Village Notes 2025-08-11
Board Actions
BILL 85 (Passed 5–0): Support for 3P Funding Request
Approved $2,000 to support the Pole, Pedal, Paddle (3P) race—an annual multi-sport event drawing athletes and visitors from across the region and beyond.
BILL 104 (Passed 5–0): CDBG Grant Application for Saranac Lake Adult Center
Authorized submission of a NYS Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of the Saranac Lake Adult Center.
BILL 105 (Passed 5–0): Training for Pisgah Employees
Approved overnight training for Mt. Pisgah staff to improve grooming techniques and trail maintenance.
BILL 106 (Passed 5–0): Training for Chief of Police
Approved professional development for the Chief of Police, including leadership training and best practices in community policing.
BILL 107 (Tabled): ROOST Contract
Tabled renewal of the Village’s contract with ROOST. Trustees emphasized the need to align ROOST’s marketing strategy with the Village’s economic priorities and to confirm funding will come from Franklin County’s occupancy tax—not the Village’s general fund.
BILL 108 (Passed 5–0): Reaffirm the Boothe River Park Project
Reaffirmed that Boothe River Park is a Village-led initiative and public asset, ensuring it will receive the same professional oversight, operational coordination, and long-term stewardship as all other Village parks.
BILL 109 (Tabled): Create Emergency Water/Sewer Grant & Loan Program
Tabled creation of a grant and loan program to help residents manage sudden, unaffordable water/sewer bills caused by leaks, breaks, or other emergencies. The proposal would set clear eligibility rules: grants for seniors, people with disabilities, and lower-income households, plus low-interest loans for any primary residence in the Village—all funded through the Community Development Fund, not ratepayers.
Mayor Williams cited legal concerns from the Village Attorney, despite current Village policy already allowing one-time forgiveness for certain overages. Trustee Brunette supported moving from the current case-by-case approach to a fair and consistent process—one that offers reliable help to residents while safeguarding the water/sewer fund.
BILL 110 (Passed 5–0): Appoint Ex-Officio Members to Police Interface Committee
Added Trustees Ryan and White as non-voting liaisons to strengthen communication between the Board, police leadership, and the public.
BILL 111 (Tabled): Amend Emergency Services Facility Committee Resolution
Tabled proposed amendments to the original resolution at the request of Mayor Williams and Trustee Scollin, opting to wait until after the next committee meeting. The date and time for that meeting were not provided.
Old Business
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Trustee Brunette requested Board feedback on the final draft of the Village’s year-long Capital Improvement Plan—developed by the Village Manager, a dedicated task force, and consultant Municipal Solutions. Trustee Scollin emphasized using the CIP as a decision-making tool. A work session will be held to review the plan in detail.
Cannabis Sales Taxation Grant Program
Trustee Brunette shared a proposed grant program using cannabis tax revenue for community projects benefiting youth, seniors, and recreation. Trustees discussed forecasting revenue to set funding limits.
Emergency Services Complex
A recently revised plan for the proposed Emergency Services Complex was submitted to a state agency without first being shared with all trustees. Trustee Brunette voiced frustration that key project information continues to be withheld from the Board.
The complex—set to be one of the most expensive public projects in Village history—is now the focus of growing concerns over cost control and accountability. Trustee White renewed her push for answers about the evolving design and budget. For months, she has requested a concept showing what square footage was cut and what was added. Those requests remain unanswered. The changes matter: space removed was relatively low-cost (about $100 per square foot), while space added is far more expensive (about $500 per square foot). Trustee White believes these scope and cost decisions belong to the Village Board—not solely the consultant.
Mayor Williams took a different view, saying the consultant should only release plans once they are “presentation-ready.” He stressed that police, fire, and EMS leadership should first shape the design before it comes to the Board.
Several longer-term issues came into focus: the possibility of using the facility as a regional training and emergency operations center; the challenge of moving to a paid Fire Department; and concerns that the project could strain the Village’s debt capacity and lead to higher taxes. A resident also urged the Board to commit to not seeking Homeland Security funding for the project.
Public Comments
Questions about the lack of direct communication from Village Hall regarding the Emergency Services Complex, noting that a recent “concept floor plan” came from a FOIL request to a state agency—not from the Village.
Calls for appointing a dedicated financial expert to monitor the project and protect taxpayers from cost overruns.
Concerns about facility needs, debt capacity, and alternative funding sources.
Executive Session
The Board met to discuss the potential lease of real property and matters related to credit/employment history and public safety under NYS Open Meetings Law §105(1)(a). No formal actions followed.
