Minutes
| TOWN BOARD MEETING TOWN OF COXSACKIE March 10, 2026 PRESENT: Richard Hanse, SupervisorThomas Burke, Councilman Patrick Kennedy, Councilman Shane Pilato, Councilman Michale Veeder, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper/Budget Officer GUESTS: The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. The public hearing on proposed Local Law #1-2026 Amending zoning prohibiting data centers and crypto mining was opened. Carol Metz stated that she is totally in favor of this law and is happy the Board is being proactive. Catherine Huber has no idea what crypto mining actually is. Basically it is virtual currency. Data centers are self-contained buildings containing a large number of computers that consume a lot of electricity, and emit a constant low frequency, i.e. humming noise resulting from the cooling systems. There had been an illegal operation on Flint Mine Road and several residents complained about the noise. A motion to close the public hearing at 7:10 pm and open the regular meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder The meeting was opened to representatives Madeline and Alyssa of the NYSDOH Bureau of Water Assessment & Protection Program. A power-point presentation depicting an assessment of local laws for protecting Hollister Lake in the Town of Coxsackie. They have been working with the Town of Athens on a local law assessment created as an implementation action for the Village’s source water protection plan, and the Town of Coxsackie is within the Village of Athens watershed. They recommend amendments to the regulations which could improve the lake’s long-term water quality. A motion to accept the minutes of February 10, 2026, was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Supervisor opened the meeting to the public. Carol asked about the Flint Mine Solar clearing project. The Town received notice that they would begin pre-construction mobilization activity, specifically, hand tree-felling. The work is scheduled to being about March 9 and continue through March 31, 2026. Catherine stated that the Town did a spectacular job with snow removal and wanted to convey her thanks to the highway crew. She also asked if there had been any follow-up with the Village in regard to the disrepair of the sidewalks on Lafayette Avenue in front of the medical building. Rick will speak with Mark about this issue. Linda Deubert spoke about the Comprehensive Plan. The IDA is looking into workforce housing; for property located in the Corridor Industrial Zone. She feels this would be a good use of the property. They are looking to attract more workforce to the Town and are also looking into the possibility of a more walkable community. Highway Superintendent Eldred provided a written report. They have a full supply of salt, 900 tons have been trucked in. He attended advocacy day in support of getting an increase in CHIPS money. Busy brush and tree trimming. The new loader is out getting the brush attachment put on and the old chipper has been listed on the Auctions International site. Chief of EMS Myrdycz submitted a written vehicle report. They had 100 calls for February. Two mowing bids were received for the 2026 season; legal notice was presented. CMS Sealcoating & Landscaping from Schenectady bid $6500.00 and Josh Stiteler from Climax bid $6500.00 Both provided insurance certificates. Josh did the mowing last year. Shane suggested staying local, stating Josh did a good job last year. A motion was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Thomas Burke awarding the mowing bid to Josh Stiteler. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Shared Services Agreement between the County of Greene and the Town of Coxsackie was presented. A motion to accept the agreement was made by Michael Veeder seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion approving the Highway Superintendent to attend Highway School in Ithaca May 31-June 3 was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A letter, petition, and photos were received from residents on County Route 51 requesting a posted speed limit of 30MPH on the Town portion of County Route 51 from Paradise Hill Road to State Route 81. It was noted that the Town supported this request back in January of 2023. A resolution was adopted and was rejected by the DOT. A motion to pass another resolution with the same language was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion to accept the negative declaration for Proposed Local Law #1-2026 – a local law amending the Town zoning law prohibiting data centers and crypto mining facilities was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion to accept Local Law #1-2006 as presented was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder A motion to solicit bids for sealing and striping of the Senior Center parking lot and the Town Hall was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Bids will be opened at the April 41 Board meeting. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $347,568.19 were audited on abstract #3, voucher numbers 2026-138 through 2026-206. Bank reconciliations were presented for review. A motion to accept the January Justice reports was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder At 7:56 pm a motion to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing two employees was made by Shane Pilato seconded by Michael Veeder and duly carried. Donna Wasilewski was asked to remain. Ayes: 5 – Hanse Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder At 8:07 pm a motion to come out of executive session and adjourn the meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried. Ayes: 5 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Veeder Copies of all resolutions, agreements, and contracts are on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
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