Town Board Meeting — May 21, 2026
The Amenia Town Board met on May 21, 2026. Supervisor Hamm presided. The board covered a wide range of topics including summer camp, youth football, Tree City USA, municipal maintenance, and several resolutions.
Summer Camp Returning After Multi-Year Hiatus
In a significant development for town recreation, the Amenia Wassaic community organization has approached the town to take over its summer camp program, which has not operated since COVID. The organization has secured $50,000 in funding to fully cover this year's costs, including staff salaries, supplies, and operations. The camp will be held at Maplebrook and run by recreation director Amy Wesley, with counselors coming on as town employees paid through town payroll using the donated funds.
Board member Ruskey noted the plan is for the organization to decrease its funding contribution over several years as the town absorbs the program. The camp starts in early July with approximately 40 children expected. The board agreed to work out details with the town attorney, including civil service applications for staff positions. A formal plan will be presented at the next meeting.
Northern Dutchess Raiders Request Use of Beekman Park
Eric Sullivan, president of the Northern Dutchess Raiders youth football organization, presented a request to use Beekman Park for approximately 10 evening practices in October, when daylight becomes insufficient at their usual Millbrook facilities. The organization has grown from 18 football players nine years ago to 75 last year (25 flag, 50 tackle) plus 30 cheerleaders, drawing from Millbrook, Pine Plains, Dover, and Webutuck school districts.
The primary obstacle is Beekman Park's inefficient lighting system, which charges a flat monthly rate when activated — potentially $800 or more per month. The Raiders offered to help offset the cost. The board was generally supportive but noted scheduling conflicts with fall soccer. Supervisor Hamm agreed to look into the lighting costs and coordinate scheduling. Sullivan was asked to share his preferred practice days so fall sports coaches can plan around them.
Water District Update
Water committee chair Bill Flood reported the La Valle Road project is progressing well, awaiting a modular unit delivery between September and November. The piping from the pump house to Route 22 needs upgrading from a 4-inch to 6-inch line — an added cost. Some water meters are malfunctioning and residents may receive calls from VRI about replacements. The committee is also working on a policy for frozen pipes notification and online bill payment, which is in progress through the meter company.
Tree City USA Progress
The Conservation Advisory Council recommended the town adopt a proclamation affirming Amenia's commitment to trees — the second step in a multi-year process toward Tree City USA designation. The first step (Arbor Day tree plantings) has been completed for two consecutive years. The proclamation would be followed by a tree inventory and eventual creation of a tree commission. The full designation is envisioned as a five-to-six-year trajectory.
Board members learned that the flowering cherry trees along Main Street were donated by Mary Lasker, a friend of Lady Bird Johnson who lived in Smithfield and was instrumental in the nationwide streetscape beautification movement.
Resolutions Passed
The board approved a consent agenda containing six resolutions:
- Resolution 43: Hiring a consultant to the planning board and ZBA secretary
- Resolution 44: Assignment of court clerk duties to the clerk of the justice
- Resolution 45: Temporarily suspending park rules for the concert series (allowing alcohol)
- Resolution 46: Intermunicipal agreement with Dutchess County and Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association
- Resolution 47: Requesting DOT conduct a speed study and consider reducing the speed limit on Route 22 (at the planning board's request, related to the Cascade Creek subdivision review)
- Resolution 48: Authorizing health reimbursement arrangements
Other Business
Founders Square: Two landscape design proposals have been received. The board agreed to review them and select a preferred option, with the goal of starting the project this year. Town attorney recommended selecting a first and second choice, then negotiating a contract before formal approval.
Municipal maintenance: Split-rail fencing along the Wassaic rail trail section and at Beekman Park is deteriorating and will be assessed by Adam's Fencing. A broken picnic table at Borden Park and the deteriorating Wassaic war memorial and Welcome to Wassaic signs were also flagged for attention.
Housing Board: The board agreed to let the Housing Board continue analyzing its local law using FCH grant funds in coordination with the planning board attorney, rather than duplicating the effort at the town board level.
Comprehensive plan: The grant has been received and a committee meeting will be scheduled soon to review requirements.
Cascade Creek response: Supervisor Hamm acknowledged a letter from concerned Cascade Creek residents, noting the matter remains under planning board review and the town board will not comment directly on the subdivision at this time.
Tax collection: Town Clerk reported $8,235,902 collected from 1,921 of 2,028 parcels, with $20,586.83 in penalties. Local payments accepted through June 2; after that, payments go through the Commissioner of Finance. Monthly abstract totaled $292,134.07.
The board adjourned into executive session at 8:44 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, legal advice on threatened litigation regarding Route 44, and possible leasing of municipal property.
Minutes from the May 7, 2026 meeting were approved.
Watch the full meeting recording on YouTube
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording of the meeting. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.