Misc. Topics and a long executive session - Town Board meeting of February 13

The February 13th Town Board meeting was a potpourri of topics leading to a marathon executive session (more on that later). First up was an update by the Town's controller of the town's financial position. Without the handouts provided only to the board, it is difficult to follow the story-line of the presentation, but basically the Town is doing ok, the court cases are being cleared (meaning the fines collected etc. will be declining, and the mortgage tax collected is down) - but all contained within the budgeted plan for 2023.

The Munistat Team then presented. These are the financial advisors to the town, specifically in the area of bond sales/ratings and debt management. They praised the town for the Double A+ rating and gave a brief update on interest rate projections and things to consider when issuing new bonds.

The Agenda then jumped to a presentation on Dutchess County Transportation Initiatives, where Mark Debald, of the Dutchess County Planning department explained the mission and objectives of his small team (3 people) and the Dutchess County Transit Board where the Town of Wappinger is a permanent member. Basically, this group helps municipalities in the county with managing the federally funded transportation projects such as the recently completed Route 376/All Angels Hill Road Roundabout. He then politely listened as the ward two council person challenged him to bring Kathy Hochul to Chelsea to observe the horrible amount of traffic on Route 9D. Of course the number of new buildings that have been built in Fishkill and the Town was not mentioned. The number of large trucks on 9D was commented on by the supervisor, with no explanation of how that might be better managed, given that there is a parallel state road with 6 lanes about a mile away.

The Town Engineer then went on to explain the estimates to upgrade Schlathaus Park - updating the electrical systems - $72K, upgrading the Stage - $100K and "fixing" the drainage problems -$464K. New parking areas were not studied, and apparently fixing the drainage problems did not include evaluating how the planting of trees/shrubs could help mitigate the water in the fields. The board requested a timetable on how long it would take to execute the projects.

Another discussion of Veteran's Banners & Bricks.

A lengthy discussion on the Recreation Department Fee Schedule for the use of fields (some going up, some remaining flat - all very competitive with fees other towns charge). A request to agree to a contract for community day rides was postponed until "executive session" so that the town attorney could take time to review.

Then a real estate agent for "National Firms... not local businesses" - suggested that the zoning for 90 Smithtown Road be changed to Commercial ... so that 88 and 90 Smithtown road could be sold/developed as one commercial unit. The board had brief discussion about the wetlands/drainage history of that area A package explaining the proposal will be resent to the board members.

The Community Development Grant that was originally targeted to Carnwath Farms had been evaluated on whether it could be used for ADA upgrades to the Town Hall, given that it was determined that it could not be applied to Carnwath upgrades - this evaluation continues.

Then we were treated to a discussion of the on-going HVAC updates to the town hall, where apparently the original system was installed incorrectly and the repairs are continuing slowly. It is amazing that with all the engineering and building advice provided to the town residents for their building projects, that building projects (EMS, Town Hall, Parks) managed by the town don't seem to withstand the test of time, even short amounts of time. Isn't that the purpose of building codes, planning reviews and enforcement? The good news is that the Town Hall has four new windows allowing exits in the case of emergency, installed by a firm from Pawling. Also a request from the Buildings Manager to update the lights on Robinson Field to LED was made, the board requesting additional information on the details of the $3800 estimate.

A non-agenda item - the town attorney attended the Tri-muni meeting discussing sewer updates. The Town's share of the update would be $650K, but Village of Wappinger and the Town of Poughkeepsie would have to agree to their share (based on usage) before the monies would be spent. No mention of the implications if the upgrades were not made.

The resolution to repave some of the hundred miles of town roads was tabled.

The board, having initiated the meeting at 7:00 PM, adjourned to executive session at 9:28 PM - to review "personnel, contracts and legal advice". Reemerging at 11:58 (so longer than the open portion of the town meeting), the town attorney assured us that "no action was taken", despite the loud, but muffled voices heard. The Town Board then went on to pass a resolution accepting the contract for Carnival Rides for the Fall Festival.