan for operations, maintenance, or seasonal access
Trustees Scollin and Brunette said they support a fire tower in the right context but found this location unsuitable. Trustee White questioned why grant funds were pursued and a permit was filed with the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) before board authorization—highlighting the need for process integrity.
Mayor Williams expressed strong disappointment in the outcome.
BILL 80 (Passed 5–0): Authorized the hire of a Heavy Equipment Operator
BILL 81 (Passed 5–0): Endorsed Historic Saranac Lake's NYS Main Street Downtown Anchor Grant application
BILL 82 (Tabled): Request for $2,000 to support the Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities
Board members requested that an event funding application be submitted.
BILL 83 (Passed 5–0): Accepted a $15,000 Justice Assistance Grant for law enforcement equipment
BILL 84 (Passed 5–0): Adopted the 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation
BILL 85 (Tabled): Request for $2,000 to support the Saranac Lake 3P Race
Board members requested that an event funding application be submitted.
BILL 86 (Passed 5–0): Transferred unused sidewalk funds to the Sidewalk Reserve Account
BILL 87 (Tabled): Funding for repairs and accessibility upgrades at the Police Station
While all board members agreed accessibility is a priority, they opted to table the resolution to allow for more detailed information on costs, project scope, and funding sources.
BILL 88 (Failed 3–2): Resolution for safeguarding residents and financial resources
Mayor Williams, Trustees Ryan and Scollin opposed; Trustees Brunette and White in favor
Introduced by Trustee White, this resolution aimed to formally affirm that the Village’s limited law enforcement resources should remain focused on local public safety—not federal immigration enforcement. It sought to align police practices with constitutional protections and reassure all residents, regardless of immigration status, that they are safe engaging with local law enforcement.
Trustee White emphasized the importance of due process and public trust in government. Trustee Brunette supported the measure as a reaffirmation of Saranac Lake’s core values of fairness and community, calling it “a statement of who we are.”
All trustees acknowledged the police department already upholds these values. Mayor Williams opposed the resolution, expressing concern it could conflict with the law.
Old Business
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Trustee Brunette put this item on the agenda. As ex-officio representative to the CIP Task Force, she announced that the final draft of the Village’s first-ever Capital Improvement Plan is complete. She asked how the Board would like to review it. Members agreed to circulate it via email and place it on the next meeting agenda for discussion.
Boothe River Park
Trustee Brunette put this item on the agenda. As ex-officio representative to the Boothe River Park Task Force she shared an update on the project. Originally identified through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), this project was awarded $410,600 in state funding. The project has evolved beyond the initial whitewater concept and is now shaped by a broader vision of public access, recreation, and placemaking—reflected in the new name: Boothe River Park.
Trustee Brunette highlighted the strong community support behind the effort, including a growing “Friends of Boothe River Park” group that has already hosted two successful fundraisers:
– River Reels Film Fest in May at the Garagery (sold out; raised $4,000)
– Boothe Bitty Boat Race in June (300 attendees; raised $3,500)
The next phase involves securing easements necessary for public access and construction. Trustee Brunette opened a conversation about roles and responsibilities, asking whether the Village or the Friends Group should be named on the easements and who should oversee legal and technical tasks such as surveying and filing.
Tax Impact Analysis
Trustee Brunette put this item on the agenda. With major water and sewer investments on the horizon, she recommended a formal Tax Impact Analysis to clarify the long-term implications for taxpayers. The proposal received general board support.
Cannabis Revenue Grant Program
Trustee Brunette put this item on the agenda. She proposed using the Village’s cannabis sales tax revenue for a small grant program—prioritizing youth and senior-focused projects. She noted it would be modeled after North Elba’s program and that a draft policy is ready for board review.
Short-Term Rentals Report
Trustee Brunette put this item on the agenda. She recommended the Village Board receive a semi-annual report to better track STR trends and ensure compliance moving forward.
New Business
AEDC Loan Program
Mayor Williams put this item on the agenda. He asked the Board to consider removing the requirement that applicants first obtain a bank denial letter before qualifying for the Village’s small business loan program. He noted that this requirement may be discouraging participation. The Board agreed to revisit the topic after first promoting the program more broadly to gauge interest.
Ampersand Avenue Update
The Village Manager provided an update on the DPW roadwork. Construction is underway. Residents should expect delays and plan alternate routes.
Housing Update
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. She thanked Mike Drew for his update on the Saranac Lake Lofts project. She noted that the public benefits from hearing regular updates, especially as the housing lottery and opening approach.
Emergency Services Facility
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. She raised questions about the oil spill at 33 Petrova, asking for clarity on the site’s environmental status. She also reiterated the need for more frequent updates to the full Board and the public about the project’s progress.
Community Development Projects
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. She requested an update on current community development projects and pending grant applications. The Community Development Director was not present, and no report was provided. The Village Manager said he would follow up and ensure trustees receive the requested information.
Public Comments
Community members spoke to Bill 88 (see above). Many voiced strong support, citing the contributions of immigrants, the importance of due process, and the need to build trust between law enforcement and the community. A few speakers expressed concern about the resolution’s legality, potential safety impacts, and risks to federal funding.
