Town Board Workshop Minutes - October 28, 2026

TOWN OF SAND LAKE
TOWN BOARD WORKSHOP MEETING
October 28, 2026

A Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake was held on October 28,2026 at the Sand Lake Town Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance the following answered roll call:

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

OTHERS PRESENT: William Glasser, Kevin Rifenburgh, Brian Hunt, Maegan Wait, Tom Cetrino, Fran Meyer and others.

PUBLIC HEARING on Proposed 2027 Sand Lake Town Budget: On October 14, 2026 the Town Board adopted Resolution #2026-10-167 scheduling a Public Hearing for October 28, 2026 to obtain public comments regarding the proposed 2027 Budget for the Town of Sand Lake. Notice of the Public Hearing was duly noted in the Troy Record October 21, 2026, in the Legal Window at Town Hall and on the Town's website. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to solicit public comment in favor of, or opposed to, the proposed action. Before hearing public comments, Sup Clemens said he would first like to address a few questions that were emailed to him by resident, Tom Cetrino, who is in attendance tonight. After that, Comptroller, Maegan Wait, is going to go over the Budget giving us a high level overview. Sup Clemens and Comptroller Wait answered Mr. Cetrino's questions in detail.

Supervisor Clemens then went on to ask three times if anyone was in opposition to the Resolution to please come forward. No one came forward. He then asked if anyone in favor of the Resolution would like to speak. Mr. Cetrino came forward and thanked the Supervisor and Comptroller for their answers and explanations to his questions. He suggested that in the future a narrative should be submitted with the budget outlining and explaining the highlights so that it would be easier for the lay person to better understand the fine points.

Walt Vandeloo came forward with questions about Town of Nassau sewer rates. Sup Clemens explained the rates have not been increased since its inception in 2011 and updates need to be made to bring the Nassau rate more equitable compared to Sand Lakes rates. Sup Clemens then asked two more times if anyone wanted to come forward in favor of the Resolution. No one came forward. He closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 pm. Seconded by Dep Sup Nippes, all were in favor and the motion carried.

The Board moved on to regular Town Board business:

Approval of Minutes: Sup Clemens moved to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2026 Town Board Meeting. Seconded by Councilman Baker, all in favor, motion carried.

REPORTS:

Supervisor Clemens:

• Thais Road Bridge well underway and will be wrapping up soon for the winter to be completed in spring.
• Medical Transportation for Seniors: Is available by the County Unified Family Services Department of the Aging. Call 518-270-2734 to make the required reservation as soon as you have your date. We have a pamphlet at Town Hall and the information is on the website. Please contact the Town Clerk's Office for details.

Deputy Supervisor Nippes: No report.

Councilman Glasser:

• Veterans Ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 11th at Veterans Park at 11:00 am. It will be moved inside the High School in case of inclement weather.
• Holiday Parade: Friday, December 4th. Kick off ½ hour earlier than usual at 6:30 pm. Registration to enter a float is on the website and social media. We have several organizations signed up already.

Councilwoman Mason:

• SLCA: Pumpkin Painting Friday October 30, 6:00 - 8:00. Registration required.
• Sunday, November 1st, Paul Grandahl, Book Talk about Andy Rooney, Albany native.
• Sunday, November 8th, Holiday SL Merchant Market and SLCA partner to bring this popular event together with many vendors 10:00 - 3:00.
• Friday, November 27 at 7:30 and Saturday, November 28 at 2:30 there will be a reading of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.
• Planning Oversight: I attended the last meeting. Much discussion about potential grants and where they could be applied to enhance Sand Lake.

Councilman Baker:

• Canine Carnival: 1st Annual event held at St. Henry's Church hosted by The Hound House. Many vendors and organizations participated, all dog related. We had a raffle booth raising $735.00, to support our dream of a SL Dog Park. Starting with $3,100 three years ago we now have $11,600.
• Nopiates: Saturday, November 7th, Arts Letters and Numbers, along with Nopiates, will be holding their Transformation Project, a community initiative showcasing art responding to the impact of substance use disorder, and creates a space to share experiences, challenges and build connection. It will run until November 13th

DPW Commissioner Kevin Rifenburgh:

• Winter preparation: Setting up plow trucks and salt/sand piles to get ready for winter. Plan to use more sand than salt this year since the cost of salt has increased.
• Thais Road Bridge: Coming along on schedule.:

Public Comment:

• Walt Vandeloo asked for update on Azar Engineering Report regarding Burden Lake Dam. Sup Clemens said he would follow up as it was due last week but he has not received it.

BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION #2026-10-171
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING RALPH LA MONTAGNA AS ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING BOARD

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Supervisor Clemens

WHEREAS, the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board requires an acting chairman to carry out the duties of the chairman in the chairman's absence; and

WHEREAS, Ralph La Montagna is a member of the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board and is willing to serve as acting chairman; and

WHEREAS, New York State Town Law § 271 provides that, in the absence of a chairperson, the Planning Board may designate a member to serve as chairperson;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Sand Lake Planning Board hereby designates Ralph La Montagna as Acting Chairman of the Planning Board, effective October 21, 2026, to perform the duties of the chairman during the chairman's absence; and be it further

RESOLVED, that Mr. La Montagna shall serve in this capacity until the chairman resumes the duties of the position or the Planning Board takes further action; and be it further

AYES 5 - NAYS 0 Motion Caried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-172
Authorizing the Renewal of the CDPHP Health Insurance Contract for Town Retirees

Moved by: Councilman Glasser
Seconded by: Supervisor Clemens

WHEREAS, the Town of Sand Lake provides health insurance benefits to its retirees under a CDPHP Medicare Advantage PPO plan; and

WHEREAS, CDPHP has notified the Town that the current PPO $12/$20 ($250 IP) plan will no longer be offered in 2027; and

WHEREAS, CDPHP Medicare Advantage PPO $10/$15 ($0 IP) Plan provides comprehensive benefits, including preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and other services, as outlined in the current Evidence of Coverage and Summary of Benefits; and

WHEREAS, the Town has consulted with its insurance broker to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and any applicable collective bargaining agreements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Sand Lake Town Board hereby authorizes the renewal of the Town's health insurance contract with CDPHP for town retirees, under the PPO $10/$15 ($0 IP) Plan effective January 1, 2027 for the plan year ending December 31, 2027.

AYES 5 - NAYS 0 Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-173
Authorizing the Renewal of the MVP Health Care Health Insurance Contract for Town Employees

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Deputy Supervisor Nippes

WHEREAS, the Town of Sand Lake currently offers MVP Silver 3 EPO and MVP Silver 3 HMO health insurance plans to eligible employees; and

WHEREAS, the current policy term is set to expire on November 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the Town Comptroller has reviewed the renewal terms, coverage limits, premiums, and conditions, and determined that renewal is in the best interest of the Town and its employees;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Sand Lake Town Board hereby authorizes the renewal of the Town's health insurance contract with MVP Health Care for the Silver 3 EPO and Silver 3 HMO plans effective December 1, 2026 for the plan year ending November 30, 2027.

AYES 5 - NAYS 0 Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-174
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE NEW YORK STATE UNIFIED SOLAR PERMIT

Moved by: Councilman Glasser
Seconded by: Supervisor Clemens

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake recognizes the benefits of solar energy, including providing residents with additional energy choices and supporting local investment in renewable energy; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, in coordination with the New York State Department of State, developed the New York State Unified Solar Permit to streamline the permitting process for eligible small-scale solar photovoltaic installations; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to provide a clear and consistent application process for eligible solar installations while maintaining compliance with applicable building, electrical, fire safety, zoning, and other requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Sand Lake hereby adopts the New York State Unified Solar Permit application and associated procedures for eligible solar photovoltaic installations within the Town; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Town's Code Enforcement Officer or other designated official is authorized and directed to accept and review Unified Solar Permit applications and to issue permits for eligible installations in accordance with the application requirements and applicable laws and codes

AYES 5 - NAYS 0 Motion Carried

RESOLUTION #2026-10-175
Budget Transfers/Amendments

Moved by: Councilman Baker
Seconded by: Councilman Glasser

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

Budget Amendments

Increase Appropriation A 522.9950.9 General Fund Transfer to Capital Project in the amount of $10,000 by Appropriating A599 General Fund- Fund Balance in the amount of $10,000. Increase Appropriation H029 522.8745.2 Burden Lake Dam- Capital Outlay in the amount of $10,000 and Increase Revenue H029 980.5031.9 Burden Lake Dam - Interfund Transfer in the amount of $10,000 for Legal Representation regarding the Burden Lake Dam Project.

There being no other business to come before the Board Supervisor Clemens made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 pm and it was seconded by Dep Supervisor Nippes. All 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