Town Board Meeting Minutes - October 14, 2026

TOWN OF SAND LAKE
TOWN BOARD MEETING
October 14, 2026

A Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake was held on October 14, 2026 at the Sand Lake Town Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance the following answered roll call:

PRESENT:
Supervisor Clemens
Deputy Supervisor Nippes
Councilman Glasser - Absent
Councilwoman Mason
Councilman Baker
Town Attorney Danaher
Barbara Hansen, Town Clerk and Recording Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT per sign in sheet: Kevin Rifenburgh, Brian Hunt, Ralph Timber, Bill Glasser, Garrett DeGraff and others.

Public Hearing: Supervisor Clemens opened the meeting by calling a Public Hearing for proposed Local Law #3 of 2026 to override the Tax Cap. The Town Board adopted Resolution #2026-09-163 on September 30, 2026 to schedule a Public Hearing for October 14, 2026 to hear comments regarding Local Law #3 of 2026 to override the Tax Cap. The Public Hearing was duly noted in the Troy Record October 8, 2026, was displayed in the Legal Window on the door at Town Hall and was posted on the Town's website. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to solicit public comment either in favor of, or opposed to the proposed action. Supervisor Clemens stated this Local is offered as a precautionary measure in the event an unforeseen expense arises between now and finalizing of the Budget. The Town does not have any intention of overriding the Tax Cap, but if this Local Law is not put forth, and such an unforeseen event did occur, we would be unprepared to handle the situation. He asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the proposal.

Garrett DeGraff then came to the podium and addressed the Board. Mr. DeGraff stated he was not in opposition but pointed out that the Local Law was not attached to the Agenda published online two weeks ago. Attorney Danaher pointed out that it was available at the Town Clerk's Office for inspection and advised the Town Clerk that anytime there is an attachment to a Resolution referenced in the Resolution, it should be attached thereto.

Supervisor Clemens asked two more times for anyone opposing the Resolution to come forward. No one else came forward. He then asked three times for anyone in favor of the Resolution to come forward. No one came forward.

Supervisor Clemens then made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing at 7:07 pm. Seconded by Deputy Supervisor Nippes all were in favor and the Motion Carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Supervisor Clemens made a motion to approve September 30, 2026 Town Board Workshop minutes. Seconded by Deputy Supervisor Nippes all were in favor. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Town Clerk, Barbara Hansen:

• Convenience Facility: To better serve our residents during off hours Permits and Punch Cards are now also available at the Transfer Station. Purchases at the facility are by check or credit card information, no cash. Town Clerk's office takes cash, credit card or checks.
• Rabies Clinic: October 17th at Schodack Town Garage, Registration is required. Link is on our website. If you need assistance signing up just call my office and we will help you.
• Sand Lake Dog Park: The Hound House is hosting a Canine Carnival October 24th at St. Henry's Church on Old Route 66. Vendors, music, costume contest and much more. I will have a both with raffle items with all proceeds going to the Sand Lake Dog Park Fund.

Supervisor Clemens:

• Thais Road Bridge: Concrete work will be completed this week and we hope to complete the project next spring.
• Road Salt: Thank you, DPW Commissioner, Kevin Rifenburgh, who came up with an idea to save on the cost of winter salt by piggy backing on another county's salt contract, hopefully resulting in a savings of approximately $20,000 - $30,000 this season.
• Political signs: Are not allowed on any municipal property. The signs that were put up at the old Town Garage on Eastern Union Turnpike have been taken down.

Deputy Supervisor Nippes:

• Newsletter: Noted that anyone can sign up to have the monthly Newsletter delivered to their email. Sign up is available on the Town's website, at the Town Clerk's office or by calling Town Hall and we will assist you. Note that after you sign up you will receive a confirmation that you need to accept to add you to the list. Supervisor Clemens said we currently have approximately 1,500 people receiving the Newsletter each month.

Councilwoman Mason:

• SLCA: Now showing the play Broadway Bound October 10 - 25th, comedy by Neil Simon.
• Taste of Sand Lake: Fundraiser, Wednesday, October 28th, 6:00 - 9:00 at Old Daley's on Crooked Lake with many local restaurants participating. Check their website for additional shows and events.
• SLHS: I attended the meeting last night and they had a wonderful presentation by Times Union affiliate Jessica Marshall on the Hazel Drew Murder. There is a new podcast available. The still unsolved murder is a popular piece of Sand Lake History.

Councilman Baker:

• Library: Annual Women's Clothing Swap, Saturday, October 17th, 11:00 - 1:00.

DPW Commissioner Kevin Rifenburgh:

• Thais Road: As mentioned the project is moving along nicely.
• Paving is complete for the season and we've been catching up on drainage, brush clean up and tree trimming.
• Truck maintenance: Servicing trucks to get ready for winter.

Public Comments:

• Bill Glasser: Veterans holding the last Chicken BBQ of the season and Bake Sale, Saturday, October 17th. Call 518-674-2309 to order.
• Garrett DeGraff: Questioned if there will be a report on the changes made from Tentative to Preliminary Budget which is on tonight's agenda and asked if there will be an explanation of the numbers and town codes . Supervisor Clemens advised that Comptroller, Maegan Wait, will be at the Town Board Workshop meeting October 28th to go over the Budget in detail and that it will be identical to the one being moved on tonight. He also noted there is a list of budget codes on the NYS Comptroller's website that explains each line in the budget.
• Burden Lake Dam: Mr. DeGraff noted there is a 2024 Engineer's report but the 2026 report is not available. Also there is other DEC information that should be there as the cost and re-opening of the road are of major concern to many residents. Supervisor Clemens reported the Agreement assigns ownership share and that some information therein is inaccurate now and subject to change. This year's Labella report is to get the Town into compliance with DEC. All parties recently met and the next step in this process is to do an open solicitation to engineers to get a design phase for our share to get a better idea of the cost for the Town's portion. There was much discussion between Supervisor Clemens and Mr. DeGraff which can be found on the meetings stream on the Town's website.
• Mr. DeGraff then moved on to another issue regarding Resolution 2026-09-161 Authorizing Salary Waivers and Paid Injury Leave for Highway Employee Josh Bucci passed at the last meeting . He believes that this waiver of salary reverts to the General Fund and becomes Town dollars. He was informed Comptroller Wait spoke with NYS Comptrollers Office who advised her on the correct procedure to allow the Town Board and Town Clerk to defer some of their salary directly to Mr. Bucci.
• Walt Vandeloo: Congratulated the Board on the previous discussion to defer some of their salary to injured highway employee Josh Bucci.
• Burden Lake Dam: He represents a large group greatly concerned about the Road closure and they are mindful of the county's budget schedule and hope to address some of these issues with the County. He also noted it's important to have all the information the Town has available to them when they attend the County's budget meetings. Supervisor Clemens reported that some of the DEC information is only a draft and not available to the public. He also said the Town Engineer, Wayne Bonesteel, will have the Town's side of the engineering done by next week to determine the feasibility of re-opening the road.

There being no other Public comment and the Town moved on to Business:

RESOLUTION #2026-10-165
Authorizing the Purchase of Road Salt from NYS OGS Contract

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Deputy Supervisor Nippes

WHEREAS, the Public Works Department requires Road Salt (mineral crushed rock) for winter road maintenance; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York has extended the award for one additional year (September 12th, 2026 to August 31st, 2027), for a contract for the purchase of road salt, treated salt, and emergency standby road salt - (Group Number 01800, Contract Number PC 71084) from Apalachee , LLC at a cost of $100.00 per ton, subject to fuel price adjustment; and

WHEREAS, an essential component of the contracts entered into by the State of New York provides that said materials and respective bid prices received by the State shall be available to local governments of New York State; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to purchase Road Salt from the above contract as required for treating snow and ice on Town Highways and Town Owned Facilities subject to the limits of DPW Budget Line DA 5142.4.

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - 1 ABSENT Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-166
Amending the 2027 Tentative Budget

Moved by: Councilwoman Mason
Seconded by: Deputy Supervisor Nippes

WHEREAS, the Sand Lake Town Board has reviewed the tentative budget for the fiscal year 2027 as filed by the Budget Officer on September 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.Y. Town Law § 106, the Board may change, alter, and revise the tentative budget; and

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the following changes are necessary and consistent with law;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the following changes are made to the 2027 Tentative Budget:

Increasing Appropriation A 1490.1 Public Works Personal in the amount of $5,000, increasing the General Fund Tax Levy from $147,205 to $152,205. Increasing Revenue DA 2665 Sale of Equipment in the amount of $5,000, decreasing the Highway Fund Tax Levy from $1,767,825 to $1,762,825.

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - 1 ABSENT Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-167
Establishing the 2027 Preliminary Budget and Notice of Public Hearing

Moved by: Supervisor Clemens
Seconded by: Councilwoman Mason

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby establish the Preliminary Budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027, and the budget will be filed in the Office of the Town Clerk at the Sand Lake Town Hall, 8428 NY 66, Sand Lake, New York, where it is available for inspection by any interested person during regular business hours; and be it further

RESOLVED, that notice was given that the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake will review said Preliminary Budget and hold a Public Hearing thereon, at the Sand Lake Town Hall, 8428 NY 66, in Sand Lake, New York, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. that at such hearing any person may be heard in favor or against any item or items contained; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk has been directed to publish the notice of public hearing in the official newspaper, bulletin board, and town's website and that copies of the Preliminary Budget are made available for public review; and at least five days must elapse between the first publication of the notice and date specified for the Public Hearing; and be it further

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 108 of Town Law, the proposed salaries of the elected officials are hereby specified as follows:

Town of Sand Lake
2027 Schedule of Salaries for Elected Officials
(Article 8 of Town Law)

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - ABSENT 1 Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-168
Authorizing the Creation of Capital Project H031- Johnny Cake Lane Bridge Project

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Supervisor Clemens

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake recognizes the necessity of repairing the Johnny Cake Lane Bridge; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Town to establish a dedicated Capital Project Fund to ensure proper accounting, transparency, and oversight of all revenues and expenditures related to the Project;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the creation of Capital Project H031 Johnny Cake Lane Bridge Project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the following amendments be made to the 2026 Town of Sand Lake Budget: Increase Appropriation A 522.9950.9 General Fund- Transfer to Capital Project in the amount of $50,000 by Appropriating A 599 General Fund- Fund Balance in the amount of $50,000. Increase Appropriation H031 522.5120.2 Johnny Cake Lane Bridge Project- Bridges Capital Outlay in the amount of $50,000 and Increase Revenue H030 980.5031.9 Johnny Cake Lane Bridge Project- Interfund Transfer in the amount of $50,000.

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - 1 ABSENT Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-169
ESTABLISHING 2027 CONVENIENCE FACILITY PERMIT FEES AND AUTHORIZING ADVANCE SALES WITH OPTIONAL ACCESS FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2026

Moved by: Councilwoman Mason
Seconded by: Councilman Baker

WHEREAS, the Town of Sand Lake operates a Convenience Facility, also known as the Transfer Station, for the disposal of household waste and recyclable materials; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to amend annual permit fees for the 2027 calendar year to support the continued operation of the facility; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to authorize advance sales of 2027 permits and offer purchasers the option to obtain access for the remainder of 2026 for an additional fee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake hereby establishes the following annual Convenience Facility permit fees for 2027:

• Resident permit: $45
• Senior resident permit: $30
• Nonresident permit: $75
• Second permit, same household: $20

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby authorized to begin selling 2027 permits starting 11/01/26 at the rates established herein; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all 2027 permits shall be valid from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any person purchasing a 2027 permit during 2026 may pay an additional $15 per permit to authorize use of the Convenience Facility from the date of purchase through December 31, 2026, in addition to the full 2027 permit period; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that purchasers who already hold a valid 2026 permit are not required to pay this additional fee to continue using the facility through December 31, 2026

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - ABSENT 1 Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-170
Budget Transfers/Amendments

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Councilwoman Mason

Be It Resolved the following transfers are made to the 2026 Budget:

Budget Amendments

None at this time.

AYES 4 - NAYS 0 - ABSENT 1 Motion Carried

There being no other business to come before the Board Supervisor Clemens made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 pm. It was seconded by Deputy Supervisor Nippes and all were in favor. Motion carried.

A Complete Accounting of all Discussions on the Agenda is Available to review via Streaming on the Town's website at: townofsandlake.us