The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands, held on Monday, May 5th, 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 – Virtual
Ryan St. Gelais, Police Chief – Absent
Kevin Schwebke, Police Lt. – Absent
David Ognan, Fire Chief
Also attending: Bill Garvey, Mark Carnegie, Jason Carnegie, Pam Perry, Bill Nevins, Steve Boulet, Lisa Neuman, Dianne MacFarland, Mary Brown,
Virtual attendance: Stefan Kalogridis, Cleetus McFarland, Robert Jewett, Peg Howland, Dan F, Elizabeth Harbour, Paul Harbour, and Dara B
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance and stated that this meeting is recorded.
Mayor Marsh announced that there will be a Public Hearings regarding the 10-Year Franchise Agreement with Spectrum. Mayor Marsh officially opened the Public Hearing at 6:01 PM.
The Clerk read the following notice:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of MENANDS will hold a Public Hearing on, May 5, 2025, at 6 PM at Menands Village Hall second floor of 250 Broadway, Menands, New York regarding renewal of the cable television franchise agreement by and between the Village of Menands and Spectrum Northeast, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Charter Communications.
A copy of the agreement is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Clerk’s office, 280 Broadway, Menands, New York or on the Village Website, www.menandsny.gov. All persons will be allowed to be heard at such a public hearing. 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) and1 401-646-0768 PIN: 541 841 494# The regular Board meeting to follow.
Time limitations may be imposed for each oral statement, if necessary.
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the 10-Year Franchise Agreement with Spectrum and the need for the agreement.
Public Comment:
Resident Bill Garvey is in favor of the agreement
Hearing all comments the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 6:01 PM.
Resolution Number: 250206
Trustee Harbour made a motion to accept the, April 21st, 2025, Village Board Meeting Minutes, seconded by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting ABSTAINED
Trustee Lane voting ABSTAINED
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number: 250207
Trustee Harbour made a motion to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Lane.
WARRANT #23:
GENERAL totaling $ 71,288.83
WATER totaling $ 44,899.63
SEWER totaling $ 20,342.80
TOTALS $136,531.29
PAYROLL # 24: totaling $127,267.50
(04/18/25-05/01/25)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
DATE: 5-5-25
A motion was made by Trustee Lane, seconded by Trustee Harris, to accept
the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized to make the following Budget Transfers
Account Account
From Acct: A1110.0404 To Acct: A.1210.0400
Description Court Misc Mayor – Contractual
Amount: $2,743.86 $2,743.86
NYCOM exp
From Acct: A1325.0208 To Acct: A.1325.0401
Description Equip Misc Supplies
Amount: $538.82 $538.82
Budget shortfall
From Acct: A.1325.0407 To Acct: A.1325.0405
Description Payroll svc Insurance
Amount: $186.00 $186.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.1325.0404 To Acct: A.1325.0413
Description Miscellaneous Contracted Svc
Amount: $1,418.74 $1,418.74
Budget short fall
From Acct: A1410.0157 To Acct: A.1410.0100
Description Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Personnel Services
Amount: $4,422.68 $2,934.70
O/T Admin Asst
From Acct: ” To Acct: A.1410.0104
Description ” O/T Admin Asst
Amount: ” $1,487.98
From Acct: A.1420.0400 To Acct: A.1420.0101
Description Contractual – Law Asst Village Attorney
Amount: $2,000.00 $2,000.00
New Position
From Acct: A.1620.0412 To Acct: A1620.0405
Description Gas & Electric Insurance
Amount: $358.08 $358.08
Budget short fall
From Acct: A3120.0103 To Acct: A3120.0104
Description F/T Patrolmen P/T Patrolmen
Amount: $14,283.49 $6,509.23
Budget short fall
From Acct: ” A.3120.0105
Description ” Police O/T
Amount: ” $7,774.26
Budget short fall
From Acct: A3120.0208 To Acct: A3120.0202
Description Misc Equip Police Car
Amount: $25,058.44 $25,058.44
Budget short fall
From Acct: A3120.0417 To Acct: A3120.0418
Description Police Gas & Oil Uniform Allowance
Amount: $5,835.14 $5,835.14
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.3410.0208 To Acct: A3410.0419
Description Equipment Vehicle Mtce
Amount: $10,130.21 $10,130.21
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.3410.0437 To Acct: A3410.0412
Description Grant Writer Gas & Elect
Amount: $5,000.00 $5,000.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.3410.0460 To Acct: A3410.0446
Description EMS Supplies Medical Physicals
Amount: $200.00 $200.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A3410.0461 To Acct: A.3410.0414
Description Recruitment and Retention Equip Repairs
Amount: $223.28 $223.28
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.3410.0404 To Acct: A.3410.0412
Description Miscellaneous Gas & Elec
Amount: $2,542.74 $2,542.74
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.5110.0418 To Acct: A.5110.0401
Description Uniform Allow Supplies
Amount: $536.35 $536.35
Budget short fall
From Acct: A5110.0442 To Acct: A.5110.0429
Description Replacement Trees Stone & Gravel
Amount: $1,496.58 $1,496.58
Water Breaks
From Acct: A5110.0438 To Acct: A.5110.0439
Description Paving Signs
Amount: $2,169.63 $2,169.63
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.5132.0412 To Acct: A.5132.0415
Description Gas & Electric Building Mtce
Amount: $337.63 $337.63
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.5140.0217 To Acct: A5140.0400
Description OSHA Clothing Drug Testing
Amount: $230.00 $230.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.6989.0400 To Acct: A.7110.0412
Description Economic Develop Gas & Electric
Amount: $555.42 $555.42
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.7110.0404 To Acct: A.7110.0405
Description Miscellaneous Insurance
Amount: $3.00 $3.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.7310.0401 To Acct: A.7310.0100
Description Supplies Personnel
Amount: $48.00 $48.00
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.7620.0447 To Acct: A.7620.0404
Description Transportation Miscellaneous
Amount: $639.43 $639.43
Budget short fall
From Acct: A8160.0417 To Acct: A8160.0419
Description Gas & Oil Veh Mtce
Amount: $4,685.47 $4,685.47
Budget short fall
From Acct: A.9060.0808 To Acct: A9060.0807
Description Dental Ins Medical Ins.
Amount: $5,957.88 $5,957.88
Budget short fall
WATER FUND
From Acct: F.8310.0419 To Acct: F8310.0417
Description Veh Mtce Gas & Oil
Amount: $574.85 $574.85
Budget short fall
From Acct: F8340.207 To Acct: F8340.0206
Description Hydrants Water Meters
Amount: $963.86 $963.86
Budget short fall
From Acct: F.8340.0427 F.8340.0218
Description Mtce of Controls Pipe & Sleeve
Amount: $2,329.54 $2,329.54
Water Breaks
SEWER FUND
From Acct: G.8110.0115 To Acct: G8110.0404
Description Deputy Clerk & Treas Misc
Amount: $2,700.19 $2,700.19
Budget short fall
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Budget file 24-25
Members from LaBella and Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding awarding the bid for the South End Water/Sewer Project. Mayor Marsh advised that Luzzi Brothers withdrew their bid due to miscalculation in preparing the bid. The following bids have been received:
Total Base Bid Total Bid Price
Carver Companies $9,557,000.00 $12,243,174.00
WJ Keller $9,473,863.00 $11,789,093.00
Luzzi Brothers $7,506,281.05 $ 9,311,681.05
New Castle Paving $8,850,842.40 $11,271,457.40
Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250208
Trustee Harris made a motion to award the South End Water/Sewer Project to New Castle Paving at cost of $9,844,032.40, 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 led a discussion regarding amending the Site Plan approval for 98 Menands Road Daughters of Chairity. Discussion followed. After a discussion, the Site Plan amendment was tabled.
Mayor Marsh and Brian Saboda from ABS Solutions led a discussion regarding replacing the network Juniper Switches due a failure of the switches and access points. Discussion followed.
1. Juniper Network Switch $26,958.00
2. Juniper Access Points $9,970.00
Resolution Number: 250209
After a discussion Trustee Harris made a motion to approve the Juniper Switches and Access Points at cost of $36,928.00, 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 Marsh led a discussion regarding the 10-Year Franchise Agreement with Spectrum and the impact to the Village. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number: 250210
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the 10-Year Franchise Agreement with Spectrum, 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 led a discussion regarding CDTA Ride Share Agreement. When agreement was first entered into with CDTA the cost was $5.000.00 per year. After a discussion with CDTA they lowered the cost to $2,500 per year.
Per CDTA Bike usage:
Rides Start Rides End TABLED
Ganser Park 103 100
Morgan Linen 74 86
BRT stop – 80 Broadway 4 7
Discussion followed.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE CAPITAL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE VILLAGE OF MENANDS
REGARDING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ONGOING CDPHP CYCLE!
BIKE SHARING OPERATIONS
THIS AGREEMENT is made between CAPITAL DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (hereinafter “CDTA”) and the VILLAGE OF MENANDS (hereinafter “MENANDS”), (collectively, “Parties”).
WHEREAS, CDTA has been operating CDPHP Cycle, the Capital Region’s bike-share program, for eight seasons in partnership with other municipalities
WHEREAS, CDTA and MENANDS believe creating bicycle-friendly, transit-oriented environments will improve the health and quality of life within communities, while also improving their economic vitality. Both entities understand the connection between bicycle sharing systems and reduced traffic congestion, easier access to local businesses, increased appeal to community members to avoid purchasing new cars, along with reducing wear and tear of city infrastructure,
WHEREAS, CDTA, in partnership with surrounding municipalities, will include MENANDS as part of a unified riding area within the network covering each entity,
WHEREAS, CDTA has contracted with Shared Mobility Inc. (“SMI”) to operate the bike-share system and continues to work with them to operate this transportation option.
WHEREAS, SMI will be responsible for the insurance liability in addition to a waiver agreed upon by all users prior to riding,
THEREFORE, both parties mutually agree to proceed as follows if the project is selected for funding:
1) This agreement will be in place for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 riding seasons. MENANDS will reimburse CDTA for operating costs of the 2025 and 2026 riding seasons totaling the amount of $2,500 by the end of the 2026 calendar year. MENANDS will reimburse CDTA for operating costs of the 2027 riding season totaling the amount of $2,500 by the end of the calendar. Term agreements and renewal to be discussed at the conclusion of the 2027 riding season.
2) DTA 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.
Tabled until May 19, 2025
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding a request from Chief Ryan St Gelais and Lt Kevin Schwebke regarding them being represented by Council 82 and having the Village Board recognize their Union.
Resolution Number: 250211
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to recognize Council 82 as representing the command staff as their union, second by Trustee Harris.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Harbour voting NYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Kalogridis voting NYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Mayor Marsh voting AYE
Mayor Marsh led a discussion regarding the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
The Village of Menands and Albany County have worked together to create a Hazard Mitigation Plan to comply with requirements of FEMA. Hazard mitigation is defined by FEMA as a method for reducing or alleviating property loss, preventing damage to the environment, and limiting the number and severity of injuries that occur from hazard events through long and short-term strategies. Responsibility for implementing mitigation measures runs communitywide from individuals to industries, private business and all levels of government (FEMA, 2017)
Resolution Number: 250214
Trustee Harris entered the following resolution adopting the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
WHEREAS the Village of Menands recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within Village of Menands; and
WHEREAS the Village of Menands has prepared a multi-hazard mitigation plan, hereby known as the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; and
WHEREAS the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property in Menands from the impacts of future hazards and disasters; and
WHEREAS adoption by the Village of Menands demonstrates their commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving the goals outlined in the (title and date of mitigation plan).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Village of Menands, New York, THAT:
Section 1. In accordance with Home Rule, the Village of Menands adopts the 2025 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, approved by the community, may be edited, or amended after submission for review, but will not require the community to re-adopt any further iterations. This only applies to this specific plan and does not absolve the community from updating the plan in 5 years.
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
ATTEST: By: _________________________________
Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village Treasurer/Deputy Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: _________________________________
Mayor Brian Marsh
Mayor’s Report:
1. The large tree at Ganser Smith Park will be removed after all the rain has stopped.
2. Gave an update on the tire dump
3. Attended an Albany County Healthcare Consortium participation agreement,
4. Camera work completion on the Menand Road sewer line, ongoing work with the town of Colonie on sewer line charges.
5. Will be attending meeting with Albany DOT
6. Pulk Switzer Parks grant application, and formation of a Pulk Switzer Park committee
7. The village is ahead of the state mandate to adopt a .gov website domain.
8. Resignations were announced for Emily in the court office as of 5/16/25
Trustee Lane:
1. Gave Little River Project Update, Matt Rogers will provide cost estimates for the Little River project before formal approval.
2. Renderings for the Broadway work is available.
Trustee Kalogridis:
1. A home sprinkler system demonstration will be May 13, 2025, at Riverview Center
2. Ask if there was timeline for the work that CDTA is doing at 80 Broadway
Trustee Harris
1. Mayor Marsh and Trustee Harris advised of a positive visit to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, emphasizing their community contributions and volunteer opportunities
Resolution Number: 250215
Trustee Harris entered the following resolution honoring and proclaiming Thursday, May 8, 2025, Law Day in the Village of Menands.
RESOLUTION honoring and proclaiming Thursday, May 8, 2025,
Law Day in the Village of Menands
WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, representatives from thirteen disparate but United States of America declared independence from a tyrannical king and proposed as their motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—or “Out of Many, One”—a phrase symbolizing the unity of a nation founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice; and
WHEREAS, the Framers of the Constitution, seeking to prevent tyranny by any one group, separated the powers of the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary among our three branches of government, ensuring no one faction could rule unchecked; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, the American people have continued to pursue “Out of Many, One,” including the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all born or naturalized in the United States, and the 15th and 19th Amendments, by extending voting rights regardless of race or sex; and
WHEREAS, the United States has always consisted of many viewpoints, religions, and experiences, and the trajectory of this country has been to include more voices, thus becoming a true representative democracy of the many; and
WHEREAS, immigrants from around the world continue to come to the United States to embrace our shared democratic values and enrich our culture and economy; and
WHEREAS, despite all of our differences, American citizens, residents, and visitors alike are united by our belief in our hallmark civic values, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, protection against unlawful searches, right to due process of the law, right to a speedy and public trial by a jury of our peers, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment; and
WHEREAS, we the people are also united by our shared responsibility to contribute to the common good, through jury duty, voting, taxes, and military or public service; and
WHEREAS, we the people are also brought together in pursuit of legislative initiatives that promote healthcare, education, clean air and water, emergency responses, and parks; and
WHEREAS, public education was designed to serve as a unifying force, providing an economic benefit, instilling values of civic virtue, and bringing social classes together to form “one” educated citizenry; and
WHEREAS, while the United States has made great strides in realizing “E Pluribus Unum,” inequalities persist, and political polarization threatens our shared sense of
Community; and
WHEREAS, in 1958, President Eisenhower proclaimed Law Day to honor the role of law in the creation of the United States of America, and in the year 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution declaring May 1 as Law Day; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Law Day 2025 is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,”; and
Now, therefore, I, Seth H. Harris, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Menands, and Brian Marsh, Mayor of the Village of Menands, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2025, as Law Day in the Village of Menands. We urge everyone to observe this day by promoting law and education and fulfilling our shared civic responsibilities and commitment to the values of liberty, equality, and justice that make us “Out of Many, One.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Village of Menands to be affixed this 5th day of May 2025.
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
Trustee Harbour:
1. Menands School budget presentations will be on Wednesday at 6:30 PM,
2. A multicultural fest on Friday at 6:00 PM, literacy night next Thursday at 6:00 PM
3. Menands School budget vote on May 20th
Clerk’s Report:
1. Nomination Petitions will be accepted beginning May 6, 2025, with the final deadline for submissions set for May 13, 2025, at 5 PM. On Thursday, May 15, 2025, a drawing will take place to establish the order of candidates on the ballot.
2. Applications for Early Voting and Absentee Ballots can be obtained at the Village Office and on the Village Website.
General Comments:
TO: All Menands Village Board Members
FROM: Bill Garvey Jr
I got my own report dealing with important Village subjects as follows:
1. He observed dog waste on Village property – reported to Police Dept and DPW
2. He wants to remind everyone that railway property is not a recreational area
3. He is delighted that the Village will be getting a new salt and gravel storage building
4. He is delighted that the signs on Station Street have been repaired
5. Street signs on Harts Lane, East MacDonald Circle & Brookside Ave need to be replaced
6. He donated notebooks to the Police Dept
7. He donated 2 jugs of iced tea to the Fish Fry
8. He is requesting the dead tree at Menands Pump Sation be removed this summer. And plant the new replacement tree at Ganser Smith Park
9. He proposes installing green roof, prime & paint garage orange or light green. Please us oil or synthetic rubber base paints
10. He feels E Glenwood Rd, Clifford Rd, Tillinghast Ave, Brookside Ave, E MacDonald Circle
where they meet Broadway need to be repaired
11. He’s unhappy that the State Budget is late
12. He observed reflector stick problems on the follow fire hydrant:
W. Elmwood Rd, Louis Ave, Cemetery Ave
MacDonald Circle & Broadway Junction
13. He’s requesting the Village Board pass and enforce an ordinance forbidding bringing and drinking alcoholic beverages in Village Parks and playgrounds. Post NO ALCOHOL BEVERAGES signs at these places.
14. He requested moving the fire extinguisher away from the rolling table and the doors to the kitchen.
Resident Bill Nevins:
1. Is in complete support of the Menands Police Department and everything they do.
2. Does not support the Unionizing of the command staff.
Resident Steve Boulet:
1. Does not support the Unionizing of the command staff.
Resident Lisa Neuman:
1. There are some mistakes on the Minutes posted on the website for the May 21, 2025, Board Meeting. They also should say draft if not approved.
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 duly adjourned the meeting at 7:20 P. M.
I, Mary Jane Vredenburg, Village 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, May 5th, 2025.
_____________________
Mary Jane Vredenburg
Village Treasurer/Deputy Clerk