Town of North Salem Organizational Town Board Meeting, January 6, 2026

On January 6, 2026, the North Salem Town Board convened its annual Organizational Meeting to approve standard year-start resolutions, including setting salaries and hourly rates, appointing officials, signing annual contracts, and establishing town policies. The board unanimously passed nearly all of the over 50 resolutions on the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• Salaries and Compensation: Approved salaries and hourly rates consistent with the 2026 budget. Approved longevity bonuses ($956.80 for 10 years, $1,705 for 15, $2,828.80 for 20, $3,660.80 for 25). Set overtime meal allowance ($14.00) and clothing allowances ($800 Highway, $390 Police).
• Appointments: Reappointed Emily Simonis to the Planning Board (through 2030). Appointed James DePallius as part-time police officer. Appointed board chairpersons and acknowledged key deputies (Deputy Supervisor, Deputy Tax Receiver, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Confidential Secretary). Designated the Emergency Management Team. Appointed volunteers for the Tax Receiver's Office and Recreation.
• Contracts and Purchases: Authorized annual agreements with the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library ($453,071.25), Northeast Westchester Special Recreation, South Salem Animal Hospital, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, Abrams Fensterman LLP (municipal legal retainer, $78,000), James J. Hahn Engineering, and AssuredPartners (insurance, $17,877). Approved the purchase of a Hitachi ZW180C wheel loader ($211,571.91) and approved the purchase of computers from Logically, Inc. ($28,470.66).
• Operational Items: Set 2026 holiday schedule, official newspapers, polling places, and mileage reimbursement rate ($0.725). Approved the buyout option in lieu of health insurance ($5,000). Adopted the investment policy. Approved building department fee increases. Set a public hearing for January 27, 2026, on Chapter 8 (Taxation) to extend exemptions to volunteer emergency workers in neighboring districts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kasdun Click (Public attendee): Asked about the funding source for the wheel loader purchase. The Supervisor confirmed it would be from the Highway Fund machinery account (020). Later inquired about the budget line for highway vehicles.

Discussion Items

• Abrams Fensterman LLP Retainer: Councilmember Catherine noted that while a requested change was made, modifications regarding planning board work sessions and code update clarity were not fully addressed. The board unanimously approved the $78,000 retainer.
• Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. (Building Repairs): The Supervisor proposed a time-and-materials contract (not to exceed $34,000) for gypsum wall installation. Councilmember Catherine requested tabling the item to allow compliance with the procurement policy requiring three written quotes for expenditures over $15,000. The board postponed the vote to the regular meeting on January 13, 2026.
• Logically, Inc. Computer Purchase: The board approved a $28,470.66 expenditure for 14 desktops, 3 laptops, docks, and implementation. Price increases due to tariffs and the need to replace Windows 10 machines were discussed.
• Laserfiche and Tyler Software Training: The Supervisor and Clerk announced upcoming training sessions for board members and staff on records management software.
• Highway Vehicles: Brief informational discussion held at the request of a public attendee.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All resolutions were adopted unanimously except for the tabled Tundra contract.
• Tabled Item: The Tundra Contracting Group amendment was tabled to the January 13, 2026 regular board meeting.
• Public Hearing Scheduled: January 27, 2026, regarding real property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
• Next Steps: Staff directed to obtain additional quotes for the building project. Board members to attend Laserfiche training on February 17-18.