Taco Juan's last goodbye in Saugerties.

Mike Hein

Firemen of Saugerties

Hors'n around in Saugerties can land a fella in jail!

Consolidation is Needed in Saugerties

Let's cross our fingers that Governor Paterson signs New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act. (A08501 in the Assembly and S.5661 in the Senate). Who could dispute the need for consolidation of Saugerties governments?

The Village of Saugerties places an inordinate tax burden on residential land owners. A typical Village of Saugerties home costs more to own than some of the finest digs of Long Island. And for what? Services are minimal and are made even more inefficient by patronage, waste, low moral and lax supervision.

With the new bill 10% of Village residents are required to get a referendum on the ballot. This is a great opportunity to empower the people by giving them a vote. Let's get to it! Read the Senate bill in its entirely: http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S05661&sh=t

It's time to organize and get a petition together. Please contact me at (845) 247-0909 or comment on this article.

Saugerties Village Consolidation

ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO APPLAUDS NEW YORK STATE SENATE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CONSOLIDATION MEASURE TO REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY

Cuomo’s “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act,” will make it easier for New Yorkers to dissolve or consolidate the 10,500 local government entities that burden residents with nation’s highest local taxes

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 3, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today hailed the New York State Senate for passing his historic “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act,” giving citizens the power to dissolve or consolidate the many layers of local government that have contributed to New York having the nation’s highest local taxes.

The measure passed in the Senate today by a vote of 46 to 16. Cuomo’s bill was prime sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Sen. Betty Little. On June 1, the bill passed the state Assembly. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

“I commend the state Senate for taking action on such a critical issue and giving local communities the ability to reduce government overhead and cut property taxes,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “New York is now at an historic crossroads decades in the making. Taxpayers may soon be truly empowered to create long overdue efficiencies in local governments and special districts across our state. I thank the Governor for his support throughout the process and I look forward to this bill finally giving New York’s overburdened taxpayers the ability, where appropriate, to streamline their local governments and cut their property taxes.”

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D- WF-14th District) said, “Cutting wasteful government spending through government consolidation and eliminating unnecessary and costly layers of bureaucracy will reduce the crushing tax burden on millions of middle-income New Yorkers. During times of financial distress, we must find a way to do more with less, and that includes government. This bill empowers individual communities to determine the size of their government through a lasting process of reform that could potentially save millions in local property taxes. I applaud the Attorney General, as well as Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Betty Little for their work on this legislation and their innovative approach to reducing the tax burden on New York families.”

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35th District), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Local Governments and lead sponsor of this legislation said, “After 75 years of discussion about making government more effective and making spending more efficient, the Senate has passed legislation that truly empowers our communities and will help address the burden of property taxes on families across the State of New York. The outstanding component of this bill, in my opinion, is that it is the taxpayers who will decide how to best enhance the delivery of services and achieve savings locally. Attorney General Cuomo is to be commended for his diligence in advancing this measure, and for partnering with me and my colleagues in the Senate to address the bi-partisan issues of government reorganization and citizen empowerment that are important to all of us. This is the first step, but it is a very big first step, towards meaningful government reform and consolidation.”

Senator Betty Little (R-C-IP-45th District), ranking Republican on the Senate Local Government Committee, said, “Having chaired the Senate Local Government Committee for several years, I know how needlessly confusing our municipal laws are. This complexity helps no one and, instead, makes it difficult for local governments and the taxpayers they serve to adapt to hanging times. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill is a smart and long overdue streamlining of many of these laws. It removes cumbersome barriers and encourages efficiency with the goal of better, less costly government. Simply put, it’s about saving taxpayer dollars.”

Cuomo’s “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act,” is designed to cut government waste, reduce taxes, and provide vital services in a more efficient manner. Currently, the state’s overlapping governments saddle residents with the nation’s highest local taxes.

Russ Haven, Legislative Counsel for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), said, “There are many layers of local government that seemed like a good idea when put in place, but now are etched into stone by statute and legal requirements despite having outlived their usefulness. The Attorney General’s proposal would allow- not mandate -citizens and local governments to choose to have smarter, more efficient local government. Most important, voters would always get the final say on all major decisions.”

Gerald Benjamin, distinguished professor of political science at SUNY New Paltz and former member of the Lundine Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness said, “I am very pleased that the bill has now passed the state Legislature and I appreciate the Attorney General’s leadership on the issue. It is an important step in making the rationalization of local government structures in New York possible while remaining respectful of local community values. I look forward to the governor signing it soon.”

Kenneth Adams, president & CEO, The Business Council of New York State said, “Consolidation is essential to making local government services more efficient and cost-effective. It is a key step toward reducing the crushing burden of local taxes and making New York competitive again. To create private sector job growth, we must reduce the cost of government in New York and this bill is an important part of that process.”

Lisa Tyson, Director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, said, “Attorney General Cuomo is to be applauded for showing exceptional leadership in putting forward this bill. Upon receipt of the Governor's signature, it will vastly simplify the process by which concerned citizens can work towards the consolidation, streamlining and reform of Special Taxing Districts.”

Cuomo’s comprehensive legislative plan will streamline the often Byzantine and cumbersome process of consolidating local governmental entities, including the myriad special districts across the state. The proposal will not mandate consolidation; rather, it restructures the law to allow citizens, local officials, and counties to make the decisions themselves.

In all, there are more than 10,500 governmental entities imposing taxes and fees across New York State. This includes towns, villages, districts, and special districts such as water, sewer, and lighting districts.

As the state’s chief legal officer, Attorney General Cuomo is often tasked with advising local governments on the laws regulating them. It is clear that current laws are filled with inconsistencies and complexities making meaningful reform virtually unattainable. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill repeals and amends these outdated laws to allow for meaningful reform of local governments throughout the state.

For more information about Attorney General Cuomo’s “New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act” and to view an interactive map detailing special districts in New York State by county, visit www.oag.state.ny.us.

Senate Passes Bill to Ease Government Consolidation

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE

Published: June 4, 2009

ALBANY — The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would make it easier to cut or consolidate layers of local government in New York, a measure that supporters hailed as a significant step toward relieving tax burdens across the state.

"Sicko" - Healthcare Reform Equals a Strong Economy!

Watch Michael Moore's "Sicko" and learn what's really at stake if our legislators don't enact real healthcare reform. Moore does not play favors, poking fun wherever the money leads. You’ll laugh till it hurts!

The topic is timely, given Obama’s initiative to offer the public healthcare at affordable prices. Our country’s financial crisis was due in part by the unabashed greed and corruption of a “profits at any cost” philosophy. American businesses need the competitive edge that a public healthcare option would provide. Big pharmaceuticals, HMOs and the healthcare industry pour millions into lobbying to maintain the status quo. They are protecting their bottom line while making basic healthcare out of reach for working families.

Join Saugerties neighbors and friends at the Inquiring Minds Bookstore at the corner of Main and Partition Streets in the Village of Saugerties, July 19, 2009 at 7:00PM to watch Michael Moore’s “Sicko”. The atmosphere is casual with lively conversation about the need to support real healthcare reform. The “agent provocateur”, as described in Rolling Stone magazine also created documentaries including Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine, and Fahrenheit 9/11.

No Hors'n Around

At last night's Saugerties Village Board meeting, mayor Yerick opened with a salvo against the "jerk... idiot... 22 year old" who irreparably damaged one of the Hors'n Around Saugerties horses. "What in the hell gives these kids the right", the mayor continued as he explained that there was probably more than the 3 horses that have already been damaged.

Not children friendly

Apparently there have been other unforeseen issues that have arisen with the artful horses. Trustee Myers' report to the board included a child who "bumped" her face with the corner of one of the horses' metal bases. It seems that the bases on all 48 horses have protruding metal corners which are at eye-level to most children. "It's hard for a child to see them", Myers nervously chuckled, continuing to ensure a wary public that road department ground down the corners immediately after being alerted to the problem. "It's been quite a job keeping up with the horses..." she added. Mayor Yerick ended with a plea for anyone who witnesses suspicious activity around the horses to call the police immediately. "I can't understand why anyone would sit a child on these horses... they are beautiful pieces of art". Adding to the vandalism, it seems that folks have been seen sitting their pleading toddlers on the horses.

Running out of juice

Can you imagine that the little Village of Saugerties has reached full capacity and needs electrical upgrades? Well, it's true according to Alex Wade. Central Hudson will need to install 70 new utility poles. The problem is that CH will have to cut down some old shade trees in order to complete the upgrades. The Mayor explained that Verizon and Time Warner share these utility poles and they have "thousands of law suits" pending against them and he is "not optimistic" that they will comply will the Central Hudson pole transfers leaving old poles next to the 70 new poles and an unsightly mess. Kelly Myers is in charge of protecting the trees and the historical "integrity of our streets".

DOT changes its terms

The multi-million dollar Village water and sewer separation work agreement that has been planned for many years has run into financial trouble. New York State DOT wants the Village of Saugerties to pay for the construction costs upfront before the work begins. Then, as Alex Wade explained, "... we [Village of Saugerties] will bill DOT for the work when they are completed." The Mayor went on to assure the public that he has called all the politicians and representatives for their help and is hopeful something can be worked out.

"Oh yea... I'm abstaining"

The financial abstract for last month's Village expenses was approved unanimously (Campbell and Moore absent) with Trustee Murphy abstaining. At first Mayor Yerick seemed surprised, though with a smile and wink remembered that Trustee Murphy's trash services are included in the abstract of bills. Oh yea... I forgot.

Squeezing in another subdivision

A "Major Subdivision" request is in the progress. John Duran who owns property at the end of Main Street is requesting permission to subdivide his village property into several smaller parcels, "... for his kids".

Test your Saugerties I.Q.

by Samuel St. Ives
OK, so maybe you feel a little smug because you think your finger is on the pulse of Saugerties and that you know everything worth knowing about our quaint upstate community? Well, maybe this little quiz will help adjust that attitude. C'mon big guy or gal, show me what you've got. Answers below.



1. The latest plan for Winston Farm is:

a.) "Winston Farm Proposed Projects Museum"

b.) A "green" industrial park disguised as shrubbery

c.) a Palestinian state

d.) an 800-acre, 18-hole miniature golf course



2. Instead of high-powered rifles for deer hunting, many residents of West Saugerties prefer to use:

a.) high explosives

b.) confidential informants

c.) piano wire

d.) George Heidcamp newspaper columns to mesmerize their prey



3. The hamlet of West Camp is known for its:

a.) westerly location from East Camp

b.) loving preservation of "Dead Man's Curve"

c.) panoramic views of Alpha Cement

d.) rich Corinthian leather



4. Overnight stays at the Saugerties Lighthouse feature:

a.) swearing in several foreign languages from the crews of passing freighters

b.) free malaria screenings

c.) making finger-shadow puppets on Tivoli

d.) high-speed Internet access so you can Google river-related subjects such as "lighthouse keeper/cabin fever"



5. Saugerties teens like to drive with their sweatshirt hoods up because:

a.) it helps them concentrate on just the road directly ahead

b.) it helps them avoid bench warrants

c.) it helps muffle those annoying emergency vehicle sirens

d.) it's a stolen car



6. Tasers are used by Village Police officers to:

a.) heat Lipton Cup-a-Soup

b.) test each other's manhood

c.) jump-start patrol cars in the winter

d.) maintain decorum at Board of Education meetings



7. The new Saugerties Public Library will feature:

a.) a "Librarians Only" lap pool

b.) a separate wing to house Harry Potter books

c.) trustee pole-dancing every Wednesday night

d.) a Dewey Decimal System Museum



8. Saugerties has never had a serial killer because:

a.) he doesn't want to negatively impact tourism

b.) of the high cost of quality duct tape

c.) of the heavily armed residents

d.) after all, we are "Friendly" Saugerties



9. Saugerties is in the Guinness Book of World Records for:

a.) having manufactured the world's largest brick

b.) having planned 23 projects not built on Winston Farm

c.) its bluestone currency

d.) being 42 percent friendlier than its closest competitor, Catskill



10. The Winston Farm Alliance Mural at the corner of Main and Market streets:

a.) will be auctioned off at Christie's on September 10 (building not included)

b.) has 32 rabbits hidden in its design

c.) was painted with brushes made from recycled roadkill

d.) was one of the clues in the book The Da Vinci Code



11. The sloop Clearwater sails up and down the Hudson River promoting:

a.) the Garlic Festival

b.) Pete Seeger box sets

c.) wind-powered sailboats

d.) kinder, gentler piracy



12. Now that the village of Saugerties has been revitalized, the mayor would like to:

a.) revitalize the village

b.) point out to some of the denser residents that the village can never have too much revitalization

c.) help build a lasting monument to greed

d.) replace the Historic Review Board with colorful hand puppets



13. During these difficult economic times, what Saugerties needs is:

a.) a restaurant that accepts antiques as payment

b.) an antique store that accepts prepared food as payment

c.) a bank that makes short-term loans to purchase food and antiques

d.) a store that sells edible antiques



14. Some Saugerties teens have their lower lips pierced with rings because:

a.) it gives them the cutest speech impediment

b.) they want you to see it but pretend you don't 'cause you don't want to mention it 'cause then they can act real cool like it's no big deal and why don't you have one and then you'll feel like maybe you really aren't as cool as they are and maybe you really should think about getting one

c.) it makes a handy key ring

d.) they were s-o-o-o-o drunk!



15. Due to the ongoing recession, this year's Farmers' Market will be called "The Saugerties Times Farmers' Market" so:

a.) they can get a break on ad rates

b.) maybe all of their granola type reporters will drop a few bucks at the Market

c.) it's a good tie-in to "The Saugerties Times Velodrome" under construction on the site of the old Cantine Mill on Partition Street

d.) that stock value is preserved for both companies



16. In order to help promote tourism in "Friendly Saugerties," all residents should:

a.) be able to give convincing, if not quite accurate, directions to "Big Pink"

b.) wear authentic Dutch costumes every other weekend

c.) be able to feign awe and humility when visitors tell you they're from the "Big Apple"

d.) practice turning that frown upside-down



17. Tractor trailers should be allowed to drive through the village as much as they please because:

a.) the noise keeps the cop on the corner of Main and Partition streets from dozing off and toppling into traffic

b.) the crushed bluestone curbs at street corners make the sidewalks more handicap-accessible

c.) hey, it's not like anyone has been killed yet. Let's be patient

d.) it's fun to do that hand pump gesture and hear them blow those horns!



18. Satellite images of Saugerties show:

a.) the armies of Mordor moving down from the north like a plague upon the Earth

b.) the exact location of the mosh pit from the Woodstock '94 Music Festival on Winston Farm

c.) the new high school track is a perfect circle

d.) someone's thumb over the lens



19. To guard against black bear attacks in the Saugerties area you should:

a.) sleep only in bear-proof Dumpsters

b.) remember to pack a Rottweiler in your knapsack before setting out on a hike

c.) never pet them with anything shorter than a garden rake

d.) wear light colored clothing, tuck your pant legs into your boots and wear long-sleeved shirts. These precautions will also help to protect you from deer ticks



20. The Malden Yacht Club is:

a.) composed mainly of retired Special Operations officers

b.) getting out of rehab in a couple weeks

c.) a bunch of wimps who only go with the tide - they'll be back in about six hours

d.) just now passing Midway Island as this goes to press





Answers: 1.b 2.c 3.c 4.a 5.a 6.d 7.d 8.b 9.a 10.d 11.c 12.a 13.d 14.b 15.b 16.a 17.c 18.b 19.c 20.d

Original Article at http://www.ulsterpublishing.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=486976

Surface Discharge Project - Glasco Saugerties

Ulster County
Applicant:

Town of Saugerties
4 High St
Saugerties, NY 12477
Facility:

Glasco Sewer District WWTP
Glasco Tpke & Hudson St
Saugerties, NY 12477
Application ID:

3-5148-00074/00002
Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 17 Titles 7 & 8 Municipal SPDES - Surface Discharge
Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pursuing a Department Initiated Modification (DIM) and renewal to the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit (NY 014 5564), pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 750-1.18, New York State's Environmental Benefit Permit Strategy (EBPS).
The following describes the proposed modifications: The Glasco Wastewater Treatment Facility is a municipal wastewater treatment facility. The permit is for a discharge of 0.424 mgd. Effluent limits are for secondary treatment with year-round disinfection. No changes in effluent limits are proposed. Permit pages have been updated based on current department guidance, format and nomenclature. The modification also includes several other minor reporting modifications. The facility has surface discharge into the Hudson River, a class A water.
Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.

SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.
Coastal Management:

This project is located in a Coastal Management area and is subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.
Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Jun 26, 2009.
Contact:

Teresa Diehsner
NYSDEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
(518)402-9167
depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Cantine Dam in Saugerties Village using Photosynth

A different perspective of Cantine Dam with images stitched together using Photosynth by Microsoft. You have to download photosynth player to view. Get it. It's very cool.

Saugerties Partition Street Project is Alive!

Without fan fare or hype, the postponed Partition Street Project seems to be alive and well again. Saugerties Village Planning Board held their Wednesday meeting this evening at 7:00PM with Tom Struzzieri, principal partner of Saugerties Partition Street Project in attendance. The hired architect for the convention center and hotel project presented the Planning Board with a two-dimensional drawing of the buildings' facade. Though little details were discussed [or questions asked], the planning board expressed their approval with favorable comments regarding the color drawing.

Other than Mr. Struzzieri's entourage, the meeting seemed void of many of the concerned citizens that prior meetings attracted. Let's hope that the promised "public meetings" will be announced soon before the project is finished.

Saugerties Times' Editor "Confuses"

The editorial by Will Dendis on April 9 is very misleading as he tries to guess as to Mayor Yerrick's [equally confusing] dismissal of the Saugerties Village Historic Review Board.

The New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requires the Village of Saugerties’ Historic Review Board to be a part of the review process for the Partition Street Project. In New York, planning boards, town boards, city councils and other government agencies must comply with strict procedures for the review of environmental impacts of proposed projects that they approve. If the procedures are not adhered to, citizens may challenge the decision in court, generally seeking to annull the decision in question and the environmental review process starts over.

When Will Dendis refers to the current historic Review Board (whom the mayor has tried to remove) as “inserting itself into the process” and that the Historic Review Board has "run amok”, the Saugerties Times editor has totally misrepresented the facts. The current board (Dave Minch, Michael Sullivan Smith and Rosemary Brackett) are required by SEQRA to form an opinion as to the project’s appropriateness. Since they are listed as interested agencies at the beginning of this process, they should remain in place until it’s resolution.

The SEQRA review process involves negotiation between interested parties, developers and the citizens of the Village of Saugerties. The Historic Review Board followed Village law and neither Mayor Yerrick [or Saugerties Village Board] has the authority to usurp the Village's own laws. Will Dendis is entitled to his opinion, but first he should get his facts straight.

Diana Bryan
845-246-3182

Property-tax pain growing throughout the state | recordonline.com

Property-tax pain growing throughout the state | recordonline.com

Posted using ShareThis

Saugerties village budget increases tax levy 5.37% - The Daily Freeman News: Serving the Hudson Valley since 1871(DailyFreeman.com)

Saugerties village budget increases tax levy 5.37% - The Daily Freeman News: Serving the Hudson Valley since 1871(DailyFreeman.com)

Posted using ShareThis

Village Law is Only a Guide - Explains Saugerties Mayor

On April 2 the Village of Saugerties Mayor notified four members (4) of the village's Historic Review Board that all 5 members [staggered 3 year terms] were being replaced and that a "clean sweep" was in order and that the mayor took this action because of [repeated] alleged grievances against the board members.

Three (3) members [David Minch (chair), Rosemarie Brackett and Smith were notified by mail of their dismissal during the week April 6. On Monday April 6, the regular Village Board meeting took place, with the agenda to name the replacements. During the public comment period several citizens, including David Minch spoke about their dismay over the mayor's unilateral and hasty decision. It was brought out that this action was taken immediately after a local developer stated that his project was on hold partly due to the resistance he was experiencing from some citizens.

The mayor was reminded that according to village law, he did not have the right to dismiss the members and that his actions violated the village law. "It's not unprecedented" the mayor contented and that he has replaced boards at least twice of the last 10 years in his "regime". During the April 6th meeting and subsequent meetings, Mayor Yerick defended his action citing his right to replace Historic Review Board members due to the fact that he had up to 20 grievances with the board members, though he refused to reveal the grievances. He explained that his decision culminated with the board's recent recommendation that Tom Struzzieri [local developer] had "stormed" into the mayor's office several times, cursing and complaining of the board's recommendations regarding several of his projects, including The Partition Street Project. The mayor continued to state that"Village Law is only as a guide" and that businesses [like Tom Struzzieri's] sometimes trumped those laws.

Numerous times over the past several weeks, mayor Yerick stated that when a developer who is bringing "many, many million dollars project" into the Village that "common sense" took precedence over laws.

Public Hearing and Village of Saugerties Board Meeting

Date: Mon, Apr 20, 2009
Contact: Mary Frank
Address: 43 Partition Street
Saugerties, NY 12477
Phone: 845-246-2321 x1
Fax: 845-246-0887
Email: mfrank--AT--villageofsaugerties.org
Please note that "--AT--" will need to be replace manually with the @ symbol. I do not want to let email phishbots to scrape email address.

Public Hearing: 6:45 p.m.
Saugerties Village Board Regular Meeting: 7:00 PM Village offices, 43 Partition Street

Description:
Notice is hereby given, that the Village of Saugerties Board of Trustees will hold two Public Hearings on Monday, April 20, 2008 beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 43 Partition Street.

The FIRST Public Hearing is to receive comment on improvements to its wastewater system for a NYS Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant request to fund these improvements.

The SECOND Public Hearing will be held immediately following the first Public Hearing.
The purpose of the second Public Hearing is to receive comments on Local Law #1/2009.
This law deletes the Special Use in the R3 Zone which allows for 4 or more residential units.

Open attached PDF Minutes from March 16th Village Board Meeting which briefly describes the above Local Law #1/2009 and the purpose for public hearing.

All interested parties will be heard at both Public Hearings.
The regular Village Board meeting will immediately follow the Public Hearings.
Mary Frank, Village Clerk (246-2321 x1)

WAMC: Saugerties Convention Center: On or Off? (2009-04-10)

Listen to WAMC (Audio) interviews Saugerties Village Historical Board (dismissed) chair David Minch about Mayor Yerick's decision to replace all the Historic Review committee members last Tuesday.

"Let's just take this one off-line"

Last night Saugerties' Village Mayor Yerrick explained that "It's not unprecedented, I replaced the (entire) membership of committees twice in my regime". The retort came moments after the first of five public speakers inquired about his decision (last week) to replace all of the members of the Historic Review Board. In what the mayor explained was "putting fresh eyes on a committee that extended it's authority too many times over the past several years in my opinion". Penelope Milford, who lives on Valley Street in the south side of the Village asked the mayor, "Please tell us what exactly did the members do that constituted "extending their authority"?" After seemingly struggling with an answer, Yerrick revealed that it was due to a letter that the committee sent to the Village Planning Board which requested "remediation of the parking" situation at the proposed Partition Street Project. The letter explained that since The Partition Street Project was at the entrance of the village's Historic District there should be a reconfiguration of the parking lot/s in order not to present an adverse visual impact. In other words, the committee suggested redesigning the parking lot so as not to look like a Walmart's Super Center.

David Minch (replaced Historic Review Board chair) stood up to take his turn at the imaginary lectern to "share with Village trustees his willingness to step aside and facilitate the transition, though there are legal issues that need to considered". David continued to explain that the Village's own zoning laws dictate that member terms are three years and are staggered in order to provide a smooth and contiguous transition of duties to new members. However, since the mayor replaced all the board members (all at once) there would not be a quorum necessary to conduct business, including voting on the minutes of the last meeting. Mayor Yerrick repeatedly tried to end discussion by suggesting, "David, there are no problems that are insurmountable, let's just take this one (conversation) off-line and we'll come to some solution".

From Partition Street Project

David continued to explain that the board consulted with CLG (Certified Local Government) program which is provided by the New York Department of State regarding the remediation request letter and that it was within their authority as a Historic Review Committee. At one point the Mayor demanded to know, "what attorney gave you that advice? You should have consulted with the Village attorney". Laughs in the audience could be heard as it was explained that the CLG offers legal advice to historic review boards as part of the Village's membership.

Saugerties Village Trustee Suzanne LeBlanc asked the mayor what were the qualification requirements for new Historic Review Committee members. An architect, historian, and real estate professional was the answer. The new replacements that the Mayor appointed were Richard Frisbee (Chair), Don Hackett and Susannah Sattan. Several Village Trustees suggested postponing the vote for new committee members until the next Village Board Meeting, Monday April 20.