Glenn Butler

The briefing focused on the formation of an ad hoc committee to address critical concerns regarding the support and structure of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team in Northern Duchess County. Key topics included exploring regional collaboration opportunities with Northwell Health, the challenges of current volunteer-based and hybrid EMS models such as staffing shortages, and the potential implementation of a pilot program to bridge service gaps. Participants discussed the need for a more sustainable, high-performance system of care to meet increasing demand.

The board convened to open and process six sealed bids for the Two Culverts Replacement project on Torre Rock Road and Battenfeld Road, subsequently authorizing the forwarding of these bids for engineering review. Additional agenda items included a progress report on upcoming town events, specifically the Memorial Day Parade, and a discussion regarding the financial sustainability and service hours of the Milan Transfer Station, including potential changes to scrap metal collection procedures. Furthermore, the board authorized the advertisement of a Request for Proposals for the Milan Town Hall roof replacement project.

The board agenda included a workshop regarding the New York State Smart Climate Communities Program and several legislative and administrative actions. Key items included authorizing a 10-ton weight limit for the Rock City Bridge-M26, awarding a construction contract for the culvert replacement project on Battenfeld and Torre Rock Roads to Van Etten Contracting, LLC, and approving a bond resolution for the acquisition of a new truck for the Highway Department. Additionally, the board considered updates to the reimbursable mileage rate to align with current IRS business standards and revisions to the distance policy between the town hall and local banking institutions.

The key topics discussed included authorizing the Town Clerk to advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Town Hall roof replacement, with bids due by March 13, 2026. The board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, which amends Chapter 183 (Taxation) to update eligibility criteria for senior citizen and disability tax exemptions, and codify the exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members. Furthermore, the board authorized $15,060.93 to engage Eagle Diesel Power for an essential transmission replacement on the Town's 2021 International Truck, M-20, noting difficulty in obtaining multiple quotes. Several budget transfers between various line items were approved. Under New Business, a Communications Plan was reviewed, and several bills totaling significant amounts for General, Highway, and Fire Funds were approved for payment. Public comments addressed the community newsletter, cluster building and garbage can issues, and requests for expanded transfer station hours and a steel dumpster for small metal items.

The meeting addressed several applications requiring variances. For the property at 608 Turkey Hill Road, the board discussed lot depth constraints impacting setback requirements for a deck and pool. For Ashley McKinney's application regarding an above-ground pool at 603 Turkey Hill Road, an area variance was requested for the side yard setback, and a public hearing was scheduled for August 27th, 2025. For Paul Wilhelms' application at 24 Mountain Road, an area variance was sought to construct a dwelling on a non-conforming lot due to insufficient front and side yard setbacks; this also resulted in a scheduled public hearing for August 27th, 2025. Additionally, the board voted to declare both applications as SEQR Type II actions.