Lisa DeConti

The Copake Comprehensive Plan Review Committee is updating the town's comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2011. The updated plan envisions Copake in ten years and proposes strategies to achieve that vision. The committee is gathering input through town-wide surveys, vision and goals workshops, and focus groups concentrating on different hamlets and community sectors. The focus areas include Copake Falls, Copake hamlet, Copake Lake, West Copake, businesses, employers, not-for-profits, churches, first responders, and healthcare.

The resolution authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Town of Copake Capital Improvement Reserve Fund for professional legal services and disbursements costs relating to the Copake Hamlet Streetscape and Parking Lots Project, subject to permissive referendum. It concerns legal services for improvements to County Route 7A, property acquisition, parking lot development, and sidewalk construction. The resolution allows for additional expenditure not exceeding $1,833.97 beyond previously authorized amounts, subject to audit and approval of vouchers/invoices.

The Town Board meeting included discussions on a guaranteed income program for local families, updates on town projects such as tree planting and parking area repairs, and announcements of upcoming events. The Supervisor reported on grant applications and solar updates. The board also discussed engaging data collectors to update property information, a franchise agreement with Charter/Spectrum, short-term rentals, a Community Preservation Fund, the Main Street Municipal Parking Lot, public access to Copake Lake, and smart meters. Resolutions were passed regarding standard work days, and appointments were made to the Park Commission. The meeting also covered budget approvals, councilpersons' reports, and public forum.

The Town Board addressed matters before them, focusing on responses to the request for proposals for concreting the walkway from the Church Street Municipal Parking lot to Empire Road. They accepted the low bid from DelSignore Blacktop Paving, Inc. to complete the work on or before May 7, 2025.

The Town Board meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Announcements were made regarding community events, park improvements, and road closures. The board discussed support for the Roeliff Jansen Community Library and the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. Actions were taken on highway department matters, park maintenance, and a task order for seeking a state grant for park improvements. The board also considered a contract for preparing an RFP for a walkway and discussed smart meter updates. Additionally, the board addressed short-term rental laws, community preservation funds, the Main Street Municipal Parking Lot, and public access to Copake Lake.