Election Fever hits Town Board

It must have been process of getting signatures to get their names one the ballot for the November election that have woken the Town Board members up to the fact that they actually are supposed to be representing the residents of the Town. Monday's April 10th Town Board meeting was filled with recognition, congratulations and acknowledgments of April as a special month. That and a question from a resident about "why is there a gas station being built in Hughsonville" -- which was quickly shut down as "out of order" despite the obvious demolition and carnage being wrought on the small hamlet.

The meeting began with a remembrance of John M. Regan of the village and an expression of gratitude to his many contributions and accomplishments.

A presentation by the Mid Hudson Road Runners representatives, explaining their 5K event planned for September at Robinson Lane park was made - with a segue by the Supervisor explaining the Veterans Run scheduled for April 15.

A Hometown Hero recognition of the bravery and contributions of Sgt. James Sweeney was then given, with his widow and a good friend remembering his life. State Police Troopers were also in attendance.

A Hometown Hero recognition for the contributions of Habitat for Humanity to the community of Wappinger was given, with the leader of Habitat, the staff and former Senator Serino in attendance.

Both were recognized with certificates and the donation of flower trees.

Then, waking from the long slumber of having been established in 2015 with a commitment by the then town board to participate in the NY State's Climate Smart Communities Program, Kelsey West, who has been hired by the town, to help get the town to the "Bronze Level" of participation. https://climatesmart.ny.gov

Achieving different levels of certification can help with getting state funds for grants to be used for projects and upgrades in the community. The Town's slumber during this period has not been helpful. One wonders if the active support and enablement of fossil fuel based businesses ..... like gasoline filling stations, propane storage areas and disdain for electric vehicle charging stations by the Town's leadership will become part of this process -- demonstrating participation in climate smart activities at this late stage, while a welcome step, is a bit late and an awkward attempt at demonstrating "green" credentials, especially as the requirement for a community group of volunteers has not been met in the past 8 years -- unlike other municipalities who have managed to begin their work.

A financial report was then provided by the comptroller - with a discussion about the reduced amount of mortgage tax receipts compared to last year, opposing admonitions from town board members re: watching the town spending vs. don't worry about 1 quarter of information ... and a comment from a town board member that the state's bail reform actions have negatively affected the "Fines and Forfeited Bail" revenue... only to be reminded that forfeited bail was never a large driver of revenue in the past anyway.

A Public Hearing to discuss the property tax exemption for the volunteer firefights and ambulance workers was opened, with the Fire Commissioner thanking the town board for their support and a town board member reminding everyone that many of the firefights can't afford houses in the town (the facts around the often asserted statement would be helpful).

The Buildings and Grounds manager presented information to the board that he basically has no information re: a roofing proposal for the Carnwath Administration Building and that the tides have aligned with work hours allowing docks to be put in the water, and yes Spring is a very busy time for him and his crews... and the Town Board fell all over themselves thanking him for the wonderful job he is doing, an interesting counterpoint to the last meeting where they held him responsible for starting a project without an appropriate vote for the funds spent, ignoring their own roles in that process.

A series of resolutions were then voted on and passed:

- Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers

- April 2023 National Arab American Heritage Month

- April 2023 World Autism Month

- April 2023 Child Abuse Prevention Month

- Authorization for 1-800-Junk to Remove Junk and Debris from a property on Route 376

- Setting a public hearing for April 24 for a Resolution to Remove Junk and Debris from a property on Route 376

- Resolution for CPL (the town engineers) to evaluate several properties in the Town for Structural Fitness

A discussion about creating a sewer district extension to Middelbush Road properties was held, with more information requested.

Earth Day activities in the Town - clean-ups scheduled for April 22 -- meet at the Town Hall at 10:00 a.m.

The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 9:25 for an executive sesssion... where "Nothing was Decided" - with a return at 9:55 for an adjournment of the meeting - a rather quick executive session given the history of town board executive sessions -- was it the absence of the Ward Three Councilperson that enabled the speedy conclusion (kidding).