Town of North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession – August 26, 2025

The Town of North Salem Town Board held a Regular Meeting/Worksession on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Town Meeting Hall (66 June Road) and via Zoom. The meeting covered routine approvals, several resolutions, and worksession discussions on parking restrictions and the use of millings on unimproved town roads. Public comment was heard on the millings issue and on proposed no‑parking designations.

Resolutions

• Authorize Inclusion of Insert with 2025 School Tax Bills: Approved unanimously. The insert is the same as in prior years.
• Authorize Supervisor to Sign Agreement and Make Payment – Catalis Tax & Cama, Inc.: Approved unanimously ($9,241.56 for software maintenance with a 6% annual increase through 2028). The supervisor will discuss reducing the increase with the vendor.
• Authorize Payment – Cooper Arias, LLP ($26,500 for 2024 audit): Tabled after Councilmember Marty abstained because his brother‑in‑law is a partner in the firm. The board will revisit at a future meeting.
• Authorize Expense – Site Specific Design ($15,840 for six E1 sewer grinder pumps for Peach Lake Sewer District): Approved unanimously. A board member requested an inventory of all purchased equipment.
• Authorize Release of Building Department Engineering Escrow – 369 Mills Road ($556.30): Approved unanimously.
• Approve Request and Permit for Special Events Application – North Salem Artisanal Farmers Market (Croton Falls commuter parking lot): Approved unanimously, subject to conditions (alcohol vendors must provide state liquor licenses; storage trailer removed at end of season). The board concluded that screening for the trailer was unnecessary.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Millings on Unimproved Town Roads: Several residents spoke against the use of millings (crushed asphalt) on dirt roads. Charlotte Harris (co‑president, North Salem Bridal Trails) stated that millings become slick when compacted, creating a hazard for horses, and that runoff may carry petroleum into the Titicus River. Robin Kozak (trail warden) reported environmental harm from millings on her own property. Roger Nitkin (Vale Lane resident) expressed concern about the gradual conversion of dirt roads to paved surfaces. Chris Brockmeyer urged the town to conduct an environmental study before continuing the practice. Richard Nolden advised that drainage improvements must accompany any road surface treatment.
• No‑Parking Designations on Route 121 and Bloomer Road: Maria (resident) and others highlighted safety risks from parked cars blocking sight lines. Kurt Goulden noted that overflow parking from businesses creates hazards on Route 22. Some speakers stressed the importance of balancing safety with support for local businesses.

Worksession Discussions

• Parking Time Limits at Croton Falls Community Greenspace: The board agreed to propose a 3‑hour time limit to discourage all‑day commuter parking. A public hearing will be required to enact a town law.
• Establishing No‑Parking Designations on Sections of Route 121 and Bloomer Road: The board discussed marking no‑parking zones near the intersection to improve sight lines. Members debated the extent of the zones (e.g., to the guardrail) and the potential for displacing parked cars to less safe walking areas. The board decided to schedule a public hearing and finalize specific distances.
• Purdys Field Land Use Permit: The town has applied to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for a permit to use a 2‑acre former school property (adjacent to 684). Possible uses under review include a dog park and pervious pickleball courts. The Recreation Advisory Board will provide recommendations.
• Millings on Unimproved Town Roads: The board acknowledged the conflicting needs of road stabilization, horse safety, and environmental protection. A special meeting will be convened with the highway superintendent, engineers, and the public to explore alternative solutions (e.g., geosynthetic materials, improved drainage, targeted paving).

Key Outcomes

• Six resolutions were adopted; the Cooper Arias payment was tabled.
• A public hearing will be scheduled for the 3‑hour parking limit at Croton Falls Greenspace.
• A public hearing will be scheduled for no‑parking zones on Route 121 and Bloomer Road.
• A special meeting will be held to discuss long‑term solutions for erosion‑prone dirt roads.
• The Purdys Field permit application has been submitted; the Recreation Advisory Board will study potential uses.