Village Notes 2025-03-10
Do Outs
Water Service Disruptions: Village Manager will follow up on water service disruptions affecting two residential properties on NYS Route 86 and explore potential compensation options for the affected homeowners.
Pine Street Property: Village Manager will determine the best course of action for the Village-owned vacant parcel on Pine Street.
Saranac Lake Local Development Corporation (SLLDC) Update
SLLDC Chair provided an update on recent initiatives:
New Website Launch: The SLLDC has unveiled a new website to enhance community engagement and provide resources for local development. www.slldc.org
Funding and Administration: The corporation received $25,000 in funding from the Village last year, utilized to complete administrative actions and ensure compliance with audit and tax filings. Charlotte Lomino was hired as the Operating Officer.
Fixer Upper Fund: A new matching grant initiative, the Fixer Upper Fund, has been introduced to encourage community involvement and support housing projects.
Key Board Actions
Bill 24 (Passed 5-0): Resolution to authorize the Village to take ownership of 71 Canaras Ave, execute an MOU with Franklin County, and transfer ownership of the property to the Franklin County Land Bank.
Bill 25 (Passed 5-0): Approval of a park use application with permission to serve alcohol for the Cruisin’ 2025 car show event.
Bill 26 (Passed 5-0): Authorization to transfer funds from contingency accounts to contractual funds.
Bill 27 (Passed 5-0): Approval of funding for security equipment upgrades for the Village Offices.
Bill 28 (Passed 5-0): Declaration of certain equipment as surplus.
Bill 29 (Passed 5-0): Authorization for overnight travel for two employees to attend the New York Rural Water Conference.
Bill 30 (Passed 5-0): Authorization for overnight travel for an employee to attend SUNY Morrisville Training.
Bill 31 (Passed 3-2 / Trustees Brunette, Scollin, and White voted in favor; Mayor Williams and Trustee Ryan opposed): Resolution to call for a public hearing on a Local Law amending the Development Code’s Short-Term Rental Law.
The proposed amendment introduces targeted, common sense changes that support full-time residents while ensuring STRs contribute to the overall housing supply. It discourages speculative STR expansion by investors, encourages homeowners to live in their properties, and prevents loopholes that could weaken the effectiveness of the existing STR regulations.
New Category: “Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rentals”
Before: No distinction between owner-occupied and investor-owned STRs.
Now: STRs now have a special category for homeowners who live on the property, which is the type of STR that has broad public support.
Stricter Rules for Exemptions to the STR Permit Cap
Currently: Exemptions are vague and open to interpretation.
Now: Exemptions must increase housing supply and require a public hearing.
Bill 20 (Passed 5-0): Acceptance of a Volunteer Fire Infrastructure and Rescue Equipment (VFIRE) Grant.
Bill 16 (Failed 3-2 / Trustees Brunette and White voted in favor; Mayor Williams, Trustees Ryan, and Scollin opposed): Resolution authorizing the creation of an Emergency Water and Sewer Grant and Loan Program.
The majority voted against Bill 16, which would have created a clear, fair process for residents needing help with emergency water/sewer repairs. Right now, decisions on financial relief are made case by case, with no set rules, creating inconsistencies and legal concerns about the Village’s ability to "forgive" charges.
Bill 16 would have:
Created clear, fair rules for water/sewer assistance.
Provided grants & low-interest loans for emergency repairs using funds that don’t come from local taxpayers.
Protected residents and the Village by replacing case-by-case decisions with a legal, structured process.
Board Discussions
Cannabis Fund Program: Discussion regarding the allocation of funds — to-date over $95,000 — generated from cannabis-related revenues.
Purchasing Policy Review: Trustee White requested review of the current purchasing policy to enhance efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in Village procurement processes.
Development Board Permit Enforcement: Discussion emphasized the importance of enforcing conditions stipulated in Development Board permits. This will be discussed further at the joint work session of the Development Board and the Village Board on March 18th at 5pm.
33 Petrova Avenue: Trustees Brunette and White requested a cost comparison of demolition and new construction of a right-sized building vs. retrofitting the existing building. There was no commitment from the staff or majority of the board to do this.
Public Discussions & Concerns
Water Service Disruptions: Homeowners affected by recent water service disruptions requested credits for their water bills and compensation for unnecessary line repairs. The Board acknowledged these concerns.
