Town Board Meeting — April 1, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Amenia Town Board convened on April 1, 2026, with Supervisor Rosanna Ham presiding. All board members were present: Councilmembers Ahern, Doyle, and Dietrich. The board began with an executive session to interview candidates for the Housing Board and Enhancement Committee. Key topics included the Route 44 sidewalk project, cell tower fund allocation, the upcoming harvest festival, and temporary repairs needed at Fountain Square.
Route 44 Sidewalk Update
Supervisor Hamm reported that the Route 44 sidewalk project remains stalled due to a stop work order issued by the New York State Department of Transportation. The town is working with DOT, the project engineers, and the contractor to resolve the issues, though progress has been slow.
Cell Tower Fund Discussion
Councilwoman Ahern proposed appropriating $1,500 from the new cell tower account into the recreation cell tower fund. Councilwoman Doyle raised concerns about whether cell tower revenue generated from property near the water tower should legally be directed to the water district rather than the general fund, citing guidance from Lori Myths at the Association of Towns. The board agreed to forward the matter to the town attorney for review before making any decisions. The board also discussed creating a capital projects line for recreation during budget season.
Appointments and Resignations
The board appointed Kim Travis to the Enhancement Committee and Erin Bailey to the Housing Board, which is now at full membership. The board accepted with regret the resignation of Paul from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Open positions remain for planning board alternates, a ZBA member, a ZBA alternate, and the CAC Climate Smart Task Force.
Resolutions Approved
The board approved two resolutions on consent: Resolution 39, authorizing a contract for painting the town hall stage walls and ceiling, and Resolution 40, accepting the Housatonic Valley Association recommendations regarding the herbicide application request for Trout.
Mowing Contract Awarded
The sole bid received for the 2026 mowing season from Northwest Lawn and Landscaping Maintenance LLC was accepted at $38,399.
Fountain Square Repairs
The board discussed the need for temporary masonry repairs at Fountain Square, where winter damage has left bricks missing on steps and platforms, creating a safety hazard. Supervisor Hamm will contact a local mason for estimates. The board acknowledged the matter may constitute an emergency requiring prompt action.
Harvest Festival Planning
The first planning meeting for the 2026 Harvest Festival was held. The event is scheduled for October 17, with expanded hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The board discussed potentially moving the $15,000 harvest festival budget from the recreation line to its own celebrations line item in future budgets.
Community Updates
The board thanked maintenance workers Sean and Richie Howard and Cassidy Howard for cleaning up Beekman Park ahead of the Easter egg hunt. The Dutchess County Sheriff's Department has agreed to conduct regular patrols of the park, and cameras will be updated. A drug collection day was announced for April 25 at town hall. The town garage contract with Palumbo is near finalization. Earth Day/Town Cleanup Day was set for April 18, co-sponsored by the Enhancement Committee and the CAC. Arbor Day tree planting was planned for April 24. The Enhancement Committee elected Tom Boositz as acting chair.
Public Comment: Affordable Housing Preferences
Resident Ken Olski urged the board to adopt a point system giving priority to town residents, essential workers, and seniors for affordable housing. He cited federal and state housing laws that permit non-discriminatory preference systems and noted that the town's own 2007 zoning code previously included selection priorities for workforce housing. He asked the board to codify such preferences and report back on their decision.
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.