Town of North Salem Regular Meeting/Worksession - October 28, 2025

The Town Board of North Salem held a combined public hearing, regular meeting, and worksession on October 28, 2025, starting at 6:30 PM with an executive session on personnel. The open session began at 7:00 PM. Key actions included continuing a public hearing on water district improvements, approving several personnel and administrative resolutions, and discussing water rates, building department fees, cemetery fees, and a tax levy override.

Public Hearing

• Sunset Ridge Water District Improvements (Bond $150,000): The public hearing was opened and immediately continued to November 4, 2025, due to insufficient publication notice. Councilman John Warren and the board discussed the need for additional PFOS/uranium filtration canisters (six more at ~$23,000) and related plumbing work, with total project costs estimated around $100,000. The hearing will resume on November 4.

Consent Calendar (Resolutions Adopted Unanimously)

• Resolution to Grant Permanent Status to Assistant Building Inspector: Jennifer Boniello was granted permanent status effective October 29, 2025, after serving a probationary period of at least 12 weeks.
• Resolution to Authorize Salary Increase – Highway Personnel: Mark Nicholson’s hourly rate was increased to $45.60, effective November 2, 2025, per Highway Superintendent Ward Hannibal’s recommendation.
• Resolution to Appoint Personnel – Recreation: Frank DeRasmo and Wayne Lafranco were appointed as part-time van drivers (up to 16 hours/week each, $25/hour) for the senior van, effective November 4, 2025, subject to a probationary period.
• Resolution to Authorize Signing a Revocable Land Use Permit Offer with NYC DEP: Authorized the supervisor to sign an offer letter for use of New York City-owned water supply land at Purdy’s Field, with an initial fee of $726.16 and an estimated annual fee of $3,733.08.
• Resolution to Authorize Signing Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Westchester County: Approved an IMA with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Services for use of the police academy in Valhalla for firearms training, through July 31, 2030.
• Resolution to Authorize Release of Building Department Engineering Escrow: Released $668.75 to F Halt Farm LLC for 13 Starr Ridge Road, as approved by Building Inspector James Duhig.
• Resolution to Authorize Signing Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance and Access Agreement: Signed the agreement with 234 Hawley Road LLC, as required by New York State law for a stormwater pollution prevention plan.
• Resolution to Accept Offer in Dedication of Road Widening Easement – 234 Hawley Road LLC: Accepted the road widening easement from the same property.
• Resolution to Authorize Signing Application for Certificate to Operate a Source of Air Contamination – Peach Commons Pump Station: Approved the application for a three-year certificate from Westchester County Department of Health and authorized payment of $990.
• Resolution to Authorize Signing Recreation Programming Agreement: Approved an agreement with Andrew Frishman for a musical performance in November 2025, costing $500, paid by participants.

Discussion Items

• Set Public Hearing Date – Stop Sign on Stephen Road: The board considered a public hearing for November 18, 2025, to amend Chapter 220 (Vehicles and Traffic) to add a stop sign at Stephen Road and Valeria Circle. A resident had also requested an additional stop sign on Valeria Circle at the same intersection. The board deferred the item to clarify the exact locations and will combine both requests in one hearing.
• Set Public Hearing Date – Croton Falls Water District Improvements: A public hearing was set for November 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM to consider bonding for improvements to the Croton Falls Water District, including PFOS treatment and well upgrades. Councilman noted the district may need ~$536,000 in additional funds; a grant application is pending.
• Set Public Hearing Date – Water Rates: A public hearing was scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM to consider amending Chapter 230 (Water Rates). The board anticipates adjusting rates to better cover operation and maintenance costs.
• Discussion – Water Usage Rate Charges: Board member Warren reported that water usage rates are reviewed periodically to align revenues with operational and maintenance costs, including leak repairs. The discussion touched on the difficulty of covering capital costs through rates.
• Discussion – Building Department and Cemetery Fees: Councilman Warren noted that current building department fees are low compared to neighboring towns; Building Inspector Jim Duhig was asked to propose new rates. Cemetery fees were also reviewed: a plot for two graves is currently $2,000, which is in line with Pound Ridge and Lewisboro but low compared to private cemeteries. The fund covers about two years of maintenance. The board discussed the possibility of allowing more cremated remains per plot and adjusting fees to cover costs.
• Discussion – Tax Levy Override: Supervisor indicated that the proposed 2026 budget exceeds the state tax cap of 2.35% (currently estimated at 5.47%). Major drivers include a property revaluation ($85,000), town hall capital payments, increased state retirement ($89,000), and health costs (4% increase). The board will need to adopt a local law to override the cap before the budget is finalized. A discussion of department heads’ presentations was deferred.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing for Sunset Ridge Water District was continued to November 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
• All consent calendar resolutions were adopted unanimously (no roll call votes required except where noted; one roll call occurred for the Croton Falls water district hearing date – all voted aye).
• The board agreed to combine both stop sign requests and will obtain clarification before setting a new hearing date.
• Public hearings were set for November 25 (Croton Falls Water District) and December 9 (Water Rates).
• The board will proceed with a tax levy override; a formal public hearing on the budget will be scheduled separately.
• Department heads will be invited to present budget details in upcoming worksessions.