Menands trustees approve budget amendments, appointments, contracts and election schedule; schedule public hearing on Little River Project

Menands Village Board voted on a bundle of administrative and operational items at its meeting following a public hearing. Key actions included budget transfers and amendments, salary adjustments, appointments to part‑time roles, purchase approvals for water‑ and fire‑department equipment, election resolutions, and a land-use environmental finding for an expansion project.

Budget amendments and transfers: The board approved routine warrants and payroll as presented. It approved transfers from contingency totaling $40,000, described in the packet as 15,000 to vehicle maintenance/legal, 15,000 to equipment repairs, and 10,000 to consulting covering a stated position (Bill), and separately approved an $8,000 amendment to the treasurer's budget to reflect the newly hired treasurer's salary. The board also approved a $6,000 salary increase for Public Works Superintendent Mike Hagman and then amended the budget for that increase.

Appointments: The board appointed Ryan Handerhan (Captain, Troy Fire Department) as a part-time fire inspector at an hourly rate of $35; the board also appointed Don Handerhan as assistant code enforcement officer to serve as a backup in Lyle's absence. Both appointments were approved by voice vote.

Contracts and equipment purchases: The board approved annual preventative-maintenance contracts with Seaward Pump Company for two pump stations (quoted at $1,832 for 150 A Broadway and $2,529 for 234 Van Rensselaer Boulevard) to establish a regular maintenance schedule. The board also approved a purchase of four 2.5-inch quarter-turn adapters for hydrant and ladder-truck use ($600 each, $2,400 total) and a gas meter plus truck charger for the squad ($1,670.15 total).

Land use and environmental review: The board declared its intent to be lead agency and approved a short environmental assessment form (SEAF) negative declaration for the NHS Group expansion project at 4755 Broadway, finding no significant environmental impact on the record provided.

Little River Project public hearing: Trustee Scott moved and the board set a public hearing on the Little River Project for the regular board meeting on March 3, 2025.

Elections and inspectors: Pursuant to New York State election law citations read into the record, the board set the village general election for June 17, 2025, with registration day on June 7; it also designated that two trustees and a justice will be elected, appointed inspectors of election (Susan Handerhan, Vicky Roble, Nancy Casler, Lane Havinger) with Elaine Havinger named chairperson, and set inspector pay at $20 per hour.

Other approvals and administrative items: The board approved standard pump maintenance proposals, the posting of low-step award points (to be finalized at the Feb. 18 meeting), and authorized staff to proceed with bid documents for the South End infrastructure project. Several administrative policies (fuel, cell phone, bloodborne pathogens, release-of-firefighters) were discussed and tabled for further revision.

Votes at a glance - Accept minutes from 01/06/2025: approved by voice vote. - Warrant approvals and payroll: approved as presented (warrants numbered, totals recorded in packet). - Contingency transfers: $40,000 from contingency approved (allocation described in packet): approved. - Treasurer budget amendment: $8,000 to reflect treasurer salary: approved. - Superintendent salary increase: $6,000 and matching budget amendment: approved. - Appoint Ryan Handerhan, part-time fire inspector, $35/hr: approved. - Appoint Don Handerhan, assistant code enforcement officer (backup): approved. - Seaward Pump Company preventative-maintenance contracts for two pump stations ($1,832 and $2,529 annually): approved. - Purchase of 4 hydrant adapters ($2,400) and gas meter & charger ($1,670.15): approved. - Declare lead agency and adopt negative declaration for NHS project at 4755 Broadway: approved. - Schedule public hearing for Little River Project on 03/03/2025: approved. - Election resolutions (election date 06/17/2025; registration day 06/07/2025; inspectors appointed): approved.

The board conducted the votes by motion, second and voice vote in each case; the audio record shows motions, seconds and the board announcing "Aye" for passage on the items listed. Several policy documents were discussed but tabled for further editing. The board closed the meeting after a motion to enter executive session on a personnel matter.