Village Notes 2025-07-14
Do Outs
Climate Action Plan Public Comment: The draft Village Climate Action Plan will be posted soon. The Village Manager encourages all residents to review and share feedback before adoption.
Special Guests
Women’s Civic Chamber – Community Bench Project
The Women’s Civic Chamber celebrated their success recycling over 9,000 pounds of plastic, earning nine community benches. They requested approval to install a second bench at the corner of Main Street and Broadway.
Greg Swart w/ SDA Engineers – Sewer & Water Project Update
Greg gave an update on the ongoing sewer and water projects.
Sewer design work is at 10% design stage, with completion anticipated this fall.
Grant applications are ongoing, including a key NYSEFC submission this fall.
DPW Superintendent – Ampersand Avenue Update
Ampersand Avenue reconstruction is progressing:
Water main work is complete, sewer installation halfway done.
The goal is to finish storm sewer work and paving by Labor Day, though weather may affect the timeline.
Additional roadwork is planned on Edgewood, Park Ave, Van Buren, Prospect, Grandview Terrace, and Main Street between the bridge and River Street.
Climate Smart Communities Task Force – Climate Action Plan
Task Force members Garrett and Becca presented the draft Village Climate Action Plan, highlighting:
A 37% reduction in the Village government’s greenhouse gas emissions since 2017.
Plans for energy efficiency, fossil fuel reduction, and renewable energy use.
The Climate Action Plan will be posted for public comment before final adoption.
Libby Clark - Can-Am Rugby
Libby highlighted the tournament’s economic impact and community partnerships.
Harlan Films – Parade Scene Proposal
Preliminary discussions were held for a potential September film project in downtown Saranac Lake. While no formal request has been made, the company assured the Board of their intent to work with local businesses, compensate merchants, and coordinate closely with Village departments.
Board Actions
BILL 82 (No Action 5–0): $2,000 for the Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities
While trustees expressed strong support for the festival’s mission, they did not take action on the resolution, citing concerns that the event takes place entirely outside Village boundaries. Trustee Ryan expressed interest in finding other ways to support the event.
BILL 89 (Passed 5–0): Approved year-end budget adjustments
BILL 90 (Passed 5–0): Accepted a Franklin County Community Services grant for Police Department programming
BILL 91 (Passed 5–0): Approved $15,000 in support for the Can-Am Rugby Carnival
BILL 92 (Passed 5–0): Authorized the hiring of a Water/Wastewater Maintenance Worker
BILL 93 (Passed 5–0): Approved an SDA contract amendment to advance sewer project design
BILL 94 (Passed 5–0): Approved funding for a new accessibility ramp at the Police Station
BILL 95 (Passed 4–1 / Mayor Williams opposed): Authorized the Village to secure easements for Boothe River Park
This resolution allows the Village to use up to $10,000 to secure the legal easements needed to keep the Boothe River Park project moving forward. Trustee Brunette emphasized that this is a necessary step to protect public investment, leverage DRI funds, and maintain project momentum.
BILL 96 (Passed 5–0): Authorized a utility easement with National Grid for electric upgrades at DPW and Central Garage
Board Discussions & Updates
Police Interface Committee
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. Trustee White requested clarification about the committee. No action was taken; the topic will remain open for further review.
Boothe River Park Project
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. There was a brief discussion about grant opportunities and the upcoming CFA (Consolidated Funding Application) deadline at the end of July.
Safeguarding Residents
Following the defeat of Bill 88 at the last meeting, Trustee White encouraged continued community dialogue about ensuring constitutional protections and building trust in local government.
Emergency Services Complex
Trustee White put this item on the agenda. Trustee White followed up on previous discussions, requesting a summary from Wendel Five Bugles Design regarding the Emergency Services Facility project. She requested that the update memo from the engineer be posted online.
Public Comments
DPW Wages & Retention: DPW employees voiced concerns about pay and retention, highlighting the importance of sustaining skilled staff, and asked the Village to start negotiating the next contract.
Water/Sewer Billing Concerns: A resident spoke about a billing issue with serious financial impacts and potential tenant displacement.
Emergency Services Complex & Drainage: A resident raised questions about drainage and flood risk management in the facility design.
Residents also emphasized the need for transparency in project planning and support for accessibility and environmental initiatives.
