Town Board - Regular Meeting

reach out.

You don't get overtime ain't over the hours you normally work. Can't just come in on one day and say

calling the meeting to order. Attendance, please. Supervisor Holdridge here. Council member Becker here. Council member Casara here. Council member Courtney 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. All right. Uh, the town will be paying bills in the amount of $778,990.77. Do we have public comment tonight? Is anybody here would like to speak? Anything online? We'll move on reports and announcements. Um I'm going to start with announcements first. Uh the um there will be a protest tomorrow or a rally and a press conference at 5:30 p.m. at the Chester Commons Park um in the parking lot there since there's snow on the ground. Uh that that that rally will be attended by obviously our police department uh for safety. Um there will be other security forces there as well um from the congressman's office uh and the federal government uh will be reimbursing us uh through a program they have for our uh presence there. Um this is in obviously in in regards to the ICE facility coming. Uh so that is the uh announcement there. I will be there. Um I will be speaking at it, I believe. And uh what other announcements do we have

today? Um just the rescheduling of the historical society's annual meeting. Their new date is Sunday, February 8th from 2 to 4:00 p.m. at the Chester Senior Center. And the uh presentation is on the history of the Yelverton Inn. That's all I have. Okay. Um, we'll get into reports then. Uh, Councilman Courtney.

Yeah. I just have a couple things. So, first and foremost, I want to thank our police department and other uh agencies that helped us out with uh the uh the protest um two weeks ago and then also what we had here uh Wednesday night for our meeting. And I know there was Congressman Ryan had a uh had this rally uh scheduled, but due to weather he canled it. So, um, but I do want to speak on that in a minute. Um, so I want everyone to understand whatever side of this is this issue you're on, this issue with ICE you're on, the reality is it's going to be a tremendous cost to this town if this if this comes to fruition. Okay? And I'm just going to give you some numbers from last week. I met with deputy supervisor Friday with the chief just to kind of kind of get a feel for, you know, what's what could be coming. And and honestly, part of it was what was the cost that week? Those three those three events, $15,000. That's what it cost us. If this comes to and again, whatever side of your this issue you're on, you're on. But the residents have to have a very clear understanding that this is going to be a tremendous impact to this town if this happens. Okay? I mean, you know, $15,000 in one week, that was three days. You can turn on the TV and you can see what the reality is. Um it it's going to be a burden. It's going to be a burden. So I you know and you know Pat the supervisor mentioned that uh you know Pat Ryan's uh you know the capital police will be reimbursing us. That I believe was a small amount compared to what the other two events were. It was just one week. So, you know, again, I don't want to make it political, but whatever side you're on, the reality is this this could become a million, $2 million problem for this town. Where's the money going to come from? So, I think everyone needs to take a hard look in the mirror and think

about, you know, where where you're at with all of this because we don't have we don't have money buried in the back to pay for this. So, this is this is just not a good situation, you know, overall. So, um, and that's really all I had. I'll get off my soap box. It's just I I want the residents to understand that this is this is going to be a tremendous impact if this happens. So, um, you know, more to come on it. Hopefully, they'll change their minds. They'll, you know, change the whole the whole process of what they're thinking about doing, but you know, it's going to involve hiring officers because we can't expect our men and women to work all this crazy overtime 52 weeks a year. And it's just, you know, you're talking equipment, you're talking cars, you're talking a lot of other stuff. So, it's it's it's a major concern for me. I'm a guy that likes to look. I don't want the train to hit me on the tracks. I like to see it coming and I see what's coming and I'm not sure what the answer is to it. I know what the answer probably will be and nobody nobody's going to want that. But, um, but just uh just wanted just to put that out there so everyone understands that. So there's you're on everyone's on a side on this. I respect that. I respect the freedom of speech, but take that all aside. Now there's a financial now there's a financial piece to this and it's it's a scary number at least to me. So um so I'll get off my soap box. That's all I really got tonight.

All right, Deputy Supervisor Becker. No, I'm good tonight. Thank you. Councilman Casara. Uh just one thing. And I want to thank the uh highway department for their uh effort and hard work this past weekend during the storm.

Uh yeah, so my reports I um I put something out uh similar to you know I mean what what uh Jeppe just said. Um you know the our emergency services, our highway department uh did a kick-ass job in this last storm. It was definitely something that it's a I haven't really seen something like this for a long time. So, uh, it was a lot out there. Uh, but I think we we went by without any crazy emergencies or any injuries of such that I can think of. I think there was only just a couple outages in a couple singular homes in the area um that I saw from reports of ONR. Uh, so all in all, really good job to everybody around with the storm. Thank you for everybody who uh kept our community running. Um and then the only other report I have is you know ICE uh actually no I I'll start with uh I had to have one other report. Uh I attended a a series of Zoom meetings with the local school districts in the area and team Scufus uh along with New York State uh Agon and Markets um which is a uh it's a uh department of uh New York State's government and basically this came this all came from a very uh vocal member of the community who would like to see better food programs and farm to food, farm-to-table food in the schools. Uh so I spoke with Senator Scoobs' office. We got in touch with Agon Markets and uh we set up a series of Zooms with our obviously the Chester Monroe and Warwick and I think there were some others uh I think Cornwall and Goan were in them as well. Uh where a markets went over all the different programs they have uh for more natural food uh getting onto the tables of for our children. uh in the school

districts. So, um I want to thank team Scufus for that and AAM Markets and obviously the school districts for participating in those uh meetings. Hopefully, they'll take advantage of the programs and our kids can uh eat healthier. Um, and then ICE. Uh, I've been still in constant, uh, communication with, uh, Mayor Bell, uh, Congressman Pat Ryan, uh, County Executive Steve New House, uh, Senator Scufus, Assemblyman Maher, um, and, uh, the go the governor's office. Um, still nothing new to reports. Uh, we submitted our letter of opposition along with the village of Chester and, uh, Orange County. um on the 16th, which was the deadline, I saw I personally saw uh at least a couple dozen emails um probably more uh that I was CCD on of uh individuals emailing the uh the ICE uh inbox uh of their opposition. So, thank you to everyone who uh you know took time to write the emails uh to them. Uh but no no no major updates since the 16th since that deadline has passed. Um so and then to piggyback off of what Councilman Courtney was saying um just to clarify in this upcoming uh rally tomorrow uh we we should be reimbursed through this federal program. But like Councilman Courtney said, uh the congressman um is not going to be at every protest and rally that comes of this uh situation and there will be protests and rallies in the future as this situation goes on unless for whatever reason they choose to reverse their decision. Whether again like Councilman Corn said, whether what side of the you know situation you're on, the protest will happen. like that's not going to stop just because somebody thinks there's no point to them or or uh you know they're not going to accomplish anything. There are there are going to

be protests. There are going to be counterprotests. That's just a fact and a reality that we're going to have to live with. So um the congressman won't be at every single rally that's going to happen. So we're not going to get reimbursed uh again uh you know unless there is a presence there from the federal government. So uh that is definitely a concern for our budget. And then uh my last thing as a report is that uh obviously with this situation uh that um you know I'm directly dealing with and the ongoings of the town and unfortunately an ongoing family emergency of mine. I just ask for everybody to be patient uh and give me some grace with returning calls, texts, and emails. It is definitely a lot to uh intake and I'm doing my best to keep on top of everything. So um I just wanted to put that out there to the public. But besides that, I'm done with reports and we're good with announcements.

I think so. All right, let's move on. All right. Uh, accounting department request to attend the Orange County Human Resources Civil Service Training on February 10th from 9:30 to 12:30. Everybody received the email on this. Are there any questions or concerns? Nope. No, I'm good. No. Is there a motion to accept the request? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I I F on you.

Highway department requests to amend local law 9211 to include road openings being prohibited from November 1st to April 1st of each year. road openings as in uh contractors and developers needing to literally open up a road uh you know uh cut it open and uh do line work or whatever work that they need to do for opening the road not for literally allowing people to drive on a road. It would probably be for non-emergencies.

Yes. Um so they're asking us to basic a law written yet. um they need it to be introduced at a future meeting. So, they want us to authorize our attorney to um work with them to, you know, write up a simple law um and then introduce it hopefully at the at a future meeting. Is there everybody? Yeah, I'm good with that. This should have been done a long time ago. Yeah. Yep. I'm good. Okay. Okay. Um so, is there a motion to authorize the town attorney to work with the highway department to uh draft a local law? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I

And I agree, Tom. I when they came to me about this, I was just like, why isn't this already on like that forever for the village? Yeah. I didn't know they didn't have it in the town. Oh, no. They I don't think they have it in the village because they were talking to me today and they said that they maybe they're mistaken. No, they've always had it in the village. Okay. You think they have an issue? They have a policy or is it written down? Okay. I know they've they've never allowed anybody to do it after if there's a policy, it should be written somewhere. Absolutely. So if if they It has to be enforceable. Yes. Right.

Chester Public Library request for the town board to appoint Beth Pekman uh to a fullterm library board seat. Term would end on January 31st, 2030. It's December. Oh, you are correct. I missed the I missed the two there. It's supposed to be December. December 31st, 2030. Are there any uh questions or concerns? No. Is there a motion to uh approve the appointment? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I I.

Police department request for the town board to approve auction of 2016 Ford Police Interceptor at $2,500 and 2009 Chevy Impala at $1,000. Um, everybody got the email from the from the chief. Are there any questions or concerns about it? Nope. No. Is there a motion to uh pass uh to approve the auctions? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I resolution to uh I'll just I'll read this.

So, this next agenda item is nothing controversial. Um, in my opinion, it is reiterating uh what we had already submitted to the uh to ICE um and DHS regarding the uh excuse me while I find it uh regarding the uh facility from coming in. So I'll read it now. All right. A resolution opposing the locating of a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing or detention facility in warehouses within uh oh, we're have to amend that. I put a G at the end there. Uh the town andor village of Chester. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester has become aware of the United States federal government's desire to convert the pet boys warehouse in the village of Chester to a US immigration and customs enforcement or ICE processing facility. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester submitted a letter to ICE on January 16th uh outlining various concerns and our opposition against any ICE facility coming to the town and the village of Chester. uh whereas any large-scale project like an ice processing facility that would be established in the village of Chester would be would have substantial impacts on the town of Chester and village of Chester uh residents uh who are at the same time town of Chester residents and whereas uh neither the town of Chester nor the village of Chester have been approached, inquired or solicited by f by the federal government for the placement of such a facility within the village of Chester. And whereas given the lack of any communication or contact regarding the realistic potential of a plan to

convert the industrial warehouse or warehouses into a detainee processing facility within the village, it is impossible for the village or town to make informed policy decisions. hand. Whereas the town and village of Chester are predominantly residential communities located in Orange County with limited water, sewer, and other public resources uh and municipal services. And whereas the conversion of industrial warehouses within the village would place unanticipated demands upon the village and town's water, sewer, public safety services, and other public resources in structures and areas not intended for human occupancy. And whereas it is a primary objective of the town board of the town of Chester to ensure the public safety and welfare of its residents, business community and visitors of to the town. And whereas it is a position of the town board of the town of Chester that the town and village of Chester are not appropriate municipalities for the placement of a detainee processing facility. Now therefore be it resolved that the town board of the town of Chester in the or in the county of Orange and state of New York hereby unequivocally opposes the conversion of existing industrial warehouses within the village or and town of Chester for the creation of an ice processing facility or any other facility that disregards the town and villages land use and regulatory ordin ordinances and creates unanticipated burdens upon the town and villages infrastructure resources and services. Be it further resolved that the town clerk and the town of the town of Chester send a certified copy of this resolution to the village of Chester, county of Orange, state assemblyman Brian Maher, state senator James Scufus, Congressman Pat Ryan, Governor Kathy Hokll, Senator Kirstston Gillibrand, Senator Chuck Schumer, and the United States Department of Homeland Security for their review. So, like I said, it reiterates

everything in the in the letter. It's just furthermore um stating our opposition uh and then sending it to uh everybody that I just listed previously uh for them to see and review and make it clear to the public uh furthermore that this is where we stand as a board. Uh it's you know because we're looking out for the best interest uh of the public. Are there any questions or concerns about it? Nope. No. No. All right. Seeing none, is there a motion? I will I will make a motion to approve the resolution. I'll second it. All those in favor? I

I thank you.

All right. This next one is a resolution in support of the Melt Act. Um I'll read it so it'll basically uh explain it. And this is a bill in front of the state legislature uh right now in in New York. Whereas in January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security issued new directives to supersede and rescend sensitive local location policies such as churches and schools, removing rules regarding where immigration laws could be enforced and authorizing immigration agents to make their own determinations on where immigrant enforcement actions could occur. Whereas in June 2025, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement began conducting widespread raids uh searching for individuals who they thought may be undocumented immigrants uh in local communities. Whereas since the issuance of the new directives, immigration agents have conducted multiple enforcement actions in and around schools and universities and outside immigration courts, grabbing individuals off the streets and transporting them to unknown unknown locations. Whereas in June 2025, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement began conducting widespread and publicized raids uh s searching for individuals who they thought may be undocumented immigrants in local communities. Whereas individuals who are conducting raids and covering their faces may be impersonating police officers and immigration agents, which erodess trust in law enforcement and undermines community safety. And whereas immigration agents are commonly seen covering their faces with masks uh and wearing plain clothes while undertaking these raids, avoiding accountability and making it difficult to determine precisely who had conducted the immigration operation. And whereas currently pending before the state legislature is uh is the mandating end

of lawless tactics um short long for melt act which would prohibit law enforcement from covering their faces while conducting operations in the state of New York and require officers to be identifiable by their uniform whether their name or another identifier. And whereas the Melt Act would apply to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, but also ensure that special weapons and tactics teams officers, otherwise known as SWAT, uh can continue to utilize gear necessary to protect their faces from physical harm as they perform their duties. Now therefore, be it resolved that by adoption of this resolution, the town board of town of Chester calls on the New York State legislature to reintroduce and pass and the governor to sign the Melt Act, which would prohibit law enforcement from covering their faces while conducting operations in the state of New York and require officers to be identifiable by their own by their uniform, whether their name, whether with name or another identifier. gave it further resolved that the town clerk will send certified copies of this resolution to Senator James Scubis, Assemblyman Brian Maher, Speaker of the Senate Majority Leader Andrea uh Steuart Cousins, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Delgado, and Governor Kathy Hokll. So as stated um it is just to make sure that any law enforcement uh in the state of New York does not cover their faces except for SWAT while uh conducting law enforcement operations uh to make sure people understand who somebody is and that they are they are identifiable by either their name or another identifier uh which I think is pretty clear-cut um and I think it's important for us to make our voices clear on this uh bill that we don't have any control over, but this may become very important for our town if this facility and operations

comes to Chester. Uh we want to make sure that uh anybody here that's conducting law enforcement operations are identifiable by the public and our own law enforcement. Uh so there is no confusion, there is no mixup, and there's no increased tension uh in the community. Um so I I think uh this is pretty standard in my opinion. But are there any questions or concerns about it? I guess I got one concern. Is this something that's, you know, as far as the uniforms and stuff, is that something that's been documented here in New York State at this point with ICE actually operating in that fashion or is that something that's taking place in other locations?

Well, it's taking place across the nation. I couldn't tell you if there was been I I can't tell you of a specific instance in New York State. Um, I'm sure other people would be able to tell you if whether or not there it has happened in New York State, but the point of the bill is to make sure that it never happens in New York State. And if it has happened, it would be put the practice would be put to an end in New York State. It's for it's for the the presence the present and the future

and SWAT and other tactical units are exempt from that in the current bill as it stands. Yes. Okay. I know that it's going to be under review. Um I spoke to Senator Scoopas about it. There's a working team of uh uh legislators that are looking at a slew of bills that have to do with this whole situation and this this bill is one of them. And they're he he told me that it won't it won't pass the the Senate um or the Assembly without specific carveouts for SWAT and other tactical uh units. So it's still under review, but uh the majority of the bill will will stand as written currently. Okay. Are there any other questions?

Yeah, I just I just have a few reservations of that's all just gut instincts on certain things and just not sure about it. Is there Okay. Is there anything else you'd like to say about it or just not just I'm just one of those things where you you read something, you look it over and you're just not sure where to go with it.

Okay. And I just want to make it clear that this is a basically a resolution in support of the bill. It is not binding. Uh New York State is not going to pass this bill because the town of Chester says that they support it. Um this is just the town of Chester saying that we would like something like this to be passed. Um but of course the bill can change in its current form still. Uh I will call I will I will make a motion to uh pass the resolution as written. Is there a second? I'll second it. All those in favor? I I. All those opposed? All those abstaining? I'll abstain. Thank you. Councilman Casar, how did you vote? I I

It was I vote passes. All right. Resolution to approve amended 2026 animal control contract with Warick Valley Humane Society. Everybody received the explanation and the new contract. Yes. Um any questions or concerns about it? Nope. Just two small amendments. Um I think I have it. Yeah. Uh new sheltered guidelines and then uh procedures for dangerous dogs.

That was one. you can go ahead and approve it. There was one reference that I think it was referring to the wrong section of the statute. So, Chief, I shot you an email with the reference. Um, but it's it's minor and I can coordinate that with the um animal control. Mhm. The the terms themselves are fine and they're all the same as what we already approved. It's just these two uh Yeah. things. So, I have no objection. Is there any uh questions or concerns? No, I'm good. No. Is there a motion to pass? I'll make the motion. I second it. All those in favor? I I sorry.

Thank you. Resolution acknowledging receipts of petition to form a water district for the Chester Greens development. Everybody received this from um our attorney and our engineer. Are there any questions or concerns about it? No, it's still going to be reviewed, right? Correct. Yes. Essentially, all you're doing tonight is starting the process. Um, you're acknowledging receipt, authorizing John to look at it, um, and establishing escro account to pay for it. Yep. Very good. But it still has to be reviewed and approved in the end. Yeah, we're just at the beginning, so we got it on the 12th, but we have a lot going on, so we're starting. Very good. Is there a motion to acknowledge receipt? I'll make the motion. Second. All those in favor? I I

I Is there a motion authorizing the town engineer John Queen to review the proposed water districts? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I resolution to establish a $3,000 escrow account for proposed for the proposed water district. Did John give us any numbers on what he thought the cost would be for his review or is that the 3,000? I had a phone call with John. Okay. That's that includes actually my time and John's time. of the 3,000, but it's short. Yeah, it has to I just want to see where we're going to be with it. That's all. That was He's He said about 225. Okay, I'll make that motion if you need it. I do.

Okay. Is there a second? I second it. All those in favor? I I All right. Is there a motion to head into executive uh session for personnel? I'll make that motion. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I there will be new business afterwards.

second table. Is it a big deal? Michelle, if we don't do like we don't need to do the congregate dining thing tonight, do we? No, sir. Okay. In a little short term. All right. Let me know when you're good over there, Mr. Motion to come out of executive session. I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I We have one piece of uh new business tonight. Uh we are going to introduce a mobile law.

Um as the board is aware, um you had implemented a uh you have two moratoriums currently in place. One is a building moratorium on general construction um as you work through your comprehensive plan and zoning amendments. The second uh moratorum relates specifically to systems that are known as battery energy storage systems. Um in light of the recent fires, the supervisor has asked me um to further evaluate the draft local law uh that uh we're on to see if um it continues to be appropriate in light of the fires in Warwick. Uh so the current moratorum expires at the end of February. In light of that additional review, I'm recommending that uh we extend the existing moratorum by 6 months. And just give me one second. I did prepare a resolution.

So this is an introductory. So we won't pass this until No, this is to set the public hearing. So, it's going to be the 25th. Yes.

Okay. And Linda, I have this as introductory local law one, at least according to my spreadsheet. Introductory local law one of Excuse me. Hold on. Resolution to introduce introductory local law one of 2026, a local law to extend the temporary land use moratorium prohibiting large-scale battery energy storage system installations within the town of Chester established by local law 8 of 2024 by 6 months. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester recognizes that battery energy storage system installations are being developed throughout the Hudson Valley. And whereas the town board desires to put a temporary halt in such development to allow the town of Chester, its comprehensive plan committee and its consultants to develop and implement adequate regulations for the sighting and operation of such facilities in the interest of the residents health, safety, and welfare. And whereas the town board adopted a temporary moratorium on large-scale battery energy storage systems through the adoption of local law 8 of 2024 which went into effect on August 23rd, 2024 and extended by local law 10 of 2025 until February 24th, 2026. Whereas since that time, the town board has developed a draft local law to regulate large-scale battery energy storage systems and had anticipated action in the fall of 2025. However, multiple fires at area battery storage energy storage facilities have given the board town board concern as to the safety of such systems and the town board wishes to further evaluate such systems and has determined that an extension of the moratorium is necessary and appropriate. Now therefore be it resolved that introductory local law one of 2026, a local law to extend the temporary land use moratorium prohibiting large-scale battery energy storage system installations within the town of Chester established by local law 8 of 2024 by 6 months is hereby introduced before the town board of the town of Chester. Be it further resolved that a copy of the aforeset introductory local law be laid upon the desk of each

member of the board. And be it further resolved um that the town board determines that the proposed action is a type two action for purposes of seeker and that no further environmental review is required. Be it further resolved that a public hearing shall be held on February 25th, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. or soon thereafter as may be heard at Town Hall uh Town of Chester Town Hall, 1786 Kings Highway, Chester, New York 10918. The town clerk shall cause public notice to be published in the official newspaper as required by law. Be it further resolved that the introductory local law be referred to the Orange County Department of Planning in the Town of Chester Planning Board.

Uh so yes, um as written uh and then just to be clear, this is an this will be introducing a local law that we will hopefully pass on the 25th extending it by six months.

Six months. Um we hope to have uh finality to it long before then. um along with the comprehensive plan which we're looking to finish sometime around March hopefully. Uh so hopefully um we can only hope uh so yes along with this hopefully uh we want we don't want to take the full six months but we just want to protect the town and give us that amount of time if necessary to happen. Um, with that, is there any are there any questions or debate points on introducing the local law and setting the public hearing for February 25th? No, I'm good. I'll make the motion. No second it. All those in favor?

I the law is introduced. There will be a public hearing on the 25th. Are there any other new business tonight? No. Is there any public comment? Yes. Lydia Cuadros, thank you for executing the resolution against the proposed ice facility in Chester and supporting the Melt Act. Ed Mullins, congratulations on passing that virtue signaling nonsense. Your myoptic view of the issue is astonishingly informed. Moren, congratulations. Great job. I

thank you all. Is there anything here? It was funny. Um, all right. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Holden. Is there a motion to adjurnn? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I