July 8, 2025

Germantown Town Board Meeting

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

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

Others Present: Tony Albino (Fire Commissioner), Kelly (Big Towel Spa), Stu (Lawler’s Market), Community Members

Public Hearings

Two public hearings were held before the regular meeting:

Fire Alarm Law (Local Law A of 2025) – Fire Commissioner Tony Albino reported that the Germantown Fire District had worked extensively with the town attorney to develop a streamlined law focused on education rather than punishment. The law requires permits for alarm systems connected to monitoring services and establishes penalties for repeat false alarms.

Background: This law has been in development since 2024, with multiple revisions to address concerns about complexity and enforcement burdens. The Fire District emphasized the need for action due to increased false alarms from construction and renovation activity, which can prevent emergency responses to actual emergencies.

Highway Defects Law (Local Law B of 2025) – This law, recommended by the town’s insurance carrier (NIMER), requires property owners to provide written notice of highway defects before filing claims against the town. There were no comments.

Old Business

Theodore Robinson Community Forest – The board unanimously approved naming the 23-acre Bard parcel the “Theodore Robinson Community Forest.” Theodore Robinson was a Black Civil War veteran who served in the 39th USCT, lived adjacent to the forest for most of his life, and led Memorial Day parades in Germantown.

Background: The town purchased this parcel with a $234,630 state grant from the Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Plans include trail development, forestry programs to encourage native species while removing invasives, and recreating the historic relationship between the parcel once farmed by free African Americans and the adjacent 1767 Parsonage.

Fire Alarm Law Adoption – Following the public hearing, the board adopted Local Law 3 of 2025, also establishing:

  • Initial alarm system permit fee: $25 with a $25 renewal every two years. The law includes a 60-day grace period for existing systems to comply.

Highway Defects Law Adoption – The board adopted Local Law 4 of 2025 requiring prior written notification of defects on town highways, bridges, streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, and culverts.

Kellner Activity Building – Final electrical inspection was completed July 1st, and the certificate was received. The building is now fully operational for community and private events.

Zoning and Subdivision Law Update – The board scheduled a workshop for late July (July 29-31) to begin review of the comprehensive draft.

Background: This major update, led by Matthew Rogers of LaBella Associates, aims to align Germantown’s zoning laws with the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The draft includes allowances for 3-4 family dwellings, cannabis business regulations, franchise business restrictions, and five new Historic Overlay Districts.

LWRP Status – The Harbor Management Local Law will go into effect when the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is approved by the DOS. The Shoreline Local Law will be incorporated into the zoning revisions rather than adopted separately to avoid duplication of the referral process.

IFB for Parsonage Roof – A pre-bid conference was scheduled for Aug. 1, 2025. Bids will be taken for both 24 and 26 gauge metal roofing with 24 being preferred as recommended by Tom Shannon.

Salt Shed Solar Array – The contract was signed by the June 30th deadline. The town is awaiting a final table of information from the consultant and the New York Sun number from Hudson River Solar before interconnection can proceed.

New Business

Hilltop Communications Franchise Agreement – The board approved extending the cable television franchise agreement through December 31, 2025, to allow the company time to update their services based on technology changes.

H2O Innovation Sewer Plant Contract – The board authorized a three-year contract with H2O Innovation for sewer plant operations, effective July 1, 2025. An informational letter will be sent to all sewer district customers with new contact information.

Big Towel Spa License Agreement – Kelly from Big Towel Spa was approved for a license to operate two mobile saunas at Lake George South from August 23, 2025, through May 29, 2026. The agreement includes provisions for frost-free water connection, electrical usage compensation, and coordination with DPW for snow plowing access.

GCS Student Mural – The board approved allowing Germantown Central School art students to create a mural on town property. Art teacher Teresa O’Connor Sadler is exploring locations including the salt shed facing the road and coordinating with the library’s mural program.

Summer Camp Staff Approval – The board approved 11 counselors and 4 counselors-in-training for the 2025 summer camp season, all subject to New York State background checks.

Town Informational Sign – Supervisor Helsley will work with Highway Superintendent Anthony Cidras to get quotes for updated signage to replace the current brittle sign. The Fire Department may donate their current sign when they upgrade to electronic signage.

Traffic Safety Concerns – The board addressed concerns raised by hamlet business owners about speeding and reckless driving. Supervisor Helsley will speak with the Sheriff at the county public safety meeting to request enhanced patrols in the hamlet and mobile speed tracking. The board also discussed exploring speed humps and extending the proposed school zone.

Recreation Committee Updates – Council Member Suarez reported that the Recreation Committee will hold a pickleball pop-up day on July 26 (likely to be changed to Aug. 9th) and is planning fall soccer league registration. The board agreed to research accepting credit card and VENMO payments for town services and recreation programs.

Independence Day Celebration Success – The July 4th celebration attracted an estimated 2,200-2,300 people, up about 150-200 from last year. The event generated approximately $800 in beer sales with minimal waste. A rain date event is scheduled for July 12th featuring Second Chance Band from 5-9 PM – Free admission.

Dog Control Officer Report – Dog Control Officer Philip Salvatore reported receiving numerous calls this year and requested proper violation forms and clarification of his budget for enforcement activities. The board agreed to develop appropriate forms and fee structures.

Comments From the Public

Martin Overington from the Waterfront Committee thanked the town for the motor that has tripled river access clearing capabilities and reported progress in controlling invasive water plants without chemical spraying. He also raised concerns about parking during the Sky High Farm event on July 13th and requested coordination with the Fire Department.

Executive Session

The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

Upcoming Events

  • Independence Day Rain Date Event: Saturday, July 12, 5-9 PM featuring Second Chance Band – Free Admission
  • Sky High Farm Biennial 2025 – Germantown Day: July 13, tours at 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM, 11 Main St.
  • Recreation Committee Pickleball Pop-up: Saturday, July 26 Saturday, August 9
  • Zoning Law Workshop: Late July (dates TBD)
  • Haunted Hay Rides: Saturday, October 18 (rain date October 19)

The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 7 PM.