Town Board - Regular Meeting

called me and I felt awful. Um,

I'm calling the meeting to order. Attendance, please. Supervisor Holdridge here. Council member Becker here. Council member Courtney here. Council member Artasama is absent. All right. 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. If everybody can stay standing. Um, so unfortunately there's been a passing in the town of Chester. Uh, Councilman Larry Dyinger passed away two days ago. Um, it's very unfortunate and terrible news for the town of Chester. He was a force on this town board. I I think for everybody who you know regularly watches the meetings and uh you know either here or at home and you know understood what was really going on uh behind the scenes or uh in front of everybody you know it was very clear that Larry was actively involved uh with a lot of the decisions happening in in town. um you know he really put his in my opinion his best foot forward uh when it came to his dedication uh to you know everything that was going on whether it was fiscal or ecological or you know legal or what what have you. Um, you know, for those of you who who did watch regularly, I I think it was very clear that, you know, obviously, uh, me personally and Larry, you know, we had a lot of disagreements. Uh, but I never took that personally and I don't believe he did. Um, you know, I I think you're in this world and in this line of work, uh, you can you can disagree and still respect one another. And I feel as though uh there was, you know, that that sort of relationship there. And I always understood that, you know, Larry, you know, he he had very deep rooted principles that he brought to this job and that that is something that I think everybody should and can respect. Uh so uh with that, you know, I would like to

hold a moment of silence, but before then, I'd like to let the other councilman speak on Larry's uh Larry's passing. Yeah. As a friend of Larry, I will miss him uh greatly. as Brandon said, he was very very dedicated to the job and I'm definitely gonna miss him.

And I that I echo both both the supervisor Tom Becker's words. You know, Larry, you know, we we disagreed on numerous of things, but I knew this two things. It wasn't personal and he was passionate. He cared about this town and I I'm probably the veteran on this board. I can't can't believe I'm actually saying that, but um he was this, you know, knowing having Larry here and and seeing what he did, what he was about. I mean, that's that's what I think the residents want. You want somebody that's going to fight and believe and not rubber stamp stuff and that's that's what Larry did and I I respect that for him and I I pray for his wife and his family um through this difficult time. Absolutely.

And we hope for uh uh Tony for recovery also in his issues. Yes. Absolutely. Um, town clerk, do you have any words?

Um, well, just over the years that I knew Larry when he came first to the town uh to represent on the planning board up until our last board meeting where he was present, he always gave 100% his time, his effort, uh, his convictions. Um, you know, he did he took it seriously and I think his intentions were always um considerate of of the town's people. He he truly represented all of us and he will be missed.

Town attorney, do you have anything? um having represented a number of boards, um I have many councilmen and and and trustees who uh may not necessarily have read the documents and you always knew that Larry um went through everything with a fine tooth comb and um you knew he read it and you knew he cared and and you knew he was dedicated to the town of Chester. With that, um, if we could just all have a moment of silence for Councilman Dyinger and his family.

Thank you. Thank you. we have to head into uh executive session before we get into all of the uh into regular business. So with that, is there a motion to head into executive session? I'll make the motion for personnel. I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I. Yes. Yes.

Why is my computer? This is not

all right. Motion to come out of executive session. I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I

I uh before we move on with regular business, I do want to say one more thing. Uh this may or may not be the last meeting of the year um depending on whether or not we choose to uh cancel the meeting in uh on Christmas Eve. Uh with that, you know, we may or may not have a special meeting for whatever reason uh in the next week or two depending on whether or not we need one. Uh but again with that uh that means that you you know the public and the town board may or may not see uh Councilman Artisana uh again as this is the end of his term. So I would just like to uh you know thank uh Tony for his uh time and dedication to the town board of uh the town of Chester uh for all the work that he has put in over the years. Uh he's been on the board since 2022 I believe. Uh so um you know uh if Tony if and if if you and your wife are watching out there thank you for your time um and uh you know we we appreciate all the work that you've done for the town of Chester.

Thank you Tony. Yeah. Thank you Tony. Thank you Tony. And we of course like Tom said earlier we hope that you recover uh from your from your procedure. All right. Uh moving on. Everybody got a chance to see the uh October 22nd, uh, November 5th, November 12th, and November 19th minutes? Yes. Are there any questions or uh debate points? No. Is good. Is there a motion to accept the minutes? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I

I summary bills. The town will be paying bills in the amount of $299,76.92 for these this last abstract. And here we come to the uh some of the most anticipated parts of this meeting. Some feel-good stuff. All right. So, uh there are some members of this community who have gone above and beyond um for Chester. My computer is freaking out. Um, and this town board feels as though uh those members deserve recognition uh for what they have done uh for for Chester. Uh, first off, we have Leslie Smith, who is the partner of um Cliff Patrick, our town historian for those of you who do not know. Is there anybody here from Leslie's uh family by any chance?

Yeah. Thank you for being here, Brandon. You need to know that those are her sons.

Wonderful. Thank you. I It's It's very nice meeting all of you. That's uh You guys have a wonderful wonderful mother. Um and uh you know, that's uh I'm sure it's very lucky to be to be her family member. Um so, Town of Chester, a proclamation honoring Leslie Smith on December 10th, 2025. Whereas Leslie Smith has been a long-standing and honorable member of the Chester community. And whereas Leslie Smith has served on organizations such as the Chester Historical Society and the Chester Conservation Advisory Council. And whereas Leslie Smith's dedication, advice, information, activism, and volunteerism have directly benefited and enriched the lives of Chester's residents. And whereas Leslie Smith is a model representation of what it means to be part of a community. Now therefore be it resolved that the town board of the ch of Chester formally recognizes Leslie Smith's service to Chester with this official proclamation and a dedication of a tree at Nap's View. Will the town board entertain a motion to accept this proclamation and the dedication of a tree at Naps View? I'll make the motion.

I'll second it. All those in favor? I I thank you. Thank you to Leslie.

Uh if you'd like, we can take a picture. Um if you wouldn't, I'll just hand this to you. Yeah. Okay. Councilman, you want to come down here? Oh, let me get out of the way. No, no, I don't.

All right. So, I'm gonna have you in the center here. You guys can hold it together. Very good. All good. All right. These next two individuals have already received uh proclamations. So, we don't have anything, you know, formally written as they already have one. I'm sure laminated and set up somewhere in their their homes, maybe on the refrigerator. Uh but uh we felt as though and uh again the conservation advisory council felt as though uh these two individuals along with Leslie Smith uh deserve a uh tree dedication in Naps View. Uh NASU is a park along uh King's Highway. Uh the conservation advisory council had spotted three adult trees or you know already grown in trees uh that uh they felt uh would be uh perfect candidates for tree dedications to people who uh you know the town board felt deserved them. Uh so along with Leslie uh the two neighboring trees uh you know we have two individuals here who again have already se received proclamations for their volunteerism their community uh you know drivenness um and their dedication to the town of Chester. The first being EJ Schulvach

EJ. Uh for those of you who do not know, you know, when I got on the board in 2022, I had talked a lot about uh you know, climate change and uh the ecology, the environments. And it wasn't until EJ came uh started coming to meetings I believe in 2023 uh that you know uh tipped things over the edge and convinced the town board at the time uh to set up a climate change advisory committee uh which eventually did morph into uh the conservation advisory council. Uh so uh EJ you know that is that is just one taking it from me uh that is just one very small example of the mark that EJ has had on uh both the village and the town of Chester. Uh he he has lived a very long and full life and continues to uh and he will continue to leave marks on the town of Chester for years to come and his legacy will be uh very long very longived very very longived. So with that I'd like to entertain a motion to dedicate a tree in Naps View to EJ Schulvach.

I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor I I thank you EJ. Thank you EJ. All right. And then the Sure. Sure. I didn't see you stand up there. I apologize. As far as I understand it, yes. Little bit of a tree hugger and wondering, am I going to be able to hug it?

Yes. Not all the way around. So, I was going to wait till the end, uh, but since you brought it up, um, we plan to actually hold real ceremonies, uh, you know, for the tree dedications with, uh, plaques, uh, to go along with it, you know, to officially mark the tree uh, in the spring when obviously the the weather is better and uh, you know, we can, you know, pictures will be nice and, you know, no one has to slip and fall on a wintry hill.

All right. Um, and then finally, uh, another tree dedication, uh, Tracy Shu. Tracy Shu, uh, has been a long-standing member of the comm, uh, community as well. Uh, she has been all over the place, you obviously starting the preservation collective. uh partially if not uh majorly the reason why Naps View uh is a town property at this point. Um as far as I understand it, you know, she her activism has been all over uh you know, the planning board, the town board. Uh she's been a a member of two comprehensive plan committees, I believe. Yes. um as her husband uh very longingly nods his head. uh you know this this town like EJ, like Leslie, like many other individuals uh would be forever changed if not you know in I believe a negative way if not for uh what Tracy Shu has done uh for the town of Chester in terms of uh her activism and you know her speaking up for many many different uh scenarios and issues uh over the years. Uh so with that, I'd like to entertain a motion uh to dedicate the third and final tree in that cluster in Naps View uh in honor of Tracy Shu.

I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I Thank you, Tracy Shu.

Do any of the council members have anything to say to uh about or Tracy and EJ? Well, I just want to thank you for all your commitment to the community over the years and we look forward to working in the future on new commitments. Thank you.

Yeah, I echo the same words. Just really uh you know, community leaders like this, I really just uh it really just makes me feel good about doing what we do up here. Um you know, sometimes you got to put our nose into things that maybe we're not necessarily looking at. Tracy, I can remember when we first met when I first got on this board, we talked about the um the preservation bill and six years later we we have the beginnings of one. So that's directly that was directly you putting my nose in it. I'm sure supervisor when you were a councilman. I'm sure you met with Tracy. I'm sure it was the same conversation

and six years later we we sit here with that. So sometimes we need we need our noses put in in certain directions because we're you know we're focused on the business stuff. So, so again, both EJ and uh and Tracy, I thank you both.

Thank you. Wonderful. All right. And then last but not least, uh in more recent news, we have a a young lady who has gone above and beyond uh for the history of our town, uh Erica Alban. And this was I was invited to a uh exhibit, I would I would call it. um and events with the uh Chester Historical Society. Um, I was a history minor in college and I'm very much drawn to it. And of course, uh, and whenever anything has to do with the town of Chester, uh, you know, my hometown, I was absolutely, uh, delighted to go to that event. And I'm happy I did because I stumbled across a very very wellthoughtout, um, and well-crafted, uh, exhibits on, um, some of you may know the the Celely family of which there is a brook named after. Uh, and much more. uh they they they left a mark on this town and Erica was very very much uh dedicated to exploring that and making that as well known as possible uh in her work. So with uh without further ado uh the town of Chester a proclamation honoring Erica Alban uh Erica's here right? Yes. Okay. Good. Whereas Erica Alban has been dedic has been a dedicated contributor uh to the preservation and celebration of Chester's rich history. And whereas Erica Alban recently collaborated with the Chester Historical Society to create an exhibit honoring George Celely and the Celely family uh one of Chester's prominent historical families. hand. Whereas the Celely family has long been connected to Chester's heritage, including the naming of Celely Brookke, and Erica Alban's efforts have brought greater recognition to their role in

shaping our community. And whereas Erica Alban has worked to ensure that future generations of Chester residents have access to stories, artifacts, and exhibits that deepen their understanding of our town's history. And whereas Erica Alban's contributions exemplify the value of community service, historical preservation, and education in strengthening civic pride. And whereas Erica Alban stands as an example of how individual dedication can enhance the collective memory and cultural fabric of the town of Chester. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the town board of Chester formerly recognizes and thanks Erica Alban for her commitment to serving and promoting Chester's history through her work with the Chester Historical Society and the Celely Family Exhibit. Thank you, Erica. Thank you. Also,

are you stealing my pen? Yes, I have to sign this. You can keep I have one that it's running out. Please uh if you guys are interested in a picture and if you guys want to come down the other one with Erica and the parents and the parents in He lives in the house.

You're all good. I'll send it to you. You want to take it with your phone? Oh, yeah.

Oh my gosh, she smiled. Did you get her? She's really working as much. be very proud. I am very proud.

All right. So with that, um I'll say what I say to everybody who comes here for a specific reason that uh if you do not feel that you want to stay here, please we will not feel that it's rude that you leave. Um we chose to do this. You guys did not. Um all right. Uh with apps, thank you. We will forgive you. Can I go too? Not you. Can I go too? I'll go back. I just asked that on your way out if you can just keep your voices down. We do need to get on with the meeting. All right.

So, uh, with that, is there a motion to open a public hearing on the local law to resend the tax cap override? I will make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I.

I. So, uh, this is what exactly what it sounds like, a local law to resend the tax cap override. As I explained at the beginning of this process, uh, every town, most towns pass a local law allowing for a tax cap override just in case it is necessary. Thankfully, uh, through, you know, this town board's diligence and very good budgeting skills in my opinion, uh, we were able to keep the tax increase below the tax cap, meaning that we do not need to override uh the tax cap. uh taxes went very slightly up for town residents and they went uh slightly down for village residents with this town uh with this budget. Uh so are there any comments or anything with this public hearing on tax cap override

recision? The recision. Yes. I'm sorry. The recision of the tax cap override. I'd hope no one would be against doing that. Anything Michelle? Anything online? Nothing. No motion to close. Is there a motion to close the public hearing? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I and I motion. Is please.

Whereas the town board previously adopted local law 11 of 2025 to authorize an override to the tax levy limit established in general municipal law 3-C on October 22nd, 2025. And whereas the town board has adopted a budget that does not exceed the tax levy limit and wishes to resend local law 11 of 2025. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester introduced introductory local law 12 of 2025 entitled to local law to rescend local law 11 of 2025, a local law to override the tax levy limit established in general municipal law 3C on November 12th, 2025. Whereas the town board hereby declared lead agency and further declared that this action is a type two action under the state environmental quality review act and no environmental review was required. Whereas a duly noticed public hearing was held on December 10th, 2025. And now therefore, be it resolved that the town board of the town of Chester hereby adopts introductory local law 12 of 2025 entitled a local law to rescend local law 11 of 2025, a local law to override the tax levy limit established in general municipal law 3C as local law 12 of 2025. Be it further resolved that the town clerk shall cause said local law to be filed with the New York Secretary of State.

All right. Uh there any comments or debate points? No, I'm good. No, I'm good. Is there a motion to uh to approve the local law to resin the tax cap override? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I passes unanimously.

All right, public comment. Um, I do have one written public comment that I want to get out of the way before I forget to do so and then I'll open it up to those here and those online. So, this is from Meil Nuler um regarding the uh the um the cellular units for the um

Yes. All right. Uh good evening members of the Chester Town Board. My name is Mel Nuer and I live on Lincoln Road in the Lakeill Farm section of Chester. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject any opt- out fee for residents who choose to keep their existing analog meters instead of accepting the new cellular endpoints. Uh these devices are I'm sorry, these devices use the cellular network to send water usage data. uh because they are communicating with distant cell towers, they they introduce two legitimate concerns that ma many of us simply do not want in our homes uh in or on our homes. Health the radio frequency radiation admitted uh emitted by cellular endpoints has been classified by World Health Organization as a class 2B possible carcinogen. Thousands of peer-reviewed studies documents biological effects uh at levels far below uh current FCC guidelines effects that include oxid oxidative stress, DNA damage, and neurological uh symptoms, neurological symptoms. No resident should be forced to host a chronic RF source or be punished financially for refusing one. Privacy. Cellular endpoints create a real-time profile on of household water use that can reveal when we wake up, when we leave for work, when children are home alone, and even medical conditions that require frequent water use. Once this data leaves the meter on the cellular network, we have no control over who sees it or how long it is retained. The town has argued that manual reading is costly. The claim does not hold up. A meter reader can a accurately read an analog dial in roughly one minute. I actually saw him do it in about 5 seconds last week when

he was reading the meters on my street. In a town the size of Chester, the added labor is negligible compared to the burden of charging residents hundreds of dollars a year indefinitely for exercising a basic right to say no. This free this fee is also strikingly unfair in its timing. Residents in Lakeill Farms area are receiving cellular endpoints years ahead of the Sugarloaf area. That means Lakeill Farm families uh would be forced to start paying the opt out penalty immediately while Sugarloaf residents enjoy four or five more years of no fee and no cellular transmitter. Just to clarify, we should be done with all the uh installations in the next two years. Um, it is simply wrong to make one ne neighborhood subsidize the town's rollout schedule. Most importantly, New York State is on the verge of settling the this issue for us. Assembly bill 3978 and its Senate companion explicitly prohibits utilities, including municipal water systems, from imposing optout fees or ongoing charges for customers who decline wireless transmitting devices. The legislature has recognized that choice should be free, not taxed. Chester has the opportunity to tonight to get ahead of the law and do the right thing voluntarily. Please do not turn a simple safe analog meter into a revenue stream. Reject any opt- out fee for cellular endpoints. Respect our health, protect our privacy, ensure fairness across all neighborhoods, and honor the direction of Albany is already taking. Um and again to clarify although there is a bill that is proposed that is not have that has not been voted on yet um in Albany but that is the full uh comment from Miss Nuer uh for tonight. Are there any other public comments in the uh in the room?

See none. Is there anything online? Nothing. This was only forwarded to me. something forward to the rest of you. All right. Then we will move on from public comment reports. Uh I'll start with the town board members. Uh Councilman uh Courtney, I I don't have anything tonight. Just in lie of how how much we have on this to get through. All right. Uh, Deputy Supervisor Becker.

Okay. Myself and supervisor had recently met with the village of Chester uh to discuss some shared services things with them that maybe we'll look at in the future. And I also wanted to congratulate Tom Bell on his uh recent election into the back into the mayor's position at the village of Chester. He does a great job and look forward to working with him.

Yes, absolutely. Also, uh just wanted to bring some concerns to the residents. Some email that came to us from a controller today that our insurance cost for health insurance here at the town has gone up 8.9% for the year 2026. So, this is a hard hit to our budget each year when the increases are like this. So, it makes it that much more difficult each year for us to be able to meet our tax cap,

you know. So we went from an individual, you know, insurance premium going, you know, per year of 17,000 to 19,000. And for a family plan, it went from 40,000 to 43, almost 44,000. So that's definitely a hit on, you know, the taxpayer of the town from insurance companies that I don't I don't know why it just keeps going crazy, but hopefully we can put a cap on this at some point. just to just to kind of elaborate on I know Neil I believe you we kind of you kind of seen the train on the tracks with that already or had an indication so it's we budgeted it properly but just budgeted for it but as an example of if you're not looking at this stuff you got have 9 but it's still hard it's still going to hurt for next year yes

oh yeah no definitely

I I'd like to echo um both of you uh you know it is a hard hit and that's exactly what I tried to explain in both of my last presentations to the public on the budget. Um personnel costs are the largest cost of any municipal budget and uh of course you know benefits are included in that personnel cost. So that is exact Tom is exactly right and saying how difficult it is to stay under the cap and keep tax as low as possible um you know wi with that added cost every year. Health care companies um definitely have a very interesting way of doing things. uh and this country does not do things like other countries. So uh we have to always deal with that in our budgets. Uh and then uh on top of that, I want to echo what Bob said. I'm very thankful to the hard work uh that my office puts in uh you know Neil, Tanya and Julie um to helping me craft that initial budget and uh you know really looking out for the future and not playing it fast and loose with budgets and not trying to undervalue what may come down the road. we always try to prepare for the worst possible uh you know situation and I feel as though we did with this budget and we're going to only need very minor uh you know uh tweaks next year I believe uh with the way that we constructed the budget. So thank you Neil and thank you to the rest of the office for helping us to do all that.

I just got one more thing. I also would like to thank Chris Cox. We got a letter today from Bruce Chambers from our police department. There was a resident here in the town of Chester that is a basically a private residence, not a u town served water uh person. Uh so Chris was able to help them get water shut off at that location because some type of water line broke inside the house and was flooding and he was able to get that shut down and the police had made mention that they were thankful for his help. And again, it's it's what our town employees are meant to do. They're meant to help help everybody throughout the town. That's, you know, that's our job, you know, as representatives here and also our res, you know, our uh everybody that works for the town. You know, our job is to help the residents and this is just a fact that some something took took place to help somebody else and that was in a crisis today. Thank you, Chris.

Absolutely. Um, you know, Officer Chambers was descriptive in his letter and, uh, you know, to make it very short for time, uh, he said that Chris went above and beyond and helping that resident. So, you know, thank you to Officer Chambers for alerting us to that and thank you to Chris for, uh, going above and beyond and, you know, making sure that everybody's being taken care of even when it's not necessarily his direct responsibility to do so. Um, so thank you, Chris. That's good. Thank you.

All right. uh with me. Um I'm going to try to be very very brief with all these reports. Um we have the historians report first and I can find it. So, as usual, ah, uh, dear supervisor Holdridge and the board members of the town of Chester, in response to the ongoing critical health situation within my family, the town of Chester historian has experienced a significant reduction in activity during October and November. Uh, this period was primarily characterized by the handling of limited number of inquiries and processing of freedom of information law requests. Thank you to Cliff and again, um, our thoughts are with you and Leslie uh, during this time. And I'm sure Aaron is uh assisting Cliff and Leslie as much as he possibly can be from the village uh side of things. Moving forward, we have EMS. Well, I have Munda here, so I'm going to do Mudna. Uh the Mudna uh reports uh they installed a new transducer. Uh there were a bunch of uh units cleaned. Uh there was a pump station uh maintenance and there was a couple problems with floats. Uh there was an alarm at the tap house, booster pump acting up and other tanks cleaned and routine maintenance throughout the town of Chester. All right. Uh the there is going to be a event tomorrow at the uh church in Sugarloaf. It's called the voices of Sugarloaf. Um there's going to be a couple short stories. Uh I

think this is primarily put on by the church and the uh community foundation in Sugarloaf. So uh please feel free to attend. I I hear that's it's going to be exactly 1 hour from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and it's going to be I think a collection of five short stories uh from members of the community. I thought that was Friday. I thought it was Friday, too. That's what I have on the what I said. No, you said tomorrow.

Oh, I'm ahead of myself. It's Friday, uh December 12th. Thank you. Right, moving on. uh the EMS reports there were 84 total dispatches. 83 total responses, 63 out of those 83 were trans were transports and there was one uh where uh no unit was available. Uh the average response time for the dedicated Chester unit was 8 minutes and 35 seconds. The additional Empress units was 14 minutes and 9 seconds for a grand total of 8 minutes and 56 seconds average response time. Uh there were there were seven instances where additional Empress units were necessary. Uh six of those were because it was a second call. Uh there was 31 ALS calls and 41 BLS calls. More information is included. Feel free feel free uh to read the rest of the report online. All right. The water department report is lengthy as usual. If you if you would like to uh read more into it, please feel free to go online uh in the minutes, but it's nothing too crazy, building department. Uh there were 25 new building permits, 23 closed building permits, 291 open

building permits are remaining, 46 inspections, one complaints, seven municipal searches, zero summons, and that is the building department. We have an announcement. Uh, the Sugarloaf holiday celebration is happening this Saturday between 12:30 and 5:00 p.m. There will be horse and wagon rides between 12:30 and 3:15 at the Sugarloaf Methodist Church. Uh, pictures of Santa and Miss Mrs. Applause, strolling carolers, Warwick Valley hum I'm sorry, Warick Valley High School orchestra concert at 2 p.m. at the Sugarloaf Methodist Church. Shopping in our unique shops, refreshments uh in church fellowship hall all day, and a tree lighting at 4:30 in front of the Sugarloaf Methodist Church. This is sponsored by the Sugarloaf Community Foundation and the Sugarloaf Chamber of Commerce. All right. Um the November report for the senior independence program, there were two neighbors assisted, two volunteers assisting. Uh total number of services was five. Total number of hours was about two and a half hours for the senior independence program in November. Police Department. And then I believe finally for reports uh the Chester uh police department is lengthy as usual. If you'd like to read

it all, please go online. But the very slim basics was 246 calls for service. Uh uh just under 16,000 miles of road, six arrests, uh multiple noncriminal activity that the police department helps with. lots of community policing, seven security checks uh for houses, 1,59 business security checks, uh just some training in the month of November, and many min uh miscellaneous activities that the uh police department takes part in. Um all very important. Uh everybody should please go online and read through it all. Uh so they understand just what their where their tax dollars are going and what their police department is uh doing to make our community a safer and better place. And then finally uh for animal control, very short uh report here. Three calls were for loose or lost or found dogs. Two calls were for injured or deceased deer. And one call was for a barking dog. And that is that for the reports there. Uh my personal reports. Um congregate dining has been a a success. I believe Michelle. I'd like to thank the Michelle and Kristen and everybody in the parks department for making that happen along with the office of aging. Um, as well as other volunteers from the town of Chester, uh, from the staff and from, uh, you know, residents, uh, looking to just, you know, make a difference and help some people, uh, serve some people some good food. So, thank you to everybody who's putting on the congregate dining so far. I'm very happy that we chose to start that for our seniors here in the town of Chester. Um we there was a uh ceremony a couple weeks ago in November for two new historical markers in the uh in Sugarloaf. So thank you to Lydia Cuadros and uh everyone else who was involved

with putting up those historical markers uh getting Sugarloaf more recognition uh than it already has. Uh besides that, like Tom said, uh we're having pretty productive conversations with the village. We're very hopeful that we'll be able to work more closely together in the future. I held a meeting I I had a meeting with a uh union representative who was involved with the future I86 project and that was a I think a productive meeting. I'm hopeful to continue to talk to them in the future about uh their concerns and needs and the town of Chester's concerns and needs. um especially with the closing of the the exit 127, the proposed closing. Bob and I have continually been on top of PBA negotiations. Uh so more to come on that hopefully in the near future. Oh, and the uh tree lighting in the village was wonderful. Um, so thank you to everyone who put that on in the village Chester and the uh fire department. Um, they did a wonderful job as usual. And thank you to the bail ber community for coming out and uh participating as well as the songs of the valley um for all their wonderful music uh for that ceremony. But besides that, I think we are good to go here.

Some additional announcements. Announcements.

Um, so Trout Brook is selling Christmas trees. They are there from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Uh, located on Lakes Road, 712 Lakes Road. Hopefully there's still more there in case you haven't bought one yet. And I did. They're great trees. Please support our fire department. Uh Troutbrook um is doing a candy cane run for Operation Toy Train on the 13th. There's a schedule. It is available on the town's website. They'll be throughout the town from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon. So, please uh come out and go to your corner and you will be able to participate in the operation toy train collection. Troutbrook is also hosting a breakfast with Santa that will be on Sunday, December 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kids and seniors are $8. Adults are 10. Children five and under are free. They will have a raffle besides a great breakfast. Also, Walton and Jyn will be having a breakfast with Santa, too, on the 21st of December from 7:30 to 11:30. And um their cost is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids, 5 to 12, and free for the the tiny elves 4 and under. Lots going on this season. Um so enjoy the holidays.

Speaking of which, um again, more announcements uh because this is the last meeting. Uh there's going to be a vote on the new sports complex that is uh proposed by the school district on the 16th. So those of you who are in the Chester school district, please make sure that you uh get right up on that and go out and vote. to voting is very important. Uh at also on that day at 6 PM at the CH Chester Town Hall, we will have the annual Manura lighting. Um that is sponsored by Kabad. Uh so please make sure that you come out for the Manura lighting is always a very fun uh event and I hear that they are upgrading the events this year with some more activities. So it should be even bigger and better than in years past. Um there is going to be a Sugarloaf uh Manora lighting at the uh ceremony or yes on next Saturday the 20th at 5:45 p.m. Speaking of which, this Saturday the 13th at 4:30 p.m. there's going to be a tree lighting ceremony during the uh Sugarloaf Holiday Festival. and the Belleville community is going to have their own tree lighting ceremony at 7 PM this Saturday at of the 13th. Um, besides that, I do not think there are any other events between now and the new year as far as I understand. Okay, moving on. Um, one last thing before we get into new business because this is the last meeting. I I want to thank all the professional services uh the elected officials and the employees uh you know uh full-time, part-time, appointed, hired, what have you, uh who make the town run. Uh you all deserve uh you know, a big pat on the back. Uh no one understands what it's like to do this

sort of job and no one understands what it's like to be in public service unless they themselves are in public service. just like I'm sure they would say same thing about whatever job that they do outside of public service. Uh it is a very unique uh situation. It's a very unique career. It's a very unique job and uh you know we we all deal with a lot and we all do what we can to make our community a better place. So thank you to all the employees uh elected officials um you know professional services who make this town run as well as it runs. Thank you and happy holidays.

Thank you. All right, moving forward. Regular business. Uh, resolution to accept the stop W DWI IMA with Orange County. Everybody got a chance to review this? Is there any questions or concerns? We do whatever. Is there a motion to accept it? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I. Resolution to authorize the town supervisor to sign the 2026 self employee self-service contract. This item has already been budgeted for. is $4,000 for the year of 2026. What is the self-service contract? Do you want to explain it, Neil? The ESS. I think that you would be best to explain the ins and outs.

So, as discussed during the budget um process, basically the employee self-service, we're going to move away from pay clock, okay, which is basically not run as well as we would like. Employee self-service basically will now allow the employees to basically check and see how much time they have. They'll be able to access it. They'll be able to put in the time and you know when they start work, the time when they enter work. Time can be approved by the manager same as we do in pay right now. Basically a time tracking.

It's a time tracking system that allows the employees to manage their time better, right? And um it also allows them to make requests like right now if they want to take some time off there are like emails going back and forth and then pay clock doesn't get get updated and we have to manually go in and you know enter time and pay clock which save Julie a lot of time we really we really don't want to be doing anyway. I do remember some of the discussions now I just want to be clear on what we're

so it'll allow the employees to request the time. So they want to take a vacation, they go into ESS, they request a time, that time then gets approved by their manager and then that way and then that way it automatically updates the system. So it's it it would be more conducive to how we run things here and it'll actually make a little bit more sense and it's still on the managers to ensure that their employees are working the time that they're working. Yeah. Which is really what we're doing with pay clock anyway. Yep. Thank you for the explanation.

You're welcome. We're going to bring Chester more into the year into the 21st century as we've been doing since um you know we took office in 2024. Uh with that, is there a motion to accept the or authorize me to sign uh the contract? Yeah, I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I All right. Uh we have a resignation from a part-time officer, Nigel uh Balman. Yeah. Uh that is effect that was effective uh November 1st. The motion to accept the resignation. I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I

I thank you to that officer for their time served and their uh you know for their service to the town of Chester. Resolution to allocates $1,6331 to the uh to a resident's vehicle damage. Uh there was a loose water valve shut off cap uh that damaged the resident's vehicle on November 6th. Uh there was evidence submitted. Um and I believe this town board sees fit to uh make sure that that is taken care of in the right way. Uh there was a estimate uh submitted as well. That's where we got this number from. Uh it's definitely less costly to um do this direct rather than involved uh any other outside agencies. So with that, is there a motion to

supervisor? If I may, just subject to a a signed release. I'll have that drafted uh once you approve this, I'll draft a release and the um individual will have to sign that up before Yeah. Subject to a release. Sure. To receive the funds. Is can somebody pass a motion with that? uh subject to I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. All those in favor? I I All right. Uh introduction of local law. Uh water meter cellular endpoint opt outs. Um is there a motion to introduce the local law? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. And we have a resolution.

Take that resolution off the table. Is there a motion to resend that your your motion. I'll resend my motion. Okay. You know, I had this all queued up and you just

Whereas the town of Chester utilizes cellular endpoint technology to collect water meter reading data to reduce required manpower 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 board has not seen such ill effects, the town board desires to provide property owners with the option of not using cellular and plant technology for collecting of water meter data. Now therefore, be it resolved that introductory local law 13 of 2025, a local law to opt out of the installation of cellular endpoints for water meters, 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 that the town board of the town of Chester declares itself to be lead agency for purposes of review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and further declares that the proposed action is an the proposed local law is an unlisted action. Be it further resolved that a public hearing shall be held on and I have January 14th, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. or soon thereafter as may be heard in the town of Chester Town Hall, 1786 Kings Highway, Chester, New York 10918. The town clerk shall cause to be published public notice in the official newspaper as is required by law.

Is there a motion to introduce the local law and set the public hearing for January 14th? I'll make the motion. I will second it. All those in favor? I I write introduction of local law amending article 81 street excavations uh driveways to provide for regulation and maintenance of sidewalks.

I have that resolution too. 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 within a timely manner for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Now therefore, be it 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, 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 that the town board of the town of Chester declares itself to be lead agency for the purpose of review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and further declares that the proposed local law is an unlisted action. Be it further resolved that a public hearing shall be held on January 14th, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. or soon thereafter as may be heard at Town of Chester Town Hall, 1786 Kings Highway, Chester, New York 10918. The town clerk shall cause to be published public notice in the official newspaper as is required by law.

Are there any comments or debate points? No. Is there a motion to introduce the local law and set the public hearing for January 14th? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I. I. Resolution to accept the resignation of Jeppi Casara from the parks advisory board and the planning board. Is there a motion? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I will second. All those in favor? I I thank you to Jeppi for the his work on those two uh boards. Looking forward to working with you in the new year resolution in support of the Orange County Bikeway Vision uh resolution. Uh everybody got my Yes. resolution.

I will read it. as soon as I find it. All right. Whereas the county of Orange is seeking to promote and encourage a bikeway vision throughout the county. Whereas this vision is outlined in the publication entitled Orange County Bikeway Vision Plan prepared by Orange County Department of Planning dated July 25th, 2023. Whereas the bikeway vision seeks to establish a non-motorized transportation system throughout Orange County, New York that provides a mode for the most vulnerable users of the roadway of our roadways uh to travel and recreate safely and stressfree uh both within communities and over long distances. Whereas the development of this bikeway supports Orange County's overall goals of safe, convenient, affordable, and comfortable transportation options for all residents and encourages economic development throughout the county while honoring four key priorities for non-motorized development, safety, mobility, economic competitiveness, and equity and access. And whereas intercon interconnectivity within Orange County and with adjoining municipalities is a desirable outcome to ensure these kind these key priorities are achieved. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester wishes to go on record expressing their support for the bikeway vision as outlined in the county of Orange in the aforementioned publication. Now therefore be it resolved that the town board of child of Chester uh expresses their unanimous and complete support for the implementation of the bikeway vision described herein above. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to Orange County so that the the support of the town of Chester for the establishment of the bikeway may be known to all interested parties. There any comments or debate points on this resolution?

No, I think it's a good idea. N thank you. Is there a motion to I will motion to approve this resolution. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I

I passes. All right. Resolution supporting the renaming of Camp LaGuardia to General Seth Marvin Memorial Park. Whereas the county of Orange is the owner of the property commonly known as Camp LaGuardia, a site with deep historical roots located in the town of Blooming Grove in the town of Chester. Whereas this parcel of land was originally part of the 258 acre tract uh gifted in 1765 by Elahoo Marvin to his son Seth Marvin, a prominent patriot and public servant of the town of Blooming Grove and the county of Orange. Whereas Seth Marvin and members of his family played a critical role in the founding and defense of both town of Blooming Grove and the United States of America with General Marvin serving as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, later as a brigade brigadier general, a member of the New York State Assembly for 10 terms, a commissioner of the New York Pennsylvania boundary line, and an early supporter of public education and civic life in Orange County. Whereas the property continue includes the Marvin family cemetery, the final resting place of at least four United States veterans, including General Seth Marvin of the American Revolution, Captain Archerald Little of the American Revolution, Enson Seth Marvin Jr. of the War of 1812, Private Na Nathan Helm of the United States Army, and numerous other family members whose contributions shaped Orange County's earlier history. Whereas since 2021, local volunteers, descendants, historians have worked to restore and maintain the secret uh cemetery in educating the public and honoring these patriots through annual wreaths across America ceremonies attended by community members, local historians, town supervisors, and

members of the M Masonic Lodge founded by General Marvin. Whereas Mayor Fierel F oh no Fierello Fierel LaGuardia uh for whom the property was named in 1944 is already honored by numerous public landmarks in New York City including LaGuardia Airport, LaGuardia Community College, excuse me, and LaGuardia High School, thereby ensuring that his significant contributions to New York City are well memorialized. And whereas naming this park after General Seth Marvin would recognize and preserve the local history of Orange County, honor the sacrifices of the patriots interoured there, and serve as a lasting educational reminder of the values of dedication, patriotism, and public service. Now therefore be it resolved the town of Chester hereby requests and supports the renaming of the county owned property known as Camp LaGuardia to General Seth Marvin Memorial Park in recognition of the historic significance of the site and the service of General Marvin and his family to the county state and nation. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Orange County Executive, Orange County legislator, Orange County historian and the town of Blooming Grove, the Chester historian and any other appropriate parties for their consideration and action. All right. Is there any are there any debate points or questions on this? No,

I'm good with it. I think it's a great idea. Is there a motion to approve the resolution as stated? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I It's just going to be hard to lose the name Camp LaGuardia after so long. Yeah,

we'll make it work if it ever passes. This is just our support. All right. Next on the list, let's find it. Here we go. All right. A resolution requesting the reduction of the speed limit on Laroo Road. Whereas the town board of the town of Chester has received concerns about the speed limit on Laroo Road. Whereas the residents have voiced concerns over vehicles not abiding by the post speed limit on Lar Road causing public safety issue. Whereas the residents have voiced concerns over the safety of pedestrians, other vehicles and animals on the near on or near Lur Road. And whereas the speed limit of Hamiltonian, I'm sorry, Laru Road, I'll have to correct that, is 45 miles per hour in the town of Chester Road. Now therefore, it be resolved that the town board of the town of Chester requests that Orange County Department of Public Works reduces the speed limit of the road to 40 miles per hour. Be it further resolved that the town clerk of the town of Chester send a certified copy of this resolution to the county of Orange for review and approval. Are there any comments or questions or debate points on this resolution proposed by myself?

Yeah, I'm I'm not in favor of doing it. And the reason being is I I first of all I think we know what the answer is going to be. And I think second is that chief I don't know if we could do something out on the W road to try to get the traffic to calm down a little bit if there's some issues out there because I know it goes from 45 to 30 at some point and I've seen your guys out there right at that whole that 40 35 mark. So I don't even know where the some of the issues are coming in. So, it's I I can tell you from living on that side of the um the town for a long time and knowing a lot of people along Lur Lur Road and who travel along Lur Road, uh definitely is a speedway. Um and as wonderful and as dedicated our police department are, uh they cannot be everywhere at once. And as much as we would like to, you know, and I and I have in the past asked the, you know, the chief to step up enforcement in certain areas around town, ultimately, you know, they're not going to be there 247. Uh so, you know, as much as we might believe that the answer will be no, uh I'd like to, you know, voice the concern to Orange County uh to see if they will, you know, for once, you know, hear us on something like this. Uh or perhaps come up with another solution to, you know, uh calm the traffic. We're not doing speed bumps on

No, no, we're not doing anything like that. Um, so, you know, I would like to voice the concern and, you know, as anybody will know who is a, you know, um, somebody who uses a motorized vehicle, you know, a constant rule of thumb, it really seems, is somebody sees a 45 mile per hour stop sign, I'm sorry, a speed sign, uh, they're tending to go at least 10 over, uh, or at most 10 over depending on the driver. So, if if I can, you know, if if this town board can be the reason why uh people are going 50 miles per hour on the road instead of 55 miles per hour on the road and we can all see a few less deer and squirrels and chipmunks and other things and, you know, car crashes and, you know, god forbid even worse accidents with uh human beings. I would like very much to to make that difference. So, I am asking for both of your support in voicing this request to Orange County knowing that yes, they may very well say no as they have done in the past.

Yeah, just I don't feel good about it either. I just I travel the R road myself. I travel right route 94 going towards Florida. I see as many people go over the speed speed limit as I see people go 10 to 15 miles under the speed limit. It depends on what time of the day you're on or who you seem to be following. So enforcement is the only option. You know, regardless of where a speed limit is, it could be 30 on that road. They're still going to do 55 if they want to do 55. It's not going to matter what that sign says.

We lower it by five. Your and your your example is they're still going to do 10 over. So we it's still a problem. I think we just try to step up the enforcement, get the signs out there, that radar signs or whatever they're called and just put a fullcourt press in trying to to resolve that. Yeah, I agree with all those other enforcement is our biggest tool. I agree with all those statements other than not doing this resolution. I respectfully uh disagree on that. I still think that it's important. Uh so I will offer motion to uh to uh approve the resolution as written. Is there a second to my motion? Not at this time.

Seeing none, uh the motion fails and the resolution does not move forward. All right. Uh resolution to approve the 2026 flex spending plan continuation of the existing plan through Marshall and Sterling. Um this is something that's offered to uh the employees. Um are there any questions or debate points for uh for Neil? No. No. Seeing none, is there a motion to approve the flex spending plan for 2026? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I Is there a contract you could forward a contract you can forward

right here? You send that to me.

I'm going to hand it to you. And also the self this contract.

I Yeah, I do not have that one on me, so I'll have to send that to you. I have that in my on my desk. So, I'll hand that to you tomorrow after I sign it. All right. Uh budget modifications, $3,600 for the splack cleaning account, $50,000 for the police retirement accounts, and $28,000 for hospital and medical. Are there any uh debate points or questions about the budget modifications that were uh issued to us through the uh the controller? No. No. Seeing none, is are is there a motion to accept the bud budget modifications? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I

I memorandum of understanding with the Chester Union Free School District. Uh this is correcting and clarifying terms of the land transfer uh that this town board sought to pass a number of years ago. Um as explained in in in you know recent history, there's a lot of issues uh with that. Uh things were not done properly. So we are trying to clean that mess up and allow for things to move forward with the school district. I believe we have something prepared from our town attorney.

Um I don't have a I don't have a specific resolution prepared. But I did I did circulate the draft um or excuse me the memorandum of understanding that's been negotiated between the town and the the school district uh specifically uh there there's two main components when the property was um first conveyed and that was done in December of 2023. Um they they didn't properly address the lot line change or cre creating the lot. Um we need to do that. Um we're using this opportunity um to uh have the school district whether you say convey back or or correct um there are three lots three wells on the property um two were retained by the town of Chester uh as part of this memorandum of understanding. The third northern well um will be um uh conveyed back. It'll be clear that that is going to remain together with access to that well so that the town of Chester can continue to you it's they're unu to be clear for the public. They're not currently used wells. Um but they at least um they'll be still within our control. Um the application itself the the lot line itself will be decided before the planning board and the planning board will undertake the seeker um with respect to um the lot line. Uh but again there was an error made um back in uh 2023. This is an effort to um clean up that error um and and and correct the record um so that everybody is on solid footing there. So um if anybody has any questions, I'm happy to answer those questions.

Yeah. Um thank you for that. That I think that explanation will survi suffice. I didn't realize the uh forgot theou was this long. So no no we're not no we're not reading it into the record. Um it's very it's it's largely detailing the process. Um what happens. Um the permiss the excuse me the the voter initi or the um budget vote is uh I think this on the 16th. Yes.

Um so it it outlines what happens after that. um because there will be some process. Um the school district uh just for everybody's knowledge um the school district can't finalize plans because they can't spend lots of money finalizing plans until they get voter approval. So some of that is why we have a memorandum of understanding because we don't have those final details and that outlines the process between the town and the district and the school district. So if if it's approved then they can spend some money. If it's not approved they still have to clean up the lot line issue. Um, so that'll be taken care of. All right. With that, is there are there any debate points or questions on this? No, I'm good. I'm good.

Seeing none, is there a motion to accept the memorandum of understanding and authorize my signature? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. All those in favor? I I So, I need to sign that. Uh, yeah. You have it via my email. If you can just sign it and send it to me in the morning, that'll be great. You do. Thank you. I'll let Mr. Frank know.

All right. Resolution to authorize Supervisor Holdridge to sign the Highlands West Trail Connectivity Plan update letter of support. Plan proposes uh increased connectivity between state parks and trails. I sent all this to you guys. Um it's it seems pretty, you know, okay to me. Yes.

It's a field go situation. You know, I think it'd be good to connect a lot of the uh state parks around here and trails. It's something that, you know, I know uh Tracy and we you know, discussed uh with the recent um you know uh preservation of that land that's in that happens to be in between Haramman and Goose Pond. Uh so you know this plan would you know fit very nicely with that uh vision. Um so are there any debate points or questions with this? Is there a uh is there a resolution to authorize my signature on the letter of support? I'll make the motion. I'll second it. All those in favor I I

I think this more about them updating the plans that they currently have too, right? So yeah, it's not that they're going to follow with the role plans just with the things that have changed. They're adding to it. Yes, they're adding to it and trying to incorporate better things with it. Yep. Absolutely.

Resolution in support of engineering studies to be conducted by MSP on various town properties. Uh this is the these would be free studies uh for possible solar array projects on town buildings and parking lots. So, this is something that came to me via the conservation advisory council, specifically uh Bill Green, um who's a long-standing member of this community, uh off of uh Bale Veil Road. Uh you know, he he brought this company to to us, uh Municipal Solar Projects, and uh they seem pretty pretty good. They have a couple other towns in the area. I sent you all the information, I believe. Absolutely.

Uh on their proposal. Basically, they would go to these sites of which, you know, uh we've marked out the town hall, uh the the parking lot out here, the highway department, um the police department, and the senior center building with the parking lot over there uh to look at possible sites for solar uh panels on our buildings. And something that I specifically sought after, uh the solar canopies uh for our parking lots. That would be two birds with one stone. uh that that's an uh imperous surface that serves no other purpose other than parking. So you put solar panels there which serve as canopies for all of our cars. So then during the the hot months and the sunny months it serves as shade for the cards and that's becoming more and more uh popular across the nation. I think that'd be really really good use of our big parking lots.

I'll tell you what to that point I've seen that in Jersey and they do it a lot with a lot of the schools do it. Yes. It covers during the summer months and then you don't get the solar in the winter if there's a storm or whatever, but it's less clearing of ice and they there could be a significant savings all all around as far as upkeep of these parking lots in the winter time. And savings is the key word for just our utility bills and then you know

I think a place we really need to look at though is due diligence if we're going to touch any of our buildings. I think we've had some of our residents have had past experiences with solar panels on their buildings. The cost associated with removing those panels and actually getting the company to come out and do it has been a a nightmare for some of our residents where they've had to get legislators involved. Yes. To actually get it done. So, parking lots are one thing. I know they're looking at farmland. But when we're looking at buildings, I think we we really got to look closely at the buildings too when they because I I I just had solar put on the house two years ago and you know, you got to make sure the roof is in good shape. They come out and inspect all that. Your electric is all updated,

but I don't think most people realize that you have you have to pay them and it's a it's a phenomenal fee to you know, your savings is being used up by having them to remove the panels in the future for you to repair a roof. Well, that's why I don't plan on being there one time. I'm just saying if we're going to do something with a town building, we have to have that in consideration.

Absolutely. Um that's the point of this uh you know engineering this initial engineering study. This is not we're not getting married to them. Um they're just taking us out on a date basically. Uh we'll see how we'll see how it goes. Uh and if the if we like the engineering studies uh then we put out the projects to RFP and if we like the proposals uh of which then you know our attorney and our engineer and all the other town staff would have obviously a part to play in uh we would make sure that there is a you know a proper decommissioning plan and we would make sure that uh you know bonds are properly put out and everything and stuff like that. So again we're not getting married we're just we're just going out on a date. Okay. All right. I know it's free. I'm just throwing some points out.

It's nice to get a date paid for you. You know, it's not something we get to do. Usually, we're usually on date anymore. You're married. Yeah. In a in a past life. Um, so I guess you need a I guess you need Yes. Is there a res is there a motion in favor of the resolution? I I'll make the motion. I will second. All those in favor? I I Great. And I know they are already talking to the highway department about coming this Friday to scout out that building because we are planning a new roof for that building. So it'll be the most updated roof, too. I wonder if they could do the roof on the on I know I'm probably reaching on the salt barn that would fix two birds, one stone. I don't think it's just the roof. I think it's internal also.

Well, I mean, I don't know if there's something they can erect. Maybe. Well, they're looking for them nice flat roofs. Yeah. uh resolution to allocate $14,475 towards and approve purchase of a new plow. Everybody got this from the highway department. Yes. Is there just because I only saw the one quote? I believe it's a sole source quote or something like that. Just let the record reflect that it was that accurate. And most time they're also working with under state bid also when they're purchasing. Yes. Okay. I just that's what I meant by soul source. Got it. I got to check in. Two different things. She does everything through state. State bids different than the social. Yes, that's what I Yeah, that's why I meant

I just wanted to if we're gonna we'll uh we'll do it subject to uh confirmation of that information. Um is that everybody feel mentioned? Yes. Can we would everybody be more comfortable with that subject to? Yeah. Yes. Is there a motion to approve the resolution subject to that confirmation? I'll make the motion. I'll second. All those in favor? I I Neil, could you please? Yes. Yes. Thank you. Sorry.

Let the record reflect that uh our town attorney doesn't want our roads plowed. No. Yeah. Let the record reflect that your attorney is trying to make sure you comply with your procurement policy. All right. Discussion on the proposed community trail in in recently preserved land near Camp Monroe Road and Lakes Road. Everybody received the um information from the preservation collective and Tracy Shu. Correct. Yes. Yes. What is everybody's thoughts on this? It was a good idea. I have no issue with it.

Wonderful. Um we need to first What do we need to do here? We I I So with that, if if if I have both of your blessings, uh I will forward this to the I think I already actually did forward it to the engineer, but I will follow up with him. um you know to make sure that he and our water department and everyone else that you know the highway department um is involved with this discussion in terms of uh you know kind of getting this off the ground and making sure that if this is doable it's all in line with you know our needs with the property. I know you had concerns about water and all that. Um obviously and I know Tracy pointed out concerns about access with the roads with the highway department. So, we will have a full team meeting on, you know, this idea. Um, I I'm guessing in the either coming weeks or maybe the new year since it's the holiday season. I'm not sure how much

I don't think creating a simple trail on a piece of property is well we just want to make sure it's not because it's access you have to you have to be so I'd like to just yes the attorney will have obviously uh also we need the map I don't know the recording status yet of the map and the deed they've been they make sure it's finalized yeah we before we jump and start okay so that would be more of a concern than the actual trail itself and having it moved in the future future if necessary. So that's that's always feasible. Anytime you invite access, you have to you want to cover your cover yourself. So let's just cover our basis. Okay. Yep. That's the whole point. Um am I missing anything with that or?

Yes. Good. Wonderful. I just like to avoid spending money when you say engineer when you're looking at a piece of property that you're going to put a trail on. Got to make sure we do it right. Good. Don't want to set ourselves up for something bad in the future. Um, all right. And that takes us to new business. Uh, is there a resolution? Is there a motion to cancel to pass a resolution cancelling the December 24th town board meeting? I'll make the motion. I will second it. You mean you don't want to be here for? No. Is there a there there's a motion to second. All those in favor? I

I Is there a motion and I forgot this? To cancel the uh scheduled work session next week on the 17th at 2 p.m. I'll make the motion. You don't want to have that? No. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I I resolution to schedule the 2026 reorganization meeting on So, this is something that I just put there. Um because I feel as though no one's going to want to meet January 1st being the day after New Year's. You're right. Um January 2nd, I I'm just going to say this before we pass this resolution is a Friday.

Um it's unfortunate, but I feel it's necessary to get it done earlier rather than later. Uh what time you looking at doing that? What is the time? We can do it at uh just don't forget if you do it on a Friday. Yeah, that's fine. What time will we say? Oh, wait. I mean, uh, when when do we Well, we can set it for, I think, uh, the, you know, a reasonable time like 6:30. Does that sound fine? Then we can reassess if Yeah, I'm good.

Yeah, I'd like to do it during the middle of the day, but I do not want to deal with, you know, complaints about doing it during the middle of the day. It's obviously a very important meeting, so we want to make sure that people have the ability to come to that. You can do it. You can do it the week of the fence. I know I can. I'd rather not. It's up to this town board, though. Do is everybody in agreement? Friday, Monday. It makes no difference to me. I'm I'm good with Monday. My schedule's clear. I'm sorry. We can do it Monday with Monday. Are you talking the fifth? The fifth. So that are 6:30 on the 5th.

Um there may be court to cons to be concerned with Monday and Tuesday or court days. Downer in this. I'm sorry. I'm usually Debbie Downer. We're renaming you. Friday. Friday. Back to Friday. Back to Friday. Yes. 6:30 on Friday. Unless otherwise posted. We could change it if we have. Yes. Subject two. Need a motion on that? Yes. Is there a motion? I will make a motion meeting on January 2nd. All those in favor? Hi. Hi.

Well, yeah. I don't know. We'll see. Probably not. I'll be here. We'll see. All right. Moving on. We're almost there. Water Department requests to attend the educational classes on April 9th, June 18th, September 10th, and November 12th. These are all budgeted for $150 per class. Uh, are there any debate points or questions? No, I don't have it. Is there a motion to accept? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I I resolution to approve the Gazsby 75 contract with Jefferson Solutions. Uh this is the same company that we have been servicing with uh for the past three years,

three audits. Three audits, excuse me. Uh because we have been uh contracting with them, the price will be going down to 1850 from third 3,250 uh for the same service. Uh so that is uh it's amazing if something actually goes down. It's it's a roll forward. Yeah, they already have all the information. They already they've already done most of the work. So now it's just okay. So now they're looking at a lot less. With that, is there a resolution? There's a motion. Is there a second? I will second. All those in favor? I I

resolution to release request for service for legal services on the proposed zoning amendments. Uh this was discussed at one of the uh previous meetings uh to possibly have a outside uh um attorney look land use attorney look at the proposed zoning amendments. Um it was discussed amongst the town board members. I believe I believe we're all in favor of uh doing an RFP and getting a answer out of uh getting a proposal accepted by the end of the year. uh and then you know having them uh what's it called? Uh or getting proposals in by the end of the year, accepting it at the very beginning of the new year and having an answer by them uh by the end of hopefully January. Uh so then we can get on with this uh process and get it done. Uh with that are you know everybody saw what Linda sent out. Is are there any uh debate points or questions on it? No, I just think we need to get it done because we need to get this uh we need to get this

the building moratorium lifted. It's got to get lifted. So, we got to do the process and we have to satisfy our residents that we're doing the right thing. I feel we would be anyway, but that clarifies for the residents and we need to do it. I think we're going to get the same answer, but for the sake of being transparent and make sure the we're there, I'm I'm good with it. Yes. It'd be good to have Liz not look at this comprehensive plan thing for the rest of her term here at the town of Chester. Hopefully we'll get it done. All right, thanks Tom. That shade of red again. All right, with that, is there a resolution? Is there a motion to approve the resolution to release the RFP? I'll make the motion.

I'll second it. Uh, all those in favor? I resolution to appoint Simon Ziegler to the conservation advisory council. Simon is the co-chair of the planning board for the village of Chester. Uh he has the blessing of EJ Schovach who he would be replacing to rep, you know, for that seat. He also has the blessing of the rest of the conservation advisory council. Um as the chair uh described to me, I think he'd be I had I met with him today. I think he'd be a fine addition. Um I know he's met with Tom or he knows him. I've known him. Yes. quite a while. So, uh, with that, are there any questions or debate points on it on on that? No, I think so. I'm gonna do a great job. All right. Is there a motion to accept his appointment? I'll make the motion. I'll second it.

All those in favor? I I Bob, I said I Oh, okay. Good. I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Resolution to direct town clerk Zapala to advertise for the open zoning board of appeals positions. board circus just resigned. Yes. And planning board. Thank you, Right. Yeah. And I think there still two two openings. Well, now there there was one open and now there's going to be two because just Yeah, just happy and we have another person to interview. Since she's already doing it, she might as well. Yeah. Yeah. Combine them. Absolutely. Zoning was the original. Um and often if you advertise for both, you can

use take from the same pool for the places. Yep. Right. Perfect. All right. Is there a motion to uh pass this resolution? I'll make the motion. I will second it. All those in favor? I I Thank you, Linda, for your future service in advertising us. Resolution to approve 2026 contract with Millennium Strategies for grant writing services. uh they have proposed the same contract uh with a 2% increase uh which comes out to literally $60 a month uh for this is a cost of living adjustment uh for their part. Um I'll say and I actually I forgot to

I think they've been doing a great job along with what you've been doing with them. You've brought a lot of grants that we've never seen before and I think it's great that we're uh seeing contributions from them over $200,000. Yes. The past year. I wasn't a believer three years ago, but I believe now. So, I'm good. I'm glad to hear it. $3,000 of well-invested absolutely cost.

Yes. Just to go over what Tom just said, uh we have received a $20,000 grant from Peekom Industries uh to pay for the light and pole out in the Chester Commons. Uh, we received $175,000 from Orange County uh to pay for new ADA bathrooms and sidewalks and uh I'm sorry, just ADA bathrooms and lighting at the Chester Carpenter Park. We received a $5,000 grant for the uh uh for the police department uh the garage for the heater. and we received a $5,000 grant for from Orange County for the family field day project. Um, and that was all done with Millennium Strategies help which came out to 2 thou $25,000 in the year of 2025. Uh, and then they have applied for many many other uh grants that are we are still waiting um for word on. That's one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten grants that we are waiting for word on. Um, and we've applied for many more. Well, not many more, but a few more that unfortunately we were denied on, but we are making money in terms of uh we're not making money, but we are receiving money in terms of grants, a lot more than I think we did in the past. Uh, by a lot.

So, thank you to Millennium. Is there a motion to accept their contract for the year of 2026? I'll make the motion. I will second it. All those in favor? I I

And then one more thing. Um we have a resolution here for the uh police chief contract. Um if I can find it. All right. Be it resolved that the terms and conditions set forth in the employment agreement between the town of Chester and the chief of police covering the period of January 1st, 2020 through December 31st, 2025 shall continue in full force and effect shall remain unchanged until such time that a new employment agreement is executed and approved. Uh we discussed this before. Does anybody have any comments or questions on it?

No, I'm good. Seeing none. Is there a motion to approve the resolution? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second it. All those in favor? I I Liz, I have one other um small thing. Um Michelle um has been working on the holiday festival at the Sugarloaf Performing Arts Center. Um I'm working on anou with the county, but I just realized that we haven't approved an authorization. We haven't approved an appropriation for that. Um, so I would just since we're not going to have another meeting before that event, um, I would ask for an appropriation. Michelle, we you decided no reindeer.

I decided no reindeer in light of not receiving the um the from the unless you move it to the decide to move it like now to the senior center, right? And that's just to change. Okay. So no reindeer,

correct? So then um you have you you're asking for an authorization of $750 and that's for um and I'm just Santa and Kitty's gift the kitty gift bags associated with that. Um and again I'm I'm trying to work on anou uh with the county. They have it. Um I will follow up with my contact at county attorney's office there. Um, and if it we don't get that in a timely manner, I would suggest considering moving it to the senior center. I would say if we don't have something by Monday afternoon. Yeah. But again, that the moving I don't need a vote, but the money I there should just be a vote on the record.

There should be no interruption in having the holiday festival at the performing arts center. That was strictly in the in the contract. So it I they have an MOU. I have not heard that. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. So what is the date, please? It's tenatively scheduled for December 22nd. If we have to move to the senior center, that's what we'll have to do. Yeah. Uh please let me know by Monday if that hasn't happened. I will call Steve myself. Okay. I'm going to call um my contact tomorrow. Okay, cool. Please let me know. Thank you. Um vote on the money. Mhm. Do we need to have a

Yeah. Just just as belt and suspenders, please. Uh $750. Yeah. Is there a motion to uh to approve? I'll make the motion. Is there a second? I'll second. All those in favor? I I Are there any other new business tonight? I don't think so. Anything online? Is there any any new Is there any public comment? No, nothing. Public comment. Yes. for the cellular endpoint. Is there an outdoor fee? Uh there has not been a fee agreed upon yet. So it'll be discussed at the public hearing. Yes.

Well, so the what's what's the before the public is a local law, the fee would be established by resolution the town board. If the public if the introductory local law is adopted, we would add it to our fee schedule. So it would be part of your fee schedule. Got it. Any other questions? Anything else? Seeing none, um I want to wish everybody a merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy new year, all holidays, happy holidays. Uh thank you for everything and I hope everybody has a good season. Thank you.

Uh with that, is there a motion to adjurnn? I'll make a motion and I'll second it. All those in favor? I That's all before 900 p.m. Suck it. Very exciting.