The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Brian Marsh at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Brian Marsh, Mayor
Molly Harbour, Trustee
Seth H. Harris, Trustee
Nicholas Kalogridis, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney Virtual
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt. Absent
David Ognan, Fire Chief
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Mike & Susan MacKay, Lisa Neuman, Jenne Hudbreder.
Virtual attendance: Kathy Mosca, Steve Boulet, Cathrine Dryden, Robert Jewett, Beth & Paul Harbour.
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that this meeting is recorded.
Mayor Marsh congratulated Alison McLane Lane for being appointed as Commissioner of Board of Elections. Mayor Marsh also congratulated Trustee Tim Lane for being appointed as Legislator for Albany County.
PUBLIC HEARING
Local Law 1 of 2025 Builds, Unsafe and Vacant.
Mayor Marsh opened the Public Hear for Local Law 1 of 2025 Builds, Unsafe and Vacant at 6:01 PM.
The Clerk the following statement:
A Public Hearing will be held at 250 Broadway, Menands NY at 6 P.M. for the purpose of Local Law 1 of 2025, of the Village of Menands, Builds, Unsafe and Vacant on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Copies of the Local Law are available on the Village of Menands Website, www.menandsny.gov or Menands Village Office.
All are encouraged to attend and comment at or to present comments in writing to Clerk Handerhan before noon on January 21, 2025, at dhanderhan@menandsny.gov. Such public hearings are open to the public and accessible to the handicapped. You may attend the Public Hearing in person in the Village Hall second floor of 250 Broadway or via the Google Meets link: meet.google.com/mre-txbp-btk or Join by phone (US) +1 401-646-0768 PIN: 541 841 494#
The regular Board meeting to follow.
Mayor Marsh gave an overview of Local Law 1 of 2025 Builds, Unsafe and Vacant and how it is to be enforced.
Public Comments:
Resident Bill Garvey is in favor of the Local Law.
Hearing all comments Mayor Marsh closed the Public Hearing at 6:02 PM.
The regular meeting began at 6:02 PM.
Resolution Number: 250126
Trustee Harris made a motion to accept the, January 6, 2025, Village Board Meeting Minutes, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250127
Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Harris.
WARRANT #15X:
GENERAL totaling $11,473.54
WATER totaling $ 2,851.63
TOTALS $14,325.17
WARRANT # 16:
GENERAL totaling $ 193,219.29
WATER totaling $ 2,492.69
SEWER totaling $ 3,192.50
TOTAL $ 198,904.48
PAYROLL #16: totaling $102,277.02
(12/27/24-01/09/25)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250128
A motion was made by Trustee Harbour, seconded by Trustee Harris, to accept the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized to make the following Budget Transfers
A31200105
POLICE OVERTIME
-$605.08
A31200106
POLICE HOLIDAY
+$605.08
A19900400
CONTINGENT ACCOUNT
-$30,000.00
A81600419
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
GARBAGE TRUCK REPAIR +$15,000.00
A51420414
EQUIPMENT REPAIRS
SNOWPLOW REPAIR +$15,000.0
PLEASE APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO THE FOLLOWING BUDGET LINE
A14400400 +$10,000.00
CONSULTING SERVICES BILL’S SALARY
Mayor requests the Board to amend the Budget by $8,000 to reflect the salary of the new Treasurer, the budget was approved prior to hiring the Treasurer.
Resolution Number: 250129
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the amendment to the Treasurer’s Budget by $8,000.00, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh asked the Board for an approval to increase the salary of Superintendent Michael Hagmann, by $6,000.00 and to amend the budget.
Resolution Number: 250130
Trustee Harris made a motion to increase the salary of Superintendent Michael Hagmann by $6,000.00 and to amend the budget by $6,000.00, second by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh asked for approval of Local Law 1 of 2025 Builds, Unsafe and Vacant.
Resolution Number: 250131
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve, Local Law 1 of 2025 Builds, Unsafe and Vacant, seconded by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding properties that the Village owns on Glenwood Road. Mayor Marsh would like to subdivide the properties into 4 sections. 2 smaller sections on the east and west sides of the property to be sold to adjacent properties, a 10-foot-wide section to allow access to Polk Switzer Park, and the last section to be sold as a building lot. The Village will hear a public comment at the February 3, 2025, Board Meeting. The Clerk will notify the residents on Glenwood Road.
Mayor Marsh advised the Board that Code Enforcement Officer Lyle Darmetko needs help with Fire Inspections. This was approved by the Board. Mayor Marsh appointed Ryan Handerhan, as Part Time Fire Inspector at hourly rate of $35.00. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250132
After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve Ryan Handerhan, as Part Time Fire Inspector at hourly rate of $35.00, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the need to have an Assistant Code Enforcement Officer for when Code Enforcement Office Darmetko is not available. He would like to appoint Don Handerhan as Assistant Code Enforcement Officer. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250133
After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the appointment of Don Handerhan as Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The Clerk advised that the following Policies have been reviewed by the Board and need to be approved: Blood Borne Pathogen, Cell Phone, Fuel, And Release of Firefighters Policies. After a discussion, the Board decided to table until February 3, 2025, Board Meeting.
The Clerk advised the Board that on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Village Elections will be held. Two Trustee positions and Village Justice are up for election. Three resolutions will be needed for the following: to hold the election on June 17, 2025, registration day on June 7, 2025, and to approve Susan Handerhan, Vickey Wrobel, Nancy Casler, and Elaine Habbinger as election inspectors.
Resolution Number: 250134
Trustee Harris offered the following Resolution and moved its adoption pursuant to Election Law § 15-104 1b “The General Election for the Village of Menands will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at which time Two Trustees and Village Justice are to be elected for a four-year term to commence pursuant to law upon their qualifications and no earlier than July 1, 2025”, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250135
Trustee Harris offered the following Resolution and moved its that the registration of those qualified to vote in the forthcoming Village Election in the Village of Menands to be held at the Municipal Firehouse in the Village between the hours of 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m. on June 17, 2025, shall be prepared by the duly appointed inspectors of the Election of this Village on Registration Day, June 7, 2025, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Inspectors of Election shall meet for this purpose between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. in the afternoon in the Firehouse adjoining this Municipal Building in this Village on said date, at which time and place all persons qualified to vote at such forthcoming Village Election and are not otherwise registered, may attend and register their names for such Election, seconded by Trustee Lane. _____ .
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250136
Trustee Harris made motion to approve Susan Handerhan, Vickey Wrobel, Nancy Casler, and Elaine Habbinger are hereby appointed Inspectors of Election to preside at all Village Elections pursuant to Section 15-116 of the Election Law, and be it further
RESOLVED, that such inspectors of Election shall be paid at the rate of $20.00 per hour for each hour served upon audit by the Board of Trustees, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Elaine Habbinger be, and hereby is constituted and designated to function as Chairperson of such Inspectors of Election, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Village Clerk be, and he hereby is, directed to notify such Inspectors of Election of their appointment; and to direct that they shall take and subscribe to the constitutional and statutory Oath of Office, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Water Department Manager Dave Ognan he would like to hire Siewert Equipment to complete preventive maintenance on the pumps at 150A Broadway and 234 Van Rensselaer Blvd Pump Stations at the following cost:
1. 150A Broadway $1,832.00
2. 234 Van Rensselaer Blvd $2,529.00
Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250137
After a discussion Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve Siewert Equipment to complete preventive maintenance on the pumps at 150A Broadway and 234 Van Rensselaer Blvd Pump Stations at the following cost: 150A Broadway $1,832.00 and 234 Van Rensselaer Blvd $2,529.00, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Fire Chief David Ognan advised the Board he has received the following quotes under state contract requested permission to purchase:
1. MES 4 ¼ Turn 2.5” Ball Valve $600.00 each total cost $2400.00
2. MES Gas Meter with charging station $1,670.00
Resolution Number: 250138
After a discussion Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to approve the purchase of 4 ¼ Turn 2.5” Ball Valve $600.00 each total cost $2400.00 and Gas Meter with charging station $1,670.00 from MES under State Contract, second by Trustee Harris
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Chief Ognan advised the Board that the Fire Department LOSAP has been posted and will be posted for 30 days. After the 30 days will be brought to the Board for approval.
Mayor’s Report:
- Building improvement updates 250 Broadway – roof, masonry, windows
- Discussion Simmons Rd work – cost sharing Albany / Albany County
- Process changes to read water consumption quarterly
- Discussion regarding Xpress Pay. On Website says no available. That notice will be removed.
- Advised the Board the City of Albany will be repaving Broadway from the Menands Line to I90.
- Gave an update on the Broadway Resiliency plan.
- Update of the Menands Monthly.
- NYCLASS investment as yielded $35,000.00 on 2024
- NSH is working with Albany County IDA for a Green Grant. Creighton Manning completed a SEQR that needs approve.
Resolution Number: 250139
Trustee Lane made a motion to on the recommendation of Craig Manning that as they have no technical objections to the Village Board commencing its intent to be the lead agency, that Village of Menands declare lead agency status for the NHS project at 47 Broadway, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250140
Trustee Lane made a motion after review and finding a negative declaration on the SEQR, approves the SEQR and approves the Mayor to sign the SEQR, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor’s Continued
10. Next meeting there will be a proposal to install cameras in DPW.
11. We are working with Creighton Manning to complete a study to lower the speed limit to 25 MPH.
12. CDTA will be changing the Route 22 bus schedule.
13. The Town of Colonie Community Development gas put out a questionnaire
Copies are available in the Village Office.
Trustee’s Report:
Lane: Gave an update on the Little River Project and would like to hold a Public Hearing on March 3, 2025.
Resolution Number: 250141
Trustee Harris made a motion to hold a Public Hearing on the Little River Project on March 3, 2025, at 6 PM, Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Kalogridis: Asked when would the information for the Menands Monthly need to be in? The Mayor advised by 15th of the month.
Harris: Advised that the skating gathering was a success.
Harbour:
- Advised that there was an incident during the CYO game where the parent from the Troy Team caused problem and the Police were called.
- CYO is selling Football Squares as a fund riser
- The Menands PTA are looking for Volunteers for Middle School Fun Night
- On January 28, 2025, Paint Night.
- January 27, 2025, School Budget Workshop at 6:30 PM.
Clerk’s Report:
- The outside lights of 250 Broadway are going to be replaced with LED fixtures paid for by National Grid Grant.
- I sent out the notice out sent to Menands Businesses:
- 800 N Pearl is getting $55,000 worth on LED Lights
- Innovative Auto is getting LED outside lighting
- The Tahoe and Leaf Machine have been picked up and money has been received
General Comments:
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got my report dealing with several Village items as follows:
- He found a CDTA Buss Pass on Clifford Rd and turned it over to the Menands Police.
- He supports Local Law #1 of 2025 dealing with vacant building registry.
- He wants to know if 35 Broadway will have elevators and how many stairways.
- He wants to know how many tenants Clifford Rd Apt Complex hold will.
- He was happy to see the 2 new basketball court and hoops at Switzer-Polk Park.
- He supports policies dealing with drop box, Village owned vehicles & election policies, but is opposed to the credit card policy – no one should have credit cards.
- He wants to see a 25MPH speed limit on all Village Streets Other localities have reduced their speed limit from 30 to 25 MPH.
- He proposes a private inland fish farm +research refinery at east end of Market Rd. This project tis to raise all kins of inland fish plus develop nonfood fish products.
- He has concerns with some utility poles in lower Menands and his plans for improvements to all utility poles in Menands.
- His idea for improvements all fire hydrant in lower Menands sand blasting, priming, paint regular hydrants full red while emergency hydrants should be sand blasted, primed and paint light green.
- He supports roof repair at 250 Broadway with a new rubber roof however proposes roof repairs on other buildings be done with new synthetic rubber roof when needed.
Resident Lisa Neuman advised that the streetlights on Broadway are out. The Clerk advised that they are the Town’s, but he will call to advise them.
Resident David Ognan asked the procedure to run for Trustee for the next Election. The Clerk advised David of the procedure.
AT 7:07 P.M. Trustee Harris made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Issues, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:47 P.M.
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:48 P. M.
I, Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk for the Village of Menands, Do Hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true and correct report of all motions and resolutions and or enacted, and all other procedures had and taken by the Village of Menands Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held on January 21st, 2025.
____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk