Town of North Salem Special Board Meeting & Public Hearing - 2025-12-16

The Town of North Salem held a Special Town Board Meeting on 2025-12-16, continuing a public hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Town Budget. The board unanimously approved several resolutions, including personnel appointments, retirements, equipment sales, a fireworks display contract, and ultimately the adoption of the 2026 Town Budget.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes of the October 14, 2025, public hearings on short-term rentals and parking restrictions.

Appointments & Personnel Resolutions

• Retirements Acknowledged: The board acknowledged the retirements of Ward Hanniberg (Superintendent of Highways), Karen Roach (Tax Receiver), and James DePaul (Road Maintenance Foreman/Police Officer), all effective December 31, 2025. Resolutions were amended to correct clerical items.
• Recreation Department: The board appointed Jinx Rempson as a part-time recording secretary for the Recreation Advisory Committee ($25/hour, max 16 hours/week).
• Board & Committee Reappointments: The board reappointed Chris Stankowitz to the Board of Ethics (term to 2028), Jessica Broomhead to the Housing Board (term to 2028), and Emily Barrett to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term to 2030). The reappointment of Ms. Barrett prompted a discussion about the completion of mandatory education requirements for board members.
• Capital Planning Committee: Members were reappointed through December 31, 2026.
• Climate Smart Community Leadership Committee: Members were reappointed through December 31, 2028, with the board acknowledging the distinction between regular and ad-hoc members to maintain quorum.

Key Administrative Approvals

• Sale of Assets: Authorized the sale of surplus highway equipment (including vehicles, snowblowers, and a utility vehicle).
• Heat Pump Installation: Authorized the Supervisor to seek bids for new high-efficiency heat pumps at the Community Center, Delancey Hall, and the Annex.
• RNS250 Fireworks Display: Authorized the Supervisor to sign school facility permits and a New York State Education Department fireworks permit for the June 20, 2026, celebration. The board also approved an $11,000 agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc., including a $5,500 deposit. Discussion involved contract clauses regarding deposit forfeiture and indemnification, which the board accepted.
• Seasonal Highway Employees: Appointed George Neighbor and Nicholas Neighbor as seasonal highway employees ($22/hour).
• Delancey Hall Change Order: Authorized Change Order #5 for Tundra Contracting Group Inc. ($925.40) for two-color paint on window sashes, following guidance from the historic color committee.
• Peach Lake Grant Authorization: Authorized the Supervisor to apply for an $80,344 invasive species grant for Eurasian milfoil treatment. It was noted that the grant had low odds of success due to the species' classification.

Discussion Items

Delancey Hall Interior Update

• The Capital Planning Committee recommended high-quality, long-term interior finishes. Consultant Gretchen Farrell advised on historic paint colors. The board discussed replacing carpet with hardwood floors and coordinating upgrades to wiring, fire alarms, and thermostats while walls remain open.
• It was decided that heavy filing cabinets will not be returned to the building.

2026 Preliminary Town Budget

• Health Insurance: Actual costs exceeded the estimated 4% increase, with one plan rising 9.8% and a Medicare plan rising 24%, adding ~$53,000 in unexpected costs.
• Workers Compensation: PERMA rates were lower than budgeted, allowing a reduction from $80,000 to ~$71,685.
• Revenue: Mortgage tax revenue is significantly exceeding projections (~$300k year-to-date vs. a $211k budget). Interest income was adjusted upward.
• CAC Funding: The Conservation Advisory Council successfully requested an increase from $1,500 to $5,000 for a wetlands consultant to aid with conservation easements. Funding was reallocated from workers comp and sales tax revenue estimates.
• Personnel and Space: The supervisor's office and finance department each have $28,000 budgeted for part-time hires. A lack of office space was identified as a primary constraint to hiring.
• Dam Valuation: A new dam valuation is needed, as the NYS ORPS used an inappropriate methodology.
• Highway Fund: The highway fund budget is $886,000, a 6.4% increase.
• Tax Cap: The adopted budget includes a 3.984% tax levy increase ($11,229 over the state tax cap), requiring an override resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted 2026 Town Budget: Resolution #14, adopting the 2026 Town Budget and authorizing the tax levy override, was passed.
• Unanimous Appointments and Approvals: All personnel resolutions, committee reappointments, and administrative authorizations were passed without objection.
• Next Steps: The Supervisor is authorized to execute the fireworks and grant agreements. The Capital Planning Committee will continue developing cost estimates for Delancey Hall.
• Meeting Adjourned.