The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Monday, June 2nd, 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 – Absent
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Virtually
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief- Absent
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt. – Absent
David Ognan, Fire Chief- Absent
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Mike and Susan MacKay, Lisa Neuman, John Basket, Steve Boulet, Susan Harris, Christy Johnson, Bess Dunsker, Diane MacFarland, Steph Kalogridis, Diane Leonard, Katelyn Kelly
Virtual attendance: Kathy Mosca, Susan Sweeney, Bobert Jewett, Catherine Sharidan, Mike Steurer, Dara Blanchett, Michael, Peg Holland, Paul Harbour, Kerry Wroblewski, Charles Kahl
Vanessa Mercado
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that this meeting is recorded.
Resolution Number: 250225
Trustee Lane made a motion to accept the May 19th, 2025, Village Board Meeting Minutes, 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: 250226
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Kalogridis.
WARRANT #25 ENC:
GENERAL totaling $ 50,375.81
WATER totaling $ 28,209.20
SEWER totaling $ 11,312.50
TOTALS $ 89,897.51
PAYROLL # 26 totaling $112,710.61
(05/16/25-05/29/25)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250227
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding hiring a Youth Director. Mayor Marsh advised the Board that the other candidate has withdrew her application for the position. Mayor Marsh appointed Bill Nevins to the position of Youth Director. Mayor Marsh advised that if Bill Nevins is elected as a Trustee a Public Hearing will have to be held. Discussion followed.
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve Bill Nevins as Youth Director at a salary of $7,500 per year, second by Trustee Harbour.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting NYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding changing Workers Comp companies. Currently the Village is using Comp Alliance. The Village has received the following Quotes:
• Comp Alliance $102,000.00
• Perma $82,210.00 per year for 3 years
Discussion followed.
After a discussion, the Board decided to table until June 16, 2025, meeting to get further information.
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the South Water / Sewer Project. A dedicated website page is being setup with information regarding the South End project. Project set to begin mid-July. Discussion followed.
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the Village-owned parcels on Glenwood. Discussion followed. The appraisal of the abutting parcels came back at $5,500 per parcel. A ten foot right away will be dedicated for a path to Polk Switzer Park. The middle parcel will be put up out for bids. Discussion followed.
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the sale of the parcels that abut the current owners at a cost of $5,500.00 per parcel, a 10-foot parcel will be for right away will be dedicated for a path to Polk Switzer Park and the middle parcel will be put up out for bid, second by Trustee Kalogridis.
ADOPTED: 250226
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 CDTA Ride Share Agreement.
2) CDTA to provide a minimum of two Cycle! rack stations in MENANDS along
with a minimum of 12 bikes through the proposed riding area.
3) MENANDS agrees to partake in all siting, planning, and operations discussions
with CDTA and, SMI, regarding the bikeshare program and its operation.
4) At the option of MENANDS, this agreement may be terminated via written
notice to CDTA within 60 days at the conclusion of each riding season.
Resolution Number: 2500
Trustee Kalogridis made a motion to approve the CDTA Ride Share Agreement at a cost of $2,500.00, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED: 250227
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh gave an update on the on the High Service reservoir. The highest service reservoir has experienced leakage problems for years, with approximately $20,000 spent to redirect the water and alleviate issues for nearby residents. While these measures have been effective in addressing the symptoms, the reservoir is beyond its useful life and will eventually need replacement at an estimated cost of $4 million due to the requirement for elevated tanks. The village will begin the process of scheduling the project with the New York State board for financing. Efforts to fix the current tank further are not considered cost-effective Discussion followed.
Mayor’s Report:
1. The Menands Monthly will be arriving soon
2. Work on the Fire House wall has begun
3. Treasurer Bill Smith’s last day was Friday
4. A ceiling fan is being installed in the Gazebo
5. On June 10th there will be a meeting regarding Rt378 and Broadway put on by DOT 6:30 to 8:30 PM
6. The village’s annual water report was posted online and filed with the state and county health departments.
7. The county released information about parks grants, and the village will apply for one to improve handicapped parking and paving at Ganzer Smith Park.
8. Simmons Machine Tools’ expansion project is ahead of schedule.
Trustee’s Report:
Harbour:
1. Field Day is this Friday at Menands School
2. The Board of Education meeting is next Monday,
3. The rescheduled pancake breakfast will be June 14th inside the school.
4. A PTA fundraiser will be held at 16 Handles in East Greenbush on Thursday from 5 to 8.
5. The senior picnic is June 19th.
Harris: No report
Kalogridis: No report
Lane: No Report
Clerk’s Report:
1. Village Registration Day will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 12 PM to 5 PM in the lobby of the Firehouse. If you are not registered to vote in Albany County, you can register on that day.
2. Applications to vote early by mail can be obtained from the Village Website or the Village Office. If you are already enrolled in the permanent Absentee Voting Program with Albany County, you do not need to submit a new absentee ballot application. For those who do require an absentee ballot, applications are available on the Village Website or at the Village Office. If you have any questions, please contact Dona Handerhan, Village Clerk, at 518-434-2922 or via email at dhanderhan@menandsny.gov.
3. Village Election is set for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 13 noon to 9 pm, on the second floor of the Firehouse. Voters will elect 2 Village Trustee positions. Your candidates running for the Office of Village Trustee: Seth Harris, Timothy Lane, Lisa Neuman, Bill Nevins.
4. The Annual Water Quality Report for 2024 is available on the Website or copies are available in the Village Office
5. The Water Quality Report is available online on the Village Website
6. Tax Bills have been sent out
General Comments:
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got my report dealing with several important Village items as follows:
1 He was happy he was recognized for his work around the Little League Field
2 He feels the Salt Shed should be replaced with metal or concrete
3 He feels the Village should pass and enforce property owners to mow their lawns ever 7-8 days depending on weather conditions
4 He wants to thank DPW for repair ruts + potholes on many Villages Streets
5 He supports Animal Cruelty Month he proposes penalties for animal cruelty finds surcharges + community service
6 DPW moves grass into dugouts, tables, concession + storage building making his job harder
7 He found broken glass at 250 Broadway which he cleaned up
8 He is ready to donate money to help pay for planting evergreen trees at Ganser Smith and Polk Switzer Parks. He would like to see a hemlock planted next to the balsam tree
at Ganser Smith Park.
9 When in men’s room next to the Pavilion there was an alarm which went off every 10 seconds, he reported to the Police Dept.
10 In lower Menands there are fire hydrants cover in weeds and brush
11 He found doors to the storage building and men’s room unlocked so he locked them
12 He found one marker near the Library faded and covered by a tree
13 He’s happy that the Farmers Market parking lot has been paved
14 He feels everyday should be earth day
15 He supports the Police Dept they do an excellent job
16 While walking on East Kenmar Road he noticed the utility pole being blocked by a tree
Susan Harris asked about extreme heat if the Village has a cooling station or heating station. Discussion followed
Mike MacKay asked about financial statements being on the website. Discussion followed.
Lisa Neuman asked about the cutting down of trees at the Hampton Street plant grass area, which was confirmed to be part of the staging area plan for the water project. The resident also raised concerns about the dirty condition of the village parcel behind the garages of River Hill and the poor state of River Hill’s fence, leading to debris on the village property. Discussion followed.
John Basset
1. Asked if the Village will ask River Hill to repair their fence near the dumpster
2. Inquired about who the village has overseeing the waterline project contract, and it was confirmed to be Labella.
3. Asked update on National Grid replacing the gas lines on Wolfert. Discussion followed.
AT 6:50 P.M. Mayor Marsh made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a Personnel matter, 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 7:30 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 7:30 P. M.
I, Mary Jane Vredenburg , Treasurer/Deputy 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, June 2nd, 2025.
____________________________
Mary Jane Vredenburg
Treasurer/Deputy Clerk