Town Board Meeting — May 7, 2026

Meeting Overview

The Amenia Town Board met on May 7, 2026, with Supervisor Rosanna Hamm presiding. All board members were present: Councilmembers Ahern, Doyle, and Dietrich. The meeting covered the EV charging station ribbon cutting, Route 44 sidewalk grant extension, Fountain Square proposals, housing board responsibilities, tree city legislation, zoning code improvements, ADU tax exemptions, and the comprehensive plan review process.

Supervisor's Report

Supervisor Hamm reported on several developments:

• A ribbon cutting was held for the new EV charging station at the rail trail head, which is now operational with a $2/hour fee after free charging is complete.
• Meetings with Assemblyman Beephan and Senator Hinchey addressed grants for Verizon cell service improvements and the Route 44 sidewalk. A Zoom meeting with Verizon is scheduled for May 20.
• A survey of cell service dead zones received overwhelming response — more areas in Amenia have poor or no service than have good service.
• 72 windows in town hall need assessment; 24 are damaged. A grant will be pursued for replacements.
• A second EMS meeting included Northwell Health, the county legislator, and Empress. County-level discussions will continue.
• The highway garage plans were reviewed with the highway crew, who offered suggestions for updates.
• New no-smoking/no-vaping signage was proposed for town parks and town hall property.
• The CDBG grant for the sidewalk project was extended through summer 2027, with approximately $75,000 remaining.

Resignations and Appointments

The board accepted resignations from Joan Roberts (ZBA secretary), Erica Howard (deputy town clerk, deputy tax collector, and deputy registrar), and the retirement of Maureen Morris (court clerk of 20+ years). Thomas King was appointed to the Enhancement Committee.

Housing Board Responsibilities Confirmed

Town Attorney Ian confirmed that the Housing Board is responsible for administering the workforce housing code under Section 121-42K, including seven specific responsibilities. The code permits the Town Board, in consultation with the Housing Board, to hire a professional administrator if needed. The workforce housing provisions are triggered when a developer seeks a density bonus. The board agreed to continue reviewing the matter.

ADU Tax Exemptions Approved

The board reached consensus to move forward with two local laws proposed by the Housing Board: an 8-year tax exemption for creation of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (100% of increased assessed value, declining by 12.5% annually thereafter), and a tax exemption for ADUs occupied by a grandparent or parent. The Housing Board will use remaining FCH grant funds to cover attorney fees for drafting the laws.

Tree City Legislation

Supervisor Hamm presented tree care ordinance examples from the Village of Millerton and Village of Millbrook as models for Amenia to pursue Tree City USA designation. Board members will review the examples and discuss further at the next meeting, including questions about advisory roles, committee composition, and practical implementation.

Zoning Code Improvements

The board agreed to move forward with tightening zoning codes regarding fences and abandoned vehicles, as recommended by the Z3 zoning consultant. The town prosecutor's prior review of enforcement difficulties will also be incorporated. Multiple board members emphasized the need for clearer definitions and stronger enforcement tools, noting that some violations have persisted for decades.

Fountain Square Proposals

Two landscape design proposals for Fountain Square renovation were received and will be placed on a future agenda for discussion and decision.

Split Rail Fence at Borden Park

The deteriorating split rail fence along the pedestrian walkway at Borden Park needs replacement. The fence serves as a guardrail along a steep drop-off to a creek. The board will seek quotes from fencing contractors for a full replacement, possibly including the future fence required along the Route 44 sidewalk project.

Comprehensive Plan Review Committee

Committee Chair Bill Flood raised concerns about the legal counsel for the comprehensive plan review process, recommending an independent land use attorney rather than the planning board attorney due to potential conflicts of interest. The board discussed the Pace Land Use Consultants contract and scope of work. The committee will hold a meeting to review the contract, clarify roles, and ensure all members are properly informed. Resident Ken Topolsky cautioned against making extensive zoning code changes before the comprehensive plan is completed, to ensure the two remain in sync.

Amenia Spy Catcher Play

George Bilstrein of the Amenia Historical Society announced a $15,000 Dutchess County Rev 250 grant for the original play "Amenia Spy Catcher," about Revolutionary War justice of the peace Ephraim Paine. Auditions are scheduled for May 27 and May 30 at the town hall auditorium.

Northern Dutchess Raiders

A youth football organization has requested use of the town's recreational field for practice and games from August through October. The board will invite the organization's president and the Recreation Commission to a future meeting to discuss logistics including scheduling conflicts with soccer, lighting costs, and storage.

This summary was generated from the YouTube recording. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.