Town Board - Regular Meeting

I thought you were telling me a big secret or something.

No. Good evening. It's Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Welcome to the Carmel Town Board. Tonight's town board meeting is a voting meeting, and we have a public hearing. Also, we're going to have a little short ceremony for an Eagle Scout role of honor. I call this meeting to order. And if everyone please rise and face the flag. We have a special guest, Dayton, who's going to read this in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I 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.

Everybody please remain standing for a moment of silence in remembrance of all our military and law enforcement and EMS people that keep us safe. Thank you. If our town clerk could do a roll call attendance, please.

Councilman Sean? Here. Councilman Lugo? Here. Councilman Kearns? Here. Councilman Lombardi? Supervisor Kisary?

Here. Councilman Kearns, do you want to do something with our Eagle Scout?

Yes, so we invited a special young man here today, Dayton Leone, to celebrate his milestone of becoming an Eagle Scout. Dayton had his honor on Sunday, June 28th. Unfortunately, myself and other members of the board were not able to ATTENDED, SO WE WANTED TO REACH OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND INVITE HIM TO THE TOWN BOARD TODAY TO HONOR HIS HARD WORK. FOR ME, IT'S SPECIAL TO SEE DAYTON RECEIVE THIS RANK SINCE BEING ELECTED ONTO THE TOWN BOARD. WE'VE ATTENDED MANY EAGLE SCOUT CEREMONIES. IN THE LAST FEW EAGLE SCOUTS WE'VE SEEN, I've been able to witness firsthand the hard work that they've put in to achieve this rank. I've been watching Dayton now for a couple years rise up the ranks throughout the Boy Scouts, volunteering in various community organizations, and I'm very, very proud of him. So today we have a certificate on behalf of the town board. I also have a certificate on behalf of Congressman Mike Lawler for recognizing all you have done So, Dayton, if you want to come up maybe and tell us a little bit about your project, and then we can present you with your certificates.

Pleasure. Yeah, go ahead. Tell us what you did. So I wanted to do it for the firehouse, except that John Deegan gave him station two. I made two benches, a gravel area, a stone walkway, and I got three planters, which I put flowers in for the memorial area there. It kind of improved it, made it better for the people to come there, pay their respects to the fallen firemen, so they have a place to actually sit.

That's awesome. So I want to congratulate you. So again, I can't stress on how proud I am of you. For many of you guys know, every October I do a coat drive at the firehouse. It's a car show. In the last two years, Dayton has come with his grandfather and And he has offered a helping hand. He wasn't even asked to help. He just jumped in and volunteered his time. And that's just the young man Dayton is. So again, we're very proud of you. We're excited to see you take the next chapter of your life. And where will you be going?

I'm going to Lincoln Tech and East Windsor, Connecticut location for automotive.

Cause they did just graduate last week, right? High school last week. So, wow.

Wow.

So you've had a big week. You have any big plans for the summer?

Relax before I'm off to school again. Before the real work starts. I'm going in August. August 7th is a move-in date, so I have a solid month and a half before I'm off to school again. Nice. So, yeah.

That's awesome. Good for you. Congratulations, Dave. Congratulations. Congratulations.

This is on behalf of Congressman Mike Waller. He was able to meet with us. He wanted to make sure that he was able to meet with us and recognize our work. And this is on behalf of all the gentlemen here, the town board, including the civil party, isn't here tonight. But again, we want to thank you for all you for our community. We're very proud of you. So congratulations. Thank you. Take a photo? Yeah. Can I take a photo?

Yeah.

. . . . . . . . Yes. Yes.

If only we had legal counsel. So far, town clerk could read the legal notice.

Sure.

Thank you.

Notice of public hearing. Notice is hereby given that the town board of the town of Carmel will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, July 1st at 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mayapac, New York 10541 for the purpose of hearing public comments on community development needs and to discuss the possible submission of one or more community development block grants, CDBG applications for the 2026 program year. The New York State CDBG program is administered by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal and will make available to eligible local governments approximately $29.2 million in funding for the current program year for housing, public infrastructure, public facilities, economic development, imminent threat, and community planning. With the principal purpose of benefiting low and moderate income persons, the Town Board of the Town of Carmel is applying for up to $2 million and CDBG funds to support the Town of Carmel Water District No. 2 infrastructure project. The hearing will provide CDBG program information and accept public input on proposed grant applications and alternative project ideas. Town Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities. If special accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, those with hearing impairments, or those in need of translation from English, contact Town Clerk Alice Daly least three days in advance of the hearing written comments may also be submitted to chief of staff kevin kiernan until monday july 6 2026. applications and related cdbg materials will be available at carmel town hall or the town's website thank you we have a motion to open the public hearing so move second and all in favor aye

All right, so this public hearing is open. No one has signed up, but if anyone would like to comment or ask a question about it. Okay, seeing as how there is no comment or question, I'm going to motion to close the public hearing.

Slow move.

Second. And all in favor? Aye. Unanimous. Well, mine is fine. So will someone make a motion to open the town board meeting?

So moved.

Second. Second. And all in favor? Aye. I ask if someone would please make a motion to accept the minutes from June 3rd and June 10th. So moved.

Second.

And all in favor? Aye. Our first resolution is authorizing the budget modifications presented by our Comptroller, Marianne Maxwell.

Councilman Shannon, could you read that? Whereas Town Comptroller Marianne Maxwell has reviewed the proposed budget modifications for the period ending May 31st, 2026 with the Town Board, which are detailed and explained on the attached budget revision schedule number 2026 slash 02 attached here too. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Carmel hereby authorizes and ratifies the budget modifications slash revisions for the period ending May 31st, 2026. As shown itemized on Schedule 2026 slash 02, attached to this resolution, incorporated herein, and made a part hereof. I vote for this resolution as read.

Second. Can we get a roll call, please?

Councilman Channel?

Yes.

Councilman Lugo? Yes. Councilman Kearns? Yes. Supervisor Kazeri?

Yes. The second resolution is entering into an agreement. FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TOWN OF CARMEL BUILDING DEPARTMENT. COUNCILMAN CURRANCE, COULD YOU PLEASE READ THAT.

RESULT OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL HEREBY AUTHORIZES THE ENTRY INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TO BE RENDERED TO THE TOWN OF CARMEL AND THE TOWN OF CARMEL BUILDING DEPARTMENT BY MICHAEL CARNAZZA FOR A TERM COMMENCED IN JULY 1, 2026, AND CONCLUDED IN JUNE 30, 2027, FOR AN ANNUAL SUM NOT TO EXCEED $35,000. AND BE A FURTHER RESULT, THE TOWN SUPERVISOR, MICHAEL KAZARI, IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED TO AFFECT THIS AUTHORIZATION ON THE TERM STATED HEREIN. And be it further resolved that Town Comptroller Mary Ann Maxwell is hereby authorized to make any necessary budget transfers or modifications required in connection with this resolution. I offer this resolution as read. Second. Can we get a roll call, please?

Councilman Chano? Yes. Councilman Lugo? Yes. Councilman Kearns?

Yes.

Supervisor Kazeri?

Yes. The next step is authorizing the purchase of equipment for the police department. Councilman Lugo, please read that.

Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Carmel, pursuant to the request of Town of Carmel Chief of Police, Anthony Hoffman, hereby authorizes the purchase of a 2026 Yamaha Wave Runner from Patsy's Bay Marina, Stony Point, New York, at a cost not to exceed $15,500, and in accordance with the proposal dated June 4th, 2026. And be it further resolved that the Town Supervisor, Michael Gazzari, is hereby authorized to execute all documentation required to effect this authorization, on the terms stated herein, and be it further resolved that the town comptroller, Marian Maxwell, is hereby authorized to make any necessary budget transfers or modifications required in connection with this authorization. I offer this resolution as read.

Second.

Can we get a roll call, please? Yes, this is going to be in addition to the boat that they have out on the lake. So this will also help to go after those that are breaking the law, they're speeding around, carrying on. So the police will have a little bit of a quicker response to those incidents. And God forbid there's an emergency, there'll be an extra watercraft there to help out. Thank you, yes. Councilman Lugo?

Absolutely. We are looking forward to having more enforcement out there on the lake. Councilman Kearns and myself frequent the lake pretty much every weekend, and we know it's pretty dangerous. So, Chief Hoffman, I'm happy that we got this done, and we're able to, again, make the lake a safer place for all to enjoy.

yeah i just want to echo what the councilman channel and lugo just mentioned but myself and councilman lugo this has been a top priority of ours for probably the last two years we've had multiple conversations with chief hoffman in the cornwall police department um like councilman lugo said we frequent lake mayapak we see the dangers that are out there on the waters and it's just a matter of time until someone gets hurt with the reckless jet skis out on the lake SO THIS SUMMER WE WILL BE CRACKING DOWN AND WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS ALL THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE BOATERS ARE SAFE AND ENJOYING THEMSELVES THIS SUMMER. SO, ABSOLUTELY.

SUPERVISOR KAZAN.

YES. THE FOURTH RESOLUTION IS AMENDING THE PROCUREMENT POLICY. SHANNON, COULD YOU PLEASE?

I WANT TO MENTION SOMETHING ABOUT THAT PRIOR RESOLUTION. WE ARE AUTHORIZING THIS FOR $15,500, BUT WE WILL BE REIMBURSED 50% BY NEW YORK STATE, SO WE DO EXPECT TO SEE THAT COME IN TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR, CORRECT, CHIEF? SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, SO THIS IS A NO-BRAINER.

COUNCILMAN CHANNELL. RESOLUTION NUMBER 4, RESOLUTION AMENDING PROCUREMENT POLICY. RESULT THAT THE TOWN BOARD AND TOWN OF CARMEL HEREBY AMENDS ITS ADOPTED PROCUREMENT POLICY IN THE FORM WHICH IT IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, AND DESIGNATES THE TOWN CONTROLLER'S OFFICE TO DISTRIBUTE THE AMENDED POLICY TO ALL DEPARTMENTS. I REFER THIS RESOLUTION AS READ. SECOND.

SECOND.

All in favor? Aye. Unanimous. Number five is designating fair housing officer. Council Kerns, could you read number five, please?

RESOLVE THAT THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL HEREBY DESIGNATES THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO BE AND ACT AS FAIR HOUSING OFFICER FOR ALL PURPOSES INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO GRANT APPLICATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. I OFFER THIS RESOLUTION AS RUIDED.

SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR?

AYE.

And our last resolution is making an appointment to the Town of Carmel Planning Board. Councilman Lugo, could you read number six, please?

Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Carmel hereby appoints Byron Nick Boutsinas, the Town of Carmel Planning Board, commencing immediately and expiring December 31st, 2031. I offer this resolution as read.

Second. And all in favor?

Aye. And then I'm going to say again. Congratulations, Byron.

Congratulations. Public comment? Sure.

Those lights.

David Keith, Hamilton Carmel.

What do we have to do to get it started to get the three lights put back up that are down, one of them for several years?

Rich, did we get a price yet from...

TO GIVE ME THAT QUOTE. I CALLED HIM EARLIER THIS WEEK. I CALLED HIM LAST WEEK TO GET AN ANSWER.

I ALSO CONTACTED THE COMMISSIONER, THE DEPUTY. JOE. IT WORKS. I'M HEARING AND I'M WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM HIM ALSO.

SO IT'S A MATTER OF GETTING TIANA FINA TO GIVE US A QUOTE TO DO THAT ONE.

SO WE PIGGYBACK LIKE YOU SUGGESTED.

I CAN PUSH THAT A LITTLE. ANYTHING ELSE?

NO.

NO? THANK YOU, MR. KEITH. Sure, if you want to read the letter. I was going to comment about it, that the Reed Memorial Library is thanking quite a few organizations. Yeah, you could summarize it.

I could. I really got in trouble today for starting meetings when the president didn't want me to, so I will read her letter into the record if you would like.

Thanks.

Dear Town of Carmel Supervisor Michael Kazari and members of the Town Board, on behalf of the trustees, staff, and patrons of the Reed Memorial Library, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support and participation in our Unearth a Story summer reading kickoff at Camarda Park on Saturday, 6-20-2026. The event was a monumental success, and we quite literally could not have pulled it off without the dedication, enthusiasm, and teamwork of the town departments. Thank you. Thanks to you, we welcomed a summer season with unparalleled community spirit and excitement. We'd formally like to recognize and thank each of the participating partners. Carmel Recreation and Parks, thank you for providing the perfect venue at Camarda Park and for your invaluable help in coordinating the day's logistics and activities from the dinosaur dig to the dinosaur itself. I don't know if you knew that Nina had to get in the suit because nobody showed up. Working beside Director Nina Kalmeier and Leader Julia Kazari was an honor and a privilege. Carmel Police Department, Chief Hoffman, Sergeant Maycomb, and to Biff, the unofficial mascot, thank you for making time in your busy schedule to come and support children and families on that Saturday. The kids were absolutely thrilled to meet our local heroes and check out your vehicle up close. Your presence added a wonderful layer of safety, education, and excitement to the day. The Carmel Highway Department, thank you for bringing out the dump trucks and showcasing the impressive equipment that keeps our town moving. The touch of truck element is always a massive crowd pleaser. And then to Carmel Fire Department, we are so grateful to our local firefighters for bringing their amazing trucks and equipment for the kids to explore. Your participation provided a wonderful mix of safety, education, and high energy fun. and the Putnam County SPCA. We are so grateful for your participation for educating our community and for being such fantastic neighbors and partners in animal welfare. From the High Energy Kid Parade to the wonderful I Hear America Sing musical performance by Emily from Music for Kids, the day was a beautiful reflection of what makes Carmel such a special place to live. Because of your generosity and time, hundreds of local children were heading into the summer break excited about reading, learning, and engaging with their community. Thank you again for your unwavering support of literacy and public service. We are incredibly proud to partner with all of you and look forward to many more collaborative events in the future. In partnership, Victoria Afkaza, Library Board of Trustees President.

Thank you very much.

It was a really great day. We had about 200 people. And, yeah, we've never had anything like that before. It was the biggest event I think that Reed has ever had. So thank you.

If only they brought the trolley. Anybody have comments?

Mike?

Oh, we'll go to you last.

This Saturday is July 4th, as many of you guys know. The Mahopac VFW Post 5491 will be hosting our annual boat parade. Lineup starts at 9.30. Kickoff is at 10. It's a stroll around the lake. We're expecting a large turnout. We usually have about 40 to 50 boats, sometimes more. Blast patriotic tunes. Decorate your boat in... patriotic attire. This year is the 250th anniversary of our great country. So if you want to come check it out this Saturday. That's all I have.

well just keeping the rev 250 um theme alive i'm hosting a kites over carmel kids day it's going to be on july 25th myself and the town board and members of the community um all are welcome and all welcome to volunteer it's going to be at kamara park on july 25th 2026 we'll be flying patriotic kites red white and blue hopefully we have some wind that day and also be serving hot dogs, hot dog per person, and ice cream. I have some good volunteers. My very special friend, Marianne Chalusion, has been coming up with more and more ideas, so I'm sure there's going to be more things to add by the end of the day. All are welcome, and I hope to see you there. Thank you.

Fourth of July, Saturday, everybody, please be safe. Enjoy. I hope the weather turns out well. And there's also Race the Lake. I don't know if somebody mentioned that earlier. I don't think anybody did. Race the Lake is a fundraiser for the fire department. So I know myself, Councilman Kern said he's going to run half of it or maybe a quarter of it. but it's 5.2 miles around the lake. You start right at Corn Falls Road by the fire department, and then you go all the way around 6N, West Lake Boulevard, North Lake Boulevard, and you wind up back in the same spot. It's 5.2 miles. I've been training every day. I heard Chief Hoffman is running it as well. And I know councilman Kearns will be there with a bunch of people so We're looking forward to to race in the lake.

I haven't ran since I got out of the military which has been now six years So I don't know if I have any intentions on running that day He's right here. I'll cheer you on. Bob and I will cheer you on. What about water 12?

Rich you got something? Welcome back Rich

Two things that the board is aware of and that the public should be made aware of. Carmel Water District 2, we still have the mandatory water restrictions in effect as the work is still being completed on the tanks. But today we issued a voluntary water restriction in Carmel Water District 12. This is Agor, Tommy Court, Jennifer Lane, all in that area. We've had to truck in some water from Durkin. People are just using a lot of water there. And with the lack of rain that we've had, We're struggling to keep up with demand so we asked the people in water district 12 to actually curtail their water use as best as possible Thank you.

Thank you So Carmel Town Hall will be closed on Friday July 3rd in remembrance of Independence Day will be open again on Monday Because oh and the fourth of July 630 at Red Mills Park, on the 4th of July is the annual Red Mills concert. Information is on the recreation website.

Nothing this week, I forgot. July 9th.

Yeah, tomorrow night's concert, the sunset concert.

Sunset Series.

Sunset Series, Patrick Perrone, Elvis tribute, that will be canceled tomorrow night. There will not be a concert. It's going to be way too hot for the Elvis impersonator in his costume. So we are going to make a motion to go to executive session on attorney-client. Anybody?

So moved. Second.

And all in favor?

Aye. Have a good night, everyone. Good night, everyone. Thank you, Alice. Yes, have a good night.