At 6:00 PM on Monday, June 7th, 2021 Mayor Meg Grenier read the following statement: this is the Village of Menands Board of Trustees, semi-monthly meeting. I am Mayor Meg Grenier and as it is 6:00 o’clock, I will call this meeting to order. For anyone outside the village staff who is attending this video conference, I would ask if you would please identify yourselves, Renee Lequire, Steve Boulet, Paul Cummings, Matt Brodston, Mike Steurer, Bill Nevins, Eric Johnson, Mike Mackay, Peter Molinro. The mayor asked them to mute their microphones.
Mayor Grenier then did a roll call of Village staff: Deputy Mayor Aileen Nicoll, present, Trustee Seth Harris, present, Trustee Diane Foley, present, Trustee Brian Marsh, present, Clerk Don Handerhan, present, Village Attorney Stephen Rehfuss, present. On behalf of the Village Board, I would ask all residents that we please keep our First Responders, all essential workers and those affected by this pandemic in our thoughts and prayers.
Pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s executive order number 202.1 issued on March 13th, 2020: Suspending article 7 of the public officer’s law, to the extent necessary to permit any public body to meet, and take such actions authorized by law that allowed the public to not be physically present at the meeting, but allow the public to listen to or view such meetings via teleconference call or video conference, while recording and later transcribing of the meeting. Village of Menands Board of Trustees semi-monthly meeting is being held via Google Meets video conference to protect Public Safety and Welfare during this COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to conduct this meeting effectively we asked those in attendance to please mute your microphone during the meeting. As we are conducting only essential business during tonight’s meeting, there will be no public comment. Any comments previously submitted to Clerk Handerhan prior to the meeting and deemed essential will be read into the record. Governor Cuomo has extended executive order number 202.1 through June 16th, 2021.
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to accept the minutes for the May 17th, 2021 Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
A motion was made by Trustee Nicoll to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Foley.
WARRANT # 25 ENC:
GENERAL totals $ 37,758.33
WATER totals $260,664.74
SEWER totals $ 3,602.76
TOTALS $302,025.83
PARK IMPROVEMENT: totaling $3,688.25
WARRANT # 1:
GENERAL totals $166,101.27
WATER totals $ 10,376.98
SEWER totals $ .00
TOTALS $176,478.25
PAYROLL # 26: totaling $ 99,631.44
(05/07/21-05/20/21)
PAYROLL # 1: totaling $ 85,349.74
(05/21/21-06/03/21)
TOTALS $184,981.18
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Matt Brobston from the LA Group updated the Board on the progress at 35 Broadway Project, due to COVID and not being able to secure proper funding from the State. Mr. Brobston requested a one-year extension on the Special Use Permit with the same conditions as the previous Special Use Permit.
A discussion followed.
Trustee Harris made a motion to extend 35 Broadway’s Special Use Permit for one year with the same conditions, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Paul Cummings from Chazen Companies gave the Board updating information on Village of Menands Zoning Laws.
A discussion followed.
Paul Cummings led a discussion regarding Department of State Waterfront Grant opportunities. The grant is 75/25 Village match grant.
A discussion followed.
Trustee March made a motion to spend up to $4,000.00 for Chazen Companies to prepare the Department of State Waterfront Grant, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
2021-2022
TAX WARRANT
TO: William T. Smith, Jr.
Treasurer, Village of Menands
YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to receive and collect from the several persons named in the tax roll hereunto annexed, the several sums stated in the last column hereof opposite their respective names, being a total of $2,785,209.09 for the following purposes:
For the General Fund $ 2,614,079.45
For Relevied Property Maintenance $ 3,900.00
For Relevied Water & Sewer Rents
and Charges, with Interest $ 166,654.09
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to receive and collect such sums without additional charge between the first day of June and the first day of July, 2021 both inclusive; and thereafter to collect with such of the sums as have not been therefore collected, an additional charge of five per centum for the first month (July) or fraction thereof and an additional one per centum for each month or fraction thereof thereafter until paid.
YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to file the tax roll and warrant in your office on or before the first day of November, 2021, and to deliver to the Board of Trustees at the same time an account of the taxes remaining due and unpaid; describing each parcel of real property upon which taxes are unpaid, showing the person or persons to whom the parcel is assessed and showing as to each parcel the amount of tax unpaid. Thereafter, said statement of unpaid taxes is to be transmitted to the Albany County Treasurer for collection and payment.
Dated: May 17, 2021
_______________ Attest: ___________________
Megan Grenier William T. Smith, Jr.
Mayor Treasurer
Trustee Marsh made a motion to accept the revised 21-22 Tax Warrant, seconded by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Subject: Juneteenth Holiday
The undersigned agree to the following:
The Village of Menands Board unanimously approved adding June 19th known as “Juneteenth” as an official village holiday for non-union employees to observe and reflect on what this day means for our history.
The memorandum will serve as a side letter to the collective bargaining agreement currently in effect by adding June 19th as a paid holiday.
FOR THE UNION FOR THE VILLAGE
Date: Date:
___________________ __________________
Paul M. Engel Jr. Megan Grenier
Field Representative Mayor
Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Juneteenth Holiday for the Teamsters Local 297 Union representing the Department of Public Works to authorize Mayor Grenier to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Teamsters, seconded by Trustee Nicoll.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
Menands Fire Company and Menands Fire Department
Junior Fire Fighter Program
May 2021
Chief Michael Steurer led a discussion regarding reinstating the Junior Fire Fighter Program. The program will be administered by the Fire Chief, President of the Fire Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The goal is to get more members at an earlier age to get through the training needed to complete Fire Fighter One.
A discussion followed.
After the discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to reinstate the Junior Fire Fighter Program, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
GOAL: The intent of the program is to introduce the volunteer fire service to Village of Menands residents between the ages of 16 and 18. The desire is to have the participants enroll in Fire Fighter 1 training course once they are familiar with the department and what the training will entail.
Oversight of Junior Program: The program will be managed by the President of the Fire Company Board of Directors, the Fire Chief and the President of the Fire Company. (Program Managers)
Meeting Attendance: Members of the Junior program can attend the monthly Fire Company membership meetings but will have no voting rights.
Fire Company Civil Positions/Fire Department Line Positions: The Junior member may not hold any elected office or Committee Chairmanships.
LOSAP Program: The Junior member will not participate in the LOSAP program.
Event and Function Attendance: Members of the Junior Program can attend and assist with social/community events in which the company participates.
Adherence to Constitution and Bylaws: The Junior Member must adhere to all rules and procedures as outlined.
Application Process: Along with the completed application, the applicant must provide a signed document from their parent/guardian authorizing them to participate in the program. In order to ensure that the applicant’s school responsibilities are being met, the parent/guardian approval has been received, the applicant, their parent/guardian will attend a Meeting with the Program Managers. The intent of the meeting is to review the program and ensure complete understanding of duties and responsibilities.
Use of the Fire Company Lounge: The Junior member can access the lounge as long as an active member of the Fire Department is present. The lounge is not to be used to entertain friends of the Junior member who are not members of the department. The Junior member can be in the lounge until 10pm on school nights and 11pm on the weekends. The Junior members will not remain in the lounge, or in the building past the times outlined. The Junior member will at no time consume any alcoholic beverages while on the premises or at any Fire Company function. The Junior members will not consume any illegal drugs on the premises or at any Fire Company function. Violation of the lounge rules, or any of the rules outlined above, will result in a disciplinary hearing before the Program Managers and may result in the individual’s removal from the program.
Conduct: The Junior member will be considered part of the Menands Fire Co/Fire Department and will, at all times, conduct themselves in a manner so as to not bring ridicule or disgrace to the Village of Menands, the Fire Company or the Fire Department.
MENANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
SUBJECT: Probationary Firefighters
SECTION: 2 1 0
UPDATED: May 26, 2021
CHIEF: Michael Steurer
PURPOSE: This policy is to provide guidelines for the probationary firefighter program
SCOPE: This policy applies to all officers and members of the Menands Fire Department
- All probationary members will be subject to a SIX-month evaluation. All probationary members are required to attend at least one drill per month of the first year of membership.
- All probationary members are required to attend the below listed classes when made available.
a. N.Y.S. Firefighter 1 or equivalent course
b. CPR – AED - Probationary members will be a by-stander in most all situations; they will take part in getting equipment off apparatus only when instructed to do so by an officer or any senior firefighter.
- Probationary members will take part in cleaning up after fire calls consisting of rolling hoses, cleaning apparatus and any other duties the OIC instructs.
- Probationary members will not enter any structures that have been SIGNALED AS ANY SORT OF ALARM OF FIRE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. The only time a probationary member may enter a structure would be for non-emergency / non-hazardous situations. Unless granted INTERIOR status by the chief of the department.
- Probationary members will give up their seat on any apparatus when instructed to do so by the OIC on that piece of apparatus.
- Probationary members are NOT to be counted as firefighters when responding to calls.
- Probationary members will remain on probation until the end of the sixth month of continuous service or until the Chief feels this member has satisfactorily completed their training.
- NO member will go less than six months of probation.
- Removal from probation is only on the approval of the Chief.
- Probationary members will be issued a helmet shield with the word PROBATIONARY on it.
MENANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
SUBJECT: Restricted Firefighters
SECTION: 2 1 1
UPDATED: May 26, 2021
CHIEF: Michael Steurer
PURPOSE: This policy is to provide guidelines for the restricted firefighter program
SCOPE: This policy applies to all officers and members of the Menands Fire Department
- Restricted firefighters will be between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.
- Restricted firefighters must have a permission slip signed by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) prior to starting their membership with the fire department. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must attend the initial interview meeting with the applicant.
- Restricted firefighters will follow the same guidelines as a probationary firefighter.
- Restricted firefighters are EXTERIOR firefighters until the age of 18. At that time, they will be moved to status of Probationary Firefighter.
- Restricted firefighters are not allowed to respond to ANY calls between 10pm & 7am on school nights.
- All restricted firefighters will be issued full personal protective equipment
- All restricted firefighters will be issued a YELLOW helmet shield with RED lettering to identify them as a restricted firefighter.
- Restricted firefighters will remain with the apparatus until given direction by the operator of the apparatus.
- Restricted firefighters WILL NOT respond to calls on any interstate.
- Restricted firefighters WILL NOT respond to MUTUAL AID calls. Expect to districts authorized by the Chief.
- The Department will follow the New York State Labor Laws for members under the age of 18.
THE CHIEF OF THE DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO, AT ANY TIME, ALTER ANY POLICY OR PORTION THEREOF DURING AN INCIDENT AS THEY DEEM NECESSARY
The Clerk asked the Board to declare the following police vehicle 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN # 1FM5K8AR2EGC60454) which will be traded in towards the upfit if the new vehicle.
After a discussion Trustee Marsh moved the following resolution declaring the 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN #1FM5K8AR2RGC60454) surplus equipment, seconded by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The Clerk informed the Board of the turnout for Village Voter Registration Day which was held on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 PM at the Menands Fire Department.
Also, a reminder that the Village Elections will be held on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 from 12:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. upstairs in the Village Hall
Memorandum 5/30/2021
TO – All Menands Village Board Members
FROM – Bill Garvey Jr.
Here are some letters of importance and concern. They are:
- On 5/1021 while picking up litter on Tillinghast Avenue, I saw and observe 2 red fire hydrants on south side of that Village Street being covered by grass, weeds and plants. So, I reported this problem to Clerk D. Handerhan. When I returned to Tillinghast Avenue four days later, I’m glad that our Public Works Crew done their job to remove grass, weeds and plants from both red fire hydrants and I wish to thank our Public Works Crew for performing their duty. Well done.
- 3 weeks ago, while walking on North Lyons Avenue, I saw and observe 1 large brown leaf bag standing next to 1 red fire hydrant which it was on 11 North Lyons Avenue light green house property. So, I reported this issue to the Menands Police shortly. So later on, the next day I saw that the large brown bag had been removed from 11 North Lyons Avenue light green house property. Nothing should stand next to any fire hydrant period.
- A few weeks ago, while walking on Upland Road and South Lyons Avenue one lady who resides on Upland Road has told me about 1 utility pole with vapor lamp has been lighted up 24/7. This utility pole with vapor lamp is located on Upland Road just west of South Lyons Avenue junction. So, this lady had asked me to report this issue to Clerk D. Handerhan by which I have done so. 1 week later when I returned to South Lyons Avenue and Upland Road Junction, I was glad to see that National Grid finally fixed the vapor lamp on the utility pole. So, I like to thank National Grid Power Company Crew for fixing the vapor lamp of the utility pole on West Upland Road. Good job.
- 10 days ago, I turned over a letter to Clerk D. Handerhan plus my phone call to him that I wish to grant my full support to our Village Board urging them to please kindly approve Local Law No. 2 dealing with posting children at play yellow signs on Cornell Drive, Jones Court, Elmwood Road and Harts Lane, Menand Road and North, Lyons Avenue, Amsterdam Avenue and Hutton Street plus Villa Road. I also urged our Village Board to kindly add local Law No. 2children at play yellow signs to section 160 of our Village Code. I’m delighted to hear that our Village Board approved Local Law No. w in posting children at play yellow signs on Village Streets just mentioned plus adding Local Law No. 2 children at play yellow signs to section 160 to our Village Code just I had urged our Village Board to do. I support both Local Laws for health, welfare, social public security and the quality-of-life reasons. I’m also delighted to know that the children at play yellow signs will also be posted at all 3 of our Village Parks. Thank you for doing your job. Well done.
- During late April of this year, I observed 1 red fire hydrant and 1 orange cone on west side of Elmwood Road which it is opposite former Olympic Bowling Lanes were both being covered with high grass, weeds, and bush. So, I report this problem to Clerk D. Handerhan so he informed me the red fire hydrant and orange cone on west side of Elmwood Road is on private property. However, Don told me he will contact the private property owner and to try to get the private property owner to remove high grass, weeds and bush from the red hydrant and orange cone from his property. On 5/22/21 while driving on Elmwood Road. I’m delighted to see that the private property owner had done his duty to remove high grass, weeds & bush from the red fire hydrant and orang cone on Elmwood Road. I like to thank Clerk D. Handerhan for getting the land owner to remove high grass, weeds and push from the fire hydrant and orange cone. Well done.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely
Bill Garvey, Jr.
Mayor Grenier led a discussion regarding changing the time to 5:00 P.M. for the July 6th, 2021 organization meeting due to start of concerts in the park.
A discuss followed. The discussion was tabled until the June 21st, Board Meeting.
Trustee Harris advised the Board that a resident inquired about the possibility of lower the Village sped limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. A discussion followed.
After the discussion Mayor Grenier asked Eric Johnson from Chazen Companies to research the possibility of changing the speed limit.
Trustee Harris updated the Board on the Story Walk Superintendent Dr. Maureen Long has secured funding to continue with additional books for the Story Walk. A discussion followed.
Trustee Harris updated the Sage Trail Grand Opening will be in September.
Mayor Grenier congratulated Timothy Robertson and Nick Kalogridis for completing the Fire Fighter One Program.
Eric Johnson gave an update on the Sam Grant. After speaking to Phil Stecks’ Office, it appears the Village has been approved and should receive funding within 7 to 8 months. A discussion followed.
After the discussion Trustee Marsh made a motion to approve Chazen Companies to go out to Bid to replace the basketball court at Ganser Smith Park with a start date in September, seconded by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
At 6:55 P.M. Trustee Harris made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter, seconded by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:15 P.M.
A motion was made by Trustee Harris to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Nicoll voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
___________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk