Town Board Meeting — March 19, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Amenia Town Board met on March 19, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. with Supervisor Hamm presiding. Council members Ahern and Dietrich were present; Council member Doyle was absent. The meeting covered the supervisor's report, water and building department updates, committee reports, discussion of cell tower funds and Fountain Square improvements, auditorium upgrade plans, and consent agenda items. The board adjourned into executive session at 7:41 p.m. for advice of counsel regarding Kent Hollow litigation.
Supervisor's Report
Supervisor Hamm announced the next meeting will be moved to Wednesday, April 1, due to a religious holiday. A prescription drug giveback day is scheduled for April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at town hall. Work is proceeding on the new pump house on Lovell Road. The supervisor also shared a lighthearted update that the rescued Rottweiler, now named Cadra, is fitting in well with its new family, and there has been no additional dog catcher activity.
Water Department Update
Water Committee Chairman Bill Flood reported that the Lovell Road pump house project is progressing: the site has been cleared, trees removed, and contractors are preparing to pour concrete. Well number four's water lines were disconnected and reinstalled by DRI. An existing leak under the old building cannot be fixed until the building is demolished. There have been no further freeze-ups since the winter incidents.
Cell Tower Funds Discussion
Council member Ahern clarified that $1,500/month from a new cell tower acquired in late 2025 was not appropriated in the 2026 general fund budget. The existing cell tower revenue of $32,000 was budgeted to the general fund and $14,400 to recreation. Ahern proposed allocating the new tower's revenue ($13,500 for the remaining 9 months) to the recreation capital fund. The matter was tabled pending the supervisor's review with the town accountant.
Fourth of July Celebration
The fire company is planning a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July. The town will be one of the sponsors for their fireworks, and the fire company has requested $5,000.
Fountain Square Landscape Architect Scope
The board confirmed that the scope for the landscape architect RFQ has been narrowed to Fountain Square only. Existing issues include non-functioning electrical systems (lights have been out since before December), deteriorating bricks, and the memorial wall. The board plans to solicit proposals from two architects previously interviewed. Priorities include electrical work, a watering system (which the Bank of Millbrook has offered to install), and drought/deer-resistant plantings. The town's electrician will install GFI switches on light posts as a stopgap measure in the coming weeks. Ken Pulaski urged the board to wait for input from the Comprehensive Plan Committee and Recreation Committee before finalizing the scope, but the board indicated they want to proceed with Fountain Square while coordinating with those groups on future phases.
Auditorium Upgrade Plans
Bill Flood reported on an ad hoc committee meeting regarding the town hall auditorium. Multiple vendors and contractors are being contacted for quotes on:
- Air conditioning: Two 5-ton units for the auditorium and one 3-ton unit for the stage
- Stage curtains: Quotes being gathered, including from the company that did the school auditorium
- Seating: A company for new seats is expected to visit next week
- Sound system: Grant Stone from Australis (who does sound for the Sharon Playhouse) will provide a proposal for both an immediate system and a full integrated auditorium system using Cat 5 wiring
- Lighting grid: Can be installed for approximately $2,000 using a volunteer (David) versus $10,000 for a contractor
- Back wall painting: Resolution needed; three quotes were sought but only one painter responded
- Windows: Ken Glass to provide a quote on replacing five windows
- Projection: Quote for a movie projector being obtained
- Gym air conditioning: Also being quoted
The supervisor noted that the CREST grant could cover bathroom upgrades for the non-functional restrooms behind the auditorium and near the gym. A resident suggested contacting Jimmy Nederlander (of the Nederlander theater company), a part-time Amenia resident, who may be able to donate used theater equipment.
Committee Reports
CAC: Discussed sponsoring a town-wide cleanup day on Saturday, April 18 (Earth Day celebration), and a mini repair cafe at the fall Harvest Festival. EV charging station grant funding has not been finalized. Old Minilla Landfill greenhouse gas emissions continue to be tested monthly.
Recreation: A community engagement meeting was held on Saturday with good participation. Feedback is being compiled and will be posted on the town website for additional public input. The Easter egg hunt is scheduled for March 28 at 1:00 p.m. A paint and sip event is tentatively planned for April 25. The Harvest Festival is confirmed for October 17, with the organizing committee meeting March 28 at 10:00 a.m.
Housing: Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Enhancement: Will meet March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Town Clerk's Report and Consent Agenda
State, county, and local revenues for February totaled $746.25. Tax collection through March 17 totaled $7,405,786.17 with $2,180.60 in penalties; 1,817 parcels collected with 211 remaining. The board authorized the supervisor to pay claims totaling: General Fund $144,199.04, Highway Fund $37,335.63, Amenia Lighting $1,336.20, Wassaic Lighting $511.30, Amenia Water $26,699.03, Water District Capital Project $3,282.50, and Highway Garage Capital Project $2,297.50 (total remaining balance paid to districts: $481,061.20). The board authorized advertising for mowing bids.
The consent agenda passed unanimously, including Resolution 37 (negative declaration for sale of Depot Hill Road parcel to Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County) and Resolution 38 (transfer of funds for March 2026).
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.