Carnwath's future - a step forward

The June 9 Town Board Meeting discussion was dominated by a discussion on a grant application from the NY State Consolidated Funding Application Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Historic Preservation. The resolution was just for the approval to go forward with the grant application.... not a final decision to accept the funding. If funding is approved, the town would be required to match 50% of the funds.

LaBerge has begun preliminary work to begin to vet an architectural/engineering firm who would have the skills to prepare a grant application for an engineering study on the feasibility of rebuilding the Carnwath Manor house, with an eye to attracting a partner to further develop the site.

Council member Bettina raised concerns about the safety of people using the park - visting the chapel and the sports museum. The Supervisor assured her that the town's insurance carrier is aware of the building and has toured all the town's buildings and sites that they insure.

During the public session, the President of Friends of Carnwath encouraged the board to support the effort to support the next steps. - The Resolution was passed.

Resolution Amending Fee Schedule for Town of Wappinger Parks and Recreation Facilities - The new stage and the chapel at Carnwath Farms are new facilities -- desire of a fee structure for non for profits, residents and other uses of the facilities.

Council member Casella expressed concerns and asked that it be tabled and wanted the town board to have more time. Council Member Bettina seconded.

Jessica Fulton said that inquiries for the Schlathaus stage are coming in.

Council member Phillips - said that he received phone calls (!?!?) that people thought the fees proposed were too expensive.

Council member Casella - let's not have a conversation on the dias (what is so secret about this ... open meetings laws!)

The board decided they are not ready to have a conversation about fee structure. It will be on the June 23 agenda.

Resolution on Adopting a policy on FOIL of Employee Records -

Town Council Member Beale has concerns/objections about sharing complaints against employees, disciplinary records. The town attorney explained that law requires that unproven allegations are not made available via FOIL - and are to be redacted from an records are released. Beale explained that it was law enforcement records/personnel that the law is covering... including fire department, EMTs etc. He does not want to support this law and doesn't consider it fair and wants additional opinions and thinks there are ulterior motives why it was passed in NY. (The town has had recent experience in the area because a former employee's records were foiled). The Resolution was Tabled.

Resolution in Adopting a Policy with New York State Labor Law - Guidelines for nursing mothers. Council member Beale wants to give nursing mothers the privacy to express milk.

The Town has a room that is available for nursing mothers that can be locked.

This resolution was passed.

Resolution - for the Cell Tower at Town Hall - the rental agreement for the Tower - an amendment - the Town Board Voted to agree to the increased rent which would be received by the town.

New Items

Spook Hill Park - jogging track completed and the fencing is being removed. Pedestrian corridors improved, keeping walkers off of Spook Hill.

There are supplemental EMS vehicles on Route 9.

Council member Bettina wished for more sunshine and reminded everyone that school will be out soon - to be careful.

Little League Tournament - Building department helped - some games

Wappingers Historical Society Gala on Friday, June 13.

Water issues in the town because of flooding.

Rite Aid is still open. Lease agreement prevents landlord from going on property.