Warwick board approves smart-growth grant application, authorizes vehicle purchase and routine permits

The Village of Warwick board on July 28 voted to submit a 2025–2026 Smart Growth Community Planning grant application to the New York State Department of State to update village zoning documents and land-use policies, and approved a set of routine municipal motions including a vehicle purchase for the water department and a no-cost contract time extension for the Well No. 3 water-treatment project.

Mayor Newhart said the grant would support comprehensive-plan and zoning updates that align with smart-growth and clean-energy principles. The resolution, which the minutes record as setting a total project cost of $176,050 and requesting $158,445 (90% of that cost) from NYSDOS with a local match of $17,651 (10%), was approved by roll call. The minutes show Trustees Cheney and Kora and the mayor voting yes; the transcript contains inconsistent spellings of some names that are noted in the minutes.

The board also approved a no-cost change order No. 3 to the Well No. 3 general contract with TAM Enterprises Inc., extending the contractor’s time to complete work because of issues related to Orange and Rockland and per recommendations from engineers Pitt & Garow and Do Consulting Engineers PC.

Trustee Cheney moved and the board approved permission for Village employee Michael Falls to carry over five vacation days. The board authorized returning $56.89 in unspent 2024–2025 Justice Court Assistance Program grant funds to the state Commissioner of Taxation and Finance and acknowledged that village auditor Michael Vaneri found the Justice Court’s reporting and recordkeeping to be in compliance with Section 209‑a of the Uniform Justice Court Act as of May 31, 2023.

Per DPW Supervisor Mike Moser’s recommendation, the board approved the purchase of a new Ford F‑250 4x4 from Schultz Ford Lincoln for the water department to replace a 2014 pickup; the minutes record the purchase price with transcription anomalies. Funds are to be appropriated from FY25–26 budget code F8340.2350.

The board acknowledged receipt of a standardized notice from the New York State Liquor Authority for an on‑premises liquor license application for the Rusty Goat Grill at 46 Main St., lower level, and authorized the clerk to notify the Authority that the village has no objections and to waive the 30‑day notice requirement. The Warwick Police Department told the board it had no objection to a separate event location request from the Knights of Columbus; the board granted permission for a coin‑toss fundraiser on Aug. 2, 2025, pending proof of insurance and a completed facility‑use permit.

Barry, a village staff member, described the village’s bulk‑pickup schedule and rules: pickups are divided into two areas (Aug. 25 north of the railroad tracks; Sept. 2 south of the tracks), acceptable items include furniture and mattresses, metal should be separated for recycling, and limits of roughly two cubic yards (about one pickup truckload) apply. "We will not pick up garbage, leaves, brush, tires, barrels, paint, drain oil, construction debris, computer equipment or appliances," Barry said.

The meeting included routine community announcements: acceptance of a $4,000 New York State Youth Sports and Education grant through the Orange County Youth Bureau for village youth recreation programming; outreach about National Night Out on Aug. 5 at Veterans Memorial Park; the Warwick Historical Society cookbook submission deadline; and a forthcoming resolution to pursue an AARP Age‑Friendly Community designation that could make the village eligible for senior program grants.

Mayor Newhart offered condolences to the family of the late Murdy family member and noted the recent passing of a long‑serving local official (the minutes contain a name transcription that is inconsistent). The board adjourned after approving the motions on the agenda.

Votes at a glance: the minutes record the smart‑growth grant resolution as passing on a roll call vote (Trustee Cheney — Yes; Trustee Kora — Yes; Mayor recorded as Yes). Other routine motions (minutes, reports, claims payment authorization, vacation carryover, grant return, liquor‑license non‑objection, event permit) were moved, seconded and recorded as approved in the minutes. For items where individual vote names are not recorded beyond a collective “All in favor? Aye,” the minutes note approval but do not list each member’s vote.