North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession - March 24, 2026

The Town Board of North Salem met on March 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Town Meeting Hall and via Zoom. The meeting included an executive session, a series of routine resolutions, a detailed worksession, and public comment. Key actions included the appointment of a part-time police officer, adoption of new pickleball hours, authorization of a leak detection contract, and discussion of ongoing capital projects.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of January 27, 2026 (Regular Meeting and Public Hearing on Chapter 8 Taxation) and February 10, 2026 (Regular Meeting) were approved with minor AI corrections noted.
• The Recreation Monthly Report for February 2026 was accepted.
• Resolution 2: Reappointment of Beverly Galasano to the Recreation Advisory Committee, term to expire April 24, 2029. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 3: Reappointment of Bill Moring to the Architectural Review Board, term to expire April 14, 2029. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 4: Authorization to include an insert with April 2026 tax bills. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 5: Authorization for Supervisor to sign an agreement with CBS Xerox for lease and service of all town copiers and printers at $961.17 per month, on county contract. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 6: Authorization of payment of $425 to New York State DEC for 2025 SPDES permit for Peach Lake Sewer District. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 9: Authorization for guardrail repair on June Road and David Drive/Nash Road intersection by Chemung Supply Corporation for $17,060.70, funded from state bid list. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 10: Authorization for Supervisor to execute recreation programming agreements (defensive driving, music, Tai Chi, etc.) in accordance with 2026 budget. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 11: Authorization of refund of $65 to Dieta Finnegan for recreation program. (Unanimous)
• Resolution 13: Authorization of payment of $495 to Millennium Printing for envelopes for tax bills. (Unanimous)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Bastone, a resident on Sunset Drive near Joe Bohrdrum Park, expressed confusion over how the Recreation Advisory Committee gathered input on pickleball, stating no one canvassed his neighborhood. He noted he plays pickleball himself but emphasized that a house 180 feet from the courts experiences noise levels of 100-110 decibels. He urged the board to consider noise mitigation and suggested exploring indoor play at the school during winter.
• A pickleball player (unidentified resident) requested adding Sunday play and extending hours earlier (8 AM in summer) and later (4-7 PM) to accommodate workers and students. She noted that pickleball is now taught in the school PE curriculum.

Discussion Items

• Pickleball Hours (Resolution 7): The board debated allowable hours for pickleball at the tennis courts adjacent to homes. Councilmember Tom (identified as the proposer) noted complaints from nearby homeowners and reviewed other municipalities’ 500-foot setback recommendations. The Recreation Advisory Committee had initially recommended Monday–Saturday 9 AM–12 PM. Some board members supported expanded hours, including Sundays and afternoon play. Resident Susan (pickleball player) argued for 8 AM start in summer and 4–7 PM slot. After discussion, the board agreed to allow play 9 AM–12 PM and 4 PM–7 PM, seven days a week, with signage to be posted. The motion passed unanimously.
• Delancey Hall Renovations: Update provided by Councilmember Billy (likely the project manager). Heat pump bid came in at $169,000 (grant of $265,000 available). Windows from Cronenberger have been returned and are being installed; historical window imperfections are expected. Drywall bids ranged $29,000–$33,000 (one outlier at $75,000). Carpeting vs. hardwood flooring for downstairs is under evaluation. Supervisor indicated project likely 3 months from completion. Discussion of whether to hire a restoration architect for supervision ($18,000 for ~70 hours) was tabled pending further conversation.
• Croton Falls Water System – Uranium and PFAS Mitigation: State approvals received. Bids for plumbing at Sunset Ridge came in: $9,800, $27,000, and $73,000; the low bidder will be used. Uranium filters are nearing end of life (7.5 years vs. expected 2–3); replacement cost $105,000. DEP aqueduct work delayed to between 2027 and 2030, reducing urgency. Grant funding of $200,000 available; total project cost ~$400,000.
• Sunset Ridge Water System – PFAS Mitigation Update: Similar to Croton Falls. Leak detection contract (GPRS) approved (see Key Outcomes).
• Solar Project on Highway Garage: Solar panels being installed on metal roof. Some holes discovered and sealed. Expected to generate ~$15,000/year and reduce electricity budget by $12,000. Project cost $554,000 with $550,000 in grants. Press conference planned.
• 3 Owens Road Leak: Snow/ice damage to slate roof. Quote from Skip Floor (Salem Roofing) for repair and gutter cleaning. Board approved contract not to exceed $3,000 for slate repair only (gutter cleaning excluded).

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: William Carroll appointed as part-time police officer at $47.62/hour, effective March 25, 2026, with probationary period of 12–52 weeks. (Unanimous)
• Pickleball Hours: Adopted Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Highway Department directed to post signage. (Unanimous)
• Leak Detection Contract: Authorized Supervisor to sign contract with GPRS (proposal dated March 20, 2026) for leak detection at Sunset Ridge and Croton Falls Water Districts, at a cost of $5,350 for two days. (Unanimous)
• GPRS Contract Correction: Project address corrected from 624 Hardscrabble Road to 624 Route 22 (Croton Falls).
• Croton Falls Parking Contract (Resolution 12): Postponed to a future meeting pending further discussion with the other party.
• 3 Owens Roof Repair: Authorized contract with Skip Floor (Salem Roofing) not to exceed $3,000 for slate repair. (Unanimous)