Board Meeting Minutes – July 15th, 2024

The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands
was held on Monday, July 15th, 2024, called to order by Mayor 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 – Absent
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt. – Virtual
David Ognan, Fire Chief

Also attending: Bill Garvey, Bill Nevin, Mike & Susan MacKay, Chuck Smith, Diane MacFarland, Pat Bundage, Mark Carnegie, and Matt Rodgers.

Virtual attendance: Kathy Mosca, Paul & Beth Harbour, Val Parker, Catherine Sheridan, and Diane.

The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and advised that this meeting is being recorded.

Mayor Marsh expressed his condolences for Assistant Chief Jon Dudley and his family of the death of his wife Deanna Dudley who also was a member of the Menands Auxiliary.

Trustee Harbour expressed her condolences to the Menands School of the death of Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Maldonado, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Lt Kevin Schwebke gave a report of the results from the Speed Trailer for the different street it was placed on. Discussion followed.

Update on South End Project

Mayor Marsh gave an update on the status of the South End Water / Sewer Project and answered questions from residents. Discussion followed.

Resolution Number: 250023

Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2024, Board Meeting, 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: 250024

Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payments for the following, seconded by Trustee Harris.

WARRANT #: 4

GENERAL totaling $ 73,302.67
WATER totaling $ 8,080.69
SEWER totaling $ .00
TOTALS $ 81,383.36

PAYROLL #: 3 totaling $115,176.28

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye

Matt Rodgers from LaBella led a discussion regarding the Zoning Changes for the area of Albany Rural Cemetery. Discussion followed.

Resolution Number: 250025

After a discussion Trustee Harris read the following resolution:

Resolution of the Menands Village Board
Issuing SEQRA Neg. Dec. & Adopting Local Law #2 of 2024, A Local Law Amending the Village of Menands Zoning Map, Chapter 169 “Zoning” of the Menands Village Code, by Rezoning Tax Map Parcels 44.14-1-1 and 44.14-2-1.

WHEREAS, Local Law #2 of 2024 (“LL #2”) was introduced to the Menands Village Board on March 18, 2024, and the Village Board scheduled a public hearing for April 15, 2024; and

WHEREAS, on April 4, 2025, the Village of Menands forwarded LL #2 to the Albany County Planning Board (“ACPB”) pursuant to General Municipal Law §§ 239-l and 239-m; and

WHEREAS, on April 15, 2024, the Menands Village Board conducted a public hearing with no comments provided; and

WHEREAS, on April 18, 2024, the ACPB found that LL #2 will not result in a significant countywide or intermunicipal impact; and

WHEREAS, in their response, the ACPB recommended the Village of Menands refer LL #2 to the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (“OPRHP”) for a review of potential impacts on archeological and historic resources; and

WHEREAS, a referral of LL #2 was made and OPRHP concluded in a letter dated May 30, 2024, that there are no concerns with potential impacts to the Albany County Rural Cemetery that may result from the zoning change and recommends the Village request OPRHP/State Historic Preservation Office’s review prior to any construction or ground-breaking; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Menands has communicated OPRHP’s recommendations to the Albany County Rural Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board has reviewed Parts 1 and 2 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form, as required for SEQRA review; and

WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board has sole decision-making authority for the adoption of LL #2, and therefore declares itself Lead Agency for the purposes of SEQRA review; and

WHEREAS, the Menands Village Board has determined that no significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated as a result of the adoption of LL #2, and issues a Negative Declaration; and

WHEREAS, LL #2 of 2024 has been on the desks of the members of the Menands Village Board at least seven (7) days, exclusive of Sunday.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. Section 1. The Menands Village Board adopts attached LL #2 of 2024, a Local Law Amending Chapter 169, “Zoning” of the Menands Village Code by rezoning Tax Map Parcels 44.14-1-1 and 44.14-2-1.
2. Section 2. The Menands Village Clerk is hereby directed to enter said Local Law in the minutes of this meeting, shall file the Local Law with the Secretary of State, shall publish a summary once in the official newspaper, and post a copy of the Local Law at or near the main entrance to office of the Village Clerk.

Second by Trustee Lane.

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 sidewalk repairs report for Brookside Ave and Menand Road. Discussion followed. After a discussion, the decision was tabled until August 5, 2024, Board Meeting.

Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding creating a Part Time Communication Coordinator. Discussion followed:

Job Title: Part-Time Communications Coordinator
Location: Village of Menands, NY
Position Type: Part-Time
Hours: Approximately 5 hours per week
Salary: $5,000 stipend
Application Deadline:
________________________________________
Job Summary:
The Village of Menands is seeking a dynamic and creative Part-Time Communications Coordinator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing and enhancing the village’s communication efforts, ensuring effective dissemination of information to residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This role involves creating and managing content across various platforms, including social media, the village website, newsletters, and press releases.

Key Responsibilities:
• Content Creation and Management: Develop, write, and edit content for the village’s website, social media channels, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Social Media Management: Maintain and update the village’s social media profiles, create engaging posts, and respond to comments and messages.
• Public Relations: Prepare and distribute press releases, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate media events.
• Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with residents, local businesses, and community organizations to promote village initiatives and events.
• Event Promotion: Assist in the promotion of village events and activities, including creating marketing materials and coordinating with event organizers.
• Website Maintenance: Regularly update and maintain (As necessary) the village website to ensure information is current and accurate – a co-managed responsibility with other vendors.
• Crisis Communication: Assist in managing communication during emergencies or crises, providing timely and accurate information to the public.
• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication efforts, using analytics to guide strategy and improvements.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other village departments to gather information and ensure consistent messaging.

Qualifications: Previous experience in similar roles is required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in a communications role, preferably in a governmental or non-profit setting.
• Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
• Experience with website content management systems (CMS).
• Ability to create and edit multimedia content (photos, videos, graphics).
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and practices.
• Familiarity with the local community and government operations is a plus.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of relevant work (writing samples, social media campaigns, etc.) to Don Handerhan, Village Clerk. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position reports directly to the Mayor and / or their designee(s).
________________________________________
The Village of Menands is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Discussion followed.

After a discussion Mayor Marsh appointed Jason Carnegie to oversee Social Media communication and Everbridge at salary of $5,000.00 per year. Discussion followed.

Resolution Number: 250026

After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the hire of Jason Carnegie to oversee Social Media communication and Everbridge at salary of $5,000.00 per year, second by Trustee Harbour.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye

Mayor’s Report:

1.  The Daughters of Charity new senior living complex at 96 Menand Rd will be named The Providence. Will be holding an informational meeting at Wolfelt’s Roost on Thursday July 18, at 10 AM and 2 PM.
2. CDTA is conducting a survey on the transit needs for Rt. 32.
3. Water Bills must be paid by August 14, 2024, without penalty.
4. The Village has received $19,000.00 from Albany County for upgrades to Polk Switzer Park.
5. MVP Insurance is offering a grant for Workout Equipment for parks. The Village is going to apply for a grant to complete Polk Switzer Park.
6. The Mayor is working with the Town of Colonies’ Assessor Office to review challenges to assessments.
7. The Village is working on a deal with the City of Albany to take yard waste from the Village.
8. There was a meeting today with Albany County Health Department regarding lead services withing the village.
9. The Village is working with Albany County IDA to assist with funding for Simmons expansion.
10. The hood at Ganser Smith Park will be cleaned this week.
11. The High Service Reservoir is still leaking. The Village is looking into ways to repair and reduce the water effecting residents. A driver is available Wednesday to inspect the large tank at the reservoir. Discussion followed.

Resolution Number: 250027

After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve to spend up to $5,800.00 to have a driver from Atlantic Underwater inspect the large tank of the High Service Reservoir, 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

12. The Mayor is working with National Grid on the power outages in the Sky Hallow Area.

Trustee’s Report:

Harbour: No report

Harris: Asked the everyone due to recent events try to be calm the rhetoric and try stop saying things about other people.

Kalogridis: No Report

Lane: Gave an update regarding the EV Charges Grant the Village has received.

Public Comments:

From: Bill Garvey

1. Supports the Soldier On Project
2. There is tree covering 2 yellow marker sticks Main Pump Station
3. Did DOT repair streetlights at Menand Rd and Brookside Ave?
4. I would like to purchase Evergreen Trees for the Parks.
5. There is a fire hydrant between the Main Pump Station and the Schuyler Inn that is covered by weeds.
6. There are 3 green metal streetlights that are rusty.
7. On 4/26/24 I help DPW pickup sticks and branches next to the pavilion.
8. I would like to paint all wooden guide rails Lincoln Green.
9. I propose that Village require all Businesses and residents mow their lawns every 7 or 8 days.
10. When will DPW be cutting the tree limbs covering the Railroad crossing sign on Brookside Ave?

Resident Paul Harbour:
Asked if the 2024 paving is going out to bid. Discussion followed.
Paul also advised the Board that if they are going to be cleaning the hood at the Park should be carful of chemicals being used around the kids at the Park Program.

Resident Bill Nevins:
Expressed concerns of the road conditions on Wolfert and Amsterdam Ave. Discussion followed.
Asked about funding for lead services. Discussion followed.
Advised the Board that the hill behind 53 Amsterdam and other houses is starting to erode and falling down the ravine.

Resident Mike MacKay:
Asked about National Grid removing tree near power lines.
Asked if be able to use grill after cleaning of the hood.
Is concern about the delay from Everbridge when receiving a call from the system.

Trustee Harris made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Harbour.

Trustee Harbour voting Aye
Trustee Harris voting Aye
Trustee Kalogridis voting Aye
Trustee Lane voting Aye
Mayor Marsh voting Aye

The meeting duly adjourned at 7:13 P.M.

____________________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk