Town Board Meeting — February 19, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Amenia Town Board convened on February 19, 2026, at 6:07 p.m. with Supervisor Hamm presiding. All board members were present: Council members Ahern, Doyle, and Dietrich. The board entered executive session for personnel matters before opening the public meeting. Major topics included a public hearing on the Northern Red Oaks mountain bike trail special use permit, the landscape architect RFQ, awarding a construction manager contract for the new highway garage, water infrastructure concerns, and the nomination of Charlie Miller to fill the vacant fifth board seat.
Public Hearing: Northern Red Oaks / Amenia Trails Special Use Permit
The board held a public hearing on the special use permit application for the Amenia Trails project, a proposed mountain biking and hiking trail network on approximately 470 acres (340 under conservation easement held by the Dutchess Land Conservancy). The DLC's representative, Erin Hoband, spoke in support, noting the project is consistent with the conservation easement and uses sustainable trail-building practices. Multiple residents spoke in favor, citing benefits for exercise, tourism, local business, property values, and youth recreation.
Neighboring property owner Doug Brown raised concerns about trail proximity to his residence, particularly a downhill mountain bike trail approximately 80 yards from his property, and requested setbacks. Organic farmers Bruce and Susan Thompson requested: (1) any future east-side trail expansion require a new application; (2) the emergency access gate on Amenia Union Road be secured; (3) clear trail envelope demarcation or fencing at property boundaries; and (4) only organic-approved herbicides be used. Susan Thompson also raised concerns about wildfire prevention, after-hours access control, noise, the use of treated wood near trails, and preserving the tree line along the mountain crest.
Attorney Anthony Plumb, representing the applicant, clarified that the special use permit limits them to only the proposed trails, that the entire property is posted, and that natural contours serve as buffers. The board received 10 letters of support and 2 emails with questions. The public hearing was closed.
Supervisor's Report
Supervisor Hamm reported on several items: the front door lock replacement at town hall; cell tower leases coming up for renewal in 2028-2029 with potential for increased revenue (currently about $3,700); a stakeholders meeting on February 18 with representatives from the school district, Maple Brook School, library, both political parties, Troutbeck, Four Brothers, the Flower Shop, and the Wassaic Project; a frozen water line situation on Route 22; and significant fuel oil consumption due to extreme cold weather. The supervisor also noted poor window conditions throughout town hall, particularly upstairs, and discussed pursuing a CREST grant (Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology) for building improvements.
Construction Manager Contract Awarded for Highway Garage
The board passed a resolution awarding the construction manager services contract for the new highway garage and salt storage facility to the Palumbo Group Inc. in the amount of $374,540. Three proposals were received: Arcadus ($497,800), CHA Consulting ($488,325), and Palumbo ($374,540 — lowest responsible bid). The facility will be constructed on a 5-acre lot on the east side of Route 22. The board determined the project is exempt from zoning regulations under the Monroe v. Rochester doctrine as it serves the public interest. The vote was unanimous.
Landscape Architect RFQ Discussion
Recreation Commission Chair Judy raised concerns during public comment that the landscape architect RFQ duplicated work already assigned to the Recreation Commission. After discussion, the board agreed to narrow the RFQ scope to Fountain Square specifically, rather than all town properties. The board noted approximately $15,000 in available funds from Bank of Millbrook donations. Priorities include electrical work, replacing faded memorial bricks, fixing steps, installing a watering system, and landscaping with drought- and deer-resistant plants. The Bank of Millbrook has offered to handle planting and watering system installation.
Water Department Report
Water Committee Chairman Bill Flood reported multiple pipe breaks due to extreme cold, including a frozen pipe on Route 22 that was solid-frozen 12 feet under the road. VRI has been working to address the issues. Flood raised concerns about a $30,000 shortfall after the water district assessment was removed from the budget, noting that 80% of customers pay at year-end through escrow. New water rates will take effect next quarter. The Lovell Road pump house delivery is expected October-November, with the water tower rehabilitation not expected until 2027. An engineering estimate of $20-30 million to replace the entire water system was discussed, though no grants are available for transmission line replacement.
Highway Department Report
Highway Superintendent Megan reported the department has been working around the clock dealing with heavy snowfall, including plowing, pushing back snow, and clearing streets. Most storms have occurred after hours and on weekends, resulting in significant overtime. Roads are becoming rough as frost comes out. There has been no salt shortage despite regional concerns.
Nomination of Charlie Miller to Fifth Board Seat — Tabled
Council member Dietrich nominated Charlie Miller to fill the vacant fifth seat on the town board, with a second from Council member Doyle. However, the town attorney had advised that the appointment must be done by resolution. The motion was tabled to the March 5 meeting. During public comment, opinions were sharply divided. One resident, Cynthia Buts, spoke against the nomination, alleging Miller had altered legal documents and confronted her at her home. Another resident, Kenny Merritt, suggested Miller should be placed on leave pending investigation. Council member Ahern argued the fifth seat is needed to distribute workload and move initiatives forward. The board voted to table the matter, with Council member Doyle voting nay.
Other Business
The board accepted the resignation of Margie O'Brien from the Enhancement Committee and authorized advertising for vacancies on the Enhancement Committee, Housing Board, alternate Planning Board member, and Climate Smart Task Force volunteers. The town clerk reported tax collection of $4,934,712.71 to date. The Ethics Board is working on a new code of ethics. A final skating session was announced for February 23 at Silo Ridge. The Housing Committee changed its meeting to the second Thursday at 6 p.m. Council member Doyle reported on the Association of Towns training, highlighting a session on using AI for municipal budget analysis and a county that found $40 million in savings.
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.