Town of North Salem Regular Meeting/Worksession - March 10, 2026

The Town of North Salem Town Board held a regular meeting and worksession on March 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Town Meeting Hall and via Zoom. The board approved multiple personnel appointments, a real estate purchase, and other routine resolutions. Discussions covered parking arrangements, highway truck purchases, Delancey Hall renovation updates, and sewer funding for Croton Falls.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 1 – Pay Town Bills: Approved abstract #3, claims 262–340, totaling $174,831.55.
• Resolution 2 – Pay Highway Bills: Approved abstract #3, claims 341–364, totaling $119,974.63.
• Resolution 3 – Acknowledge Resignation: Accepted resignation of Deputy Receiver of Taxes Victoria Giacetto, effective March 11, 2026.
• Resolution 4 – Appoint Intermediate Account Clerk P/T: Appointed Victoria Giacetto as temporary part-time intermediate account clerk at $32.00/hour, effective March 11, 2026, for a period not to exceed 90 days.
• Resolution 5 – (Already handled earlier in meeting: Appointment of Jessica Parente as Deputy Receiver of Taxes – covered under Key Outcomes.)
• Resolution 6 – Appoint Seasonal Personnel – Supervisor’s Office: Appointed Jinx Remsen as seasonal office assistant at $25.00/hour, from March 11, 2026 through July 11, 2026.
• Resolution 7 – Appoint Personnel – Highway Department: Appointed Damien F. Cardinus as full-time MEO at $42.97/hour, effective March 23, 2026, subject to probation.
• Resolution 8 – Appoint Personnel – Highway Department: Appointed Keith Malkin as full-time road maintainer at $42.97/hour, effective March 23, 2026, subject to probation.
• Resolution 9 – Grant Permanent Status to Deputy Town Superintendent of Highways: Granted permanent status to Gail Soto effective March 6, 2026, after successful probation.
• Resolution 10 – Grant Permanent Status to Police Officer: Granted permanent status to Bo Pali effective April 1, 2026, after successful probation.
• Resolution 11 – Appoint Volunteer – Building Department: Appointed Ryan Denin as volunteer intern at the North Salem Building Department from March 11 through June 11, 2026.
• Resolution 12 – Authorize Proposed Purchase of 10 Parking Spaces on Front Street: Authorized purchase of 10 parking spaces (tax map ID 1.1-2041-4) on Front Street for $100,000, with funding from a prior bond and a grant; adopted subject to permissive referendum.
• Resolution 13 – Authorize Supervisor to Sign and File Annual Stormwater Report: Authorized supervisor to sign and file the MS4 annual report for January 1–December 31, 2025.
• Resolution 14 – Approve Day Camp Dates and Fees: Set 2026 day camp sessions and fees: Session 1 (9 days) $675 residents/$745 non-residents; Sessions 2 and 3 (10 days each) $750 residents/$820 non-residents; transportation fees, early bird discount of $60 before April 1, late fee of $75 after May 15; CIT fees and no fee for third-year CIT.
• Resolution 15 – Authorize Purchase of Highway Trucks: Authorized purchase of one 2026 F250 4x4 ($63,211.12) and one 2026 F600 4x4 ($102,164.98) from Van Bortel Ford via state bid, total $165,376.10, from highway vehicle purchase capital fund.
• Resolution 16 – Executive Session: Entered executive session for legal advice of counsel and contracts.

Discussion Items

• Parking Spaces Purchase and Related Parking Arrangements: Councilmembers discussed the impact of purchasing 10 parking spaces on Front Street on existing lease agreements, including the loss of four 30-minute public spaces near the liquor store and the owner’s request for two exclusive spots in the back lot at $100/year. The board noted that the prior lease for spaces on Route 22 is terminated, affecting parking availability for the owner’s gallery uses. The town will continue plowing certain private areas under a terminable-at-will side letter. The board clarified the need to update signs and finalize the side letter language.
• Highway Truck Purchases: The board discussed replacing aging trucks with smaller F250 and F600 models (rather than larger $335,000 trucks) to address maintenance needs before winter. Delivery expected in 16–20 weeks. Total cost $165,376.10 from highway fund balance.
• Croton Falls Sewer Funding and Project Update: Supervisor reported receiving a $1.25 million check from Congressman Lawler’s directed spending for Croton Falls sewers, which had been previously removed by DOGE but restored. Final cost estimates from Veolia are expected; current estimate is $16.3–$16.5 million. The board discussed allowing property owners to opt out of connections but remain in the district, with annual fees to be determined.
• Delancey Hall Update: Windows and sashes are mostly installed; the contractor (Billy) has not yet billed for prior work (owed approximately $200,000). A third-party bid was accepted for gypsum work. The oil tank was removed to allow siding installation and underground heat pumps. Discussion of flooring options (carpet vs. original wood) and a proposed glass office wall for the town employee (Lauren) at an estimated $10,000; fire code compliance will be reviewed.
• Other Updates: Supervisor reported applying for a WRDA grant for drainage issues in Oak Ridge (Lewisboro), which also affects North Salem properties. Discussions with DEP on property transfers near Back Street and wells. A healthy home webinar is scheduled for the next evening.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments and Personnel Actions:
  • Jessica Parente appointed as full-time Deputy Receiver of Taxes at $61,030 annual salary (including $1,030 stipend), effective March 11, 2026 through December 31, 2028, subject to probation; after 12 weeks, salary increases $2,000 upon receiver’s recommendation.
  • Victoria Giacetto resigned and rehired as temporary part-time intermediate account clerk.
  • Two highway appointments (Damien Cardinus, Keith Malkin) and seasonal assistant (Jinx Remsen) approved.
  • Permanent status granted to Gail Soto and Bo Pali (with councilmember expressing desire to discuss civil service rule interpretation with county).
  • Ryan Denin appointed as volunteer intern.
• Real Estate Purchase: Resolution to purchase 10 parking spaces on Front Street adopted subject to permissive referendum; town clerk to publish notice within 10 days. Final contract language to clarify owner’s two reserved spots.
• Day Camp Fees Approved: As described in Consent Calendar.
• Highway Truck Purchase Approved: As described; capital project fund created.
• Stormwater Report Authorization Approved.
• Meeting Adjourned: Following the worksession and discussions.

Note: The meeting experienced initial audio difficulties with Zoom participation; the board proceeded after troubleshooting.