June 9, 2026

Board Members Present: Supervisor David 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, Board of Assessment Review; Community Members.

Zoning and Subdivision Law Update

The Board confirmed that a summary of proposed changes has been sent to planning consultant Matthew Rogers of LaBella Associates, along with a request for a phone call with Town Attorney Smith to coordinate drafting and circulation to the town’s Boards. There was no new substantive discussion of the draft’s content.

Salt Shed Solar Array: Hudson Solar Connection Pending

New utility account information has been sent to Hudson Solar. The final on-site connection to the solar array remains outstanding, and the Board is awaiting confirmation from Hudson Solar that the work has been scheduled.

Hamlet Traffic Safety

The Board provided a brief update on the ongoing hamlet traffic safety effort, noting that the county raised objections to having several different speed limits posted (20mph for school zone, 25mph for town, 30mph for nearby area, etc.). Speed humps were discussed as being an inexpensive and simple resolution as lowering the speed limit does not mean drivers will actually drive more slowly.

Background: Hamlet traffic safety has been a recurring concern for over a year. Council Member Suarez has been working with Assemblywoman Didi Barrett’s office to press the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department for formal action on a speed reduction request. The school zone question involves a process with the County and state DOT; a statutory limit restricts how far from a school building a designated zone can extend.

Big Towel Agreement for Fall 2026–Spring 2027

An agreement for the popular mobile wood-fired sauna program at Palatine Park has been drafted for the coming season. The electricity and propane usage needs to be updated to reflect actual consumption before the agreement is finalized.

Parsonage Archaeology Agreement with Hartgen

The town is still awaiting a response from Bard College regarding access to the Parsonage archaeological collection.

Background: The town executed a $4,800 contract with Hartgen Archaeological Associates in March 2026 to assess and catalog the collection, with the full cost covered by a donation from Friends of Historic Germantown.

NYSLRS Standard Workday Resolution: Tabled to July

The resolution approving the Standard Workday for the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS), required for part-time appointed and elected officials, was tabled again to the July meeting. Town Clerk Joyce Vale indicated she is still awaiting responses from relevant individuals before the resolution can be brought forward.

New Business: Local Law B of 2026 – Repeal of Local Law 3 of 2005 (Town Parks and Facilities)

The Board voted to set a public hearing on proposed Local Law B of 2026, which would repeal Local Law 3 of 2005 governing the use of town parks and facilities. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, immediately preceding the regular Town Board meeting.

Town Attorney Smith noted that the repeal will not affect other, more recently adopted policies on town property — including the town’s smoke-free policy — which stand independently. The Board discussed the importance of involving the Recreation Committee in drafting any new regulations, since those regulations will be established by resolution (rather than local law) and will be easier to keep current. Council Member Christian noted he will research the commission structure in connection with the process.

Background: Local Law 3 of 2005 has been identified for repeal since at least early 2025. Town Attorney Smith has previously advised the Board that much of the law’s content — including provisions related to park permits and pavilion rentals — conflicts with current practice or has been superseded by later resolutions and policies. A Board workshop to plan the replacement framework was discussed in early 2025 and again in early 2026; the public hearing now moves the matter toward formal action. The plan is to repeal the old law and adopt updated park regulations by resolution, allowing for more flexibility going forward.

Highway Fund Transfer: Loader Repairs

The Board unanimously approved a resolution transferring $15,000 within the Highway Department budget — reducing the snow removal contract expenses line (DA5142.4) and increasing the machinery contract expenses line (DA5130.4) — to cover unforeseen repair costs on the department’s loader. Highway Superintendent Anthony Bruno had brought the request forward at the May meeting. Repairs to date have included a wheel replacement costing over $3,000, with additional work needed. Supervisor Helsley noted that the Superintendent is developing a ten-year equipment plan and has indicated he may need to request a new loader in the coming budget cycle.

Supervisor’s Report

Supervisor Helsley reported on two matters:

  • Fire Department Dual Wet-Down: A dual wet-down ceremony was held on June 6 to celebrate new apparatus received by the Germantown Fire Department. The event involved approximately 6,000 gallons of water.
  • Camp Palatine Start Date: Because this year’s Independence Day celebration falls on a Sunday (July 5), Camp Palatine — which normally begins the Monday after the celebration when it falls on a Saturday — will be delayed by one day to allow DPW time to clean the facilities and ensure vendors have cleared the site.

Comments from Council

Council Member Christian brought to the Board’s attention a forthcoming dedication at Cheviot Park. The Pomeroy Foundation, working with the Germantown History Department and multiple community partners, has funded a historical interpretive sign for the park. The sign text reads:

“By 1851 Hudson River Railroad ran through East Camp Landing hub of commerce and travel. Renamed Cheviot in 1886. Remnants of 1911 dock visible at low tide.”

The dedication is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Cheviot Park. The Pomeroy Foundation asked the town to provide a letter of recognition for the sign, and the Board agreed.

Comments and Questions from the Public

Digital Payments for Town Events (Venmo)

A community member raised a practical concern from the Independence Day celebration: a significant number of attendees arrived without cash and had to leave to find an ATM. The member asked whether the town could establish a cashless account to accept payments at events.

The Board agreed that Venmo is the most practical platform, noting that the town’s Recreation Department already uses it for park events via QR code. Deputy Supervisor Sullivan will establish a town Venmo account linked to the town bank account, and a resolution formally authorizing the use of Venmo for town special events will be placed on the July agenda. The Board also discussed extending the arrangement to the bar at town events, with the Town Attorney to review any account fee implications.

Code Enforcement Concerns (Northern Boulevard)

A town resident on Northern Boulevard raised three issues:

  • He requested a public trash can on Main Street suitable for dog waste disposal. The Board acknowledged the request; Supervisor Helsley indicated he would speak with Highway Superintendent Anthony Bruno about it.
  • He reported ongoing unauthorized construction activity at 408 Northern Boulevard, a property subject to prior stop-work orders from Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Mullins and the state Department of Labor. Supervisor Helsley confirmed he had met with the neighbor and CEO Mullins on this matter previously and committed to following up with him again.
  • He raised environmental concerns about a property at 4871 Route 9G, which stores vehicles on loose fill near a well and a stream. Supervisor Helsley indicated he would ask CEO Mullins to investigate whether there are any code violations.

Board of Assessment Review: Call for Volunteers

Tony Albino reported that the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) is now down to three members following one member’s departure. The BAR has a statutory quota of five members, with two vacancies needing to be filled. The Board will call for volunteers in the next Mailchimp newsletter.

Executive Session

The Board entered executive session to discuss attorney/client matters and personnel.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Public Hearing on Local Law B of 2026 (Town Parks and Facilities Repeal) / Regular Town Board Meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM