North Salem Town Board Special Meeting: July 24, 2026

The North Salem Town Board held a special meeting on July 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM to address several resolutions related to the Croton Falls Water and Sewer Districts and change orders for the Delancey Hall renovation project. The meeting was held in-person and via Zoom. Councilwoman Catherine Daniels was absent due to a family obligation, and her written comments were read into the record. One member of the public, Gary Dearborn, spoke in support of the sewer project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilwoman Catherine Daniels (read into record): Expressed objection to the last-minute scheduling of the meeting. Raised concerns about the proposed $19.9 million bond for the Croton Falls sewer project and $830,870 bond for the water district, arguing that the board should not represent that the entire cost will be covered by grants without seeing supporting paperwork. She noted that costs often exceed projections and that any shortfall would fall on the 109 properties in the proposed district. She also questioned whether residents could opt out, stating that opt-outs would shift costs to others. Regarding the water district, she noted the overlapping residents would take on additional debt for PFOS remediation. She also objected to change orders for Delancey Hall, stating they do not comply with the procurement policy and should be bid. Her bottom line: honesty and transparency, not opposition to the sewer.
• Gary Dearborn (resident, Poor Harvey Road): Expressed strong support for the board's efforts, particularly the sewer project, and disagreed with the characterization in Councilwoman Daniels' letter that residents would be burdened. He highlighted that the bond resolution text states grants will repay bonds on a one-to-one basis. He thanked the board for prioritizing the village's revitalization and noted that 78% of surveyed residents support the project. He emphasized the difference between capital costs (covered by grants) and carrying costs for connection, which improve property values. He urged prioritizing businesses to create a viable business district, which would enable future state funding for a Route 22 traffic study.

Discussion Items

• Change Orders No. 7 & 8 – Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. (Delancey Hall): The board discussed additional work for the Delancey Hall renovation, including removal of roll carpeting, kitchenette, overhead soffit, and plaster repair in the Town Clerk's office. Total cost: $33,906.96. The supervisor explained that union wages drive up costs and that the painting contractor underbid the original contract. The work is necessary to finish the interior and allow occupancy by October. The change orders include a profit of $5,800. The board also noted that flooring work is being bid separately.
• Negative Declaration (SEQRA) for Croton Falls Water District: The board declared the water district upgrade a Type II action under SEQRA, requiring no further environmental review. The project includes enlarging the water plant building by approximately 100 square feet, hooking up an additional well, and installing filtration for radiologicals and PFOS. The supervisor noted the well is not yet connected but PFOS levels are approaching the future lower MCL of 4 parts per billion (currently 4.5-6.5 ppb, state standard is 10 ppb, dropping to 4 by 2029). A letter from the County Department of Health confirms an impending violation, which helps secure grant points.
• Bond Resolution for Croton Falls Water District ($830,870): The resolution authorizes the issuance of bonds to pay for improvements to the water district, including PFOS treatment and expansion. The supervisor emphasized this is not an actual borrowing but a procedural step required to apply for the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIA) grant (75% funding for PFOS issues) and other grants. The grant deadline is Monday, July 27, 2026. The board clarified that if grants are not secured, the project will proceed on a shoestring budget without borrowing.
• Bond Resolution for Croton Falls Sewer District ($19,993,445): This resolution covers the cost of establishing a sewer district for 109 properties (businesses and residences). The supervisor explained that the total estimated project cost is about $15 million without contingency; the higher bond amount includes a 30% contingency as requested by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). He detailed secured grants: approximately $8 million from the DEC, up to $6.8 million from the county, $1 million from Congressman Lawler, and prior ARPA funds, totaling about $16.5 million. The bond resolution is an "ersatz" bond resolution that does not authorize actual borrowing; full bond proceedings would require later board ratification. The goal is to achieve near-zero capital cost for residents. Operation and maintenance costs are estimated at about $400/year per average household, based on a contract with Veolia.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 1 – Change Orders No. 7 & 8: Approved unanimously by voice vote (Councilwoman Daniels absent). Authorizes Tundra Contracting Group to perform additional work at Delancey Hall for $33,906.96.
• Resolution 2 – Negative Declaration (SEQRA) for Croton Falls Water District: Approved by roll call vote: Peter (aye), Martin (aye), Brent (aye), Supervisor (aye). Declares the project a Type II action with no further environmental review.
• Resolution 3 – Bond Resolution for Croton Falls Water District ($830,870): Approved by roll call vote: Peter (aye), Martin (aye), Brent (aye), Supervisor (aye). Authorizes bond issuance to facilitate grant applications; actual borrowing not authorized without further board action.
• Resolution 4 – Bond Resolution for Croton Falls Sewer District ($19,993,445): Approved by roll call vote: Peter (aye), Martin (aye), Brent (aye), Supervisor (aye). Authorizes bond issuance to facilitate grant applications; actual borrowing not authorized without further board action. The board clarified that residents will not bear capital costs if grants are secured.