[0:00] All right, welcome Woodbury to your village board meeting of September 10,

[0:03] 2026. I would ask everyone to please rise for

[0:07] the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence from Michael Hansen and all

[0:11] those lives lost and all those lives we continue to lose

[0:15] based on that faithful day 25 years ago. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[0:21] United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

[0:27] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[0:39] All right. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

[0:45] All right. As I always do, I will start with introductions of your village

[0:49] board. Starting at the far end with deputy mayor Christopher Graciano.

[0:54] Next to him is an empty seat. Next to the empty seat is trustee Kathleen

[0:59] Matah. Next to her is trustee Stephanie Pal. Next to her is village clerk

[1:06] Jessica Mcclennon. And I am your mayor Andrew Jackamaza.

[1:10] Tara Bureick is away on a special assignment so she will not be here this

[1:14] evening. Uh we will start with introductory local law 8 of 2026 extend

[1:19] the building moratorum. A public hearing is being held to entertain public

[1:23] comments on introductory local law 8 of 2026

[1:29] extend building moratorum. The purpose of this local law is to continue the

[1:33] moratorium on certain permits certificate of o o o o o o o o o o o o o

[1:36] o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o occ occupancy and

[1:37] approvals. Public notice was printed in times held record on September 3rd,

[1:42] 2026. So, for the board and the public's

[1:48] clarity, we will not be able to conclude tonight since the GML 239 is still not

[1:53] back from the county. In the meantime, we will go out to the public for

[1:58] comment. Anyone in the public wishing to speak on introductory local law 8 of

[2:03] 2026,

[2:08] go to them. You go right up there.

[2:21] forget if you don't check your email,

[2:32] Mineral Springs. Um

[2:37] there is this new seeker law that exempts

[2:41] um multif family developments greater than

[2:45] one and less than 100 that becomes active January 1 of this next year.

[2:51] Um the moratorum um has to do with water and how this

[2:57] relates to the new law is that um hook a connection to water and sewer is not

[3:05] required until occupancy habitation. So the plan can go forward without water

[3:11] and sewer hookup. Um, it exempts basically home rule law

[3:17] and leaves the planning board in a man uh what's the right word?

[3:24] Old brain again, can't remember, but ministerial role. Um, much of what we're

[3:29] used to being able to use to review projects do not does not apply. As I

[3:34] have reviewed this law, uh, exemption number 14 specifically identifies a

[3:41] single family dwelling. I think you will find that if your council reviews this

[3:46] that that is an impertinence because it's a local law and the state law has

[3:51] superiority um uh sovereignty over over local home

[3:55] rule as the governor has written the law. And the second one is that number

[4:00] 15 is basically um a welcome map

[4:07] because again they don't have a development that would be qualify as an

[4:11] exempt uh development on disturbed land doesn't have to have water and sewer

[4:18] until habitation. This means the the capital investment in

[4:23] the property can go forward and therefore any they have rights and then

[4:28] that they would have to have additional value that would have to be bought out

[4:31] in any future thing. So be aware of that going into this maybe review it again.

[4:37] Um I don't know if 15 was in the last one but it it is to my perception

[4:44] basically I welcome that to these what the seeker exempts. Thank you. Thank

[4:49] you. Anyone else wishing to speak on introductory local law 8 of 2026

[5:03] Jimmy Highland Mills? So this is just a rant.

[5:09] In four years I've seen you guys between water moratoriums, sewer

[5:15] moratoriums, these building moratoriums trying to

[5:19] do what's right for this area.

[5:23] You know because of your efforts there was no drought. Um

[5:29] but at this point at this juncture what is the point of

[5:35] this? Because when you have a governor who wants basically she would eliminate

[5:42] secret she could the mandate is let them bills um

[5:48] on and on the DC has not stepped in otherwise certain things in South

[5:54] Blooming Grove would not have occurred and you know I know you can't speak

[6:00] about it but we all know what this annexation is about. They they're not

[6:04] asking for the annexation because you're a dictator or whatever else. It's

[6:10] because of all these moratoriums that's slowing down the

[6:14] overdevelopment. So at this point, what is the point of this?

[6:19] It's it's oh, I'm still going to fight. I'm still going to speak up. I'm still

[6:23] be opinionated. But it is frustrating that you're here trying to do the right

[6:28] thing and the the mayors, the supervisors,

[6:33] whoever's in charge of all these other municipalities around us can do whatever

[6:37] they please and nobody is stepping in. I don't want

[6:42] to hear about home rule and this and that because if it was home rule, local

[6:49] mandates don't apply to us. So,

[6:56] what are you going to do? You're going to be the LA Are we going to be the last

[7:00] municipality standing fighting for what's good for this area?

[7:07] You know, I know where you stand and I know what you're going to do. what's

[7:10] right. But for me, I had to I'm just frustrated because I of what I see

[7:15] because if it wasn't for you, what two years ago, we would had the water trucks

[7:20] possibly, we would be backed up on sewer most likely

[7:26] between the flooding that occurs on every any rain because they pave every

[7:31] last inch. They not they cut down every tree.

[7:36] And this is going to lead in this November. I hope everyone's paying

[7:40] attention. They have to vote. Even though there's

[7:44] no one running for TR, you know, there's no opponents on trustee and supervisor.

[7:50] Our local elections are what they are, but our state elections, we need help

[7:57] because you are fighting the leaders in Albany. And how much

[8:03] longer can you guys do this? You know, we do 500 500 acres. What do

[8:09] you do? Another five because you won't allow them to overdevelop.

[8:15] Thank you. Thank you, Jimmy. Anyone else wishing to speak on introductory local

[8:22] law 8?

[8:29] Maria Hunter, I thank the board for doing this law

[8:36] again and I'm full in support of this. So, I appreciate it. I know you're still

[8:41] actively looking for more water that we never ever have to have a drought season

[8:47] affect us. So, I appreciate that what the water department is doing, building

[8:51] department and this board. So, thank you for putting this forward again. I'm in

[8:54] support of this. Thank you. >> Thank you, Maria.

[8:58] Anyone else in the public?

[9:02] » Can I say something? >> Yeah, go right ahead.

[9:04] » All right. I just want to make sure Let me make sure everybody hears me. Um, I

[9:10] want to make sure that everybody understands what this moratorium is

[9:12] about and not making it into something it's not. Um, when I first got on the

[9:18] board over 6 years ago, the first thing that I did was sit down with the folks

[9:23] in the water department, look at their budget, look at their water supply

[9:28] situation, and look at what we already had approved. This has nothing to do

[9:33] with development. Never did. This 100% only has to do with the fact that we are

[9:38] not in code for state law for water supply. So until we get there, we had to

[9:45] pause new hookups to the system because all it would do is push us further

[9:49] backwards instead of getting forward. So this was never being never ever was

[9:55] intended to be anti-development. None of us are anti-development.

[9:59] It only had to do with we didn't have enough water supply to to serve our co

[10:05] our constituents as is if the biggest supply went out of service. That's the

[10:09] rule is if you lose your biggest supply, you still have to have enough water to

[10:12] feed your average day. We didn't have that and we're working diligently

[10:17] towards that. It's not a fast process. We've gotten the well on. We're looking

[10:22] at another one. We're getting close. They've done a lot of work, a lot of

[10:26] rehab work, a lot of fixing of the system, and we've haven't had a summer

[10:31] restriction in a couple years now because of all that investment and work.

[10:36] It takes a few years to catch up for 10 years of neglect of the water system

[10:41] that happened before that. So, please don't take this as anything having to do

[10:45] with whatever the governor passed or not passed because this was 6 years ago. Had

[10:49] nothing to do with any of that. That's what the true nature of this moratorium

[10:54] is. All about water and how much supply we have. Once we get above that hump,

[11:01] then I will be the first person to want to rem to get this moratorum and remove

[11:05] it finally because it was my idea in the first place when we first did this six

[11:10] years ago. It didn't it wasn't put in six years ago when I first got here. It

[11:14] took a while, but it was all my idea because of the situation we were in, but

[11:19] I want to make sure everybody understands that it was not because we

[11:22] were trying to prevent any development. We were trying to prevent us from having

[11:26] no water. which is a bigger item. So just please remember that. Thank you.

[11:33] » Yeah, I think it's important to stress that we are making progress. We just

[11:38] completed our third summer without water restrictions and I can tell you that the

[11:43] previous nine 10 years. We had water restrictions in place for the summer. So

[11:50] it has helped. CJ explain what the the um basis of this building moratorum was

[11:58] which was about just giving us a pause so that we can sort of get our the

[12:04] system that was neglected up to snuff and we are making very good progress. I

[12:08] think we're turning a corner. So, um, I think CJ cuz really CJ working with

[12:14] Jason and Mickey Phillips when he first got on the board is why we're at this

[12:20] juncture now. So, um, any other comments from the board? Anybody else? No. Okay.

[12:27] Any other comments from the public? Okay. Can I have a motion and a second

[12:31] to adjourn the public hearing to our September 24th, 2026 meeting?

[12:36] » Motion. Second. >> All in favor? I. Okay. Introductory

[12:42] local law 9 of 2026 entitled field changes. Public hearing is being held to

[12:48] entertain public comments on introductory local law 9 of 2026

[12:53] entitled field changes. Purpose of this local law is amending chapter 310 zoning

[12:58] article 8 site plan and special permit review and approval of the code of the

[13:03] village of Woodbury to provide for administrative approval of minor field

[13:07] changes to approve site plans. Public notice was printed in the times held

[13:12] record on September 3rd, 2026. So once again, we're not going to

[13:17] complete this local law tonight um because the planning board has yet to

[13:24] opine on it. They will next week at their meeting. So I will ask if there's

[13:30] anyone in the public wishing to speak on this.

[13:34] Okay. Anyone on the board have any questions for council? No.

[13:40] » Have any anything? I supply my comments. You want to go through them or

[13:44] » No, we could wait till the public hearing if you want to do that. That's

[13:47] fine. Okay. Okay. Hearing no further com. Well, can I have a motion in a

[13:52] second now to adjourn this public hearing for our September 24th,

[13:57] 2026 meeting? >> Second.

[14:00] » All in favor? >> I.

[14:02] » All right. So, just fair warning, the September

[14:06] 24th meeting, please bring snacks for the mayor, okay? Because I think it's

[14:12] going to be a long one. I think I have like five or six public something. I got

[14:16] something crazy on that night. So, anyway, public comment on agenda items

[14:21] only. This is a very light agenda for this evening. We will make up for it on

[14:25] the 24th. So, is there anyone in the public wishing to speak on anything

[14:30] that's on the agenda for this evening? Going once, going twice.

[14:36] Okay. Administrative business, can I have a motion and a second to accept

[14:40] seat of the minutes of the meeting held on August 27, 2026?

[14:45] » Motion. >> Second.

[14:47] » All in favor? >> I.

[14:49] » Okay. Village clerk mlennon, will you please read abstract 7? Abstract 7

[14:54] contains vouchers 26270578 through 26270725

[15:00] and totals 1,232,6058.

[15:05] » All righty. Thank you, village clerk mcclennon. Got a motion and second to

[15:09] approve track seven as read. >> Second.

[15:14] » All in favor? >> I.

[15:17] » We have no old business to discuss. I'm going to have to start creating old

[15:20] business, I think, just to have it on there.

[15:22] » We are old business. >> Yep, that's true. I am 57. Okay. Badge

[15:27] meter smart cover renewals. Can I have a motion in a second to authorize me, the

[15:33] mayor, to sign a contract with badge meter incorporated for $6,732.95

[15:40] for smart covers for the water wastewater department?

[15:45] » Motion. >> All in favor? I

[15:49] » there you go. All right. Village clerk mlennon, will you actually let me just

[15:54] say this first? Electric lockin renewal and the board doesn't know this is

[16:00] coming. So, village treasurer Desire Pin and I met with M&R Energy Resources

[16:06] Corp. That's the villages energy consultant. At the current rate

[16:10] proposed, the village would see an increase of roughly $66,000 a year.

[16:16] Normally, we would agree to this and move forward because the rates change

[16:19] daily. Our consultant is suggesting holding off

[16:23] and having the board authorize me, the mayor, to sign an agreement if and when

[16:29] the rates slightly reduce. So, I will ask Jessica Mlennon, the village clerk,

[16:35] to shorten the abridge version of the resolution.

[16:43] Now therefore, be it resolved that the village board of the village of Woodbury

[16:47] hereby authorizes acceptance of the bid submitted by the lowest responsible

[16:50] bidder, provided the pricing remains valid and within the perimeters outlined

[16:55] herein in the time of execution, and be of further resolve that the mayor is

[16:58] hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the lowest responsible

[17:02] bidder in a form approved by the village attorney and to take any action

[17:06] necessarily necessary to secure the pricing in a timely manner consistent

[17:10] with prevailing market conditions. Thank you, village clerk mcclennon.

[17:16] » Okay, I have a motion and a second to approve the resolution as read.

[17:20] » Motion.

[17:23] » All in favor? >> I already.

[17:27] » And last but not least, can I have a motion and a second to authorize

[17:31] engineer Sean Hoffman of Lanken Tully to coordinate publication and a bid opening

[17:36] date for the Hazard Lane Culvert Repair Project.

[17:41] Motion second. >> All in favor?

[17:45] » I. >> Ladies and gentlemen,

[17:49] in new record time. >> I told you it was a short agenda. Okay.

[17:56] Public comment on every anything and everything. Doesn't matter to me. Tell

[18:01] us about You just You don't even have to raise your hand. You just go to the

[18:04] podium. Is that what they do in Cornwall? They make you raise your hand.

[18:07] » Should be respected. Uh, pusha pusha. I put my pants on one leg at a time.

[18:15] » I >> and I wear boxer briefs.

[18:18] » Greg Roby, Mineral Springs. I have to say I have very much enjoyed uh my time

[18:23] here in Woodbury uh municipal enterprises. The spirit and the ease and

[18:30] the comfort is is refreshing uh given that my experience is in Cornwall.

[18:40] I was aware of the uh water crisis that Woodbury is under and

[18:49] I see things through my Cornwall glasses. Uh so my apologies for any

[18:54] inference otherwise. Um it is well considered. It is cool that you're

[19:00] getting it together. Um, and that I have the hazard of living as much in

[19:07] the future as the present. My wife does the present very well. I do the past and

[19:12] the future exceptionally well. And with the change in the seeker, nothing that

[19:18] we've been planning, including the skill sets our lawyers have, are are

[19:23] particularly relevant. Um the the the section 8 hyphen 1 0 I mean yeah 8 011

[19:35] is truly a a word salad masterpiece.

[19:41] When I spoke a couple weeks ago I was getting my feet wet. I have done several

[19:47] more recursive rewritings of that manually and with

[19:51] large language models. It is truly genius how well it is written to deceive

[19:59] and snooker. And this is why the other part of what I submitted to you, which

[20:05] is a generic complaint. Municipalities need to go for a

[20:12] permanent injunction of this law, a stay of the January 1 thing pending

[20:20] emergency legislation. Every single municipality

[20:26] in in New York has an interest in this. Um, and I somebody's got to take the

[20:34] lead. Um, it won't be Cornwall.

[20:38] our our planning consultant is in so deep with the stuff that we have done to

[20:44] prevent development without talking about it being development prevention

[20:48] that um his law firm would be subject to losing its contract and probably suits.

[20:55] Um, and

[20:58] I think it's okay for us to be in that place because the other part of the

[21:01] strategy that I'm moving forward with is that our New York State election law,

[21:07] the way it allows parties to be intermediaries between the political

[21:12] conscience, the conscience of the people and their liberty is the same as what

[21:17] municipal charter law is being abused by communities that claim religious

[21:23] exemption, but in are doing political action. They are repressing the

[21:28] conscience of their dissident and and and the result is at the gut

[21:34] level of our our community, we understand that there's a war going on

[21:38] and it's not fair. And that's true. Since 250 years ago, 1977,

[21:44] this kind of monarchal practice is repugnant under article 1, section 14

[21:51] and abregated. it is not a thing to be discussed. So

[21:56] that's yet another approach. But in the mean in the short term, the complaint

[22:02] that draft of it, some iteration of it would be extremely helpful to get the

[22:06] ball started and then we can go all the way to the Supreme Court and overturn

[22:11] its unwillingness to recognize that conscience is primary.

[22:17] And they they washed their hands of things that were quote religious and

[22:21] they should not have because under Seager versus the United States 1965 a

[22:27] secular conscientious objector got his right to a CO because he acted and felt

[22:36] as though it was the same as a religious theology. So whether it's political or

[22:42] religious, if it stands in the way of the conscience of the people, it is

[22:46] unconstitutional. And in New York, we're gifted with the word repugnant and

[22:52] abregated. So take heart. There is hope, but it

[22:58] ain't going to be simple. Thank you. >> Thank you, Greg.

[23:03] » Anyone else in the public wishing to speak?

[23:13] You missed the mayor visiting us today. >> I know she'd have been there

[23:18] » a little bit. >> I didn't want to spread any germs.

[23:22] » It was >> Don't worry about that. It was We were

[23:26] out there. >> Don't worry. Forget Don't worry about

[23:28] the seniors. A little germs between friends. Nothing. Nothing. Go ahead.

[23:34] » I've been with the seniors for last week, today. this week. It's just been

[23:39] insane. They are some group of people and I mean it in a nice way. Um the just

[23:47] the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, Woodbury Day, um O Saturday, October

[23:51] 3rd, St. Patrick's parking lot between 10 and 3 p.m. We're getting a a good

[23:57] list together. As soon as I have time tomorrow, I'm going to sit down and list

[24:01] everyone that's going to be there. We have the Tumble Bus. We're working on a

[24:06] gaming be game a mobile gaming van. Say that three times fast. Um Joe uh

[24:12] Gianzaro who's the president was going to get some kind of bouncy houses. We

[24:16] have the Central Valley Fire Company. We have the Lions Club. We have the police

[24:19] department. I have the sheriff's department. Um they're doing our police

[24:24] are doing the K-9. The sheriff's department is going to do the the

[24:28] children's ID program which we haven't had in a long time. So I think it's very

[24:32] important that we bring that back. And there's a bunch of other organizations

[24:36] and groups that are coming in for that. I do have some applications. They're

[24:40] online for the vendors and the library is going to be there. Don't want to

[24:43] forget to mention them. And um it's it's working. And I have Ria, raise your

[24:49] hand. Ria is our VP of events and she's been doing a tremendous job getting

[24:54] businesses to join up and to she's out there. She's a a force to be reckoned

[24:59] with. She's doing a great job. Thank you,

[25:03] Anna. more somber note. Just want to remind

[25:07] everyone tomorrow night 7 p.m. right out front here. Um

[25:16] we remember, we honor, we never forget, and this is from the ladies auxiliary.

[25:24] 25 years have passed, but we remember. We honor the lives lost, the heroes who

[25:30] rose to the moment, and the spirit of unity that carried us through. And they

[25:35] ask that we all join us at the Woodbury Fire Department as we gather to

[25:39] commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th. This means so much to

[25:44] our community as we did lose one of our members of the Central Valley Fire

[25:49] Company who unfortunately was within one of the towers doing his job. And this

[25:55] monument that's out front, it means a lot to all of us.

[26:02] When we put this monument out, we had it put in 15 years ago. And um on one side

[26:08] you'll see Mike Matess's name on the one side and you'll have all

[26:14] everyone that was any building that was affected or hit with all the four

[26:18] planes. So um I do get emotional with this so I apologize. So, I ask everyone,

[26:24] please show up. I know Jimmy, you're going to be there. We're going to

[26:28] broadcast it live, and I I appreciate it. And I know the men are downstairs

[26:33] cleaning up everything. So, I thank everyone.

[26:36] » Thank you, Maria. If you drive by anybody on Smith Clove Road, you go by

[26:41] the Central Valley Firehouse. It's a firehouse that the Central Valley

[26:44] Firemen own. They are actually doing a dedication on the the bays for Mike

[26:51] Montessie. So Ed Hoff and I passed on the way down here and he was out there

[26:56] working on it, stenciling and everything else like that. It looks fantastic. So

[27:01] it's a nice tribute to one of our firemen who was lost on 911 on that

[27:06] faithful day 25 years ago. Anyone else in the public wishing to speak?

[27:15] Going once. Going twice.

[27:19] Department comments. John Hand. Nothing. Huh? Okay. No.

[27:26] » Nothing. >> Okay. Jessica.

[27:29] » Okay. Starting at the far end with uh Deputy Mayor Christopher Gratziano.

[27:36] Thank you everybody. Um I'm thinking about something that Maria just said and

[27:41] tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of one of the

[27:44] most terrible events that have happened to this country in its history. And the

[27:50] thing that triggered me to kind of speak about this this evening was the words

[27:54] that Maria just said and we never forget. Well,

[27:59] unfortunately, we're starting to forget. If everybody really thinks back to the

[28:04] days and weeks and months after that horrendous event, how it put neighbors

[28:10] together, blocks together, communities together, a whole country came together,

[28:16] and it was such a wonderful feeling. And I just look at what's going on today out

[28:22] there, and it it seems like we have forgotten. And maybe we should start to

[28:28] remember what that felt like and what it feels like to shake your neighbor's hand

[28:32] and what it feels like to work side by side with people in in concert for the

[28:38] goodness of all. It's getting to the point where the vitriol is getting

[28:43] completely ridiculous. It's getting out of hand and the political

[28:48] infighting and outfighting is just horrendous. So,

[28:54] I challenge everybody to take this upon yourself to remember and to remember the

[29:01] good feelings, to remember what it's like to stand up together as one

[29:04] country, as one group of people, as one group of citizens and work together and

[29:10] be together and hold hands together and kind of think of that and how we can get

[29:16] back to that feeling going forward because God knows this country needs it.

[29:20] Thank you and good night. Thank you, Trustee Gratiana.

[29:25] Trustee Matilda.

[29:37] I'm joking. Um, thank you for coming tonight, everybody here. I have some

[29:43] upcoming local events. Um, Woodbury Community Cleanup is Saturday, September

[29:48] 19th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The location is the Woodbury Highway

[29:52] Department. Come and to the highway department to pick up

[29:57] your bags and receive your cleanup assignment.

[30:03] This next one is the appliance recycling drive. The coolest recycling drive at

[30:07] 2026. Get it? Um, that's there are three dates. Saturday, September 19th from 10

[30:14] to 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21st from 4 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday,

[30:21] September 26, 2:00 p.m. to 400 p.m. Um, it's free drop off for appliances,

[30:28] container, refrigerants. The next one is green drinks for a

[30:33] greener tomorrow. The location will be it's Wednesday, Sep September 23rd, 6:30

[30:39] to 8:30 p.m. Sweet Clover Farm. And come connect with neighbors to learn simple,

[30:45] actionable ways to make a positive environmental impact together with your

[30:50] community. Two more. Um, Bioblitz is Saturday,

[30:55] September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 1 pm and the location is the Smith Clove

[31:01] Passive Recreation Area on 271 Smith Clove Road. And um, this will be an

[31:09] event to help catalog local plant and animal species at this familyfriendly

[31:13] event. Free food will be provided. You always get people with food. Um,

[31:20] Saturday, October 17th is the Woodbury Repair Cafe, the next one coming up. So,

[31:26] there are several um, vendors coming. I'll say vendors. Um, it's 10:00 a.m. to

[31:32] 2:00 p.m. and that is also posted online. So, I

[31:38] also have um, and I think it's already been said, so I'm sorry if it's

[31:45] repetitive. Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of September 11th. We hold

[31:50] in our hearts the nearly 3,000 individuals, passengers, workers, and

[31:55] first responders who lost their lives, as well as the countless families and

[32:00] communities, including our own, that have been forever altered by that day.

[32:04] Let's remember the profound bravery of the firefighters, police officers, and

[32:09] medical personnel, who ran toward danger without hesitation, placing others

[32:13] before themselves. September 11th was a tragic day in our

[32:18] nation's history, but it also revealed our deepest strength, courage, and

[32:23] unity. Tomorrow, we honor the lives lost, pay

[32:27] tribute to the heroes who served, and reaffirm our commitment to standing

[32:30] stronger together. And we are better standing stronger

[32:35] together. Have a good evening.

[32:39] » Thank you, Trusty Matah. Well said, >> Trusty Pal. Okay, good evening

[32:46] everybody. Um, Kathleen said a lot of what I also wanted to echo about 911 and

[32:51] the 25th anniversary um, being tomorrow. Something I keep thinking a lot about is

[32:56] how 25 years can simultaneously feel like yesterday and a lifetime ago. And I

[33:03] think a lot about September 10th, 25 years ago and the before and the after.

[33:08] I personally had just moved into college two weeks before and the world

[33:14] completely changed and um yeah so I think tomorrow my whole thing is to

[33:21] encourage everybody to take some time to remember and reflect

[33:25] um think about what we can do one small gesture to make somebody else's day a

[33:32] little bit better and I think that is a big message um to just think about going

[33:38] forward tomorrow because it will be a solemn day but I think if even just a

[33:42] smile at a stranger um and remember where we were 25 years ago

[33:49] and then I also just wanted to say um this weekend is also Russashana so for

[33:53] all those who celebrate I hope you have a happy new year that's it

[33:58] » thank you trusty pal so

[34:02] for my parents who were basically hippies um for M time is marked. The

[34:09] thing they ask yourself is what where were you when JFK was shot? Okay. For

[34:15] me, I thought it would be the Challenger explosion when I came home from school

[34:20] for a half day and turned the TV on and then we had that tragedy. Turns out that

[34:28] my for my generation and for many other probably the generation after mine, what

[34:34] will be remembered is that day 25 years ago. Now I was down there that day. I

[34:39] was supposed to be heading to a workers comp hearing in Brooklyn when the train

[34:43] stopped on Park Row and I basically walked to the nearest building that the

[34:50] company I worked for, Vernon Realy, had owned down there which was attached to

[34:54] the New York Stock Exchange. So, um, it was a bit scary because I

[35:00] walked past the towers or at least the one tower that was the plane had hit and

[35:05] to watch people who really had no other alternative but to jump out of a window

[35:11] instead of the alternative.

[35:17] Um, that day for me, you know, just brings back I didn't have to live down

[35:22] there like so many of our first responders did. And I want to talk a

[35:26] minute about that. Michael Hansen, who I run a blood drive for every year here

[35:32] since I got on this board. Michael Hansen,

[35:36] um, and his benefits have been denied 13 times, and you may have seen that on the

[35:42] news because the mayor of New York City decided to quote him. And while at the

[35:47] same time they're denying his benefits, he was down there for nine months on

[35:53] recovery efforts. Now, that wasn't his first foray into

[35:58] being a hero because he was also sent to Oklahoma after the bombings there and

[36:04] also the first uh World Trade Center bombing. He was also part of that as

[36:09] well. He is one of many who have kind of been forgotten. We think about the

[36:16] people that were lost that day, but Hector Calarbalo or Steven Lopez or

[36:22] Pedro Ferrari, these are first responders. Some of them Hector was a

[36:28] Verizon worker who was part of the recovery efforts.

[36:33] To this day, we are still losing people based on

[36:38] the poison, the airborne toxins in the air that affected their lives. Michael

[36:44] Hansen, for those that didn't know him, it's a shame because he really was just

[36:50] a gentleman. Uh I first met Mike through the Knights of Columbus and I would see

[36:55] him every week at church and he always had a smile, always would shake your

[37:00] hand. He was a big burly guy, one of the sweetest men you would know. And he did

[37:05] so much for this community. He spent 30 years downstairs. Did he also train you?

[37:10] Yep. He was our he ba education. What did you call it exactly?

[37:16] Safety director, whatnot. He literally trained a generation of

[37:22] firefighters downstairs. Okay. All the young guys that you see, Michael Hansen

[37:27] in some kind of way touched their lives by making sure that they were working

[37:32] safely whenever they went to a fire. So tomorrow, I want you to remember all

[37:38] those lives lost that day. But I also want people to remember the lives that

[37:42] we continue to lose, okay, based on those cancers. And just pray that like

[37:48] Michael Hansen's widow, Kathy Hansen, will get what she's due, which is his

[37:53] benefits because the only way he contracted ALS was because of his

[37:57] efforts down at the World Trade Center for nine

[38:02] months. So, please come out tomorrow. It really is. The the the men and women

[38:08] downstairs do a wonderful job honoring the lives of so many. So,

[38:14] it's a wonderful event. It's very solemn. They do a great job. So, anyway,

[38:18] with no further business to discuss or comments received, can I have a motion

[38:21] in a second to adjourn this meeting? >> Motion.

[38:24] » Second. >> All in favor?

[38:26] » All right. I have nothing witty for you tonight. I'm sorry. All right. I usually

[38:31] do a Chuck Norris thing. Not gonna happen tonight. Sorry. I know Steve, you

[38:36] came here just for that. I apologize. Go home, you two.

[38:42] You go home, too. Yep.

September 10, 2026, Village Board Meeting

Transcript