Ballston Spa trustees approve $75,000 payment tied to Woods Hollow logging contract amid public objections

Ballston Spa trustees voted to authorize a $75,000 payment to Lumac (also referred to in public comments as Lumek/Lumeck) related to a logging contract tied to the sale of Woods Hollow, approving the motion on a 3–2 vote.

The payment, listed on the agenda as item 7d, drew sustained public comment. Marilyn Stevenson, a member of the zoning advisory committee, told trustees the minutes of a previous meeting misstated committee business and called into question a statement by the zoning advisory committee chair that “the consultant confirmed that the zoning advisory committee has fulfilled its obligation.” Stevenson said that was “false, misleading, self serving” and that the consultant had not told the committee their work was finished.

Resident Keith Lewis urged trustees to examine the contract closely and follow Department of State guidance on contract nonperformance, saying elected officials “have a responsibility to ensure that public funds are spent appropriately and that contracts with vendors are fulfilled as agreed.” He recommended reviewing terms, investigating nonperformance, documenting communications…