Special meeting to consider Resolution 261 adopting Montgomery County's 2027 operating budget and capital plan; the body approved the resolution and leaders said the budget would raise real estate taxes by roughly 0.78% (under 1%).

Discussion Points

•A question/request for the capital plan copy was raised and staff said copies were available.
•Chair summarized budget and thanked staff; requested to adopt Resolution 261.

Decisions

•Resolution 261 was adopted by voice vote; capital plan adopted.

Directions

•None recorded in the transcript beyond adoption of the resolution.

Nov

Common Council Meeting - 11.02.2026

Amsterdam Common Council committee met Nov. 2, 2026 to consider eight resolutions and one ordinance including a police union memorandum of agreement, a sludge-hauling contract, a vehicle purchase, a disputed water bill adjustment, a planning‑commission consultant funding question (denied), and amendments to parking penalties; the council heard an engineering report and approved several contracts and budget transfers.

Discussion Points

•Alternate parking reminder and shelter tour planning discussed.
•Chair and others argued the city did not make an error and generally would not rebate charges caused by tenant negligence.
•Chief provided an implementation estimate (mid‑December).
•Coat drive logistics and donor (MVP) confirmed.
•Committee discussed frequency of IT travel and rationale for vehicle purchase.
•Corporation counsel reviewed code sections permitting consultants and reimbursable costs (S7).
•Council asked clarifying questions; no substantive opposition recorded.
•Council praised bargaining process and thanked negotiators.
•Engineer reported progress on multiple projects including lead replacements (15 services completed).
•Mayor and council said the agreement is acceptable to both sides.
•Multiple members argued the city should first attempt to answer technical questions with internal engineers (S5,S6).
•Presenter noted the director has been reimbursed mileage and purchase is funded within existing lines.
•Resolution cites state statutory authority for work experience assignments (title 9‑b).
•Sponsor argued code modernization and vendor/DMV partnerships would improve collections and enforcement.
•Sponsor recounted inspection findings showing a running toilet and tenant responsibility.
•Sponsors emphasized programmatic workforce benefits.
•Staff noted DRI extension is filed, with questions outstanding; deadline end of November.
•Staff presented bid tabulation showing per‑load totals and highlighted savings.

Decisions

•Budget transfer approved; controller authorized to move funds.
•Mayor authorized to execute contract for the stated one‑year term.
•Motion to deny funding for private consultant passed by committee voice/roll call.
•Ordinance advanced and will proceed to formal adoption process.
•Resolution authorizing mayor to execute the successor agreement passed by roll call.
•Resolution authorizing the reduction recorded; roll call showed split votes.
•Resolution awarding contract passed by roll call.

Directions

•Chief to report on readiness and timing.
•Clerk to report the committee motion back to the planning commission.
•Controller to reduce the October 1 billing statement by $869.60 per the resolution.
•Monitor DRI extension response; plan downtown Main Street work for spring.
•Staff (Mike Clark and in‑house engineers) to attend the planning commission meeting to answer engineering questions.
•Staff to coordinate shelter site tour and prepare funding updates.
•Staff to coordinate with vendor and DMV for implementation.

Oct

October 28, 2026 City of Amsterdam Planning Commission Meeting

Amsterdam Planning Commission heard routine subdivision and site-plan requests and held a lengthy public hearing on the Brookfield Residential PUD, where residents raised traffic, wetlands and safety concerns; the commission delayed a vote pending outside-agency review and voted to request an environmental consultant.

Discussion Points

•Board debated need for outside technical assistance because the commission lacks an in‑house adviser.
•Brookfield Residential PUD prompted extensive public comment and technical questions about wetlands, traffic and emergency services.
•Counsel outlined SEQR/coordinated review steps and possible EIS scoping if significant impacts are identified.
•Developer explained the site layout, unit types, parking and road design and said wetlands had been delineated.
•Knox highlighted regional employment growth as market justification and pledged to study resident concerns.
•Multiple minor subdivisions were presented and described as transfers rather than new construction.
•Multiple requests were made for an independent environmental review and enforcementable conditions if the PUD proceeds.
•Opponents said the proposed density and location conflict with the city’s comprehensive plan and stressed stormwater, wildlife and public‑safety risks.
•Two local food-service site plans were presented; board asked about hours, parking and external permits.

Decisions

•Approved three minor subdivisions and two site plans; voted to request common-council funding or provision of an environmental consultant to assist the planning board during coordinated review.
•Commission cannot vote until coordinated review is complete; motion to request consultant passed.
•No decision on the PUD was made; the board closed public comment and scheduled further review.
•No final approvals granted; developer to continue studies and engage with agencies and neighbors.

Directions

•Applicants to provide permits and address engineering/traffic/wetlands questions as part of follow-up materials.
•Developer to supply additional engineering and traffic documentation during SEQR/coordinated review.
•Planning counsel indicated coordinated agency review under SEQR is underway; the board cannot vote until the 30‑day comment period and lead‑agency determination are complete.
•Planning staff to post full application documents and traffic study online for public review.
•Request sent to common council; staff to follow up and to post applicant materials online for public review.

Oct

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATIVE MEETING OCTOBER 27th 2026

Montgomery County Legislature held a budget-focused meeting Oct. 27, 2026 that included two public hearings (2027 budget and a parcel inclusion into Agricultural District No. 3), several unanimous votes on resolutions, a confirmation (with executive session) for the public works commissioner, and an extended line‑by‑line review of the proposed 2027 county budget that produced dozens of line-item adjustments and an updated projected tax levy impact.

Discussion Points

•Board of Elections warned of higher turnout and related supply/training costs, leading to restorations of several lines.
•Floor amendment added explicit confirmatory language naming the appointee.
•Measure was presented as appropriation and bond issuance for generator replacement.
•Members recessed to executive session and returned to vote.
•Most items carried on voice vote with no recorded debate.
•Multiple budget amendments and SEQR/agricultural district determinations presented.
•Public commenters urged direct county engagement with landowners about solar leases.
•Public health cautioned that grant-funded lines cannot be repurposed and asked that nurse coordinator funding remain available while recruitment continued.
•Public works warned that cutting highway positions would reduce emergency responsiveness; several positions were retained.
•Speakers framed solar as income source and environmental rest for farmland.

Decisions

•Approved issuance of a $400,000 serial bond for the Plain Pump Station generator replacement.
•Confirmed appointment of Eric Mead as Commissioner of Public Works (resolution 2‑58, as amended)
•Resolutions passed as recorded.
•Several proposed cuts were retained or modified rather than fully eliminated; professional services lines were generally kept at levels members accepted.

Directions

•Departments to report back or request transfers/resolutions if lines prove insufficient during the year.

Oct

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING OCTOBER 21, 2026

Montgomery County special budget committee meeting: Social Services and Personnel presented budget updates, including a $1.7 million departmental/executive variance, a proposed $333,000 county investment in a supported shelter (IPH) in Amsterdam, staffing shortages and high caseloads in DSS, and personnel/health-insurance line-item issues. Committee asked follow-up questions and deferred some decisions.

Discussion Points

•Adjournment motion made; no recorded vote.
•An overdue unit was created to address backlog but diverted resources from CPS.
•Committee requested written reconciliations for line-item discrepancies.
•Committee set deadlines for follow-up reconciliations and straw votes.
•Confirmed $380,000 administrative reduction is included; other federal reimbursement changes remain unconfirmed.
•Department requested $333,000 county dollars to support an IPH shelter in Amsterdam.
•DSS presented a conservative budget and explained a $1.7M difference from the executive budget.
•DSS reports 17 current vacancies and high caseloads; veterans with 50–60 cases were described.
•Fraud unit staffing explained: three full-time staff plus shared investigator (80% DSS/20% sheriff).
•Personnel assistant salary at line 11 51 appears as zero in executive budget and needs restoration to $57,008.00.
•S3 said the shelter is supported housing, not Section 8, and will include emergency beds and wraparound services.
•S7 requested $10.6M for health insurance A fund with claims trending down from a 2025 peak.
•Security moved from a deputy to two part-time employees funded by DSS payroll while contract logistics are worked out.
•Workers' comp fund shows a $454,000 reduction; pharmacy rebates and retiree drug-subsidy recoveries helped produce savings.

Directions

•Committee asked for spreadsheet comparisons showing timing differences in claims data.
•Department to provide contract details and cost impact if committee requests further review.
•Department to provide implementation timeline and follow-up details.
•Department to provide reconciliations and follow-up answers by email.
•Department to provide vacancy-duration and recruitment metrics in follow-up.
•Personnel office to send reconciliations and corrected worksheets to committee members.
•Staff and presenters to provide requested spreadsheets and corrected line items by the deadlines discussed.

Oct

Common Council Meeting - 10.20.2026

Amsterdam Common Council meeting covering recreation fees, a ban on battery energy storage systems, lifting a solar/building moratorium, parking enforcement/collection changes, several budget/resolution votes, and land‑bank project updates.

Discussion Points

•Chief emphasized administrative and collection benefits; councilors pressed on enforcement, parking hot spots, and vendor percentages.
•Councilors asked about sponsor models, income verification, and privacy safeguards.
•S6 (Rob) reported prices unchanged and described past donation and enrollment.
•S8 noted the moratorium was in place since Dec. 2025 and recommended lifting it for solar while battery matters remain separately reviewed.
•S8 summarized committee work and safety concerns; supporters cited precautionary principle while opponents sought technical standards.

Decisions

•Local Law B adopted by the council to prohibit battery energy storage systems.
•Local Law C adopted to end the moratorium.
•Public hearing set; no final ordinance adoption at the meeting.
•Resolution 2627‑62 adopted; staff to return with sponsorship program proposals.

Directions

•Council directed staff to use partner agencies for outreach to eligible families.
•Planning staff to prepare implementing guidance and to coordinate with the planning board.
•Planning staff to resume normal permit processing and coordinate with the planning board on outstanding battery issues.
•Staff to develop administrable sponsorship options and report back to council.
•Staff to schedule public hearing and to return with procurement options and enforcement metrics.

Oct

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2026

Committee meetings in Montgomery County reviewed amendments to the 2026 operating budget and held a first public hearing on the proposed 2027 county budget; committees advanced multiple budget resolutions (personnel pay adjustments, public health reclassification, sheriff and EMS appropriations) to the full board.

Discussion Points

•Alignment of titles across public health programs
•Committee voted to send to full board
•Decrease to Westwind contract line to $78,565.19
•Federal Buy America procurement requirements increased costs and timelines
•Highway law holdover provision may create a 4‑year term regardless and legal counsel will review
•LPN post created under COVID emergency order; vacant since August
•No public comment during the allotted public hearing period
•Proposal to create an equipment reserve funded by excess EMS/jail revenue
•Rationale: maintain parity between part‑time and full‑time hourly wages
•Reclassification funded by state aid and reimbursable
•Resolution authorizes $400,000 serial bond to replace generator at Fort Plain Pump Station
•Sheriff said minimal budgetary impact and not requesting new funds
•Staff credited for delivering savings that limited county impact
•Staffing shortages across deputies, correction officers and dispatch (multiple vacancies and injuries)
•Whether 4‑year appointment cycles run from original 2017 start date
•Year‑to‑date jail revenue $991,400; EMS revenue $911,234.44 as of Oct. 5

Decisions

•Deferred final action until legal memo is circulated
•Forwarded amendment to full board
•Forwarded to full board

Directions

•County Attorney to prepare a written brief by the end of the week
•Request for billing company monthly report
•Treasurer and sheriff to explore reserve setup and reporting cadence

Oct

MONTGOMERY COUNTY SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 13TH, 2026

Montgomery County legislators held a special meeting on Oct. 13 for a preliminary review of the executive's proposed 2027 tentative budget, discussing a $174 million appropriation, planned use of approximately $14 million in fund balance, drivers of cost increases including salaries and benefits, and next steps in the budget review schedule.

Discussion Points

•$250,000 for permanent protection grants was approved by resolution in a prior year and appears in the executive's 2027 tentative budget.
•Each 1% levy change approximates $345,000 in revenue.
•Full reassessment to correct ratios would be costly (six‑figure estimate).
•Funding was not allocated in the 2026 budget and requires appropriation.
•Health insurance and retirement contributions also drive costs.
•Plan to use ~$14,000,000 of fund balance; last audited fund balance ~ $37,000,000 with $27,000,000 unencumbered.
•Primary drivers: $2.5 million salary increase, health insurance, and retirement contributions.
•Proposed 2027 appropriations just under $174 million with estimated revenues of $125–126 million, requiring use of fund balance.
•Salaries increased by about $2.5 million from 2026 to 2027.
•State equalization samples real estate sales vs. assessed values; municipalities with low ratios face increases.
•Tax‑cap formula components and practical effect this year (~5% allowable).

Decisions

•Motion to adjourn was made and the chair closed the meeting.

Directions

•Legislators to submit line‑item recommendations prior to scheduled ‘microsurgery’ sessions.
•Treasurer to provide detailed departmental backup sheets by end of next day.

Oct

Common Council Meeting - 10.06.2026

Amsterdam Committee of the Whole (Oct. 6, 2026) adopted several routine resolutions — including an appointment, surplus vehicle sale and budget transfers — and introduced two local laws with public hearings set for Oct. 20 on battery energy storage and ending a prior moratorium.

Discussion Points

•Clark explained project closeout missed two invoices totaling $114,893 and that EFC would not reopen long‑term financing.
•Lead replacement work awarded; residents to be given advance notice of temporary daytime water outages.
•Officials questioned why equipment was not in the original budget; staff replied the request did not come during the budget session.
•Recreation plans include cross‑country skiing, an ice rink and snowshoeing at the municipal golf course with grooming support from a volunteer county snowmobile group.
•Sponsor described Eggleston as a long‑time, trusted city employee and suitable for the role.
•Sponsor said ad hoc committee recommended prohibition of BESS; council members questioned conflating solar and battery issues and the timing of ending the moratorium.
•Staff emphasized the need for a formal document to control property to satisfy grant requirements and noted parcel maps are attached to the draft agreement.
•The resolution lists the vehicle defects and rationale for sale.

Decisions

•Appointment approved by roll call.
•Council approved transfer to pay invoices.
•Introductions scheduled for public hearings Oct. 20; no final votes taken.
•Resolutions authorizing occupancy permits approved and placed on consent agenda.
•Sale as junk approved.
•Transfer approved to replace obsolete equipment.

Sep

September 23, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The Amsterdam City Planning Commission reviewed and approved a special use permit and site plan for 167–169 East Main Street, approved a minor subdivision for Grove Street, and heard a detailed preliminary PUD presentation for the Widow Susan Road / Brookfield Residential project; the commission declared itself lead agency and scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 28, 2016.

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented a 45.13-acre PUD with a mix of housing types, a clubhouse and approx. 8 acres of identified wetlands.
•Applicant submitted revised storefront/window plans; applicant representative said changes were made ('We put 75% windows...' — Tom McGowan, S2).
•Commission completed environmental review via negative declaration prior to voting.
•Commissioners accepted the applicant's offer to arrange site visits to prior developments as initial education.
•Commissioners asked for clarification on unit counts (245–247 reported inconsistently), open space (applicant estimated 40–50%) and traffic/utilities.
•Corporation counsel read code language stating the commission may consult city and county officials and designated consultants but cannot mandate the applicant pay for a city consultant.
•Corporation counsel read recent code amendments removing a 120% density cap and a 35% open-space threshold.
•Decision to approve was reached by roll call.
•Multiple commissioners argued for outside expertise due to long-term implications of the PUD.
•No public comment recorded; commissioners asked about the parcel and agreed the subdivision divides an existing property with a building.
•No public comment was recorded on the East Main items.
•Summary of votes recorded at the meeting and next administrative steps for each approved item.

Decisions

•Minor subdivision approved.
•Multiple approvals recorded; lead-agency vote passed 6–1.
•Negative declaration passed; special-use permit and site-plan approval granted.
•No mandate to require developer-funded consultant; commission will evaluate options after site visits and staff referrals.
•Planning commission declared itself lead agency (6–1) and scheduled an Oct. 28, 2016 public hearing.

Directions

•Planning staff to circulate developer site-visit information and city consultant contacts.
•Planning staff to process permits and update project docket.
•Planning staff to publish hearing notice and process approvals.
•Staff to process subdivision documents and record changes.
•Staff to publish public hearing notice for Oct. 28 and prepare referrals to the county planning board and common council.

Sep

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING SEPTEMBER 22 2026

Montgomery County Legislature conducted its September meeting: roll call, a moment of silence, a public comment urging adoption of a full property tax exemption for 100% service‑connected disabled veterans, a Breast Cancer Awareness proclamation and related presentation, multiple routine resolutions (many passed), one engineering contract tabled, budget discussion and adjournment.

Discussion Points

•Administration reports a flat budget directive and line‑by‑line savings identified.
•Calls for department heads to justify budget requests as needs versus wants.
•Motion to table citing need for more information.
•Presentation of county cancer services program and eligibility for uninsured residents aged 40–64.
•Proclamation text citing cancer statistics and need for screening.
•Public comment urged adoption of full exemption for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans.
•Transcript records no extended floor debate prior to vote.

Decisions

•Adopted introductory local law 9 of 2026 (Resolution 2‑14).
•Resolution 2‑37 tabled.

Directions

•Item to return next month with additional information.

Sep

Common Council Meeting 09.15.2026

Amsterdam Common Council met Sept. 15, 2026, and approved four consent resolutions including an option agreement with the regional land reutilization corporation to place affordable single-family homes on vacant lots, a sewer-bill adjustment for Saint Mary's, budget transfers to cover retroactive union pay, and a security-camera contract contingent on a grant. Council also heard updates on paving, a lead service-line contract, a DRI/Complete Streets extension request and a $1 million gap for a proposed community center; a resident raised concerns about local water quality and grant-writing capacity during public participation.

Discussion Points

•Alderman Carpenter described the camera locations and equipment cost; clerk cited DASNY grant and noted electrical installation exclusion.
•Chester urged more aggressive grant-seeking to reduce user-fee pressure and said he avoids drinking city water.
•Clerk read that the MOA includes retroactive increases to 07/01/2025 and the resolution itemized departmental transfers.
•Council discussed including a total figure but proceeded without amending the item.
•Council framed homes as first-time buyer, income-qualified sales with credit requirements.
•Council moved to authorize the controller to process the billing reduction.
•Engineering warned DOT will mill and pave multiple lanes near the bridge, causing detours and access problems.
•Mayor and staff agreed to issue a press release when DOT provides a written schedule and to coordinate detours.
•Mayor described program to place new homes on vacant lots and noted two additional flat lots were selected.
•Mayor said Johnny\u0002s Seafood building will be removed and a $1,000,000 funding gap exists for the proposed community center; administration seeks BRICS funding.
•Mayor said procurement will not start until the grant is secured and staff will prepare a separate resolution for installation costs.
•Mayor said the DRI deadline prevents completing Complete Streets this year without an extension and a contractor work schedule.
•Staff explained the sewer charge resulted from a cooling-tower issue and excess water that did not require treatment.
•Staff noted the city\u0002s annual water-quality report and said most homes meet thresholds; staff recommended private testing for concerned homeowners.

Decisions

•Resolution 2627-55 adopted as consent; mayor authorized to execute the option agreement.
•Resolution 2627-56 adopted as consent to reduce Saint Mary\u0002s sewer charge.
•Resolution 2627-57 adopted as presented.
•Resolution 2627-58 authorized contingent engagement of Shepherd Communications.

Directions

•Administration to finalize option agreement and proceed with developer coordination.
•Await formal grant confirmation before initiating purchase or installation work.
•Continue grant-seeking efforts; provide public information on water-quality reporting and testing options.
•Controller to apply the $9,393.93 reduction to the April 30, 2026 billing.
•Controller to make the listed budget transfers and monitor contingency balances.
•Obtain contractor work schedule to support DOS extension request; pursue BRICS or other funding to close the community center gap.
•Obtain DOT schedule, issue public notice, coordinate detours, consider temporary public-hours adjustments.

Sep

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING SEPTEMBER 15, 2026

County committees met to consider staffing and budget resolutions, approve multiple social-services contracts, advance infrastructure funding for a deteriorating Darrow Road bridge and studies for Switzerville (Switzer Hill) Road, and renew a solid-waste contract with Seneca Meadows.

Discussion Points

•An amendment was added to the operating budget to reflect additional opioid funds for mental health.
•Committee requested alternatives analysis (e.g., upgrade Johnson Road) and a price for expanded scope to avoid a no‑option outcome if main option exceeds fiscal sense.
•DOT does not support current intersection alignment; options may require taking private property or building structures such as box culverts.
•DOT placed a 24‑ton load posting; school district and emergency access implications discussed.
•Grant acceptance viewed as low‑cost, high‑value by proponents; one legislator abstained.
•One‑year renewal maintains current hauling and site operations; county staff will continue to review alternatives.
•Options discussed: set hourly rate vs set salary; lower base to $25,000 or $20,000; request for an amended resolution and budget impact analysis.
•Personnel Office argued the role is 0.5 FTE of a ~$63,000 full‑time equivalent and is needed to support outside municipalities (towns, villages, school districts).
•Project on capital plan since 2018; not previously funded by Bridge NY; current estimate ~$2,000,000.
•Public hearing for agricultural‑district inclusion scheduled without debate.
•Several routine social‑service contracts were presented and advanced with little debate.
•Sponsor said renewal prevents interruption while exploring other options.
•Whether a $30,000 base for a 17.5‑hour/week part‑time Personnel Associate is appropriate given county salary comparators and recruitment challenges.

Decisions

•Both items forwarded to full board.
•Committee advanced the engineering extension to the full board with direction to include alternative route/cost analyses.
•Committee approved forwarding the engineering and capital plan tasks to the full board.
•Committee approved moving contracts and the opioid funds amendment to the full board.
•Committee approved renewal to forward to the full board.
•Committee voted to advance the amended resolution to the full board for final action.

Directions

•Budget office to reflect grant acceptance; planning to post public notice for the hearing.
•Contracts to be executed by the County Executive subject to full‑board approval.
•Department of Public Works to update engineering scope and get refined costs; include project in 2027 capital plan submission to full board.
•Engineer to provide updated scope, alternatives and costs; Department of Public Works to request that information and report back to committee.
•Personnel Office to produce amended resolution with hourly‑cap option and updated budget figures and return to the full board next week.
•Procure and execute renewal paperwork; continue evaluation of alternatives.

Sep

Safe Streets Meeting 09.15.2026

Meeting 3 of the Safe Streets committee reviewed progress on the paving program, considered a crosswalk and parking-lot striping proposal (with cost estimates), discussed e-bike helmet and park rule options, raised safety concerns on Pine Street/Guy Park Avenue, and began exploring sidewalk funding and ADA-related requirements.

Discussion Points

•ADA/accessibility requirements at intersections affect paving scope and reimbursement.
•Bridge connects to Erie Canal Bicycle Trail and can become hazardous during events when rental bikes and scooters move through crowds.
•Bridge should be included in park-rule update planning.
•City code generally places sidewalk ownership and maintenance responsibility on property owners, complicating repair funding for low-income households.
•Committee recommended a focused study for crosswalks and calming.
•Discussion of park code as a tool to prohibit e-bikes on walking paths with posted signage to enable enforcement.
•DOT grant programs may require a comprehensive safety plan for sidewalk projects.
•Gas-main replacements on some corridors could delay paving until utility work finishes.
•Many pedestrians (including wheelchair and walker users) cross from apartments/housing authority to reach the soup kitchen and services.
•Need to consult city attorney for draft ordinance or code change.
•Options include signage, outreach to rental operators, and enforcement of posted park rules to require dismounting or prohibit motorized devices on walking paths.
•Paving progressing; specific streets identified for immediate work.
•Possibility of acquiring in-house striping equipment to lower recurring costs.
•Proposal for universal helmet requirement regardless of e-bike class or rider age.
•Stretch is wide and subject to speeding, increasing risk.
•Trade-off between upfront cost and longevity of durable treatments; potential for phasing work over multiple years.
•Vendor quotes: low-end ~$21,000 for prioritized crosswalks and parking-lot updates; high-end epoxy option ~$70,000.
•When paving intersects a sidewalk, curb transitions and warning strips must meet ADA standards to qualify for paving funding.

Directions

•Ask city attorney to draft helmet legislation and updated park-rule language for committee review.
•Consider producing a committee safety plan or self-certification worksheet to strengthen grant applications.
•Include the pedestrian bridge and trailhead in park-rule updates and consider outreach to rental vendors and event organizers.
•Monitor utility contractor (gas) completion dates to confirm paving windows.
•Obtain additional vendor quotes and consider phased approach prioritizing schools and high-traffic crosswalks.
•Prioritize blocks clear of utility conflicts for near-term paving.
•Research comprehensive safety plan templates and eligibility worksheets for DOT grants.
•Scope a study for Pine Street/Guy Park corridor to identify crosswalks, curb drops and calming measures.

Sep

Special Common Council Meeting - 09.08.2026

The Common Council of the City of Amsterdam met. The council opened a public hearing that drew no speakers, read an ordinance to modify planned unit development density rules, and approved a $291,600 contract for lead service line replacements.

Discussion Points

•Clerk read resolution awarding the contract to Precontracting Inc. for $291,600.
•Council moved the resolution to a vote; affirmative responses were recorded during roll call.
•No public speakers came forward when asked to state name and address.
•Public hearing opened and members of the public were invited to speak.
•The clerk read modifications to Chapter 250 to make density determined by approved PUD site plans.
•The ordinance references a public hearing held 09/08/2026 and an effectiveness clause tied to charter c 33.

Decisions

•Contract award advanced and recorded on the council floor.
•Hearing closed with no testimony.
•Motion moved to vote; vote recorded (transcript shows affirmative responses).

Directions

•Mayor authorized to execute contracts per resolution text.

Sep

Common Council Meeting - 09.01.2026

The Amsterdam Common Council meeting (Sept. 1, 2026) considered seven resolutions and three consents including a CDBG application and SEQR declaration for cleanup at 24 Willow Street, a one-year school resource officer contract, budget transfers for microenterprise grants and a golf course sign, and a lease for an eagle sculpture. Council voted to adopt all listed resolutions.

Discussion Points

•A council member proposed a public naming campaign for the eagle.
•Council asked procedural questions and then approved the contract by roll call.
•Council discussed funding and bond/note budgeting omissions and approved contingency transfer.
•Council discussed the county's offer to administer future rounds to leverage county resources.
•Council members and staff described debris and site hazards at 24 Willow Street and the need for state grant funding.
•Council noted incumbent Josh Hartman will continue and that the contract mirrors milestones in his pay.
•Need for HCR approval before awarding lead-service replacement contract.
•Schedule for golf-course and street paving, storm cleanup actions at Bon Creek, and lead-service replacement bid tabulation.
•Staff described reimbursement for CDBG microenterprise grants and the labor intensity of administering the program.
•Staff described sole bidder status and controller confirmed vendor vetting.
•Staff presented an environmental assessment form and recommended a negative declaration under SEQR.
•Staff reviewed lease dimensions and location (5x5 display area) and noted proposed payment to the artist from DRI funds.

Decisions

•Approved Res. 2627-48 and Res. 2627-49; awarded Barney Signs $12,500.
•Council adopted Res. 2627-43 and Res. 2627-44; motions passed by roll call.
•No awards made at meeting; staff to return with recommendations pending approvals.
•Res. 2627-45 approved authorizing the contract.
•Res. 2627-46 adopted by roll call.
•Res. 2627-50 adopted; council authorized execution of lease and payment per resolution.

Directions

•Bring contract award recommendation after HCR approval.
•Controller to add administrative funds to audited budget; staff to coordinate with county if accepted.
•Controller to adjust budget lines and reflect bond/note expense.
•Mayor authorized to file SEQR notice and submit CDBG application
•Mayor authorized to sign contract and finalize attachments.
•Staff to finalize lease documentation and coordinate artist payment from DRI funds.

Aug

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING AUGUST 25, 2026

At its August meeting, the Montgomery County Legislature heard public comments urging limits on large solar projects to protect farmland, issued a proclamation designating September 2026 as Hunger Action Month, approved a package of budget amendments and grant acceptances, amended the foreclosure-auction property list, and added a full‑time law associate position to the district attorney's office.

Discussion Points

•A package of budget amendments and grant acceptances was moved and approved during the meeting.
•Chair noted DA had presented details at prior meeting; no further discussion recorded.
•Chair outlined plans for informal September budget review sessions leading to formal October budget month.
•Chair presented a proclamation naming September 2026 Hunger Action Month and cited county food-insecurity figures.
•Chair proposed amendment to replace prior property list with an amended list provided at desks before the meeting.
•Farm Bureau thanked legislature for legal action challenging New York State renewable siting policies and urged home-rule protections.
•Local farmers described how large solar clusters make expansion harder for small farms and requested continued county attention.
•Regional Food Bank provided distribution statistics and urged partner coordination.

Decisions

•Adopted listed budget amendments and grant acceptances.
•Amendment adopted; resolution approved as amended.
•Approved to authorize county executive to sign agreements as described.
•Position established by resolution 213.

Directions

•Hold informal sessions in September with executive and treasurer; proceed to formal budget meetings in October.

Aug

Special Common Council Meeting - 08.24.2026

The Amsterdam common council held a short special meeting to introduce changes to the city's planned unit development rules and to approve a consent resolution waiving the 30-day notice for a liquor license to allow service on an outside patio.

Discussion Points

•Brief procedural discussion to confirm hearing timing and to note limited business on the special agenda.
•Chair summarized the proposed PDD change to remove a 120% density cap and a 35% open-space requirement, giving the planning commission more discretion.
•Clerk read the resolution and noted the application would include the outside patio.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; items acted on and meeting adjourned.
•Ordinance introduced; public hearing set for Sept. 8 (agreed at 9:30 a.m.).
•Resolution to waive 30-day notice approved on consent.

Directions

•Clerk to notify relevant parties of hearing schedule and to file records of the consent resolution.
•Staff to process waiver documentation for municipal record and notify the state liquor authority as needed.
•Staff to publish public hearing notice and materials; planning commission to review applications on a case-by-case basis at hearing.

Aug

Common Council Meeting - 08.18.2026

Amsterdam Common Council met Aug. 18, 2026. Major items included a proposed sale of a city parcel to Bigalow Weavers Association, a memorandum of agreement with the United Public Service Employees Union (3% wage increase), a proposed Project Development District (PDD) code change for a prospective residential project, a public hearing on CDBG cleanup of a collapsed building at 24 Willow Street, and a recommendation to ban battery/energy storage facilities citywide.

Discussion Points

•Association to use parcel for increased parking.
•Committee recommended citywide ban on certain energy/storage facilities citing safety and decommissioning concerns.
•Committee reported a single bid of $2,000 from Bigalow Weavers Association, Inc.
•Consent agenda included minutes, parcel sale, MOA, audit, and ceremonial items.
•Contractual expenses ~$80,000 under budget; interfund transfer needs reduced.
•Council opened a public hearing to solicit comments and alternate proposals; none were received.
•Council raised safety/setback concerns and asked to limit changes to PDDs only.
•Flag-raising directed for Aug. 24, 2026 with display for two weeks.
•Golf-course actual revenue up ~$99,000 vs. $635,000 budget.
•Golf-course path pre-construction scheduled Aug. 25; work expected after Labor Day with Oct. 31 completion requirement.
•MOA provides a 3% increase except for three specified positions.
•Property at 24 Willow Street collapsed and was demolished; debris remains near creek.
•Recommendation to end the moratorium on solar without changing code; moratorium to be terminated rather than allowed to expire.
•Staff argued removal would not change planning-commission site-plan approval authority.
•Staff identified two Chapter 250 provisions as barriers: a 120% density cap and 35% public usable-space requirement.
•Staff requested the meeting date be added to the resolution text before finalization.
•Wastewater treatment plant project to be advertised for bids after DEEC site visit.

Decisions

•Consent agenda adopted by roll call.
•Hearing closed; no vote on funding at Aug. 18 meeting.
•No council action required at this meeting.
•No final vote; plan to bring draft ordinance to council in September.
•No formal financial action taken Aug. 18.
•No ordinance introduced Aug. 18; consensus to pursue special meeting and developer meeting held before finalizing.
•Resolution 2627-36 adopted by roll call; sale authorized.
•Resolution 2627-37 adopted on the consent agenda; mayor authorized to execute CBA.

Directions

•Clerk to finalize administrative details e.g., adding date to resolution text.
•Council to consider termination of moratorium in coordination with ordinance timing.
•Engineer to confirm bid opening dates and contractor schedule.
•Proceed with pre-construction, advertise wastewater project for bidding.
•Proceed with sale process following council authorization.
•Sponsor (Chris) to submit draft to clerk to permit public-notice scheduling.
•Staff to add the meeting date to the resolution text and provide final MOA to clerk.
•Staff to draft ordinance language for introduction in September.
•Staff to finalize ordinance language and circulate to council by Aug. 19.
•Staff to proceed with CDBG application for cleanup.
•Update golf commission at next meeting.

Aug

MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEGISLATURE MEETING AUGUST 18th, 2026

County committee meetings covered a personnel add-on requested by the district attorney, a health committee discussion on costly court-ordered competency placements and a budget amendment, multiple public-safety grants and an EMS billing change, a window-project bid re-award, a revolving-loan resolution, and a routine budget review.

Discussion Points

•Bid opening results: low bid ~$143,000 retracted for miscount; second bidder ~$145,000 recommended.
•Budget allocation: originally $125,000 in capital plan; award will exceed allocation by roughly $20,000.
•Explanation of what a 7:30 competency order is and the statutory obligation for counties to pay placement costs.
•Line‑by‑line review; confirmed deputy clerk stipend ($4,000), identified $35 correction and pending insurance estimate changes.
•Pearson explained candidate qualifications and funding source (line 147, ADA felony crimes).
•Resolution introduced and sponsored; no substantive discussion recorded.
•Whether the rate changes are 10–20% and how they pass through to budget depending on call types and payer mix.
•Whether the spike in competency cases is an outlier or a trend; previous budgetary assumptions and how the current year differs.

Decisions

•Flagged items for correction and follow-up
•Referral to full board

Directions

•Clerk to provide supporting documentation and updated insurance quotes for final budget.
•Forward contract award recommendation and documentation to full board.
•Forward the budget amendment to the full board with supporting cost details.
•Forward to full board with loan documentation.
•Office will bring an add-on resolution to next week's agenda.
•Staff and the district attorney to pursue options to avoid out‑of‑county placements when possible, including meetings to consider alternatives.
•Staff to provide detailed list of proposed rates and modeling for 2027 impact.

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