Croton Council Pushes Back On Volunteer Rules

Key Actions & Decisions

• ◆ **Resolutions Passed**: November minutes approved unanimously.
• ◆ **Resolutions Failed**: None.
• ◆ **Applications Reviewed**: None.
• ◆ **Public Comments**: No public attendance or comment.
• ◆ **Reports**:
• ◆ **Garden Club (Eva Thaddeus)**: Reported the Visual Environment Board is reviewing proposed text, format, and a mockup for Gotwald Gardens signage; John Ealer is coordinating with a vendor.
• ◆ **Draft Committee Guidelines**: Council reviewed Board of Trustees proposals, raising concerns about the Village Manager's centralized correspondence role, punitive administrative language, limits on serving on multiple committees, and volunteer time constraints. Mayor Pugh agreed to relay feedback to the Board.
• ◆ **Westchester Coalition for Clean Water**: Council determined the invitation is better suited for the Water Control Commission; John Ealer will forward it.
• ◆ **Earth Day 2026**: Reached consensus to hold the event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Vassallo Park, with a rain date of Saturday, May 9, 2026, to reduce logistical and parking burdens.
• ◆ **Natural Resources Inventory (Jason Mencher & Madalyn)**: Noted an upcoming intermunicipal meeting to establish a GIS-friendly, updatable data framework, including trail map updates.
• ◆ **CLEAN (John Ealer)**: Reported recent low-tide waterfront trash collection and ongoing restructuring following the chair transition.
• ◆ **Trails (David Daly)**: Reported seasonal quiet; discussed future trail marker placement and coordination with DPW.
• ◆ **Repair Cafe (Sherry Horowitz & Halle Clarke)**: Scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Croton Free Library. Discussed supply procurement through Village administration/DPW, signage reuse, and volunteer needs including data tracking for the regional network.