"Weighty" Matters on Town Board Agenda - Expect to see new Town Signs

The May 27th Wappingers Town Board Meeting (with 4 out of 5 board members in attendance) had a straightforward agenda.

First up was a public hearing on a Local Law which will put weight limits on the vehicles traveling on Old Troy Road and Smithtown Road. Both roads were built several hundred years ago, are not up to current local road standards and are suffering as a result of overuse by heavy vehicles. During the public hearing it was also mentioned that Old Troy Road is part of the Greenway Trail System -- and as such is advertised as a road meant for recreational use - walking, bike riding etc. - which is incompatible with heavy vehicular traffic.

During the Non-Consent portion of the meeting, this law was passed unamiously -- and while it may take some time, GPS systems will catch up, along with signs posted, directing drivers of large vehicles to other routes.

On the agenda for discussion, were the Rates for Carnwath and Schlathaus Rentals. Carnwath chapel is decidely a different kind of venue than a pavilion in the park with different purposes and there was a healthy discussion about the rates, not wanting to undercut event/catering businesses and still getting a good return for the taxpayers of Wappinger (and covering some of the maintenance costs etc.). More to come.

On the Consent Agenda (no discussion required- all Approved)

• Resolution approving the firm "Inspections on TIme" as an approved Electrical Inspector

• Resolution ammending the Calendar of 2025 Town Board Meetings

  • July, August, November, and December will have only one meeting; specifically July 14th, August 11th, November 10th, and December 8th. (but this could change again)

• Resolution appointing a Deputy Superintendent of Highways

On the Non-Consent Agenda (requiring discussion)

• Hiring of a Personnel Assistant - Approved

• Adopting the weight limit law (mentioned above)

Items for New business/Discussion

• The current vendor who makes signs for the town is retiring. After a dicussion about options, it was decided/approved that the Town will bring sign making inhouse, with the purchase of a $56K piece of equipment. This is something that other towns in Dutchess county have done -- it will save tax payer $$ and improve the turnaround time. A council member who is deeply steeped into Emergency Services requirements commented that Private Road Signs, needed for Emergecy Services/911 - are not uniform and need to be updated.

• The Town is very proud of the 4 Memorial Day services held in the town and grateful for the people who have served, and died, in the armed services.

• A new, more modern traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Sgt. Palmateer and Middlebush Road.

• Rite Aid on Route 9 and New Hackensack Road in Wappinger is closing. The Supervisor has had conversations with the out of state property owner (not Rite Aid, Rite Aid rents for them) about possible new uses, providing guidance on the uses that would be desirable. (If you have prescriptions at Rite Aid, please transfer them).

• June 4 & 5 - Baseball Tournament will be held on Wappingers Fields

• June 1 - Dutchess County Historical Society honoring Dick Lahey, Legion Fireworks and Rob and Sue Doyle for their contributions to preserving and interpreting the history of Dutchess County.

• June 13 - the Wappingers Historical Society holding their Spirit of Mesier Event at the Historic Boat House on Market Street.