Town Board - Regular Meeting

[clears throat] I'm calling a meeting to order. Attendance, please. Supervisor Holdridge, here. Council member Becker, here. Council member Casaro, here. Council member Port here. Please stand for 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. [clears throat] Did everybody get a chance to read the December 30th and January 2nd minutes? Yes. Yes. Are there any questions, debate points? No. All good. Nope. Is there a motion to accept the minutes? I'll make the motion. There's a motion and a second. All those in favor? I I

summary bills. The town will be paying bills in the amount of $754,1059. I had a lengthy recap uh document to share, but I'm not going to do that in the interest of time. I'm just gonna We'll let you do it another time hopefully. this time.

Uh highlights include uh since January 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025, uh the town has been awarded around 1,261,000 in grant funding in that short time frame. Thank you. Uh we have a 24 dedicated ambulance service now. We preserve 13 o acres of open space and we brought back Friday night lights for the uh for the kids. The agenda much shorter. I'm going to the the full uh recap is going to be in the minutes. I will send that to Linda so everybody can read it at home and I will post it online. Uh my supervisor's 2026 agenda is as follows. Execute on a plan to decrease the cost of ambulance services in Chester. reduce our budget further or maintain a budget under the tax cap for 2027. Start construction in Carpenter Community Park on a walkway, bathroom, and lighting projects. We were awarded $270,000 in grant funding for finish the comprehensive plan update, seek more grant funding for our infrastructure, public services, and parks and recreation facilities, update and certify our preservation plan, and hold a public referendum on the recently state authorized community preservation fund. Finish pedestrian friendly in infrastructure project and explore additional parking improvements in Sugarloaf. continue to work full-time as your supervisor and handle residents concerns issues uh as efficiently as possible. And the final one that I'll add to my agenda is to keep ICE out of the town of Chester. [applause] [clears throat] All right.

I provided I've prepared another statement. Excuse me. Uh before we get into public comment, sorry. [clears throat] All right. About a week ago, we learned Immigration and Customs Enforcement, otherwise known as ICE, became interested in a warehouse facility at 29 Elizabeth Drive, Chester, New York, which is located in the Village of Chester, not the town of Chester. They included it in a report that outlined possible processing facility sites across the country. Since then, we found out that the warehouse in question, a vacant pet boy property, is owned by Carl Icon, a political donor of our current president. I also learned just today that ICE published a notice of activity in a 100red-year flood plane in Chester, New York. It basically states how and why ICE would like to purchase and convert the property for its operations. From the beginning, I have been in direct contact with the village of Chester Mayor, County Executive Steve New House, Senator Scufus, and Congressman Pat Ryan, and Governor Hokll's representatives. I've expressed my deep, deep concerns about the ICE facility coming here. 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025. An ICE officer plead guilty to sexual abuse of a detainee in Louisiana at the end of 2025. Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE uh agent on January 7th, 2026. Two people were shot and wounded by an ICE agent on January 8th in Portland, Oregon. I don't want any of that happening here in Chester. [applause] [applause]

Less important, but still relevant to the conversation, the disruption to our social and economic life is not worth whatever polit potential benefit someone out there might be thinking of. I've seen comments on social media from some who live in Chester that ICE is that an ICE facility will be a great for local for the local economy. With the facts that I've previously mentioned and the site of 247 protest and violence in other locations where ICE is active, I don't think that'll be the case. I've spoken to a handful of business owners in the town and village and they are not thrilled with the idea and do not believe there will be any benefit to their businesses. Furthermore, we have collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from taxes on the Pep Boys warehouse over the years, even while it's vacant. Both the the village and the town, also the library, our ambulance district, uh, and the local school district. All that tax revenue gets sucked out from all of our budgets if the federal government takes the building. local residents, everybody out there who lives and has a property in Chester will have to make up the the difference in the next budget. So there is no economic benefit that I can see for ICE coming to the town of Chester. Senator James Scufus, County Executive Steve New House, and Congressman Pat Ryan have all come out against this move by ICE. I'm a I am strongly against it as well. I have shared documents with the rest of the town board regarding the Melt Act and New York for All Act for their review. We will discuss those in the near future. I will end with an excerpt from the ICE not of activity notice activity if anyone would like this current federal government to hear their voices. Any individual group or agency wishing to comment on the project may do so via email at ice sustainability ice.hs.gov.

I'm going to repeat that ice sustainability ice.hs.gov. Comments must be received by the Department of Homeland Security on or before January 16th, 2026, which is two days from now. With that, I'm going to open it to public comment. I would like to keep this uh public comment as brief as possible given the circumstances. Uh so we are going to institute a uh time limit of about a minute to a minute and a half given the amount of people are here that are here and the amount that we have on our very lengthy agenda. So please try to comply uh when I tell you that your time is almost up. Um and yes uh we do have two public hearings. If you are here for the public hearings, please do not come up now. Those will be separate agenda items directly after public comment. So, please wait until the public comments period is over. Is this everybody? That's [clears throat]

okay. All right. So, first we have Oh, no. Carol, I'm going to spell out the last name. S O T I R O P. And then there's How about her address? There she's right there. Please come up and please tell me how do I pronounce your name? [laughter] Sodoropolis. Sodoropolis. Greek, I'm guessing. Greek. Correct.

Okay. So, I really only need to take about 30 seconds because I just heard you, the town supervisor, mention the resolutions. Okay. I live in the town of Monroe. And so I think it's only important now to say that uh we're trying to make this an areawide movement to get every town and village to sign on to these resolutions uh which are in support of the Melt Act as you said and the New York for all act. And so we want these resolutions to go up to the legislature, to the governor, you know, to to show that towns and villages are in support of these resolutions that better protect immigrants, that better protect us all. Uh that prevent ICE from wearing masks, any police from wearing masks, aside from SWAT teams. Uh and even the FBI, I have to say, has come out in favor of uh these kinds of acts that prevent officers from wearing masks. Okay? because if if for no other reason than there are a lot of imposttors out there acting as ICE agents. Okay. So there are many reasons to support these resolutions. I had brought copies of them that are usable for any town or village but I understand you said that you've already distributed them. Yes.

Okay. So I've presented already to the village of Monroe. The village board is uh considering them now and I will be taking them to the town of Monroe and we're spreading them to Warwick Ocean and we're hoping every town and village signed on. Thank you. Thank you, [applause]

Mr. Susman. I want to thank you for your leadership on the issue. I think it's very important that our elected officials stand with the community and here leading the community. We don't always have that. I think it's crucial that we have it on this issue. I want to say a couple of words to the Chester community and I'll put it to you this way. I was on this board 35 years ago. When I ran for this board, I was called every name in the book because I'm a Jewish lawyer. This community has grown remarkably, remarkably. It's diversified in every manner. Its leadership has diversified. And to put an ICE facility in the middle of this community, which is a dignified community, tri-ethnic community representing people of all faiths in an equitable manner, in my view, would be a tremendous slap in the face at the progress we've made. The supervisor explained what this kind of facility represents. The only other point I'd like to make is this. We don't need the further militarization of our county through an act which allows a very erratic and unstable president today to put whoever he wants in a facility like this. And who knows who he'd want to put there tomorrow. I think it would be tragic for the infrastructure of fear and hate to be spread one iota in our community. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

Uh Mr. or Mrs. Goldhammer. I'm Alan Goldmer. I'm

Alan Goldhammer. My name is Alan Goldhammer. I'm your neighbor. I live in a soapous up the valley a little. Um, this ice fac, if this ice facility is built, it will bring the kind of invasive damage you see on the news now right into the heart of the Hudson Valley. I hope it won't be built in Chester or anywhere. Both Kingston and Olter County have been specifically named as places to be targeted by ICE action. Kingston is a sanctuary city. Uh I believe building this facility is wronghearted and is certainly against the vision of America that I share with many of my neighbors. I lived by the Statue of Liberty when I was a kid down in New York City. My family came through Ellis Island. My mother was stationed on Tinian during the war. My father, I think he worked in Army intelligence during World War II. Um, and I consider myself a patriot. I've been working uh for environmental protection as as a as semi-professionally. I'm just a carpenter. But I believe in the I believe that this country is meant to be by the people and for the people, not controlled by money, controlled by citizens wills. Um, it's very easy to be an old white guy and live comfortably and remain ignorant about the struggles in other communities. I believe it's by learning the concerns of other communities that we'll come together to make this country a better place for all. I want you to know that if you look for support up and down the valley, you will find it. You will find advice. You will find lots of people in lots of communities that will help you

with this. Um, let's not sherk from this task. This struggle is as old as the country is. It's been going on and now it's our time to do it. Now this is our moment to do this. And so [applause] good luck to us all and I hope we can work together. Thank you. [applause] Matt Barka.

Good evening. Thank you for having us. I'm a new resident of Orange County. I moved here from Westchester last year. I voted for the first time this November in our elections in our county. I work up the block a couple miles up at a cannabis facility. I drive a delivery van all through the county, all through the state. What I'm scared about is militarization of our neighborhoods. I'm I'm scared about driving my van into a gas station by uh with people with camouflage and mask and guns there. On the way in today, every one of these police officers smiled at us. I came from a family of policemen. My dad's retired captain. My older brother's retired K9 cop. My younger brother's a sergeant and yoners. I'm afraid that if ICE comes, it's going to pit you guys against the community. It's going to be putting you between us and them and that's not fair to you. That's not why you all signed up for this and that's not why we support you. I mean, we do support you. That's not We don't want to support that. So, I fear that in our society that it's going to change. So, thank you for having us. Thank you for listening. Ryan Senn um at actually I'll start with I think silence is a position when it comes to this matter um and what most of what I heard from the village board when we were there yesterday was silence or we don't know enough yet and not a strong position. Um, what I heard from Brandon tonight and in our last meeting and from Councilman Courtney was a position that they thought this was wrong. And I just wanted to prompt to the other two councilmen um the opportunity to answer the question, what is your personal position on this facility coming to Chester? And then what is the position

that you perceive is that of your your the residents, the your constituents? I don't know whether you answer that now or not, but I hope that you will at some point. Thank you. [applause]

Leslie Mock line. Mock line. I was going to say mosh line.

Okay, I'll try to read all this in one minute. So, um, good evening. Um, I am a lifelong resident of Orange County and I'm here to say that we do not need an ICE internment camp here in in Orange County or anywhere in our country for that matter. Um, I have nothing against legitimate professional necessary law enforcement and thank every law enforcement here um tonight who fits that description. Thank you. Um, ICE, however, is no longer a professional law enforcement agency like it once was. Despite having an annual budget of 75 billion dollars over four years, they don't even wear real uniforms or ID tags anymore. Um, they are now a rag tag, underqualified group of masked thugs who have been given license to unleash violence against citizens of Minnesota, among others. They're acting out of their scope and are not legally allowed to stop or detain US citizens. They are not legally allowed to approach your vehicle and open the door. They also are not allowed to ask for your papers and they certainly aren't allowed to enter your home without a warrant, which they have now on multiple occasions. So, I want to ask all of the um don't tread on me folks um you know, are are you real patriots? You know, where are you now that they're they're busting into people's homes with no warrants? There's a video of an ICE agent following a handcuffed woman into a porta potty while his partner waits in the car. And I really hope there'll be accountability for that one day. Just imagine what's happening in detention centers like they want to put here.

20 seconds. Okay, there is another video of them literally abducting a young blonde woman with a green hat and forcing her into an unmarked vehicle. She's screaming for help in perfect English as she's forced into their vehicle. We saw a disabled woman yesterday on her way to a doctor's appointment, dragged from her car, hog tied and carried horizontally, face down as she as she's held by the arms, and she's telling them in perfect English. Not that that matters. Put me down. I have a brain injury. There are multiple reports of ICE agents abducting women to sexually assault them, as I've heard from a friend who lives in Minneapolis. Last statement.

Okay. Steven Miller, senior White House public adviser for both Trump terms, is quoted saying, "Trort is celebration of life and human dignity." Is that what you want to put in Orange County? Is that what you want anywhere? Thank you,

Yavon from Beacon. Yes, my name is Ivon Kurthers. I'm here from Beacon. I'm here as a taxpaying resident of the state of New York and the country of the United States. And I want to thank you for responding to my email when I sent it recently because it was very fast and very positive and I really appreciate that. It's wonderful to see that an elected official

everybody has already said everything that needs to be said. I just want to make a historical reference. We all have certain things we think of when we hear the word Awitz. It began as a detention center. It didn't end that way, but it started that way. Don't open the door. I realize they're probably going to force their way in just like they do with everything else, but I just wanted everybody to remember that if you don't want Chester to be remembered as Awitz, we have to do everything in our power to keep it from happening. Thank you, [applause] Liz Oliver. I'm gonna read my statement. Um, my name is Liz Oliver. I'm a resident of Beacon, New York. Uh, not a resident of Chester, but I'm here as your Hudson Valley neighbor and I care what happens in our neighborhood and to our neighbors. I'm here to voice my strong opposition to the planned ICE detention facility in Chester. Uh, Beacon is already a prison town and it has been for well over a century. And as such, we see firsthand the moral injury that is caused by the presence of a prison. Not just to the people being imprisoned, but that to the people who have to work there and to the community that has to look upon it. I'm also a native of Minneapolis and as such, I have been extra close to the trauma that is being inflicted upon the people there. If we allow the federal government to build an ICE detention center in our neighborhood, we are condoning everything that is happening in Minneapolis right now, including the shredding of our fundamental constitutional rights and the human dignity that this country promises to

both its citizens and its visitors. Human rights are not reserved for US citizens only. Please don't make us complicit in these horrors. Uh I don't know how much power you have as a town board. I imagine you can uh set up delays. You can gum up the works. You can make a creative bureaucratic hell for the federal government. Um I hope you will do that in any way you can. Um regardless of what power you do or do not have, um I ask that you please show courage. Um we the people are desperate for leaders with courage right now. Thank you. [applause] Noah Snider. Noah,

is that? Yes. I just have a state prepared.

Good evening. My name is Noah Snder. I'm a high school senior in the village of Woodbury. I'm speaking tonight as a student who is deeply concerned about what this iceholding center represents. I was taught as the descendant of Holocaust survivors that harm begins when local ordinary decisions go unquestioned. Many of my classmates are immigrants and people whose families have already experienced detention or targeting by DHS. For them, this threat is not abstract. In the current national climate, expanding detention infrastructure should concern everyone, not just those who are directly affected. We are living in a moment where democratic norms are being tested. History shows that movements toward authoritarianism advance through localized administrative decisions that seem manageable in isolation but dangerous in their totality. I urge Chester and the rest of Orange County to continue to fight loudly against the center and to consider the long-term moral consequences of allowing it in our community. Thank you. [applause]

[applause]

Greg Klein.

Howdy, folks. Uh, you know, I just wanted to say that I'm I'm heartened by the position and the ethical integrity of the board on on this matter. So it makes me feel better as a start. I've been 36 years in this community. I spent time as a volunteer firefighter, very plugged in with my parish. And it comes down to me, the subject among many other things. It comes down to environment and atmosphere, which is going to change significantly. If you have if you're processing 80,000 immigrants, that's a lot of guys walking around town in fatigues and riot gear with pepper spray and tear gas and tasers and weapons and all that other crap. Is that what you want your world to be filled with when it comes to Minnesota? I mean, everybody's familiar with Renee and that's and there's no question about that. But if you dig deeper, you'll find out that Minnesota's dealing with 20 other incidences just like it. The only difference was that they weren't shot in the face. You know, should that be the dividing line of whether it's something valid to address? And when it comes to, you know, ICE, some of the people that they're going to be addressing are going to be invalid immigrants. They're going to be im immigrants that don't belong here. and they should be addressed, but you also know that a lot of them aren't. And it's going to be people like you and me at times. And you think it can't be you.

20 seconds. And um just to finish, you know, you're sitting in your car, you're going about your day, everything's normal and common, and you think it's just, you know, like any other day, and then a piston punch goes in your uh window, and smashes it open. Or they open the door, drag you out into the street, put you face down in the concrete, and zip tie you. And it's only then that you begin to even ask, "What's happening to me?" and you don't get an answer until you're bustled into the back of a van and then maybe after a while they start they start to ask you questions. Final statement. Thank you. [applause] That's not what we want.

John Holmes. Hi, thank you for your position on this matter. I'd like you to all maintain stay steadfast with your decisions. I am a Marine veteran and swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. That's what the oath is, too. And we stood in our uniforms with our faces uncovered unless there was a a chemical attack, but we stood there with our faces out. ICE has hoods. They show up in the middle of the night with no badges, no warrants, break into homes, put children in zip ties. This is reprehensible behavior that is bad for any community, and we don't need that here. As an exfederal employee, I am so ashamed and so outraged at the way they prop you come to the community. Secondly is every single white face and I'm the black people you have a worst have a different history. Every single white face you're here either because you're an immigrant or your ancestors were immigrants. every single one of us and most of you are here as citizens because of birthright. So you we don't need to be putting immigrants in a converted warehouse to be a jail. Thank you. [applause]

Thank you for your service. Thank you. Uh, John Mc it starts with an L here. ML McLolin [cough] scribbled rather hastily.

Good evening. Thank you for having us here. My name is John Mclofflin. I'm a resident of the town of Newberg. I'm 86 years old and I'm a veteran. I swore an oath to Thank you. I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. ICE operates completely outside of the realm of the Constitution, largely in violation of the Fourth Amendment, as I'm sure you're all aware. Very thankful to hear your comments and your uh resolution. Uh if I can get a copy of that, uh I will see that it's brought before the uh council of the town of Newberg and we'll see if we can't get it adopted there. Thank you very much, [applause]

Mary Beth. Tyrell Tyrell, what was your last name? Terrell.

Terrell. Thank you and thank you all for everything that you do. My name is Mary Beth Derell. I live in Campbell Hall. About 50 years ago, I came to Orange County to go to college and I fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to buy my first house in Whispering Hills in Chester, New York. And I have to tell you, uh, friends of mine came and helped me the first day. So, I got up the next morning and I said, I'm going to go get some bagels. So, I pulled out of West Whispering Hills and there was a cow running down the road. And at that point, I said, "I'm where I'm supposed to be." [laughter] Okay. Um, Chester is very different now. We have Shopright, we have Town, we have everything else. It's come so far, but it's still the kind of town that people have cows, and we have to keep it that way. We do not need a facility like this. So, thank you very much for your statements. You have people behind you, okay? There were about 400 people on Monday night. There's people here tonight. There's different towns coming. We are behind you and just keep asking, but thank you for what you do. [applause]

I'm going to say Lillian O'Ry O'Brien. So close. I'm sorry. trying my best here.

Lillian O'Brien and I live in the town of Walkill, Middletown, New York. And I just have to tell you, I was so heartened the other night by how many people came out from all over New Jersey, uh, Warwick, Sullivan. Um, it was just amazing. The last time I saw that town of Walkill, we fought a landfill waste management on 17K close to where my house was. And at that time, um, there was 17 sites that Waste Management wanted to put in. And they just thought it was going to be a breeze. They're going to create their own zone. You know, nothing nothing had existed for it. And they they're going to make it a uh M something or other, but not M1. It or not MI. and and the creation would be to put nuclear waste, medical nuclear waste and everything else you could think of. We were going to become the fresh gills [clears throat] because our our whole community, Olter, Sullivan, New Jersey, everybody came out. Jehovah Witness, everybody from all over the place, they kept saying to us, "Mrs. O'Brien, stop the petitions. We're not doing it." We said, "Well, once we get a law that tells us that we cannot put landfilling in, we will stop." 3,000, you know, signatures later, "Mrs. O'Brien, you can stop." No, we're not. And we did not stop. The whole community worked for a whole year, but we preempted them before they actually got everything in place. And that was the key. And that's what you guys are doing now. And I'm so I'm so emotional about it. [laughter] It's beautiful. Um, and from my perspective, it's doable as long as we do stay together, as long as we recognize that our our scope is not just Chester. It's not just the Hudson Valley. It's what's happening all around us. And everything that you, New House, uh, Ryan Scofus have built up over the past 10, 15 years

will be totally destroyed. We would become the ICE detention zone. And remember, my husband said to me, 15 seconds, remember you have Steuart Airport and that would become the cargo for people for flights. So, thank you again for everything you do. [applause]

Michelle, is there any comment online? There is. Joseph, I'm going to say something that the federal government won't. I'm sorry that this is happening to this town. None of us asked for any of this, the facility, the attention, the burden, none of it. I thank the board for speaking about it and offering time to the community to speak about it and want to empathize that ICE has has shown us their hand. It's not every day [clears throat] the player on the other side of the table shows you their cards. We now know what their plans on. So, now is the time to do something. [clears throat]

Stacy Padilla, as a resident, thank you all from out of town that showed up to represent peace in the Hudson Valley. Milton Rodriguez, being that the current administration likes to buy, bribe, and threat people in positions of power, I want a promise from the board that they will not be intimidated to [clears throat] take bribes from them. [applause] All right. So, that's everybody who signed up and everybody who commented online. I will answer one of the questions um that was uh stated which was uh if we could do anything directly. Uh at this point from what I have gathered and what the attorney has gathered, no. Uh this facility is proposed in the village of Chester, not the town of Chester. The town of Chester has no direct zoning, planning, building jurisdiction over that facility. Uh that is all that falls all within the village of Chester. And furthermore, uh when the federal government wants to do something, it usually doesn't have to listen to the local zoning, building planning laws, uh to my knowledge. But that is that is a that is a question for attorneys um to to decide on and not not me. However, um as you heard from my previous statement, um and I just want to make it very clear that that represent that statement represented my views. I don't want to speak to the for the rest of the board. The rest of the board can speak for themselves. Uh I will do anything I can and I've offered the village uh my full cooperation and support uh in preventing the facility from coming to Chester. Um whe if if it doesn't happen, if I can't offer anything bureaucratically and governmentally, I will offer my political will and power uh to keep them out. Uh but that is that is the one question I wanted to answer. Um with that we will move on. Yes. Oh go ahead.

I'm sorry.

We sat down and we spoke with our town to our town supervisor and he is putting a resolution together. So, I don't know if I have a copy of it. So, I we haven't passed any resolution. Thank you for reminding me of that. I I'm not sure what the gentleman was referring to. I had mentioned that there were two uh resolutions presented to us, the Melt Act and the New York for All Act, of which I provided to the rest of the town board to review. Um but we haven't passed the resolution. We're not passing anything tonight. Uh we're going to be reviewing that and taking that up at a future board meeting.

Okay. And you had a hand up, sir. Your last comments I made strategy is blocks and stall until the November election change of Congress. uh ice will be severely funed after that. Yes, some hand back there.

Can I Can the speakers just uh can you identify yourself, sir? Because Dan O'Brien from where? Miltown and then you sir back there. Okay. Yeah. The the board members can choose to make their comments or at a different time. I Well, I'll make my comment out because I've publicly come out against it. UM I [applause]

Do the other board members have comments at this time? Not at this time. No. Okay. I'm gonna I'm gonna keep it to just two more hands and then we do have to move on. Sir. Yeah.

Two more hands and you have to step up and then we will have to move on. Please, sir. I thought that someone else would say what I was I'm going to say, but I will say it. [clears throat] And please state your name and location.

I'm Alan Clarkson. I live about a hundred yards into Warwick out of Chester. Uh Friday morning, no uh yesterday morning at nine o'clock, the Department of Homeland Security was here in Chester inspecting the warehouse. So time is short. I just wanted you to know that this was this was gotten from a federal document. One other thing, the investigation of Renee Good's shooting has changed from the person, the perpetrator to Renee Good herself and they are searching for connection she had with any activist group and that means most of us in this room. The tide I think is shifting and we can't be afraid. We have to stay with it and with you supervisor. Thank you.

Thank you. [applause] [applause] All right. I'm I'm really cutting it off after this. I see two more hands up now. You are the final two people for public comment. I'll let you go first, sir. And then [clears throat] you, ma'am, right there. And then that that will be it for public comment. There is a second public comment period at the end of the agenda. So, if you wish to stay for the rest of the meeting and speak later, you may do so. Do people need to sign up for that? That was one of my questions. Okay.

My name is Kieran Conroy. I live in Highland Mills, New York. Um, I'm a son of a former supervisor, Sheila Conroy, an Eagle Scout. I was born and raised here in this comm these communities. Um, I used to go to movies uh every month and McDonald's with my family here in Chester, uh, even before the castle was here. many fond memories how this place was welcoming to children and a place for folks to come together back when maybe not as many cows. Um I uh I went to seminary in Boston and moved out west for about six years to work with Native American communities through the Episcopal Church um and also through se several service programs including Americanore um in New York City. That program has been cancelled by this administration by the way. Uh I came back here during the period of Standing Rock. have been supporting local indigenous communities and anti-racism efforts, including our local Ramapo tribe, who are the host peoples of this community. Um, and I've been astounded to see how quickly things are changing, as others have said. Um, I actually spent time in South Dakota and Minneapolis, including reservations and in the urban areas that are being affected by this. Um, and one of the most scary things that's happened is that they are actually kidnapping Native Americans. It's been happening all year. Um they just kidnapped uh four tribal citizens of Pine Ridge, the Lakota communities near where I worked. Um and they are interuring, they let one of them go, they are entering the other four uh in Fort Snelling, which is the former concentration camp where the Dakota 38 were massacred in the 1800s in the largest execution in US history um under Lincoln. Um and they're the rest of the people in the Bishop Whipple Federal Building, which was named after an Episcopal bishop who tried to save as many Dakota people as he could.

30 seconds. This history is very fresh and what's happening to Native Americans and other minority communities who don't look like Renee Good, bless her memory as well, has already been happening much faster. We need to be aware that it's not going to stop with them. We also need to raise their voices and protect our neighbors. Thank you. It won't be long. [applause]

Hello, my name is Rosa Ferrara. I live in the town of Warick. I'm very concerned about everything that's going on. I represent the minority groups, the immigration. I am Hispanic. I was born in Puerto Rico. I am an American. I cannot even speak my language because I get targeted and I'm told this is America. Speak English. What I'm saying is we all have a right to be here. This this land was founded by immigrants and we have to fight and we have to speak just like World War II. World War II Ashwitz. It didn't happen. It happened the same way it's happening now. And if we don't speak and protect our neighbors, we're just as complicit as those that stood quiet. We have to stand up and we have to fight. And thank you. Thank you for being bold enough to say and stand by us because I know a lot of immigrants that work hard are they are parish to go to the church. As you can see, I'm very passionate about this because it affects me. I've known people that have been taken by ICE. My son works in the school board with all minorities that these children are afraid afraid to go to school, afraid to go home because they don't even know if their parents are there. My daughter is walking immigrants because they're afraid what happens to them if my mother takes me. What happens to my children? Children are being attacked in Minneapolis in high schools because of the color of their skin, because of the language they speak. Let me tell you, first they went for them, they eventually come for us. Just remember that just because of their color of your skin does not make you safe. And for those or those who believe in Trump, shame on you. SHAME ON YOU.

[applause]

ALL RIGHT, THAT IS GOING TO DO IT for public comment. Um, again, there will be another public comment section at the end of the meeting. Uh, so if you wish to stay for that, you may do so. Um, otherwise, uh, you can submit comments at any time to the town board or myself or the town clerk. You can find our emails online. Um, is there any other information I should say? Let's move on. No. All right, we are we are going to head into our public hearing now. Uh, is there and please feel free to leave, but if you do leave, please stay quiet as a mouse as you exit the building so we can get on with our with our meeting, please. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat]

All right. Public hearing on cellular endpoint opt out local law. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? All those in favor? I I [clears throat] All right, Liz, I believe you have something prepared. I do have to open. I just did. Yeah. I just want her to read her thing first and then Okay.

Yeah. Please just get this summary first and then Sure. Um, this public hearing is for a proposed local law regarding cellular endpoint optouts. The town uh uses cellular endpoints which attach to our water meters as a way of transmitting data um to the town um for purposes of billing. uh residents had requested and the town board has instructed uh me to prepare a local law that authorizes residents who are concerned with the use of cellular technology to um opt out of that um process. So we have prepared a local law that is uh the subject of this public hearing.

And just to answer the question before I know it comes up, we have not agreed to a opt out fee for it yet. that will be agreed to and voted on at the next uh at the next town board meeting. We are instituting the opt out tonight um after the public hearing, but the fee will be decided on and voted on at the next board meeting. So, I just want to put that out there. Um all right, the f the first one we have Chris Mau.

Can you both try to speak in My name is Christine Mau. I live on Crearyy Pond Road in Sugarloaf. I'm here to strongly oppose the proposed opt out fee for residents who choose not to accept cellular endpoints on our town's water meters. Requiring residents to pay a fee simply to retain their traditional non-transmitting water meters is unfair, coercive, and sets a poor precedent. These cellular endpoints are wireless smart devices that raise legitimate concerns among many residents about privacy, data security, and potential health impacts from radio frequency exposure. Charging people extra just to avoid something they never requested transforms a personal choice into a financial penalty. It's like being forced to pay a tobacco company not to smoke. an absurd reversal where you're punished for refusing something that raises potential risks. This situation is particularly ironic for our town. In July of 2019, the town board passed a resolution petitioning the New York State Public Service Commission to require Orange and Rockland Utilities to allow customers in Chester to retain their nonsmart anal analog electric and gas meters without any fees or penalties. The resolution highlighted that the $15 per month opt out fee created an undue burden, infringed on residents right to choose, and disproportionately affected those with health or safety concerns. Unfortunately, despite our town's strong stand and the resolution, ONR did not wave those fees, and customers who opted out continue to face monthly penalties for manual readings. That experience

makes the current proposal even more troubling. If our community once recognized such fees as unacceptable and burdensome for electric and gas smart meters, why would we now impose a similar penalty on water meter optouts? We should learn from that history and remain consistent in protecting residents freedom to choose without added financial coercion. This fee would disproportionately impact those on fixed incomes, families, and anyone with valid concerns about unnecessary wireless technology in their homes. Rather than erecting financial barriers, the town should make opting out straightforward, accessible, and completely free. Upholding residents rights and ensuring equitable access to basic utility services. I respectfully urged the board to reject this optout fee, honored the principled position our town took in 2019, and prioritize community choice over penalties. And I have copies of for all of the councilmen um the uh resolution, a copy of 2019.

I think of the previous resolution. You can give them to me. I'll pass them down. Thank you, Chris. [applause] All right. Uh, Mel,

good evening, Chester citizens and elected officials. I have lived in Lake Hill Farms section of Chester since 1976. That's 50 years at the end of this month. When I spoke to the board at the July 24th meeting, I questioned the doubling of the water rate from 575 per thousand gallons to uh $10 a thousand gallons and change and change the billing from twice a year to quarterly. I was told on July 24th that this change is going to reduce the water district charges on the tax bill in January. But my January bill for water last year of 2025 was $24348. And my latest January tax bill for water in 2026 was $264.25. That's an 8.6% increase. Um my total tax bill increased $196.50. And by doubling my water rate, it's going to be an additional $200 on my water charges for the year on top of what you've already done. Now you have a chance to pass the local law to opt out of installation of cellular endpoints for water meters. This is a great move uh giving uh residents a choice when it comes to their personal privacy and health decisions concerning their meters. I've stood here before and discussed the the health and privacy issues surrounding these meters. I recently did some further digging and found out according to the actual installation manual for the Orion cellular endpoints for indoor installation. One, it says mount on floor joist or outside wall near a window if possible and away from large metal objects. Also, transmitters meet radiation expo

exposure requirements. Maintain a 20 cm distance between the transmitters and the user's body during operation to avoid exceeding general population exposure limits. In my basement, my water meter is too close to my water softener tank and my washing machine, both metal objects. Both large metal objects for safe installation. Also, there is no window in the meter vicinity. How safe will I be when I'm doing laundry near the meter? Chester already adopted a resolution. Chris Chris just mentioned a petitioning the New York Public Service Commission to allow customers um O andr utilities to retain non-smart meters without fees or penalties. Moreover, the state is moving to protect our rights through the Consumer Utility Meter Choice Protection Act, Assembly Bill A3978 and Senate Bill S5632A. These pending bills introduced in 2025 explicitly grants homeowners the rights to one re uh few smart meter installation without fees, penalties or service disruption. Receive 90 days written notice before any installation. Request removal of a smart meter within a year at no cost or later at a reasonable fee. I have been in touch with three local assemblymen Carl Brainickus Easchus Enmah and Senator Scoopus' office. They were all very receptive to working on this legislation that it's now and that they're back in Albany and the bill is in currently in the energy committee. Senator Scufus was even interested in co-sponsoring the legislation. I will be making more calls to further this legislation in the upcoming weeks. I urge you to align with these bills now and show Chester respects its homeowners with no opt- out

penalties. Chester's strength lies in its community. Let's work together to ensure this program recognizes our rights, honors our town's history, and aligns with New York's emerging bills. Thank you, Cassandra Patino. Did I say that right? Yeah. Was this for the ICE thing? Yeah. Okay. Unfortunately, we're in a public hearing for the other thing. So, if you want to wait until the end, you can you can do so. Uh Rosa Chingira. Yeah.

Same thing. Okay. And uh Railen Newer. Raven. It's r a e l y n and then n i e v e r. Not here. Okay. All right. Is there any other sure is this on this subject? Okay.

Joshua cop a reminder that countless studies have demonstrated that there is no risk to human health from cellular inpoint transmitters. I have no direct comment on the fee but wish to ensure the record is clear that any fears of medical risk are scientifically unfounded. Okay. Are there any other comments? Yes. Yes. [clears throat] First of all, I want to thank the board for considering the issue and for after the July meeting agreeing that there would be the opt out because that was the discussion that we were having at that point in time.

So I I think that those who are framing this as opposing the opt out uh are mistaken. I think the opt out was supported and frankly I'm I'm thankful to the board for for agreeing to that. My own view on the fee, just to be very simple, is that individuals, notwithstanding Mr. Cox's view that that I know and have read about and have met do suffer or believe they suffer and there is some support for this medical consequences for some of these exposures. It may be very small slice of the population, but in my view, very few people are actually going to opt out. And I think imposing a fee creates a barrier and a a symbol that is not necessary. I don't think a huge amount of money will be raised by dent of that and I think it would be symbolically more appropriate to respect these individuals and their feelings without creating any kind of barrier which tends to polarize. I think that's unnecessary. Thank you. Are there any other comments on the opt out for the cellular and end end points? Seeing none, is there a motion to close the public hearing?

I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I I Liz. Just want to be clear for the board that um the resolution I' I've drafted um does not uh set a fee. It simply is the authors authorizing legislation that allows the opt out. The board can discuss and um debate a fee um at a later date, but right now the purpose is right now all residents would have to use the cellular endpoints um under your current code. So So we're revising that.

We're revising that. Whereas the town of Chester use utilizes cellular endpoint technology to collect water meter reading data to reduce the required manpower and for the immediate detection of water leaks. The town board recognizes that there are some who are concerned as to the potential ill effects of such technology. While the town board has not seen such ill effects, the town board desires to provide property owners with the option of not using cellular endpoint technology for collecting water meter data. And whereas introductory local law 13 of 2025, a local law to opt out of the installation of cellulite end points for water meters, was introduced before the town board of the town of Chester on December 10th uh 2025. Whereas a duly noticed public hearing was held on January 14th, 2026. And now therefore be it resolved that after consideration, the town board hereby finds that the proposed local law will not result in any adverse environmental impacts and it issues a negative declaration pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. that seeker. And be it further resolved that the town board hereby adopts introductory local law 13 of 2025, a local law to opt out of installation of cellular endpoint for water meters as local law 1 of 2026. And be it further resolved that the clerk is hereby directed to file the same with the New York State Department of State.

Are there any comments or questions or debate points from the board members on this? Nope. No. No. Good. Seeing none, is there a motion to adopt the local law as as written and read? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I uh is there a motion to hold uh open the public hearing on the sidewalks maintenance local law? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I

uh so this is basically stating that uh people who own um land in front of a sidewalk needs to maintain the sidewalk and clear it um during inclement weather. Uh I don't think this is the last that we're hearing of the we're going to be hearing of this issue. This is just to make sure there's something on the books for now. I think there's more discussion to be had about uh possible um town involvement with clearing the sidewalks. Uh but as of right now, we need to get something on the books. So, this is what we have prepared so far. Are there any comments on the sidewalks maintenance local law at this time?

Yes.

Please step up. Good evening. Um, this seems like a trivial matter um on the heels of what went on here this evening, but um it is something that um we need to discuss. It's on the it's on the docket here. So, um yeah, and I understand that we need to have some kind of um ruling on this um as soon as possible. But uh I don't really agree with the fact that this should be handed over to the individual um property owners who are joined to the sidewalk. Um and the reason for that first is that um some of them are not shopkeepers and um you can see with the last several snowfalls that those areas that were in front of residential areas were not cleared. um certainly in front of businesses um that was taken care of. So, um my thinking on this also is that um um if you go into any res uh into any um business district in the in the area, uh you'll see that the municipalities take care of the removal of snow in all of these areas, not only on the sidewalks, but also um in the parking areas. something that has been long neglected in the business community uh of Chester. So, um and then there's also the fact that the sidewalks are actually um in the town right of way now. So, um, thankfully

Kings Highway this past year went into the hands of the town from the county and so now it is the town's issue because it lies in the town's right of way and um I know if there's any trip and falls that might occur, any lawsuits that might occur because it is in the town right away the response responsibility will probably fall mostly on the town rather than on the individuals. Uh I'm not an attorney. I can't speak with any kind of authority on that. But um I think it would be in the interest of the town to see that this was done the um the clearing of the the snow off the sidewalks. Um, and I think that the cost of that would be probably pretty negligible to the town because um, it would just take maybe the use of a of a snow blower, which I'm sure the town already owns and probably a couple of hours of labor from either the parks department or the highway department. I don't know who owns the snow equipment, but um, that would be my thinking on that. So, um I understand that there's a need for some kind of resolution right now, but I hope the door stays open so that we might think about this further and discuss it. And um because I I I don't see this um I like hate to see the town have to hand out summons to some of the residents who are not clearing the the the sidewalks. Yeah. I think it's going to lead to some problems. Okay. Thank you for

Thank you. Thank you, Nick. Yeah. Um I plan to take this up again. I think it'll be better once we have a full board. Uh we have a plan to appoint somebody in February after we're done with the interviews. So once we have a full board, I think we'll have enough opinions or we can find a consensus, but there's been a little bit of a deadlock on how to handle it so far. Uh so hopefully we can get that done but for now this is the next best thing that we can all agree to. Uh Ryme, can you just clarify is the reason that we are consulting to the resident shoveling because the board is in disagreement over who should do it because there's a split. Is that

that's how it's been so far? Yes.

Well, it's normal for in almost every code in New York State that is the norm. And it's even in the village. Even though the village of Chester clean sidewalks, their code also references in the case that they cannot make it out to clean the sidewalks, it's up to the residents to clean the sidewalk. And the reason they clean them in the in the village, in some instances where sidewalks were installed along state roads, in order for those sidewalks to be installed to begin with, it was mandated by the state that the village opt in to maintain those sidewalks. So there's a difference between what's going on in some municipalities and what might be happening here in the town and the way we function to make that happen and the equipment that we try to use.

Can I make another comment? Would you prefer that? [clears throat]

I I would prefer that. Yes. I just wanted to say I think um the comparison uh between Sugarloaf and other business districts is inappropriate because Sugarloaf is very mixed in that it has some standard businesses and some residences and some that are both and it makes it really difficult for there to be consistent uh sort of cleaning amongst all the folks who are in those buildings. It's not just businesses, it's not just residents, there's a mixture of all of that. So I think it's hard to do the comparison game to make the decision here. I think instead um Sugarloaf is unique. The the what is necessary in order to keep it safe is also a unique solution potentially uh having the town do it.

Are there any other comments about the sidewalk m sidewalk maintenance law at this time? Okay. Uh is there a motion to close the public hearing? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. All those in favor? I I Liz.

Sure. While she's taking her notes, um like I said, I do plan to bring this up again with the full board to relook at this issue. Um I will make sure not to forget it and I'm sure there will be people out there making sure that I do not forget it. Uh so very good. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester desires to provide a regulatory framework for the maintenance of sidewalks by adjoining property owners and for a mechanism should such maintenance not occur in a timely manner for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Whereas introductory local law 14 of 2025, a local law to amend chapter 81, street excavations, driveways to provide for the regulation and maintenance of sidewalks, was introduced before the town board of the town of Chester on December 10th, 2025. And whereas the town board of the town of Chester previously declared itself to be lead agency for purposes of review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act Seeker and further declared that the proposed law local law is an unlisted action. And whereas a duly noticed public hearing was held on January 14th, 2026. And whereas the proposed local law was referred to the Orange County Department of Planning pursuant to general municipal law 239 and by letter dated December 19th, 2025, the county indicated that the matter was one of local determination. Now therefore, be it resolved that after considering the thresholds as set forth in 6NYCR 67.5C, the town board determines that this action is more appropriately classified as a type 2 action pursuant to 6NYCR 617C1 maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in it an existing structure or facility and together with 33 adoption of regulations, policies, procedures, local legislative decisions in connection with any action on the list. So because one is a type maintenance is a type one type two action excuse me and legislation in relation to that it would be a type two action. Be it further resolved that introductory local law 14 of 2025 a local law to amend chapter 81 street excavations driveways to provide for the regulation and maintenance of sidewalks

be adopted as local law 2 of 2026. Be it further resolved that the town clerk is hereby directed to file the same with the New York State Department of State. Are there any questions or debate points? Nope.

I just want to make a point that I had brought multiple options to this board in reference to how the sidewalks could be cleaned. And I don't feel that there's a discrepancy on, you know, this law needs to be passed regardless of anything else we do. It has to be in our code for the fact that if somebody can't, you know, a municipality can't get to it, homeowners would still be responsible. So, I brought options of of district to have sidewalks clean. I bought an option of purchasing equipment. So, I don't know where there's a disagreement, but it just didn't get done. That's all.

But you're correct that the the law has to be passed regardless. I I only meant that we didn't really come to a consensus on what the plan was to have. I just it just like it it like spun around like we had a discrepancy here. There were there was multiple options. We just couldn't come to a thesis on what that option is or the cost for the equipment needed to do it. So yes, that's correct. Thank you. Tom is correct. Um all right, with that, is there a motion to pass the local law as written? I will make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I

All right, [clears throat] reports. I am going to just accept the reports that have been submitted to us into the minutes for the sake of time. Uh I have two short statements. Uh one both from the Orange County DPW. Uh I met with uh them earlier this week uh I believe Monday morning I want to say or Tuesday morning uh about the uh about Kings Highway. Uh they will be giving us our free paving um this spring to fall somewhere between the spring and fall on Kings Highway. Uh we're in we're in close coordination with them uh to make sure that it you know it works with our schedules and their schedules. Um, so and I did I was out there advocating for them to to pave from shoulder to shoulder uh throughout the the business districts and the historical districts uh you know to make sure that there is you know it's all uniform. It has as much surface area for for for parking in the future. Um and our highway department was out there as well making sure that everything was in line. And the other thing that I wanted to mention came out of that meeting. It's not about Sugarloaf. Uh Leone Lane, the intersection at Leone Lane, Laroo Road, and Kings Highway. Uh there's been a much in my opinion maligned divider um in Leone Lane. Uh that is going to be removed by the Orange County DPW this year at some point. Um and they're going to be reconfiguring uh that that intersection. Uh so that divider will not be there any longer.

It definitely needs help. Yeah. Um that those are my reports. Are there any reports from the from the board members? Yes. Um we'll start with Jeppi. No report. Tom.

Yep. Uh as a member of the mood commission, I have uh regular contact with their employees to discuss what is needed to improve the and maintain our sewer infrastructure. With this year's budget, we were currently we are currently moving forward on several projects. New pumps at Suriri Meadows pump station, a new control panel, at Sugarloaf pump station, a new generator for Lake Hill Farms pump station, and we were have also budgeted for a bypass installation, new pumps at Want Lake Estates pump station. All of these infrastructure upgrades approved by this board show the commitment to upgrading our aging facilities before they become an emergency situation causing repairs under emergency repairs which greatly increases our cost. I'd also like to mention that our water department spent several hours in the village of Chester Chester recently watching a direct tap made on a 10-in water man which was being overseen by the village of Chester water department. I encourage our employees to always watch and learn new things that could benefit them and the town in the future. Under the direction of Gary Green, the village of Chester water commissioner, they could witness the proper procedures the village requires such as chlorin chlorinating the exterior of the of the water man, the parts needed to perform the job. And this ensures that they minimize the potential contamination to the to the water manes, you know, to the live water manes being tapped. Uh, also I uh reviewed all the county county annual water uh inspections and went over them those with Chris. And I see uh the solar the Chester Solar One LLC will start to pay rent very soon in regards to the finalized project

on Vivian. So that's a positive thing for the town of Chester. And that's it for me. Thank you, Tom. Bob. No, I don't have anything tonight. All right, we'll move forward our Can they be made? Can they be just be added to the minutes or how many are there? Three. And they're coming up. All right, let's just do it. Maybe one minute to do that. Yeah. Uh Chester Historical Society's annual meeting is being held this Sunday, January 18th, at the Senior Center at 200 p.m. Um, everyone is welcome. The presentation will be on the history of the Albertton in

uh Kowanas announces their um annual fish and chips dinner on the first Friday of Lent, which is February 20th for takeout or dine in at the Chester Academy. Uh in more information can be found on the town's website. Um, and the Chester Alumni Association tricky tray will be held on February [clears throat] 21st at 100 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 101 Main Street. $5 entry fee for uh this is a fundraiser and there would be um a cash drawing 5050 on that. And that's that's all I have. Thank you.

Sure. Hi, my name is Grace. Um, I just wanted to bring it to um, everyone's attention um, that because this has been going through Orange County, um, we have been experiencing frauds committed against our planning boards and zoning board of appeals and our applicants. So, I just wanted to be um, bring it to every the public's attention. Um what's been happening it did happen in the village of Warwick is uh the fraudster gets into the documents the application which are matters of public record get the applicant's contact information and then send an email and say hi we see um we need our escro fees please send us a wire um I represent multiple boards. No board asks for a wire. No board demands a wire. Um if you have any requests for fees um you are as an applicant um and this goes for any board um you are entitled to audit your invoices and you should call the respective municipality um but nobody is going to no municipality in Orange County um is going to um request a wire from applicants. So please it's it's happening it's happened in a couple municipalities in Orange County. I think it was Anadaga County um the uh Nimmer which is our insurance has just put out a fraud alert. So, just everybody, please be aware um that the town of Chester will not be asking for wires from applicants or people with business before our boards.

Thank you, Liz. Thank you, Liz. Yeah. Um I pointed it out last year that municipalities faced a couple billion dollars of fraud losses last year alone in the year 2025. A couple billion across the uh across the nation. Um we hear in the chat, huh? It's scary.

Yeah, it is. Uh yeah, so we've been mostly successful at preventing fraud attempts here in town of Chester uh to our to our great benefit. Moving on to the regular uh business, uh Control Meyer uh has an education request. Um $170 for February 4th and $1,300 for April 17th for a couple conferences. Are there any questions or debate points? No, I'm good. No, I'm good. All right. All right. Is there a motion to accept the request? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I have fun. Neil,

uh, Sugarloaf Chamber of Commerce request for festival road closures on May from May 23rd to 24th and October 10th to 11th. Those are our spring and fall festivals in Sugarloaf. Are there any questions or debate points? Do we normally do both of these at the same time or can we wait for the fall one till later in the year to make sure everything goes well or it's best that we do them now so we don't forget which we've done in the past or at least the board in in past years have done in the past um so we can get the formalities out now but I know that the chief um and the chamber have been in very close contact with one another over these last couple years uh and everything seems to run very smoothly and uh they will continue to stay in contact and be

yeah I think they would be notifying us anyway way for us to reiterate what was going on, you know, with this. Anyway, I'm just I have concerns with doing it that far in advance. That's all. I'm understood. I will uh respectfully disagree, though. Okay. Um I think we should just do it now. Uh are there any other debate points or comments on this? No. Is there a motion to accept the road closures? I'll make the motion. I'll second.

All those in favor? I. All those opposed for now. Okay. Three eyes, one abstension. Resolution to approve the proposed highway union inclement weather MOA. Uh this language was drafted by our labor attorney. Um this is comes from a conversation that I had with the uh union representation from the highway and water departments. Uh this is just to outline uh how it has been done uh previously and add an extra layer. Um, currently, um, the only way for somebody to be sent home is if the town supervisor, uh, decides, um, if that person should be sent home, uh, in conjunction with the, uh, department head, this would put it into the contract. So, it's written out and there's no ifands or buts about that uh, for inclement weather. I don't believe in the history of the town. Um the I mean I I shouldn't say that but since I've been here uh the water department and the highway department don't normally go home even when there is incle inclement weather. This is just in the most extreme cases and this outlines a process if that needs to take place. Usually the only people who are sent home are non-essential personnel um i.e. the people who are usually working in this building um for the most part. Uh so this just outlines uh a correct process uh to send people home if it becomes absolutely necessary and the process would be the town supervisor has to agree to it as well as the department head of either the highway department or the uh water department. So that is what has been written out. Um I don't believe the union has voted on it uh formally. So this would be our end of it and then it would be up to them to accept it. Um, are there any questions or debate points from the board on this?

I just have one issue. I would prefer that it be a decision by a board rather than just a supervisor.

I would have to again spec respectfully disagree because the um practicality of having the board [clears throat] meet together or speak together and have everybody respond in a timely manner. These decisions usually are made at very crazy times a day. Um and not everybody is going to be together and us all coming together constitutes this public meeting which needs to be noticed. Um I know we've communicated in emergency uh situations in the past uh over via texts or so. Uh but even then not everybody responds because they're unavailable. Uh the practicality of it is just not there and it's not how I've seen it be done in other municipalities. Well, I just feel that in emergency situations such as power outage, loss of water, those are emergencies that require immediate action inclement weather is something that's known about days and ahead of time in in many cases a week ahead of time. So, there can be decisions made as per what we're expecting. If we're expecting a blizzard, absolutely, we need to do something. But I think in a normal range of we know a weather's coming, we can make a decision and it should be a board decision.

So just um the the personnel the handbook um right now it's listed in the handbook. I not I think that needs to be changed also is so right now the way it's drafted is it's not the document that's operative document. It's the town supervisor. I'm gonna agree with um Tom and say it should be a town board decision. Yeah. inclement weather.

I've Yeah. I'm probably the veteran up here and I've I've to no avail I have an opinion on inclement weather and uh I think that's got to be a board decision because I just think we just are we just just continuously close at a snowflake and I just I have I voiced it. I've had private conversations and I just I I would never ever say people feel uncomfortable not to go home, but the minute we close town hall, we have to pay everybody and I just don't I'm just not in agreement with that. Is there a motion to amend the resolution in any way to amend it?

Well, the resolution stands supervisor. So if all three of you are saying that that is not something that you would support, is there a motion to amend it to say town board because there needs to be something. Yeah, I'm I would go into go into client so that I give you some advice but also you want to put that off till the next meeting. Then we're going to have to um let's table it for now then. Table and take it up to the next meeting. All right. Is there a motion to table the resolution? I'll make the motion to table it. All those in favor I I tabled

resolution to appoint Mike Papaloski to the Chester Planning Board. I see that I mean I know that Jeppy had already met with him when he was on the planning board and Tom and Bob had met with them. Uh he has a recommendation from the planning board. Are there any uh questions or debate debate points on Mike? No, I think a great addition to the planning board. I I agree. All right. Is there a resolution? Is there a motion to accept the appointment? Pass the appointment. Motion. Is there a second? All those in favor? I I Welcome, Mike.

Resolution to approve retainer agreement between Sakalov Stern LLP. Uh I'm sorry, with Sakalov Stern LLP. This is for the Barry v. Riley III at all case. Uh we had already uh this is the formality that I told you guys about. We need to accept this so we can move forward with uh his defense of the town. Is there a motion to accept the retainer agreement? Motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I

resolution to set regular town board work session on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Is there a motion? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I. Knights of Columbus request for Town of Chester to sponsor free throw contest looking to have the the town cover the event under its insurance. Um this is happening in January I believe. Were there I know everybody received the email on this. Are there any thoughts or debate?

I just had the question on you know why I mean I sent it out in an email. I I don't know that we had an answer from that, but why would they need to use the town of Chester insurance when they may have their own insurance when we have anything in our our facilities? We require people to provide us with insurance at the senior center or anywhere. Why would we why is this necessary? I do not know. Um there was everything that was explained from Kristen was in the emails from Kristen. Yeah, I I still don't understand it. Can we just table this to the next meeting? I'll reach out to the Knights about the insurance and I'll get back to you.

When they It's taking place in January. I don't know what time frame our next meeting is until the end of March. They did not give me an actual date. They just said they would like to do it in January. It's it's ultimately a business decision for the board. You want to table it? That's fine. Yeah, I would prefer to table. I just So I I'll just read

the answers I requested. I'll just read what I have here from them. It was a pleasure meeting with you today. As per conversation, we were requesting the town's collaborative efforts in initiating a three- throw three-throw contest hosted by the town by the Chester uh council Knights of Columbus at the elementary school. We have done such events in the past and are looking to start it up once again with the town support under the umbrella of the town's insurance. We would be looking to utilize the town's back basketball athletic supplies as well. We hope this will be a positive endeavor for the children in mind of our community. You have no issue with supplies. I just don't The insurance just throws me. All right.

Especially because it's not even on a town facility. It's at a school facility in I just don't understand it. So um I guess uh in lie of that if the board is not uh comfortable with that at the moment um then uh we just just to give them something for the moment can we just approve the use of our uh materials and equipment for them? Yes. Yes. All right. Is I'll make the motion to approve uh or or authorize the use of our uh basketball equipment uh for their for their event. Motion. I made the motion Jeppi seconded. All those in favor? I I

uh Is there a motion to table the Knights of Columbus request for to be sponsored by the town of Chester and be covered under their umbrella? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I

I resolution to approve the purchase of a $57,365.78 2026 Chevy Tahoe PPV4WD. uh replacing the 2021 Chevy Tahoe that has around 95,000 m on it. The chief explained uh that by the time we actually get this truck uh approved and purchased and delivered uh this the 2021 will be well over um 105,000 miles or so um or or something like that from my memory. Um we budgeted $60,000 uh for this. So it's coming in uh under budget statements. Yes. Are there any questions or debate points?

No. No. Will you be repurposing this this particular vehicle or you're going to get uh get rid of this in the future? Dan, we'll keep this one and and we'll replace one of the other second vehicles with it. Yeah. But it's too early right now to know what vehicle that's going to be at that time. Okay. Thank you. Is there a motion to accept or approve the purchase? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. All those in favor? I. Resolution to authorize $200,000 loan from the DB fund to the B fund to make it whole. Is there a uh are there any debate points or questions on this? No, I got my answers from Neil.

Yeah, I'm from time to time. [clears throat] Is there a motion to accept or authorize the loan? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I uh and just for the public's uh sake, this is because we had made prepayments uh before the end of the year um to save money in the long run. Um however, on the back end, we need to cover the cost with other loans. Uh I'm sorry, with other funds for now. All the money will be put back to together in the proper fund by the end of it all. But in the end, we did save money by making the prepayments. And just to be clear, this isn't an outside.

This is all internal between town funds. Um, all right. Yes. Resolution to authorize $15,000 uh of a loan from the A fund to the S SW3 fund. Is there a motion to accept the authorize the loan? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I resolution to appoint Walter Pello uh Pelo for to the um zoning board of appeals. This is uh Walter was already on the zoning board of appeals. Uh we made a mistake in not having him in the rework document. We're just correcting that mistake. I'll make a motion. Second. All those in favor? I I

resolution to authorize use of Chester Senior Center for a Government Finance Officers [snorts and clears throat] Association breakfast on February 5th. Neil has coordinated with Michelle and Kristen. It is not in um conflict with any other activities going on that day. Um are there any questions or debate points? I think it's a good idea. Very good. Is there a motion to accept or authorize the use? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I

resolution to advertise the RFP for cleaning services. I got this out very late to all of you, but basically it's the document that um Tom had sent us earlier um in the year. Uh it outlines basically everything that we would want. Um obviously it's malleable and it's, you know, for negotiation purpose purposes, but uh it outlines what we would need for the four main properties that we're looking for. the town hall, the police department, the highway department, and the senior [clears throat] center. Um, we need to release this RFP, allow people to respond. Um, do some sort of negotiation with whoever we want to um or whoever uh get put this out to bid. So, I'm sorry.

It's going to go out the bid. Once we get pricing and as long as they conform to what the bid specs are, I think the only thing we needed to add to this bid was for them to give us a price quote on deep cleaning of our floors at either our, you know, at our police department, our senior center because that's something that's

that's a once a year or twice a year. It's could be a once a year, could be a twice year depending on the the need for the cleaning, but it's it hasn't been done at all. So at least once a year we should have the deep cleaning done for the for the cleaning company we have now has not done it for us and it's going to be an addition it's it will be an additional fee along with the other services that we're asking for and also we have to have maybe update the pricing for that we charge currently when we uh rent out our senior center to cover

we have the we have coverage now, but they only quickly mop, clean garbage cans are not doing a proper clean after the use. So, we really need to have something that we may have to update what we charge for the cleaning services in the future as per what we get under this contract for those cleanings. So can somebody make a motion to add the deep cleaning uh line for the floors at the what is it the police department and where? Well, it could be done anywhere. It's just addition to the price quote if a deep cleaning is needed at any of our facilities that it would be done under a price that they give us.

Okay. Is there a motion to add amend the uh the RFP language? I'll make that motion. Second. All those in favor? I is there a motion to pass um the language and release the RFP? We need a date for the return, please. How long do you have to give? Two weeks, three weeks. Well, I'd like to take almost two weeks to get it posted. Okay. So, keep that in mind. Can we try to Let's uh because we we authorized the other company for two months, right? So, February. All right. Let's do it for um February 11th. That's four weeks from now. And then we need to have a decision by February 25th.

So we can pass and accept a contract that would begin on March 1st. Okay. Okay. Does that sound good to everybody? Yeah. Yes. All right. You need a motion on that? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I All right. Resolution to authorize the epic fund as an investment option for the town of Chester. Neil Linda had a question about maximum. I gave you gave it to us. Give it to you. Okay. Is there This was explained to us at the reorg meeting. Are there any questions or debate points? No, I'm good. Just gives us another option. Uh is there a resolution to authorize the Epic fund as an investment option? I'll make the motion.

Second. All those in favor? I I resolution to amend the 2026 reorganizational document. uh Niceller's workday hours from six hours per day to uh eight hours per day for Neil Meyer who uh the comproller Gabriel Gastamakia the secretary to the police chief and Mark Bono laborer this was explained by Neil's email to everybody are there any questions or points it's just a nicel thing that it's just a formality for New York state does this affect uh our building department also as far as uh these are the only three uh um that positions that need to be amended. Everything else stays the same. Okay, that's fine. I'll make a motion. I'll second. All those in favor?

I I resolution to increase Drake Globe uh planning board attorney rate from 225 an hour to 250 [snorts] an hour. Um, we already had accepted this, but I just wanted to belt and suspenders um, accept the rate increase because you have we didn't necessarily state that during the reorg meeting, but we did already reappoint them. Okay, I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I

and they've been doing a wonderful job from what I hear um, and from what I see for the planning board. Dominic does a a great job. Resolution to approve the PBA union contract. M OA. Um, so it this has been posted for everybody. Um, it basically includes a bunch of minor language changes uh and a 2.25% raise uh each year for the three years of the contract, which would be from 2026 to 2028. Um, are there any questions or debate points from the board members? I'm good. I'm good. I was in uh part of this uh negotiation, so I'm going to be abstaining. Very good. Uh, is there a motion to accept the union contract? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I will second it.

All those in favor? I I And Jeppe abstains. [clears throat] Um, wonderful. I would I'd like to thank the PBA uh union and uh everybody who participated in the negotiation process. Uh it was long and arduous, but I think we came to a mutually agreed um decision. So, thank you. Resolution [clears throat] to accept the planning board resignation of Mark Robertson. He can no longer serve uh due to his uh position, his career. Uh so he is resigning. That was as of January 5th by the letter that received. Is there a motion to accept the resignation?

Yeah, I'll make the motion. I want to thank Mark for his service. I'll second it. Thank you, Mark. There's a motion in a second. All those in favor? I thank you Mark for your service. All right, discussion on the Sugarloaf Historical Society road name request for Kings Highway. So, everybody received this request from um the historical society, Sugarloaf Historical Society. Um I had done some research on this. I had uh some reach out to me about it.

Um the idea sounds nice. I just don't know if the renaming of the historical road to somebody who, yes, did unfortunately pass away here, um, but is not from Chester is is, uh, appropriate. Um, I feel like a bench or a plaque or a tree or something else might be more appropriate, but I am just one person on this board. I can't speak for the rest of the board. Um, I know that there are other people from Sugarloaf, from Chester that would, you know, in my opinion, be a little bit more appropriate to be renamed or it might be appropriate to not rename it since it's such a historical road that has been here since forever, um, since colonial times. Um, I'm not sure. Um, that I know that the sponsor of the letter is here. maybe he'd like to come up and say something about it or or provide some more information or maybe the board members have some more information

just as a recommendation because I I have I personally don't have a problem with it but you can I I seen it in Siri Meadows where I live but Price Road they they have still Price Road but they have in dedication or memory of Robert Allen. Is that something that is that that's what we're kind of looking to do? I think that would be a nice rename the whole road and and do away with the I'd be very against renaming the road and I think

I think my concerns for renaming the road is the same concerns that the highway department brought to our attention that when you rename the road, every single person that lives on that section of road will have to re change their address on every single bill and everything that they do. And you know, it's kind of an inconvenience for them. In this instance, you wouldn't have to because Price Road is still Price Road because I went I did a little more research and checked it on GPS. Oh, in your instance. But if we changed the name Yeah. If we did if we did what I'm suggesting, um you wouldn't have it would GPS would not be affected. You would have to change the addresses. It would be still Kings Highway and dedicated in the memory of troops, New York State Trooper. The sign would be below it.

Would that be something that the Sugarloaf Historical Society might be more amendable to? Yeah. Can I speak? Yes, please. Certainly. Yes. Sure. Come on up. Nice to hear from you. Thanks very much. Um, when we put the idea forward, we actually did mean a dedication. I apologize if like I use the verbiage renaming because we were just talking about the short run through the village, but we were thinking about just a secondary sign because

when they did I don't remember when it happened when all the addresses changed for the 911 stuff that changed my main street address when I live there. So that was a problem. We're not looking for anything like that. we're talking about. In fact, the uh the uh moniker we were thinking would be way, you know, just for that one section of Main Street, maybe from uh where the flag pole used to be, but it's more of a like a colloquial uh dedication, not a secondary sign, not a official renaming of the road.

We But we'd really like to see it happen maybe in conjunction with when we place our plaque. And to your point about it's not somebody from Chester, I understand that. Um, [clears throat] and being someone from Chester like yourself, I get that. But this was a state trooper who gave his life to protect all of us when I was a little kid. So to myself and to quite a few other people, certainly on our board, it is important because it is literally an heroic death

and uh sacrifice. So, if it could just be a secondary thing just with that trooper's name and and title. Um, there doesn't have to be any morbid, you know, description or anything to what actually occurred, but just like what uh I think it was Lieutenant Allen uh from when he had been fragged uh something like that. Very similar. Well, how does the rest of the board feel about that? I don't have an issue with that. I'm good with I have no problem with it either. I didn't want to complicate things for all the residents there. That's why No, me either. I I didn't like it when it changed with 911 my res and if that was a case we we would need to reach out to [clears throat] them and sure get their thoughts on it you know. So

all right so I think we have an agreement on that. Um I'm not sure like the actual process of of doing this. So I think we need to consult with the highway department but uh I think we have a working agreement on it. Let's um let's let's move forward. I'll we'll we'll move forward with that together. And we'll we'll get a official resolution or something done on that in the near future. Does that sound good? Clarification. Thank you.

You want to table that for now? Well, it's just a discussion. It's not an actual resolution yet. So, we're all in agreement. So, I'm going to move forward with reaching out to the highway department and anybody else who needs to be brought in and then we'll uh I'll get that information to the board and then we'll vote on it at a separate time. Okay. I'm just just writing a note to myself. Just give me a second. Pretty good. You were talking and writing at the same time.

I was giving it my full attention. Just want to make sure we're all on the same page. um resolution to approve a three-year contract with Chief of Police Daniel Don Dinger. Um everybody um got a chance to see this. I know Jeppi had um is going to be doing the same thing for this since he was I'll be abstaining. Yeah, directly involved. Are there any uh debate points or questions from the uh rest of the board members? I'm good. Nope, I'm good. Okay. This is a three-year contract. It includes 3% um increases, I believe. Are there anything else that we need to discuss for this? No. Seeing none, is there a motion to approve the three-year contract with the chief of police? I'll make the motion.

Dan Dger. There's a motion. Is there a second? I will second. All those in favor? I abstain. 31. All right. Um we're going to head into a very quick um person uh executive session. There will be a new business uh to be voted on and then there will be public comment right after that. Um but this will be a very quick executive session. Um is there a motion to head into executive session? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor? I I This is

Thank you, Michelle. Is there a motion to come out of executive session? I'll make the motion. Second. There's a second. All those in favor? I I.

All right. Our [clears throat] one new business uh is to uh accept a offer. We recently released a RFP for uh special counsel to review uh religious uses in uh AR3 zoning uh for our comprehensive plan. Uh it came up as an issue at the end of last year. Uh I believe there is a consensus as to one of the two um proposals that we received and that being Harris Beach and Murtha attorneys at law. Um it was submitted by Darius. Uh I don't know. Shave Shape Zetta. I'm going to go with that. Um so are there any questions or debate points on this?

No. No. No. Um, is there a motion to accept the proposal from Harris Beach Murtha and authorize me to communicate with them, me and uh our attorney to communicate with them about the scope of their work and all the resources that they're going to need to complete this review? I make a motion. There's a motion in a second. All those in favor? I I All right, that is the Are there any are there any other new business points tonight?

I would just like to follow up. When we did the cleaning, we uh we adopted something to get a price on the deep cleaning of the floors, but we did not adopt anything to get a price for special cleanings after a rental. Is that something we want to add at this point, too? And maybe revise our fee schedule to reflect that if it price comes in higher than 175. Will have to be a different conversation for another day, but I'm open to amending the RFP for the special for that. Okay. Yeah. I would like to amend that to get a price for cleaning so that we have that number for the future. Is there a motion? Is there's a motion from Tom? Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I I That way we just covered all the bases.

My question to Liz. It's being called um a bid. Is it a sealed bid or is this a request for proposals from It's it's in excess of 20,000. It has to be a seal. Okay. Thank you. Sorry. It's an RFP, but the responses to the RFP [snorts] have to be sealed for be that date in February. Yes. February 11th. You can open them during the day and then discuss them even. Okay. Uh any other new business? No, I'm good.

Seeing none, uh we will reopen it to public comment. Is there anybody here that would like to come up for public comment? I'm going to hold you guys to another, you know, to the minute and a half rule again. Is there anybody who did not speak originally? Yeah, we'll go with the online first. I just have one comment from Lydia Quadrups. Who will Kate's Highway be renamed after or dedicated to?

Uh the name the request uh the requested name is uh trooper William V. Mcdana. Uh he was a state trooper who um was who passed away in the line of duty uh here unfortunately. Um but again I just want to reiterate that we're not renaming the road. We're not going to do that. We are going to uh we've agreed to work on a dedication uh for the road. So there will be a secondary sign of some sort. Um no no renaming. All right. Are there any other public comment tonight? Yes, please. and please state your name and location.

Lillian O'Brien and I live in Middletown, New York. Um, I saw earlier tonight there were many faces in the room and it was wonderful to see, but I also saw many people who were afraid who were here tonight and I know that that was one of the reasons that they actually were here but they didn't have the time to to probably sit and wait. Um, and I want to say as a person that looks like myself, all my life [clears throat] I've been told to go back to my country. And I I would like for each of you to try to think about where you think my country is. You know how to say it, but I would tell people my father is Native American. And they would say, "Oh, but your mother?" I go, "Well, she's Puerto Rican." And they go, "Well, Puerto Rico." I go, "Well, that's America. Where do you want me to go? [laughter] And it's a really sad statement, but we do have at least 30% of our population who constantly and throughout history who believe that way. They forget that they were once there. The Italians, the Irish, the Germans, the French. The only ones who were safe at one time were the Anglo-Saxons. And that's it. If you had if you had that that was the only one that was safe. So today it might be somebody that looks like me. I'm a citizen and I should be scared. I'm not scared and I'm 69 years old. I'm not scared. It's like but I'm scared for young people. And the [laughter and clears throat] detention center, it sends a message

20 seconds. our community is okay with this, but beyond that, it also sends a message that they're okay to come after any one of you, even if you don't look like me. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

Collision do not obey in advance is the number one rule in opposing tyranny. We must resist even though they will likely force their way in like we are a 12year-old at a Trump party. Got it. Thank you. Um is there any Yes, please. Please state your name and location. [clears throat]

My name is Ethan Weber from Port Jervis, New York. I came here tonight for moral support and wasn't planning to speak. I'm not a Chester resident, but I was raised in Orange County by a family with an abiding respect for history. From an early age, I was taught that those who do not learn it are doomed to repeat it. ISIS's terrorizing of immigrant communities is unconstitutional, unconscionable, and unforgivable. History and ICE itself, however, has shown us that this paramilitary's end goal is not enforcement of America's cruel immigration laws. The past months have confirmed that ICE is a weapon of suppression to be wielded against anyone who dares to descent. A prior speaker tonight said that in the end ICE will come for all of us. Make no mistake. This detention center, this camp will eventually be for all of us too. If the proposed center is allowed to move forward, everyone in this room, the board and the police included, we'll live with a daily reminder of what will happen to us if we step out of line. If you don't believe me, remember me when you are lying on a warehouse floor. Our community is stronger, more principled, and braver than what is being forced upon us by outsiders. Thank you.

Thank you. THANK YOU. IS THERE anybody else here that would like to speak? Anything else online? Seeing none, is there a motion to adjourn the meeting for the night? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I thank you all for coming and speaking.