Public Meetings - North Salem, New York

The North Salem Planning Board held its regular meeting in person and via Zoom on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The board carried a public hearing to February, granted two extension requests, discussed two Silver Coup applications, advanced the Hawley Woods subdivision, and made annual appointments. The Bossi matter was deferred after the applicant's representative left the Zoom session. Public Hearings - Grant Road LLC – 658 Grant Rd.: The board announced that the public hearing on the preliminary subdivision would be carried over to the February 4, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items Silver Coup LLC – 175 Mills Rd. (Forest Management Plan) - Silver Coup's representative, joined by Dave Baker on Zoom, explained that the property operates under a New York State DEC-approved forest management plan and that the applicant proposes to remove 20 trees in stand two on the 54-acre property. - He said the submittal will be revised to align as closely as possible with the town's Chapter 189 tree-cutting permit requirements; waivers may be requested, including to avoid a new survey due to the estimated $80,000 cost. - He stated the disturbance would likely be under a quarter acre, but MDRA consultant Will Agresta corrected that the stormwater review threshold is 5,000 square feet, not one acre, and that permits would be run together if combined. - Board members noted the EAF mapper identifies a stream, hydric soils, long-eared bat, and bald eagles in the area, so a wetlands permit may be required. They also asked the applicant to clearly separate older information from planned 2026 activities. The applicant was given permission to consult with the board's consultants before resubmitting. Silver Coup LLC – 175 Mills Rd. (Unpermitted Disturbance) - Silver Coup sought to resolve an unpermitted disturbance caused by a neighbor who cut approximately 17 trees and created and partially backfilled a detention ponding area. The neighbor's property, not the Silver Coup property, received the violation notice. - The applicant stated his client intends to do a true restoration, including addressing invasive stilt grass and replanting, and will revise the application to respond to the MDRA memo. - Board members discussed liability and enforcement, noting the town cannot force the neighbor onto Silver Coup's property. The applicant said private legal action against the neighbor is being considered and that the restoration work may support a cost-recovery claim. - The board accepted the applicant's plan to resubmit and allowed the applicant to contact consultants with questions. Bossi – 2 Brookside Ln. - Attorney Alan Singer appeared for the Bossis. Jerry Barrett, who had been on Zoom, was not present when the item was called, so the board could not complete its discussion. - The board reviewed the prior rejected plan and stated concerns about a clear cut to the lake, conservation-easement violations, the proposed planted buffer, a proposed elevated walkway, whether turtles can pass underneath, and requested regrading of a hump. - Board members expressed concern that approving anything other than restoration would set a poor precedent for conservation easement enforcement. - The applicant's attorney said the client had already spent tens of thousands of dollars and hoped for approval, but board members said the plan was not finished and that Jerry Barrett needed to answer questions. - It was noted that the escrow balance is zero and must be replenished before the applicant can be placed on a future agenda. The item was deferred, with the January 21 work session as a possible next discussion date. Hawley Woods – 396-404 Hawley Rd. - Alan Pilch of ALP Engineering summarized revisions responding to consultant memos: most changes were to the plat map; plan sheets were revised to show a 50-foot wooded buffer downgradient of a septic system; and the warranty deed description for road dedication parcel two was corrected. - The board noted the new superintendent of highways had not yet been briefed on the road dedication; the applicant agreed to bring him up to speed. - The board approved two measures: declaring intent to serve as lead agency under SEQRA for the three-lot residential subdivision, wetland permit, and stormwater permit; and setting a public hearing for March 4, 2026, on the preliminary subdivision, wetlands, and stormwater permits. Extension Requests - Gilport Development Corp. (Oak Ridge/Overlook Rd.): The board unanimously granted a 17th 90-day extension of final subdivision plat approval from January 26, 2026 to April 26, 2026, and reapproved the freshwater wetlands permit to expire on April 26, 2026. The board confirmed that the new state wetlands regulations do not affect the project yet. - Little Mountain (1 Little Mountain Rd.): The board unanimously granted a 90-day extension of the amended freshwater wetlands permit and stormwater management permit recommendation for stone walls flanking the access driveway across wetlands, from January 19, 2026 to April 20, 2026. Administrative Items and Appointments - Reappointed Dawn Onufrik as Planning Board Secretary, Matthew D. Rudikoff Associates, Inc. as Planning Board/Wetland Consultants and Wetlands Inspector, Hahn Engineering as Planning Board Engineer, and Christopher Brockmeyer as Deputy Chair for 2026. - Accepted the December 2025 financial report and the minutes of December 3 and December 17, 2025. - Upcoming meetings: work session January 21, 2026; regular meeting February 4, 2026. - The January 21 work session will also include a Conservation Advisory Council proposal to revise minor tree-cutting permit procedures; the board noted short-term rentals are on the town board's January 20 agenda. - Board members discussed whether to continue verbatim minutes. No change was made; the board indicated verbatim minutes have litigation value, and the secretary will look into transcription and equipment options. Key Outcomes - Grant Road public hearing continued to February 4, 2026. - Gilport and Little Mountain extensions approved by unanimous votes. - Silver Coup will make revised submittals for both the forest management plan and the unpermitted disturbance matter. - Bossi deferred until the applicant's representative is present and escrow is replenished; possible discussion on January 21, 2026. - Hawley Woods: board declared SEQRA lead agency and set a public hearing for March 4, 2026. - Annual planner, engineer, secretary, and deputy chair appointments approved.

On January 6, 2026, the North Salem Town Board convened its annual Organizational Meeting to approve standard year-start resolutions, including setting salaries and hourly rates, appointing officials, signing annual contracts, and establishing town policies. The board unanimously passed nearly all of the over 50 resolutions on the agenda. Consent Calendar - Salaries and Compensation: Approved salaries and hourly rates consistent with the 2026 budget. Approved longevity bonuses ($956.80 for 10 years, $1,705 for 15, $2,828.80 for 20, $3,660.80 for 25). Set overtime meal allowance ($14.00) and clothing allowances ($800 Highway, $390 Police). - Appointments: Reappointed Emily Simonis to the Planning Board (through 2030). Appointed James DePallius as part-time police officer. Appointed board chairpersons and acknowledged key deputies (Deputy Supervisor, Deputy Tax Receiver, Deputy Highway Superintendent, Confidential Secretary). Designated the Emergency Management Team. Appointed volunteers for the Tax Receiver's Office and Recreation. - Contracts and Purchases: Authorized annual agreements with the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library ($453,071.25), Northeast Westchester Special Recreation, South Salem Animal Hospital, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, Abrams Fensterman LLP (municipal legal retainer, $78,000), James J. Hahn Engineering, and AssuredPartners (insurance, $17,877). Approved the purchase of a Hitachi ZW180C wheel loader ($211,571.91) and approved the purchase of computers from Logically, Inc. ($28,470.66). - Operational Items: Set 2026 holiday schedule, official newspapers, polling places, and mileage reimbursement rate ($0.725). Approved the buyout option in lieu of health insurance ($5,000). Adopted the investment policy. Approved building department fee increases. Set a public hearing for January 27, 2026, on Chapter 8 (Taxation) to extend exemptions to volunteer emergency workers in neighboring districts. Public Comments & Testimony - Kasdun Click (Public attendee): Asked about the funding source for the wheel loader purchase. The Supervisor confirmed it would be from the Highway Fund machinery account (020). Later inquired about the budget line for highway vehicles. Discussion Items - Abrams Fensterman LLP Retainer: Councilmember Catherine noted that while a requested change was made, modifications regarding planning board work sessions and code update clarity were not fully addressed. The board unanimously approved the $78,000 retainer. - Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. (Building Repairs): The Supervisor proposed a time-and-materials contract (not to exceed $34,000) for gypsum wall installation. Councilmember Catherine requested tabling the item to allow compliance with the procurement policy requiring three written quotes for expenditures over $15,000. The board postponed the vote to the regular meeting on January 13, 2026. - Logically, Inc. Computer Purchase: The board approved a $28,470.66 expenditure for 14 desktops, 3 laptops, docks, and implementation. Price increases due to tariffs and the need to replace Windows 10 machines were discussed. - Laserfiche and Tyler Software Training: The Supervisor and Clerk announced upcoming training sessions for board members and staff on records management software. - Highway Vehicles: Brief informational discussion held at the request of a public attendee. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All resolutions were adopted unanimously except for the tabled Tundra contract. - Tabled Item: The Tundra Contracting Group amendment was tabled to the January 13, 2026 regular board meeting. - Public Hearing Scheduled: January 27, 2026, regarding real property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. - Next Steps: Staff directed to obtain additional quotes for the building project. Board members to attend Laserfiche training on February 17-18.

The North Salem Planning Board held its regular meeting on December 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM. The board addressed the Little Mountain project mitigation schedule, took a unanimous vote, and entered executive session at the end of the meeting. Discussion Items - Little Mountain Mitigation Plan: The board discussed the proposed schedule for implementing the mitigation plan for the property at 1 Little Mountain Road (owner Ari Mehmetaj). The applicant submitted a letter from Tim Miller and Associates dated October 6, 2025, addressing two outstanding conditions (3A1 and 2) in the resolution of approval granted in May 2025. The board considered a resolution accepting the applicant's proposed schedule and steps to ensure adherence to permit conditions. Key Outcomes - The board voted unanimously to accept the resolution, approving the implementation of the mitigation plan in spring 2026 (depending on projected construction completion) and requiring that the mitigation area be fenced off with silt fencing to prevent disturbance; fencing will be removed after construction. Any deviation requires further planning board approval. - The board noted that the applicant's plan set is now in order and can be signed. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2026, and a work session for January 21, 2026. - The board entered executive session at the conclusion of the public portion. - A brief mention was made that short-term rental regulations may return to the town board agenda on the fourth Tuesday of January 2026.

The Town of North Salem held a Special Town Board Meeting on 2025-12-16, continuing a public hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Town Budget. The board unanimously approved several resolutions, including personnel appointments, retirements, equipment sales, a fireworks display contract, and ultimately the adoption of the 2026 Town Budget. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes of the October 14, 2025, public hearings on short-term rentals and parking restrictions. Appointments & Personnel Resolutions - Retirements Acknowledged: The board acknowledged the retirements of Ward Hanniberg (Superintendent of Highways), Karen Roach (Tax Receiver), and James DePaul (Road Maintenance Foreman/Police Officer), all effective December 31, 2025. Resolutions were amended to correct clerical items. - Recreation Department: The board appointed Jinx Rempson as a part-time recording secretary for the Recreation Advisory Committee ($25/hour, max 16 hours/week). - Board & Committee Reappointments: The board reappointed Chris Stankowitz to the Board of Ethics (term to 2028), Jessica Broomhead to the Housing Board (term to 2028), and Emily Barrett to the Zoning Board of Appeals (term to 2030). The reappointment of Ms. Barrett prompted a discussion about the completion of mandatory education requirements for board members. - Capital Planning Committee: Members were reappointed through December 31, 2026. - Climate Smart Community Leadership Committee: Members were reappointed through December 31, 2028, with the board acknowledging the distinction between regular and ad-hoc members to maintain quorum. Key Administrative Approvals - Sale of Assets: Authorized the sale of surplus highway equipment (including vehicles, snowblowers, and a utility vehicle). - Heat Pump Installation: Authorized the Supervisor to seek bids for new high-efficiency heat pumps at the Community Center, Delancey Hall, and the Annex. - RNS250 Fireworks Display: Authorized the Supervisor to sign school facility permits and a New York State Education Department fireworks permit for the June 20, 2026, celebration. The board also approved an $11,000 agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc., including a $5,500 deposit. Discussion involved contract clauses regarding deposit forfeiture and indemnification, which the board accepted. - Seasonal Highway Employees: Appointed George Neighbor and Nicholas Neighbor as seasonal highway employees ($22/hour). - Delancey Hall Change Order: Authorized Change Order 5 for Tundra Contracting Group Inc. ($925.40) for two-color paint on window sashes, following guidance from the historic color committee. - Peach Lake Grant Authorization: Authorized the Supervisor to apply for an $80,344 invasive species grant for Eurasian milfoil treatment. It was noted that the grant had low odds of success due to the species' classification. Discussion Items Delancey Hall Interior Update - The Capital Planning Committee recommended high-quality, long-term interior finishes. Consultant Gretchen Farrell advised on historic paint colors. The board discussed replacing carpet with hardwood floors and coordinating upgrades to wiring, fire alarms, and thermostats while walls remain open. - It was decided that heavy filing cabinets will not be returned to the building. 2026 Preliminary Town Budget - Health Insurance: Actual costs exceeded the estimated 4% increase, with one plan rising 9.8% and a Medicare plan rising 24%, adding $53,000 in unexpected costs. - Workers Compensation: PERMA rates were lower than budgeted, allowing a reduction from $80,000 to $71,685. - Revenue: Mortgage tax revenue is significantly exceeding projections ($300k year-to-date vs. a $211k budget). Interest income was adjusted upward. - CAC Funding: The Conservation Advisory Council successfully requested an increase from $1,500 to $5,000 for a wetlands consultant to aid with conservation easements. Funding was reallocated from workers comp and sales tax revenue estimates. - Personnel and Space: The supervisor's office and finance department each have $28,000 budgeted for part-time hires. A lack of office space was identified as a primary constraint to hiring. - Dam Valuation: A new dam valuation is needed, as the NYS ORPS used an inappropriate methodology. - Highway Fund: The highway fund budget is $886,000, a 6.4% increase. - Tax Cap: The adopted budget includes a 3.984% tax levy increase ($11,229 over the state tax cap), requiring an override resolution. Key Outcomes - Adopted 2026 Town Budget: Resolution 14, adopting the 2026 Town Budget and authorizing the tax levy override, was passed. - Unanimous Appointments and Approvals: All personnel resolutions, committee reappointments, and administrative authorizations were passed without objection. - Next Steps: The Supervisor is authorized to execute the fireworks and grant agreements. The Capital Planning Committee will continue developing cost estimates for Delancey Hall. - Meeting Adjourned.

On December 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the North Salem Zoning Board of Appeals met in person and via Zoom. The board considered two applications: a renewal of a special permit for a commercial horse boarding operation and a request for multiple area variances for a new residence. Both applications were approved with conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes from October 9, 2025 and November 13, 2025 were accepted, with voting deferred to the next meeting. - Held over item BA25-28 (Vail Trail LLC) was withdrawn. - Held over item BA25-29 (Avalon Gardens LLC) was presented and heard. Public Comments & Testimony - BA25-29 (Avalon Gardens LLC / Ranavere Farm LLC): Jamie Spillane, attorney for the petitioner, explained the application sought renewal and transfer of an existing special permit to the new owner, with no change in use or site improvements. He noted a complaint from Peaches Gardens Cooperative regarding odors. The property currently has 1-2 horses boarded due to winter, but up to 24 in season. Manure is stored in a 30-yard dumpster picked up every two weeks by Lawton Adams. Board members discussed possibly increasing pickup frequency during active season. Building Inspector Jim reported no odor concerns during inspections. Neighbor Eric Grisinger (991 Peach Lake Road) stated he never smelled anything. Boarder Xenia van Liedigen, who visits the farm five days a week for three years, confirmed the farm is immaculate and odor-free. - BA25-33 (Julie Gargiulo): No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - BA25-29: The board considered the renewal under Town Code §250-72. The use is permitted in the district, has operated continuously since 2014 with the same number of animals, and no adverse impacts were identified. A condition was proposed requiring weekly manure removal during the active season (when horses are present). The renewal was for 10 years with all prior conditions incorporated plus the new condition. Any site plan changes would require further board approval. - BA25-33: Julie Gargiulo and architect Charlie Sitch presented plans to demolish an existing dilapidated residence (already removed per building inspector mandate) and construct a new 1.5-story, 1,700 sq ft home with deck, generator, and propane tanks on a 0.11-acre lot in the R-1 district. Seven variances were requested: front yard (12 ft, 35 required), combined side yard (19.5/40.5 ft, 20/50 required), rear yard for house (44.4 ft, 50 required), rear yard for A/C unit (46 ft), building coverage (27%, 10% permitted; 37% proposed), development coverage (31.1%, 20% permitted; 51.1% proposed), and FAR (0.15, 0.2 permitted; 0.35 proposed). The lot is pre-existing non-conforming; the new home is similar in scale to neighboring houses. Peach Garden Cooperative stamped approval on plans dated October 14, 2025 (a formal letter to be provided). The board noted the hardship was not self-created, no alternative placement exists, and the project is an improvement. No adverse environmental effects were identified. Key Outcomes - BA25-29: Motion to grant renewal of Special Permit BA13-34 (as amended) for 10 years with conditions, including weekly manure removal during the season, carried. The permit transfers to Ranavere Farm LLC. - BA25-33: Motion to grant all seven requested area variances for the new residence at 4 Orchard Drive carried.

The Town Board of North Salem held a regular meeting and worksession on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM, preceded by an executive session at 6:30 PM. The meeting included public hearings on proposed water rate increases and the 2026 preliminary budget, adoption of several resolutions, and a worksession discussion of the budget and other town matters. Executive Session - The board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a specific contract. - After the closed session, the board reconvened and later entered a second executive session for another contract discussion. Public Hearings - Local Law 4-25 – Water Rates: The board held a public hearing to consider amending Chapter 230, Section 45 of the Town Code to increase water rates across all five water districts (Sunset Ridge, Croton Falls, Candlewood Park, Salem Acres, and Pabst Water District). Rates were raised by approximately 10%, with Candlewood Park increasing from $7.20 to $9.00 per thousand gallons for the first 10,000 gallons and $11.00 thereafter. The hearing was kept open until the December 16, 2025 meeting. - 2026 Preliminary Town Budget: The board presented the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026. The budget includes a tax levy increase of approximately 3.9% (below the state tax cap) and addresses new costs from health insurance increases (8.7-24.2% depending on plan), worker's compensation savings, and adjustments to employee buyout stipends. The hearing was left open until the December 16, 2025 meeting. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2: Pay town bills totaling $223,008.11 – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 3: Pay highway bills totaling $27,550.07 – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 4: Adopt Local Law 4-25 amending water rates (per attached) – Approved 3-1 (Councilman Martin dissented). - Resolution 5: Acknowledge receipt of retirement letter from Tax Receiver Karen Roach, effective December 30, 2025 – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 6: Acknowledge receipt of retirement letter from Road Maintenance Foreman/Police Officer James “Bo” DePauli, effective December 30, 2025 – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 7: Authorize Change Order No. 4 with Tundra Contracting Group, Inc. for $11,910.82 for additional window sash and frame fabrication at the Delancey Hole renovation project – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 8: Amend the Highway Department Wage and Salary Compensation Policy to more objectively define storm-related overtime – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 9: Authorize payment of $9,745.25 to Northern Markets LLC as a pass-through from a $38,981 DEC Farmers Market Resiliency Grant – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 10: Authorize Supervisor to seek bids for installation of a PFAS removal system at the Sunset Ridge Water District – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 11: Authorize expense of $20,425.00 to Water Remediation Technology for purchase of a six‑canister PFOS removal system for Sunset Ridge Water District – Approved unanimously. - Resolution 12: Authorize refund of $530.75 in building department engineering escrow overpayment for 7 Bloomer Road – Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - 2026 Budget Adjustments: The board discussed the impact of higher-than‑expected health insurance cost increases (8.7% for family plans, 24.2% for one Medicare plan). The supervisor noted that a 4% contingency was insufficient, requiring a $53,000 shortfall. Offsetting savings were found through lower workers’ compensation premiums ($6,855) and a reduction in health insurance buyout stipends from $6,000 to $5,000 per person (saving $8,000). The supervisor expressed reluctance to use fund balance for operating expenses. Council members debated whether to include a full‑time water district manager position (estimated $85,000+ including benefits) and an additional mechanic for the highway department. The consensus was to defer these hires to future years to keep the tax levy increase near 3.9%. - Water District Management: The board considered hiring a part‑time water district manager to oversee operations, but decided not to include it in the 2026 budget due to lack of room under the tax cap. The supervisor noted that management responsibilities currently fall on him and that BRI (the contracted operator) handles day‑to‑day maintenance. - Stipend Increases: The board agreed to increase all stipends (deputy supervisor, deputy receiver, etc.) by 3% to maintain consistency, affecting only a few hundred dollars. - Health Insurance Options: The board discussed exploring lower‑cost health plans (e.g., a high‑deductible plan) to offer employees as an alternative to the current $44,000‑per‑year family plan. The supervisor noted that employees pay 20% of the premium. - Capital Planning: The board acknowledged the need for a multi‑year capital plan for vehicle and building replacements, and noted a bond of approximately $160,000 per year is coming off, which could offset future costs. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the 2026 budget and the water rate law were left open until the December 16, 2025 meeting, at which the board plans to adopt the final budget. - All resolutions were passed (most unanimously; Resolution 4 passed 3-1). - The board approved the minutes of September 30, 2025 (special meeting) and October 14, 2025 (regular meeting) with corrections. - The board acknowledged the monthly departmental reports for November 2025. - The supervisor and council members expressed appreciation for the Police Department's handling of the Lions Club run and the Jingle Bell Jog event, and thanked the Lions Club for ongoing community support. - A second executive session was held to discuss another contract; no decisions were reported. - The next meeting was scheduled for December 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM to adopt the budget.

The North Salem Planning Board met on December 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM in person and via Zoom. The meeting included a carryover public hearing for a preliminary subdivision, discussion of two AT&T proposals, approval of a draft resolution for one AT&T site, routine approvals, and continued deliberation on short-term rental regulations. The board also voted to enter executive session to confer with town counsel. Consent Calendar - Financial Report (November 2025): Approved without discussion. - Minutes of November 5, 2025: Approved without correction. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during this meeting. Discussion Items - Carryover Public Hearing – Grant Road LLC (658 Grant Rd): The public hearing for a preliminary subdivision was carried over to the January 7, 2026 meeting. No discussion occurred. - New Cingular/AT&T – 73 Crosby Rd (Antenna Swap): Marty McGee (AR Smith Development, representing AT&T) presented a proposal to swap six antennas (removing six, installing six) as part of a nationwide technology upgrade (27,000 sites). The board highlighted a report from planning consultant MDRA with numerous comments. A key issue was the need for an as-built survey of existing equipment rather than relying on previous providers’ drawings. The board noted that if the bulk calculations (cited as 28 linear feet to 111 linear feet) are exceeded, the proposal would require processing as an amended site plan rather than an exemption. AT&T will prepare responses to MDRA comments and return before the December 17 work session. - New Cingular/AT&T – 39 Delancey Rd (Final Approval): Marty McGee reported that revised plans had sufficiently addressed prior MDRA comments. The board considered a draft resolution of approval. No questions were raised. The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution. AT&T was reminded to submit an as-built plan upon completion. - Short-Term Rental Regulations (Continued Discussion): The board continued refining definitions for ownership structures (LLCs, corporations, trusts). Members agreed that for accessory apartments, the owner must designate a “managing member” (or equivalent) who resides in one unit. However, concerns were raised about potential legal challenges to limiting based on user type. The board will consult Town Counsel Roland to finalize language, particularly for equal-partnership LLCs. Other details (e.g., 90-day rental cap, two-year ownership requirement) remain proposed and will be sent to the Town Board for further action. Key Outcomes - Grant Road LLC: Public hearing postponed to January 7, 2026. - AT&T – 73 Crosby Rd: Application deferred; AT&T will submit revised plans and responses to MDRA comments by December 17, 2025. - AT&T – 39 Delancey Rd: Draft resolution of approval approved unanimously (all ayes). Final approval granted, subject to as-built submission. - Next Meetings: Work session tentatively scheduled for December 17, 2025 (expected to be brief, for one minor item); regular meeting on January 7, 2026. - Executive Session: Motion carried to enter executive session to confer with Town Counsel.

This special town board meeting focused on the 2026 tentative budget, with primary discussions on funding for the ambulance corps and management of the town's five water districts. The board also addressed a resolution to enter executive session for personnel matters, and briefly discussed a proposed office layout for the senior services coordinator. Discussion Items - 2026 Tentative Budget & Ambulance Corps Funding: The board and ambulance corps representative Kurt Golden discussed the ongoing challenges of covering emergency medical services with a diminishing volunteer base. The current per-diem staffing line is $171,000, but Kurt argued this is insufficient to cover weekend coverage where volunteers are scarce. The board considered reducing coverage hours, hiring full-time town employees who are also EMTs, or pursuing the creation of an independent ambulance district—a process that took two years and cost $50,000 in 2008. Kurt noted that the ambulance corps currently receives about $80,000 annually from insurance reimbursements, which barely covers insurance and fuel. The building mortgage ($5,500/month) will be fully paid off by September 2025, freeing up approximately $20,000 in the current budget. The board agreed to shift that $20,000 to increase the ambulance corps allocation to $191,000, and to set aside $25,000 from fund balance to start the legal and survey work for forming an ambulance district. - Water District Management & Capital Planning: The board reviewed the rising costs and aging infrastructure of five water districts (Candlewood, Croton Falls, Peach Lake, Sunset Ridge, etc.). Supervisor Warren noted that operating costs have risen 50% over the last five years, with Croton Falls facing a deficit and over $160,000 owed to the general fund. Board member Catherine proposed creating capital reserves for each district to buffer against future leaks and PFOS treatment costs. Councilman Peter advocated for hiring a full-time, class-C operator to manage all districts, while others suggested commissioning an engineering study to assess conditions and create a capital plan. The board agreed to budget $25,000—split proportionally across the districts—for an initial engineering study, and to explore whether a single operator could be hired instead. - Office Layout for Senior Services: The board briefly reviewed a CAD drawing from the senior services coordinator proposing to enclose the front entrance as an office. Members expressed reluctance to remove the original front door but agreed to consider glass partitions or other alternatives. No action was taken. Key Outcomes - Motion passed unanimously to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters (particular persons). - Decision: Shift $20,000 from the ambulance building mortgage line (which will be fully paid in September 2025) to the ambulance corps per-diem staffing line, raising it from $171,000 to $191,000. - Decision: Allocate $25,000 from general fund balance to begin the process of establishing an ambulance district (legal fees, survey, comptroller filings). - Decision: Budget $25,000 for an engineering study of the water districts, to be split proportionally among the districts and placed under the "district operator" line. The study will inform future capital reserves and management needs. - Next Steps: Town staff to finalize the budget by December 3, 2025, for presentation at the December 9, 2025 town board meeting. Kurt Golden to provide a PDF contract for snow plowing at Salem Lake. Staff to obtain a quote from VRI and develop a job description for a potential full-time water district operator.

The Town of North Salem Town Board held a Regular Meeting and Worksession on November 25, 2025. The dual in-person and virtual meeting began at 7:00 PM at the Town Meeting Hall and featured three public hearings, the adoption of several local laws and resolutions, and an extensive worksession focused on the 2026 Tentative Town Budget. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered in-person testimony during the three public hearings. A Board member noted that one resident had submitted an email request regarding the proposed stop sign on Stephen Road, but no one spoke during the hearing for that item, the Croton Falls Water District improvement, or the proposed override of the tax levy limit. Public Hearings - Stop Sign on Stephen Road: A public hearing was held to consider a local law adding a stop sign at the intersection of Stephen Road and Valeria Circle. The Board member presenting the item explained that while a resident requested the sign, the Highway Department and Police Department had advised that an additional sign at that location was not appropriate due to traffic confusion. The hearing was closed. - Croton Falls Water District Improvement: A public hearing was held on the proposed increase and improvement of the Croton Falls Water District facilities, with a maximum estimated cost of $789,594. The Board provided a detailed project summary. The project involves the reconstruction of an existing 600-foot deep well (Well 4) which provides 18 gallons per minute, enough to cover the district's normal 15,000 gallon daily demand, along with radiological (uranium) and PFOS filtration. The Board noted that $100,000 in State funding had been secured from Senator Harkham and a $70-30 grant application was pending, with a decision expected in December. The work is driven partially by DEP aqueduct repairs that have reduced water availability. The hearing was closed. - Override Tax Levy Limit: A public hearing was held to consider a local law overriding the State's 2.3% tax levy limit to allow a 3.984% increase for the 2026 budget. The Board outlined the primary drivers of the increase: a State-mandated increase in employer pension contributions ($100k increase to approximately $524k total), a required town-wide reassessment update ($85k), Town Hall reconstruction debt service ($90k), and projected increases in employee medical premiums (currently $1.47M total). The Board debated the use of fund balance versus the override to preserve the town's credit rating and long-term fiscal health. The hearing was closed. Resolutions and Local Laws Adopted - The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 1 acknowledging the resignation of Christine Stamp from the Recreation Advisory Committee. - The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 2 appointing Elena Hickshire as a full-time Recreation Assistant at a salary of $55,000, effective January 5, 2026. - The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 3 amending prior resolutions 335-24 and 370-25 to authorize the purchase of a Freightliner cab and chassis from Deal and Sons for a total sum of $166,034 (original purchase price of $165,534 plus a $1,500 tariff fee). - The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 4 authorizing an expense of $8,979 for ICC Community Development Solutions for a cloud-based Laserfiche SaaS system (up to 100 users, $5,000 annual fee plus 5% annual increase) and an initial payment of $4,484. - The Board unanimously adopted Local Law 02-25 to amend Chapter 220 of the Town Code to add a stop sign on Stephen Road at the intersection of Valeria Circle. - The Board unanimously adopted Local Law 03-25 to override the Tax Levy Limit for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a total property tax levy increase of 3.984%. - The Board adopted Resolution 7 setting a public hearing for the 2026 Town Budget. The hearing will be held on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. - The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 8 appointing Carol DeLucas as a volunteer in the Office of the Tax Receiver through December 31, 2025. Discussion Items (Worksession) - 2026 Tentative Town Budget (Town Clerk): Town Clerk Maria Hlushko presented and defended her proposed budget. She requested adjustments to several revenue lines (clerk fees, vital statistics) and expense lines (office supplies, education). She provided an update on the transition to the cloud-based Laserfiche system, which the Board later approved. Key initiatives discussed included a full records inventory of the vaults, updating the records management policy, and implementing an employee performance review process, which the Clerk strongly advocated for. - 2026 Tentative Town Budget (General): The Board reviewed the general budget, focusing on the Highway Department staffing changes (adding 2.5 positions including a mechanic), an increase in the employee medical buyout from $4,100 to $6,000, and the town's overall medical insurance costs ($1.47 million total, with employees contributing approximately $300,000). - BLS (Ambulance) Contract: The Board discussed a potential contract with Kurt for Basic Life Support (BLS) services. Estimated costs ranged from an initial quote of $191,000 to a WEMS quote of $199,000. The Board agreed to request more detailed cost breakdowns and a definitive proposal from Kurt before finalizing the budget. Key Outcomes - All three public hearings (Stop Sign, Water District, Tax Override) were formally closed. - Local Law 02-25 (Stop Sign) and Local Law 03-25 (Tax Override) were formally adopted. - An expense for a cloud-based Laserfiche enterprise content management solution was approved, allowing for unlimited users and digital workflows. - A public hearing for the 2026 Town Budget was scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM. - The Town Supervisor was directed to secure a detailed cost proposal from the provider for BLS ambulance services. - The Town Clerk's 2026 budget adjustments were largely accepted, including increased allocations for vital statistics and education, offset by reductions in other discretionary areas. - The meeting was adjourned following the conclusion of the budget worksession.