Village Board Minutes

May 21, 2025 (72)

A public hearing and regular meeting of the Village Board were held May 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Mayor Miller called the meeting to order & led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call: Trustee Bedell, Trustee Clark, Trustee Kirchhoff & Trustee Stollery were present.

A public hearing as published in The Post Star on March 13, 2025 was held at 6:00 PM for public input on the five-year PHA Plan for the Section 8 Public Housing Program.  Nancie Williams, from Mastrianni Associates, administrators of the Village program, gave the Board a report.  Currently the Village has 63 vouchers for the Section 8 program, 57 families are currently receiving assistance, 75% of the participants are elderly or disabled.  There are 11 people in the FSS program which offers training and education on budgeting and life skills with the goal of future homeownership.    There are 276 people on the waiting list for assistance, 30 live in the immediate area and will be given priority, 8 of the 30 are elderly or disabled.  Average time participating in the program is 10.3 years.

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Louise Kirkpatrick, Dunn Ave, asked about individuals on the waiting list, Ms. Williams replied many are currently in housing that overburdens their income.

Jennifer Kietzman, Pine St, asked about apartment inspections, all apartments are inspected annually.  In 2024 77 out of the 99 units inspected passed on the first inspection, the others had to remedy issues before they passed.

Jim Murray, Center St, asked about employment of the able-bodied recipients.  Ms. Williams stated some are working but underemployed, some are unemployed, and some are awaiting disability assistance.  The FSS program is used to decrease dependency on the program.

With no further questions from the public Mayor Miller closed the public hearing at 6:08 PM.

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer

A regular meeting of the Village Board was held at 6:08 PM in the Firehouse, 16 Saratoga Ave.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, approved minutes of May 7, 2025 regular meeting as typed.
Carried – 4 – 0

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS (AGENDA ITEMS ONLY)

Jim Murray, Center St, inquired how any potential restrictions to Park usage would be enforced.  Mayor Miller stated the Sheriff patrol coverage would enforce the violations and stressed the restrictions would also be a tool to hold parents accountable.  Mr. Murray reiterated his hope the Village would consider local enforcement through a police force or constables.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

CLERK – TREASURER – Clerk-Treas Colson was present, report for 5/21/2025 read & filed.

Motion by Trustee Clark, seconded by Trustee Bedell, approved payment of abstract #23 in the amount of: Payroll  $43,435.88 (#1117-1118); General $438,538.38 (#1119-1145; 1156); Water $2,842.39 (#1146-1148; 1156); and Sewer $22,410.85 ( #1145; 1149-1156).
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #83 approved, budget transfers.

Atty Buettner summarized the recent appeal of Indeck’s Article 7 motion to collect additional tax refunds.  The Village lost the appeal, special counsel in the matter does not anticipate a further appeal being considered by the Court.  The Village was required to pay $360,241 plus 9% interest in tax refunds.

FIRE DEPARTMENT – Chief Granger was present.

Solar panels on the Firehouse roof were repaired by the solar company and the blocks will be replaced this fall.

DPW/WATER/WWTP – Supt Lozier was excused.

BUILDING INSPECTOR – Insp Hepner was present, report for 5/21/2025 read & filed.

OLD BUSINESS

The Board had further discussions on Beach and Park restrictions and cited Ballston Spa’s examples of prohibiting children under the age of 10 without responsible supervision.  Atty Buettner suggested the Board members mark up the Ballston Spa example and she will use it to draft legislation for their review.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution #84 approved, adoption of Five Year PHA Plan for Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The Board reviewed the draft amendments to the Curfew Law changing the restriction from 11PM – 5AM to 9PM - 5AM.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Clark, approved publication in The Post Star of public hearing to be held June 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Firehouse to consider Local Law 4 of 2025 amending Section 221-3 of the Village Code, the Curfew Law.   
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board discussed contracts with Fire Officers for administrative work and instructed Atty Buettner to draft contracts with an additional Captain in place of the 4^th Lieutenant position.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved mayoral signature on 2025-2026 contracts with Fire Officers.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board discussed contracting with individual Fire Police to provide traffic control on the bridge during the fireworks for the Independence Day Celebration and Hometown Christmas Celebration.  Board consensus was to offer $23 per hour and instructed Atty Buettner to draft the contracts.

The Board discussed the special event permit submitted by the Image Committee to have 4 nights of music and vendors in Pagenstecher Park.  The Board requested a list of vendors being considered and tabled the decision.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Stollery, approved the Corinth High School Graduation Parade June 27, 2025 with rain dates of 6/26 and 6/28.
Carried – 4 – 0

Resolution #85 approved changes to the water/sewer rate schedule for quarterly charges for 2025-2026water/sewer as attached.

The Board reviewed a new quote from Upstate Audio Video to provide recording equipment for Village Board meetings.  The system would be separate from the current security cameras at the Firehouse.  The Board also decided to require all Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals meetings to be held at the Firehouse instead of Village Hall.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff, authorized mayoral signature on a quote from Upstate Audio Video to provide recording equipment and installation for $2,154.
Carried – 4 – 0

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Kirchhoff approved purchase of a paint striper from Pioneer Athletics as sole source of the equipment for $5,855.
Carried – 4 – 0

The Board discussed an oxygen sensor failure at the WWTP.  The sensor monitors the oxygen level in the effluent to ensure safety standards; staff are currently taking manual reads.  Operator Gill has acquired a quote for replacement from Tri-Nova Inc/Endress & Hauser.  The company may be sole source, but the situation does meet emergency requirements to safeguard the health and welfare of the public.

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Clark, approved purchase of an oxygen sensor from TriNova/Endress & Hauser for $3,589.70.
Carried – 4 – 0

PUBLIC COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Jennifer Kietzman, Pine St, had questions regarding the Image Committee’s special permit request and thanked the Board for installing an additional dog waste receptacle on Pine St.

Jim Murray, Center St, commented that age requirements for a responsible guardian at the Beach and Park should be considered as well as cameras.

Jason Petrovitch, Pine St, recommended replanting trees on Plamer Ave that might not have survived.  Jennifer Michelle offered to provide a list of native trees.

Jim Bovee, White St, stated a dirt bike was being ridden on Palmer Ave by a rider with no helmet.  Mayor Miller will address it with the Sheriff.

Louise Kirkpatrick, Dunn Ave, requested a sidewalk be replaced in front of her house on Center St or grass be planted in its place.

BOARD COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & CONCERNS

Trustee Stollery thanked Jennifer Michelle for submitting the Pilot Transportation Study.

Mayor Miller requested Trustee Clark explore options for cameras at the Beach and Pagenstecher Park.  The mayor also stated the back gate of Pagenstecher Park be locked when the attendant is not on duty.  The mayor stated Supt Lozier is putting together a plan for the uneven sidewalk on Maple St; and that junk car removal is going well in addition to other cleanups in the Village.  The mayor is also addressing the sidewalk replacement on Seventh St.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Trustee Bedell, seconded by Trustee Stollery, that Board adjourn, 7:18 PM.
Carried – 4 – 0

Nicole M. Colson
Clerk-Treasurer