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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession – October 27, 2026

Town Board & Boards — Tuesday, October 27, 2026

BodyNorth Salem, New York

SessionTown Board & Boards

DateTuesday, October 27, 2026

StatusNEW · FILED

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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Okay.

0:01

Martin Eric check's on the on here and uh Brent Brent will be here by six, it's a little

Speaker 2

0:06

too early for him, but uh

Speaker 1

0:08

okay.

Unassigned speaker

0:09

Speaker 1

0:10

I'm gonna call the uh October 27th, 2026 town board meeting to order, and we'll start with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Unassigned speaker

0:17

Speaker 3

0:17

pledge

Speaker 2

0:18

allegiance to the flag of the United

Speaker 3

0:20

States of America to the Republic for which it stands under God.

0:30

Okay.

Unassigned speaker

0:33

Speaker 1

0:33

first resolution is to go in executive session.

Unassigned speaker

0:37

And

Speaker 1

0:38

it's resolved the town board hereby uh shall enter executive uh enter an executive session for legal advice of council.

Unassigned speaker

0:45

And

Speaker 2

0:45

I'll make the motion.

0:46

Second.

0:47

All in favor.

0:48

Aye.

Speaker 1

0:49

And I vote aye.

0:50

I didn't ask for comments,

Unassigned speaker

0:52

but I

Speaker 1

0:53

went crazy there for a

Unassigned speaker

0:55

bit.

Unassigned speaker

0:58

Thank you.

Speaker 1

1:01

Okay, so we were in we started the meeting uh at 5 30.

1:05

We've been having fun.

Speaker 4

1:08

Wow.

Speaker 1

1:08

And uh we're in executive session, we're coming out of executive session, we're gonna go back into the uh town board meeting.

Speaker 5

1:15

Speaker 1

1:17

we have a public hearing.

1:18

We have two public hearing nodes.

1:19

One we're gonna continue.

1:20

I don't have to read the notice for, but what we will do, just because I see a bunch of folks

Unassigned speaker

1:25

from

Speaker 1

1:26

Northern Westchester Country Club here, we're gonna start with the PAPS one, if that's okay with you.

1:32

And I do have right in this pile, and I should have I just looking at a second ago.

Unassigned speaker

1:39

Speaker 1

1:40

have the PAPS public hearing notice.

1:41

So I'm gonna read

Unassigned speaker

1:42

this.

Speaker 1

1:43

Notices here by giving the town board town North Salem.

1:46

Westchester County will uh meet in a town meeting room, June uh 66 June Road, North Salem, New York in said town on October 27th at 7 p.m.

1:55

Prevailing time for the purpose of conducting a public hearing upon certain estimate of costs in relation to the proposed increase in improvements of the facilities of PAPS water district in said town, consisting of the construction of a new warehouse related infrastructure, including original furnished, equipment, machinery, apparatuses, appurtences, and incidental improvements and expenses in the connection uh with uh therewith at the present water district facilities location at a maximum cost of 850,000.

2:23

It has been determined that said project is a type two action under the regulations promulgated under seeker, which has been determined and will not result in any significant adverse impact on the environment.

2:32

At said public hearing, uh said town will hear all persons interested in the subject matter thereof.

Unassigned speaker

2:38

Dated North Salem, New York, September 30th, by order of the town board, town North Salem, Westchester Court, uh West County, New York, uh Maria C.

Speaker 1

2:46

Holeshko, town clerk.

2:48

Okay.

2:49

So this is the first public hearing, and then what we do with any of these things whenever we're doing bonds and such is we do that so everybody's aware of what's going on.

2:56

We we post it and stuff, it goes out in the newspaper.

2:59

And Maria, where was that?

3:01

Where was that noticed?

3:02

Is it Journal News or North Salem News?

3:05

One of them.

3:06

Doesn't matter.

3:07

That's okay.

Speaker 6

3:08

There was the North

Unassigned speaker

3:09

Sound.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Water And Wastewater Management████████████████████20%

Public Safety████████████12%

Parking Management██████████10%

Procedural█████████9%

Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%

Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%

Public Engagement█████5%

Personnel Matters█████5%

Equipment Procurement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Town of North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession – October 27, 2026

The North Salem Town Board held a combined Regular Meeting and Worksession on October 27, 2026, from 5:30 PM (executive session) to approximately 9:00 PM. The agenda included two public hearings (Pabst Water District bond and Route 121 parking restrictions), a worksession on the 2027 tentative budget (Police Chief and Recreation Superintendent presentations), approval of minutes, and adoption of 13 resolutions. All votes were unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

Pabst Water District Public Hearing: Charles Vocal, a resident of the Northern Westchester Country Club area, asked about the number of users (72) and non-users (12), future billing structures (potential for metered usage), and the capital cost allocation among all district members. He also inquired about the location of the new treatment building. Another resident, Alison, asked about the holding tank location.
Route 121 Parking Public Hearing: No public testimony was offered; discussion involved board members and the Chief of Police.

Discussion Items

Pabst Water District Improvement Project: Supervisor outlined the need to address PFOS/PFOA contamination (currently 10-14 parts per trillion, with a state health advisory level of 10 ppt and a planned reduction to 4 ppt by 2029). The project will construct a new treatment building, install filters that chemically bind PFAS, and relocate equipment to a district-owned lot. The total cost is estimated at $850,000, with a State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant covering 70% of eligible costs (up to $845,320), leaving 30% to be financed by bonds. The project awaits final NYS Department of Health approval.
Route 121 Parking Restrictions (Continued): The board debated whether to limit parking to weekends or retain a full-time no-parking zone. Council members noted safety concerns due to high traffic speeds (45 mph), sight distance issues, and pedestrian exposure. Chief Andrew reported that despite the current ordinance, crowds continue to gather, creating hazards. Councilwoman Cynthia advocated for a 24/7 no-parking rule, citing the state road’s speed limit and lack of crosswalks. Ultimately, the board decided to maintain the full-time prohibition already in law and directed the Supervisor to install “No Parking Anytime” signs. The board also noted that Route 121 will be closed from November 9 for approximately three months for a culvert replacement by the State DOT.
2027 Budget – Police Department: Chief Tom Howley presented a budget for officer tasers (five-year agreement, $10,795), a replacement hybrid police vehicle (Ford hybrid, estimated $5850 for equipment transfer), and an increase in uniform allowance from $4,000 to $6,000. The Board encouraged the Chief to seek grants for the tasers.
2027 Budget – Recreation Department: Superintendent Lauren Rosasco provided statistics: community center usage (highest on Wednesdays, with free classes well-attended); facility rental revenue (projected $18,000–$20,000 in 2026, up from about $10,000 in 2025); and a dramatic increase in home-delivered meals from 11–12 meals per day in 2025 to 20–24 in 2026. The 2025 actual cost for meals was $32,000, far exceeding the $18,500 budget. Through September 2026, over 3,200 meals had been served (vs. 3,000 in all of 2025). She requested an expense line for rental-related costs and part-time labor (10 hrs/week at $23/hr) for snow removal and facility upkeep.

Key Outcomes

Public Hearings Closed: Both the Pabst Water District and Route 121 parking hearings were formally closed.
Pabst Water District Bond Resolution (Res. #13) Adopted: Unanimous roll-call vote (Peter, Catherine, Frank, Supervisor). Authorizes up to $850,000 in bonds; state grant will reimburse 70% of project costs.
Parking Ordinance Upheld: The existing 24/7 no-parking ordinance on Route 121 sections will be implemented with DOT permission; signs will be installed.
2027 Budget Discussions: Police and Recreation budget requests were received for further review; specifics to be incorporated into the final 2027 town budget.
Resolutions Approved (all unanimous):
- Res. #2 – Architectural Review Board Chair: Marjorie Soblack appointed (term to Dec 31, 2026).
- Res. #3 – Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Reappointments: Sharon Churcher and Jocko McKeon reappointed to Oct 31, 2028.
- Res. #4 – CAC Reappointment (Robert Wasp): Reappointed to term ending Oct 31, 2028, with understanding that he will resign effective Dec 31, 2026.
- Res. #5 – Acknowledgement of Retirement: Paul McCabe, Highway Department, retiring Dec 14, 2026.
- Res. #6 – Acknowledgement of Resignation: Police Officer William Nemeth, effective Nov 15, 2026.
- Res. #7 – Structural Inspection: $2,350 to Day & Stokosa Engineering for Community Center inspection.
- Res. #8 – Water Supply Permits: $2,050 total annual fees for five water districts.
- Res. #9 – Hach Service Agreement: $7,799 for turbidity equipment service (paid by NYC DEP).
- Res. #10 – Electrical Panel Installation: $5,500 to Acorn Electrical for well #4 (Croton Falls Water District).
- Res. #11 – Temporary Oil Tank: $960 to Envirostar for Delancey Hall.
- Res. #12 – Porch Repair Bid: $36,600 to JTS Construction of Dutchess for Lobdel House.
- Res. #14 – HVAC Cleaning: $3,800 to Lint-X for Delancey Hall cleaning.
- Res. #15 – Historic Drawings: $500 agreement with Tim Farina for pen-and-ink artwork of two landmark properties (replacing previous contract with Richard O’Leary).
Meeting Adjourned: Approximately 9:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. Martin Eric check's on the on here and uh Brent Brent will be here by six, it's a little too early for him, but uh okay. So I'm gonna call the uh October 27th, 2026 town board meeting to order, and we'll start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands under God. Okay. So first resolution is to go in executive session. And it's resolved the town board hereby uh shall enter executive uh enter an executive session for legal advice of council. And I'll make the motion. Second. All in favor. Aye. And I vote aye. I didn't ask for comments, but I went crazy there for a bit. Thank you. Okay, so we were in we started the meeting uh at 5 30. We've been having fun. Wow. And uh we're in executive session, we're coming out of executive session, we're gonna go back into the uh town board meeting. Um we have a public hearing. We have two public hearing nodes. One we're gonna continue. I don't have to read the notice for, but what we will do, just because I see a bunch of folks from Northern Westchester Country Club here, we're gonna start with the PAPS one, if that's okay with you. And I do have right in this pile, and I should have I just looking at a second ago. I have the PAPS public hearing notice. So I'm gonna read this. Notices here by giving the town board town North Salem. Westchester County will uh meet in a town meeting room, June uh 66 June Road, North Salem, New York in said town on October 27th at 7 p.m. Prevailing time for the purpose of conducting a public hearing upon certain estimate of costs in relation to the proposed increase in improvements of the facilities of PAPS water district in said town, consisting of the construction of a new warehouse related infrastructure, including original furnished, equipment, machinery, apparatuses, appurtences, and incidental improvements and expenses in the connection uh with uh therewith at the present water district facilities location at a maximum cost of 850,000. It has been determined that said project is a type two action under the regulations promulgated under seeker, which has been determined and will not result in any significant adverse impact on the environment. At said public hearing, uh said town will hear all persons interested in the subject matter thereof. Dated North Salem, New York, September 30th, by order of the town board, town North Salem, Westchester Court, uh West County, New York, uh Maria C. Holeshko, town clerk. Okay.

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Town of North Salem Town Board Regular Meeting/Worksession – October 27, 2026

Public Comments & Testimony

Pabst Water District Public Hearing: Charles Vocal, a resident of the Northern Westchester Country Club area, asked about the number of users (72) and non-users (12), future billing structures (potential for metered usage), and the capital cost allocation among all district members. He also inquired about the location of the new treatment building. Another resident, Alison, asked about the holding tank location.

Route 121 Parking Public Hearing: No public testimony was offered; discussion involved board members and the Chief of Police.

Discussion Items

Pabst Water District Improvement Project: Supervisor outlined the need to address PFOS/PFOA contamination (currently 10-14 parts per trillion, with a state health advisory level of 10 ppt and a planned reduction to 4 ppt by 2029). The project will construct a new treatment building, install filters that chemically bind PFAS, and relocate equipment to a district-owned lot. The total cost is estimated at $850,000, with a State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant covering 70% of eligible costs (up to $845,320), leaving 30% to be financed by bonds. The project awaits final NYS Department of Health approval.

Route 121 Parking Restrictions (Continued): The board debated whether to limit parking to weekends or retain a full-time no-parking zone. Council members noted safety concerns due to high traffic speeds (45 mph), sight distance issues, and pedestrian exposure. Chief Andrew reported that despite the current ordinance, crowds continue to gather, creating hazards. Councilwoman Cynthia advocated for a 24/7 no-parking rule, citing the state road’s speed limit and lack of crosswalks. Ultimately, the board decided to maintain the full-time prohibition already in law and directed the Supervisor to install “No Parking Anytime” signs. The board also noted that Route 121 will be closed from November 9 for approximately three months for a culvert replacement by the State DOT.

2027 Budget – Police Department: Chief Tom Howley presented a budget for officer tasers (five-year agreement, $10,795), a replacement hybrid police vehicle (Ford hybrid, estimated $5850 for equipment transfer), and an increase in uniform allowance from $4,000 to $6,000. The Board encouraged the Chief to seek grants for the tasers.

2027 Budget – Recreation Department: Superintendent Lauren Rosasco provided statistics: community center usage (highest on Wednesdays, with free classes well-attended); facility rental revenue (projected $18,000–$20,000 in 2026, up from about $10,000 in 2025); and a dramatic increase in home-delivered meals from 11–12 meals per day in 2025 to 20–24 in 2026. The 2025 actual cost for meals was $32,000, far exceeding the $18,500 budget. Through September 2026, over 3,200 meals had been served (vs. 3,000 in all of 2025). She requested an expense line for rental-related costs and part-time labor (10 hrs/week at $23/hr) for snow removal and facility upkeep.

Key Outcomes

Public Hearings Closed: Both the Pabst Water District and Route 121 parking hearings were formally closed.

Pabst Water District Bond Resolution (Res. #13) Adopted: Unanimous roll-call vote (Peter, Catherine, Frank, Supervisor). Authorizes up to $850,000 in bonds; state grant will reimburse 70% of project costs.

Parking Ordinance Upheld: The existing 24/7 no-parking ordinance on Route 121 sections will be implemented with DOT permission; signs will be installed.

2027 Budget Discussions: Police and Recreation budget requests were received for further review; specifics to be incorporated into the final 2027 town budget.

Resolutions Approved (all unanimous):

Res. #2 – Architectural Review Board Chair: Marjorie Soblack appointed (term to Dec 31, 2026).
Res. #3 – Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) Reappointments: Sharon Churcher and Jocko McKeon reappointed to Oct 31, 2028.
Res. #4 – CAC Reappointment (Robert Wasp): Reappointed to term ending Oct 31, 2028, with understanding that he will resign effective Dec 31, 2026.
Res. #5 – Acknowledgement of Retirement: Paul McCabe, Highway Department, retiring Dec 14, 2026.
Res. #6 – Acknowledgement of Resignation: Police Officer William Nemeth, effective Nov 15, 2026.
Res. #7 – Structural Inspection: $2,350 to Day & Stokosa Engineering for Community Center inspection.
Res. #8 – Water Supply Permits: $2,050 total annual fees for five water districts.
Res. #9 – Hach Service Agreement: $7,799 for turbidity equipment service (paid by NYC DEP).
Res. #10 – Electrical Panel Installation: $5,500 to Acorn Electrical for well #4 (Croton Falls Water District).
Res. #11 – Temporary Oil Tank: $960 to Envirostar for Delancey Hall.
Res. #12 – Porch Repair Bid: $36,600 to JTS Construction of Dutchess for Lobdel House.
Res. #14 – HVAC Cleaning: $3,800 to Lint-X for Delancey Hall cleaning.
Res. #15 – Historic Drawings: $500 agreement with Tim Farina for pen-and-ink artwork of two landmark properties (replacing previous contract with Richard O’Leary).

Meeting Adjourned: Approximately 9:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript