The Gardiner Town Board swore in its fifth council member and advanced several environmental and fiscal initiatives at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Town Supervisor Michael Hartner administered the oath of office to James Ulvestad, filling the final seat on the five-member board.

The board approved engaging HydroQuest/Mid-Hudson Geosciences to complete the town’s “Aquifer Overlay District” code section, part of ongoing efforts by the Drinking Water Committee to protect groundwater quality and quantity. Officials aim to resolve the code issue by year’s end.

Hartner said a water assessment report prepared with the New York Rural Water Association should be published within a month. The hamlet area faces the primary water quantity challenges due to its shale-based aquifer, officials said.

The board passed a resolution urging the state Legislature to enact occupancy tax bills submitted last year. The proposed legislation would allow Gardiner to impose a hotel and motel tax of up to 5%. The measure passed the Assembly but stalled in the Senate before adjournment. A public hearing would follow if both chambers approve the bills.

Glenn Gidaly and Linda Geary presented the Community Preservation Advisory Board’s annual report, noting the preservation fund stands at approximately $800,000 as of the end of 2025. The board appointed Barbara Lane and Lindy Weaver to fill advisory board vacancies.

Hartner announced upcoming presentations on pro-housing communities by Ulster County housing senior planner Kai Lord Farmer on March 3, and on waste reduction by Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency Executive Director Marc Rider on April 7.

Council Member Roberta Clements said she has begun planning Gardiner’s America 250 celebrations and is seeking volunteers. The Historical Society of Shawangunk and Gardiner has expressed interest in participating.

Hartner praised departing community member Stephen Weir, who presented a fleet efficiency policy draft aimed at upgrading Gardiner’s climate smart community status from bronze to silver. The board opted to revise the policy before approval.

The town announced its new website is now live at townofgardinerny.gov.