The regular semi-monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Menands was held on Monday, October 17th, 2022, and was called to order by Deputy Mayor Seth Harris at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Diane Foley, Trustee
Seth H. Harris, Trustee
Timothy Lane, Trustee
Brian Marsh, Trustee
Donald Handerhan, Village Clerk
William Smith, Treasurer
Stephen Rehfuss, Village Attorney – Attended virtually
Michael Hagmann, DPW Foremen
Asst. Chief Mike Steurer
Absent:
Megan Grenier, Mayor
Chief Ryan St Gelais
Also attending: Gabrielle Liguori, Vincent Commisso, Leslie Carolus, Maureen Long, Bill Nevins, Bill Garvey, Mike & Susan Mackay, Nicholas Kalogridis, Jen Nechamen, Courtney Jaskul, Vince DeCesare, Joe Lanaro, Steve Boulet, Mike Steurer, Doug Reuther, Kevin Schwebke.
The Deputy Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance
Deputy Mayor Harris opened a Public Hearing for the purpose of Local Law # 4 to Lower the Village of Menands Speed Limit to 25 MPH with the exception of Wards Lane at 6 P.M. The Clerk read the following statement:
PUBLIC HEARING
Local Law #4 of 2022
A public hearing will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 6:00 P.M. in the Menands Village Hall second floor at 250 Broadway, Menands, NY for the purpose of Local Law # 4 to Lower the Village of Menands Speed Limit to 25 MPH with the exception of Wards Lane. Such public hearings are open to the public and are accessible to the handicapped. All are encouraged to attend or to present comments in writing by noon on August 15, 2022, to Don Handerhan, Village Clerk at handerhand@menands3.nsddev.com. The Public Hearing will be in person or via Google Meets link meet.google.com/mre-txbp-btk or Join by phone: (US) +1 401-646-0768 PIN: 541 841 494#.
Resident Bill Garvey is in favor of Local Law # 4 of 2022 lowering the speed limit to 25 mph.
Resident Leslie Carolus asked how will it be enforced. A discussion followed. Leslie also asked if the Board has considered speed bumps. A discussion followed.
Menands School Superintendent Maureen Long asked not Wards Lane? A discussion followed.
Resident Bill Nevins there is a hazard to people walking on Wards Lane due to NO SIDEWALKS. Bill believes that Wards Land should be 25 mph. A discussion followed.
Resident Mike Mackay asked about the outcome of the Speed Trailer findings. A discussion followed. Det Sgt Kevin Schwebke answered questions from Mike Mackay. A discussion followed.
Resident Nick Kalogridis asked if the speed limit could be lowered to 20 mph. A discussion followed.
Treasurer Smith reminded the Board that this only applies to Village Streets.
Resident Courtney Jaskul—asked if School Zone is in place signs and flashing lights would be needed. A discussion followed.
Steve Boulet – Wards Lane is one of the basic Streets within the Village with many children walking on it. The Village should be consistent. A discussion followed.
Deputy Mayor Harris hearing all comments closed the Public Hearing at 6:30 PM.
The Regular Meeting began at 6:30 PM.
Gabrielle Liguori and Vince Commisso of Teal Becker & Chairamonte, CPA’s, the Villages’ auditors, reviewed the Villages’ draft financial audit of the Village Funds and the Court Funds that they recently completed. Gaby stated that both the Village and Court Funds were given an unqualified report, which is the best opinion they can issue. Vince and Gaby answered all questions from the Board. After a discussion, the Board decided to table any approvals of Audit until the November 7th, 2022, meeting.
Treasurer Smith led a discussion regarding the Health, Dental, and Vision plans that will be available to Village Employees and Retirees for the 2023 calendar year. Discussion Followed.
Resolution Number 230070:
After which Trustee Marsh moved the following resolution concerning Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for eligible Village Employees and Retirees for the calendar year 2023 the Village will offer the following plans: either the CDPHP Platinum 130 EPO CDPHP/National Plan; or the CDPHP Gold 224 HMO; the current Delta Dental Plan L – PPO Comprehensive; and the current Guardian Vision Plan. Eligible employees will have a 20% employee responsibility.
Non-Medicare Retirees will have the same options of either the CDPHP Platinum 130 EPO CDPHP/National Plan; or the CDPHP Gold 224 HMO; with a retiree responsibility of 12%. They may also purchase the Delta Dental Plan for the monthly cost of the plan, which will be added to their monthly contribution.
Medicare-eligible retirees will continue to be offered the CDPHP Medicare Advantage Plan with a 12% retiree responsibility. They too may also purchase the Delta Dental Plan for the cost of the Plan, which will be added to their monthly contribution. The resolution was seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting
Trustee Harris voting
Trustee Lane voting
Trustee Marsh voting
Jen Steinberg of Beacon Companies gave an update on the Soldier On Project at 35 Broadway. The project did not get approved for funding this round. Jen asked for another letter of support for the next round of funding. A discussion followed. Jen asked if items #3 and #4 could be moved from the Site Plan
Approval. Item #3 the duration of the building permit shall be no longer than 18 months. Item #4 the applicant will provide written proof of the commitment to appropriate funding for the completion of the project.
Village Attorney Steve Rehfuss advised that items #3 and #4 will not be needed to approve the final Site Plan, but will be needed before a building permit will be issued.
Hon. Kathy Hochul, Governor
The State of New York
Executive Chamber
New York State Capitol Albany, NY 12224
Hon. RuthAnne Visnauskas
Commissioner/CEO NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Hampton Plaza
38-40 State St.
Albany, NY 12207
September xx, 2022
Dear Governor Hochul and Commissioner, Visnauskas,
We write to reiterate our strong support for a potentially life-changing effort to provide safe, affordable housing and supportive services to homeless and low-income veterans in Albany County, and to urge approval of the state funding necessary to make it a reality when the next round of awards is announced.
The proposed development at 35 Broadway, Menands, is a collaboration of the
Western Massachusetts-based veterans service agency Soldier On and Beacon Communities LLC, one of the nation’s largest affordable housing companies. It has strong and widespread backing from Albany County, the Village of Menands, and the Town of Colonie, and has received preliminary site plan approval – a significant step to getting the green light to begin construction at the local level.
We understand that New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has recognized the importance of this project but has thus far been unable to provide the financial support required to get it up and running. Given how much work has gone into preparing this proposal over the past several years, we are hopeful it will finally win the approval it deserves in the coming months.
Soldier On, which manages five veterans housing projects in Western Massachusetts and provides VA-funded services – including outreach, rapid housing, and housing prevention services to veterans in the Albany area since 2011, received a five-year Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) grant in 2019 to provide supportive services at the project. Soldier On intends to reapply for this grant to ensure continuity going forward.
The $875,000-a-year ESSHI grant, which expired in 2022, would enable Soldier On to provide rent subsidies as well as services such as mental health counseling, peer recovery support for those with chronic substance use challenges, medical and financial assistance, and more to 35 homeless Albany County veterans. Overall, the 35 Broadway project would include 67 one-bedroom units – 35 supportive units reserved for veterans who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and 32 low-income units.
We believe 35 Broadway is worthy of HCR’s resources to serve a vulnerable population whose members have provided years of service to our country and deserve safe, affordable housing.
Soldier On and Beacon have been working closely together for the past five years. The 2.36-acre 35 Broadway site is particularly attractive as it allows for ground-up new construction that would be in keeping with the area’s current mix of commercial and clean industrial use.
Being a veteran drastically increases an individual’s risk of becoming homeless.
Though only 7 percent of the general U.S. population has served in the Armed Forces, nearly 13 percent of homeless adults are veterans. As of January 2020, an estimated 1,200 New York veteran households were experiencing homelessness.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said in its 2021 annual report to Congress that sheltered veteran homelessness fell 10 percent from 2020 to 2021, but also admitted that number should be “viewed with caution” as the COVID-19 crisis likely impacted the count. With inflation driving up the cost of everything – including rent and mortgage payments, and affordable housing in short supply, far too many New Yorkers, including veterans, are housing insecure.
I’m sure you will agree that a single homeless veteran suffering on the streets or at risk of losing their housing is far too many. We owe a debt to these individuals for serving our country and have a moral obligation to support them.
Supportive housing – affordable developments with on-site services like mental health counseling, job training, childcare, addiction treatment, and more – is a proven tool for ending chronic homelessness among difficult-to-house populations, including veterans, who often struggle with challenges like substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder and lack a stable family or social network.
Members of this heroic community deserve housing stability, economic success, and the ability to once again be fully franchised citizens of the country they bravely served. The project at 35 Broadway will help achieve that worthy goal and deserves HCR funding in the next round of awards.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Resolution Number 230071:
Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the mayor to sign the letter of support for the Soldier On Project at 35 Broadway, second by Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number 230072:
A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to accept the minutes of the October 3rd, 2022, Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Lane.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting ABSTAINED
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Resolution Number 230073:
A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to approve payment for the following, seconded by Trustee Foley.
WARRANT #10:
GENERAL totaling $168,620.76
WATER totaling $ 1,975.28
SEWER totaling $ .00
TOTALS $170,596.04
PAYROLL # 10: totaling $ 91,937.31
(09/23/22-10/06/22)
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
DPW Foreman Mike Hagmann led a discussion regarding repairing the pavement on Broadway from a water main break on July 19, 2022. Mike Hagmann attempted to get several bids but only 2 companies replied with the following Bids:
KRONAU PROPOSAL
August 15, 2022
Proposal Submitted To Job Name:
Village of Menands Rt 32 pavement Replacement
SITEWORK
- Mobilization
- Mill and prep pavement area of +1-175 FT x +/-28 FT x 10″ for new asphalt paving.
- Provide (2) arrow boards for traffic control.
- Pave area +/-175 FT x +/- 28 FT x10″ thick with new asphalt in layers and tack coat.
- Restripe the new paved area as needed.
Total $56,000.00
Conditions:
- Permit, compaction testing, SWPPP inspections, and fees by others.
- Bonding is not included in the price.
- Rock excavation and dewatering are not included in the price.
- Price does not include the following items: Relocating of any utilities, concrete, curb replacement, manhole repairs, or winter conditions
- Utility hookup charges or fees, overhead utility work, National Grid charges existing underground utility repairs, and relocations are not included.
- Excavating, handling, or disposal of hazardous materials, unsuitable soil removal, and replacement below design grade are not included.
- Initial horizontal and vertical control and stakeout of proposed work by others.
- All pavement to be restored to match existing grades
- Traffic control is not included except for arrow boards.
- Due to the instability of the tariff situation, pricing for materials are subject to change after 5 days.
- Pavement thicknesses are based on matching existing asphalt.
- Price does not include sales tax on materials.
- Price is based on NYSDOL prevailing wage rates.
- Price is based on the NYSDOT fuel index for the month of August 2022. Any increases in the fuel index at the time of construction may affect the price of the proposal.
- Not responsible for any damage to existing asphalt roadways, driveways, or parking lots as a result of truck traffic.
- Night work pricing is not included.
- Any work not listed in this proposal is not included.
Prices are based on a Site visit with Mike Hagman from The Village of Menands to view the scope of work. No Drawings
WARNING: The owner shall be responsible for any costs incurred by his failure to reveal any underground items including, but not limited to, power lines, telephone lines, septic systems, pipes, etc.
We propose hereby to furnish material and labor — complete in accordance with the above specifications, for the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($56,000.00).
Payment is to be made within 30 days of Billing. Retainage is to be paid upon completion of the work stated in this proposal.
A service charge of 2% per month will be added on past-due accounts – an annual rate of 24%.
All material is guaranteed to be as specified. All work is to be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Any alteration or deviation of the above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders and will become an extra charge over and above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes, accidents, or delays beyond our control. Owner to carry fire, tornado, and other necessary insurance. Our workers are fully covered by Workmen’s Compensation Insurance.
All employees have been properly trained, including the completion of the OSHA 10-hour General Construction Safety course, and all superintendents have successfully completed the OSHA 30hour General Construction Safety course.
This proposal may be withdrawn by us if not accepted within 20 days.
Authorized Signature:
Acceptance of Proposal
The above prices, specifications, and conditions are satisfactory and are hereby accepted. You are authorized to do the work as specified. Payment will be made as outlined above.
Signature:
Date of Acceptance: __________________________________
CALLANAN PRICE QUOTE
Water Main Break Asphalt Pavement Replacement Project
Menands, New York
To: Village of Menands Phone: 518-281-5761
280 Broadway Fax: 518-427-7303
Menands, NY 12204 E-Mail: hagmannm@menands3.nsddev.com
Attn: Mr. Michael Hagmann Date: August 1, 2022
We propose to complete the following scope of work:
OPTION #1 – REPLACE SUBBASE AND ASPHALT
REMOVE AND REPLACE ROADWAY ASPHALT PAVEMENT ± 170’ X 28’
- Excavate and remove 22” of existing, haul offsite
- Furnish and install 12” DOT Type 2 Subbase Course
- Fine grade existing subbase from ± 1” to 2”, subbase material supplied to CII paver by Site Contractor
- Furnish and install 6” DOT 37.5 MM Base Course
- Furnish and install 2½” DOT 19.0 MM Binder Course
- Furnish and install Tack Coat, as required
- Furnish and install 1½” DOT 12.5 MM Top Course
- Provide Maintenance and Protection of Traffic for all CII Operations
PAINT PARKING LOT MARKINGS WITH ONE COAT OF NYSDOT EPOXY MARKINGS
LUMP SUM PRICE: $ 121,675.00
OPTION #2 – REPLACE ASPHALT ONLY
REMOVE AND REPLACE ROADWAY ASPHALT PAVEMENT ± 170’ X 28’
- Mill and remove 10” of existing, haul offsite
- Fine grade existing subbase from ± 1” to 2”, subbase material supplied to CII paver by Site Contractor
- Furnish and install 6” DOT 37.5 MM Base Course
- Furnish and install 2½” DOT 19.0 MM Binder Course
- Furnish and install Tack Coat, as required
- Furnish and install 1½” DOT 12.5 MM Top Course
- Provide Maintenance and Protection of Traffic for all CII Operations
PAINT PARKING LOT MARKINGS WITH ONE COAT OF NYSDOT EPOXY MARKINGS
LUMP SUM PRICE: $ 83,575.00
Qualifications:
- Prices are based on one (1) move-in (s). Any additional moves will be charged at $2,500.00 each.
- Price based on completion in 2022 paving season.
- Excludes Bond, Survey, M&PT, Testing, Pavement Cleaning, Saw Cutting, Rebates, or Prime Coat.
- All cold weather paving (after November 15th and prior to April 1st) will require an additional charge.
- Water for rollers is to be supplied by General Contractor
- Subbase and/or sub-grade shall be placed and properly compacted by others.
- Taxes excluded
- Price based on $829.00 / Liquid Asphalt Ton. Final payment will be subject to asphalt price escalation in accordance with NYSDOT asphalt price adjustment formulas.
Resolution Number 230074:
Trustee Lane made a motion to have Chip Kronau repave the position of Broadway from a water main break on July 19, 2022, at a cost of $56,000.00 second by, Trustee Marsh.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
DPW Foreman Mike Hagmann and Trustee Marsh led a discussion regarding the CDL School at 381 Broadway to be used for training DPW employees to obtain their CDL Licenses. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 230075:
After discussion Trustee, Marsh made a motion to allow Mickey Connolly to attend the CDL School to obtain his CDL License at a cost of $2,245.00, second by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Asst. Chief Mike Steurer asked the Board for permission to use the trucks and to give rides during the annual Fire Prevention Open House on October 24, 2022. Discussion followed.
Resolution Number 230076:
After discussion, Trustee Marsh made a motion to allow the Fire Department to use the trucks and to give rides during the annual Fire Prevention Open House on October 24, 2022, second by, Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Deputy Mayor Harris led a discussion on whether to approve Local Law #4 of 2022 to lower the Village Speed Limit to 25 mph. A discussion followed After the discussion the Board decided to table the vote until the November 7th meeting. The Deputy Mayor asked LaBella if they could assist with the possibility of creating a School Zone on Wards Lane. A discussion followed.
Resolution Number 230077:
Trustee Marsh led a discussion regarding switching solar power providers. A discussion followed.
Account Name Address Demand Usage MWh Est Savings
VILLAGE OF MENANDS MUNICIPAL 250 BROADWAY Demand 261.2 $ 3,963.03
VILLAGE OF MENANDS CLERK 170 BROADWAY Demand 319.9 $ 4,576.07
N/A
VILLAGE OF MENANDS 234 VAN REN <25 Demand 93.0 $ 1,523.83
VILLAGE OF MENANDS IRVING PL <25 Demand 21.1 $ 540.08
VILLAGE OF MENANDS BROADWAY Non-demand 38.9 $ 710.14
VILLAGE OF MENANDS CLERK 280 BROADWAY <25 Demand 23.0 $ 553.14
VILLAGE OF MENANDS 573 BROADWAY <25 Demand 20.7 $ 387.16
VILLAGE OF MENANDS 53 MENANDS RD Non-demand 1.2 $ 45.82
Too Small 0.5
Too Small –
Too Small 0.4
Too Small 0.4
Too Small –
N/A
N/A
Total $ 12,299.27
After a discussion Trustee Lane made a motion to approve the transition from our solar energy provider from NexAmp to SolarSimplified seconded by, Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
Trustee Marsh advised the Board that the mayor’s husband’s surgery was successful and hopes for a speedy recovery.
Deputy Mayor Harris advised the Board that he has met with Albany Rural Cemetery regarding a grant to connect the Van Rensselaer Boulevard bike lane to the Albany County Bike Trail. Albany Rural is applying for a grant. Albany Rural may be asking for a Letter of Support. A discussion followed.
A motion was made by Trustee Marsh to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Foley.
ADOPTED:
Trustee Foley voting AYE
Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lane voting AYE
Trustee Marsh voting AYE
The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:17 P.M.
_____________________
Donald Handerhan
Village Clerk
The following comment was sent to the Clerk from resident Bill Garvey:
- Bill removed a large branch from the road on Elmwood.
- The grinder pump project at the Schuyler Inn is complete
- The urinal in the men’s room was not working. Bill contacted DPW and they repaired it.
- Bill observed drivers not stopping for people in the crosswalk at Village One even though the crossing lights were on.
- Bill would like to see that no alcohol be allowed at Ganser Smith Park
- There was a Fire Hydrant covered in weeds near the bowling alley. The owner has since cleared the weeds.
- The crossing sign on Wards Lane has been left on.
- Bill is happy to see that the carwash has been removed.
- There was a fire hydrant on West Kenmar blocked with trash cans and junk has been removed.