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.