Highland Falls public meetings in 2025

Village Board

The Village Board is holding continued public hearings regarding amendments to the Zoning Law and the regulation of short-term rental properties in one- and two-family homes. The board will also consider a resolution to amend the Zoning Law.

• Public hearing on amending the Zoning Law of the Village of Highland Falls
• Public hearing on permitting and regulating short-term rental property in one- and two-family homes
• Resolution to amend the Zoning Law
• Approval of Bills & Claims - Warrant #2507

The Board approved Local Law No. 5 of 2025 to amend the Village zoning law, adopting a SEQRA negative declaration that lowers a height requirement from 70 ft to 50 ft, and authorized the mayor to sign a litigation retainer. It also approved the $110,922.39 Bills & Claims warrant, appointed a Deputy Treasurer/Tax Collector and a Deputy Clerk, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Local Law No. 5 amending the zoning law (4 Ayes, 1 Nay)
• Approved SEQRA Negative Declaration to change height line from 70 ft to 50 ft (4 Ayes, 1 Nay)
• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2507 for $110,922.39 (all in favor)
• Authorized Mayor DiSalvo/Deputy Mayor Ramus to sign litigation retainer (all in favor)
• Appointed Luciana Brown as Deputy Treasurer and Tax Collector (all in favor)
• Appointed Kathryn Luciani as Deputy Clerk at $24/hr for up to 52 weeks (all in favor)
• Reopened and closed the public hearing on the zoning amendment (all in favor for each motion)
• Adjourned the meeting unanimously

Village Board

The Village Board is holding a special meeting to conduct a workshop regarding zoning. No other specific decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.

• Village Board Workshop – Zoning

The board agreed to remove the 25% line from the zoning amendment and instructed Village Attorney Alyse Terhune to make the change. The board also directed the attorney to review short‑term‑rental residency rules and enforcement issues. A motion to adjourn was seconded and carried unanimously, ending the meeting at 8:21 PM.

• Agreed to remove 25% line from zoning amendment (consensus)
• Directed Village Attorney Alyse Terhune to make the zoning change (instruction)
• Directed Village Attorney to review short‑term‑rental residency and enforcement matters (instruction)
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously (unanimous vote)

Village Board

The Village Board will hold continued public hearings on zoning laws and short-term rental regulations. The board is also considering bond resolutions for major infrastructure projects and a property maintenance violation.

• Bond resolution for Bog Meadow Dam improvements: $2,000,000
• Bond resolution for Village Water System (Phase II) improvements: $3,000,000
• Bills & Claims Warrant #2507 FY 25’–26’: $75,607.12
• Due process hearing and resolution for property maintenance violation at 11 Eagle Valley Road
• Budget transfer of $1,608.17 from General Fund to Workers Compensation

The board approved two bond resolutions, authorizing $2 million for improvements to Bog Meadow Dam and $3 million for Phase II of the village water system. It also approved a $1,608.17 budget transfer to workers compensation and the $145,703.85 Bills & Claims warrant. Several public hearings on zoning amendments and short‑term rental regulations were reopened and then adjourned until December 15. All motions carried with unanimous votes.

• Reopened public hearing on amending the zoning law (motion carried)
• Adjourned zoning amendment hearing until Dec 15, 2025 (motion carried)
• Reopened public hearing on permitting short‑term rentals in one‑ and two‑family homes (motion carried)
• Adjourned short‑term rental hearing until Dec 15, 2025 (motion carried)
• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2507 FY 25‑26 for $145,703.85 (motion carried)
• Approved FY 2025‑2026 budget transfer of $1,608.17 to workers compensation (5‑0)
• Approved bond resolution authorizing $2,000,000 for Bog Meadow Dam improvements (5‑0)
• Approved bond resolution authorizing $3,000,000 for Village water system Phase II (5‑0)

Village Board

The Village Board will approve a budget amendment for $25,800 to repair the Village Hall heating system and authorize the hiring of two full-time DPW workers. The meeting also includes public hearings on zoning and short-term rentals.

• Approve $25,800 heating repair budget amendment
• Authorize hiring 2 full-time DPW workers
• Public hearing on Amending Zoning Law
• Public hearing on Short Term Rental regulations
• Approve 4th Annual Community Holiday Parade

The Village Board approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2506A for $142,533.24 and the Neighbors Landscaping invoice. It also approved an emergency HVAC installation at Village Hall for $25,800, appointed two full‑time DPW maintenance workers, and authorized the mayor to sign a land‑permission letter for a grant. Additional actions included approving the 4th Annual Community Holiday Parade and tabling the Cooks Lane due‑process hearing.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2506A for $142,533.24 (5 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Approved Neighbors Landscaping invoice (4 Ayes, 1 Nays)
• Approved emergency HVAC installation at Village Hall for $25,800 (All in favor)
• Appointed Brandon Calore as full‑time DPW maintenance worker (All in favor)
• Appointed Joseph Lennon as full‑time DPW maintenance worker (All in favor)
• Authorized Mayor DiSalvo to sign land permission letter for Mearns Avenue grant (All in favor)
• Approved 4th Annual Community Holiday Parade on Dec 5, 2025 (All in favor)
• Tabled Due Process Hearing on Cooks Lane until Dec 1 (All in favor)

Village Board

The Village Board will review bills and claims totaling $202,596.18 and the appointment of a part-time police officer. The board is also introducing a local law to amend the Zoning Law, with a public hearing scheduled for November 17.

• Approval of Warrant #2506 FY 25’–26’ for $202,596.18
• Appointment of Part Time Police Officer Raul Rolon Jr.
• Introduction of a local law to amend the Zoning Law
• Authorization for HFFD Chief Erik Smith to contract with Orange County for a Fire Prevention Trailer
• Public hearing scheduled for November 17 regarding zoning and short-term rental property regulation

The board approved the FY 2025‑26 Bills & Claims totaling $202,596.18. It authorized the fire chief to contract for a fire‑prevention trailer at the Intermediate School and appointed Part‑Time Police Officer Raul Rolon Jr. with a 52‑week probation. The board also approved a resolution to amend the village zoning law and scheduled a public hearing for November 17, passing on a 4‑aye, 1‑nay roll‑call vote.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2506 FY 25‑26 for $202,596.18 (all in favor)
• Authorized Fire Dept. Chief Erik Smith to execute contract with Orange County for fire‑prevention trailer (all in favor)
• Appointed Part‑Time Police Officer Raul Rolon Jr., step 5 rate, 52‑week probation (all in favor)
• Approved resolution amending zoning law and set public hearing for Nov 17 (4 Ayes, 1 Nay)

Village Board

The Highland Falls Village Board will hold a workshop to discuss water system funding, zoning law amendments, and short-term rental regulations. The meeting includes approvals for bills, a Halloween event, and new fire department members, as well as the retirement of a DPW supervisor.

• Public Hearing on Water Surcharge
• Resolution to fund Water Plant Capital Improvements
• Resolution to exempt water property from 2027 County taxes
• Resolution introducing zoning law and short-term rental amendments
• Approval of $1,577.63 in bills and claims

The Village Board unanimously approved several routine items, including a $1,577.63 Bills & Claims warrant, the Trunk O’ Treat & Halloween Parade, and new members of the HFFD. It also authorized the Mayor to sign the Crown Castle fiber‑internet contract and accepted the retirement of DPW Supervisor David Hurst. A resolution exempting village water‑system property from 2027 county real‑property taxes passed 5‑0, and a zoning amendment reducing senior‑housing height to 60 feet passed 3‑2.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2505a FY 25‑26 ($1,577.63) (unanimous)
• Approved Trunk O’ Treat & 2nd Annual Halloween Parade (unanimous)
• Approved HFFD new members Larry Dunn and Greg Rogers (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor/Deputy Mayor to sign Crown Castle Fiber Internet Contract (unanimous)
• Approved tax exemption for village water‑system property for 2027 (5‑0)
• Approved Scenic Hudson administration resolution (5‑0)
• Approved senior‑housing height reduction to 60 feet (3‑2)
• Accepted retirement of DPW Supervisor David Hurst (unanimous)

Village Board

The Village Board will hold a continuation public hearing on the proposal to remove fluoride from Highland Falls drinking water. The board will also approve Bills & Claims (Warrant #2505) for the General, Water, Sewer, and Capital Funds, and consider several resolutions including a fence and railing contract for the Preserve, a capital improvement program for the water plant, a budget transfer for workers compensation, and a firehouse lease. Additional items include approval of a $117,200 asphalt paving project on Mearns Avenue. The meeting concludes with public comment and an executive session on personnel matters.

• Continuation public hearing on removing fluoride from village drinking water
• Approve Bills & Claims – Warrant #2505 FY 25‑26 (General Fund $175,697.32; Water Fund $109,818.83; Sewer Fund $83,829.66; Capital Fund $127,267.99)
• Resolution authorizing Scenic Hudson to administer fencing and railing installation at Highland Falls Preserve
• Resolution setting a public hearing to establish a Capital Improvement Program for the village water plant
• Approve Ward paving project on Mearns Avenue for $117,200.00

The board took several actions, including closing the public hearing on fluoride removal and approving the FY 2025‑26 budget items. It also authorized a public hearing for a water‑plant capital improvement program, approved a $117,200 paving contract for Mearns Avenue, and signed off on a firehouse lease agreement. Additional resolutions covered fencing at the preserve and a small budget transfer.

• Closed public hearing on fluoride removal, taking no further action (motion carried, all in favor)
• Approved Bills & Claims, Warrant #2505 for FY 25‑26 (General $175,697.32, Water $109,818.83, Sewer $83,829.66, Capital $127,267.99) (motion carried, all in favor)
• Accepted minutes of September 2 and September 23 meetings (motion carried, all in favor)
• Authorized Scenic Hudson to administer fencing and railing agreement for Highland Falls Preserve (motion carried, all in favor)
• Approved public hearing to establish Capital Improvement Program for the Village water plant (5 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Approved FY 2025‑2026 budget transfer of $1,977.23 from General Fund to Workers Compensation (motion carried, all in favor)
• Authorized Mayor DiSalvo to sign the Firehouse Lease Agreement (5 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Approved $117,200 Ward Paving for Mearns Avenue asphalt project (motion carried, all in favor)

Village Board

The board will hold a public hearing continuing the discussion on removing fluoride from the village drinking water. It will also consider and vote on several items including approval of $243,475.25 in bills and claims, a resolution on property maintenance violations at three addresses, and the auction of two village dump trucks and related equipment. Additional agenda items include approvals for community events, authorizing a $450 membership fee for the Association of Defense Communities, and discussions on zoning adjustments, short‑term rentals, and fee schedules.

• Approve Bills & Claims – Warrant #2504-a FY 25‑26: $243,475.25 (Water Fund $39,316.30, Capital Fund $181,654.11, Trust & Agency $22,504.84)
• Approve removal of DPW 2013 Ford F550 Dump Truck and 1998 International Dump Truck (plus containers and snowplow) for auction
• Approve 2025 Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Event on Oct 25, 2025 at Municipal Lot #2 (pending insurance)
• Authorize Mayor DiSalvo or Deputy Mayor Ramus to sign $450 annual membership for Association of Defense Communities
• Discussion items: minor zoning adjustments; Airbnb/short‑term rentals in one‑ and two‑family homes; schedule of fees

The Village Board approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2504‑a for FY 25‑26 totaling $243,475.25, covering water, capital, and trust funds. It also approved the removal of two village dump trucks and a snowplow for auction, and authorized the Association of Defense Communities membership with a $450 fee. All motions were carried unanimously unless a vote tally was recorded.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2504‑a FY 25‑26 $243,475.25 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution on property maintenance violations for 145 Main St, 6 Eagle Valley Rd, 15 Muller Ave (5‑0)
• Approved removal of village vehicles and equipment for auction (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Event (unanimous)
• Approved 32nd Annual Fall Foliage event and related DJ and curb‑paint actions (unanimous)
• Authorized $450 membership in Association of Defense Communities (unanimous)
• Authorized Scenic Hudson to receive bids for fencing and gate installation project (unanimous)
• Approved new junior fire member Ryder Groen pending physical (unanimous)

Village Board

The Village Board will hold public hearings on tax code amendments, a hotel occupancy tax, and the removal of fluoride from drinking water. The board will also vote on adopting two local laws and address property maintenance violations.

• Public hearings on Local Law No. 3 (Taxation) and Local Law No. 4 (Hotel Occupancy Tax)
• Public hearing on removing fluoride from Village drinking water
• Approval of Warrant #2504 for $272,732.05
• Property maintenance violation hearings for 11 Drew Avenue and 46 Church Street
• Budget transfer of $1,599.12 from General Fund to Workers Compensation

The Village Board unanimously approved motions to open public hearings for Proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2025 (tax code amendment) and Proposed Local Law No. 4 of 2025 (hotel occupancy tax amendment). Both public hearings were later closed by unanimous board votes. The board also agreed to email the dates of the upcoming environmental‑committee event to the Village Clerk.

• Opened public hearing for Proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2025 – motion carried unanimously
• Closed public hearing for Proposed Local Law No. 3 of 2025 – motion carried unanimously
• Opened public hearing for Proposed Local Law No. 4 of 2025 – motion carried unanimously
• Closed public hearing for Proposed Local Law No. 4 of 2025 – motion carried unanimously
• Agreed to email environmental‑committee event dates to the Village Clerk

Village Board

The Board unanimously opened a public hearing to consider demolishing the unsafe building at 22 Mountain Avenue and later unanimously closed that hearing. The Board also unanimously reopened a public hearing to discuss removing fluoride from the village water supply and decided to keep the hearing open for further discussion. No final action or vote on demolition or fluoride was taken.

• Opened public hearing on demolition of 22 Mountain Ave (all in favor)
• Closed public hearing on demolition of 22 Mountain Ave (all in favor)
• Reopened public hearing on fluoride removal from village water (all in favor); hearing remains open

Village Board

The Board unanimously approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412e for FY 24‑25 totaling $49,738.21. It also approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2502a for FY 25‑26 totaling $152,145.08. In addition, the Board unanimously approved the National Night Out event scheduled for August 5, 2025.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412e FY 24‑25 ($49,738.21) – unanimous
• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2502a FY 25‑26 ($152,145.08) – unanimous
• Approved National Night Out event (Tue, Aug 5, 2025, 5:00‑8:00 PM) – unanimous

Village Board

The Board of Trustees voted to open a public hearing to consider removing fluoride from the village water supply. The motion was carried with all members in favor. The board indicated no vote on the actual removal will be taken at this meeting and the hearing will remain open through September or October.

• Motion to open public hearing on fluoride removal carried (all in favor)
• Board decided not to vote on fluoride removal tonight

Village Board

The Village Board approved FY 24‑25 and FY 25‑26 Bills & Claims totaling $122,483.17 and $407,033.69. It adopted a resolution supporting the Fair Housing Act, set a public hearing date, transferred funds for workers compensation, and authorized a website contract with Civic Plus. The board also appointed a part‑time police officer, hired full‑time DPW maintenance staff, and approved the 4th of July celebration events.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412c FY 24‑25 for $122,483.17 (unanimous)
• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2501 FY 25‑26 for $407,033.69 (unanimous)
• Approved Fair Housing Act resolution and set public hearing (4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 absent)
• Approved 2024‑2025 budget transfer to workers compensation (4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 absent)
• Authorized Mayor to sign Civic Plus website contract (4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 absent)
• Appointed Part‑Time Police Officer Justin Naimoli (unanimous)
• Appointed Full‑Time DPW Maintenance Worker Matthew Troy (unanimous)
• Approved 4th of July celebration events (unanimous)

Village Board

The Board approved the FY 24‑25 Bills & Claims totaling $250,072.67. It adopted two resolutions to request an amendment to New York State tax law so the village can impose an occupancy tax, one addressed to Senator James Skoufis and another to Assemblyman Christopher Eachus. The Board also approved hiring a summer intern, Ryanne Kelleher, at $18 per hour up to $3,500.

• Approved Bills & Claims (Warrant #2412b) for $250,072.67 – 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent
• Approved Resolution to request occupancy tax amendment to Senator James Skoufis – 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent
• Approved Resolution to request occupancy tax amendment to Assemblyman Christopher Eachus – 4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Absent
• Approved hiring Summer Intern Ryanne Kelleher at $18/hr, max $3,500 – 3 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Abstain, 1 Absent

Village Board

The Board approved a resolution to certify delinquent water and sewer charges and levy them against property. It also approved contracts for grass‑cutting services, a labor attorney, and a management agreement with Scenic Hudson. Several community events and a citizen preparedness class were authorized. All motions were carried, with the Scenic Hudson agreement passing 3‑1.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412a FY 24‑25 for $5,787.63 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution certifying delinquent water & sewer charges and authorizing levy (4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 absent)
• Approved L&L Property Maintenance grass‑cutting contract FY 2025‑2026 for $16,580.00 (unanimous)
• Approved addition of blowing service at Roe Park (unanimous)
• Approved Citizen Preparedness Class hosted by NYS Homeland Security (unanimous)
• Approved Benjamin’s Hulk Birthday event at Roe Park Pavilion pending insurance (unanimous)
• Approved Rory K. Brady Esq. as labor attorney at $200/hour for 1‑year term (unanimous)
• Approved Scenic Hudson Management Agreement (3 Ayes, 1 Nay, 1 absent)

Village Board

The Board approved a $70,000 transfer of funds from various reserve categories into a new total reserves account, voting 4-0 with one absent trustee. It also approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412 for $283,887.56 and accepted the minutes from the April 21 workshop meeting. Additional unanimous actions included approving a Memorial Day event, accepting Officer James A. Ripa’s resignation, and approving the Hometown Highland Falls Social pending insurance.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2412 for $283,887.56 (unanimous)
• Accepted April 21 workshop minutes as written (unanimous)
• Approved $70,000 transfer to total reserves (4 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 absent)
• Approved Memorial Day Observation event (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Police Officer James A. Ripa effective May 7 (unanimous)
• Approved Hometown Highland Falls Social pending insurance (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Village Board

The Board approved the FY 2025‑2026 budget with a 3‑1 vote. It also approved the West Point Farmers Market, authorized the Stop DWI inter‑municipal agreement, and approved the Clerk’s attendance at the NYALGRO conference with travel reimbursement. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved FY 2025‑2026 budget (3-1)
• Approved West Point Farmers Market (unanimous)
• Authorized Mayor/Deputy Mayor to sign Stop DWI Inter‑Municipal Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Clerk attendance at NYALGRO conference, $457 cost (unanimous)
• Approved mileage reimbursement for conference travel (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of April 7, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Village Board

The board approved the FY 2024‑25 Bills & Claims totaling $927,267.48, adopted a $5,592 budget amendment for Village Hall boiler repairs, and authorized the relevey of unpaid sewer and water bills for June‑December 2024. It also approved the purchase of 100 Badger water meters for $45,595 and authorized several community events, including the Hudson Valley Welcome fair and the Chamber’s Car Cruise. The minutes of the March 3 meeting were accepted, while the March 24 minutes were tabled.

• Approved Bills & Claims Warrant #2411, $927,267.48 (3 Ayes, 0 Nays, 1 Abstain)
• Approved FY 2024‑2025 budget amendment $5,592 for Village Hall boiler repairs (4 Ayes)
• Approved resolution to relevey unpaid sewer bills June/Dec 2024 (4 Ayes)
• Approved resolution to relevey unpaid water bills June/Dec 2024 (4 Ayes, unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of 100 Badger water meters for $45,595 (4 Ayes)
• Approved Hudson Valley Welcome fair June 29, 2025, pending COI (4 Ayes)
• Approved Town of Highlands Chamber Car Cruise & 2nd Annual Car Show events, pending COI (4 Ayes, unanimous)
• Approved Easter Bunny Photo Op Fundraiser April 12, 2025, pending COI (4 Ayes, unanimous)

Village Board

The Board unanimously approved a contract with Neighbors Landscaping & Design, Inc. for the Roe Park Little League Baseball Field Rehabilitation Project at $497,784.91. It also approved several budget transfers, a community fishing derby, conference attendance for the Treasurer, and set a public hearing date for the tentative budget. The meeting was adjourned after all motions carried unanimously.

• Tabled NYSLRS Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution (unanimous)
• Approved $1,599.12 budget transfer to Workers Compensation (unanimous)
• Approved $5,362.00 budget amendment for Village Hall boiler repairs (unanimous)
• Approved sponsorship of Annual Highland Falls Kids Fishing Derby on June 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved contract award to Neighbors Landscaping & Design, Inc., $497,784.91 for Roe Park baseball field rehab (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer Gabrielle Ferrier's attendance at NYGFOA Conference, $275 plus lodging $147/night and mileage reimbursement (unanimous)
• Approved setting public hearing for tentative budget on April 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)