Gardiner Forward

Meeting report cards

What each Gardiner board took up, and what it means for the town, graded from the public record.

Photo: contributed · All rights reserved

Please note: Grades reflect the board as a whole. They do not grade the chair, board leadership, or any individual member.
Coverage (Jan–Oct 2026)
  • Planning Board: minutes on file for Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Aug. No minutes on file: Jun, Sep, Oct.
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: minutes on file for Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul. No minutes on file: Jan, Feb, Aug, Sep, Oct.
  • Town Board: graded: Jul 14, Aug 11, Aug 20 (special), Aug 27 (special), Sep 1 (workshop), Sep 8. No minutes on file yet: Jan–Jun, other July meetings, late Sep, Oct.
Provisional. This is our first sample report card. It is graded from the minutes only; the agenda packet and recording have not been reviewed yet, and individual vote counts are unverified. Grades may change. See How We Grade.

Town Board · Regular meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

7:00–10:19 PM · About 8 people in the audience · All five members present (Clements left at 8:50 PM)
Sources: Minutes · Agenda · Packet (zip) · Recording

C+Meeting grade
(provisional)
67%Items that move the town forward (D5 ≥ 4)
0Litigation / complaint agenda items
9Plan goals touched
B-1 B-4 C-5 D-2 D-4 D-5 D-6 E-1 E-3
64 minExecutive session (personnel)
1Public hearing set (Aug 11)

What this means for Gardiner

Most of this meeting was spent on productive work: holding the ambulance increase to 2%, backing local farms after the April freeze, restarting emergency planning, appointing a Climate Smart Coordinator, and creating a staff position partly dedicated to finding grants. The grant role is the item to watch, since it could fund the trail, park and hamlet goals in the Comprehensive Plan. The main room to improve is on duty, not paperwork: the meeting set up new capacity, and the payoff depends on that capacity actually delivering grants and Plan projects.

Topic grades

D1 = Lawful & fair process · D2 = Plan stewardship · D3 = Resident & property-rights respect · D4 = Fiscal responsibility · D5 = Moves the town forward. Each 1–5.

TopicD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsWhy
Announcements: ARPA closeout ($574,152.11 received), PFAS well-testing rebate, Emergency Management Plans restarted, concert series44344B-D-4, B-1, D-6Restarting emergency plans (fire, flood, drought, outages) supports resiliency goal D-4.
Ambulance Board update: ALS 2027 increase limited to 2% (+$12,000 → $612,000)44354B-D-2, D-5Townwide emergency service; cost stated up front and the increase is modest.
Res. 23: support USDA disaster designation for April 2026 freeze45444BB-4, E-1, E-3Directly supports farm viability at no cost to the town. Outcome depends on federal action.
Renew Shared Services Agreement with Ulster County (Highway)44344B-D-5Keeps intergovernmental cost-sharing. Dollar terms not stated in minutes.
Amend 284 Agreement to add Crispell Lane43334C—Road-maintenance agreement. Minutes give no detail beyond approval.
Salary adjustment: Senior Account Clerk to $60,00043343C—Minutes say this reduces overall payroll expense; no figure given.
New full-time Administrative Assistant (incl. grant-seeking and cost-reduction research)44335B-C-1/D-6 (indirect)Adds capacity to pursue grants for trails, parks and hamlet goals. Salary not stated in minutes.
Resignations and appointment of Ulvestad as Deputy Supervisor (unpaid)43343C—Routine succession; deputies declined extra pay.
Res. 24: as-needed nurse, Summer Recreation ($25/hr)44334C+D-6Supports the recreation program.
Proposed Local Law: remote participation by Board members; hearing set Aug 1143333C—Referred to the attorney with a public hearing scheduled. Text not in minutes.
Liaison assignments and policy43333CD-5Process improvement; assignments deferred to August.
Appoint Climate Smart Coordinator45334B-C-5Directly tied to goal C-5, Climate Smart Gardiner.
E-waste discussionTabledNot graded.
Warrant ($569,342.70), escrow releases, minutes approvalsRoutine – CRoutine.
Executive sessions (8:20–8:32 PM; 9:27–10:19 PM), personnelNot graded64 min total, lawful stated purpose.

Meeting grade is an equal-weight average of graded items (≈ 3.65); time-weighting needs the recording. Councilmember Clements stated on the record that she will recuse from Town matters involving the Awosting Club because she is a petitioner in a related lawsuit.

Path to an A
  • Moves the town forward (D5): put the new Administrative Assistant's grant-seeking to work on Plan priorities such as trails, parks and hamlet improvements (goals B-5, D-6, C-1).
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): hold the line the ambulance increase set (2%), and show residents the payroll savings expected from the staffing changes.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): before the remote-participation law and other new rules move forward, weigh them against evidence of need, using the Policy Tracker's precautionary-to-proven scale.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Motions are recorded as “carried” with no roll call.
  • The warrant heading says “July Warrant” but the text says “June warrant report.”
  • No action is recorded after the second executive session.
  • Cost figures for the new Administrative Assistant and the 284 agreement are not stated in the minutes.
  • Town Board minutes have not been posted for 19 meetings held since August 1, 2026.

Top recommendations by board

Drawn from patterns across each board's 2026 record. Addressed to each board as a whole.

Town Board: top recommendations

  1. Keep putting meetings toward productive work, such as emergency planning, farm support and grant capacity. Use the new grant-seeking role to fund trails, parks and hamlet goals.
  2. Measure proposals such as the BESS moratorium, dark-sky rules and the river overlay against evidence of a local problem before burdening property owners (see the Policy Tracker).
  3. Report each year on progress toward the 2022 Comprehensive Plan's goals, and make sure growth pays its way and fits sewer capacity.

Planning Board: top recommendations

  1. Reach decisions on a predictable timeline. Fall Park, Brykill, Rosenbloom and the fourth Tsimoyianis extension show reviews that run long.
  2. Keep conditions tied to code and evidence, as on the Richards ADU, and avoid precautionary burdens without a local basis.
  3. Advance Plan goals in approvals: trails built with roads, hamlet growth and new local jobs, with applicants covering review costs.

Zoning Board of Appeals: top recommendations

  1. Favor resolution over litigation, and set a cost cap whenever outside counsel is hired.
  2. Keep applying the statutory balancing test factor by factor, and correct code readings that burden owners without a basis, as at 85 Phillies Bridge Rd.
  3. Use the county referral agreement to cut delay, and bring each application to a final decision promptly.

Town Board, Planning Board and ZBA, 2026

Provisional. These grades come only from scanned minutes, read with OCR software. We have not reviewed agendas, packets or recordings. Planning Board items are graded as decisions of the board as a whole. Gaps in the record: see the coverage box above.

Town Board: 5 more meetings (Aug 11 – Sep 8, 2026)

Jul 14 is graded above. Town Board items are graded as decisions of the board as a whole.

Town Board Tuesday, August 11, 2026 C+

Regular meeting, 7:00–9:15 PM. Present: Supervisor Hartner; Councilmembers Carucci, Ulvestad, Scandinaro, Clements. About 10 in the audience.
Source: Town Board minutes, August 11, 2026 (minutes supplied as a Word file, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 7 items)

What happened

After a public hearing the board adopted Local Law 3 of 2026, allowing Town Board members to participate and vote by videoconference in extraordinary circumstances (Clements opposed). It approved bidding for wastewater treatment plant improvements, a 15-year PILOT and host community benefit agreement for a 1.98 MW solar project at 262 Libertyville Rd, and bidding for the court bathroom roof. It set two staff salaries, reserved its rights on the Ohioville Acres SEQRA review pending legal advice, and heard a BESS law update. (August 11, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Wastewater Treatment Plant 2026 Improvements (Sewer District No. 1): bid documents approved for advertisement (Res. 25)54445B+—Carucci/Scandinaro, carried. Plans by Rennia Engineering Design. (4.45)
262 Libertyville Rd solar (≈1.98 MW AC): RPTL 487 PILOT agreement (Res. 26) and 15-year host community benefit agreement (Res. 27)43444B-—Res. 26 Carucci/Scandinaro; Res. 27 Scandinaro/Carucci; both carried. Payment amounts are in the agreements, not the minutes. (3.80)
Court bathroom roof replacement: bids authorized (Res. 28)43344C+—Carucci/Ulvestad, carried. (3.60)
Local Law 3 of 2026: remote participation and voting by videoconference in extraordinary circumstances43333C—Hearing (one speaker asked that it comply with state law) closed 7:50 PM: Carucci/Ulvestad. Adopted: Scandinaro/Carucci, Clements opposed. Requires in-person and video public access and recording. (3.25)
Agreement with Kingdom Support Services (dated July 31, 2026) approved33333C-—Carucci/Clements, carried. (3.00)
Personnel: Senior Account Clerk salary set at $64,000 (Res. 29); full-time Administrative Assistant appointed at $24.96/hr (Res. 30); grievance response authorized (Res. 31)43333C—Res. 29 Carucci/Scandinaro; Res. 30 Scandinaro/Carucci; Res. 31 Carucci/Scandinaro; all carried. (3.25)
Ohioville Acres PDD: Planning Board's lead-agency notice acknowledged; Town Attorney asked to evaluate the Town Board's SEQRA role44333C—Scandinaro/Carucci, carried. No determination made; rights reserved. (3.45)
BESS local law update: draft targeted for attorney review in Sept/Oct, then Planning Board and county reviewNot graded (no action)—Ulvestad reported. Four public commenters addressed BESS, data centers and use of host-benefit funds.
August warrant ($158,116.91); escrows PB26-04 and PB26-05 established and PB26-03 released; July 14 minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CCarried; Clements abstained on the July 14 minutes.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): adopt roll-call voting, as requested on the record, so each member's vote is clear.
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): report the PILOT and host-benefit payment amounts publicly and say how the funds will be used.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): keep the wastewater plant project on schedule, since sewer capacity limits hamlet growth under the Plan.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Motions are recorded as “carried” with no roll call.
  • Res. 27 (host community benefit agreement) directs filing of the 'PILOT Agreement'; likely a copy error.
  • The purpose of the Kingdom Support Services agreement is not stated in the minutes.
Town Board Thursday, August 20, 2026 C

Special meeting, 4:30–5:47 PM. All five members present. About 5 in the audience.
Source: Town Board minutes, August 20, 2026 (minutes supplied as a Word file, town minutes archive)

CMeeting grade
(provisional, 2 items)

What happened

The board resolved that it wishes to serve as SEQRA lead agency for the Ohioville Acres project and asked involved agencies to acknowledge it. It adopted a revised Memorandum of Understanding for the Town Assessor, replacing the Feb 20, 2025 MOU, then met in executive session on collective negotiations and personnel. (August 20, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Ohioville Acres: interest in serving as SEQRA lead agency (Res. 32)44333C—Scandinaro/Ulvestad, carried. One resident spoke in support. (3.45)
Assessor Memorandum of Understanding revised (Res. 33)43333C—Carucci/Ulvestad, carried. MOU in the agenda packet. (3.25)
Executive session (collective negotiations; personnel); adjournmentRoutine – CIn: Clements/Ulvestad; out: Ulvestad/Scandinaro. No action recorded.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): explain publicly why the Town Board, rather than the Planning Board, should lead Ohioville Acres review.
  • Plan stewardship (D2): tie the lead-agency review to the Plan's infrastructure, water and open-space goals.
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): make sure applicant-funded escrow covers the Town Board's review costs.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • No action is recorded after the executive session.
  • The adjournment seconder is written 'Councilmember Clement'.
Town Board Thursday, August 27, 2026 Not graded

Special meeting, 4:30–6:39 PM. Present: Hartner, Ulvestad, Clements, Scandinaro; Carucci absent. About 1 in the audience.
Source: Town Board minutes, August 27, 2026 (minutes supplied as a Word file, town minutes archive)

Not graded (no graded items)

What happened

The board met only in executive session on a personnel matter (about two hours). No action was recorded. (August 27, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Executive session (personnel); adjournmentRoutine – CIn: Scandinaro/Clements; out: Ulvestad/Scandinaro; adjourned: Scandinaro/Clements.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Minutes are signed by a Councilmember rather than the Town Clerk.
  • No action is recorded after the executive session.
Town Board Tuesday, September 1, 2026 C+

Workshop, 7:00–9:14 PM. Present: Hartner, Clements, Ulvestad, Scandinaro; Carucci by Microsoft Teams. About 10 in the audience.
Source: Town Board minutes, September 1, 2026 (minutes supplied as a Word file, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 7 items)

What happened

The town announced state recognition of its completed Pro-Housing Community application. The Budget Officer opened the 2027 budget cycle. The board issued the Gardiner Day mass-gathering permit, leaned toward a 4% occupancy tax pending county data, declared 600 Route 208 an unsafe building with a demolition notice and hearing, engaged outside counsel and a municipal planner, and kept the recycling center limited to Gardiner residents. (September 1, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
2027 budget cycle opened; special meeting set for Oct 5 to distribute the tentative budget53354B—Budget Officer McKenna presented the process and deadlines. (4.00)
Gardiner Day 2026 mass-gathering permit (Res. 34)43435B-—Scandinaro/Clements, carried, with safety and sanitation conditions. (3.85)
Occupancy tax: preference for 4% (county rate) instead of the 5% maximum; waiting for county revenue data43354B-—Discussion only. (3.75)
600 Route 208: building found unsafe under Town Code ch. 96; demolition notice and hearing ordered (Res. 35)43334C—Clements/Scandinaro, carried. Based on the code officer's June 18 report (foundation failure, collapse risk). Owner gets 30 days to start, with a hearing. (3.45)
Outside counsel (Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux) and planner David E. Church, AICP engaged as needed43333C—Scandinaro/Ulvestad; Clements/Scandinaro; carried. Paid by purchase order. (3.25)
Recreation Program Assistant hired at $24.03/hr (Res. 36); leave accruals approved for one employee without setting precedent (Res. 37)43333C—Scandinaro/Clements; Scandinaro/Ulvestad; carried. (3.25)
Plattekill residents and the Gardiner Recycling Center: use kept to residents; non-resident permits may be considered43443C+—Consensus after discussion. (3.60)
Town Board liaison policy (vote set for Sept 8); E-waste discussion closedNot graded (no action)—E-waste motion: Hartner/Scandinaro, Clements opposed.
Path to an A
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): publish the county data and revenue estimate behind the occupancy tax rate.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): give the 600 Route 208 owner a full hearing and a fair chance to repair before demolition.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): use the new planner and Pro-Housing eligibility to pursue state funds for sewer and hamlet goals.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Motions are recorded as “carried” with no roll call.
Town Board Tuesday, September 8, 2026 B-

Regular meeting, 7:00–10:03 PM. All five members present. About 11 in the audience.
Source: Town Board minutes, September 8, 2026 (minutes supplied as a Word file, town minutes archive)

B-Meeting grade
(provisional, 5 items)

What happened

The board readopted the revised Drinking Water Source Protection Plan, introduced the Occupancy Tax Law (4%, up to 8 beds) with a hearing on Oct 6, authorized a JCAP grant application of up to $40,000 for the court roof, bought a highway truck on a county bid, and formally assumed SEQRA lead agency for Ohioville Acres with a $40,000 applicant-funded escrow. The Budget Officer laid out options for excess fund balance, and the board agreed to drop Tier 4 from the draft BESS law. (September 8, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Revised Drinking Water Source Protection Plan (DWSP2) readopted45434B—Carucci/Scandinaro, carried. (4.05)
Occupancy Tax Law introduced: 4% rate, maximum raised from six to eight beds; hearing Oct 6 (Res. 38)53354B—Scandinaro/Ulvestad, carried. (4.00)
JCAP grant application of up to $40,000 for the court bathroom roof (Res. 39)53354B—Clements/Scandinaro, carried. Building Inspector estimate about $40,000. (4.00)
Highway truck (2027 F-450 with plow and sander) via Onondaga County bid: $75,845.5053344B-—Scandinaro/Carucci, carried. (3.85)
Ohioville Acres PDD: Town Board assumes SEQRA lead agency (Res. 40); $40,000 applicant escrow TB26-01 (Res. 41)44343C+—Res. 40 Scandinaro/Carucci; Res. 41 Clements/Ulvestad; carried. (3.60)
Fund balance options; BESS update (consensus to drop Tier 4)Not graded (no action)—Budget Officer urged committing unassigned fund balance. Three residents commented on BESS and PILOTs.
Standard workday resolution; September warrant ($183,116.39); escrows PB26-06/07/08; minutes; $840 staff training; executive sessionRoutine – CCarried; Clements abstained on the Awosting Club escrow, Carucci on the Aug 27 minutes.
Path to an A
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): set a clear fund-balance policy so excess funds go to reserves or tax relief, not recurring costs.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): keep the BESS law proportional and evidence-based, as with dropping Tier 4.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): win the JCAP grant and move the court roof and other facility repairs ahead.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The adjournment motion does not record a vote.
  • No action is recorded after the executive session.

Planning Board: 7 meetings (Jan 27 – Aug 25, 2026)

Planning Board Tuesday, January 27, 2026 C

Present: Colucci (Chair), Varano, Boettcher, Fullam, Moran, Penichter, and the board alternate (served in place of Libolt for the whole meeting). Libolt was not seated; the minutes show her commenting on Fall Park by Zoom.
Source: Planning Board minutes, January 27, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

CMeeting grade
(provisional, 3 items)

What happened

The board appointed its own chair because, per the minutes, the Town Board did not designate one at its Jan 6 organizational meeting. It recirculated the SEQRA lead-agency notice for Brykill and set a SEQRA public comment session for the Fall Park subdivision. (January 27, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Chair appointed by the board (Town Law §271): R. Colucci43333C—The minutes say the Town Board did not designate a chair at its Jan 6 organizational meeting. Moved Moran, seconded Penichter; 6:0, Colucci abstaining. (3.25)
Brykill (2079 Bruynswick Rd, lodging/event use): Res. PB 01-2026 recirculating the SEQRA lead-agency notice33333C-B-2, C-3Type I action. The revised plan raises pond excavation to about 61,000 cubic yards. Moved Moran, seconded Fullam; 7:0 roll call. (3.00)
Fall Park Blueprint LLC major subdivision (Church Farm Rd; RA and CLI districts)44334C+A-3, D-3Traffic study and buffer questions. Motion for counsel to ask the Building Inspector whether subdivision roads count as structures for buffer purposes: Moran/Penichter, unanimous. Motion to hold a SEQRA public comment session on Feb 24: Moran/Fullam, unanimous. (3.65)
Aurora Properties (two upstairs apartments, hamlet): informationalNot graded (no action)C-4No action.
Privilege of the floor; executive session; Dec 16 minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CExecutive session: Moran/Fullam. Minutes: Moran/Fullam. Adjournment: Varano/Fullam. A resident (M. Bialecki, later appointed to the board) asked about the Lextin subdivision.
Path to an A
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): when a revised plan changes scale, as Brykill's did with about 61,000 cubic yards of pond excavation, address what it means for town roads and services, and confirm the applicant bears those costs.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): move Brykill and Fall Park toward decisions on a predictable schedule, so applicants and neighbors are not left waiting on open-ended reviews.
  • Plan stewardship (D2): tie decisions to the 2022 Comprehensive Plan goals they serve, such as ridge protection (B-2) and complementary neighborhoods (A-3).
Planning Board Tuesday, February 24, 2026 C+

Present: Colucci (Chair), Varano, Boettcher, Fullam, Libolt, Moran, Penichter. The board alternate was not activated.
Source: Planning Board minutes, February 24, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 4 items)

What happened

Most of the meeting was the Fall Park SEQRA comment session. Residents raised traffic at Routes 44/55 and stormwater. Penichter pointed out that the inclusionary-housing section of the code (§220-42) has never been applied since it was adopted in 2008. The board reaffirmed SEQRA for BE Ventures and took in escrow for two new applications. (February 24, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Fall Park SEQRA public comment session, continued to Mar 2444334C+A-3, B-5, C-4, D-3Open public comment was held. Residents raised traffic, stormwater and wells; a trail link to the town park was also discussed. Penichter noted that §220-42 inclusionary housing has 'never been applied' since LL 1-2008 and said he would raise it with the Town Board. Continued on Varano/Libolt. (3.65)
BE Ventures 3-lot subdivision (Every Ave/4th St, hamlet): SEQRA negative declaration reaffirmed; hearing set Mar 2444434B-C-1Neg dec: Moran/Fullam, 7-0 roll call. Hearing: Penichter/Boettcher. (3.85)
Rosenbloom 3-lot subdivision (Hasbrouck Rd/Rt 299, Ridge Protection district): $5,000 escrow; board takes lead agency43343CB-2Escrow: Varano/Fullam. Lead agency: Moran/Libolt. (3.40)
Aurora Properties site-plan amendment (2 apartments): $4,000 escrow; area variance needed (about 4.5 units/acre)44444BC-1, C-4Escrow: Varano/Fullam. Referred to the ZBA for the density variance. (4.00)
Informational: 42 Peaceable Hill (ridge law); Church of the Gunks, 144 Main StNot graded (no action)—No action.
Announcement: Pro-Housing presentation to the Town Board on Mar 3 (Penichter, chair of the Smart Housing Committee); minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CMinutes: Penichter/Varano.
Path to an A
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): answer residents' Fall Park concerns (traffic at Routes 44/55, stormwater, wells) with the studies that actually measure them, and base any conditions on those findings.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): follow through on the trail link to the town park that came up during Fall Park comment (Plan goal B-5).
  • Plan stewardship (D2): take up the question raised about §220-42 inclusionary housing with the Town Board through the Plan process, so the code matches what the town will actually apply.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The approved minutes are labeled 'January 27, 2025'; this appears to mean 2026.
Planning Board Tuesday, March 24, 2026 C+

Present: Colucci (Chair), Varano, Boettcher, Fullam, Moran, Penichter, and the board alternate (activated for the whole meeting). Absent: Libolt.
Source: Planning Board minutes, March 24, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 4 items)

What happened

The board gave BE Ventures final plat approval after a public hearing. It extended the Fall Park comment period to a joint session with the Town Board on Apr 21, referred the Richards ADU to the ECC, and took escrow for the Nilsen lot-line change. The chair raised the idea of rezoning part of the CLI district to residential. (March 24, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
BE Ventures final plat: Res. PB 03-2026 approved after a public hearing54444B+C-1The resolution was read by Varano and seconded by Penichter; carried unanimously. Conditions include a $3,200 recreation fee. (4.25)
Fall Park: comment period extended to the Apr 21 joint session with the Town Board34334CA-3Moran/Boettcher. The chair mentioned a possible town rezoning of part of the CLI district to residential. (3.40)
Richards accessory dwelling unit (513 S. Mountain Rd): Res. PB 04-2026 referral to the ECC; hearing set Apr 2143433CC-4, B-2Hearing: Fullam/Moran. (3.45)
Rosenbloom discussion ('lowest feasible elevation' for houses on the ridge); Nilsen lot-line escrow; Tsimoyianis extension request33333C-B-2Nilsen escrow: Penichter, seconded by the board alternate. (3.00)
Minutes; adjournmentRoutine – C
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): set a decision timeline for Fall Park so the extended comment period leads to a decision without further delay.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): on the Rosenbloom ridge homes, define 'lowest feasible elevation' from the ridge-protection code so the applicant knows the standard in advance.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): put the CLI-to-residential rezoning idea through the Comprehensive Plan process, with sewer capacity and fiscal effects in view.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Two resolutions read into the record (BE Ventures, PB 03-2026; Richards referral, PB 04-2026) have no recorded mover.
Planning Board Tuesday, April 21, 2026 C

6 PM joint session with the Town Board on Fall Park, with the board alternate activated. Regular meeting: the alternate was deactivated at 7:05 PM. Penichter arrived 6:30, Libolt 7:00.
Source: Planning Board minutes, April 21, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

CMeeting grade
(provisional, 4 items)

What happened

At the joint session, Supervisor Hartner and Councilmembers Ulvestad, Clements and Scandinaro commented on Fall Park, raising water, wells and fit with the Comprehensive Plan. In the regular meeting the board approved the Richards ADU special permit with shielded lighting. It also granted Tsimoyianis a final one-year extension of a 2020 special permit (its fourth), accepted the Rosenbloom sketch, and sent a letter supporting Varano's reappointment. (April 21, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Joint Town Board / Planning Board session on Fall Park (SEQRA comment closed)44334C+A-3, B-1Comment closed: Moran/Varano. Adjourned: Fullam, seconded by the board alternate. (3.65)
Richards ADU special permit: Res. PB 5-2026 approved with shielded lighting (§220-16F(9))54534B+C-4, B-2Public hearing held. Moran/Penichter, unanimous. Libolt asked for dark-sky conditions; counsel said dark-sky compliance is not a formal code standard. (4.30)
Tsimoyianis special permit: Res. PB 6-2026, final 1-year extension to May 27, 202723432D+—Libolt/Moran, unanimous. The permit dates from Aug 2020, and this is its fourth extension. The board alternate spoke on this item. (2.75)
Rosenbloom: Res. PB 7-2026 sketch plan accepted and referred to the ECC43333CB-2Boettcher/Libolt, unanimous. (3.25)
Fall Park update (buffers of 200 and 300 ft; trail to be built along with the roads); Nilsen updateNot graded (no action)B-5No action.
Letter supporting Varano's reappointment; by-laws; minutesRoutine – CLetter: Penichter/Boettcher. Minutes: Fullam/Penichter.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): Tsimoyianis is on its fourth extension of a 2020 permit. Hold to the 'final' extension and state the reasons, so every applicant gets the same treatment.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): the Richards ADU kept conditions to what the code requires. Apply the same restraint to other requests that have no code basis.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): make sure the Fall Park trail is built along with the roads, as discussed (Plan goal B-5).
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The vote cells on the Richards resolution (PB 5-2026) are blank; check against the recording.
Planning Board Tuesday, May 26, 2026 C-

Present: Colucci (Chair), Moran, Fullam, Libolt, Penichter, Bialecki (new member), and the board alternate (activated for the whole meeting). Varano and Boettcher are not listed.
Source: Planning Board minutes, May 26, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C-Meeting grade
(provisional, 6 items)

What happened

The board appointed Moran vice-chair. It continued the Rosenbloom hearing, with most members favoring a 2-lot layout. Two items involved the chair, who recused: Ohioville Acres and a site plan for his own company (P.E. Colucci LLC, Osprey Extension). The board resent its comment letter on the Town Board's second battery-storage (BESS) moratorium. The ECC presented proposed wetland-buffer edits, which a Councilmember said misrepresented her draft. (May 26, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Vice-chair appointment: Moran43333C—Moved by Penichter, seconded by the board alternate. (3.25)
Rosenbloom public hearing, continued to June 2333333C-B-2Moran/Bialecki. (3.00)
Ohioville Acres (S. Ohioville Rd): SEQRA recirculation; comment session set Jul 2843333C—Colucci recused. Libolt/Penichter. (3.25)
P.E. Colucci LLC site plan, Osprey Extension (9,600 sf building): Res. PB 8-2026; hearing set June 2344434B-C-2The chair's own application; Colucci recused. Fullam/Bialecki, 6 ayes. Hearing: Penichter/Libolt. (3.85)
Town Board referral of Draft Local Law 2-2026 (second 6-month BESS moratorium): comment letter resent33232DC-5Penichter/Libolt. (2.60)
ECC presentation: proposed edits to §220-35 (wetland and watercourse buffers); Nilsen lot-line approved; Fall Park update43333CB-1, B-2Nilsen: Bialecki/Libolt. Councilmember Clements objected that the ECC presentation misrepresented her draft. The minutes note that a DEC wetlands rule change reverted on Apr 8, 2026. Fall Park: no HOA; voluntary CLI restrictions still pending. (3.25)
Apr 21 minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CPenichter/Fullam; Bialecki abstained.
Path to an A
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): base comments on the second BESS moratorium on evidence of local risk. Check it against the Policy Tracker's precautionary-to-proven scale instead of resending the earlier letter.
  • Plan stewardship (D2): when reviewing the ECC's wetland-buffer edits, compare them with the current state DEC rules and the Plan's water goals (B-1) before recommending new burdens.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): move the Rosenbloom hearing to a decision once the record is complete, rather than continuing it month to month.
Planning Board Tuesday, July 28, 2026 C

Present: Colucci (Chair, recused on two items), Fullam, Libolt, Penichter, Bialecki, Boettcher, and the board alternate. Moran is not listed.
Source: Planning Board minutes, July 28, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

CMeeting grade
(provisional, 4 items)

What happened

The Rosenbloom hearing stayed open after the applicant offered conditions, including a 5-year deed restriction on further building on lot 3, tree conservation and dark-sky lighting. The chair's Osprey site plan was approved despite claims from residents and the ZBA chair that a July 27 appeal stayed the review. Counsel advised that a stay is voluntary for the board. The board also accepted the Rus Holding 2-lot subdivision and set Ohioville and Rus hearings for Aug 25. (July 28, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Rosenbloom: hearing continued (no vote)23333D+B-2The board alternate spoke on this item. (2.75)
P.E. Colucci LLC, Osprey Extension: Res. PB 9-2026 site plan approved54444B+C-2Colucci recused. Scandinaro, Minnetto, Hunter and ZBA chair Licata said a July 27 appeal stayed the review; counsel said a stay is voluntary. Moved by the board alternate, seconded Boettcher; 5 ayes, Bialecki abstaining. Condition: an enclosure for asphalt waste. Escrow $4,000: Bialecki/Penichter. (4.25)
Ohioville Acres: comment session set Aug 2543333C—Colucci recused. Fullam/Penichter; 5 ayes with Bialecki abstaining, so the board alternate voted. (3.25)
Rus Holding 2-lot subdivision (1091 Albany Post Rd): Res. PB 10-2026; escrow; hearing Aug 2543443C+—Res.: Bialecki/Penichter. Escrow: the board alternate/Penichter. Hearing: Fullam/Bialecki. (3.60)
Aurora Properties: report that the ZBA variance was granted; Brykill memo motion tabled; informational items (yoga studio; welding shop at 50 Steve's Lane)Not graded (no action)C-1Board noted the variance outcome; see Record notes.
May minutes tabled; adjournmentRoutine – CAdjournment moved by the board alternate, seconded Penichter.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): Osprey was decided on counsel's advice despite pressure to wait. Keep deciding each application on the code and the record.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): Rosenbloom has had an open hearing since May 26. Close it and decide, now that the applicant has offered conditions.
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): keep escrow in step with review costs on new applications such as Rus Holding, so taxpayers do not carry them.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The minutes say the ZBA granted the Aurora variance on 'June 29, 2026'. The ZBA did not meet that day; its own minutes show supporting findings on May 28.
  • The vote cells on PB 10-2026 (Rus Holding) are blank; check against the recording.
  • The Osprey vote is written '5:1', but the minutes record 5 ayes and one abstention.
  • A corrected version of these minutes was later filed; the items above match it.
Planning Board Tuesday, August 25, 2026 B-

Present: Colucci (Chair), Moran (Vice-Chair), Fullam, Libolt, Penichter, Bialecki, Boettcher. The board alternate was absent. Moran chaired Ohioville Acres (Colucci recused). Libolt left during Brykill.
Source: Planning Board minutes, August 25, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

B-Meeting grade
(provisional, 7 items)

What happened

The board held the Ohioville Acres SEQRA comment session and then, 4-1-1, withdrew its lead-agency status in recognition of the Town Board's Aug 20 resolution seeking that role. It granted Rosenbloom a 3-lot subdivision (5:2) with voluntary deed restrictions and a $3,200 recreation fee, approved the Rusi Holding 2-lot subdivision, set Sept 22 hearings for the Gunks Climbing Coalition parking lot and Brykill, and referred the Aurora amendment and the Blauer Freeman Farm yoga-studio barn conversion to the county. (August 25, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Ohioville Acres: public comment session; PB lead-agency status withdrawn in favor of the Town Board44433C+—Comment closed: Boettcher/Libolt, unanimous. Withdrawal: Bialecki/Libolt, 4-1-1 (Boettcher no, Fullam abstained, Colucci recused). Supervisor and two Councilmembers commented; eight residents spoke. (3.65)
Rosenbloom 3-lot subdivision (Hasbrouck Rd, SP-1): negative declaration and conditional final approval (PB 11-2026)44443B-A-1Neg. dec.: Boettcher/Libolt, 6:1 (Bialecki no). Approval: Penichter/Boettcher, 5:2 (Moran, Bialecki no). Conditions include tree preservation, dark-sky lighting, wildlife-permeable fencing, a 1,500 sf cap on accessory structures, color-swatch approval and a $3,200 recreation fee. (3.80)
Rusi Holding 2-lot subdivision (1091 Albany Post Rd): negative declaration and approval (PB 12-2026)54444B+—Hearing held. Counsel advised on segmentation. Neg. dec.: Penichter/Bialecki; approval: Bialecki/Penichter; both unanimous. $1,200 recreation fee. (4.25)
Gunks Climbing Coalition gravel driveway and parking lot (South Mountain Rd): hearing re-noticed for Sept 2244334C+B-5Fullam/Bialecki, unanimous. Applicant said it is non-profit and needs no membership. (3.65)
Brykill lodging/event space: public hearing set for Sept 2244333CC-3Counsel advised septic design must match total event occupancy and asked for an event-frequency narrative. Members suggested an agricultural conservation easement on the north field. Bialecki/Fullam, unanimous of remaining members. (3.45)
Aurora Properties site plan amendment (12 Second St, hamlet): referred to UCPB; found not substantial, no hearing needed45444BC-4Referral: Fullam/Boettcher; not-substantial finding: Fullam/Penichter; both unanimous. Site visit to be scheduled. (4.20)
Blauer Freeman Farm barn-to-yoga-studio special permit (Rt 44/55): PB 13-2026 classification and UCPB referral; escrow54445B+C-1, B-2Moran/Bialecki, unanimous. Escrow $4,000: Penichter/Boettcher. (4.45)
Privilege of the floor; May 28 and July 28 minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CMinutes: Boettcher/Fullam, each 5:0 with one abstention.
Path to an A
  • Plan stewardship (D2): coordinate closely with the Town Board as it leads Ohioville Acres review, so the Plan's infrastructure and open-space goals are addressed once, not twice.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): give Brykill and the Gunks Climbing Coalition decisions at or soon after the Sept 22 hearings.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): keep conditions tied to code or to the applicant's own offers, as with Rosenbloom's voluntary deed restrictions.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • PB 11-2026 says the Rosenbloom hearing closed on 'July 27, 2026'; the board met on July 28.
  • Vote cells for two members on PB 11-2026 and for one member on the lead-agency vote are blank.
  • PB 13-2026 repeats its classification and referral clauses twice.

Zoning Board of Appeals: 5 meetings (Mar 26 – Jul 23, 2026)

ZBA Thursday, March 26, 2026 C-

Present: Licata (Chair), MacElhiney, Lindsley, Heller, Blackstone, and alternate Minnetto. On the executive-session items Heller abstained and Minnetto voted in his place.
Source: ZBA minutes, March 26, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C-Meeting grade
(provisional, 2 items)

What happened

The ZBA hired outside counsel for an Article 78 appeal over the Awosting Club, on a split vote. It denied a 3-car garage variance at 35 Trapps View Farm Rd after neighbors opposed it. (March 26, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Special counsel (David Yaffe) for Friends of the Shawangunks v. ZBA / Awosting Club33321D-—Licata/Blackstone, 4:1, Lindsley dissenting. Cost not stated in minutes. (2.45)
35 Trapps View Farm Rd (Ocean Harbor Realty): area variance for a 3-car garage 14.41 ft into a 50 ft setback; denied54333C+A-1Public hearing; neighbors opposed. The board voted factor by factor. Denial: Licata/Lindsley, unanimous. Hearing closed: Licata/Heller. (3.70)
Nov 20, 2025 minutes; close of Mar 9 executive session; executive-session minutesRoutine – CLicata/Lindsley; Licata/MacElhiney (5:0); Licata/Lindsley (5:0).
Path to an A
  • Moves the town forward (D5): weigh litigation against its likely benefit to the town, and look for a resolution that ends the Awosting Club dispute instead of extending it.
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): set a cost cap and budget line before hiring outside counsel.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): the factor-by-factor review of the Trapps View garage is a strong model of the statutory balancing test. Apply it on every variance.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The cost of special counsel is not stated in the minutes.
ZBA Thursday, April 23, 2026 C-

Present: Licata (Chair), MacElhiney, Lindsley, Heller, and Minnetto (seated for Blackstone, absent).
Source: ZBA minutes, April 23, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C-Meeting grade
(provisional, 2 items)

What happened

Two applications were sent to the Ulster County Planning Board (UCPB) over MacElhiney's objections: the Aurora apartment density variance and a front-yard solar array at 31 Deyo Dr. Both hearings were adjourned pending the county's reply. (April 23, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Aurora Properties density variance: referred to the UCPB; hearing adjourned34333C-C-1, C-4Licata/Lindsley, 4:1, MacElhiney dissenting. Adjourned: Licata/MacElhiney. (3.20)
31 Deyo Dr front-yard solar: referred to the UCPB; ZBA lead agency under SEQRA33333C-C-5Referral: Licata/Lindsley. Lead agency: Licata/Heller. (3.00)
Mar 26 minutes; adjournmentRoutine – CLicata/Lindsley.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): refer to the county only where the law requires it, so applicants are not held up by extra review.
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): give homeowners like those at 31 Deyo Dr a clear, timely path for ordinary improvements such as solar.
  • Plan stewardship (D2): weigh hamlet housing such as the Aurora apartments against the Plan's housing-diversity and hamlet-growth goals (C-4, C-1).
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The 31 Deyo Dr referral is recorded as '4:0', yet the minutes also note a dissent by MacElhiney.
ZBA Thursday, May 28, 2026 B-

Present: Licata (Chair), MacElhiney, Lindsley, Heller, Blackstone, Minnetto (alternate).
Source: ZBA minutes, May 28, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

B-Meeting grade
(provisional, 3 items)

What happened

The UCPB found no county impact on either referral. The ZBA made findings supporting the Aurora variance (the water committee had no concerns; 9 parking spaces against 7 required) but recorded no grant motion. It granted the Deyo Dr solar array with a screening condition. At 85 Phillies Bridge Rd it overturned the code officer's setback readings and granted a 25.5 ft variance. (May 28, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Aurora Properties: findings support the variance; hearing closed44434B-C-1, C-4Hearing closed: Licata/MacElhiney. (3.85)
31 Deyo Dr: front-yard solar variance granted, on condition of screening with 13 burning bush shrubs44434B-C-5Licata/Heller, 4:1, MacElhiney dissenting. (3.85)
85 Phillies Bridge Rd: code interpretations and a 25.5 ft area variance, granted53534B—Board's readings: a 30 ft side setback (MacElhiney/Heller), a 10 ft front setback (Licata/MacElhiney), and that the nonconformity rule does not apply (Licata/Lindsley). Variance: Licata/Heller. All unanimous. Neighbor P. Colucci spoke in support. (4.10)
Apr 23 minutesRoutine – CLicata/MacElhiney.
Path to an A
  • Resident & property-rights respect (D3): 85 Phillies Bridge Rd corrected a code reading in the owner's favor. Keep correcting interpretations that burden owners without a code basis.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): finish each application with a final decision once findings are made, as Aurora's findings supported.
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): keep conditions such as the Deyo Dr screening proportionate and enforceable without new town costs.
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • Aurora: findings support the variance, but no explicit motion granting it is recorded.
ZBA Thursday, June 25, 2026 C+

Present: Licata (Chair), MacElhiney, Lindsley, Heller, Blackstone, Minnetto (alternate).
Source: ZBA minutes, June 25, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 2 items)

What happened

On appeal, the ZBA reversed the code officer and classified Brykill as a single-use lodging facility with accessory event space, over the chair's 'no' vote. It sent Brykill's solar variance (an array of about 9,600 sf against a 5,995 sf barn) to the UCPB. The chair asked for SHPO, DEC and Natural Heritage documents and noted the applicant's escrow was $4,631.53 below the minimum. (June 25, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Brykill use appeal: code officer's decision reversed (single-use lodging with accessory event space)44434B-C-3MacElhiney/Heller, 4:1, Licata voting no. (3.85)
Brykill solar area variance: referred to the UCPB34333C-C-5Licata/MacElhiney. Chair requested SHPO, DEC, Natural Heritage and Planning Board SEQRA documents. (3.20)
Path to an A
  • Moves the town forward (D5): the Brykill use ruling allows a lodging business with event space. Help that use move forward under clear conditions (Plan goal C-3).
  • Fiscal responsibility (D4): bring the applicant's escrow up to the minimum (it is $4,631.53 short) so review costs do not fall on taxpayers.
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): ask for only the agency documents the decision actually needs, and set a date to decide the solar variance.
ZBA Thursday, July 23, 2026 C+

Present: Licata (Chair), MacElhiney, Lindsley, Heller, Blackstone, Minnetto (alternate).
Source: ZBA minutes, July 23, 2026 (scanned PDF, town minutes archive)

C+Meeting grade
(provisional, 2 items)

What happened

After an executive session on potential litigation, the ZBA sent the Gardiner Fire Department's illuminated sign to the UCPB. It also approved a referral agreement with the UCPB to cut down on routine county referrals. (July 23, 2026 minutes)

ItemD1D2D3D4D5GradePlan goalsMotions, votes & notes
Gardiner Fire Department illuminated sign (2349 Rt 44/55): referred to the UCPB; hearing to follow33334C-D-2Licata/Blackstone. (3.20)
UCPB referral agreement approved54444B+D-5Licata/Lindsley. (4.25)
Executive session (potential litigation); May 28 and June 25 minutesRoutine – CExec session: Licata/MacElhiney; minutes Licata/Heller and Licata/Blackstone.
Path to an A
  • Lawful & fair process (D1): the referral agreement with the county should shorten reviews. Track whether decisions now come faster.
  • Moves the town forward (D5): decide the Fire Department sign promptly, since it supports public safety (Plan goal D-2).
  • Plan stewardship (D2): use the time saved on referrals for Plan priorities, such as hamlet business growth (C-1).
Record notes Not counted in the grade
  • The May 28 and June 25 minutes were approved together on July 23.

Patterns across the record

Recent meetings

As of Oct 29, 2026, the town’s HeyGov system shows no posted minutes for 19 meetings held since August 1. Report cards for these will follow as records are posted.

DateMeetingMinutesRecordsReport card
Oct 27, 2026Planning BoardMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 26, 2026Special Meeting: Town Board, BudgetMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 22, 2026Special Meeting: Town Board, BudgetMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 22, 2026Special Meeting: Town Board, BidsMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 21, 2026Special Meeting: Town Board, BudgetMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 15, 2026Parks and RecreationMinutes not postedVideo · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 13, 2026Town Board Meeting (Week 2)Minutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 6, 2026Town Board MeetingMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Oct 5, 2026Town Board Special Meeting: BudgetMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Sep 24, 2026Zoning Board of AppealsMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Sep 22, 2026Town Board - Special MeetingMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Sep 22, 2026Planning BoardMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovNot yet graded
Sep 16, 2026ECCMinutes not postedVideo · HeyGovNot yet graded
Sep 8, 2026Town Board MeetingMinutes not postedAgenda · Video · HeyGovSee report card

Gardiner’s boards

Schedules are the pattern seen in the town’s meeting calendar. Always confirm dates on the official town calendar.

Town Board

Typically the 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month, plus special budget meetings in the fall

61 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025

Planning Board

Typically the 4th Tuesday of the month

22 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

Typically the 4th Thursday of the month, as needed

7 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025

Environmental Conservation Commission (ECC)

Typically the 3rd Wednesday of the month

4 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025

Community Preservation Advisory Board (CPAB)

2nd Monday, 5 PM (per the town website)

1 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025

Parks & Recreation

As posted

1 meetings in the HeyGov feed since Jan 2025