By Marlene McTigue
For Capital Region Independent Media
COEYMANS — Last Monday evening, at the Ravena Village Hall every member of the Town of Coeymans Board and the Village of Ravena Board of Trustees gathered for their first joint meeting since the new administration of the Coeymans Town Board took office in January.
The meeting was moderated by Mayor Bill Misuraca. In attendance representing the Town of Coeymans were Supervisor Stephen Donnelly, Councilwoman Linda Bruno, Councilman Ron Hotaling, Councilman Stephen Schmitt and Councilman Mike Stott.
Representing the Village of Ravena were Mayor Bill Misuraca, Deputy Mayor Nancy Warner, Trustee Caitlin Appleby, Trustee Joe Ganley and Trustee Linda Muller.
On the agenda was a slate of predetermined topics for discussion, with the understanding that no decisions would be made at the meeting. Topics discussed included summer youth programming, the village pool, the shared sewer services, industrial growth, proposed offshore wind projects within the community and Main Street beautification.
Donnelly said he saw the value of the joint meeting.
“It felt great that this had happened,” Donnelly said, “and I was surprised that it had taken so long, considering how comfortable we all were sitting down together. I’m encouraged that we are all going to be able to begin to build community trust by working together.”
Misuraca noted that the board is willing to work with the town, as it always has been.
“The village has always been open to joint meetings. I hope we can progress forward on the things we discussed. It seems like the board was open and reasonable,” the mayor said.
Deputy Mayor Nancy Warner said, “I feel encouraged and optimistic about our joint meeting, we will be better together going forward.”
Town Councilman Ron Hotaling was also encouraged by the event and said he is ready to get to work with the village for the best interests of all residents.
“It was exciting to see our two boards get together,” said Hotaling. “Setting both geographic and political interest aside, to begin to discuss the topics that matter to all residents within our community as a whole. The people we represent deserve nothing but the best from each of us as we try to provide a community that offers many opportunities for both residents and businesses within the village and town. I look forward to continued collaboration.”
Members of the RCS Community Business Association Glenda Cukierski and Yvonne Shackleton were in attendance at the meeting.
“The town and village leadership had a well-organized discussion about many topics from youth summer programs to beautifying Main Street to the offshore wind project,” Shackleton said. “But those discussions really seemed to be a backdrop for what they finally came out and said, which was that the two entities are motivated and eager to work together. I think that’s what we were all hoping to hear. This was a great first step. I think our community can only benefit from this kind of collaborative effort.”
Local business owner Joy Iafallo from Gabler Realty also attended the meeting. She said she had been asking for a joint meeting between the village and town for years. She had some positive takeaways.
“Things are going to get better with everyone working together, programming will improve and services for community members will improve,” Iafallo said.
The next joint meeting for the group is slated for the spring. The date has not yet been set.
