Minutes

TOWN BOARD MEETING
TOWN OF COXSACKIE
September 8, 2026

Minutes from Special Meeting 09/24/26

PRESENT:

Richard Hanse, Supervisor
Thomas Burke, Councilman
Patrick Kennedy, Councilman
Shane Pilato, Councilman
Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk
Donna Wasilewski, Bookkeeper/Budget Officer

ABSENT:

Michael Veeder, Councilman/Deputy Supervisor

GUESTS:

Carol Serazio, Laura Shauger, Lianne Fenn, Catherine Benson,
Carol Metz, Eileen West, Joanne Riley, John Benson

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Hanse at 7:01 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion to accept the minutes of August 11, 2026, was made by Shane Pilato seconded
by Patrick Kennedy and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato, Absent: 1 – Veeder

The meeting was opened to Catherine Benson, Director of the Heermance Memorial Library. She gave her annual report to the board and presented the 2027 budget. The library is a wonderful place to learn, connect, cool down, and get help assisting with a variety of services. Catherine thanked her staff, volunteers, and her husband for their support. The election for trustees and the budget will be held on Tuesday, October 6 from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm at the library. The budget is increasing by $34,815.00 bringing the total budget to $401,307. Of that amount, $370,366.00 is requested through the Town of Coxsackie Special District Library tax. The increase is driven by facility improvements and operating costs not new programs or staff expansions. The expected tax increase will be $86.15 (an increase from last year of $7.80) on a home assessed at $100,000. Councilman Burke thanked her on behalf of the board and applauds her efforts.

Supervisor opened the meeting for public comments. Carol Metz asked that the library continue to share information and thanks them for making her proud. Carol also thanked the Board for providing mulch at the Senior Center. She has volunteers lined up for tomorrow at 10:00 am.

Joanne Riley addressed the Board regarding the recent Peace Pole that was donated by the Coxsackie-Athesn Rotary. It has been installed in one of the gardens down at Riverside Park
and there will be an official dedication ceremony held in April.

Highway Superintendent submitted a written report stating that they have done ditch work on Mountain Road and Green Bedell Road, dug soft spot out on Country Meadow Road and blacktopped it. Hauled crusher run for Fall project. Repaired shoulder and roadway on Cold Springs Road. Repaired headwall on large culvert on Vandenburgh Road that was damaged during the heavy rain in July. Installed another 36” culvert on Beecher Road to help alleviate flooding issues. Roadside mowing continues with both tractors.

Chief of EMS Myrdycz provided a report; they had 131 calls – another busy month. Vehicle mileage: 75-1 has 139,886 miles and 75-3 has 67,969. 75-2 is currently out being
re-chassied.

Rick reported that he had a last-minute agenda item and apologized to the Board for the late notice. AVE had a price increase on August 1st for the remount of ambulance 75-1 but the salesman filed for price protection for the next remount. He received a purchase agreement based on a 2027 Ford F-450 remount even though it may be with a 2028 model year chassis. The remount would be in 2028. The cost is $212,325.00. Thomas Burke made a motion to authorize the Supervisor to sign the purchase agreement with AVE to remount the 2002 ambulance (75-1) as presented. Patrick Kennedy seconded the motion which was duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

It was noted that if the Town takes possession of the ambulance in 2028 no payment would be due until 2029. If the current ambulance that is out being rechassied (75-2) is delivered before the end of the year then a payment would be due in 2027. If it is not delivered until 2027 then the payment would be due in 2028. Donna has kept the payment in the budget for 2027 to be on the safe side.

Donna continues working on the tentative budget and will have it ready for Bambi to distribute to the Board later this month. She went over the various ambulance bonds; discussion ensued.

Proposed Local Law #4-2026, Creating Alternative Veterans Exemption for Seriously Disabled Veterans pursuant to Section 458-A(11) of the Real Property Tax Law was presented. Supervisor reported that the County has already adopted the exemption and the passage of this law will put the Town in line with the County.

A motion to schedule a public hearing on the proposed Law for October 13 at 7:00 pm was
made by Thomas Burke seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

A motion to declare the Town Board as lead agency for SEQR was made by Shane Pilato Seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

The Town Board received a road naming application submitted by Paul R. Szafran Carpentry Inc. Paul is the owner of 280 Mountain Road; he requested a name change in April to Mars Hill Road which was approved by the Board. He is requesting a road running off Mars Hill Road, providing access to four lots, to be named Mars Hill Extension. Maps were provided. Shane Pilato made a motion seconded by Thomas Burke and duly carried, approving his application as presented.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

General Fund and Highway bills in the amount of $115,970.28 were audited on abstract #9, voucher numbers 2026-534 through 2026-585. Bank reconciliations were presented for review.

A motion to accept the July Justice reports was made by Patrick Kennedy seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke, Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

At 7:44 pm a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Thomas Burke seconded by Shane Pilato and duly carried.
Ayes: 4 – Hanse, Burke Kennedy, Pilato Absent: 1 – Veeder

______________________________

Bambi Hotaling, Town Clerk

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