Vote Affecting 76% of your Property Tax Bill - May 19

One of the most important messages coming from the May 11 Wappingers Town Board Meeting was the reminder that 76% of your property taxes are school taxes. So while the Town Board, The Fire Departments and the County continue to scrub their costs, these reductions have a small material effect on your annual tax bill.

The day that a voter can have input on this large portion of their tax bill -- is May 19. Last year a surprising small number of individuals voted for propositions and actions affecting their taxes.

Robust, well-run schools are critical to our children and our community, preparing them for the many challenges that lie ahead for everyone. Let's ensure that the three school districts in the Town of Wappinger (Wappingers Central, Beacon and Arlington) are appropriately responding to the needs to the community - fiscally and scholastically. Please set a reminder for May 19 and vote.

The Board meeting started with a public hearing regarding the extension of the moratorium on subdivisions of greater than three lots and applications for multi-famiy residential development. One member of the public spoke, questioning the legality of the extension and requesting that his application in front of the Planning Board (the first time it is on the planning board agenda is May 18 - requesting 12 lots on 15 acres West of Sucich Plae on Old Hopewell Road. He also referred to the proposed rezoning of large parcels of land to require a 5 acre minimum and he asked to be exempted from that designation. The Public Hearing was closed.

No public comments during the public comment period.

Consent Agenda -- all approved

• May declared Historic Preservation Month

• May declared Older Americans Month

• May declared Mental Health Awareness Month

• May declared Military Appreciation Month

• Appointed a Seasonal Laborer In Buildings & Grounds - Braedan Velder

• Authorized Transfer of Funds - transfer of funds in the amount of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000) from the B-Fund Balance for the purpose of funding the fireworks display for Wappinger Community Day

Items for Discussion

• Resolution to Amend the Town Zoning Map to Add Identified Areas to R-5a ( one family residence with 5 acres) - TABLED - after the executive session, the board announced that a Workshop will be held on June 4 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the proposed changes - the public will be asked for their input

• Resolution Appointing a Recreation Assistant in the Buildings &. Grounds and Parks & Recreation Department - Mikaella Wielgos

• A local law extending the local law regulating the receipt, processing and approval of applications for Sub-dvisions Greater than 3 lots and Applications for Multi-Family Residential Development - Tabled until Executive Session Held -- Board came back and Approved the extension of the Moratorium (the subject of the public hearing).

Special Consideration/New Business

• May 9 - Dedicated new bridge at Reese Park - connecting the Louis Diehl trail head at Route 9D with the rest of Reese Park, over Hunter Creek. All Town Board Member and Brenda VonBurg, Louis Diehl's daughter were present at the dedication. A Special thanks to Bill Schwiebert who coordinated the delivery and installation of the bridge - requiring amazing large construction equipment and skilled operators - donated to the Town of Wappinger. The bridge was purchased with a grant from the Hudson River. Valley Greenway (the town is a Greenway community). This was followed by presentations/demonstration of Glass Eel monitoring - where Hunter Creek has been a study site for many years for these fascinating creatures. Randolph School leadership and students were instrumental in these celebrations. Board members mentioned additional improvements planned at Reese Park - including Pond Cleanup and Parking area improvements.

• Mother's Day - Congratulations to Mothers

• May 16th - Community Day -- live music, food trucks, vendors, activities for kids and Fireworks!

• Wappingers Historical Society received a grant to create and publish a booklet marking the Revolutionary Trail in the Town.

• 20 Roads are being repaved this season - currently working a Blackthorn Loop.

• Memorial Day Ceremonites - 2:00 Town's at Brexel-Schlathaus, 11:00 in Hughsonville, Chelsea and Village

• May 20th - State of the Town Address (Town's Birthday) at Carnwath Chapel

• Pickleball Charity Challenge between Town of Wappinger and Town of Fishkill public officials

• DAV 5K race sponsored by High School Honor Society May 17

• Motorcycle Season - Riders and Car Drivers -- be careful!

• This is EMS week

• May 19th School Budget and Board Elections.