Shandaken Board Approves Mountain Jam Permit - Defers Town Hall, EV Charger Decisions

SHANDAKEN — The Shandaken Town Board approved an assembly permit last Monday for the upcoming Mountain Jam music festival, but deferred decisions on installing new electric vehicle (EV) chargers and the potential sale of the current Town Hall, opting instead to hold a special workshop to discuss the municipal building's future.

The board’s May 5 meeting also featured a detailed presentation from the Onteora School District on its proposed 2025-2026 budget and a significant capital improvement plan.

The permit for the Mountain Jam festival, scheduled for June 20-22 at Belleayre Mountain, was granted following a public hearing where promoters detailed changes including a reduction from 600 to 400 camping tents and a new RV camping location in Big Indian. The town will receive a $2,500 fee, and organizers will post a $10,000 cash escrow. The resolution passed as written before the meeting, with the understanding it could be amended or revoked at a special meeting on May 12 if legal clarifications regarding security and medical services, which arose from a last-minute attorney email during last Monday's meeting, are not resolved.

Consideration of installing three EV chargers – one potentially at the Town Hall – was tabled. The decision was linked to the tabling of another resolution to seek an appraisal for the Town Hall property through a flood buyout program. Council members cited the imprudence of installing new infrastructure at a property the town might soon vacate.

Onteora School District Superintendent Victoria McLaren presented a proposed $63.56 million budget for 2025-2026, a 2% increase over the current year, with a corresponding 2% tax levy increase, which is below the state-mandated cap. A major $70.5 million tax-neutral capital improvement project aimed at creating a central campus with extensive upgrades to existing schools was also detailed. The school budget vote is scheduled for May 20.

In other matters, the board approved terminating its agreement with the SHARP committee as administrators of CDBG funds, with a 45-day transition period for the Supervisor to manage outstanding loans and bank access. A new non-profit is reportedly being formed by the Housing Smart Committee to fulfill similar functions.

Supervisor Peter DiSclafani presented a plaque to Ernie Longyear Sr., recognizing his 32 years of service to the town upon his retirement. The Supervisor also reported that an environmental assessment of the Patini fuel depot property in Pine Hill showed it free of contaminants, and the town is working to acquire it for parking and stormwater drainage. The town’s website was also officially updated to shandaken.gov.

The board approved routine payment of bills and advertising for summer recreation camp staff. An amended drug and alcohol-free workplace policy for the town employee handbook was also adopted.

Public comments included inquiries about the SHARP committee transition and the EV charger locations. The Conservation Advisory Council announced a "Shandaken Prepares" public meeting on June 16 concerning flood mitigation and emergency preparedness.

The meeting was adjourned in memory of David Anderson.