Jennifer Gallagher

The Town Board meeting addressed several key infrastructure and administrative matters. These included the completion of public hearings and the adoption of resolutions regarding sewer district 20 and the Stewart Airport infrastructure improvement project, as well as zoning code amendments for specific parcels. The Board also handled personnel matters, specifically the promotion of a police officer to sergeant. Additionally, the Board discussed and authorized various projects such as the construction of a water storage tank, environmental assessments for treatment systems, bid processes for park and infrastructure improvements, and the procurement of commercial flagpoles for the town's historical site.

The board discussed proposed property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. Potential tax implications were reviewed, specifically regarding the need to balance fiscal impacts on other taxpayers and the possibility of adjusting existing tax exemption ceilings for veterans across the board. The board intends to further analyze these options to better understand the potential financial shifts.

The board meeting included an audit presentation for the town's financials, resulting in a clean audit report and noting efficient fiscal management. Key discussions also addressed the resolution of a dam removal agreement with Riverkeeper, a property improvement permit for a community organization event, the authorization of a letter of intent for the sale of the Stewart Gym property, and plans to renovate and resurface tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts.

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding community development block grant project proposals for 2027 and authorized the application for funds to improve the senior center. Additional actions included authorizing a local law to restrict parking on specific streets, accepting employee resignations, and approving improvements to the Butter Hill Water Treatment Plant. The Board also authorized change orders for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade project, introduced a zoning change for a parcel of land, approved the lease-purchase financing for various municipal vehicles and equipment, and authorized bids for park improvements and commercial flag poles. Furthermore, the Board authorized an engineering agreement for the demolition of an unsafe structure and approved tourism promotion grants and fee waivers for non-profit events.

The board discussed several items, including a request from the Hudson Valley Riders for a waiver of the outdoor amusement permit fee for a non-profit event. Multiple real estate and development projects were reviewed, specifically concerning a workforce housing project on Annalee Drive, the potential redevelopment of the Crestmore property for senior housing, and a proposed mixed-use development on Temple Hill Road. Discussions also covered the necessity of infrastructure improvements like public road designations, potential zoning overlays for senior and mixed-use projects, and the negotiation of PILOT agreements to ensure equitable revenue for the town.