Ken Ronk

The Town Board meeting included discussions on the Highway Department's Pavement Management Program, concerns about law enforcement in the hamlet, and a proposed housing project. The board also discussed support for the Vision of Wallkill's events, the police chief's monthly report, highway improvements, and water and sewer issues, including rates for 2026. Additional topics included replacing the Town Hall heat, the CivicGov program for building and code enforcement, the 2026 budget, an updated Emergency Management Plan, and a dangerous dog law.

The Town Board held a special meeting and public hearings, opening discussions on the 2026 Preliminary Budget and Special District Assessment Rolls. The Special District Assessment Rolls include Wallkill Water & Sewer, Sidewalk & Lighting, Maple Ridge Drainage, Titus Drainage & Lighting, Orange County Enterprises Drainage, Plains Estates Drainage, Rotting Hills and Prospect Heights Drainage Districts. The 2026 Preliminary Budget reflects increases in the General and Highway Funds due to factors such as state retirement and health insurance increases, liability insurance premiums, and salt and sand costs. Investments were made in parks maintenance, playground equipment, and a boat launch at Popp Park. The board also discussed a highway inventory conducted by Pavement Management Group to assess road conditions. Dave Hatdeman was re-appointed to the Ulster County Environmental Management Council.

The meeting addressed the Brander 3-lot Subdivision site plans and a request from Michael Brander for the use of an RV as temporary living quarters while building a house. The board discussed the need for proper paperwork and permits before acting on variance requests, and considered the implications of setting a precedent. The public hearing regarding the RV request was closed, and the request was ultimately denied. Miscellaneous zoning matters and potential changes to the Zoning Law were also discussed.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the withdrawal of the Borderline Deli project application. A two-lot line revision for the lands of Jason Thorn was discussed, focusing on septic and field considerations, wetland and stream impacts, and deed requirements. The board designated the lot line revision as a Type II Action exempt from SEQRA and granted conditional final approval. The Eagles Roost multi-family development was reviewed, covering the draft revised scope for the Environmental Impact Statement, water and sewer infrastructure, and the need for a public scoping session. The US Light Energy Solar Array project was discussed, including reasons for reducing the size, Ulster County's comments, host community benefits, a revised decommissioning plan, and consultant comments. Additionally, Farm Fuel Coffee's plans for a coffee shop were reviewed, focusing on zoning law codes and location suitability.

The Town Board meeting included reports from the Supervisor, Town Clerk, and Police Chief. Discussions covered topics such as the crossing guard request, speeding complaints, and an issue at Ostrander School. The Highway Superintendent reported on road work completion, scheduling, paving, and increased salt prices. Town Liaison reports included updates on the Sewer Line 208 Project, Community Build/Garrison Park progress, Popp Park grant paperwork, and concerns about motorized vehicles at Verkeerderkill Park. Additionally, there were discussions on sidewalk repairs, recreation events, building quotes, forming a Chamber of Commerce, and IT support options. The board reviewed changes to the tentative budget, adopted it as the preliminary budget, and set a Public Hearing. Claims were audited and approved for payment.