The September 23rd Town Board Meeting, after the pledge to the flag, and a very moving and appropriate invocation by Rabbi Shlomo Krasner urging us to build on the work and sacrifices of those who came before us, with a moment of silence in memory of Melva Mae Laffin, the town board opened the floor to public comments.
The star of the meeting was former Supervisor Joe Ruggerio who spoke on the history of the Town's purchase of the Carnwath property more than 20 years ago by the administration of Supervisor Connie Smith. He recounted the long deliberations and the vision for the development of Carnwath's buildings that are in the Town's master plan. He also reminded the board that in the ensuring decades, the building that was water tight and not compromised to the outside elements - has become compromised... and that "angel" investors don't come knocking on the town's doors very often. He urged them to move full speed ahead in developing a private/public partnership which would benefit the town.
Other residents did the same and asked that a Community Meeting be held, where the investors can present a conceptual plan of their ideas and answer resident questions, while at the same time getting to know the people of the Town of Wappinger and their aspirations for Carnwath.
The Consent Resolutions -
The board approved a resolution adopting certificate of base percentages... basically this is accepting the NY State Office of Real Property Services % to be used when evaluating the value of real estate
The board approved a no parking resolution road surrounding the community day activities for community day - to ensure that fire and ambulance equipment have appropriate access.
The Non-Consent Resolutions -
Local Law Number 3 - an additional planner was asked to review the proposed las by the board in a previous meeting. They did so. The board has the information -- but this was not published to the public.. which, along with the town planner, engineer, planning board also provided supporting comments. These have not been made available to the public. Council Member Beale requested additional discussion in an executive session, which doesn't make sense because there is no grounds for an executive session. The Resolution was tabled.
Resolultion Authorizing the Lease of Carnwath Manor and Chapel - The Board, taking the suggestion of a community meeting as a reason to postpone voting on this decision -- did agree to signing a letter of intent with the developer. The Town Attorney will draft a letter of intent to be voted on at the next Town Board Meeting. A Step forward!
Resolution Introducing a Local Law Regulating Hazardous Pollution Sources in Proximity to Public Water Supply Sources, Aquifiers and Wetlands. While the legislative intent published for this proposed law includes individually owned or private wells - it is not clear if the definitions used in the body of the law include private wells (by the way... we learned that any water source that has 25 or more people using it... even if on private property - is considered a public water source). The Board approved the scheduling of a public hearing for October 15 (the 14th is a holiday).
Resolution Introducing Local Law Number 6 - basically will allow Tattoo artists to operate in distracts zoned as Neighborhood Districts, with the same restricitions they have in other zoning districts. The Board approved the scheduling of a public hearing for October 15.
Resolution on Tree Felling. To Avoid situations where property is clear cut in anticipating of development... and then development doesn't happen - this proposed law provides discretion to the Planning Board on conditions and restrictions. Council Member Bettina also asked that in the future, guidance on not felling large, important trees on the property also be considered. The Board approved the scheduled of a public hearing for October 15.
Resolution authorizing the transfer of funds in the Wildwood Sewer District. Funds were transferred from the fund balance to the operating balance to enable the payment of bonds. - the board approved.
Items for Special Consideration
Council Member Beale - Thanked everyone for all the recent ceremonies. Also brought up that there is an odor near Montclaire Townhouses which is caused by a failing, private waste water treatment plant owned by the Townhouses. The DEC is the regulatory agency responsible and the corrections to the plant are scheduled for this week. It is unfortunate that this has taken so long to resolve.
He also mentioned that the town has applied for a grant for emergency generators for two of the town's waste water treatment plans. He also warned that on October 3 there would be an emergency services drill at Evens School (school is not in session on that day).
Council Member Bettina - There is a drought. the Bowdain Park Veterans Event was wonderful.
Council Member Phillips - Thank you to Kevin Hawthorn for work on Bowdain Park Event for Veterans. Asked that people slow down when driving... there have been too many accidents.
Council Member Cassella - Thank you to Veterans. Looking into possibility fo changing a tennis court at Marz field into 2 Pickleball courts... looking for feedback. Thank you to Barbara Roberti for her team's efforts in property cleanups. Sr. Baseball League is doing well.
Supervisor Cavaccini - Budget being prepared - a special meeting re: Budget scheduled for October 7 at 6 PM. Pickleball Lights have been restored by work of building & grounds department. Reminder that 2025 will be Town's 150th anniversary. Community Day October 12.
Yea -- no Executive Session called... and the meeting adjourned.
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