September 9, 2025

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

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

Others Present: Tony Albino (Fire Commissioner), Community Members

Old Business

Zoning and Subdivision Law Update

An updated draft has been received from LaBella Associates. The next board workshop has been scheduled for Monday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM. The Planning and Zoning Boards will need to review and comment before public hearings can be scheduled.

Background: The town has been working on a comprehensive zoning law update to align with the 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The draft includes provisions for allowing 3–4-unit family dwellings to address housing needs, franchise business restrictions to preserve local character, and five new Historic Overlay Districts. At a previous workshop in July, board members reviewed an initial draft and provided feedback to the consultant.

Theodore Robinson Community Forest

The title policy has been sent to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for review. The town is awaiting response from DEC’s legal team to complete the transfer of this 23-acre parcel purchased with state grant funds.

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)

Supervisor Helsley reported that the LWRP project is near completion, noting “we’re really close, but we’re out of money.” Council Member Christian reported that the town has exhausted its $75,000 grant allocation for the project and that additional funding is needed. Discussion included exploring whether funds from the Greenway Community Grant program could be available.

Background: The LWRP includes development of harbor management and shoreline protection local laws. The program has been in development for several years as part of the town’s waterfront planning efforts.

Parsonage Roof Replacement

The board awarded the bid to Better Homes Builders, Inc. for $58,786.25 for re-roofing using 24-gauge standing seam metal roofing. The project received seven bids ranging from $58,000 to $175,000, demonstrating significant price variation among contractors.

Background: The Invitation for Bids was issued in August following approval at the July meeting. The selection of 24-gauge over 26-gauge material represents higher quality despite a $6,000 cost difference, ensuring longer-term durability for this historic building.

Salt Shed Solar Array Service

Paperwork has been submitted to National Grid and Hudson Valley Solar for project approval. Supervisor Helsley noted the initial down payment invoice has been received and the town must complete interconnection by year-end to maintain the $50,000 grant.

Background: This project was awarded to SKJ Electric for $66,817.27 in August 2025, funded through the Green Revolving Grant account. The solar installation will provide renewable energy and defray energy costs for the town.

Franchise Agreement with Hilltop Communications

The renewal agreement drafted in July remains under legal review by Archtop, with no response received. Attorney Smith noted the original agreement has expired and recommended follow-up communication.

Background: The original agreement expired in July 2025, and the board approved an extension through December 31, 2025, in July to allow time for legal review of updated terms.

New Business

2026 Budget Workshop

The board scheduled the 2026 budget workshop for September 23rd immediately following the zoning workshop. Supervisor Helsley indicated the first budget pass is complete, with Form A responses expected by September 30th.

Credit Card Payment Authorization

Supervisor Helsley reported ongoing vendor research for credit card processing services, with emphasis on solutions that pass all fees to consumers rather than the town. The system would initially serve the Town Clerk’s office for fees like building permits, dog licenses, and similar transactions.

Background: This initiative, discussed since July 2025, aims to modernize payment options for residents while maintaining cost neutrality for the town.

Updated Employee Policies

The board adopted two new policies required by New York State:

  • Policy on Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace – Required by NYS Labor Law Section 206-C
  • Revised Discrimination and Harassment Policy – Based on Columbia County’s model policy

Background: These policies were tabled from August pending union review. The union (CSEA) reviewed both policies with no objections.

Maple Avenue Sewer Extension

The Board discussed the need to extend sewer service to four parcels beyond the current district boundary on Maple Avenue. The extension would require engineering consultation, likely from Delaware Engineering, with costs estimated around $10,000 for preliminary studies needed to apply for state grants.

Background: Failing septic systems in this area impact water quality in Lake George South and the river. The timing aligns with efforts to eventually reopen swimming at the lake.

Lasher Park Dock Installation and Lighting

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to replace the dock at Lasher Park, potentially this fall. The town is considering installing lighting for safety, particularly for evening boat retrievals, and would need to install conduits before paving.

Background: Supervisor Helsley noted that he had received complaints from residents regarding people pulling boats from the water after dark. The town may receive some of the old DEC dock sections for potential use at other locations.

Park Signage

Board members have received complaints from residents regarding overnight camping at Cheviot Park. Discussion centered on whether to install “no camping” signage and whether signage in the various parks should be consistent or park specific. The board agreed to come up with sign suggestions and circulate internally.

Background: The Town has rules for use of the various parks, however there is minimal signage following DEC’s removal of previous signs they deemed inappropriate for state-designated Greenway Water Trail sites.

Hamlet Traffic Safety

Ongoing speed and safety concerns in the hamlet remain under discussion. Both Supervisor Helsley and Council Member Sullivan observed a sheriff’s deputy in the hamlet, providing some enforcement presence. Council Member Suarez noted that the problem is particularly bad at night.

Background: This issue has been raised repeatedly by local business owners, citing dangerous driving conditions and confrontational behavior from speeders. The town continues seeking enhanced patrol coverage and exploring traffic calming measures.

Board Appointments

  • Roy Brown declined reappointment as Chair of the Board of Assessment Review, leaving the town to seek new candidates for this position and fill an existing vacancy.
  • Matthew Mercier was reappointed to the Columbia County CSC Task Force.

Water Supply Concerns

A community discussion arose regarding residential well issues, including impacts from hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of new wells affecting neighboring properties. Council Member Suarez noted this as part of broader questions about long-term water supply planning for the town.

Background: The town commissioned a water study eight years ago, and the engineer now works for LaBella Associates. Community members have raised questions about whether Germantown needs long-term planning for municipal water systems.

Fire Department Sign

The Germantown Fire Department offered their old sign to the town. The town will work with a community member who offered design services to create an attractive permanent mounting solution, potentially incorporating landscaping elements.

Supervisor’s Report

  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, September 11th beginning at 8:46 AM, with local representatives and American Legion participation
  • IT Assessment by Columbia County on September 10th to evaluate town equipment and recommend replacements for 2026, with emphasis on county-supported systems
  • Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Office Hours returned to Wednesdays 5-8 PM with Brandon Mullins back from medical leave, assisted by Eli Fieser

Comments from the Public

Fire alarm registration process: Tony Albino requested that the Town look into allowing residents to register and pay fees online.

Water and housing development: Tony Albino also raised concerns about aquifer capacity and the need for updated hydrological studies in light of proposed zoning laws allowing higher density housing.

New sewer plant operator introduction: H2O Innovation took over operations in July 2025.

The board entered executive session before adjourning the meeting.