by Chris Tergliafera
At the November 9 regular meeting of the New Lebanon Town Board, the Town’s 2022 budget was approved. While there were no proposed changes by the Board, a $20,000 adjustment was necessary to include the library budget increase that was passed on the November 2 election. The Board strived for, and achieved a zero tax increase budget in the original proposal, but the additional $20,000 will result in a slight increase.
New Appointment Process
A motion to change the way committee appointments are made was passed by the Board. Under the old process, a committee or board member would just be reappointed. The Board expressed their belief that this may lead to qualified people never getting the chance to interview for these positions. The new process calls anyone, including the incumbent, to submit a letter of interest expressing their desire to fill the position. The Board will get to try out the new process when it conducts interviews for committee vacancies, with incoming Board members present, on December 29, at 6:30 pm. Letters of interest for potential vacancies must be received by December 17, at 4 pm.
Skatepark Update
New Lebanon’s skatepark will more than likely not be installed until Spring of next year. It will be moved for the winter and wrapped in protective material. An engineer recently inspected the structure and said that while there is some damage, it’s worth storing for the winter and can be repaired before installation.
New Summer Camp Director
The Town received one application for the Summer Youth Program Director position after requesting letters of interest. The applicant is interested in both Program and Camp Director positions.
Other News
The old highway furnace has been removed, and installation on the new furnace has begun.
A public hearing to introduce local laws 3, 4 and 5 has been set for Tuesday, December 14, beginning at 7:30 pm. The hearing will be held before that month’s regular Town Board meeting, which will begin at 7:45 pm due to a Christmas concert in Shatford Park.
The end of year meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 29, at 6 pm.