Office of the Mayor

My goal with these recaps is simple: share what happened, why it matters, and what we're working on.

Before beginning our regular business, the Board paused to remember Sue Dyer. Sue gave so much of herself to Saranac Lake through her work, volunteerism, and genuine love for this community. Her kindness, energy, and commitment to others touched many, and she will be deeply missed.

Investing in Our Water and Wastewater Systems

The majority of Monday night's meeting focused on our water and wastewater infrastructure.

These aren't topics most of us think about every day, and that's usually a good thing. It means the systems are working.

The reality is that many of the pipes and facilities that serve our community are old. Some are more than 100 years old. As a Board, we have a responsibility to plan ahead and make thoughtful investments before these systems become emergencies.

Water System

Our engineer from Suozzo, Doty & Associates provided an update on the Village's long-term water improvement project.

The proposal would restore McKenzie Pond as our primary water source while maintaining our wells as a backup source. Having two water sources provides greater reliability and flexibility for the future and would return to the softer water many residents remember and prefer.

The project also includes replacing aging water lines, including sections of Lake Flower Avenue and Rockledge, with additional improvements phased in as funding allows.

The Village has already secured significant outside funding, including:

• $5 million in grants

• Access to a $14 million, 0% interest hardship loan

The Board also discussed rehabilitating the Village-owned building at 17 Main Street to house a modern water filtration system. This approach has the potential to reduce costs, preserve a historic structure, and improve long-term efficiency.

Wastewater System

We also received an update on our wastewater treatment plant and collection system.

Proposed improvements would modernize equipment, improve efficiency, increase operational flexibility, and help ensure we continue to meet environmental requirements.

We also discussed major sewer line projects, including improvements to the trunk sewer line along the river and replacement of the "swamp line" behind portions of Broadway.

These investments matter. They protect public health, protect our environment, and ensure our children and grandchildren inherit systems that are reliable and resilient.

Keeping Affordability Front and Center

Infrastructure improvements come with difficult financial realities. I believe we have a responsibility to do two things at the same time: invest in infrastructure before it fails and do everything possible to protect affordability for residents and businesses.

That means pursuing grants aggressively, taking advantage of low-interest financing opportunities, carefully evaluating project scope, and planning years in advance instead of waiting until systems reach a crisis point. These projects are measured in years, not months. The decisions we make today will impact Saranac Lake for generations.

Good Governance

The Board approved agreements for municipal accounting services, labor counsel, and general legal services.

These professional services are essential to operating an effective government. Strong financial management, sound legal advice, and experienced professional support help ensure the Village makes informed, responsible decisions.

Housing and Community Planning

The Board appointed members to our Housing Advisory Board and Climate Action Advisory Board.

I want to thank everyone who volunteers their time to serve on our boards and committees. Local government works best when residents share their knowledge, experience, and ideas.

We also discussed the Village-owned sandpit property and its potential future use. No decisions have been made. The conversation is still in its early stages, but it represents an opportunity to think carefully about how we address housing needs. Community input will continue to be an important part of that process.

Preserving Our History

The Board received an update on proposed "ghost panels" that would recognize historic buildings and places that no longer exist. One of the things I love about Saranac Lake is our strong sense of place and history. Projects like these help tell our story and connect us to the generations who helped build this community.

Looking Ahead

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the evening: planning.

Our responsibility is not simply to react when something fails. It is to think ahead, pursue funding opportunities, make prudent investments, and leave our community's infrastructure and organization stronger than we found them.

*Official minutes, resolutions, and recordings remain the official record of Board proceedings.

The proposed Public Safety Building has been one of the most discussed and debated issues in our community over the past few years. Residents have asked for more information, greater transparency, and a clearer understanding of where the project stands.

On June 19, the Public Safety Building Committee reconvened for its first meeting since the new Village administration took office in April 2026.

The committee reviewed the history of the project, including the purchase of 33 Petrova Avenue, the approximately $4.5 million in grant funding that has been earmarked, the current condition of our Fire Department facilities, and the long-term emergency service needs of our community.

No decisions were made regarding the future scope of the project.

Instead, the committee identified several pieces of information that must be gathered before any recommendations or decisions can be made. This includes a complete accounting of project expenditures to date; the status of professional service contracts with Wendel and other consultants; demolition cost estimates for the building at 33 Petrova Avenue; and updated cost estimate for an option that would provide facilities solely for fire and rescue services.

My responsibility is straightforward: understand where we stand today, determine what options are available, and evaluate those options carefully and openly.

Our firefighters, rescue personnel, police officers, and taxpayers all deserve decisions that are informed by facts, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning.

Strong opinions exist on all sides of this issue, and that is understandable. This project has significant implications for public safety and the future finances of our village. My commitment is that this work will be done differently than in the past. Information will be shared openly, questions will be asked publicly, and residents will receive regular updates as new information becomes available.

The work right now is gathering facts, rebuilding public understanding, and ensuring that whatever path is ultimately chosen is one our community can understand and trust.

Transparency and access to information remain core values of my administration.

Over the past week, questions have been raised about the Village's process for responding to media inquiries. I appreciate the feedback we have received from residents, trustees, Village employees, and members of the press.

The purpose of this process is not to restrict access to information or limit conversations between reporters and Village staff. Its purpose is to ensure that requests for information are coordinated appropriately, employees have clear guidance, and the public receives timely, accurate, and consistent information.

Questions involving official Village positions, Board actions, multi-department projects, personnel matters, legal issues, or formal requests for information will be coordinated through the Village Manager and Village Clerk to ensure responses are complete and accurate.

During recent conversations, I referenced existing handbook provisions related to disclosure of information, FOIL requests, and communication through supervisory channels. We will work collaboratively to clarify and formalize these expectations moving forward.

As with any new process, we will continue to listen, evaluate, and make improvements where needed.

Our commitment remains unchanged: to serve residents openly and professionally.

Thank you to everyone who attended Monday's Village Board meeting, or stayed engaged by following along from home.

I know many residents don't have the time to watch an entire meeting or read through a full agenda packet. My goal is to provide a brief summary of the work your Village government is doing and explain why it matters.

What We Accomplished

Investing in critical infrastructure

The Board approved designating the Park Avenue Northern Sewer Line Replacement as a capital project. This work will replace aging sewer infrastructure serving residents in the area and help reduce the risk of future service disruptions.

Infrastructure projects like this often happen out of sight, but they are essential to maintaining reliable services and protecting public health.

Bringing outside funding into Saranac Lake

The Board approved and accepted several grants and grant applications that will help us invest in our community while reducing the burden on local taxpayers.

These include:

• A grant application to improve and renovate Garwood Park, including new playground equipment and accessibility upgrades.
• Acceptance of a $72,000 Climate Smart Communities grant to help the Village better understand climate-related risks and plan for future resilience.
• Acceptance of a $23,000 grant to support rebuilding the Mt. Pisgah pumphouse.

Grant funding allows us to make meaningful investments in our parks, infrastructure, and community assets that might otherwise be out of reach.

Supporting Mt. Pisgah

The Board approved donating a family season pass to support the Friends of Mt. Pisgah "Make It Snow" fundraiser.

Recognizing community service

We formally recognized the members and newly elected officers of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

For 135 years, these volunteers have answered the call whenever our community needs them. Their dedication and commitment make Saranac Lake a safer place for all of us.

Please join me in thanking them for their service.

Strengthening Village Leadership

The Board approved salary adjustments for appointed officers and department heads as part of our ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified professionals.

Strong local government depends on strong people. Building a capable leadership team helps ensure residents receive high-quality services and that Village operations remain effective and responsive.

Supporting Resident Involvement

The Board approved the appointment of KT Stiles to the Development Board and reappointed members to the Parks and Trails Advisory Board and Downtown Advisory Board.

These boards are made up of residents who volunteer their time, expertise, and energy to help shape the future of our community. We are grateful for their service.

Looking Ahead

Before the meeting, Board members participated in a site visit at Boothe River Park to discuss future improvements and potential grant opportunities.

We also discussed how the Village can continue to align projects with available state and federal funding opportunities. Strategic planning and grant development remain key priorities as we work to address infrastructure needs, improve public spaces, and invest in our future.

 

*Official minutes, resolutions, and recordings remain the official record of Board proceedings.