It was 1776 at Mesier Homestead on July 6th
With the Town Board and Wappingers Historical Society notables dressed in colonial garb, the Town Board meeting, held at Mesier Homestead on July 6th, harkened back to when board meetings were held at Mesier (as well as Village Board meetings and Police activity .... with the town supervisor cheerily noting that accused criminals were handcuffed to the radiator), the Town Board Celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Nation's Declaration of Independence. The Village Mayor, in 2026 dress, also attended the meeting. In addition to their dress, the Town Board signed a proclamation which noted the significant actions that the Town and Town Residents had in the formation of the nation.
So the agenda of the meeting included some very not-1776 items... chamber pots and privies were not mentioned... but Sewer Districts were.
Public hearings were held re: Bonding for Improvements of the Fleetwod, Wildwood and Mid-Point Sewer Districts. There were no public comments. Later in the agenda were a series of resolutions -- all approved, authorizing the issuance of bonds to cover the costs of the improvements. The supervisor noted that the issuance of these bonds does NOT have to take place, but when applying for State and Federal grant money, the agencies involved want some indication that the municipality is willing to commit to funding and executing the projects.
In addition to those resolutions/actions - the following Resolutions were approved:
Appointing a Code Enforcement Clerk in the Code Enforcement Department.
Appointing a Seasonal Laborer in the Buildings and Grounds Department.
Appointing a Laborer in the Buildings and Grounds Department
Acknowledging the Termination of an employee.
Set August 10 for a Public Hearing on Zoning Code updates designed to assist int eh administration of the code, and include appropirate signs for Hamlet Mixed Use (blade signs - signs hung from buildings, currently not allowed in the code) and to align with state uniform code and energy codes.
The Correspondence Log includes a letter to NYS DEC stating that the Town does not agree to be co-permitee on an application to upgrade the Tri-Muni Sewer System -- given that it would commit the Town to paying a substantial portion of the upgrade - and the town does not have commenserate representation on the Tri-Muni Board (history biting again).
A Resolution accepting a water line easement through the Gas Land Property in Hughsonville, which would enable a future water line extension to Marlorville Road, was tabled until August 10th meeting pending resolution of issues identified by the town engineer.
New Business
Supervisor
Annual Tradition began on July 4th of reading the Declaration of Independing at Schlathaus Park.
Town Supervisor participation with other town supervisiors the ringing of a 300 year old bell at Fishkills Dutch Reformed Church
Weekend - very bad storm, people still without power -- Highway Department working to clean-up any damage/fallen trees etc.
Third Farmer's Market held at Town Hall on Monday (4 to 7)
New Wash Bay construction continuing - will prolong life of town vehicles.
"Best Medicine" filming will be conducted on Wheeler Hill.
Line Dancing at Schlathaus Park
July 9 - Documents Closing on purchase of Cranberry Hill will be signed.
Councilmember Beale
Tragedy and pause to remember the life of a young man killed in the village, asked to also remember the police and dispatcher involved in the incident.
Storms devastated parts of the County - Firework display on Walkway cancelled because of the winds/storm, Pawling hit very hard (CVS burned because of downed electrical poles/wires)
Councilmember O'Dell
Expressed how wonderful the Independence Day celebrations were
Visited the summer camps and enjoyed interacting with the camp participants
Councilmember Phillips
Proud of Hometown Hero Banners
Highway Department deserves kudos
Councilmember Cassella
Summer Camp has begun with a robust roster
Pickleball tournament - Wappinger officials won over Fishkill officials. Rematch to be scheduled
Roof-a-thon supporting Sparrow's nest held last weekend in June
Highway Department clearing up Didall Road, Robinson Lane and Smith Road from the recent storms
All thanked the Wappingers Historical Society for hosting the meeting.
And then it was off to Town Hall to the World Cup Viewing party.