> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://the-amenia-sun.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Town Board Meeting — August 6, 2026 - URL: https://the-amenia-sun.ghost.io/town-board-meeting-august-6-2026/ - Published: 2026-09-23T14:39:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-23T14:39:35.000Z - Author: Jeff Barnett-Winsby - Tags: Town Board, Meeting Summary Present: Supervisor Rosanna Hamm, Councilperson Nicole Ahearn, Councilperson Vicki Doyle, Councilperson Walter Dietrich. The board opened and closed the meeting with executive sessions; the public session covered a highway garage construction contract, a new water billing contract, continued review of a proposed ridgeline land donation, and public comments in support of the town's code enforcement officer. ## Highway Garage — General Construction Contract Awarded In Progress As part of the consent agenda, the board approved Resolution 66, awarding the general construction, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work contracts for the new highway garage and salt storage facility on Route 22\. The award follows the July 17 bid opening and July 22 bidder interviews conducted by construction manager The Palumbo Group, which had told the board a contractor recommendation would be ready by the August 6 meeting. ## Water District — MuniLink Billing Contract Authorized In Progress Also on the consent agenda, Resolution 67 formally authorized a contract with MuniLink for new utility billing software, following the board's informal support for the switch at its July 9 meeting. The system replaces a legacy platform that had repeatedly failed to upload meter readings and delayed customer bills. ## 108 Westerly Ridge — Conservation Easement Submitted In Progress Owner Carol Fleetton has provided the town with the draft conservation easement for the proposed donation of her 27-acre ridgeline parcel, and the board agreed it will proceed with reviewing the document. Board members were clear they are not yet committing to accept the donation — only that they will "entertain" it once the homeowners association, the Dutchess Land Conservancy, and other parties confirm they are on board. Supervisor Hamm said she will follow up with Fleetton. ## Route 44 Sidewalk — No Progress to Report In Progress Supervisor Hamm reported "much to my chagrin" there has been no significant headway on completing the sidewalk. The project remains in the hands of the town's attorneys, the bonding company, the project engineer, and the state DOT. The town will need to issue another RFP to move the project forward. ## Rail Trail Deck Sealing — County or Town Responsibility Unclear In Progress The board discussed sealing the wooden deck of the rail trail between the train station and the hamlet of Wassaic, after warping and popping boards were reported. What looked like a simple project has become complicated: it remains unclear whether Dutchess County or the town is responsible for the section, and any repair work will likely require DEC permitting because the trail passes through wetlands. The town's engineer said an RFP for an architect — rather than a straightforward contractor bid — is probably the right approach, since the project needs a design plan before work can begin. Supervisor Hamm will contact the county parks department to determine responsibility before proceeding. ## Emergency Operations Plan — Update Circulated for Review In Progress Following an August 4 planning meeting, Supervisor Hamm circulated updates to the town's Emergency Operations Plan for board review, with a resolution to formally accept the plan expected at a future meeting. The board is leaning toward locating the emergency operations center in the town boardroom, which would require purchasing a base radio and a laminated street map; the fire chief is gathering pricing for the town's 2027 budget. Questions can be directed to Fire Chief Chris Howard. ## Smoking and Vaping Local Law — Draft Circulated In Progress The town attorney circulated a draft local law restricting smoking and vaping, and asked board members to send comments over the next week. If there are no major concerns, a resolution to formally introduce the local law is expected at the next meeting. ## Consent Agenda — Three Resolutions Approved The board approved, on a single motion with all in favor: **Resolution 65** — Appointing special counsel for legal services in connection with litigation commenced by Raja Contractors Inc. **Resolution 66** — Awarding the general construction, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work contract for the highway garage and salt storage facility project. **Resolution 67** — Authorizing a contract with MuniLink for utility billing software. There were no non-consent resolutions. ## Code Enforcement Officer — Residents Rally in Support Several speakers addressed recent social media discussion about the town's building inspector and code enforcement officer. Supervisor Hamm clarified that the town does not have a replacement lined up, and acknowledged a petition supporting the officer, while noting the board must weigh rising costs, including salaries, against its goal of minimizing tax increases. During public comment, ZBA Chairman Terry Metaf and resident Sharon Kroger both spoke in support of the officer, with Metaf noting he has effectively done the work of two positions for years and urging the board to ensure he receives appropriate pay to retain him. ## Other Business Councilperson Doyle updated the board on dilapidated fencing along the roughly 600-foot pedestrian pathway connecting the Nelson Hill Bridge area to Wassaic Park. Metro North has repaired the chain-link section on one side, but responsibility for maintaining the split-rail fence and the pathway itself remains unresolved; Doyle is working with a Metro North contact to locate historical maintenance records. The board discussed moving forward with videotaping additional town committee meetings; Supervisor Hamm recused herself from the negotiation with the videographer and left it to the other board members. The board agreed to wait until January to update its mileage reimbursement rate to the new IRS figure of 76 cents per mile, rather than changing it mid-year. Proposed 2027 budget schedule dates were reviewed with no objections raised. During public comment, resident Ken Topolsky announced a September 17 event at town hall (5–7 p.m.) organized by the county legislator's office featuring representatives from the state senator's office and the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, covering senior benefits, property tax relief, energy assistance, and other county programs. Topolsky also gave an update on the second annual Harvest Festival, planned for roughly ten weeks out: the road closure application has been submitted, more vendors have signed on than last year, and organizers are seeking additional volunteers ahead of an organizational meeting on August 15. Resident George Bastransen shared photos of tree-trimming work underway at the Amenia burying ground and an update on efforts to restore historic gravestones, including that of Mary Payne — the inspiration for the town's upcoming "Spy Catcher" production (Aug. 21–23). The Amenia Historical Society is raising funds toward the roughly $10,000 needed for professional gravestone restoration. The meeting closed with a motion to enter executive session to discuss a personnel hiring matter and legal advice regarding a Housatonic Valley Association easement. --- [Watch the full meeting recording on AmeniaTV →](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs5uDbAcIjc&ref=the-amenia-sun.ghost.io) *This summary was generated from the YouTube recording of the meeting. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.*