Topic: News

Friday, October 2, 2026

ATTENTION RESIDENTS – INTERRUPTION OF WATER SERVICE:

The Village of Scotia Department of Public Works will begin flushing hydrants on Monday, October 5, 2026. During this time, you may experience low water pressure / discoloration.
The first time you turn on your water, after the flushing is complete, let the cold water run for 3-5 minutes to allow adequate flushing of your water pipes.

If you have any questions or concerns after flushing your water pipes, please call the Department of Public Works at 518-393-2159.

We are open from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday.

We will work hard to minimize the inconvenience.

Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Why we flush?
To improve the flow, reliability, and quality of water as it moves from the treatment plant to your tap. The increased flow cleans the water pipe’s
inner walls and helps to stir and remove the build-up of naturallyoccurring debris and sediment. It also helps maintain the chlorine
residual that protects the water as it moves to your house.

How does flushing improve water quality?
Flushing moves water more quickly from the treatment plant to your tap,reducing the “water age” of your tap water. Water age is how long the
water has been in the pipes since it left the water treatment plant. Periodic or routine flushing at lower flow rates is widely used to bring
freshly treated water into distant parts of the pipe distribution network. This helps maintain adequate residuals of free chlorine in all parts of the
distribution network, which keeps the water safe to drink as it moves, sometimes miles, from the treatment plant to your tap.

Why is my water discolored from flushing? Is the water safe?
Flushing can make the water appear rust-colored because the iron and other mineral deposits in the water mains get stirred up. There is no
health hazard associated with the discolored water. Water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing, however it may stain
laundry.

Does the Village test the water regularly?
The Village of Scotia tests the water leaving the water plant and throughout the water system regularly, following the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Health protocols.

About the Study

The Village of Scotia, in partnership with the Capital Region Transportation Council, is developing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan for the Village’s pedestrian infrastructure. The purpose of the study is to identify barriers in existing infrastructure that may make it difficult for people of all ages and abilities to travel throughout the Village and to create a practical plan for improving accessibility over time.

As part of the study, the project team will evaluate approximately 31.5 miles of sidewalks and two miles of paved multi-use trails, as well as curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian signals, and transit stops. The information collected will be used to develop planning-level cost estimates and a prioritized schedule of recommended improvements to existing infrastructure. Priorities will consider factors such as the condition of the infrastructure and its proximity to important community destinations, including government offices, transportation facilities, and other public accommodations.

We want to hear from you!

Your experience traveling throughout the Village of Scotia can help shape the transition plan and its priorities. Community members are invited to use the interactive Comment Mapper to identify locations where pedestrian accessibility could be improved.

Visit the project website to share your ideas.

You now have the ability to view your bill, pay your bill and monitor your usage on line through our secure website. Payments can be made by credit card for a fee of 2.55%.

Go to our Water/Sewer Bill Portal to set up your personal account.

If you have more than one water account you can link multiple accounts to your personal page. Water and Sewer bills go out twice a year (February and October) but we read the meters  every 40 days. This means that you can monitor your water usage in something closer to real time. If you have a water leak you can catch it before it runs up a large bill.

Effective today, the Village of Scotia is implementing an updated parking enforcement process.

Parking citations will now be issued with a QR code that allows fines to be paid online, as well as a phone payment option. Payments may also be made in person through the Village Court Clerk.

The following options are available for residents who require an exception to the Village’s overnight parking restrictions:

• Construction Permit – For situations where a property’s driveway is temporarily unavailable due to construction or maintenance.

• Overnight Parking Overlook – Each vehicle is eligible for up to three overnight parking overlooks per calendar month.

Permit requests, overnight parking overlooks, and parking ticket processing can be completed online at:

https://www.tocite.net/villageofscotiany/portal

As a reminder, overnight parking is prohibited on Village streets between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM, unless a valid permit or approved overnight parking overlook has been issued.

We encourage residents to plan accordingly and utilize the online portal when an exception is needed.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our streets safe and accessible.

– Scotia Police Department

LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES

The Village of Scotia is requesting qualifications from qualified individuals or firms for the
provision of architectural/engineering services in connection with Drinking Water and
Clean Water Infrastructure Improvements. Respondents will be reviewed and selected
according to the qualifications process based upon technical skills and relevant
experience. The full RFQ document is attached below and can also be obtained by contacting Village Clerk-Treasurer Maria Schmitz at 518-374-1071 or mschmitz@villageofscotiany.gov. Proposals must be received on or before 10:00am on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Village Clerk’s Office; 4 No. Ten Broeck, Scotia NY 12302 (via mail) or 207 Sacandaga Road Suite 104, Scotia, New York 12302 (physical delivery).

RFQ_V Scotia_Clean Water and Drinking Water Engineering Services Rev. 1 (002)

Valued Village Residents,

The Village of Scotia is in the process of inventorying all water service lines in the village. Technical assistance providers contracted through the GLO Initiative performed exploratory digging (also known as potholing) in front of your property where the shut-off valve is located, to identify your water service line material. Following digging, flushing your home’s water plumbing is an important part of the process. We recommend that you follow the instructions detailed on this flyer to minimize potential exposure to lead in drinking water. We value your partnership in this effort!

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FLUSHING?

Performing flushing in your home following exploratory digging clears water service lines. This process helps to move fresh water through the plumbing in your home—and help flush out any debris that may have been disrupted during the digging process.

WHAT TO DO AFTER DIGGING

• FLUSH: Flush your plumbing and clean faucet aerators per the guidance in this flyer.
• WHEN: Right after digging is complete, then routinely per the instructions on this flyer.
• WHY: After a lead service line disturbance, the lead level may temporarily increase in drinking water. Flushing your plumbing can help reduce potential lead exposure.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO REDUCE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO LEAD:

Home Flushing – Day of Digging: Run your cold-water to flush household plumbing after digging is complete, BEFORE you use any cold or hot water.

1. Find a faucet that will drain, such as a basement utility sink, bathtub, or outdoor hose bib. Avoid using locations with clogged or blocked drains where water might overflow.
2. Slowly open the cold water tap and leave the faucet running at the highest rate possible for at least 5 minutes, especially on larger diameter (>1 inch) and/or long service lines (>50ft) that are identified or potentially lead service lines or galvanized service lines requiring replacement.

If the faucet has a lower flow rate (e.g., water flowing is smaller than the width of a standard Sharpie marker), we encourage you to flush longer at 10 minutes.

3. Clean aerator/screen if present on the faucet you flushed. You may need to replace screen/aerator if too old or worn. Routine aerator cleaning is also a good practice at other faucets.
4. Before using water for drinking, cooking, or preparing infant formula at any other tap not yet flushed after digging, follow Step 3 again to run the water at that location for at least 5 minutes.

ADDITIONAL ROUTINE ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE POTENTIAL LEAD EXPOSURE

• Ongoing Routine Flushing: The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more lead it may contain. As a precaution, it is recommended that you perform a mini-flush of your home plumbing by running your tap water each morning and other times when the water sits in the pipes for at least 6 hours BEFORE using any water for drinking, cooking, preparing infant formula, and so on.

Flush for at least 5 minutes to displace water that has been sitting in the pipes inside your home and in the service line. This could include taking a shower, running the dishwasher, flushing a toilet, collecting water for plants/garden, or running the faucet.

• Aerator Cleaning: Clean debris from aerators and screens at faucets used for drinking/cooking once a month for 6 months. After 6 months, clean debris twice a year (https://tinyurl.com/42hjmsyj).

• Water Filters: Use a water filter, third-party certified for lead removal (e.g., NSF/ANSI 53), for 6 months and replace cartridges per manufacturer instructions. To learn more about how to identify a filter to reduce lead in drinking water, visit https://tinyurl.com/46fr2ybk.

Homes may have internal plumbing materials containing lead, such as brass or chrome-plated brass faucets installed before 2014 and plumbing with lead solder. Consider replacing any lead-containing plumbing materials in your household plumbing (https://tinyurl.com/34bahn3h).

For additional information about reducing lead in drinking water, visit the U.S. EPA Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water at https://tinyurl.com/p36pv7yj.

GLO_Frequently Asked Questions

ATTENTION: VILLAGE OF SCOTIA RESIDENTS

2026 YARD WASTE COLLECTION

Yard waste collection will resume on Tuesday, April 7, 2026

It will continue, weather permitting, through Thursday, December 3, 2026

As in previous years, yard waste will be collected on your regular trash collection day
Please do not place yard waste at the curb prior to the scheduled start date.

Yard Waste Definition:
Yard waste includes residential leaf waste, lawn clippings, and brush

Receptacle Requirements:

• Grass, leaves, hedge clippings, and twigs must be placed in either:
  • 30-gallon compostable paper bags, or
  • A rigid, waterproof container (maximum 30 gallons) with handles and a lid, clearly marked “Yard Waste.”
• Each bag or container must not exceed 60 pounds.

Brush and Branches:

• Branches 4 inches or less in diameter and 4 feet or less in length must be bundled and securely tied and weigh less than 60 pounds.
• Brush or limbs larger than 4 feet long or more than 4 inches in diameter, as well as stumps, must be disposed of by the property owner.

Important:
Loose leaves or yard waste raked to the curb will NOT be collected. Please remove these materials from the curb and dispose of them according to the regulations above.

Large Appliance Collection Update:
The annual collection of large appliances during the first two weeks of April has been replaced with a year-round program on an as-needed basis. Each appliance must have a sticker, which can be purchased at the Village Clerk’s Office.

For more information about this and other programs, please contact the
Department of Public Works at 518-393-2159.

SPECIAL EVENT GUIDELINES

This document serves as a guide for community, business, and village-run events occurring in the Village of Scotia. This guidance replaces all previously implemented policies and processes for what was known as “Village Special events.” In order to ensure that events are safe, enjoyable, and minimally disruptive to regular business and emergency services, the procedures outlined here must be followed.

Section I: Definition and Classification of Special Events

There are three types of “Special Events” in the Village of Scotia:

1. Independent Events
   Independent Events take place within the Village of Scotia and are hosted by businesses, community groups, or residents. These events may occur on public property or private property. Event organizers may be required to obtain permits and/or pay applicable fees based on factors including, but not limited to, event location, size, vendors, road closures, and the level of Village services required. Examples of such events include neighborhood block parties, small craft fairs, business block parties, grand openings, etc. Organizers should contact the Village either through the clerks office or Village Special Events Liaison to coordinate such events.

2. Village-Sponsored Events
   Village-Sponsored Events are hosted by private businesses, civic organizations, community groups, or other entities that plan, coordinate, and execute the event in partnership with the Village of Scotia. The Village Board may vote to sponsor a Special Event and, at its discretion, may waive certain fees, allocate public resources, or provide other in-kind services when such support serves a public benefit. In the event that a third-party will plan, organize, and run the event, the below must be followed:

• The third-party must have formal legal standing in terms of tax ID, insurance, and other requirements and be willing to enter into a contract with the Village of Scotia,
• The organizer(s) must notify the Village as well as contact and meet with the appointed Village Special Events Liaison early in the planning process,
• The Village Board will formally vote to adopt the event as a “Village Special Event” for the purposes of delivering municipal services, promoting the event, potentially waiving permitting and other fees, and formalizing the Village’s responsibilities,
• The third-party must cover the cost of any increased municipal services and/or work with the village to deliver such services “in-kind.”
• The Village may have minimal financial involvement in terms of fees and permits, but the third-party shall be responsible for sponsorship and all other fiduciary items.

3. Village-Run Special Events
   Village-Run Special Events are planned, coordinated, and executed by an appointed volunteer committee acting on behalf of the Village of Scotia, including the solicitation of sponsorships. In lieu of a volunteer committee, the Village may contract with a legally recognized entity to plan and administer the event on the Village’s behalf. In such cases the below must be followed:

• The Village Board will formally appoint organizers to the roles of Event Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Chair will develop the event plan and budget and will work primarily with the Village Special Events Liaison, and the treasurer will work with the Village Clerk’s Office to handle event finances. The Village has a Special Events account that is separate from Village Operations in order to process sponsorship, vendor, and other fiduciary items. In order to ensure that the event meets expected costs, the Treasurer and Clerk’s Office will work together to track/manage the event budget. The Secretary will work in conjunction with the Village to ensure that vendor applications are processed and fees are obtained where applicable.
• The Village Special Events Liaison or another designated liaison will be assigned to the event organizers to ensure coordination and cooperation between the Village and organizers. The liaison will also work with event organizers to set vendor fees, waive Village requirements where appropriate, etc.
• The event organizers determine the need for, and cost of village services based on the event plan in conjunction with the liaison and Village department heads. The Village reserves the right to adjust services based on the event plan and any other considerations. The cost for such services must be included in the event budget, even if such costs will be donated by the Village in-kind.
• The event must be budget-neutral to the Village unless otherwise decided by the Village Board. Any funds remaining after all event costs are accounted for shall remain in the Village Special Events account. Access to funds remaining in the Special Events account is determined by the Village Board subject to formal approval.
• The Village will work with event organizers to address vendor, logistical, and other issues as necessary and will attend event planning meetings as requested.

Other considerations:

• All event organizers are responsible for meeting Schenectady County, New York State, and other legal requirements in terms of food safety, food/beverage permitting, liquor licensing, etc. Current Schenectady County food safety regulations/documents are available on the Schenectady County Public Health Services website. Link: https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/envi-health/food-services
• Events that do not have adequate planning/organizing capacity or are planned without sufficient notice may be denied by the Village Board.

For additional guidance or questions, please contact Special Events Trustee Liaison Keith Brown at kbrown@villageofscotiany.gov

Adopted by Board of Trustees January 14, 2026

All Village offices and Village Court will be closed Monday January 26, 2026 and reopen on Tuesday January 27, 2026

Snow Emergency Declaration for Village of Scotia

In accordance with the Village of Scotia Code, a Snow Emergency has been declared effective 12:00pm on January 25, 2026. This declaration is issued due to expected severe weather conditions, including snow accumulation and/or hazardous driving conditions.

Key Information for the Public:

1. Snow Emergency Parking Regulations:
   • It shall be unlawful for an owner of a vehicle to park or to permit his vehicle to be parked on any street, highway, road, or village owned parking lot, or any part thereof, within the Village of Scotia during such snow emergency until the termination thereof.
   • In addition to a summons and fines, any vehicle parked or stalled during any snow emergency in violation of any rules and regulations promulgated hereto may be towed or caused to be removed under the direction of the Police Department pursuant to Article IV of Chapter 240 of the Village of Scotia Code.
2. Plowing and Road Maintenance:
   • Crews will begin snow removal and continue until all roads are cleared.
   • Please avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, as plowing operations will require significant road space and will be hindered by traffic.
3. Travel Advisory:
   • Residents are urged to stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
   • Snow and ice accumulation could make roadways hazardous, particularly during the overnight hours.
4. Safety Tips:
   • Keep emergency supplies on hand, including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight.
   • Clear sidewalks and driveways regularly to prevent buildup of snow and ice.
   • Drive carefully and leave plenty of room between vehicles.
5. Duration of Snow Emergency:
   • The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until 7:00am on January 27, 2026.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain safety and ensure efficient snow removal. Please stay safe and exercise caution.

Chief Adam Halbfinger

Scotia Police Department