June 10, 2025

Board Members Present: Supervisor Dave Helsley, Council Member Kaare Christian, Council Member John Kukon, Council Member Sarah Suarez

Absent: Council Member Austin Sullivan

Staff Present: Town Attorney Corinne Smith, Town Clerk Joyce Vale

Others Present: Tony Albino (Fire Commissioner), Climate Smart Community Task Force members Christina Bohnsack (Task Force Coordinator) and Matthew Mercier (Chair, via Zoom), Community Members

Presentation: Salt Shed Solar Array

Bob Vittengl from Hudson River Solar (HRS) presented three options, based on the number of kilowatts, for the installation of a solar array on the town’s salt shed. The board unanimously approved HRS’s bid of $90,583 for a 29.96 kW system which will generate 40,000 kW per year with an estimated value of $200,000 worth of energy over 25 years. After federal direct tax credits ($33,236) and NYSERDA grants ($7,490), the net cost will be $49,855. This option requires a greater initial outlay by the town, but with the credits and grant the net cost is roughly the same as the lower kW options.

Background: The salt shed solar project has been in development since 2024. Securing bids has been difficult due to technical challenges, which deterred many contractors. The bid from HRS is a welcome development, as the project can finally move forward.

The installation of a roof top solar array on the town’s salt shed is an initiative of Germantown’s Climate Smart Community Task Force. Information about Climate Smart and Sustainable Germantown can be found here.

Old Business

Twin Ponds Solar Project – All required agreements for the Twin Ponds Solar project, including decommissioning, landscape maintenance, road use, storm water management, host community and PILOT agreements were approved. The project is now clear to move forward.

Background: A workshop was held on June 3rd to review engineering documents and agreements. The Town Board’s authority was limited to approving these agreements as the Planning Board has sole authority with respect to site plan approval.

Kellner Activities Building – The building suffered damaged to an exterior electrical outlet from a vehicle collision. Supervisor Helsley is confident that repairs will be completed before the July 4th celebrations.

A draft rental agreement was approved with insurance requirements and the following fee schedule: town events $0, non-profit use $25, Germantown resident rental $25 + $25 for the kitchen plus $100 deposit, non-Germantown rental $50 + $25 for the kitchen + $100 deposit.

Bard Parcel

  • The purchase of the 23-acre parcel closed on June 5, 2025. The town now owns the property.
  • A Resolution to name the parcel the Theodore Robinson Community Forest will be presented at the July town board meeting.
  • A request will be made to have the New York Department of Conservation delineate wetlands (a free DEC service).
  • It was noted that a stormwater protection plan will be needed for the trail improvements.

Fire Alarm Law – The Germantown Fire District and the town’s attorney have approved the draft law. The fire alarm application fee will be $25. The law includes a 60-day grace period for existing alarm systems to comply. A public hearing is scheduled for July 8 at 6:30 pm.

Filming Permit Law – The board set the filming permit fee at $100/day.

LWRP – A public hearing regarding proposed Local Waterfront Revitalization Program local laws was scheduled for August 12 at 6:30 pm. 

Zoning Law Comprehensive Update – Review is ongoing by the board and Town Attorney.

Background: This undertaking began in 2024 to align Germantown’s zoning laws with the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Previous meetings discussed major changes including allowances for 3-4 family dwellings, cannabis business regulations, franchise business restrictions, and five new Historic Overlay Districts. The Planning and Zoning Boards will need to review and comment before public hearings can be scheduled.

New Business

  • The board accepted the high bid of $11,400 for the 2005 F-550 truck and attachments declared surplus in May.
  • The board approved the purchase of a $9,099 blower attachment for the new tractor, keeping total equipment costs under the original $160,000 budget while improving safety and efficiency for road maintenance operations.

Recreation Committee – Via Council Member Suarez, the new Recreation Committee reported that it has numerous ideas for programming. Programs that could be implemented soon include:

Winter Indoor Soccer at the Germantown Central School. The RC requested guidance as to collection of fees from participants ($5) as well as payment of the school’s proposed $40/hour gym rental. The board will contact the school regarding the nature of the charges as previous use of the gym by Germantown residents has been free.  

 Kayak Day on Lake George. A one-day event to gage interest in a future kayaking program, possibly on the riverfront. The RC is exploring partnerships with local outfitters with the goal of offering a free event.

Pickleball one-day event on the basketball courts using portable nets and equipment to gage interest in the construction of a pickleball court in one of the town parks. The RC estimated the budget for this event would be $150-$200.

Comments From the Public

  • Via communication with Counsel Member Saurez, Big Towel Sauna has indicated that they want to return for a fall/winter stint at Lake George. This has been put on the July agenda.
  • Dr. Angelo Castello requested use of the area in front of the Kellner Building for a proposed “Kids Day America/International” event, with programming promoting health, safety and the environment and engaging organizations such as law enforcement, the fire department, and school faculty. The event will benefit the Germantown Central School’s fund for children and families in need. The board agreed to prepare a proclamation declaring September 20th as “Kids Day America” in Germantown.

Upcoming Events

The Germantown School budget vote is scheduled for June 17, 7AM – 9PM. Supervisor Helsley noted that the previous budget failed by just 6 votes. Vote!

The Independence Day Celebration is scheduled for Saturday July 5 at 4 PM with a rain date of July 12. Music arranged for both potential dates with 90 Proof confirmed for July 5 and Second Chance Man for July 12, if needed.

The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2025, at 7 PM. Public hearings on the new Fire Alarm Law and the Highway Defects Law will take place immediately before, beginning at 6:30, followed by the regular board meeting.

A public hearing on the LWRP Local Laws is scheduled for August 12 at 6:30.

Text of proposed laws will be posted on the town website prior to the public hearings.

The board went into executive session before returning to adjourn the meeting.