Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Kelly Brunette
Mayor

Email:
[email protected]

Location:
39 Main Street
Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Welcome

This page is intended to serve as a direct source of information from the Mayor’s Office regarding Village government.

The Village of Saranac Lake is responsible for delivering essential public services, maintaining infrastructure, managing public resources, and supporting the daily operation of the community. That work depends on coordination, professionalism, transparency, and public trust.

As Mayor, I remain committed to lawful governance, responsible decision-making, respectful public dialogue, and steady leadership focused on the long-term interests of the Village of Saranac Lake.

Warmly,
Kelly Brunette
Mayor

August 10, 2026

Police Youth Programs

The Board unanimously accepted a $10,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant secured with assistance from Assemblymember Michael Cashman's office.

The funding will support the Saranac Lake Police Department's Youth Academy and LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) program.

Manager Reiley reported that this year's Police Youth Academy was very successful and received strong reviews from the participating kids.

Trustee White raised an important point during the grant discussion. Accepting a grant is only one part of the job. The Board also needs to know how much has been spent, how much has been reimbursed and whether the Village has actually received the anticipated funds.

Manager Reiley has already created a tracking document for this grant and shared it with the Treasurer and Police Chief. Her goal is to establish similar tracking for all Village grants. 

Wastewater Cybersecurity

The Board unanimously accepted a $30,000 NYS SECURE Cybersecurity Grant through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The funding will be used to strengthen cybersecurity protections for the Village's wastewater infrastructure and requires no local match.

During public comment, a resident raised the broader issue of municipal information security. She encouraged the Village to review basic cybersecurity practices across Village operations - not simply sophisticated infrastructure protections, but fundamentals such as passwords, account access and removing access when employees leave.

Cybersecurity is increasingly an infrastructure issue, but it is also an everyday administrative responsibility.

Emergency Access on Broadway

The Board unanimously authorized the Village to move forward with a request to the New York State Department of Transportation regarding parking immediately adjacent to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad driveway on Broadway.

The Rescue Squad contacted the Village because vehicles parked close to its narrow driveway can limit visibility and make it difficult for emergency vehicles to safely enter and exit.

Because Broadway is a state highway, the Village cannot simply change the parking configuration ourselves. NYSDOT advised the Village that it needed a municipal resolution before the State could evaluate the request. The consensus was to move the request forward so NYSDOT engineers can evaluate what is necessary, while communicating that the Board wants the parking impact kept to the minimum needed for safe emergency access. 

The goal here should be to solve the Rescue Squad's very real access problem while preserving as much public parking as reasonably possible. 

Community Connections Festival

The Board considered a proposal from Trustee Sean Ryan to partner with Paul Smith's College, North Country Community College and the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on a Community Connections Festival planned for September 26.

There was broad agreement that our colleges are enormously important to Saranac Lake and that strengthening the relationship between students and the community is worthwhile.

Where we had more discussion was over the Village's role.

As originally proposed, the resolution specifically authorized the Community Development Department to coordinate the planning and implementation of the festival and authorized the waiver of Village fees associated with the event.

Several of us questioned whether those operational decisions belonged in a Board resolution.

Trustee Jeremy Evans proposed an amendment removing those two provisions. That means the Board would support the partnership and the concept of the Community Connections Festival, while decisions about staff assignments and available administrative resources remain with Village Manager Brandee Reiley. Event fees would also not automatically be waived.

The amendment passed 4–1, with Trustee White voting no. The amended Community Connections Festival resolution then passed 4–1, again with Trustee White voting no.

I think where we landed was appropriate. We can strongly support our colleges and welcome students into Saranac Lake without the Board directing individual staff assignments through resolution. That distinction matters as we continue reinforcing the Village's manager form of government and a clear division between Board policy and day-to-day administration. 

Village and Harrietstown Will Explore the Armory Together

The Board unanimously approved Trustee David Trudeau's resolution establishing a joint Village of Saranac Lake/Town of Harrietstown task force to explore potential acquisition and future use of the Saranac Lake Armory.

David explained that he attended a Harrietstown Town Board meeting as a resident to discuss the idea and that Doug Haney volunteered to represent the Town in the effort. David will serve as a Village representative. Other members will be added.

Trustee White specifically asked whether Harrietstown supported creating a joint group, emphasizing that this needs to be a genuinely collaborative effort rather than something created unilaterally by the Village.

The Armory is an important community asset, and its future intersects with several larger conversations underway in Saranac Lake. Exploring the possibilities jointly with Harrietstown makes sense, provided both municipalities remain at the table as equal partners. 

August 24 Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grant Funding

I added one procedural item from the floor because of an upcoming grant deadline.

The Board unanimously scheduled a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public hearing for August 24 at 5:30 p.m., immediately before our regular Village Board meeting.

This does not commit the Village to submitting a particular grant application.

The hearing is an early required step that allows us to hear from the public and consider potential uses of CDBG funding. Eligible activities can include housing rehabilitation, public facilities and certain small-business and community-development programs.

July Manager's Report

Manager Reiley gave the Board an overview of July activity across Village departments.

Among the highlights:

  • Ampersand Avenue water and sewer lines were installed.
  • The Park Avenue / AMA sewer mains were completed.
  • Work continues related to FEMA sewer design and funding.
  • A CFA grant application for Boothe River Park.
  • Work at 17 Main Street was completed using Clean Energy Communities/NYSERDA funding.
  • Parks staff are already working on winter operations, including the snowmaking pump project.
  • Police, Fire and Rescue all had active months, including the successful Police Youth Academy.

Manager Reiley also discussed when something actually needs to come before the Board as a formal resolution. Based on guidance from the New York Conference of Mayors, the major categories are actions that set policy, execute contracts or authorize spending.

She and Village Clerk Laura Ferranti will work on making that distinction clearer as future agendas are developed. 

Permit Revenue

Trustee White raised questions about revenue associated with building permits, short-term rental permits and parking tickets after reviewing preliminary financial reports and not seeing the revenue where she expected it.

Manager Reiley will confirm with the Code Enforcement Officer that permit applicants are paying their required fees through the Village office.

Climate-Ready Corridors

Trustee Trudeau brought the Climate-Ready Corridors proposal back for discussion. The program would involve placing sensors in the Village to collect environmental data.

The concept has merit, but after our recent experience with Flock cameras, several of us agreed that we should be much more deliberate anytime equipment collecting data is installed in public spaces.

Before proceeding, I want us to understand exactly what the devices collect, where they would be located, who owns the data, where it is stored, who can access it and what obligations the Village assumes by participating.

Standard Village Office Hours

Both the Village employee handbook and union agreement place responsibility for establishing office hours with the Village Board.

This isn't about making every Village department operate identically. DPW, Police, Water/Wastewater, Parks and administrative offices obviously have very different operational responsibilities.

It is about making sure residents know when offices are open, when staff are available and what they can reasonably expect when doing business with the Village.


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

July 27, 2026

Public Safety Building Work Session

The majority of the meeting was devoted to a work session on the future of the Public Safety Building project.

I opened the discussion with a simple goal of establishing a budget-first framework.

The Village began this process several years ago after identifying deficiencies in our police, fire, and rescue facilities. Since then, circumstances have changed. The Police Department has relocated to the Armory, construction costs have increased, and changes to the New York State Building Code have added significant requirements that were not anticipated when the project began.

Most importantly, the most recent schematic design for a combined police, fire, and rescue facility at 33 Petrova is approximately 57,000 square feet with an estimated cost of $37 million.

That is why I believe we need to step back and ask a more fundamental question: How do we address the needs of our emergency services at a cost Village residents can sustain?

Understanding the Financial Picture

The Village's current budget includes approximately $3 million annually for police, fire, and rescue services. After approximately $830,000 in fire protection contracts and rescue-related reimbursements, the net cost to Village taxpayers is approximately $2.1 million per year.

The Board also reviewed what has been spent on the building project to date. A $2.5 million capital reserve was established in 2022, and approximately $2 million remains in that reserve, in part because it has continued earning interest. More than $1 million has been spent over the past several years on professional services and project development, drawing from both the reserve and General Fund.

On the funding side, approximately $4.7 million in outside funding has been identified, including $4.5 million in congressionally directed funding administered through USDA Rural Development and approximately $200,000 in other grant funding.

Taken together, the Village currently has roughly $6.7 million in identified grant and reserve resources before considering additional borrowing, future grants, contributions from our neighboring towns, or other potential revenue sources.

Those numbers don't answer the question of what we should build. But they give us a much clearer place to start.

Who Pays for a Regional Service?

Another major question emerged around the role of the surrounding towns.

The Saranac Lake Fire Department provides service well beyond Village boundaries. The Towns of Harrietstown, North Elba, and St. Armand currently contribute toward fire protection through annual contracts.

Trustee Evans raised an important concern about taking on long-term Village debt for a facility that serves residents both inside and outside the Village.

As he explained during the discussion, if the Village were to borrow millions of dollars over 20 or 30 years without a corresponding long-term commitment from the towns, Village taxpayers would ultimately be responsible for that debt even though the facility serves a much larger area.

Trustee White suggested that longer-term agreements with the towns, particularly for the capital portion of the project, could potentially provide greater certainty.

That conversation has not yet happened with the Town Supervisors.

It needs to.

One of the clear next steps coming out of the work session is to begin those discussions before the Village makes decisions about borrowing or the ultimate size of a project.

Advisory Boards, Committees & Task Forces

Monday's meeting also included our first regular round of updates from the Board members assigned as ex-officio liaisons to Village advisory boards, committees, and task forces.

Trustee Trudeau reported that the Climate Action Advisory Board is working toward Silver Certification, which could make the Village eligible for additional grant opportunities.

He also provided an update from the Public Safety Building Committee. The committee is beginning to examine alternatives to the previous combined police, fire, and rescue facility concept, including what it would cost to address the Fire Department's needs independently. Among the questions the committee wants answered are the cost of demolishing the existing structure at 33 Petrova and an updated estimate for constructing only the fire department portion of the previous design. The committee is also discussing whether fire and rescue should share a facility and, if so, how the rescue squad's portion of that facility would be funded.

Trustee Evans reported that the Housing Advisory Board has been working with the Northern Forest Center and Studio A on early concepts for the Village-owned Sandpit property. Those concepts will eventually come back to the Village Board for further consideration.

He also reported that the Downtown Advisory Board is reviewing a 2006 downtown parking study as it prepares to take a fresh look at parking issues this fall.

Trustee Ryan reported that the Parks & Trails Advisory Board expects to bring a recommendation regarding the naming of Riverfront Park to the Board in August. The committee is also advocating for the proposed accessible kayak and boat launch at Baldwin Park as that project moves through the APA variance process.

He reported that the Future Families Task Force was unable to meet during the previous month because of summer schedules.

Trustee White reported that the Arts & Culture Advisory Board is working to establish its goals and priorities for the year ahead. With the Board's recent appointments, the advisory board now has its full membership in place.

She also reported that the Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) Project Committee has not met recently, in part because of summer scheduling challenges.

These updates will now be a regular part of our second Board meeting each month. The purpose is to keep the Board, staff, advisory groups, and public better connected to the work happening throughout Village government.

Investing in Our Workforce

The Board unanimously authorized a wastewater treatment plant operator trainee to attend three training programs at SUNY Morrisville covering basic wastewater operations, laboratory procedures, and activated sludge treatment.

The Board also unanimously approved the hiring of Ronald Brenner as Principal Account Clerk, effective July 29.

Strong municipal government depends on capable people. 

Supporting Community Events

The Board unanimously approved the use of Riverfront Park for the 90 Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic on September 13, including permission for alcohol to be served within a controlled beer garden.

Organizers submitted a safety plan that includes a designated service area, identification checks, trained servers, security, insurance requirements, and the necessary New York State permits.

The 90 Miler is a wonderful Adirondack tradition, and we're pleased to once again welcome paddlers, families, volunteers, and visitors to Saranac Lake.

Looking Ahead

The Public Safety Building conversation isn't finished. In many ways, Monday night's discussion was about getting back to the beginning.

What do we need? What can we afford?

Who benefits from the service, and how should those costs be shared?

What funding can we realistically secure?

We have significant capital needs ahead of us. We cannot solve all of them at once, and we cannot evaluate any one of them in isolation.

Our responsibility is to understand the full picture, establish priorities, pursue outside funding aggressively, and make investments that address genuine community needs while keeping affordability front and center.

Monday night's work session moved that conversation forward.


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

July 13, 2026

Thank you to everyone who attended Monday night's meeting, joined online, or continues to stay engaged in our community.

Climate Ready Corridors

The Board received a presentation from representatives of the University at Buffalo regarding a statewide research project focused on streetscape design and climate resiliency.

Saranac Lake has been invited to participate in a pilot program that would help inform a toolkit for municipalities across New York State. Participation would primarily involve sharing information, identifying potential study areas, and providing feedback to the project team.

No decisions have been made regarding Village participation. The presentation provided an opportunity for the Board to learn more about the project and consider whether it aligns with our priorities and available staff capacity.

Continuing to Pursue Outside Funding

The Board approved several grant-related items during the meeting.

We authorized the submission of an application for approximately $8.7 million through New York State's Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) program to support future wastewater improvements. We also approved a grant application for Boothe River Park and accepted a grant award to support this summer's Music on the Green concert series.

Every grant dollar we receive is a dollar that doesn't come directly from local taxpayers. Pursuing outside funding continues to be one of the Village's most important tools for investing in infrastructure, parks, and community amenities while maintaining affordability.

Public Safety Building Discussion

The Board also discussed the future of the Public Safety Building project.

This remains one of the most significant decisions facing our community. Before additional work proceeds, I believe the Board has a responsibility to establish clear expectations regarding project scope, affordability, and what constitutes an achievable path forward.

To that end, I requested that the Public Safety Building be placed on the agenda for our next Village Board meeting on Monday, July 27 at 5:30 PM.

In advance of that discussion, I have asked that questions, comments, and background materials be directed to the Village Manager for coordination and consolidation so that the Board has a common set of information to review.

My hope is that this discussion will help provide policy direction to staff.

Improving How We Do Business

The Board spent time discussing several operational matters, including community events, road closures, media requests, and meeting procedures.

While these conversations may not be the most visible part of local government, they are important. Residents should expect consistency, clear communication, and well-defined processes from their local government.

The Board also received the new Village Manager's Monthly Report, which provided updates on projects and activities occurring across Village departments. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into preparing these reports and believe they are an important tool for keeping both the Board and the public informed.

Community Volunteers

The Board appointed members to the Arts & Culture Advisory Board.

I want to thank everyone who volunteers their time to serve on our advisory boards and committees. These residents bring their talents, experience, and perspectives to local government, and our community is stronger because of their willingness to get involved.

Looking Ahead

Whether it's pursuing grant funding, planning for future infrastructure needs, or discussing the Public Safety Building, much of local government is about thinking ahead. The work of local government is often incremental. A grant application. A board appointment. A policy discussion. A work session. Individually, these actions can seem small. Together, they help shape the future of our community.

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

June 22, 2026

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.

June 20, 2026

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.

June 16, 2026

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.

June 10, 2026

Thank you to the New York State Police, Village of Saranac Lake Police Department, Saranac Lake Fire Department, and all emergency responders for their swift and professional response.

While the reported incident was determined to be unfounded, these situations are taken seriously and require a significant public safety response. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses, and visitors as emergency personnel worked to ensure public safety.

Saranac Lake Police Investigating Suspected Swatting Incident
Release by: Chief of Police Darin M. Perrotte


The Saranac Lake Police Department is investigating a suspected swatting incident that prompted a significant emergency response in the downtown area earlier today.

At approximately 12:48pm, the Saranac Lake Police Department received a report from a male caller claiming that a masked man armed with a firearm had entered the Village Mercantile, located at 97 Main Street. The caller further reported that the individual had started a fire inside the building and that people were fleeing from the scene. Saranac Lake Fire Department was dispatched to that address.

Police officers and firefighters responded immediately and conducted a thorough assessment of the area. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found no evidence of a fire, no armed subject, and no indication that any criminal activity had occurred at the location. The area was searched and subsequently cleared.

The New York State Police assisted in the response and investigation.

While emergency personnel were on scene, the caller contacted authorities several additional times and made comments regarding the movements and actions of responding police officers and fire personnel. Information developed during the investigation indicates the caller may have been monitoring publicly accessible live camera footage from the Hotel Saranac area while making the false reports.

Preliminary investigative findings suggest this incident may have originated from a foreign-based source. Investigators are continuing to work with partner agencies to identify the individual responsible.

Swatting incidents are deliberate false reports designed to trigger a large-scale emergency response. These calls place first responders and members of the public at unnecessary risk, divert critical resources away from legitimate emergencies, and may result in criminal prosecution when those responsible are identified.

“We are grateful for the rapid and professional response of our officers, firefighters, and our partners at the New York State Police,” said Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte. “False emergency reports are taken very seriously. Incidents like this consume valuable public safety resources and have the potential to create dangerous situations for both responders and community members.”
At no time was there an active threat to the public associated with this incident. The safety concerns at the location were quickly investigated and determined to be unfounded. Saranac Lake Police communicated with Saranac Lake Schools as the incident unfolded to ensure safety of students and staff.

This remains an active investigation. Updates will be provided as confirmed facts become available. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Saranac Lake Police Department at (518)891-4422 or on the department’s website www.saranaclakepolice.org
The Saranac Lake Police Department remains committed to transparency, public safety, and working with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible for criminal acts accountable.

For additional information, please contact:
Chief Darin Perrotte
Saranac Lake Police Department
(518) 891-4422

June 8, 2026

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.

May 26, 2026

Over the past several weeks, the Village has been working through an important administrative transition involving several appointed offices responsible for the day-to-day operation of Village government.

Under New York State Village Law and Public Officers Law, the positions of Village Manager, Village Clerk, Village Treasurer, and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer are appointed by the Mayor with approval of the Village Board of Trustees. These offices are also subject to eligibility requirements established under New York State law, including provisions related to age, citizenship, and residency.

These offices are responsible for core municipal functions including administration, financial management, records management, coordination of Village operations, regulatory compliance, public communication, and organizational oversight.

Following a public process that included solicitation of Letters of Interest, review of applications, and discussion with Board members, the Village Board approved the following appointments:

Village Manager, Brandee Reiley
Village Clerk, Laura Ferranti
Village Treasurer, Chrissie Wais
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, Cassandra Van Cott

The Board also appointed Bachana Tsiklauri to continue serving as Temporary Village Manager through June 30, 2026, to support operational continuity and administrative transition.

Transitions in government can create uncertainty and strong opinions. I understand that, and I respect that people care deeply about the Village and the individuals who serve it. At the same time, leadership requires making decisions that position the organization to move forward effectively.

My focus throughout this process has been straightforward: maintaining effective government operations, strengthening communication and coordination across departments, supporting professional administration, and ensuring Village government remains organized, accountable, and responsive to the community.

The Village employs more than 50 public servants across multiple departments who work every day to deliver essential services to residents. Public service matters, and strong administration matters.

I remain committed to working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Village staff, volunteers, and residents as we continue moving the Village forward together.

Relevant Law and Information:

Village Administration
https://saranaclakeny.gov/about-us/

New York State Village Law

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VIL

New York State Public Officers Law
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBO