Board of Trustees

Village Of Walden Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Mayor Pearson called the regular meeting of the Village of Walden Board of Trustees to order at 6:30pm. On roll call the following were: Mayor: Becky Pearson Present: Deputy Mayor: Lynn Thompson Trustees: Liz Kyle Gerald Mishk Cheryl Baker Ralph Garrison, Jr Bill Taylor Absent: Also Present: John Revella, Village Manager John Cappello, Village Attorney Chief D’Elicio introduced Full/Pull Time Officers Alexander Martinez, James Demshick, Renee Santos, Brianna Lawrence. Nelson Bermudez, Oscar Meija and Max Estivez Chief D'Elicio: Before we leave you tonight, I wanted to bring up a suggestion or a recommended. Sgt Montanaro: It’s a shame one of the things that we enjoyed having there was the flag box for American flags. They need to be burnt properly. So, we'd like to relocate that box here with approval from the board. Would like to house it here, since VFW can no longer do so. We'd like to know if you guys are interested in housing that box here somewhere inside the building for however long it’s here. Chief D'Elicio: That's the box that when our community members have flags that need to be destroyed, they can come and bring it. We'll maintain the flags, we'll monitor it at the Police Department. We'll take care of the actual disposal of the flags in accordance for the way that it should be done. We believe it's very important that with the VFW relocating, we have the opportunity to still extend that to our community members. Something that they would have the ability to be proud of. We'll take care of getting the box here and we're also a local business, Nub Graphics, they've decided to donate their services. They're going to refinish the box, paint it and get the box to be presentable for wherever we choose to can keep it in the Village Hall. If you see fit to have it here. Mayor Pearson: You want it in the building instead of outside the building? Sgt Montanaro: I think it would be better housed inside. We have the space for it. Chief D'Elicio: The pleasure of the board, wherever you guys would like. I just think it's important to have it here for the residents. Manager Revella: I was thinking outside for visibility purposes. Sgt Montanaro: It doesn’t have to be in this building. Mayor Pearson: Yeah, sometimes the building is locked, so getting in might be on a weekend when someone wants to drop something off. We'll talk about it. I would like to welcome everyone, thank you for your service in our village we hope you are successful. Be safe as well. Good luck in the academy. Look forward to seeing you in 6 months. Village Manager’s Report • Had a couple residents inquire about the rehab loans. I've been working with them to see what options they have and making sure they get write up’s from the Building Department for their loan projects if that's the way they're going to go • Following up with FOILs with the clerk. • Going over vouchers and went over some personnel issues with different board members • Went over some PBA matters with the special counsel • Had a meeting with the mayor and deputy mayor and the rep for the school district about school locations • Went over some property violations, zoning and planning matters with the Village Attorney and Building Department personnel • Had a wonderful Veteran's Day ceremony here at Village Hall. It was excellent. Hopefully next year weather permits us to go back to the park • Been getting some updates from NYSEG on double pole removals. They've been keeping us informed which is all we can really ask for is to keep us informed of the process and they are following up with the other utility companies to make sure it happens • Did meet with the web designer and the Village Clerk to go over the village website to get some updates, relocating some things, organizing, make it more user friendly • Went over a few things with the Village Attorney on a couple property maintenance issues and neighborly concerns • Rec Department, teen center is still going well, indoor pickleball is picking up, corn hole and fitness programs at the Community Center. Do have a Christmas tree picked out for the Christmas in the Square, December 4th, the tree will be located in the square on Monday morning, so I would try to avoid the square Monday morning between 9 and 11. Indoor soccer has begun, fall maintenance going well, they're doing decorations, the monster bash was great. The Thanksgiving luncheon was a great success • Building Department, they've been following up with property maintenance, going over some things for court with the attorney. Issued 16 new permits, 6 violations and 5 stop work orders. Also attended the annual state training in Kingston  • Clerk's been updating us on different things with personnel, especially 207c and workers comp, FOILs, handicap passes, also met with web designer, dig permits, IT assist and processing new hires • Finance Department, going over the bank rec with the consultant. We met with her a couple of times this week. Working on some billing issues and mapping still with Edmunds. Workers comp audit came out, I'll discuss that in exect with you about some issues there with the personnel • Public Work’s been going over and pressing sludge as they can, making sure everything's clean. Going over the project green light contractors, they were told they have 2 weeks to finish whatever in the village, then they can't dig anymore for all the new technology lines they're putting in. Water Department put in 4 new meters, 11 endpoints, did 45 mark outs and 2 Closings. They are post carding properties now for the new billing. Getting more people lined up for that. Did have to repair water main break on Sadlier. They’re cutting back routes. They did finish the hydrant flushing. They were able to help the railroad company finish their Grant Street crossing. Clearing catch basins and flushing and jetting • Police Department, as you can see we've got new hires in. The Academy started yesterday so those 3 that you saw in the different uniforms, will be there until April for graduation. They did a Coffee with a Cop event on the 14th. Thought it was nice, I got to stop in for a little bit, and a few of the board members. Since last meeting, they had 256 blotters, 4 arrests, 24 traffic stops with 13 summonses issued, 3 mva's and 5 parking summonses Trustee Baker: The vehicles that went to auctions, did they sell at all? Manager Revella: Not yet. I don't think the auction closed yet on those vehicles that we put up for surplus. I can check in the office and see what the close date is on it. I think we give at least 30 days. Trustee Mishk: If you can answer this, the scouting out for location for the school is there any prospects? Manager Revella: I don't know what I can say in public, because it's potential property acquisition not. Not supposed to talk about it in public. We can talk about it in attorney/client. Deputy Mayor Thompson: I just wanted to make sure we did follow through with the signs before Assemblyman Maher leaves. Did we get our requests in? Manager Revella: Yes, he responded today to that. Deputy Mayor Thompson: I didn't see an e-mail from him. Maybe it was just to you. Manager Revella: Oh, maybe. Deputy Mayor Thompson: If it's there I didn't see it, but I don't love our new emails. I'm trying to love them, but I'm not feeling it. I just wanted to make sure that we stayed on top of that before we lose him for a few months. Manager Revella: Yes. Just so everyone's aware, while he's away, Megan his assistant will be coordinating most things for the office. Trustee Taylor: John, you made reference to the fact that you met with the financial consultant to discuss the status of work and a plan going forward, what is that? Manager Revella: So, the crux of our discussion today was that it's very complicated, very tedious work and the time frame that was given is not very realistic, but she's working her best and diligently to try and make it happen. It's 3 years of work and it's hard to figure out what exactly what happened when the entries were made to correct them. She thinks it's somewhat unrealistic but she's still trying to strive for that to be completed by the end of December, like we asked. Mayor Pearson: We did flushing of our hydrants everything's good? Manager Revella: Yes. Mayor Pearson: Did payroll go back to finance? Manager Revella: This week. Mayor Pearson: We’re up to date with permits? Are we pretty good in the Building Department. Manager Revella: We're not lagging like we were correct. We're pretty normal now. People that don't give us the full information obviously, are waiting. People that give the right information are taking the normal amount of time, within 5 to 10 days business days. Mayor Pearson: So, when somebody comes in and doesn't give you the right information, do they get told what they need to have or do they just say go fill it out again? Manager Revella: When they come in they usually drop it off, so they don't know until they get to review it. When they get to review it, they'll notice whatever's missing and let them know. They should call or e-mail, if they left the information and say hey, you're missing this or missing that and sometimes they take their time, unfortunately. Payment of Audited Bills Trustee Garrison made a motion to approve payment of audited bills except for the bills as discussed. Seconded by Trustee Taylor. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Of course I want to pay our bills, there have been several questions, I hope everything, I spoke to the treasurer, she was able to answer several of my questions. Are you are you satisfied that everything is in order? Manager Revella: With those ones that you mentioned, yes. Also the board's aware that we're still holding that other invoice, as well, from the attorney. Deputy Mayor Thompson: How long are we holding? Manager Revella: Until you say it's okay and we're waiting for that report. They were informed that. Mayor Pearson: I emailed them again for reports. I haven't seen it. I've emailed John at the same time. Deputy Mayor Thompson: As long as you're confident that the corrections were made on the bills. I'm fine with paying the bills. Mayor Pearson: I know there was a double bill, did that get taken care of? Manager Revella: Which one? Mayor Pearson: The attorney. There were 2 of the same bills. Manager Revella: I don't know. I didn't see that one. We'll check that before. I would say that your motion does not include the double bill. I'll check when I go back in there. Mayor Pearson: Lynn, you also talked about Spectrum. The dates on some of those. Manager Revella: Yes, we were holding a lot of the Spectrum bills because we're fighting them about the service. They were supposed to have a meeting with us, they got delayed, then they cancelled on us. They asked if we can pay a portion, except for the disputed amount and I don't see why we would not pay the stuff that's not disputed, so that's why the bill finally went through. Mayor Pearson: So, when that happens, that comes out of what? Manager Revella: Part of it's out of last year's money if it's appropriated. Mayor Pearson: We held some back. How much did you hold back? Manager Revella: The Treasurer should have encumbered whatever that was. I don't know how much it was though. Mayor Pearson: Let's check on that one, too before we send it out. Deputy Mayor Thompson: There was another bill that didn't have a statement. It was for council as well. Mayor Pearson: Labor council. There was no statement in there. It said emailing the manager. It would be nice to see what we're paying for. Manager Revella: I have it. I don't know why it wasn't attached. Mayor Pearson: Do you want that to be held as well? Or do you want it to go through and just have John show us what it's for? Deputy Mayor Thompson: It can go through as long as he received the statement, yes. Manager Revella: It’s for Nugent & McCartney, just so the public is aware. All ayes. Motion carried. Public Comment Mary Ellen Matise: First off, I have a suggestion for the flag box. We have that prime loitering spot next to the outdoor bulletin board on the building here. That would occupy that spot because that's the prime spot they're all sitting there charging their phones and doing this and doing that. The flag box will fit very nicely there and eliminate all of that. Comprehensive Plan discussion, are we thinking this is going to get adopted early 2026? Starting the discussion now putting a time frame on this. Manager Revella: The time frame would be the boards being presented with the draft today. They have to have time to look at it, any corrections, adjustments. Next meeting, we plan on having the planner here to do a summary presentation and just in case, there are any other questions or comments or changes, they would be made then, before public hearing is set and then adoption. Mary Ellen Matise: Okay. When we had the work session meetings, they were open. People really didn't come to them, so I'm wondering if maybe we can have an article in the paper that this process is starting and explain the process and try to get people to come to the presentation and then to the public hearing. In 2005, I saw an article in the paper and said oh, I could do that and I started coming to the meetings. We want to get the public more involved. This would be a good time to publicize it and bring them in on it. Especially after all the work that's been done on it over the years. This night sky law, people who already have big lighting situations, are not affected? Mayor Pearson: That's not exactly what it said. There was another part of that that was in there that said something different. Mary Ellen Matise: I drove past Orange County Transit last night and you'd think the Big Apple Circus moved back into town. The lights are unbelievable. I don't know how the Winums put up with it, but the whole thing was just lit up. Trustee Taylor: I went by it tonight, it looks like Kennedy Airport. Mary Ellen Matise: Right and as you're driving in, it affects your vision as you're driving and that was the same criticism I have of the old Methodist Church. Those lights need to be aimed down. Manager Revella: They're not. Mary Ellen Matise: They're terrible and it affects the drivers on the main roads. Deputy Mayor Thompson: It affects the walkers too. You can't say you're literally blinded. Mary Ellen Matise: I know but if it affects the driver, it's more problematic. Alcohol Waiver – Cook Trustee Garrison made a motion to approve alcohol waiver for the Cook Family. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Thompson. All ayes. Motion carried. Alcohol Waiver – Hogan Trustee Mishk made a motion to approve alcohol waiver for the Hogan Family. Seconded by Trustee Garrison. All ayes. Motion carried Comprehensive Plan - Discussion Mayor Pearson: Comprehensive plan discussion for the board. John sent everybody an e-mail, we didn't print it all out first, we figured we'd kind of wait until we got the rest of it. Your comments and things and through the public hearing and the print out what the final would be, so everybody would have a final. The Planning Board gets a final. The Zoning Board gets a final. And the Village Board gets a final. Are there any concerns, any thoughts, on if you've read it, number one and what your thoughts are. Any comments on what you've read so far. Mayor Pearson: I'm going to put out to the board first anybody have any comments on anything that you read through? Deputy Mayor Thompson: The conversation that you and I had about the zone up on your end of Walnut Street. I think could become problematic if it's not addressed. Mayor Pearson: We had talked about rezone from R3 to R5. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Just to make it conform. Mayor Pearson: Where my house is, there's like 5 of them that have smaller lots, that are all considered larger lots and they're not, so that's one thing. I'm going to start at the beginning, if you look at the very beginning of this, there are only 4, when you go to the Planning Board list, there are only 4 Board Members mentioned on the Planning Board. There should be 5. Did one of the alternates turn into be a new board member? Manager Revella: We'll check and make sure we have the right numbers on that. They might all need to be updated anyway. Mayor Pearson: That was a concern. On page 13, it talks about the medium housing pricing and I can't believe it's that low now. I think things have skyrocketed. Manager Revella: Definitely higher than when we started. Mayor Pearson: Correct. I would like maybe a new number on that, if we can find that somewhere. Also the rents on them, is the medium rent is $1292. Do you think that's really true? Manager Revella: It could be with Section 8 housing. The adult housing that we have in the Cedars could average out. I don't know. Mayor Pearson: I don't know, can we just double check that too please? It just seemed awfully low. Just those 2 things if we can find new numbers. Page 19 the wetlands maps. It just says new wetland maps. Are these current now? I don't know if this is the current one, because I know they were doing new maps. Attorney Cappello: Might be helpful if everybody could read up, write out all their comments. We provide them to Kristen. I'm getting involved in this a little in the late game, but I had a conversation with Kristin O'Donnell. I think it's probably best process wise if you had her at a meeting just to run through like a slideshow and give an overview for the board members and the public before you set a public hearing. Because the code doesn't really require public participation and then get some initial comments, then do all your revisions at 1 time, come up with the document that you said, okay now we're ready for a public hearing. Mayor Pearson: I think that's why it came to the board first, so the board could read it and have any comments on it and then if Kristen's coming at the next meeting, so if we have our comments now she can maybe research those before she comes to the next meeting and see if we were right or wrong and then finalize it and then do the public hearing. I just wondered if that the map before it is the wetlands map and I know that there was going to be new maps, but I don't know if this is a new map or not. On page 27, it does talk about night sky. I thought that was pretty interesting, since we just talked about the law. Manager Revella: Just so the public's aware, it's on the Village of Walden website, under the Village Manager, there's a link on the right. Mayor Pearson: It's pretty interesting because it does have the way the lighting should look in here. Which I thought was interesting, too. When we talk about the law tonight, you might want to look at that on your page and we can reference that that's on page 27. Attorney Cappello: We probably should send when we get to that law, send the law out to Kristen who may have cutouts and may have some really relevant comments to the law. Mayor Pearson: Great. Awesome. Page 33, I know it mentioned this when I was on the committee about the it's late now, but the traffic study. We would have to pay for it. We weren't going to do it, but Coldenham Road and a traffic study, because if that development ever gets developed now. It was bad then, but how much worse it can be? We're not going to pay for one but and the developers already… So where does that stand right now? Manager Revella: With the development, I don’t know. Mayor Pearson: The gate was open the other day. But I haven't seen anything happening over there at Kidd Farm. Manager Revella: *to Code Enforcement Officer Roosa* you're not aware of anything, right? Code Enforcement Officer Roosa: No. Manager Revella: Just so you know on the traffic study information, if there are areas in the village you'd like to studied, by traffic studies, there's going to be a round of funding coming out for that purpose. The board should have a consensus on those areas and we can put in for funding for that. Within the next couple months, please. Mayor Pearson: Is that the November one you just sent me? Manager Revella: No, that’s a different one. This is for OCTC. Mayor Pearson: Design guidelines, do you have them posted on the website? Manager Revella: I don't know what link it's under, but they were under there. Mayor Pearson: We might need to update some of that. We have not updated that since Alan was here and that was probably 20 years ago. I think we should really look at that again, too. On page 46, it talks about historic districts which we don't really have historic districts that I know of. We have some beautiful houses that should be in a historic district. And it did talk about the regulations of historic being voluntary. Which I like that, but I'm not sure how many people will do that. But I think we should at least put it in here when we go to finish it. Page 60, PD paragraph, by municipal building. It's up at the top paragraph, I know we want that many police officers, so we just leave that in there, because that's what we expect to have even though we don't have it the amount. Manager Revella: Correct. Mayor Pearson: Page 61, I know audience you're all bored I'm sorry, but it's important. the whole ambulance thing is wrong. We don't contract with the Town of Montgomery Ambulance anymore. It's in our taxes now so we really don't have that. That has to change. Page 63, was the school and if that changes, we'll just have to amend it. Page 71, I'm not following this map. We have all that OLI on there, that purple. Manager Revella: Correct. AMPAC, Truffa, over here is office buildings, Jacobowitz office, this way goes towards Spence and what used to be Mid Hudson Wire. Mayor Pearson: My map, see that dark red at the top? There's a little 2 piece section on my map that looks like a doorway, it’s gray. It’s by the red. Manager Revella: That's the Town of Montgomery, right there. Mayor Pearson: Oh, that was a different map. Page 71, RM2 is listed on there still. That has to come out. We don’t have RM2. Manager Revella: We don't, but it may still be in the code, so we'd have to make that zoning amendment to remove it in the code. Mayor Pearson: So, should be done soon. We talked about that 5 years ago when we did the plan for RM2. It should come out. We don't have it any longer. Then my street, Walnut Street to look at the zoning. Map on page 69. Manager Revella: It's existing use. Mayor Pearson: That's the one with the 2 little squares in it. Manager Revella: Yeah, those are preexisting nonconforming uses. Those are the auto lots that are there next to Amthor's old place that got annexed in. Mayor Pearson: Page 73. You said that you didn't want gas stations. Manager Revella: In B3? Correct. Mayor Pearson: But this is I2. Do you want them in I2? Manager Revella: I2 is only where Pierce Industry used to be. That's the only I2 in the whole village. I don't know how you'd even have a gas station there. Mayor Pearson: But it does talk about gas stations in that comment in village industry, it says warehouses, storage yard, fuel stations, breweries, wineries. Where ever it says gas station in that section on page 73. I'll reread it again and talk about it next time. 74, I'm questioning, we don't have a definition for artist loft. Page 75, it talked about solar on historic buildings. But we don't have historic buildings, so I don't know whether the wording needs to change or we're going to work on historic buildings. Manager Revella: It doesn't mean, like anything that was registered historic already? Mayor Pearson: I don't know. Manager Revella: Anything more than 50 years old is considered historic building. Mayor Pearson: Clarify in bulk table that rooftop solar panels are not permitted on historic buildings. I don't know what that's supposed to mean. We don't have registered historic. We do have some, but nothing that we call historic buildings. So, either we have to put a definition in for historic buildings and what we consider them to be or and I don't know, John, if that can happen or not. Attorney Cappello: I'm not sure you could prohibit someone from trying to protect the environment and any other person could have on their house, because you deem it historic. That's going to be a tough one defend, so you might want to just reconsider the substance to consider. There may be precedence for it but I am not sure. Mayor Pearson: I think that's what I had what I had. Sorry. But I appreciate if anybody has anything else. Manager Revella: We'll have the planner here at the next meeting. So, if there are any other comments that come up between now and then, send them over to me so I can get her prepared. Code Review – Chapter 116 & 121 Mayor Pearson: 116 took a little heat on those yard sales. People are a little hot about yard sales. Trustee Garrison: We're going to have to talk about that. I'll save my comments for the end and then we'll have a discussion about it. Mayor Pearson: We talked about the last meeting. Trustee Garrison: But we haven't voted on it to put it in effect, have we? Mayor Pearson: No. We're changing what we were changing for that. Trustee Garrison: But we're here for the people, right? That's who elected us. We have to listen to what they have to say and take that into consideration. That's what I'm saying. I think it's something we should talk about at some point. Mayor Pearson: Correct. You can bring it up at round table. 116, clearing, filling and grading. Anybody have anything on that? Attorney Cappello: I actually think you might eventually, I don't know when, take a look at this. If you look at the definitions of what is clearing and filling, technically. People who put up a flower bed or raised flower bed, could have to go for a permit under this definition. I think you might want to clarify it to make sure you're addressing really changes of contour and really clearing and filling that could cause erosion issues that I think it just could use a little updating to make sure you don’t get involved in the neighbors dispute just because someone put a *inaudible* What I might do is as we go through zoning revisions you made, maybe just provide you a couple examples of a more updated code that a couple other municipalities have done, that you can consider and modify it. Mayor Pearson: Perfect. Do you want to do that soon since we're talking about it? I know we're pushing you. Attorney Cappello: I'll try to, I don't know how many there is to get this change in context about of other things, but it is something that eventually, you could use some clarification. There's exemptions there, but it's just a definition. Mayor Pearson: It says daylight hours. It doesn't talk about weekends. Lots of times, people clear things on weekends when there's no Building Inspector, but I don't know if you can limit that anyway. Manager Revella: You can. Mayor Pearson: I don't know if that's something that the board wants to talk about. That's all I had. John has the comments on the definitions which will really help. Chapter 121 – Construction Uniform Codes Mayor Pearson: I only have a few things in that whether it needs to change, I don't know. I was thinking that you would hear from the Building Inspector on things, if we needed to change it or not. Manager Revella: Do you have some comments, Keith? Code Enforcement Roosa: I think we're covered pretty good, because if it's not addressed at 121, we always can jump over to the state code. Manager Revella: If you guys notice any incidents where that occurs where we can bump our code up to meet that without having to move that would be great Code Enforcement Roosa: I've been able to use it thoroughly without having to jump to the state code. Mayor Pearson: I know that I talked to Keith about the Building Inspector versus Code Enforcement Officer and I guess the test is the same test for building and code, but our code looks like we have 2 separate entities, a Building Inspector and a Code Enforcement Officer. Manager Revella: There used to be 2 civil service separate positions. Now it's combined Building Inspector/Code Enforcement III that it's called. One exam. Mayor Pearson: Do we need to change any of that? Attorney Cappello: I haven't looked at it to be honest with you. I can. It looks like the last time this was updated in 1982 or something. We might want to just update the references to what building code, if the building code has be revised. I think they did pass around several years ago passed around some suggested revisions from the state to make to your 2 provisions like this to make sure that there's no gaps between the village law and the state law. Code Enforcement Roosa: We're going through a big code change right now. We just did 28 hours of code review up in Kingston and that just scratched the surface. So, I'm not even sure if this has even been addressed because I haven't had a chance to even look into the new code book. Mayor Pearson: that's yeah that's state code though. I get we but we can… Code Enforcement Roosa: We kind of piggyback off of what the state code says. Chapter 121-3 Record Keeping Mayor Pearson: Letter B, *read into minutes* Do we know what that regulation is for state law to hold records for that? I'm certain I know I sent something to Marisa because I tried to look it up, but it went to be many things and we had to have a resolution to do something. Do we have that resolution? Manager Revella: For records retention? Yes. Mayor Pearson: Does it not have to be done all the time or once we do it it's fine? Manager Revella: I think it referenced the state code. I think it's fine that it references the state regulation in that resolution. So, that covers you because the state regulation may change from time to time. Your resolution covers you for that. Mayor Pearson: So, we're just going to leave that state law regulation in there, but we don't really know what the time frame is that we can get rid of files. Manager Revella: For village records, I have a cheat sheet somewhere about it, because like for financial records, it's 6 years. For personnel, it's forever and there's a lot of the bonds that are adopted are forever. Certain things have different time frames. There's one that's 55 years after the last date. Mayor Pearson: I didn't even know if we needed to put a time frame in there or it's fine the way that is. Manager Revella: Those references that code which references the resolution you should be covered. Mayor Pearson: Can we look and see if we ever did one? Manager Revella: She sent you the resolution in an e-mail. The records retention resolution. Mayor Pearson: The Building Inspector shall annually submit the Secretary of the State, do we do that? Manager Revella: Yes, absolutely has to. Mayor Pearson: Very good. I just didn't know. So, our attorney will look at them and just see. Attorney Cappello: Yes, I will see if there’s anything. Local Law 7 of 2025 – Night Sky Mayor Pearson: I think that we could probably add part of what we had in the comprehensive plan into that. That’s what you're saying, John? Attorney Cappello: I think Kristin can review it. I'll be honest with you, I took this from other codes. I'm not a lighting expert. I actually have a cheat sheet in case you ask me any questions about all these standards here, but I think we want to balance. The first 2 sections, just so you know, specifically have provisions in our site plan regulations in our subdivision code to specifically delineate that the planning board for any new developments going forward will require night sky compliant. I go back to Mary Ellen's comments, I would have someone look at the bus station to see what was in the site plan with the Planning Board. I would imagine that knowing John in Lanc & Tully, that there may be something on that plan that required down lighting that is just not being complied with Mayor Pearson: We had a big issue with lighting in the beginning. Attorney Cappello: I would have shocked me if the town didn't… Manager Revella: They were on them about it. Attorney Cappello: That’s their number 1. And then the same thing in subject, so that makes clear going forward that the Planning Board has the authority. Section 3 is the section that is really new and will affect existing residences and also require enforcement by your Building Department. We want to make sure that everybody looks at it and the standards are clear what constitutes a violation versus not. Some of them are easy like strobe lighting and everything, but when you get into 0.2 off the property line, having to have your Code Enforcement Officers go measure that. Gets to be a little dicey. I don't know if there's a better way to write it. We've looked at quite a few. Some of them are even more detailed and to me would be a horror show having your Code Enforcement all of a sudden have to become lighting experts and what lumens are and everything so you know there's a balancing here that we tried to obtain that would allow you to regulate any offensive lighting, but still allow people to live. There are exemptions for holiday lightings, but that could also cause an issue, someone goes overboard, you might want to have some kind of reasonable limitations so you don't have the Griswolds Family living next door to you and walking out in neon. Those are all types of issues and like I said, it's not necessarily my field, so having Kristin or whoever knows lighting, take a look at this would probably be pretty helpful. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Am I missing it or is there nothing in here about.. do we have to address sensor lights or that's a whole different animal? Like people that have motion lights, that they come on, they're bright but they only stay on for a very short duration. Attorney Cappello: There's exemptions that I think, once again it’s if catch them. If it’s the duration and it's like last. I don't see anything specific, but it would be if those sensor lighting exceeded the levels here then whether they're censored or not. That’s a good point that we should look at. Mayor Pearson: No definitions. I'm just thinking about this foot candle and what that means and those kind of odd words that people don't really know what they mean. Attorney Cappello: We can include. I think a lot of them are just what it is and it recites back to the dark skies standards and other standards but we certainly can include a definition section. Trustee Taylor: Just to digress with Orange County, are those new lights? Manager Revella: I don't know. Deputy Mayor Thompson: They do seem worse than they have been in the past. Trustee Taylor: They’re a whole lot brighter and like I said, it looks like Kennedy Airport. It does create, if you're coming into the village, there is a significant distraction by the lights that exist as we speak. Attorney Cappello: I would suggest somebody really pull the approved plans. If there was a site plan, especially if it was approved in Town of Montgomery, they're very strict on lighting standards so it may not even, on that particular instance, you may not even have to revert to this law. You may be able to revert to their site plan and say you're not complying with what you were approved to do. Trustee Taylor: There was significant discussion on that issue with them in the past. So much so that it was melting the paint on a residents house, not literally. And they had to fight to get that corrected. Now, I see the lights seem much brighter tonight than they had and they almost look like LED lights. Trustee Kyle: If you go to Ace Hardware in Walden, all they have is LED, for the most part. They're pretty much switching every light to LED. Attorney Cappello: You shield, just like you shield fluorescent, you could shield LED. Trustee Baker: Is it possible, we have a meter for sound, could we not purchase and if it’s found to have above a certain lumen amount? Attorney Cappello: This talks about bleeding over but once again you need the law, you need the equipment and I did try to put in something for police officers, but I don't know if you wanted, but Building Inspectors are usually not available when the lights are on so we go to measure it. We'll have to figure out a way to address that. Mayor Pearson: Somebody just sent me a picture of those lights. Manager Revella: They sent a photo to all the board members, Mr. Sullivan. Mayor Pearson: John, can we look at have somebody look at that please. Attorney Cappello: If you contact Sue Hadden, she'll pull the plan *inaudible* Mayor Pearson: Sounds good, thank you. Trustee Garrison: I want to wait till we look at the plan on Orange County Transit, because I have a feeling there's going to be some issues with safety concerns that is going to be involved with their lighting situation. So, I just want to wait to see what the plans say first before we start diving into that, because they may pull the old - I have buses that come in after dark and I have employees that are walking in these lots and we need significant lighting. I just want to see the plans first before we attempt to open that can of worms. Trustee Kyle: I will address the bright lighting. I think for anybody that drives, I feel like I'm being blinded. Everybody has their brights on, but cars use LED lights now and they're extremely bright compared to every light that's been used before. So, definitely something that I've had to get used to, especially with astigmatism. I think it's a problem that has more to do with the LED bulbs than it does lighting in general. I wouldn't want to limit people from having lights outside of their property because most of the lights you can buy now are LED. Deputy Mayor Thompson: But Liz, there's a way to adjust the height of the light so it's not intrusive into someone's bedroom windows. There's a way to deflect the light. Mr. Hanen in the audience, can show you the pictures of the house behind him. And it's happening all over the village. I agree with you that part of the problem is the type of light bulb, but people have to be cognizant of that and realize that it's not really nice to your neighbors, to not be able to go out in their yard in the evening because they can’t see. Trustee Kyle: And they have a spotlight shining in your bedroom. So, things like the height of it and the deflection, absolutely. I know that we had taken this off of another town’s code. I had noticed it to see if it was in this code. Holiday exterior lighting must be turned off by 11:59 PM. I don't know about anybody else, but everybody I know that has outdoor holiday lighting has those little timers that it goes on from dusk to dawn and that's when Christmas lights are supposed to be, shining at night time. You can't shine them during the day, they don't make a difference. I feel to have to shut off your holiday lighting by midnight is a little crazy. I don't like that at all. Most people do it from dusk till dawn. They have a little timer, they plug the lights into it and then it goes off during the day, it comes on at night. I really enjoy looking at all of the Christmas lights and driving around. That would make me sad to drive into Walden at 12:30am and then just be pitch black everywhere. I particularly enjoy the holiday lights and I think that that's unnecessary to have to make people shut them off by midnight. Mayor Pearson: I'm going to agree with you. I don't think we have to have a time in there at all. I think you have to put holiday in there for a reason, but I'm not sure why. Trustee Kyle: That's why I had noticed it was in the one that we used as an example to adopt and it says holiday exterior lighting must be turned off by 11:59 PM. Attorney Cappello: That's an exemption though. If we take out 11:59, that would just exempt all holiday lighting. But the reason it states holiday is to exempt it from the normal requirements. Mayor Pearson: I'm fine with taking the time out of there and just exempting those lights. Manager Revella: From the word holiday to the end, cross out. If that’s the consensus of the board. Mayor Pearson: I'm fine with taking it out. Anybody else okay with? All: Yes. Mayor Pearson: What about lights mounted on poles for the building façade? Are we talking about certain height of poles? Are we talking about just a pole? Like the poles at Orange County Transit? Manager Revella: It's the one for illuminating building facades, that’s what it says, I don’t if there is any other ones. Mayor Pearson: I think it's really because of the height of the pole. The Catholic Church has one on the ground over here and when it's facing the street, it's blinding as you come down. But when it faces the building, it doesn't bother anybody. Trustee Kyle: I think that it should be specified like maybe lights mounted on poles that are shining elsewhere other than the building facade. I don't think that we should prohibit a light shining on a building, but yes, it should not shine into a neighboring property or the street. Attorney Cappello: We can cross that out. Once again, as I said, we took these as examples for you to consider. I'm not promoting them or denying. It’s just what others have done so you know. But you tailor it to what you think the Village of Walden would like. We could cross it out. Mayor Pearson: Here's another definition, like high density floodlighting. What would that consist of? Attorney Cappello: Would have to define. Mayor Pearson: There are some definitions that we have to do. Trustee Kyle: I see that there's stuff in here about incandescent lamps of 60 watts. It is harder to come by like the traditional incandescent lamp than it is LED bulbs. Aren't we having this issue with our street lights in Walden right now? Manager Revella: All our streets are LED now. Mayor Pearson: John C, you talked about Kristin and seeing what she might have as a planner for lighting. Is that what you were saying? Attorney Cappello: Yeah, she probably has more experience with actual lighting design. Trustee Kyle: I think it just think that this needs work, but we’ll get there. Mayor Pearson: We will and that's a start. We’ll get some information from Kristin, John too Manager Revella: He has a couple of things for definitions to work through. Attorney Cappello: I would run it by the Build Department, because eventually they're the folks who are going to have to enforce this. See if they have any comments. 74 West Main Street Update Mayor Pearson: Any other information on 74 West Main Street that can talk about or is that executive? Attorney Cappello: Right now, the gates are off. They’re back and forth. We'll have to discuss it in exec. Public Comment Mary Ellen Matise: On the lighting, I think I can tell you, the last meeting that Bill Kelly is offering his services to come and help you guys, just give him a call. He loves doing this and he'll help you out any way he can. So, it's November 18th, I haven't seen any ice on the streets yet, but it will be coming and I'm never going to stand here and say to you guys, oh, I think I'm getting old, but I am getting very frustrated, because this problem I've had that it's going to happen again, although when we had some heavy rain, I did have runoff going across my driveway again and it's the same runoff that I've been complaining about for 2 years. That's coming out of sump pump or coming out of a basement or coming out of some other property going across my driveway when it's freezing and it freezes. Some years I've had ice like this and extensive ice. I'm not going to walk over it to get out of my driveway. I'm not gonna fall on it because that would be a disaster. The Building Inspector did go to the property owner the following year, this goes back like 2 years, so I'm getting very frustrated and I'm trying to be proactive here, because it will be winter soon and the property owner says, oh, I'll dig a drywell. Did he ever dig a drywell? Good thing he didn't have my grandmother for a grandmother, because his legs would have been broken by now, because he never dug a drywell. He did follow up on it with the guy, but I guess you have to take somebody's word that they’re going to do it, but then the guy never did it. Then there was no follow up after that. That was last year. Now we're coming up to December and January and February. I'm just very frustrated at this point. What does it take to get something done in this village? It's really getting difficult. Stefan Bojsiuk: I have some questions regarding the Comprehensive Plan Committee's findings. Some of you may or may not remember that I did come before this board as well as that committee a little over a year ago. I had requested that the zoning be looked at, at my property 30 East Main Street. It was podiatry practice. Currently, it's an apartment up above and what was my medical office down below. I had sought to have zoning for a 2 family house, 2 apartments. Upstairs and Downstairs. I was wondering what the committee came up with on this. If they're going to grant my request or do I got to look at other avenues. I kind of waited for a year to find out but I don't want to wait much longer. It's just sitting empty right now. I've been doing work there, but I can't do any more work than I have at this point. It's been an expensive, because I've been getting individual building permits for 3 things. I redid the basement. I dried the basement out. The basement is drying out reparge the basement, poured a slab, put a roof out front, rebuilt the back porch. I thought those are all individual permits that I had to get and I just want to get a permit to start converting it into a rentable apartment. Manager Revella: I can tell you that the committee did review different parts of the village for zoning conformity. And that's one of the recommendations that will be discussed if that's what the board wants to do going forward or not. We'll have to see, but they're definitely looking at zoning conformity and not just that area, but a couple different spots in the village, including where the mayor is. Stefan Bojsiuk: I just kind of wanted to know at least, if it's still under consideration. I have waited this long I might as well wait a little bit longer, because my other avenues are to go before the ZBA or put the building up for sale. Which I really hadn't wanted to do. I kind of explained all the reasons why I think what I'm requesting is a win for myself but I think it's a win for the village as well. I had the property looked at by a couple of Realtors. They both told me that it would be a lot more difficult for me to try and rent that out as commercial space compared to…I would have a line of people to rent that as housing. There's a shortage of housing and unfortunately, we have an abundance of vacant office and commercial space in the village. I really just don't want to go that route with trying if I have to try and rent it out as commercial space. I'm going to have to do extensive renovation, because my Podiatry office isn't going to work for a heck of a lot of business. And if I'm going to go through that wherewithal, I would rather convert it into a rental apartment. I would rent it quickly and get 2 and a half to 3 times as much rent for a rental apartment. It's just a business move without a doubt but I don't think it's in the favor of the village to have anymore vacant commercial properties as is. Mine is vacant now for 2 years. And it's not a good look. Mayor Pearson: When you bought the property, was it a single family home at that time? Stefan Bojsiuk: It was but, it was zoned for business. It was zoned where you could still convert it into professional space and at that time I had to get a special exemption right at that time and that was in 1988. Trustee Baker: What size apartment are you trying to find, 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom? Stefan Bojsiuk: 2 bedroom. I think it's a little over 1000 square feet. Second floor I have a one and a one and a half bedroom. It's probably around 7-800 square feet. The nice thing is because it was commercial I do have 8 parking spots on my property that are paved. It's not going to be any burden as far as taking up parking spots. Which is always an issue in various parts of the village. Mayor Pearson: John, we discussed that. What's the rest of that street after that building? Manager Revella: After that is 1 and 2 family. I think there's 1 that's 3, but it's in preexisting, nonconforming. It’s B3. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Has this ever been before the zoning board? Manager Revella: No. He came to this board and then went to comprehensive. This board recommended going to a comp plan meeting. Stefan Bojsiuk: With regards to what's there on the corner of Valley avenue is a beauty parlor with I believe 2 or 3 apartments in that building. Next to me is the new Barber Shop that opened up there. It's a very small commercial space and I believe there are 4 or 5 rental units in that building. Behind me is a 1 family home and to the other side of me, is another 1 family home. I've spoken to all the surrounding, not everybody within 300 yards, but at least all the adjoining property owners and explained what I wanted to do and what some of the alternatives are and I had really everybody, these are the stakeholders as far as I'm concerned, at least the ones that are going to be most impacted and they all supported me and my effort to make it a 2 family as opposed to another commercial entity. The rest of those houses over there, it's kind of a mixture of 1 family, 2 family. I think there's one 3 family in there. Across the street is the mini mall. Across the street is a 1 family house that is now a 2 family house. and next to that I think has 4-5 apartments. By converting it to commercial residential, it's not like I'm completely changing the character of the neighborhood. As a matter of fact what I'm proposing fits in better. Manager Revella: I can let you know that the board obviously, they consider everything proposed before them. They're going through the comp plan review process. It's one of the things they're considering is zoning and conformity and zoning. I know they're going to review it they can't make a decision today on that, but they'll make sure they get back to you. Stefan Bojsiuk: My understanding from what you had said before, this is going to be discussed over the next several board meetings and you're hoping to have some type of decision early in 2026. Manager Revella: That's correct. Stefan Bojsiuk: Okay, I have to kind of get things to know where I'm going with this, because like I said, I have done a lot of building that I could legally do without actually changing the zoning on the building. I've had a lot of repair work to do. Everything was perfect on that building 35 years ago when I renovated it. But everything is 35 years old now. A lot of things to do. Thank you. Attorney Cappello: *inaudible* I had disclosed this one. I was interviewed but I was with Doctor Bojsiuk at the comprehensive plan committee. When I've done work for Dr Bojsiuk, he's also a friend. So, I'm not going to opine on this issue. Those on the comp plan heard my opinion on it already. Trustee Kyle: John, how much of this is us versus the Zoning Board? Manager Revella: The zone, what you want to make the zone, is up to this board. The Zoning Board just interprets. Mayor Pearson: It's whether the Village Board wants to change the zone whatever we want to make it. That's the issue and that's what the comp plan does. At the end, it's got all these recommendations, so you start looking at the recommendations, it doesn't always happen immediately. The board has to go through those recommendations. One recommendation at a time, you're going to go through them and decide whether we're going to move forward with it or not. Trustee Kyle: Has there ever been situations where an exception was made to a property that was inside of a zone to be different than what that zone was for that? Manager Revella: That's called spot zoning. That's not allowed. You can’t do that. Attorney Cappello: But to clarify this wouldn't be, because he was looking to zone that area on the other side of them, which is already residential, to make it part of the residential instead part of the commercial. Correspondence Mayor Pearson: I've gotten a couple emails from both property owners on Capron Street. I don't know where we are with what's happening. Maybe we can be filled in in exec. I kind of sent some things to people. Trustee Baker: I just got the one from Mr. Sullivan he sent a few minutes ago about the lighting Miscellaneous Comments from the Board Trustee Taylor: I had the distinct honor and privilege of acting as the Master of Ceremonies for the Veteran's Day Celebration. I think it came off well and that's in direct proportion to the efforts of the Walden Veterans Memorial Park Committee and the Walden Community Council. I would like to extend personal appreciation to Miss Brenda Adams for her guidance and choreography. I think moving it inside and it didn't rain like they said it was going. It was not as chilly in here as it was that day. It was more comfortable for some folks and I think that probably attributed to the full house that we had, so again, thank you. Trustee Garrison: I pretty much close out every meeting. Thank you to the Police Department, DPW, all the village workers that are out there working. It's getting cold, make sure you guys are bundled up when you're outside. Also if you're driving through town, keep a low speed these guys are out there doing their job. Make sure you respect that and avoid them. I encourage everybody to come to the public hearing for the yard sales. There were a lot of discussion I heard on the Facebook post, as well as some other residents stopped and spoke to me about it and how they felt. I just want to encourage everybody to come out during the public comment for the public hearing so, they can speak their peace in their mind so that we can understand more how everybody is feeling. Other than that, enjoy your holidays with your families. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. We all know it's the best holiday, so enjoy it. Deputy Mayor Thompson: I'd like to comment too, Veteran's Day was very nicely done and it was well attended. It was nice to see so many people come out to honor our veterans. I attended the Planning Board meeting last night and I have to say it was an incredibly wonderful surprise to see that the presentations were put up on our beautiful screens. Thank you to everyone who made that happen. It was so much better to be able to follow along with the agenda and see what the developers and different people in the community that came forward were planning. We need to use those screens more often. They make a big difference for the people in the audience. Now we just have to work on the microphone and we'll get it right. Have we figured out what we're doing with the town? Utilizing the services with the grant writing? Did Anyone get back to you? Manager Revella: I asked the supervisor again and his assistant today for guidance, I didn't get an answer yet. I've been sending everything to both for now, until we know. I don't want to get left behind. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Well, no because that invasive species grant the deadline is 2 weeks. Manager Revella: I've been working with Anne on that one and so is Mike Bliss. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Another e-mail came out, there's a field visit. Manager Revella: They're going to Benedict Park to check to see what invasive plants are there. Deputy Mayor Thompson: I won't be able to do that, but maybe you or Mike. People are invited they want that to be all-encompassing to get money for the villages. It'll fall under the town, we fall under them. Mayor Pearson: Do they have to come here to look at our invasive plants or is that if we're putting in for the grant? Deputy Mayor Thompson: They need the information from us, the species and the location. Manager Revella: She has that from us. She has the Japanese Knotweed at the Millspaugh Waterfront Park for sure. I just want us to get the issue resolved about do we still continue with the grant writer that is contracted? Or when that contract ends, are we taking advantage of the in- house grant writer? Can we work with both right now? We just need to get an answer. Mayor Pearson: I did get a phone call from Millennium today and he reached out to say that he doesn't know what the village is going to be doing, because the town is stopping with Millennium as of the end of this year and it's going to be an in house grant writer which is Anne. And he asked if the 3 villages wanted to still participate with him and he would do a discounted price. It'd be $3300 a month, but it's to be divided by the 3 villages and if we wanted to take advantage of that it's $1100 a month and he said there's many grants out there now that can be looked at and gotten. Something the board might consider. Deputy Mayor Thompson: That's quite a bit more than we're contributing. Mayor Pearson: If we look at that maybe, we need to look at both and see if that's going what we can get from the town as well. I know he said there was maybe, if they did it, there'd be a certain amount of money that we would be allotted to spend from the town. Deputy Mayor Thompson: Have we been really aggressive asking? Manager Revella: We had the meeting with them to tell them what we're looking for when these certain things come up, we want to apply. And they knew to go through those particular things, one of those was the downtown initiative revitalization and we had to have a private partner to do that and we didn't. We did the first time with 29 Grant Street and then another time came up and we didn't have a partner. We e-mail with them at least once a week about different things. Deputy Mayor Thompson: I want to bring up, we have a small committee that's been working on mapping for wellhead protection. It’s getting quite involved. John, I'm thinking we need to see if there's another round of funding that's going to be available for DWSP 2. Manager Revella: Correct. Mayor Pearson: It still has to go through to the town. Deputy Mayor Thompson: It does but we're doing our best. Trustee Mishk: Just want to echo the opinion of Veteran's Day. The program was very well put together and it was well attended and very nice to be there. Trustee Baker: Same sentiments on the Veteran’s Day. It was a lovely ceremony for the 100 year at the post office. It was nice to honor very long term employees. It was nice to see members of the on the route community members come out to support them. It meant a great deal to them. Trustee Kyle: Sometimes when I'm out just speaking with people that live in the village, I end up hearing things that are concerns that could or should be brought to the board. It seems like it's never in an official capacity. Then I'm always asking why haven’t you reached out to anybody? Have you said anything, have you emailed? The answer is always no. I know that I feel like we have a lot more people that watch this meeting on Facebook than we do that actually attend. I'd ask for any residents watching, are there barriers to communication between residents and the board? What could we do better to meet residents halfway? We can't fix problems that we don't know exist. Mayor Pearson: You can always put something on the agenda with another board member if you want something talked about. You don't have the people don't have to come if they're concerned and you're the person they're speaking to. You can talk to one of us and ask to put that on the agenda and somebody just has to have 2 people. Trustee Kyle: I will look into getting it on the agenda. The yard sales. I did see all the commentary on social media a lot of it was pretty funny, I'm not going to lie. But his is why residents need to be involved in board meetings because they don't show up for board meetings and then a village code gets published and everybody has comments about it. When we hold a board meeting and we ask for public comment, there are crickets in this room. I know that not everybody can make it here on a Tuesday. I want to thank Bill. You did a great job. Veteran's Day was a great turn out and also thank you to Brenda, the Walden Community Council. It was packed in here. Thank you to Becky. It was an awesome ceremony. I did get a chance, just casually, I was down in the Police Department talking to a couple of the officers down, the Police Department is doing a great job for what they have going on. They’re doing their best. Mayor Pearson: I just want to talk about how Harry and Alicia from Lafayette Street called me to make sure they didn't have to be at tonight's meeting for their property maintenance issue. I said no and they wanted to tell me that they do have a closing date for December 5th on the house. They're excited about that. But then it's hard finding a new place to go. They’re struggling at the same time but happy that they're helping get done like it needs to get done. They're thankful that you listen to what they had to say and help them get through. Are we hooked up with Orange County Transit? Manager Revella: I don't know if the last part was put in because they were waiting for a valve. Mayor Pearson: I saw them digging after the last meeting again Manager Revella: I don't know if the valves in. We were waiting for a part for the pit. Mayor Pearson: Mary Ellen's issue has been going on for 2 years. I would really like to see some type of something for that. Manager Revella: We were talking about that. Mayor Pearson: Thanksgiving is coming, I hope everyone has a peaceful and happy thanksgiving. It's a struggle for some people. I went to the Bruderhof meeting today, breakfast this morning and food banks and food pantries are are struggling. They want the food, so if you can give, please give them food. Manager Revella: If you wanna get a list from the food pantry to see what they want dropped off. Some things they can't use. Mayor Pearson: Inspire, Community Council collects new pajamas for children of all ages. There'll be a box in the library. Millspaugh Furniture and the Town of Montgomery will also have a box in there. The post office was great. Mary Ellen, thank you for the history and putting part of that together. We did do a plaque. Popps Trophies did that. Some certificates for the long time employees and the 2 retirees. They were very thankful. Veteran's Day was beautiful. Thank you, Bill. Mary Ellen, let's talk about the flag box, since that came up. We should talk about that tonight whether the board wants to put the flag box somewhere. Where we should put it? Deputy Mayor Thompson: I agree with you, I think we should do it, but I think we should do it outdoors, close proximity to the building, because there are people that are disabled that have trouble getting in and out and also weekends and when the building is closed. It would just make it easier for people. Mayor Pearson: If we can use that spot that Mary Ellen was talking bout. Manager Revella: Yes, that used to be the entrance to the side of the Fire Department. That's possible or by the door. Wherever we can bolt it into the ground. We’ll figure it out. Trustee Taylor: I think it's a great idea and kudos to the Police Department for coming up with that and monitor it. Trustee Taylor made a motion to move the flag box from the VFW to the Village Hall. Seconded by Trustee Kyle. All ayes. Motion carried. Executive Session – Attorney Client on 74 West Main St, 51 Capron St & School Locations, Personal History of a Particular Employee Deputy Mayor Thompson made a motion to enter executive session for Attorney Client on 74 West Main St, 51 Capron St & school locations, personal history of a particular employee. Seconded by Trustee Kyle. All ayes. Motion carried.