Public Meetings - North Salem, New York

The North Salem Historic Preservation Commission met in person and via Zoom on June 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM (public hearing at 5:00 PM) at the North Salem Town Meeting Hall. Chairwoman Pantezzi called the meeting to order. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 4 Main Street, Purdys (the Purdys Hotel), proposed for restoration of the original cupola and two-story front porches. The Commission approved June 1, 2026 minutes, noted the absence of public attendees, and discussed a procedural issue regarding proof of mailing notice. The applicant's representative, Foster Moore, was present. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the minutes from June 1, 2026. Minor typos were noted (e.g., spelling of

The Town of North Salem Town Board met in person and via Zoom at Town Meeting Hall on June 23, 2026. Per the agenda, the meeting was scheduled to begin with a 6:30 p.m. executive session followed by the 7:00 p.m. regular meeting. The board entered executive session for just over an hour, then reconvened and unanimously approved all six agenda resolutions (plus one resolution offered from the floor) covering community event funding, a longevity bonus, water district engineering work, a highway truck purchase, an escrow release, and a tax assessment consent judgment. The board also heard public testimony from a neighboring resident about pickleball noise at the town tennis courts. Executive Session - The board unanimously adopted Resolution 1 to enter executive session for legal advice of counsel, contracts, and personnel matters involving particular persons. The session lasted just over an hour before the board reconvened and resumed the regular agenda. Resolutions - Norm Hathaway Moonlight Swing Band – $1,500 payment. The board unanimously authorized payment of $1,500 to the Hammond Museum for the annual Norm Hathaway Moonlight Swing Band event on August 14, 2026, which the town underwrites so the concert remains free to North Salem residents. The amount was increased from the prior $1,000; Council member Martin, who made the motion, said the increase reflects the large orchestra's higher costs. - Planning Board Secretary longevity bonus. The board unanimously authorized an annual longevity bonus of $3,660.80 to Planning Board Secretary Dawn (surname transcribed in the record as 'Andoffrick'), commencing July 25 after completing 25 consecutive years of full-time service to the town. - JEM Engineering agreement – Candlewood Park Water District. The board unanimously authorized the supervisor to sign the attached quote with JEM Engineering for $2,250 to replace the precision digital level control at the Valeria Circle Well Building. The motion was amended to add 'Candlewood Park Water District' for clarity. Any additional work needed to troubleshoot the radio modules will be billed at $170 per hour. The supervisor estimated troubleshooting would likely be a couple of hours if needed and said the total should not exceed $3,000. The roughly 70,000-gallon tank is currently being managed manually because the radio-based on/off controls need replacement. - New York Freightliner / Western Star truck purchase. The board unanimously authorized the supervisor to sign the attached quote with New York Freightliner and Western Star (spelled 'Wernstar' on the agenda) for $147,610.64 for a 2027 Freightliner 108 SD 4x2 cab chassis. The resolution amends the town's prior authorization of $169,090.77 for a truck from which the town had been officially released. Discussion noted that most area towns now use two-wheel-drive trucks with traction aids such as front on-spot chains and continuous salt/sand application in front of the wheels. A new plow and hydraulic system will cost approximately another $160,000, and the supervisor said he will return with final pricing; delivery is hoped for by December. The body of the old truck will be stripped and reused, and the truck with the blown motor will be converted to a salt brine truck and auctioned in January. - Escrow release – 6 Brookside Lane. The board unanimously authorized release of the building department engineering escrow for 6 Brookside Lane, North Salem, in the amount of $731.94, as approved by Building Inspector James Duhig on June 22, 2026. The check is payable to Robert Fogle of 75 Lake Shore Drive (transcribed as 'Lake Short Drive'), Brewster, New York. - Consent judgment – Nash Road Holdings LLC v. Town of North Salem. The board unanimously authorized the town attorney to execute a consent judgment in Nash Road Holdings LLC v. Town of North Salem, Index No. 710/4/2025 (as transcribed), for assessment year 2025. Under the judgment, the assessed valuation of Lot 43-1137-40 was reduced by $292,400, Lot 43-1356-26 was reduced by $38,400, and Lot 44-1356-157 was not changed at all. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Walsh, a resident whose home is next door to the town tennis courts, expressed disappointment with the decision to add pickleball lines to the tennis courts, calling it a nuisance that affects his quality of life. He said the sound is piercing, that he cannot open his windows, and that he can hear play inside his home with the TV on. He reported play continuing until 9:00 p.m., people ignoring posted time signage, and weekends being the worst (including a Father's Day gathering with family). He said his property is roughly 150 feet from the courts versus what he believes is the recommended 500-foot separation, that he does not like pickleball there 'period,' and he asked to be included in future discussions about relocating pickleball and about sound barrier options. He stated his concern is with the town and parks department, not with the pickleball club or players. Discussion Items - Pickleball noise mitigation. Board members discussed possible responses to Walsh's concerns, including having police drive through the area, installing soundproofing on the back of the fencing (estimated at about $15,000, with effectiveness not yet measured and height constrained by storm concerns), obtaining acoustic data or scientific studies from sound barrier manufacturers, enforcing or adjusting time-of-day restrictions, and considering alternate locations. The recreation committee, which meets the first Monday of each month and is updating the town recreation plan, was identified as the appropriate venue for long-term pickleball siting; the board agreed to connect Walsh with recreation liaison Lauren Rosasko. One board member noted the board's compromise had been more expansive than the recreation committee's initial proposal and that the arrangement is 'not written in stone' and can be adjusted based on how it works in practice. Key Outcomes - All seven resolutions passed unanimously on June 23, 2026: (1) executive session; (2) $1,500 payment for the Norm Hathaway Moonlight Swing Band event; (3) $3,660.80 longevity bonus for the Planning Board Secretary; (4) $2,250 JEM Engineering agreement for the Candlewood Park Water District level control replacement; (5) $147,610.64 Freightliner/Western Star truck purchase amending the prior $169,090.77 authorization; (6) $731.94 escrow release for 6 Brookside Lane; and (7) the Nash Road Holdings consent judgment. - The board agreed to have police drive through the tennis court area, to research sound barrier effectiveness, and to connect Tom Walsh with recreation liaison Lauren Rosasko for the recreation plan update. - The supervisor will return to the board with final pricing for the new truck's plow and hydraulic system.

The North Salem Planning Board held a work session on June 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM via Zoom and in person. The board discussed proposed revisions to the Town's tree ordinance (Chapter 189) and a new special permit for land conservation organizations. The meeting also included discussions on technology improvements and scheduling future meetings. Discussion Items Tree Ordinance Revisions The board reviewed a proposal to require a clearance form for all tree removals, allowing the Building Inspector to quickly confirm whether a permit is needed. The Chair explained that the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) had reviewed the latest draft and was comfortable with the approach. Board members expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about adding administrative burden to the building department. Suggestions included automating the process via an online form that could pre-qualify homeowners, reducing the need for manual review. The Chair noted that discussions with the Town's IT department are planned to explore digital solutions. The board agreed that the clearance form should be integrated into the code in multiple sections (applicability, regulated activities, and excluded activities) to ensure homeowners encounter the requirement. Will was tasked with drafting the form and revising the ordinance language for clarity. The Chair also committed to speaking with the Building Inspector and the new assistant, Jennifer, to gauge their comfort with the additional workflow. Land Conservation Special Permit The board discussed a draft local law to allow land conservation organizations (e.g., North Salem Open Land Foundation, Bedford Audubon Society, Westchester Land Trust) to apply for a special permit to locate limited office, storage, educational, and caretaker facilities on parcels of 50 acres or more within residential districts. The primary purpose must remain land conservation. Permitted accessory uses include an office, caretaker dwelling, nature center, barns, and occasional special events (up to 200 people). The Chair recused herself from this discussion. Will presented the draft, which borrows language from existing recreation-use provisions. Board members considered the potential impacts on neighboring properties and stressed the importance of clear standards for traffic, parking, and compatibility. The draft will be refined before being forwarded to the Town Board for a public hearing. Key Outcomes + The board scheduled the next regular meeting for July 8, 2026 (moved from July 1) to continue work on both items. + Will will revise the tree ordinance to incorporate the clearance form and clarify the permit thresholds. + The Chair will meet with the Building Inspector and Town IT staff to evaluate online automation for the tree clearance process. + The land conservation special permit draft will be further discussed at the July 8 meeting, after which it may be referred to the Town Board.

The North Salem Town Board held a special meeting on June 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM, meeting in person and via Zoom. The board entered executive session for a personnel matter, then returned to regular session to act on two resolutions: a partial payment to Alinga Construction Corp. and an amendment to a prior budget transfer resolution. All motions were approved unanimously by voice vote. Executive Session - The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss personnel – particular persons, and later voted unanimously to return to the regular meeting. Resolution: Alinga Construction Corp. Payment - The board considered payment to Alinga Construction Corp. for application for payment No. 1. Engineering review did not recommend paying the full amount because punch list items remained outstanding. - Instead of the $29,950 requested, the board approved paying $23,960, representing 80% of the amount, and holding back $5,990 as retainage until the remaining work is completed. - The board noted that Han Engineering reviewed and approved the payment application on June 12, 2026. Resolution: Amendment to Budget Transfer Resolution 208-26 - The board amended Resolution 208-26 to correct a transposed account number in the prior budget transfer. The correct transfer is $30,000 from general fund contingency account 010.1990.429 to special legal counsel account 010.1990.432 to cover legal fees in the matter DMO versus North Salem. - A board member explained that an estimate from Rowland for the DMO/DMAO bill was about $25,000, and the full $30,000 transfer was intended to ensure enough funds were available; the board could later move back any unused amount. - The board also discussed that some Justice Court-related bills had been coded to the legal counsel line. A board member noted about $11,000 remained on the Justice Court line and that money under the town attorney's VNT/Justice Court line might need to be moved or reallocated. No action was taken on that point, but the board indicated the issue would be discussed further. Other Business - The board briefly noted a morning walkthrough with painting contractors, who were expected to follow up with the town. Key Outcomes - Approved entering and exiting executive session for a personnel matter. - Approved payment of $23,960 to Alinga Construction Corp., with $5,990 held back pending completion of punch list work. - Approved amending Resolution 208-26 to transfer $30,000 from contingency to special legal counsel for DMO versus North Salem legal fees. - Adjourned the meeting after acting on the resolutions.

The North Salem Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on June 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM in-person and via Zoom. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, a held-over special permit application, and four public hearing items. The Board set the next meeting date to July 9, 2026.

The Town Board of North Salem held a Regular Meeting and Worksession on June 9, 2026. The meeting covered routine approvals of minutes and reports, a significant debate on the town's Tyler ERP accounting system during the approval of bills, a worksession on highway department equipment and staffing needs, and the adoption of multiple personnel and financial resolutions. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting and the May 26, 2026 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting. - Reports: Accepted monthly reports from the Building Inspector, Facilities Manager, Highway Department, Planning Board, Police Department, Receiver of Taxes, Supervisor, and Town Clerk for May 2026. The Recreation Report was deferred. - Resolutions passed unanimously included: - An hourly longevity bonus for a Highway Department motor equipment operator. - The appointment of Peter Zamboletti to the Planning Board, following the resignation of Emily Simonis. - Appointment of seasonal employees for the 2026 Summer Day Camp. - Renewal of the town's Logically Fortinet licensing agreement ($461.84). - Authorization to purchase a New York Freightliner 2027 base vehicle cab ($169,090.77). - Additional expenses for the Revolutionary North Salem 250 event ($900). - Purchase of a new water quality meter for the Peach Lake Sewer District from Hach Company ($2,607.30). - A contract with Mini-Golf to Go for the RNS 250 event ($2,500). - A tax refund to the Greene Family Irrevocable Trust ($1,512.94). Discussion Items Highway Department Worksession (Equipment & Staffing) The Board discussed replacing a failing heavy truck. The Highway Superintendent outlined a plan to purchase a new cab and retrofit it with an existing dump body, estimating significant savings over a fully built new truck. Two previously authorized F-600 trucks are on schedule for late 2026 delivery. The Superintendent argued the department is critically understaffed in maintenance, stating the sole mechanic is overwhelmed with a fleet of over 50 vehicles, leading to breakdowns and expensive outside repairs. The Board authorized the Superintendent to begin actively recruiting a second full-time mechanic. Bills Review and Tyler ERP Accounting System Debate A major debate arose during the approval of the Town Bills abstract. A board member reported that a review of the abstract found a significant volume of invoices coded to budget lines that had insufficient funds or incorrect account codes within the town's new Tyler ERP system. This board member argued the Board could not properly audit the bills under these conditions and voted against the measure. The Supervisor countered that all the bills represented valid, necessary expenditures and the coding issues were largely due to a lack of training for department heads on the new system. He advocated for immediate payment. Key Outcome of the Discussion: The Town Bills ($357,717.34) were approved on a 4-1 vote, and the Highway Bills ($40,652.23) were approved unanimously. The Board mandated that the Finance Office immediately enable system controls in Tyler to prevent vouchers from being processed against lines with insufficient funds. It also directed that all department heads receive formal training on correct account codes to prevent future mismatches. A budget transfer of $30,000 from the contingency line to the special legal counsel line was approved to cover legal fees for the matter DeMayo v. Town of North Salem. Key Outcomes - Approved Town Bills ($357,717.34; 4-1) and Highway Bills ($40,652.23; unanimous). - Directed the hiring process for a second Highway Department mechanic. - Mandated corrective actions for the Tyler ERP accounting system, including enforcing budget limits and training department heads. - Appointed a new member to the Planning Board. - Approved the purchase of a new highway truck cab and a new water meter. - Approved contract and expenses for the Revolutionary North Salem 250 event. - The meeting entered executive session twice: first for a personnel matter and later for litigation, before adjourning.

The Town of North Salem Planning Board convened on June 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The Chair announced the resignation of board member Emily Simonis and the appointment of new member Chris Stankowitz. The board approved a preliminary subdivision plat for Hawley Woods, approved a wetland permit and related approvals for the Bossi property at 2 Brookside Lane, and carried over the public hearing for Grant Road LLC to a future meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - The board acknowledged receipt of written public hearing comments from Mark Sallas, Ellen Clark, and Alan Pilch regarding the Hawley Woods application, stating they had been considered in the draft resolution of approval. Discussion Items - Hawley Woods Preliminary Subdivision (396-404 Hawley Road): The board considered a draft resolution of approval. Applicant spokesperson Mr. Powell requested a correction on page 11, changing the requirement from an "electronic notice of intent" to an "individual permit" for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be filed with the New York State DEC, noting it is over an acre of disturbance of Phase D soil. The Chair flagged inconsistencies in the road widening strip measurements across the plan set and advised the applicant to ensure all charts match before resubmitting the final plat. - Bossi / 2 Brookside Lane Wetland Permit: The board debated Condition 13 regarding a potential future dock on Peach Lake. Attorney Alan Singer for the applicant objected to the wording, arguing it should not require a wetlands permit where none is required under the town code. The Chair proposed adding clarifying language: "If the dock will be secured solely with an anchor, then a wetlands permit may not be necessary." The board accepted this amendment. Key Outcomes - Hawley Woods: Motion to approve the negative declaration and preliminary subdivision plat carried unanimously (Ayes). A correction was made to page 11. The applicant was instructed to standardize road widening strip data before final plat submission. - Bossi / 2 Brookside Lane: Motion to adopt the resolution of approval with the clarified Condition 13 carried unanimously (Ayes). - Grant Road LLC: Public hearing formally carried over to the July 2026 meeting. - Financial Report (May 2026): Approved by the board. - Minutes (May 6, 2026): Approved by the board. - Next Meetings: A work session is scheduled for June 17, 2026. The July regular meeting date is to be confirmed (either July 1 or July 8). Administrative Updates - Board Resignation and Appointment: Emily Simonis resigned from the Planning Board. The Town Board appointed Chris Stankowitz as her replacement; Mr. Stankowitz will join upon taking his oath of office. - AI Research Discussion: Board members discussed the use of artificial intelligence for municipal and legal research, noting the importance of verifying outputs and using closed, proprietary systems when handling confidential information.

The North Salem Town Board convened on May 26, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and an executive session (6:00–8:00 p.m.) for board interviews, personnel, and contracts. After reconvening, the board held a public hearing on a parking amendment, adopted several resolutions, and discussed the capital plan. Public Hearing – Parking Amendment (Local Law 03-26) The board considered a local law to amend Chapter 220, extending the no-parking zone on Route 121 south of Bloomer Road to 1,500 feet on both sides of the road. An email from Police Chief Tom Howley was read, suggesting restricting the no-parking enforcement to Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Board members noted that local business owners (Hayfields, Joe Savino) supported removing on-street parking for safety and that the current plan had been coordinated with them. The board declined to adopt the chief’s suggestion, deciding to keep the regulation as "no parking at all times." The public hearing was closed, and Local Law 03-26 was adopted unanimously. Appointments - Susan Moyer – Appointed to the Recreation Advisory Committee for a term expiring April 24, 2029. - Christopher Stankowitz – Appointed to the Planning Board to fill a vacancy, term expiring December 31, 2026. (Originally proposed as a full term to 2030, but amended to the remainder of the unexpired term.) Authorizations and Agreements (All passed unanimously) - Comairco Equipment Inc. (Peach Lake Sewer District): Authorized the supervisor to sign a service agreement for compressed air equipment at a cost of $22,079, fully reimbursed by New York City. - Insurance Renewal (Foa & Son): Amended Resolution 173-26 to authorize payment of $168,452.86 for comprehensive insurance coverage from May 14, 2026, to May 14, 2027. - 2026 Summer Camp Staff: Appointed approximately 50 seasonal employees as camp staff from June 6 to August 7, 2026, paid from camp revenues (over $250,000 in wages to local youth). - Highway Summer Laborers: Appointed four seasonal laborers (Ryan DePauley, George Neighbor, Nick Neighbor, Dylan Walter) at $20.65/hour from May 27 to September 27, 2026. - HVAC Change Order (Lobdell House): Authorized a $41,333 change order with HVAC Specialist Inc. for installation of two heat pump/air handler units, funded through energy-efficiency grants. - NIC Systems (Croton Falls Well 4): Authorized a $10,000 purchase (60% deposit) for a new electrical panel to operate the well. - Recreation Program Agreement (PA Eastern Football Club): Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement for a youth soccer camp at $200 per participant (participants pay $215). - Men’s Soccer League Volunteer: Appointed Gabriel Reyes as volunteer coach for the 2026 men’s soccer league. - Interior Painting of Delancey Hall: Authorized the supervisor to seek sealed bids for painting and priming interior walls, with amendments to include performance and maintenance bonds, removal of wallpaper, and a "color to be determined" note. Capital Plan and Facilities Discussion The capital planning committee met and considered the future of Lobdell House. The committee recommended considering a shorter‑term fix rather than a 50‑year commitment, as the building may not be the ideal long‑term solution for town offices. Immediate needs include porch repairs (estimated $25,000–$30,000), window replacement ($30,000), insulation, and foundation crack evaluation. The roof on the annex (approx. 30 years old) is also at end of life and will be bid. Board members discussed systematically addressing water losses in Croton Falls (15,000 gallons/day leak, budgeted funds of $23,000 for repairs remain) and the need for better metering. A broader evaluation of town office space options is planned. Key Outcomes - All resolutions passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes). - Local Law 03-26 (Parking Amendment) adopted. - All appointments and contract authorizations approved. - The board directed that the interior painting bid for Delancey Hall include performance bond, wallpaper removal, and sealed bid process. - No formal decision was made on the long‑term approach to Lobdell House; discussion will continue in the capital planning committee.

The Town of North Salem Zoning Board of Appeals met in person and via Zoom on May 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Only three board members were present, so every application required a unanimous vote. The board set its next meeting for June 11, 2026, approved the April 9, 2026 minutes, and conducted public hearings on a special permit renewal, a farm stand special permit, and an area variance. Call to Order & Administrative Items - The meeting was called to order with three board members present; the board noted that applicants could hold applications over without prejudice or additional filing fees, but none did. - The board set the next meeting date for June 11, 2026. - Minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Nicholas Barron, 38 Hilltop Road, a neighboring property owner through a small sliver of land, asked whether the GR, LLC application was simply a continuation of current operations. The board confirmed that it was a 10-year renewal with no proposed changes. Barron thanked the board for clarifying and raised no objection. Discussion Items BA26-14 – Titicus Farm, LLC (132 Titicus Road) – Held Over - The applicant requested a special permit for a roadside farm stand selling fruits and vegetables grown onsite on the approximately 35.46-acre R-2 property. The agenda noted the stand would be more than 15 feet from the street or lot line and would have at least two parking spaces. - The board held the application over, stating the application was not complete without a proper site plan, elevations of the proposed farm stand building, and a more detailed description of how the stand would operate. - The applicant said the material was ready, but it had not been submitted in the required number of copies to the secretary. - The board did not open a public hearing, but offered to provide informal comments after the meeting. BA26-13 – GR, LLC (451 & 376 Grant Road; 1-29 Bogtown Road) – 10-Year Special Permit Renewal Approved - The application sought renewal of Special Permit BA16-11 for keeping up to 54 horses and operating a commercial horse-boarding and breeding operation on the approximately 116.4-acre R-4 property, with no site improvements proposed. - Elizabeth Miller, owner of GR, LLC, said the farm operates as Stay Cell Farm, primarily at 451 Grant Road, with retired horses at 376 Grant Road and trail riding on the Bogtown Road parcel. She stated the farm typically has approximately 24 to 44 horses and has operated for 20 years. - The board praised the farm as well-run, beautifully maintained, and a gateway to North Salem. - The building inspector said he had inspected the property about three weeks earlier and found minor issues to address, mainly fire extinguisher updates and recharging. - The board’s resolution cited continuous horse keeping and breeding since 1981, no anticipated neighborhood impact, and no neighbor objections. The renewal incorporates prior conditions, compliance with the updated Dark Sky law, a manure removal plan, a fly control plan, and correction of all deficiencies noted by the building inspector. - The board voted unanimously to classify the action as Type II under SEQRA, and then voted unanimously to grant the renewal for another 10 years. BA26-15 – Michael & Bonnie Kramer (7 Old Schoolhouse Road) – Area Variance Approved - The applicants sought an area variance to reconstruct a fire-damaged single-family residence on an approximately 0.2-acre lot in the R-1/2 district. - The agenda stated the request is for a building coverage increase of 2.3%, where 10% is permitted, 11.8% is existing, and 12.3% is proposed, and an FAR increase of 0.034, where 0.2 is permitted, 0.217 is existing, and 0.234 is proposed. - During the board’s resolution, however, existing building coverage was stated as 11.3%, not 11.8% as listed in the agenda; the proposed coverage remained 12.3%. - The applicants’ representative explained that the front of the house would remain unchanged, the first floor would extend about 1.5 feet as a rear cantilever over the basement, and a bathroom would be added on the second floor toward the rear. The exterior would remain clapboard siding. - The board found no feasible alternative that would avoid the need for a variance, found the variance did not appear substantial, and noted that although the difficulty was self-created, it arose from a fire and did not preclude relief. The board imposed a condition that no exterior lighting be visible from its source. - The board voted unanimously to classify the action as Type II under SEQRA, and then voted unanimously to grant the area variances. Key Outcomes - BA26-14 was held over; the applicant must submit a complete application, including site plans, elevations, operational details, and proper copies, to the secretary. - BA26-13 was approved unanimously for another 10 years, subject to the conditions described above. - BA26-15 was approved unanimously, granting the requested area variances with the zero-visible-light condition. - The next meeting was set for June 11, 2026.