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Call meeting to order. Stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. Um, I guess let's get right into it. Uh, public comment on agenda items. >> Yes, >> Nancy Brian. Um, >> item number one, the art installation. Many of us, um, spoke our opinions at the last meeting. Um, I want to continue

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along with that. The place that you and the artist decided would be a good place to put this at the Sands Homestead is in my mind still in my opinion absolutely not appropriate. It's not a hilltop. Also, it's not a hilltop, it's a hump. Okay. Um I'd like to know who's going to be liable for injuries and accidents when people are crawling through this. If somebody gets stuck, whatever goes on, someone climbs. I know there's going to be fencing. You're not going to be keeping everybody out. it's

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in an inappropriate place. Um, it does not belong on the homestead. We need to have respect for the history of that area. Okay. The other thing I want to just mention is, um, when I pulled up the final agenda that was posted on the website, item 17 was a resolution for general liability, property pollution, and cyber insurance renewal. That has now been pulled and it's gone. Um, I'm appreciate if some point during the meeting you explain that to the public why that disappeared. I believe that um

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last year I believe that the renewal was in January and we're now in February and I could have that all wrong but that's what I I think. So, um, back to item one. I would certainly, um, feel that if this is, you know, the threatened destruction of the natural environment of Strunking, Strunking Mountain, Black Rockck Forest, Hudson River, there's a much more appropriate place to get the pointed cross of this this sculpture and places that would have electric and water rather than next to the homestead.

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Thank you. >> Sure. Thank you. Yes, >> Elsa Cameron from Cornwall and Hudson. And I want to thank you. I want to address my fellow Cornwall citizens. Yes, I live in Cornwall and Hudson as does Josh. >> You might say we have >> You guys need to address the board. Uh Elsa, this is public comment to the board. >> Sorry. >> Okay. Yes. >> So I I just >> Yes. I understand my fellow Cornwall and Hudson Josh. You might say we have dual citizenship as the village of Cornwall and Hudson is

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within the town of Cornwall. This matters because we all share the same focus and desire to take care of our town to do what is best. Our town has a long history, longer than the 250 years we are celebrating. Obviously, our history matters because we're celebrating it. Our history is our foundation. Our Declaration of Independence, 1776. 1787, the Constitution. 1789, George Washington refused to be king. He's the father of our country, our first president. All this and more is our inheritance.

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I'd like to share with you with the help of Joanna my timeline starting with not 1776 but 1760 with the Sands Ring homestead which is the first little item there. Now, before all of this that I just mentioned, uh the Sans family moved to this Cornwall area and contributed greatly to the community. They built a home on acres and acres of land. The family still visits its homestead, a foundation of the family. We preserve it for them. We preserve it for us. Foundations of buildings, communities, and countries need to be

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kept strong. On the timeline, I included a few major important events. Now, well, and I might add, we have the Sands Ring. We have 1776, the Declaration, the Constitution, President Johnson, President Lincoln, the Civil War, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, all the way up to 2026 now. And right here, this little blip is what's being concerning to all of us. That little blip of the Khan Edison project constructing a huge amount of dirt on historic property has no revel. >> Hey Elsa, the three minutes is up.

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>> Well, it has no revelence to the Sans family and it's abhorrent to have it and I suggest putting it off for five years. Usually we celebrate 25, 50, 75 years. that would be a time to build it up enthusiastically, share it, and get ready for it to be put in the village. And I thank you again. And I shared my notes with you. So, there's one for each of you. >> Okay. >> Do me a favor. Thank you. >> We'll take Thank you. We'll take that. We'll take that.

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>> Thank you, Chief. Um, >> yes, >> I'm Virginia Scott. I live on 36 Avenue and tonight I'm speaking as a resident. Um, I don't know. Um, may I get this? Okay. Um, this book is being distributed by Orange County. >> I have one, sir. Thank you. >> Wonderful. >> Thank you. >> It's the Orange County semientennial commission 250th New York. The birthplace of the republic. That is what we're celebrating. We are celebrating the birthplace of our nation.

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I want to read something. to you inside. This is the Andrew Homestead which I just found out that Mary is the author of this particular the whole book of just the section I worked on that book. >> Thank you. I just learned something. Thank you for that. Um I want to read this to you in Cornwall. Another royalist story involves the Sans homestead. The Quaker connections throughout the story of David Sans are examples of the consequences the mandate of war had on families and neighborhoods and the efforts of communities in a

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struggle for independence. Nathaniel and David Stans were among 32 Cormal residents who refused to sign the oath of allegiance. Many local men joined Colonel John uh Bayard's loyalist company of the King's Orange Rangers in opposition to their patriot neighbors and family. Many local women gave aid at the homestead regardless of the region's allegiance. David Stance would travel as a minister for the Quaker friends throughout the war, spreading a message of peace and salvation while becoming an important

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conduit as he traveled with men of prominence to complete his mission. His travels during the American and French Revolution, which he journal, shows the efforts of his local quiet warrior who lived to bring peace into the world. The homestead quietly welcomed men of importance to the patriot cause as soldiers camped on the grounds, shopped in the store, and held meetings of great importance with leaders from Quaker, Patriot, and loyalist families, hoping for success for a new nation. Local Tory

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families, including many SANS members throughout the colonies, suffered great consequences of their choices, yet played a significant role in the quest for independence during the war period. Their contribution continues as the San Ring homestead for 250 years, leaving strong evidence of the community success at the United Nations. For what I'm seeing, this is dividing our community. We need to respect our history. And from what I'm seeing, it's either a misunderstanding or not an understanding

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of the historical context of Cornwall as we celebrate our 250th anniversary. >> Thank you. But um I really implore you to please find another spot along the Hudson River where it belongs. This is our 250th celebration. Thank you very much. >> James. >> Hi, James Jackson. Uh 6 Center Street, Cornwall. I live right next to the thing we're all sort of discussing here. Um, I'm also uh the vice chair of the Cornal Youth Garden Club, one of the highly active garden organizations here in

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town. We process uh the town's composting operation, 13,000 pounds last year of food waste uh and we're very environmentally involved. I live right next door to uh the uh um to where the sculpture will be. uh I'm in that field four or five times a week with my dogs, with my kids. Uh it will not bother me. In fact, it will attach my children uh to Cornwall in ways I think that you're overlooking. I think that while we look back to the Sands Ring Homestead Museum, which is >> James, sorry,

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>> sorry. Yes. Well, sorry. my well it's while it's important that we uh you know we honor our our heritage the most uh it is it the the the most important uh thing is that that that we look towards the future not the past. We learn from the past but we we must use that and move into the future and and We are stuck in this cycle right now where we're holding on too tightly to the past. We must we must understand that that it is the future that matters. That these works will bring awareness of what

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Cornwall is. The fact that it is on a property where I believe the museum is open one day a week. One day a year, >> two one day a year. One day a year. How many How many days? Can somebody tell me? I tried to find today. How many days a year is the museum actually open? >> If the fourth grade program was open, it'd be open a lot more. >> Okay. So, a program that's no longer involved, but so it's not it's there's as far as I know, it's not open. One day

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a year, one day a year, you're clinging to a and and such a waste of energy. This is a a fine sculpture in my opinion. Uh a fine sculpture. It's, you know, perhaps not to everybody's taste, but being there, it will be much more visible than down at the river, and it will teach the children of today about something truly significant in Cornwall's past. And honestly, we'll draw more attention, if you think about it, and and more engagement with from our youth to the actual Sans Ring

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Homestead Museum than anything I've seen in my decade plus here. So, I I understand it's hard to let go of these things, but I implore you, actually, to Virginia's point, it's dividing us. It's not that big a deal. It's a sculpture. Remember that this is about the future, not the past. Thank you. >> We are here. >> Yes. Great joy uh from the village. So I've my family and I have lived here for like 33 some odd years. And uh you know during that time I've learned a lot uh

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about local history >> uh from people like Andy uh Lucy Swift, uh Joe Gross, I mean many others, but they really queued me in on a lot of what I needed to know as a as a new resident and over the years. And as a matter of fact, I served as a trustee in the village with Joe Bros. 2008 2009 and during that time uh this community celebrated the Hudson Fulton quadricentennial um and uh it also happened to be a marker for uh the storm king decision. I forget exactly what, but I know that CE scene Hudson commemorated the Stol Trail

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uh at Donnu farm at that time. And uh Joe because of his keen sense of village history knew that um the the boulder that sat at Donahghue Park uh commemorating uh Mayor Donnu and the creation of Don Park. um had a twin a virtually identical second half of the same boulder that nature cleaved into perfectly uh with a smooth face on both sides and um for the village to commemorate uh the storm king decision at that time. We uh had the DPW brought down the other boulder and it sits to this day symmetrical to the boulder, the

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half commemorating Mayor Donahghue. And this half uh commemorated the Storm King decision. And I was honored to be able to compose the inscription on that stone. And it reads uh to commemorate the preservation of our beloved mountain, forest, and river. and to honor those whose stewardship inspired and empowered a nation to protect its natural treasures. The Storm King decision 1963 to 1981 that's there and now both sides of the story are told and I can tell you that when we put that stone down there it was the same thing

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that's happening now. It was like the Battle of Gettysburg where we had uh Union monuments on one side and Confederate monuments on the other side. It's like we got to come together on this. The village doesn't own the Storm King decision. The nation owns the Storm King decision. And it's up to us to spread and celebrate the legacy of the Storm King decision. And what better way than to put an earthwork that the community will see, will become engaged with. And it's it's not going to it's

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going to be gone. It's going to come boom. Beginning, middle, end. Thank you. >> Philip Cameron, 62 Duncan Avenue Hudson. I just have a few things to add to what's been said here, and I'd like people to consider the uh my thoughts. First of all, the mount of dirt is is again the sculpture that's being proposed. My question is most a lot of people here in Cornwall were not here when the storm team decision was was basically conducted back 70 years ago when when the community was basically

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divided over the conison proposal. So my question is are they going are the these new people that are in this community really going to understand what that mound of dirt represents? So my thought would be instead of a mount of dirt which perhaps you know might have the the uh seasonal plants planted and hopefully taken care of but instead of the mount of dirt which is being proposed perhaps they could you could construct a story board for the people basically uh dedicating or or indicating what what

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was going on at that particular time um so that people are understanding what's going on as opposed to looking at this mountain of dirt and saying, "Well, what's this all about?" That's my first thought. The second thought is the location over near Stand's Ring. Again, I know people have their opinion on it, but to me, it's it's too far away. A lot of people don't cross the the Hudson Street or Main Street to go over to see the sand ring. If you put that structure

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closer to the town hall property, more and more people especially on the 4th of July. So my thought would be change think about changing the location and secondly instead of using a mound of dirt to represent the the issue perhaps do a story board putting it one one story board here and then a duplicate down at the dining park. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yes. Joanna Doya, 118 Drive, Cornwall. Uh, first I would like to thank the town for realizing how important Sans Ring is. There are people here that may not

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know that we have not been open very recently over the past couple of years because the town has been very involved in helping us repair it and renovate it. We have not had the fourth grade program there because we had some issues and it would have been unsafe for the children. The fourth grade program is coming back. Many of the activities we used to have is coming back as soon as the town is able to finish helping us get the home ready and safe to have children there. I know my children went through the

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program there. I know many people in the room here had children that went through the program. I believe Josh went through the program. He's in the same grade as my kids. So, um, for people that think that the homestead is not open and is not active, that is a misconception. It is. We have hit some hard times keeping the house renovated and safe. And the town is aware of this because they have done a great job and the buildings and grounds have done a great job. Um, it is a viable museum and it is listed in the

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book that Jamie showed as one of the major historical museums in Orange County. So, um, I just wanted to make that clear. I didn't want people to think that we're not working on it. And it is open more than one day a year. Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I'm Lotus Doe. I'm a museum educator. I also serve on the board of Black Rockck Forest and the Orange County Arts Council. as an educator. Well, first of all, I want to thank everyone for being so involved now in thinking about our

00:21:08
museum, Sans Ring, and also thinking about the education of the stewards of the future in our community. And I see everyone is really on the same page in many ways because we want the best for this community. We want this community shine because we are already shining. So, museums honor our history. Museums are places where we get to think about community like we're thinking. And we also get to honor the people who are here now and the people who were then. this particular community. Right now we

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have two people and and kids kids from Storm King School, kids from the Cornwall schools who are interested in doing this project and and what Phil and the thing is so cool is I know so many of you and I know you all as my friends and neighbors and I know that you all have the same feeling that we want to move forward with this. So, I did write a letter to Josh um and I I >> the board has it. Yes. >> Okay. So, I have the letter here if you need another copy of it honoring the idea of the Storm King decision. Black

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Rockck Forest Consortium. That's a consortium of 22 individual organizations who are also educational organizations including NYU um City College um the American Museum of Natural History all go to Black Rockck Forest and they see the stone. It is the beginning of the environmental movement for the entire nation. the people in this community just like we're doing right now were so concerned and so um um invigorated to preserve the land and preserve the history and basically we're talking about the same thing. I feel

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that young people coming close to the Girl Scouts sex plays, coming close to Sans's ring, seeing a beautiful sculpture developed by Janette Reen and Vivian Collins, two women artists who are strong in our community and learning about it, actually participating in sharing the information um will have will bring Steuart Stewardship again into our next generation. So, if there's anything that if you want to personally ask me about this, I do have a lot of study in museums. I have a lot of study in the environmental

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educational programs locally and in the arts in Orange County. I'm glad to talk to you about how we might come together for this this once in a-lifetime kind of thing, a very short um period of time to come together and celebrate something. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I would like to ask that you do not film me. You do not have my permission. Um, while infrastructure access may offer logistical convenience, it's not an appropriate standard for determining use of a designated historic property.

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The presence of utilities does not make a historic site suitable for unrelated installations. The Sands Ring Homestead and the land that surrounds it is a setting, a period in time. To have a modern sculpture in the middle of the property takes away from the treasure that the homestead is for our community. It should be an addition to our community, but it should not be at the expense of diminishing something like the homestead in the year that we celebrate at 250th. >> Yes. Uh Shan Stow Cormal resident all my

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life lived at Sands Ring taught kids involved in Storm King. They condemned my family's land in the river. And I see an artist or artist creating an idea with students and gardens and plantings. It's a temporary, but in Sand's Ring, few people have been in the backyard. Few people have seen the whole beauty of the area. something unique like this, the artist should have ability and I thank Cornwall Town for allowing it and working with it. But I think it would bring new energy to the community. Maybe

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enhancing Sands Rings, Sands Ring Homestead, people would see both many things there, the great oak tree, you know, they'll notice things in the back or near it. So yes, as an artist myself and artist, our artists have gone out of their way to create this and it took many maybe years and it's going to be something unique and we can then see it go away. But then Storm King, if you're at the Donghoose Park, you see Storm King from there, you can see a different perspective. So I prefer an artist's

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idea to run with it and see if the town will allow that and I will help them because I see it as something good for students and people to see in the future for a few years or so. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yes. Um, hi, my name is Brett Rodino. Uh, I'm 17 years old and I am one of the younger generations that we speak of tonight. I live at 36 Idol Wild Avenue and you know, something that I really did pick up from this meeting tonight is that we as a community are incredibly divided and we seem almost unsure of ourselves

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at some point. Right? While I haven't been on this earth for as long as some of you may, um I would definitely like to say that, you know, um I've seen change in this community. I've seen things develop. You know, uh the sidewalk outside of DV Mart went from this weird patch that I would always crack my head open when I was 12 to now a nice smooth sidewalk that I can walk on. So, you know, the the town is changing and personally that believes me to think that, you know, the community

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would necessarily benefit from a little bit more change. And while I think it's important for us to conserve our history and remember the past and, you know, know the know the people who were involved in creating Cornwall's past. I do also believe that, you know, being able to revitalize the community and being able to keep it on a higher quality of living standard that really most other towns in the Hudson Valley can't make up to, right? Um, you know, and a sculpture like this, an area like

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this where people can come together for once and not be so divided is something to me that is beautiful and honestly very serene. Um, however, I do think um I do want to thank all of you for letting me speak tonight. Um, and have a nice evening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes, Sally. I'm Sally Faith Dorfman Seroda. I was your age when the Storm King decision was happening during my high school years. Um, I live in the house in the property my parents bought in 1939. They

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started the Cornwall Independence Day celebration in 1950 with a mission to educate current and future generations about our heritage and what this area contributed historically, morally, and in many other ways. I'm here tonight speaking as Cornwall Independence Day Committee vice chair for historic connections. We have applied for a permit which I hope you will approve to host an event on Sunday afternoon April 19th. We chose that date because 18th of April in 75 midnight ride of Paul Rivere

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and the night after he said to arms to arms the British are coming. The next day April 19th was fired the shot heard round the world the beginning of the revolution. And what I learned from the uh Orange County semi-quincentennial booklet that Maryanne helped put together was also on the 19th of April, eight years later, George Washington signed the ceasefire papers ending the hostilities that had begun on the 19th of April eight years earlier. We would like very much to recognize war and peace and unite our

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community in an educational fun event that we are calling a then and now fair. inviting local schools including Storm King School, the youth garden club, performers from the high school, from the arts community. Have a display, show who you are, tell your story. We would love to be working with the friends and trustees of Sans Ring and have an open house on that day in addition to the open house that's held on the 4th of July. Uh, and uh, if anyone has any questions about the application permit, I'm I'm

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here to answer them. But this is an opportunity to spread the word to athletes, historians, environmentalists, artists, youth groups, seniors, businesses, the faith community, and any other groups who would like to bring our shared history to life that afternoon experiencing historic times with Sheldon's help. Thank you. And Van's ringing help. Thank you. experience historic times and learn about their current counterparts as we unite in unity for an afternoon of fun and celebration. Thank you.

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>> Is there anybody else if we move up? Yes. >> Thank you. >> Different. I just want to uh couple things on the uh the sculpture and the sand ring. Um I really think we're talking about apples and oranges here and I don't think there's anybody in this room who doesn't support the sculpture. It's a great idea. I happen to be on the village board of trustees when the con decision was made. They finally agreed to pull out and start moving forward. It was a great moment

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for poor wall and the environmental movement. So it's very important but it is apples and oranges in the sense that we're talking about two different things. We're talking about especially this year celebrating the 250th year of our nation. Uh and also the sanding homestead which is 260 years old certainly has played an important role in the history of our town and our nation. So, I I think what we're looking at here is the sculpture is fantastic. I think the location is not appropriate

00:32:52
sitting on the site of the Sands Ring Homestead. It's it's a it's a period home, a period in in our history and time. And people should be able to look at that site, look at the building. And even Josh mentioned the Girl Scout cabin isn't as old as Sans Rain, but it's probably a hundred years old. So, it it fits into the property well. But the modern sculpture, as beautiful as it'll be and as meaningful as it'll be, will take away from that vision of the Sand Ring Homestead and the period of time

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that it really represents. So, not opposed to it. Would support it. I think a lot of people are supporting it, but as I said two weeks ago, there's 30 acres of property here at town hall. The town is about 26 m square miles. There has to be another location without affecting the aesthetics of the period of the homestead and all. And the only thing I would suggest just doing some research on it. It it's something that probably requires a full environmental assessment review because it is a historic building

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and I think the town has an obligation to undertake that fully asked to make sure that there are no uh impacts on not only the the building but the property, the aesthetic of the property and what that property represents for our town and our country. So, I encourage you to find another site, but I also encourage you to take a deeper dive into what impact visually that could have on that historic property and the historic homestead. Thank you. >> Yeah, I mean, we'll certainly defer to

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council on that. I'm not sure if that's required, but um we'll Yes. >> Um 11 road. Um there's been a lot a lot here. And since I think it's going to get making noise, um, quickly, I've been involved when these guys were designing and and creating the sculpture, which is amazing. It's educational. I went as a fourth grader and I made a corn stock doll there, and uh, it was a great program. We all love going there. Um, I think the building needs to be used more. There is an educational part to it

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on the back. The whole back explains the whole decision and stuff. It's not just it's all organic. material. Um, there's been a lot said about this building and stuff and its historic nature. 60 years of this decision is part of that 250 year history. History isn't only 250 years ago. It's the whole 250 years since then what we've evolved into. The Quakers were Quakers as a lot of people who soldier was. I had the privilege of owning a building for 12 years that the Cromwell family built. They were

00:35:42
Quakers. I saw the girls diaries. They talked about the games they played, waiting for the men to come up on the river, you know, from working in the city during the week and everything else. The Quakers believe um most most of their um they're not massive, their meetings are between them and God and they're quiet because the individual connects directly with God and there's no judgment on activities. They can play games, they can drink, they can have parties, they can do a whole bunch of

00:36:09
different things. It's all up to the individual between them and God. They had this thing and I'm going to read it because I and it was it's called spices and it stands for simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Part of the stewardship that the um Quakers even believe in today is environmental. It is sense of community. It is being involved in doing the right thing. And I think that family would have agreed and have supported this type of thing. There's no way that this mound of dirt

00:36:43
with these beautiful plants on it and telling this story that saved this beautiful mountain of ours is going to take away from this house. It's a historic um monument put onto an historical place with a house. And I think that's where people who come to see July 4th across the street for the independence thing can see this across the street also being celebrated as part of Cornwall's history in this 250 years. People make changes in in what they decide for Virginia brought up about people not signing things. They didn't

00:37:17
sign it because Quakers don't take pledges. That's right. >> They don't pledge to anything. However, because because of their association between the individual and God, they can change their mind or do what their heart does. As was James Cromwell, who was celebrated with the banner on Main Street, who was the youngest son of the Cromwell family, David who built the Cromwell Manor, David was born on Main Street in the Cromwell House that's across from the new hotel. and he

00:37:42
decided with his conscience that he needed to go join the orange blossoms and fight in the civil war because he didn't agree with um what was happening in the south. He was killed on the first day of Gettysburg and left behind child and so people things evolve and stuff like that that house is part of our history. This decision is part of our history. I don't see any problem with it being there. Um and the the chamber supports this project. Yes, I guess there is other places that it needs to

00:38:13
go, but quite honestly, I think it's the perfect place to go from from the house's history, the family's history, and everything else. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else? >> Yes. Greg Ro, General Springs. Uh, I'm going to speak about item 13. Um, I raised a concern last year about what is happening to our assessors presumptive. I note this day both at the school district and here at the town, there's quite a bit of of direct involve the town government with tax stuff. The

00:38:56
reason we have section 554 of our marital property tax law is because there's supposed to be a division line between the assessor and the town government in order to maintain uh the presumption in it standing. It looks like that's being uh routinely violated and to be if this was Maria's petition to the town to have a her judgment supported that would be correct. But it was I read what was put up what between 4:30 and 5 this afternoon. It looks like it's the town that's doing it. And so I I don't have a

00:39:39
complete thought here. I will be researching it because it entire integrals my my issues with the assessor. Uh she needs to have a a squeaky clean um presumptive otherwise uh it's a difficult her actions are difficult to defend in court. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else before I move on? Okay. All right. So, first we have the approval of minutes January 13, 2026 reorganizational meeting and January 13, 2026 work session and special meeting and January 20th, 2026 regular meeting. Can I get a motion to approve? So moved.

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>> Second. >> Mr. Mccardi? Yes. >> Miss Eve? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold? >> Yes. >> Miss McCarazzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodhouse? >> Yes. Okay, first up we have the agenda item just to give two more uh we have this is a resident uh Mara Davi Gains. She's these are two in support of the sculpture. Um and then I also have uh Mary Davis. She's a member of Sans Ring trustees. She's also in support of the sculpture as well. Um just the same thing.

00:41:05
>> Pass out these two. >> Okay. >> So, um All right. So, we certainly got a good sort of cross-section of the community here. Although, I will note that, um, you know, I haven't really heard from people in my age range who are probably home right now with their kids. Maybe they're watching. Um, you know, we got a few emails here, so that's good. But good cross-section of of the community here. Um, I mean, look, I'm just going to say this. So, I guess if we're kind

00:41:41
of going back, um, we did leave out a little bit, probably about 10,000 years worth of history. If we go back to like the first inhabitants of this country, or actually before it was a country, we go back to the native peoples that were here, go back, I don't know, when did they settle here? 10, 20,000 years ago. So, we left that history out, which I think is important to recognize because they were here first. Um, and so, you know, let's add them into this if we're going to go back and do let's have the

00:42:07
full accounting of history. Um and so you know look I think obviously like there is certainly sufficient support in my mind to move forward with this tonight if that's how the board you know based on public comment and who has like spoken out in favor of this and the letters the board's received. Believe I gave you all what a packet of about six letters in support of this in addition to those two. Um, you know, but look, I think here, uh, you know, certainly the friends of Sands Ring and the Sands Ring committee, they

00:42:40
should certainly get to weigh in on this. Sure, that's fair. Um, I wanted to make sure that we got, uh, you know, somebody who's on the Sands Ring committee who for whatever reason doesn't seem to ever get invites to when they meet. Um, so I, you know, I, you know, I asked Mary Davis and I was, she's on the committee and I was like, "Oh, when's the last time that you got together or you heard anything from like the friends of Sans Ring or the committee?" And she sent me an email

00:43:03
from like 2024. So, I definitely think that there's I think there are, you know, look, there's a small group that's very much wants to like, you know, operate Sansing Homestead in a certain way. And then there's like, you know, a broader part of the community that I think wants to open it up a little more and do more with the property and kind of like, yes, we want to value the history, but we want to do more and we want to kind of like refreshen it a bit, get more use out of it, which is why we put almost

00:43:31
$200,000 into it. and why we really want to start bringing visitors to the property, get the school kids back in there, but we have to have a more, you know, we have to start looking at a modern interpretation of history because that's what people expect today. And I think the way that Vivian is intending on doing this is going to be just that. It's going to be she's going to add to it. She's not going to take away from it. And look, you know, I think I'm going to let the board members speak in

00:44:00
a second, but the way I would want to proceed tonight is if we do decide to move forward with this is that we put certain they're going to have to meet certain conditions, right? So, the former supervisor mentioned this idea of like having to do with EAF. You know what? I don't know. I'm not an attorney. That's something for our town attorney to look into and to see if that's something we should we should have to do. Um there are some other conditions that I believe other board members might

00:44:26
have on this. Um I would also you know want to make sure that before we move forward with this that you know that the exhibit that it does let's make sure to the extent possible that it does sort of work with yes the 250th. Okay. So like let's make sure if we're going to move forward with this that we are appropriately aligned with this. And I know that I I've been seeing stuff float around in the community about how you're going to do that. Native plants that might have been used

00:44:54
during that time period on this property. There's going to be some discussions, maybe some classes, some different things. There are ways to like fold in again this decision with, you know, the historical nature of the, you know, property. Um, you know, and so look, I say that we, you know, come up with different conditions. we vote to allow this project to move forward, but subject to conditions. And look, if for some reason they get over there and the site's not going to work, well, you're right, there is more, you

00:45:28
know, space, but they've identified this as working, you know, like we went out there last year to start like scouting for locations, and we looked, we walked all over Riverlife Park and we looked and we tried to find the best possible spot. And so we felt that this was a good spot and that it was far enough away and that it was going to work, you know, on a number of levels. And so that's that's all I really have to say about this. I guess I'll kind of open it up. You know, when do you have anything

00:45:53
to say about this? >> Yeah, just a couple of comments. Um, first of all, Joanna, thanks for recognizing that the town has on made an ongoing contribution to the um I think the only word I can think of is the rehabilitation, the renewal of the property. I I appreciate that even though I'm a brand new board member. Um, I keep hearing this referred to as a modern sculpture. I don't know. When I when I think of modern sculpture, I think of um some of the works that Vivian has done and graciously allowed

00:46:29
us to display around town. This is an earthwork. Um it's supposed to be a um faximile of Storm King Mountain. Um to me that's not a modern sculpture. It's it's it's an earthwork. And I don't you know I've heard I I heard this um mentioned. I I I don't understand how the placement of this temporary installation diminishes anything. I think it enhances our community and it will enhance um the experience that visitors to our community enjoy. >> Roshan, >> yes. Um I actually um I am in full

00:47:15
support of this um project um for a few reasons. Um and I do respect every everybody else's um reservations. I do live here and um I think um because this um sculpture um piece is temporary and it's going to be only one summer, it is not going to impact um that area at all. So if anything, as one of um our speakers said, it's going to draw attention to the sand rings and people going to come. Believe it or not, if you took a survey right now and ask random residents, what is that building? You

00:47:53
would be surprised. Some people may not even know. So, this will draw good attention, positive attention to um this um part of the um uh public space. And um we're talking about um exquisite craftsmanship uh being done by two artists in our um town. And we're I personally I don't speak on behalf of everybody but I feel very blessed that they are going to spend so much time, energy and money. This is not coming off of taxpayers money. This is all on them. And I think least we could do is to support them and

00:48:35
if uh and youth garden club is fully in support of them and they have a lot of members and families involved. So they have my full support. Good luck and uh let me know when I can come and help. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh yeah, I I love the idea of of the sculpture myself. Uh the location I'm still questioning about it. And the reason I'm questioning about because there's still a little bit of stuff I need to do in my homework assignments. My homework assignment is going to

00:49:03
include like you know what Mr. Mandasher spoke about, you know, and speaking to legal about that. The other uh homework assignment I need to do uh I'm working on this week is to talk to New York State uh which is the historical uh preservation institution of New York State uh which that property is under and stuff. I want to make sure that we're not going to get ourselves in a legal bind. That's number one. Number two is I I understand that there's a meeting on Monday uh next week and stuff

00:49:31
with the village and that uh that they may be look reviewing this and looking at a potential site down here park which I honestly feel that's where mutually that's where it should be why I was a little boy with kind happened when this whole incident happened and so I remember vividly you know as a young man a young boy um but the site down there uh down by the river I actually where I've hung out for many many years um as a little boy and a teenager. Um you know I think that not necessarily

00:50:05
that site but near that site you know by down by the middle down by dining park I think it might be a better site. I'll be interested to see what the village board has to say about that. But I will say this that, you know, if if that didn't work out that uh there are some stipulations I want to make if we did choose to put the uh project here on town property over by the sands close to the ghost scout because I understand you need water, you need electric and all those things. And I kind of agree with,

00:50:31
you know, with Councilman Gold and Councilwoman uh Mercy that um it' be a great educational piece uh for all people no matter where the site will be, whether it's in the village or whether it's in the town. Uh I definitely 100% agree with that. Uh Sans is going to be opening up this year, I believe, for the fourth graders. Uh Girl Scout cabin right there. Uh I know they do a lot of activity there. I think they'll probably be able to use this and and have a great education about what happened back in

00:51:00
those days in the 60s when all this went down. Um so but as there's some stipulations I have you know uh about this and one is cost you know I hear that you guys in the past talk about you know we have sponsorship we have you know cost you know people take care of the finances and stuff because what really can't happen because our budget is so damn tight squeaky tight that we cannot afford to have the town taxpayers flipping this this bill for for the inst installation and removal of this project

00:51:33
uh you know, I I feel very strongly about that. Um, you know, I feel that, you know, that if you're going to do this, and I know you have a lot of sponsorships and stuff, and, you know, reach out to me. Maybe I can help you out to get some more sponsorship to actually do the work yourself, installing it, decorating it, maintaining it, and removing it, you know, when the time comes and stuff. Using town personnel, town equipment, town gas, town manpower, I'm not in favor of at all. Uh, and I'll be honest

00:52:02
with you, I'm just not. Our budget is just way too damn tight to allow that to happen. Uh, you might think it's not a small cost and it's not a small cost. Man hours add up. These people get paid a lot of money and they got other things to do to be quite honest with you. Obviously, if something emergency happened, you know, they need to step in to help you out in emergency situation. I'm sure they would. But, uh, but that's my feelings about that. I'm really going to be kind of strict about, you know,

00:52:27
the expenditure from the town. make sure that uh that if this is done we support it and in agreement with some stipulations and I want to see what happens after you know three things again of remediate the uh the the regals um with uh the ENF and also with I just want to make sure that you know we're not getting ourselves in the bind and and the second one is u is the cost factor thank you >> Mary >> I am in favor of it simply because I think Cornwall is extraordinarily lucky to have two major historical events that

00:53:04
we can celebrate and I think the location is good because lots more people a lot more people are going to see what's going on and understand more about Cornwall's history. It's great that we'll have kids seeing both exhibits. I think it's in a central location where a lot of people will see it and that's what we need. We have something that is very unique and something that we should cherish and this helps everyone see what we have and promotes the special nature of our town.

00:53:38
>> Thanks. >> Could I just add one more line to my comments? Um I just want to um let everybody know that I um disagree that um our community is a divided community. I don't see that. I'm very involved in our community. I don't see that at all. And these projects people have to understand that there are everyone both sides or all of us are entitled to our opinions. We have every right to be uh have reservations but with the logic and I think this project is bringing is going to create more um art transforms

00:54:12
the space and I think it's very nice and um we're supporting it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Supervisor if I may speak to the environmental part. >> Sure. Before I speak quickly about the environmental aspects of this, um, I represent a lot of municipalities and I applaud everyone here for coming out and expressing their opinions. Whether you agree with their opinions or not, everyone was very respectful. Everyone said what they needed to say. And I wish more of the municipalities that I

00:54:45
represent presented themselves the way you folks have. I'm happy to be here. Having said that, uh considering what um Mr. Endazo said, environmental review to cut this very to the chase, environmental review under the seeker regulations in New York are broken down into three types of actions. Type one actions, which require a full environmental coordinated review. type unlisted actions, which fall into kind of a gray area, and type two actions, which require no further environmental review. With respect to

00:55:26
what we're talking about here tonight, this being a temporary installation, I'll just give you a quick quote from a type two list, the type two list of New York State, which can be found in the regulations at 617.5. Number 21, minor temporary uses of land having negligible or no permanent impact on the environment. So in my opinion, initially this can be classified as a type two action that would not require further environmental review because it's the temporary nature of this installation. If you're going to drop it

00:56:06
in there for 10 years, that may, you know, change the equation a little bit, but this is not a 10-year installation. With respect, so that's my initial comment on the environmental uh with respect to what councilman said regarding checking with Shipo before anything goes in because it's a historic site. I do think that's a a valuable thing to do and before anything went in there, that should be uh in There should be an inquiry made on that. But on the environmental, I think I think we're

00:56:39
okay. Thank you. >> Sure. Okay. So, I guess what I would ask is that this this is news to me. Is this is this just like a So, the villages supposedly found something at Donna View Park. Like I know they have restrictions on um you know um like for the same reason like you know how it took them like a long time to find where they were going to put the gazebo or the bathrooms because of like viewshed restrictions and like they're very sort of careful as to where things can go. So, you know, I

00:57:12
I guess look, so certainly if the artist, if you know, Cormalan Hudson is able to find something and it works for the artist, sure, I'm okay if they're okay with that, you know, but I think given that the time frame here, I do think that we need to act on this tonight, but we need to basically it's almost like a conditional approval, right? So, we're going to say, "Okay, you're you're okay to do it on this property as long as you meet certain restrictions, and if you decide to

00:57:38
change your mind and do it at the river because the village finds you an appropriate spot, go for it." >> Yeah. >> So, you know, and again, I guess I would almost say like what are the, you know, what are the sort of the conditions, right? So, Shipo, right? We got to clear through Shipo. They've got to have insurance. Um, we've got to work out an agreement with them that's going to include, and we'll have to talk to the attorney about this, but presumably a maintenance schedule. It's going to list

00:58:04
all the things like, right, like town staff and town supplies and town equipment can't be used, etc. Those things. Um, you know, whatever else the attorney thinks should be in there. Um, obviously the insurance is, you know, is going to be important because we're going to see what the insurance carrier is going to put on there. Look, if the insurance carrier says like, "No way. We're not going to insure it." Well, I guess then it's not going to happen. So, you know, we still have things we have to look

00:58:31
into here. But I think that in order to allow us, I'm not going to do any more of this stuff unless we have a conditional approval. So, if the board is willing to give a conditional approval, we'll we'll work with Shipo, we'll talk to the carrier, we'll have the artists work out an agreement, etc. Um, >> I I said I agree with you. uh to the artists and I I see one from here too. >> Two of them. >> Do you guys understand what we're saying? >> Yeah. The village didn't want it.

00:59:01
>> No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about what he's talking about. >> Well, yes, we understand that there will be insurance coverage or liability >> and other stipulations, too. >> And there's stipulations. We understand that. >> Yeah. We'll have to check with Shipo. We'll have to work out the agreement. >> We just have to make sure all that stuff is legal. But I understand that the village was having their meeting on Monday. Now, I'm not trying to pawn off

00:59:26
on the village because we were told that Donna Park and Dah Farm D were not available for the sculpture last year. That's why we're doing it this year. We wanted to do it last summer, which was the 60th anniversary of the Hudson decision. >> Okay. I do not know that. Thank you. >> Yeah, you should. That's scary. >> So, okay. So then what I would say is if I could get if I could get a motion to approve this project on sanding homestead subject to conditions and stipulations like shipo uh insurance and

01:00:02
working out an agreement uh subject to review by the attorney and then you know uh review by the board. >> I'll make the motion. I just want to make sure um just one question for you will I don't know how we word this but I would say any other um conditions that the attorney deems appropriate >> subject to final approval and review by the town attorney upon the advice of the board and also within this motion uh to preliminary preliminarily classify this measure as a type two action under the

01:00:37
seeker regulations requiring no further environment mental review. >> So moved. >> Did somebody make a motion? >> I did. >> You did. So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy. >> Yes. >> Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss Mikey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodowski. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, moving on to the Cornwall Conservation Community Climate Smart Communities Task Force. Um, this is just

01:01:08
simply putting this in place. We do have the right resolution this uh this week for the town. Um, thank you. >> Um, if I could get a motion to wave the reading. >> Second, >> Mr. McCardy? Yes. >> Miss Heed? Yes. >> Mr. Gold? >> Yes. >> Mansi. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. >> Mr. Woodowski. >> Yes. Huh? >> Who should I read this row? >> Uh, just uh read the I think you had to read all three resolves. Okay. Therefore, it is hereby

01:01:52
resolved that Tenant Cornwall in order to participate fully in the climate spark communities program of New York State moves to establish a climate smart communities intermunicipal task force comprised of not less than one member of the town board of the town of Cornwall and one member of the village of Cornwall and Hudson board of trustees along with the interested members of both communities. Be it further resolved that the town board of the town of Cornwall moves to appoint initial members of the Cornwall climate smart

01:02:18
communities interming municipal task force as one the current chair of the Cornwall conservation advisory committee Carla Castillo to the town of Cornwall board member Barry Heed village of Coral and Hudson Village trustee Lori Beth Paleota four Cornwall conservation advisory committee Nicole Augustin five Cornwall conservation advisory council member Kurt Chowsky six village of Cornwall and Hudson resident Martina Gresiquit. Hope I pronounce that correctly. Seven, Town of Cornwall resident Mara Dobby Gaines. Eight, Town

01:02:50
of Cornwall resident Cheryl Sturgis. And nine, Town of Cornwall resident Justin Rose. Be further resolved that the town board of the town of Cornwall moves to appoint Nicole Augustine and Kurt Chowsky to serve as co-coordinators of the Cornwall Climate Spark Communities Intermunicipal Task Force. The question of the adoption of the forthgoing res. Can I get a motion to approve? >> So move. Second, >> Mr. Mardi. Yes. M. >> Yes. Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss Morati? >> Yes.

01:03:17
>> Mr. Woodowski? >> Yes. All right. Next, we have the application for the Cornwall Independence Day Committee. This might be the easiest thing we do all night here. Um, can I get a motion to approve the application for their event on Sunday, April 19th, 2026? >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy. Yes, Mr. Gold. >> Yes, >> Miss Morazzi. >> Yes, >> Mr. Wowski. >> Yes. >> Okay, next. This is the UNAT agreement for uh strategic consulting services.

01:03:52
Um, we went over this last week. Is there any questions before we put this to a vote? >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the mutistat agreement uh for strategic consulting services? >> So, move. >> Second. >> Mr. McGee. >> Miss Heed? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold? >> Yes. >> Miss McGari? >> Yes. >> Mr. Woody. >> Yes. Okay. Um, next I have this is Main Street Hotel project update. I'm going to make this as quick as I can. Um, look

01:04:18
guys, the building's down. >> Looks so good. >> Yeah. No, I mean it's great that that lot hasn't looked this, you know, as great in years. Um, >> so let me just say this. So obviously, um, you know, uh, there are some questions about, uh, you know, demolition permit, asbesus removal, etc. U basically the way this works on the town of Cordwall is a before a demolition permit can be issued the building inspector want this is I guess for the board too because I get a lot of

01:04:51
questions from board members about this too. So before a demo permit can be issued the building inspector has to make sure that hazardous materials that you know uh are deemed to be resolved not in the building. And so in this case he determined that asbestous was the u hazardous material of concern in terms of taking the building down. So therefore he went through the process and the property owner had to go out and hire a dolic licensed abatement expert who who does the work and then that's

01:05:25
checked by a do inspector that's licensed as well. after the work's done, they issue letters that basically, you know, show that the work's done after they've verified the material that's been abated from the building. Um, you know, in the case of Cornwall and most municipalities across the state, we don't have an asbestous abatement permit or regulation in our town code. So, the way it functions in this case, at least in the town of Cornwall, is that this happens when you're doing the

01:05:57
demolition permit. So you as far as like this building is concerned. So before Gary issues it, he goes and he checks everything. He makes sure that there's the letter, there's the logs of the abatement, there's the follow-up inspection report. Um, you know, he checks to make sure that that all the contractors are licensed and certified. He checks to make sure that the project was entered into the DO database as a project, etc. Um, and then he goes and he checks and then he issues the demo

01:06:24
permit and then they can move forward with the process. That's the process. Gary followed and that's the process and that's how and it just so happened I was at the Association of Towns conference last week and I had you know I was able to talk to municipal attorneys and engineers that deal with this. I verified it with them as well. So I know there are some people kind of like floating information out there last week about this being done improperly. You know, as always, what I would, you know,

01:06:49
like what I'll say is that, you know, sometimes if you go up to check the folder in the building department, they have a paper folder, but we're dealing with electronic stuff and there are times when maybe the paper folder is like a day or two behind the electronic communication stuff that's not printed out and put in the folder. So like there's always like this and what I would always advise residents to do if you have a question like before you go and like decide to make huge post on

01:07:15
social media about something like why don't you come and you know ask or you know do the homework you know so that's all I ask you know generally like unless like there's an agenda at hand it's usually better if you want to actually know something come and ask us you know we'll try to get the right answer etc but you know I just wanted that's where we're at um and in terms of like next steps on this, there's no permit issued for site work. That's not happened yet.

01:07:43
Um and they did get accepted into the DEC's brownfield cleanup program, which again is good because I recall at the time over the last four years, and yes, it's been four years that there was different people that came and said, "Oh my god, you shouldn't build the hotel because it's contaminated." Well, guess what? It's great. It's great for Cornwall because they got accepted into the Brownfield program and so they're going to do like a cleanup of the site >> which I think is going to be good for

01:08:06
the project and good for Cornwall. So I'm very pleased about that by the way. Um and so that's going to be one of the things you'll see them doing as well. >> Um they can't start that work until they uh get an approved remediation plan, but again that's coming and we know that DEC will approve the remediation plan and they will have to be there every step of the way as this is like you know going on. So again, it's all it's all good stuff. Um, >> thanks. >> That's the Main Street Hotel project

01:08:33
update. >> Um, next we have the Seeker Lead Agency coordination with the Cornwall Central School District. So, you know, as happens, you know, we know the school district, they have a capital uh project that's going on. They're going to be doing work and they have to, you know, circulate letters to what is it? Interested agencies. >> Yes. >> Right. involved in interested agencies, >> you know, and look, I you know, as is typical, it is the school district um that will be the lead agency on this. Um

01:09:05
you the town will not >> and so this is just a matter of we're just going to have to we're just going to basically have to um you know, basically the uh the board will have to authorize me to sign this giving up our ability to be lead agency. So, what I'm going to ask the what I'm going to ask the um the uh uh board to do is to basically um you know con um authorize the town board to consent to the Cornwall Central School District to acting as lead agency. So, that's what I'm going to do. So, if I

01:09:41
can get a motion to authorize the supervisor to sign the form that we have in front of me authorizing the school district to be lead agency for their project. So, >> moved. Second >> question. >> Yes. >> Uh where's the capital project going to be? Is it here? >> So they have had a Did you attend any of the meetings or did you uh look at the survey? So it's a whole bunch of things, right? It it's it's uh projects and buildings. It is you know they have this

01:10:12
plan to do like a reroute of >> you know how you enter the property. >> I almost have that. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's that's what the projects are. Okay. >> But we don't fully know yet because >> they haven't decided yet. I want to say they had until sometime in March uh for them to decide on what their projects are going to be. I you know >> Yeah. >> But yeah, those those are the projects. It's it's like school building improvements as well as that that uh

01:10:37
those site site work projects at the middle school. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Do we finish the vote? >> No. >> Mr. Yes. >> Yes. >> Miss Michael. >> Yes. >> Mr. Wowski. >> Yes. >> Uh let's see. Best value pricing law. So this is to schedule a public hearing for the best value pricing law. Let me see here. This will be for tomorrow. Ah St. Patrick's Day. Okay. >> Did I explain this last time? >> Yes. Is there any questions though of the

01:11:23
best value? >> No. >> Okay. >> Good. >> Okay. Uh whereas there has been introduced before the town board of the town of Cornwall a local law entitled a local law to permit the town of Cornwall to exercise its local option under general municipal law subsection 103 and towns uh and state finance law subsection 163 to permit procurement and awards based off best value criteria and where is the town board wishes to schedule a public hearing for March 17th 2026 at 7 p.m. to consider the adoption of the foregoing

01:11:53
proposed local law and where is said proposed local law is listed as a type two action section 617.5C26 of the state environmental quality review act seeker and is not subject to further review under seeker now therefore it is hereby resolved that the public hearing be held by the town board on March 17th 2026 at 7 p.m. With respect to the proposed local law, it is further resolved that the town board is hereby authorized and directed to cause public notice of set hearing to be given at the provided law. Can I get a motion

01:12:23
to schedule the public hearing? So >> move second. >> Mr. McCardy, >> yes. >> Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> M. Moranski. >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodowski. >> Yes. >> Number eight. This next one is to um schedule a public hearing for local law to amend short-term rental regulations, change the permit term. Whereas there has been introduced before the town board of the town of Coral, a local law entitled the local law of the town

01:12:56
of Coral amending town code chapter 120 entitled short-term rentals to reduce the term of issued permits from two years to one year. And where is the town board wishes to schedule a public hearing for March 17th, 2026 at 7 PM to consider the adoption of the foregoing proposed local law. Where is said proposed local law is listed as a type two action section 617.5C26 of the state environmental quality review act and is not subject to further review under seeker. Now therefore, it is hereby resolved that the public

01:13:29
hearing be held by the town board on March 17th, 2026 at 7 PM with respect to the proposed local law. It is further resolved that the town clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause public notice of set hearing to be given as provided by law. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Second, >> Mr. Mcardi. Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss McGari? >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next we have uh series of two tax shiior batters. One is

01:14:02
for the um you know the we've got Roger Gray and Shelley Gray 4070 Veter Brook Brooklyn. We have the parcels on here the years 2022 to 2025. Um the Yeah. uh Ira, our tax share attorney and the assessor is recommending that we u you know agree to these taxertiary settlements. So unless there's any questions, I'm going to call the So whereas the challenges having been filed by the property owner below challenging real property tax assessments on the town's assessment role with respect to the following

01:14:47
parcels. Whereas the petitioner's court challenge is now pending in Supreme Court, Orange County. And where is the town and the property owner have reached a mutually agreeable resolution. Now therefore it be resolved that special counsel to the town is authorized to execute a settlement on behalf of the town for assessments for no less than the following >> as per the chart. >> As per the chart as per both charts uh one chart for 46 met Brook Lane and the other for 70 meter Brook Lane. Can I get a motion to

01:15:16
approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy. >> Yes. >> Missed. Yes. >> Mr. Gold. Yes, >> Miss Micros. >> Yes, >> Mr. Woodowski. >> Yes. >> Next, I have a uh a settlement agreement for Ivy Rock Farms LLC. Um whereas challenges having been filed by the property owner below challenging real property tax assessments on the town's assessment role with respect to the following parcels. Whereas petitioner's court challenge is now

01:15:48
pending in Supreme Court Orange County and whereas the town of property tax owner have reached a mutually agreeable resolution. Now therefore it be resolved that the special counsel to the town is authorized to execute a settlement on behalf of the town for assessments for no less than the following per the chart for 99 lane. Can I get a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy. >> Yes. >> Missine. Yes. Mr. Gold. Yes, >> Miss Morazzy. >> Yes,

01:16:17
>> Mr. Woodhouse. >> Yes. >> Next, I have an engineering services agreement for a new highway garage land development study and report. Um, as you know, um, Kim is working with the town's engineering firm and the highway superintendent on a path forward for our, you know, highway garage and complex that we have out there. um it's time to either figure out if that property is going to be, you know, able to be turned into, you know, what we actually need or whether we need to

01:16:48
abandon it and and find another, >> you know, find another location. So, >> um if I could get a motion to approve the engineering services agreement. >> So, move. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy, >> yes. Miss Heed, >> yes. Mr. Gold, >> yes. >> Miss Michael, >> yes. >> Mr. Woodski, >> yes. All right. So, this is engineering services agreement amendment from Jackson Avenue replacement. So, you know, again, this is funded by the Bridge New York grant that we have from

01:17:18
New York State DOT. I know we went into this last time, but because of where this culvert is, I think we've all driven over that area on Jackson Avenue. And so, the the um initial geotechings indicated that the soil is like kind of like mush. It's like basically like like the buck and brings pine and it may not be able to support pilings. >> So in order for us to move forward with the project, we have to do additional geotech to see if we could find somewhere in that area, you know, enough

01:17:50
firm enough soil. Um but either way, we're going to have to do it because the last thing we want to do is put something there and then have basically the culvert like, you know, move around. So basically it's going to be additional engineering work and the geotech work that has to be done. So this is a change order basically adding in the additional you know hourly estimated u as part of this work. So if I could get a motion to amend the the engineering uh agreement. >> So move >> second.

01:18:21
>> Mr. McCarti. Yes. Miss Heath. >> Yes. >> Mr. B. >> Yes. >> Missy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bjowski. >> Yes. Okay, so this next thing um you know we spoke about this last week and basically we've determined that you know um I went back I got additional um you know info or or at least I put a call out to the appraiser saying hey can I have additional info on your methodology and you know I got some back we worked with Adam Sterling in the past he's done work for us um you know the

01:18:52
others I think we you recall were kind of on the higher end right and then >> the other one just sent me a bunch of like court cases. Um, >> also mention Yeah, >> because I know Mr. Roby was asking about this specifically public comment uh that this was actually advisable to us from our own prison. >> Yes. So basically the >> the assessor um came to us and essentially said that look it's important there are certain it's kind of like when you have for instance like

01:19:26
well treatment facilities and other facilities and you're going to you know you don't want to end up in you want to you know get someone that has experience appraising certain types of properties and we've done this all the time where the appraisal company will say hey I need a engineer to do a cost appraisal on uh water facility or I need an appraiser that appraiser that has experience doing golf courses or I need an appraiser that has experience doing uh whatever it is because otherwise if

01:19:54
you get it wrong, you know, it's going to cost both parties time and money. You're going to end up in court. It's better to kind of get a fair assessment the first time around. And so we, you know, we want to hire an appraiser that's going to have some experience with golf courses. So that's why we're looking to retain uh you know Adam Sterling. Um >> does that answer your question? >> I guess yes the uh I'm curious about the all the time but on this one I was aware

01:20:26
of the public hearing the executive session on this I could figure it out. I did the search I knew what it was about. >> Okay. >> All right. All right. So, I'm going to if I can get a motion to wave the reading of the resolution. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy? >> Yes. >> Missed? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold? >> Yes. >> Miss Morazzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gowski? >> Yes. >> Now there. Now, therefore, it is hereby resolved that the town board of attend

01:20:53
hereby authorizes town supervisor or designate to accept the proposal of Sterling Appraisals, Inc. in Scarsdale, New York to provide professional property appraisal services for 18 Ridge Road and 25 Boulevard SPL's 38-19-2 and 38-1-18 within the town. The SE proposal annexed here too and to execute any other appropriate documents, all of which are shall be subject to review and approval by the town attorney. And it is further resolved that the contract costs associated with this resolution shall be

01:21:24
paid from the appropriate budget line as determined by the town's accounting department. Can I get a motion to approve? So second >> Mr. McCardy? >> Yes. >> Miss E? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold? >> Yes. >> Miss McCarthzi? >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodhouse? >> Yes. So what I'm asking for tonight on the submission of the municipal grant is that these are due no later than April 3rd. Um and I know in the past I think several years we've done senior

01:21:51
programming. You know, as far as I'm concerned, unless there's a desired. I think it's worked out pretty well. Um I would think we just do seniors again. Um yeah, and then it'll, you know, we'll So what I'm asking for is just basically your permission to fill this out, ask for funding for senior programming. You want to say something? >> Mayor. >> Yes. >> So now I'm going to speak Orange County legislature. I'm glad you received my email. Um, I'd like to sit

01:22:21
down and talk to you because I know there's certain organizations that have tried to apply for this and don't qualify. And I want to sit down and say that there could be some wiggle room with some of the organizations that I know normally were trying to actually >> talking tourism or the other one. >> The first one, the legislative branch. >> Oh, sure. >> Yes. So, maybe we can talk about that. >> Um, because I think it would be >> Yeah. I haven't even filled the I just

01:22:45
wanted to get permission. >> Okay. I'll talk to you next week. Come see me. Not the reason I came tonight. >> Okay. Come see me. Thanks. Um, >> do you do you need a motion or >> Yes. Yeah. Can I get a motion to submit the uh uh municipal legislative grant application? >> Second. >> Mr. McCarti? >> Yes. >> Missed? >> Yes. >> Mr. Goldman? >> Yes. >> Missy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Wowski? >> Yes. Okay. This next one, this is going to be

01:23:11
the tourism grant. This is another uh legislative, well, not legislative, but the legislature approves the spending of this money. Um this is for tourism and so what I would you know ask that the board just gives you know what we do every year is we basically submit it we list we basically say that we're going to spend the money on marketing and advertising for events from say like May to whatever and then we decide where that money is going to go. will be off to do a sub grant. You know, I think

01:23:39
last year somebody went to historical society, chamber of commerce, the town spent some of it, but the key point here is that they want it going on like the idea is marketing and advertising. That's like the general thrust behind this grant. Like you can use it for like a website, marketing and advertising or some other things, but it's very tightly. So, I would just ask that the board gives you know, >> okay, >> uh me permission to submit this, you know, based on how we submitted it last

01:24:05
year. >> Sounds good. Do you also want to add um if we get the grants that you're authorized to sign the contracts or >> Okay. So for for both of these motions, >> the one that was previously adopted and for this one, the motion would be for both to authorize the supervisor to complete, execute, and submit both grant applications. And in the event that the one or both of the grants are awarded, authorizing the supervisor to execute any and all documents with the county or other

01:24:41
agencies necessary to effectuate the grant awards. Something like that. >> Yeah. >> Please make a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Mccardi. Yes. >> Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss McCarazzi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Wood. >> Yes. this way. >> Yeah, it makes sense. Absolutely. >> Um okay, next we have the board of assessment and review appointments. So um we have to get a move on this because as

01:25:11
you know we had five and went down to two and we have two that um we have John Alva who used to be on the board for a long time and then he left. He moved to Windsor. He had to resign but he's now back. in Cornwall again. And I know the assessor really wants him on there because he, you know, knows the stuff. He's taking the training. He's ready to hit the ground running, you know, um, so to speak. Um, so I there's John Alba. And then we also have, um, we have Donna Brunell as well. Um, she's

01:25:44
asked to be to be on here as well. Okay. So, I think we'll we'll get back to four. And then we still have a few more people that we have to >> we have to >> Yeah. Yeah, that we have to review, but we need to get these people on so they can get there. So, if I can uh make a motion to appoint um John Alva to the to the term expiring on September 30th, 2030. That's the Phil Darl spot. >> And then if I could get a motion to appoint Donna Brunell to the term expiring on September 30th, 2027.

01:26:20
That's the Phil Sally Hildibbrand spot. making a motion. Motions or >> Huh? Do we need you? >> Yes. So move. >> Second. >> Mr. Mardi. >> Yes. >> Miss Heed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss Morazzy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodhouse. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now, now just real quick on the insurance. So, look, you know what? If I had gotten the I know that a resident asked a question about that. Yes, it was on there earlier today. as every year.

01:26:47
You know, some of you have been coming to our meetings now, and I know Virginia was on the board for a while. Every year it doesn't matter. Okay? It is like the insurance comes the week that it's due. We try to change it every single year. It doesn't matter. It's really annoying. And um you know, I thought I was going to have it earlier today in time to have it on the agenda. I got it at like 7:50. So, I feel like at this point it really wouldn't be fair for me to put it on the

01:27:11
agenda and to vote on it. So, I do think I'm going to I will send it around to the board tonight. We're going to have to come back on Thursday to do this. Um, you know, we need three votes. We have to have insurance because our insurance expires on March 1st. So, we are going to have to come back. But that is why and I know that some, you know, again, this happens. Ask will here every town in Orange County. It is always like this probably across the state for quite, you know, but anyway, um, we'll be coming

01:27:41
back on Thursday. want to schedule a special meeting. >> Yeah. I mean, look, I think that this is, you know, we've done this isn't something controversial that I think we need to I mean, look, I think if if the board's, you know, willing, I mean, you know, can we do this at Can we do this at like, you know, like 8:30 in the morning on Thursday or 9? >> I'm just Should be should be about a >> This should be like a like a like a 90 second meeting. And of course, we will look, I will post

01:28:14
these documents. Um, we'll notice the meeting tomorrow. I will put the insurance up tomorrow morning. I mean, I would have, you know, again, I would have done it tonight, but it came in at like 7:50. So, you know, I'll I'll notice it tomorrow. The public can take a look at it tomorrow if they have questions, comments, whatever. They can email us, etc. All those things. Um, so let me see here. Well, guys, I mean, we're either going to have to do it at either going to have to be at 8:30 or

01:28:43
it's going to have to be a little bit later because I think we some of us have stuff at 9:00 a.m., right? >> So, you tell me. >> I mean, is this 8:30 works for me? >> You said you're at the gym. >> I'm kidding, Tim. I'm kidding. >> We can ride. I mean, look, I'm the one that's like late in 10 minutes all the time. So, I mean, you know, I'm the one that's more likely to, >> you know, be. Okay. So, yeah. So, you know what? Why don't we schedule this? Um, are you

01:29:15
good, Mary? You go in. >> Yeah. What the >> Okay, Tim. Okay. So, um let's uh you know, we'll schedule this meeting for Thursday, February 26 at 8:30. A special meeting uh to consider insurance. Make a motion. Take a motion of that. So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. McCardy. >> Uh, yes. >> Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> Miss Micros. >> Yes. >> Mr. Watski. >> Yes. >> Okay. Get that noticed tomorrow. All right. And then trust me guys, I

01:29:55
will get you home. I know everyone's waiting to go home and like watch the State of the Union. I bet. Um. >> Yeah. No. Um, >> no, I got to read the Can we have a uh executive session real quick? >> Public comment. >> Yes. Public comment. >> Are we doing reports? >> What? >> Yeah, we later. >> Yeah, but we could do great springs. Um I have a couple of petitions that I am working on. Uh one is a commemorative one for the 250th anniversary. Um which would be cool if

01:30:43
you could be part of the San Dream April 19th uh event that help people sign on to the second one relates to ICE. Josh, following up on your comments with your county legislature. Um and I see these as standalone petitions but also something can weigh in. >> Um as you know the uh end of the month is when I have to make my decision on what to tell the assessor for next year. Um and if I'm understanding what was said the assessor all the time asks for outside expertise when she needs it.

01:31:24
And if that's true, she needs to ask for expertise in terms of land that's in a flood zone that's a um like the shop in the sewer plant and the uh data techniques, those buildings and in the village garage. Um she does apparently does not know how to handle that. um I will be talking with her to make sure I know how to say it again this year, but she has not spoken with me for three years or something like that. So um again, the assessor needs to have a good presumptive because if she

01:32:00
has a practice of asking for help, she has needs to ask for help, but she's not doing it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> I want to personally thank the board for their discussion on the Sands Ring. um structure. I felt very um how did I feel? I felt very first of all surprised that you took the time and diligently discussed both sides respectfully. And I never remember you doing that before where there's been comments and you've taken them and discussed them and I really appreciated that. Thank you

01:32:43
very much. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else? >> No. Yes. >> Just a quick >> I really hope um the village board uh does reconsider. Um, I had found out about this proposal uh being this uh being brought to the board probably o over the holidays and I was a little disappointed not knowing uh that you know as a board member not knowing that this was in the works. Um I have spoken to the village mayor myself and um you know I'm I'm very disappointed that they did not allow um

01:33:22
the the sculpture to go up by the river because it really was a momentous decision and it was a moment of unity and um conservation the conservation movement. So, I'm really hoping that you keep it open and I thank you for um being open to that idea. Um because I do think ultimately we do want what's best for our citizens. Thank you. >> Yeah. I mean, you know, I'll just add to this. So, like last summer after I believe the village said no, Vivian and Janette came over here and like Tim and

01:33:52
I walked around with a tarp all over town property >> property. Well, you know, we didn't know how far we were going to get with this and then it was like, you know, how things you get busy and then next thing you know, the year's over >> and they're commenting like, "Oh, wait. It's time to like approve this." And, you know, I mean, it literally like crept up on us, but you know, >> it's all good. >> No, but I'm I'm just saying like this

01:34:14
wasn't like a But I think I think the important thing though was look, we had a good discussion. Look, I do hope the village reconsiders. I mean, it wouldn't be a good spot to put that down there. Again, I don't know. That is where it happened. Um but you know we want to be accommodated so you know we'll see what happens. >> Um okay so uh committee reports >> does anybody have anything? >> Yeah it's going to be brief. There's not a lot going on because of the moratorum.

01:34:42
Um the ZBA had um two two applications in front of him. One was for Cornwall Shopping to um install a new sign and one was for uh an area variance to construct a shed. Um the planning board has two two um scheduled um two individuals scheduled for their uh work session. And the only thing on the planning board agenda was um yet another um addition out on um a cat's gluten-free cookies. That's it. Not a lot going on. >> I'll tell you, they are one of the biggest gluten-free bakers, I think, of

01:35:37
the East Coast. >> What is this? >> Where's >> Cats? It's the Old Star property. It's Cats Gluten-Free. >> Yeah. When I was on the planning board, every couple of years they came in for another 50,000 foot refrigerator. >> You know, every time they add like a new 10,000 foot freezer, I say to myself, they're growing and we're, you know, we're going to >> It's good. So, >> um, Roach, >> I do not have anything. >> No,

01:36:02
>> Tim. >> Uh, yeah, real quick. uh uh co uh they did store that brand new uh pump and with the alarm system at the stone hollow of part of the turning over just the whole development that was good otherwise just basic maintenance the flow was is a little high so it was many gallons when limit is 1.5 and b was a little high it's at 13.5 even though the limit is at 30 so it's like almost half but so under uh toal suspended TSS is 7.7 and the limit is 30. So the system seems to be working right. Seems like we

01:36:40
have some infrastruct infiltration issues. That's what I see here. Uh anyway, enough of that. Uh sanitation uh collected 308 tons of garbage for 41,000. That's paid uh $41,500 and sanitation collected recyclables uh for $7,999. Uh assisted all cars, double pickups, uh plowed salt, uh multiple snow events and clean sidewalks, move snow kind. I have to say I say and I heard other people in on the board here also say that the town uh highway building grants have been doing an outstanding job on the two big

01:37:24
storms that we had back in drain and the one we just just had a couple days ago. Uh kudos to them. Uh washed all the trucks and sidewalks the grounds uh upgraded mugly cottage uh ditch which I just was cleaned out. Build the grounds. Paid all the walls and new side. 200 m the cottage scrub strip the floors and waxed them. We moved the old 4 in uh cove motor and replaced with a 6 in molded around the whole building inside the room uh and replace the cabinets and sink and that's it. >> M

01:38:00
>> okay I'll I'll be brief. So I guess the the big thing for the public is it should be up there. Uh, I asked Megan before she left for the day to put the draft comp plan on the website because we did say today that it would be up. So, I don't know if some of you checked out because I did say that last week. So, um, but it should be there. Um, I would ask you to take a look at it. Uh, take a look at the implementation plan in the back. It's also got some of the the information from the survey the

01:38:34
survey that we had. But I think just like just have this here. But generally um okay so you how this is going to work is it's up tonight right the public take a look at it um starting in March you know the town has a bunch of things that has to do we have to complete the EAF start seeker etc. Um we have to start drafting zoning based on the implementation plan that's going to start happening. um uh remind me to uh to pass around and uh to start having discussions about that because we have

01:39:10
to tell the attorneys and the planners what that's going to look like. Um April, we're going to look to hold public the hold up public hearing on the comp plan. Also sends documents over to county planning of the planning board, other involved agencies and uh interested agencies. May we're going to look to have a public hearing on the zoning update and then make final determinations complete seeker of the comp plan prepared for adoption. Um and then you know possibly in May hopefully before May

01:39:45
adopt the comp plan June uh will be adopt the comp plan if we didn't do that in May and also adopt the zoning. So you you know look it's going to be pretty busy here the next you know as far as this concerned this is probably like our main task you know besides a few other things like managing some of the bigger capital projects but this is it. So please um you know let's get together let's let's you know talk oneonone about the different zoning you know and have a discussion about that.

01:40:18
>> If I may the comp plan is not a dense document that you're trying to spend weeks on. It's a pretty easy read and even though it's 80 plus pages, the implementation section is probably a third of that. And you know, that's something to take a careful look at because um our planning consultant in conjunction with the comp plan committee members aligned on what we think is the most important things that the town needs to address and it's very clearly spelled out in that implementation

01:40:50
section. And I'm also available if you have any questions. >> Yeah. And then and then just real quick look on the storm like Tim said um you know great job by our guys. Thankfully we did I mean look we got about 10 in you know 10 to 12 inches down here like not the mountain but then obviously as you know like when you go up Minehel Road you go up to the top you know it's like a whole other like climate up there. So you know I'm told it's like 18 to 20 inches up there on the top top you

01:41:19
know part of the mountain. Um, but again, if you look, our guys, fantastic job. They had the whole downtown cleaned off yesterday and they got all the sidewalks today. So, phenomenal job by them. Unfortunately, I don't think that their job is going to be done because we're already looking at what snow tomorrow morning and then another storm next week in March. >> Yeah. So, again, not happy about that. And you know, I know that Cam and every other booktuber and municipalities across the county are going to be like,

01:41:49
>> "Hey, >> what? >> Watch that snow overload. >> It's a lot of >> They said 70% chance." So 30% chance there's no snow. >> So next Tuesday, it's too far out. >> Warning. >> It It is. It is. It is too far out. So um >> 20 in. And I think one more thing here that I think is interesting for board members. Um, look, uh, later this week we're going to get our report from Decker Technologies on all of the short-term rentals

01:42:21
that are currently operating in the corn, you know, in Cornwall, including the village, that are not registered with the building department. They're also not registered with the clerk to pay short-term rental taxes. So, we're going to we're going to get an idea >> and then we're going to start sending letters to people that are not current. I believe what do we have like four to six I think >> and I believe there's over a hundred. So there's about you know depending on how

01:42:45
it goes there's going to be close to a hundred letters that are going out to people that have short-term rentals. >> So we're going to be sending if you're one of them expect a letter in the mail basically you know letting you know what your responsibilities are. Um and then also providing the correct paperwork so that you can become compliant with the town's uh regulations. Um, and so that'll be that'll be happening. That's going to be a uh March project. Um, >> so Jen gets that report.

01:43:13
>> Well, we're all going to get the report and we're going to have a training and then once I get it, obviously I will share with the board. I believe Deckard allows as many seats as we want. So I believe I could give I think so I think I could like give seats at the board members but generally I think it's best if we probably keep it to like myself the clerk the building department and maybe Pam and you know maybe and then if you want to access it maybe we have like the general like board one so you could

01:43:38
log in and kind of see >> what the data is but as you know it's like key to our um this is key to like our you know nonpropy tax revenue plan you know this is like a substantial you know, you know, nonpropy tax revenue here. Um, all right. So, next we have, if I could make a motion to go into exe, uh, executive session pursuant to public officers law 1051F to discuss matters leading to the potential lease agreement with American Towers Corporation. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mr. Mcardi.

01:44:14
>> Yes. >> Missed. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gold. >> Yes. >> M. Morazzi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Woodsky. >> Yes.