Public Meetings - North Salem, New York

The Town of North Salem Planning Board met on May 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM to discuss multiple subdivision applications, a tree ordinance amendment, and special permit provisions for land conservation nonprofits. The meeting included public hearings, final approval of a subdivision, a grant of extension, and work session items. Consent Calendar - Grant Road LLC preliminary subdivision carried over to the June meeting. - Little Mountain – Second 90-day extension of amended freshwater wetland permit and stormwater management permit granted, extending from April 20, 2026 to July 20, 2026. - Financial Report for March 2026 approved. - Minutes of April 1, 2026 and April 15, 2026 approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Hawley Woods Public Hearing: Alan Pilch (ALT Engineering) presented responses to previous comments, including correcting plat map discrepancies and addressing septic system proximity to 299 Post Road. Mark Sallas (299 Post Road) expressed concern about well contamination from the proposed septic system uphill and requested consideration of relocating the system. Wayne Fazinger (301 Post Road) also voiced concern about his well being 75–100 feet from the proposed septic area. Pilch noted all setbacks comply with Westchester County Department of Health regulations (100 ft down-gradient, 200 ft up-gradient). The board closed the public hearing and left the comment period open for 10 days. Discussion Items - APC Group (4 Hardscrabble Rd) – Final Subdivision Approval: Tim Allen (Bivo Associates) presented the final plat. Board discussed outstanding items from MDRA and Han memos, including removing DEP references, filing NOI at time of building permit, and engineering inspection fees. Board approved the three-lot subdivision with minor amendments. - Bossi (2 Brookside Ln) – Landscape Plan: Jerry Barrett (landscape architect) detailed updates to the restoration planting plan based on MDRA memo, including deer fencing, removal of dock, and adjustment of plant quantities. Debate arose over monitoring period (3 vs. 5 years) and survival rates (100% vs. 85% for trees). Board directed staff to prepare a resolution with 5-year monitoring, 100% survival for red maples, and 85% for other plantings. - Tree Ordinance (Chapter 189): Board reviewed draft amendments including administrative permits for removal of 1 tree ≥36" DBH and up to 10 trees per 12-month period, exemptions for hazardous trees (with arborist certification), and tree fund concept (not carried forward). Items for further review: definition of hedgerow, invasive species removal, penalties, and fees. Draft to be reviewed by CAC and town attorney before town board. - Special Permits – Land Conservation Nonprofits: Discussion focused on parameters for structures (size, number), accessory caretaker apartments, events/fundraisers, and site access. Board expressed caution about housing for employees and large events. Consensus to present draft to town board for guidance before proceeding. Key Outcomes - Hawley Woods: Public hearing closed; comment period open until May 16, 2026. - APC Group: Final subdivision approved (motion by Chair Curtis, seconded, all in favor) with three minor amendments (remove DEP references, NOI filed later, inspection fee at construction). - Little Mountain: Extension granted unanimously. - Bossi: Board directed Will to draft resolution of approval with 5-year monitoring and specific survival rates; resolution to be considered at June meeting. - Tree Ordinance: Draft to be reviewed by CAC and town attorney; board to later schedule town board appearance. - Nonprofit Special Permits: Board plans to present draft to town board for initial feedback.

The Town Board of North Salem met in person and via Zoom at Town Meeting Hall, 66 June Road, on April 28, 2026, with an executive session at 6:45 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. All resolutions before the board were approved unanimously by voice vote. The meeting included approvals of minutes, appointments, budget transfers, contract authorizations, parking rates, a public hearing date, and other board business. No public comment period is reflected in the transcript. Approval of Minutes - The board approved the March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting/Worksession minutes and took up Part II of the Recreation Department Monthly Report for March 2026 without changes. - The agenda also listed March 24, 2026 minutes; the transcript did not explicitly discuss that item, and no minutes document was available for comparison. Resolutions - Executive Session: The board approved Resolution 1 to enter executive session to interview a prospective committee candidate, then returned to open session. - Town Housing Board Reappointment: Approved reappointment of Maureen Kenny to the Town Housing Board for a term expiring April 14, 2029; the board thanked her for volunteering. - Budget Transfers: Authorized $22,125 in general-fund transfers to support a full-time office assistant in the Supervisor's office, moving funds from the Supervisor's contractual line to salary, Medicare, Social Security, and payment in lieu of health care lines ($14,000 salary; $525 Medicare; $2,600 Social Security; $5,000 payment in lieu of health insurance). The Supervisor noted the total annual salary was about $42,000 and that no budget increase was involved. - All Star Water Change Order: Approved Change Order 1 for $1,536 to All Star Water to furnish and install six rotometers and pipe brackets at the Sunset Ridge Water District, based on a March 24, 2026 letter from James Hond Engineering. Discussion noted the project bid was roughly $9,000–$10,000 versus a $29,000 next-lowest bid. - Finalsite Emergency Contact System: Authorized the Supervisor to sign an agreement with Active Internet Technologies dba Finalsite for emergency contact and database services from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with payment of $3,578. This replaced the previous Blackboard Connect system. - Recreation Advisory Committee Reappointment: Approved reappointment of Brett Pouchir to the Recreation Advisory Committee for a term expiring April 24, 2029; he was thanked for his work with youth sports. - Tundra Contracting Payment: Authorized payment of $66,509.55 to Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. for Application for Payment 5 under the contract approved July 8, 2025. Discussion covered ongoing window restoration and exterior siding work. - Croton Falls Parking Rates: Set Croton Falls parking rates for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 at existing levels. Discussion noted the annual permit has remained $800 since about 2004–2005, the daily rate was referenced at $6 (up from $5), and business permits are $100. - Public Hearing on Chapter 220: Set a public hearing for May 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Meeting Hall, 66 June Road, or via Zoom, to consider a local law amending Chapter 220 (Vehicles and Traffic), Schedule VI of Section 220-26, regarding all-times parking prohibitions. Discussion referenced clarifying the east side of Route 121 and coordination with DOT and county officials. - Candlewood Park Lawn Contract: Authorized the Supervisor to sign an agreement with Salem Landscaping & Maintenance, Inc. for lawn maintenance at Candlewood Park, dated April 27, 2026, after an RFP process. Discussion cited spring cleanup of $540, full cleanup of $750, and mowing at $425 (up from $415 last year). - 861 Peach Lake Road Mowing: Authorized the Supervisor to sign an agreement with Salem Landscaping for bi-weekly mowing at 861 Peach Lake Road at $95 every other week, agreement dated March 21, 2026. - HVAC Specialist Payment: Authorized payment of $42,371.25 to HVAC Specialist, Inc. for materials for heat pump installation at Delancy Hall, Application for Payment 1. Discussion covered insurance verification, heat pumps by Mitsubishi and Bosch, an $169,000 bid for eight units, roughly $245,000–$250,000 in planned HVAC spending, and state grant reimbursement. - JP McHale Pest Management: Authorized the Supervisor to sign the integrated pest management proposal from JP McHale Pest Management LLC dated March 25, 2026, with a $442 upfront charge and $253 monthly charge (about $3,036 per year), covering the police, courthouse, Lobdell House Building Department, Three L's building, and recreation building. The prior Terminix contract had ended, and the facilities manager recommended the switch. Discussion Items - Farmers Market: The first weekly farmers market is scheduled for May 9, 2026; the permit fee is expected. Outdoor electrical outlets were installed in the rear parking lot so vendors will not need generators. - Board/Committee Vacancies: The town website lists vacancies on the Architectural Review Board, Board of Assessment Review, Conservation Advisory Council (two seats), Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, and Recreation Advisory Committee. - Filming Fee Code Change: A town code amendment is planned for the next meeting to move police filming rates out of the code and into the schedule of fees. - Solar/Town Garage Update: Solar rooftop installation is not yet connected; the Department of Labor released a hold on a $100,000 payment. Drone photos of the project were shared. - Delancy Hall Interior Work: The board discussed future bids for painting, floor sanding/restaining, and possible carpeting at Delancy Hall. A board member suggested soliciting Empire Flooring. Because bids must be advertised, work may start around the end of May. Key Outcomes - All motions before the board were approved unanimously. - Croton Falls parking rates remain unchanged for 2026–2027. - A public hearing on the Chapter 220 parking amendment is scheduled for May 26, 2026. - The Supervisor was authorized to sign multiple contracts and payments, including Finalsite, Salem Landscaping, HVAC Specialist, Tundra, and JP McHale. - Next steps include preparing the filming fee amendment, advertising Delancy Hall painting/flooring bids, and filling board/committee vacancies.

The North Salem Town Board held a special meeting in person and via Zoom on April 21, 2026, at 5:30 PM to consider one resolution: authorizing final payment to Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. for structural repair work on Delancey Hall under the old time-and-materials Contract One. After discussion about the delayed invoice and verification, the board approved the payment. Discussion Items - The board reviewed Resolution 1 to pay Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. $288,951.88 as final payment number three under the time-and-materials contract for structural repair, Contract One. - The invoice covers work through the end of November 2025 and includes certified payroll records from 2024. It includes change-order work such as painting the fence around roof AC units and power washing the Lobdell House. - Board member Catherine expressed concern that she could not independently verify the roughly 80 pages of payroll because she was not present on the job sites, and noted the bill was stale because the contractor had been asked for it multiple times over the past year. - The supervisor said the engineer had reviewed the package, and the contractor represented that this is everything owed under the old contract and does not include work under the new fixed-price contract. - The board noted there are 997 hours on the payroll in this final submission, that the same small crew was used throughout, and that the supervising engineer had tracked attendance and communicated with the contractor multiple times a week. - Board members expressed frustration that Tundra had not billed in a timely manner and said going forward the contractor must submit bills on a timely schedule; the supervisor agreed to confirm with Tundra that this closes out Contract One before the check is issued. Key Outcomes - The board moved, seconded, and unanimously approved by voice vote the resolution authorizing payment of $288,951.88 to Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. for final payment number three on Contract One. - The supervisor committed to confirming with the contractor that this is the final invoice for the old contract and to addressing timely billing for the new contract. - The meeting was adjourned after approximately nine minutes, in part so a board member could attend another meeting.

The Town of North Salem Planning Board met on April 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in a hybrid in-person and Zoom meeting. The board discussed three agenda items: a pre-application for the North Salem Open Land Foundation regarding office use in a residential zone, a regular application for property changes at 2 Brookside Ln. involving wetlands and conservation easement compliance, and a work session to refine the proposed tree ordinance with the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC). Key outcomes included directions to draft a zoning recommendation for conservation-related office uses, conditional approval of a revised landscape plan for the Brookside property pending consultant review, and a directive to restructure the tree ordinance into a two-tier permit system. Discussion Items 1. Pre-Application: North Salem Open Land Foundation (3 Willow Ln.) - The board discussed whether to recommend to the Town Board permitting office use as an accessory to passive recreation or as a standalone use for conservation-oriented nonprofit organizations in the R4 zoning district. Members expressed support for limiting such use to land trusts or conservation organizations and requiring the use to be on land owned by the organization. The board decided to have the applicant's planner (Will) draft a proposed zoning amendment, with potential research into similar ordinances in other towns. The applicant agreed to fund the drafting through an escrow account. 2. Regular Meeting: Bossi Property (2 Brookside Ln.) – Proposed Changes - Applicant representative Alan Singer presented revised plans for a property subject to a conservation easement with the town and wetland regulations. The board noted that the conservation easement prohibits any path or trail other than an approved four-foot pedestrian trail. The applicant agreed to remove all references to a defined trail and replace it with “no mow grass” that may be walked on without formal maintenance. The board also noted that the revised planting plan includes 65 trees and 176 shrubs (equivalent to 22 additional trees) for a total replacement of 71 removed stumps. The board directed the applicant to update the plans to remove trail references and then submit to the town’s wetlands inspector and CAC for review before a final decision. 3. Work Session: Continuation of Tree Ordinance Discussion with CAC - Rob West from the CAC presented a draft revision to the town’s tree ordinance. The board discussed structuring the ordinance similarly to the freshwater wetlands code: an administrative permit for removal of up to 10 trees (issued by the building inspector) and larger or more sensitive removals requiring planning board approval. Members emphasized requiring a certified arborist report for dead/diseased tree removal, giving the building inspector discretion to refer borderline cases to the planning board, and considering erosion control and buffer impacts. The board asked the town planner (Will) to reorganize the draft to reflect these tiers and bring back a revised version. Key Outcomes - North Salem Open Land Foundation: The board directed staff to draft a zoning recommendation allowing office use for conservation organizations on land they own in R4 districts, with the applicant covering drafting costs via escrow. A draft is expected at a future meeting. - Bossi Property: The applicant will revise plans to remove all trail references and resubmit. The board will refer the updated plan to the wetlands inspector and CAC for review. A decision is anticipated at the May 6 regular meeting or later. - Tree Ordinance: The board tasked the planner with reorganizing the ordinance into a two-tier permit system (administrative for ≤10 trees, planning board for larger removals) and incorporating safeguards such as arborist reports and building inspector discretion. A revised draft will be presented at a future work session. - Next Meetings: Regular meeting on May 6, 2026; work session on May 20, 2026 (chair not available, so Vice Chair Chris Brockmeyer may preside if quorum is present).

The North Salem Town Board met on April 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Town Meeting Hall and via Zoom. The board approved routine reports, appointed personnel, awarded bids, authorized expenses, and addressed infrastructure and budget issues. All resolutions were passed unanimously unless noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the February 24, 2026 Regular Meeting/Worksession and the March 3, 2026 Special Meeting minutes. (March 10 and March 24 minutes were deferred.) - Reports: Approved the March 2026 monthly reports from the Building Inspector, Facilities Manager, Highway Department, Planning Board (financial), Police Department, Receiver of Taxes, Recreation, Supervisor, and Town Clerk. The budget variance report was noted as missing. - The board then voted to enter Executive Session for legal advice and contracts (Resolution 1). Discussion Items Financial and Budget Concerns - Town Bills (Resolution 2): Approved abstract 4, claims 365–461, totaling $340,276.59. Discussion highlighted insufficient budget funds in the Candlewood Park Improvement District due to a $20,000 water line leak repair. The board noted that the district had adequate fund balance to cover the cost, but a formal budget transfer resolution is needed at the next meeting. A board member requested that the finance director review abstracts prior to approval to flag funding shortfalls. - Highway Bills (Resolution 3): Approved abstract 4, claims 462–493, totaling $109,277.05. Personnel & Appointments - Office Assistant (Resolution 4): Appointed Timothy Wolfle as full-time office assistant in the Supervisor’s office at $56,000/year, effective April 15, 2026. Wolfle, a town resident with a physics/astrophysics background, will work with the town clerk. - Seasonal Recreation Employees (Resolution 5): Appointed seven seasonal day camp employees for April 27–August 27, 2026: Frank D’Arasmo, Janice D’Arasmo ($25.50/hr), Ashley Cavella (Aquatics Director, $28.54/hr), Elena Nassau ($28.54/hr), William Nickeshire ($25.50/hr), Kathy Rosasco ($25.50/hr), Paul Rosasco ($25.50/hr), and Danielle Shook ($28.54/hr). - Volunteer (Resolution 6): Appointed Jack Roach as a volunteer for recreation programs at the community center. Infrastructure & Contract Awards - PFOS Removal – Sunset Ridge Water District (Resolution 7): Awarded bid to All Star Water for $9,898.67, per engineering recommendation. A change order for a $700 gauge is pending. - Delancey Hall Repairs (Resolution 8): Awarded bid to Alinga Construction Corp. for gypsum wallboard repair at a cost of $29,950. Windows are being installed. - Candlewood Lake Mowing RFP (Resolution 9): Authorized an RFP for biweekly mowing of 2 acres from May 1 to October 15 for 2026–2028 seasons. The board corrected the district name to “Candlewood Park Improvement District.” - Security System (Resolution 10): Authorized $1,080 to Ally Security Systems for relocating an intercom at the community center. - Solar Array Payment (Resolution 11): Authorized payment of $229,166.50 to Opal Energy LLC for rooftop solar installations at the Highway Garage and Salt Shed. The project is nearly complete; reimbursement grants will follow. - Peach Lake Equipment (Resolution 12): Authorized $5,088.10 to Hach Company for a new oxygen probe, controller, and turbidity cleaning module at the Peach Lake wastewater plant. - Water Leak Detection (Resolution 15): Authorized $2,250 to American Boundary Company for fence repair at Sunset Ridge Water District (damaged by a fallen tree). - Grinder Pumps & Covers (Resolution 17): Authorized $20,000 to Site Specific Design, Inc. for: one complete grinder pump ($6,620, to be reimbursed by a property owner who filled a pump with cement), five E1 grinder pumps ($2,715 each), and five pump covers ($102 each). - Valve Replacement (Resolution 22 – floor): Authorized $4,062 to Carmel Winwater Company to replace a rusted 1965 gate valve at the Sunset Ridge pump station (valve $1,562, labor $2,500 estimated). Solar & Environmental Maintenance - AriaFiltra Service Contract (Resolution 21): Authorized $17,820 for annual inspection and troubleshooting of the Peach Lake Environmental Center filtration system, paid by NYC DEP. - Water Supply Permit (Resolution 20): Authorized the supervisor to sign the 2026 permit application for the Town Hall Library water supply and pay the $130 fee. Recreation & Community Events - Revolutionary North Salem 250 (Resolution 13): Authorized an additional $2,000 for custodial and music services for the June 20, 2026 event. Fireworks costs are capped at $11,000 (or $12,650 if postponed to Sunday). Total budget for the event is $20,000. - Camp Hemlock Agreement (Resolution 18): Authorized the supervisor to sign a no-cost permit with Westchester County for use of Camp Hemlock for day camp, June 1–September 1, 2026. - Music Performance (Resolution 19): Authorized an agreement with Frank Iorio for a spring 2026 musical performance ($450 for 1.5 hours, cost paid by participants). - Defensive Driving Program (Resolution 23 – floor): Authorized a recreation program service agreement for defensive driving at $38 per person. Refunds & Miscellaneous - Cornell Cooperative Extension Refund (Resolution 14): Refunded a $250 security deposit for facility use. - Water Heater Replacement (Resolution 16): Authorized $1,914 to Antech Sales for a replacement heater for pole cleaning equipment, paid by NYC DEP. Key Outcomes - All 23 resolutions were passed unanimously (all ayes). - The board will address a formal budget transfer for the Candlewood Park water leak at the next meeting. - The executive session was held for legal advice and contracts. - The meeting was adjourned without further business.

The Town of North Salem Board of Appeals held a hearing at 7:00 PM on April 9, 2026, to consider the renewal of four special permits for equestrian and alpaca operations. The board set the next meeting for May 14, 2026, and unanimously accepted the minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting. No public comments were made during any of the hearings. Renewal of Special Permits BA26-09 – Lorie M. Karlin (846 Peach Lake Road) - Applicant Lorie Karlin requested renewal of a special permit to keep up to three horses for personal use on 3.8 acres in an R-4 district. No changes were proposed. The board noted the operation had been continuous since 2000 and currently had one horse. The renewal was conditioned on a successful inspection by the building inspector. The board unanimously approved the 10-year renewal. BA26-10 – Monomoy Farm, LLC (806 Peach Lake Road) - Representative James Lane presented the renewal for a commercial horse boarding operation with up to 30 horses on 84.71 acres. The property had inspections that found violations (e.g., fire extinguishers not recharged). The board conditioned the 10-year renewal on the applicant correcting all violations and passing a reinspection. The motion passed unanimously. BA26-11 – The Auburn Group II, LLC (364 Hardscrabble Road) - This renewal covered the keeping of up to 100 alpacas and a commercial breeding operation on 46.9 acres, including two employee dwelling units. The board confirmed the same owner (Lynn Eden) continued the operation. An inspection was already scheduled for late April. The 10-year renewal was granted unanimously, conditioned on a successful inspection. BA26-12 – Brian & Brittany Azzara (422 Hardscrabble Road) - The renewal for a commercial horse boarding operation with up to 11 horses and a groom’s quarters on 83.3 acres. The property had recently changed hands. The building inspector reported structural issues with the groom’s quarters (rafters, floor, ramp). The board conditioned the 10-year renewal on the building inspector approving reoccupancy of the groom’s quarters after necessary repairs. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four special permit renewals (BA26-09, BA26-10, BA26-11, BA26-12) were granted for 10-year periods with conditions related to inspections and repairs. - The next meeting was scheduled for May 14, 2026. - The minutes of the March 12, 2026 meeting were accepted. - No public hearings drew comments or objections from the community.

The Town of North Salem Planning Board met on April 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM (in-person and via Zoom). The chair apologized for scheduling on the first night of Passover. Items included continuation of a public hearing for Hawley Woods, a pre-application discussion for the North Salem Open Land Foundation, and routine extensions and approvals. Public Hearings - Grant Road LLC (658 Grant Rd.): The public hearing was carried over to the May 6, 2026 meeting without discussion. - Hawley Woods (396-404 Hawley Rd.): The continuation of the public hearing featured updates from the applicant's engineer, Peter Gregory of DTS Provident. He summarized responses to questions from the first hearing regarding distances to adjacent wells, stormwater management, and screening. Public comments included concerns from Brendan Price (354 Hawley Rd.) who had not received materials, and from Mark Sallas (299 Post Rd.) about the proximity of a proposed septic system to his property line (approximately 12 feet). Jennifer Santis (305 Post Rd.) asked about the 10,000-gallon underground water tanks at each lot's driveway entrance. Derek Santis asked about contingencies if stormwater calculations prove incorrect. The board decided to leave the public hearing open until the May 6 meeting, pending a jurisdictional determination from the NYS DEC regarding wetland regulations. The board also confirmed that the North Salem Planning Board would serve as lead agency for SEQR, as no objections were received. - Note: The applicant's representative confirmed the three lots each have 10,000-gallon water tanks. A total of 0.056 acres of wetland buffer disturbance is proposed for stormwater improvements. Pre-Application Discussion: North Salem Open Land Foundation (3 Willow Ln.) The board discussed a zoning code amendment to allow the NSOLF to use a donated single-family home as its headquarters and maintenance facility. The current office use in an R4 residential district is not permitted. Chair Cynthia recused herself due to a conflict of interest (she is an NSOLF trustee), leaving two board members plus the planner. John Baker and Pam Poole from NSOLF described their operations: four employees, public programs (e.g., black bear lectures, yoga retreats) about twice a month, storage of maintenance equipment, and a caretaker's apartment now vacant. The board explored potential zoning changes, including a conditional use permit for conservation nonprofits, with limits on square footage, employee count, and frequency of events. The discussion will continue at the April 15 work session, when a full board will be present. Resolutions and Approvals - Gilport Development Corp. (Oakridge/Overlook Rd.): Granted an 18th 90-day extension of final subdivision plat approval (from April 26, 2026 to July 25, 2026). The extension was requested because the property is being marketed. The vote was unanimous. - AT&T Mobility Corp. (40 Sun Valley Dr.): Granted a second 90-day extension of alteration exemption and site development plan approval (from March 6, 2026 to June 8, 2026). Vote unanimous. - Financial Report: Approved the March 2026 financial report unanimously. - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the March 4, 2026 meeting, with a clarification that references to "sewage drainage" in the transcript actually meant stormwater runoff. Next Meetings - Work Session: April 15, 2026 (to discuss NSOLF and a tree ordinance modification proposed by the CAC) - Regular Meeting: May 6, 2026 (Hawley Woods public hearing continued, among other items)

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)

Date: March 12, 2026, 7:00 PM Location: In-person and via Zoom The North Salem Zoning Board of Appeals convened on March 12, 2026, to hear four applications: one held-over area variance for a gate, one special permit renewal for a horse-boarding operation, and two area variances for residential improvements (pool/house addition and deck/hot tub). All applications were approved unanimously with conditions regarding dark-sky compliance and emergency access. Consent Calendar - Minutes of February 12, 2026: Approved unanimously. - Next Meeting Date: Set for April 9, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda item. Hearing Held Over: BA26-05 – Barbara Gatfield (685 Titicus Road) - Request: Area variance to install a 6-foot-high automatic gate in the front yard (4 feet permitted, 2-foot variance requested) in an R-4 district. - Applicant Statement: The gate is standard size, works with existing fencing, and is in keeping with the character of North Salem. The gate opens automatically, preventing vehicles from backing onto busy Titicus Road. The applicant also plans to add lights on the gate pillars. - Board Discussion: The variance was deemed substantial and self-created. However, the board found no undesirable neighborhood change; the higher gate improves privacy and safety on a busy road. No feasible alternative exists. The board conditioned that any lighting comply with the town's dark-sky policy (opaque fixtures, non-visible bulbs). - Vote: Motion to grant the variance carried unanimously (4 ayes: Chair, Cindy, Rick, Zynga). Public Hearing: BA26-06 – Copernicus Holdings, LLC (893 Peach Lake Road) - Request: Renewal of Special Permit BA12-31 (as amended by BA13-31) to keep up to 20 horses and operate a commercial horse-boarding operation with office and groom’s quarters on 13.3 acres in an R-4 district. No site improvements proposed. - Applicant Statement: Jennifer Hinman confirmed the operation has been running well with no changes. - Board Discussion: The board noted the use is permitted by right, has been continuous since 2012 with the same horse count, and has generated no neighbor objections. Prior permit conditions (no horse shows, no public events, no outdoor amplification) will carry over. New conditions require compliance with dark-sky law, invasive species removal plan, and flight control plans. - Vote: Motion to grant renewal carried unanimously (4 ayes). Public Hearing: BA26-07 – Patrick Kennedy (4 Park Lane) - Request: Area variance to construct a 16'x35' fiberglass in-ground pool (side yard: 10 ft. where 15 ft. required, 5 ft. variance) and to legalize an as-built house addition (combined side yard variance: 11 ft./31 ft. where 15 ft./40 ft. required, total variances of 4 ft./9 ft.) in an R-1/2 district. - Applicant Statement: The pool is being relocated from an above-ground to in-ground for better sun and yard use. The house addition was built inadvertently too close to the side line (survey error). The pool location minimizes excavation and grade change. - Board Discussion: Variances deemed substantial and self-created. Mitigation: the in-ground pool with screening will improve the neighborhood character; the addition is already built and not visible from the rear. No feasible alternative exists for either. The board conditioned that any exterior lighting (beyond pool light) comply with dark-sky policy. - Vote: Motion to grant area variances carried unanimously (4 ayes). Public Hearing: BA26-08 – John & Michelle Shallat (18 Lakeside Drive) - Request: Area variances to demolish an existing deck and construct a new larger deck (rear yard: 19 ft. where 35 ft. required, 16 ft. variance; building coverage: 23.3% where 10% permitted, 13.3% variance; development coverage: 43% where 25% permitted, 18% variance) plus a hot tub on the deck in an R-1 district (non-conforming lot subject to R-1/2 bulk requirements). - Applicant Statement (Richard Bale, architect): The existing deck is only 10 ft. deep, making it difficult to furnish. The proposed deck extends to 14 ft. from the house and expands northward to provide access from a bedroom. No new lighting planned. - Board Discussion: Variances substantial but not self-created (the lot is undersized and predates current zoning). No undesirable neighborhood change anticipated; similar decks exist in the area. No feasible alternative placement. The board noted letters in the file (supportive). Conditions: standard dark-sky policy applied. - Vote: Motion to grant area variances carried unanimously (4 ayes). Key Outcomes - BA26-05 (Gatfield): Gate variance approved; dark-sky condition added. - BA26-06 (Copernicus Holdings): Special permit renewed for 10 years with prior and new conditions. - BA26-07 (Kennedy): Pool and house addition variances approved; dark-sky condition added. - BA26-08 (Shallat): Deck and hot tub variances approved; standard conditions applied. - Next Meeting: April 9, 2026.