North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession - October 13, 2026

The North Salem Town Board met on October 13, 2026, beginning with an executive session for legal advice and a board interview, then reconvened for the public meeting at approximately 7:28 PM. The meeting included a presentation on a voluntary community program, approval of minutes and reports, voting on 23 resolutions, and worksession discussions on building renovations, auxiliary heating, a letter to Governor Hochul, and drainage issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 8, 2026 Regular Meeting/Worksession were approved without changes.
• Approval of Reports: Monthly reports for September 2026 from the Building Inspector, Facilities, Highway Department, Planning Board, Police Department, Receiver of Taxes, Recreation, Supervisor, and Town Clerk were accepted as delivered.

Presentation – Blue Envelope Program (WeFayo)

• Kevin Field, co-founder of WeFayo, presented the voluntary Blue Envelope program, designed to help individuals with autism, PTSD, ADHD, and other conditions communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops or other encounters. The program includes free online resources, a printed envelope and card, and officer training.
• Police Officer Anthony Spinicia advocated for the program, noting it could be a first-in-New-York initiative for North Salem. He offered to help expand it to Putnam County, the State Police, and Westchester County.
• Councilman Martin expressed support and offered connections to the Westchester Municipal Officials Association and Assemblyman Chris Burdick.
• The Board encouraged promoting the program to the community via the town’s Facebook page and authorized the police department to coordinate training. No formal resolution was required.

Discussion Items

• Payment of Bills and Budget Transfers: The Supervisor reported that several budget lines for town and highway bills were overencumbered due to unapplied water charges and other timing issues. He assured the Board that sufficient cash exists and that water charges would be posted. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the need for better reporting and more timely budget transfers. The Board ultimately approved payment of town bills ($299,003.10) and highway bills ($52,601.94) after receiving assurances of solvency. Budget transfers (Resolution #23) were also approved to address 22 accounts with insufficient funds.
• Delancey Hall Renovations and Move-In: The Supervisor provided an update: floors are complete; a dehumidifier is needed; carpets will be installed October 19-20; deep cleaning on October 23; movers scheduled for October 27; security system upgraded to cellular; window shades and a sink still to be purchased. The trailer will be removed on November 2. Concerns about humidity and potential future porch repairs were discussed.
• Auxiliary Heat for Delancey Hall: Three options were presented for backup heat: propane tanks (outside) at ~$14,000-$15,000, two 110-gallon Roth tanks in the basement at $8,155, or a single outside tank at $6,925. The Board favored the basement tanks but requested additional quotes. The item was tabled until the next meeting.
• Draft Letter to Governor Hochul: Councilwoman Catherine presented a draft letter requesting the Governor to consider designating EMS as an essential service with full state funding, and to support increased state reimbursement for residential solar installations (approx. $5,000). The Board approved the letter unanimously.
• 3 Owens Drainage: The Supervisor reported that storm drains are clogged and require excavation to catch basins. The Highway Department may perform the work; costs are being evaluated.
• Political Signs in Right-of-Way: Councilwoman Warren raised concerns about numerous campaign and business signs illegally placed in town rights-of-way. The Board instructed the Highway Department to remove them. The Supervisor agreed to direct Highway Superintendent Bo to have staff pick up signs.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions Adopted: All 23 resolutions were passed, including:
  • Paying town bills ($299,003.10) and highway bills ($52,601.94).
  • Amending Resolution #289-26 to appoint Sean T. Esposito as full-time Automotive Mechanic at $49/hour.
  • Appointing Alexia Vasilieu as permanent Assessment Assistant at $78,479.69/year.
  • Appointing Kate Randy to the Historic Preservation Commission (term expires Sept. 1, 2030).
  • Appointing Gabriel Della Lane as seasonal office assistant in the Town Clerk’s office ($18/hr, Oct. 19 – Feb. 19, 2027).
  • Creating new budget codes for a seasonal office assistant and for cemetery gravestone repairs.
  • Authorizing expenses for: expedited pump shipping ($885, 74% North Salem/26% Southeast), railing modification ($820), brush cleanup at Peach Lake WWTP ($8,000, 74%/26%), post-construction deep cleaning at Delancey Hall ($3,500), agreement with NYSDOT for Candlewood Park road work, letter to Town of Somers confirming retention of $526,000 ARPA funds, moving services ($22,555), carbon filter replacement ($1,800, 74%/26%), HVAC change order ($5,493), and solicitor’s license for Renewal by Andersen (expires Jan. 1, 2027).
  • Acknowledging resignation of Marie Holeshko from the Capital Planning Committee.
  • Approving budget transfers (22 transfers) as attached.
• Letter to Governor Hochul: Approved for sending.
• Auxiliary Heat Decision: Tabled pending additional quotes.
• Sign Removal: Highway Department tasked with removing political and commercial signs from rights-of-way.

Meeting Adjournment

The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote after completing all agenda items.