Honor Gene Merlino’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 1322 BY: Senator STEC CONGRATULATING Lake Luzerne Town Supervisor Gene Merlino upon the occasion of his retirement and honoring him for his distinguished service to the Town of Lake Luzerne and the people of New York State WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend outstanding public servants who have devoted their time, energies, and expertise to improving the quality of life in their communities and who have faithfully served the State of New York with dedication and commitment; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Lake Luzerne Town Supervisor Gene Merlino upon the occasion of his retirement, and to honor him for his exemplary record of service to the Town of Lake Luzerne, Warren County, and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Gene Merlino first took office as Supervisor of the Town of Lake Luzerne in 2006, following earlier service as a Town Councilman and as a member of the Town Planning Board; throughout his tenure, he has been known for his steady leadership, practical vision, and constant dedication to the needs of his community; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Gene Merlino brought to public office the discipline and devotion to duty instilled during his service as a United States Marine Corps Veteran; and WHEREAS, Simultaneously with his responsibilities to the Town, Gene Merlino was the innkeeper of the former Lamplight Inn Bed and Breakfast, further contributing to local tourism, hospitality, and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, Over the course of nearly two decades as Supervisor, Gene Merlino led and supported numerous transformative initiatives that strengthened the Town of Lake Luzerne, improved public services, enhanced community life, and ensured responsible stewardship of public resources; and WHEREAS, Among his many accomplishments, Gene Merlino has cited as one of his proudest achievements the renovation of the

19,000-square-foot former bowling alley into a modern municipal complex housing the Town Offices, Town Court, Senior Center, and Warren County Meal Site-completed without incurring debt and creating a unified, efficient home for essential services; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Merlino worked in collaboration with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, the Department of Health, and the Town of Lake Luzerne Lake Association to reduce and control invasive milfoil, thereby protecting and preserving one of the Town's most vital natural resources; and WHEREAS, Under his leadership, the construction of a cell tower provided enhanced communications coverage, improving cell phone service and strengthening fire, police, and emergency medical response capabilities; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Merlino also oversaw the revitalization of the former Town Hall by facilitating its long-term tenancy by the Adirondack Folk School, which now provides cultural arts education and contributes significantly to local tourism and economic development; and WHEREAS, Gene Merlino guided the renovation of the fire-damaged Harmon House, transforming it into a welcoming tourist information center and public restroom facility in the downtown area, thereby supporting local businesses and enhancing the visitor experience; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Gene Merlino remained a responsible fiscal steward, consistently committed to conservative budgeting and careful tax management on behalf of Town residents; and WHEREAS, Gene Merlino has exemplified the highest standards of public service, generously devoting his time, experience, and steadfast commitment to the betterment of his community; his leadership has produced a meaningful and enduring impact on the Town of Lake Luzerne and serves as a commendable example of dedicated municipal service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Supervisor Gene Merlino upon the occasion of his retirement, to thank him for his many years of exemplary service, and to extend to him its best wishes for health, happiness, and fulfillment in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Gene Merlino.