Amenia Board funds comprehensive plan update

AMENIA — Updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan will proceed following action by the Town Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 6, to provide funding for the services of professional town planning consultants.

The committee had suspended its work for several months feeling that its planning would benefit from expert planning advice.
By unanimous vote the Town Board agreed to allocate $37,500 to hire the services of Nexus Creative Design of Mount Kisco, New York, the collaborative arm of Pace University’s Land Use Law Center. Together, the planning experts will work with the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee to facilitate local forums, gathering and interpreting residents’ input regarding visions and aspirations for the town’s future.

The result will be a revised Comprehensive Plan reflective of residents’ views and modern planning principles which will serve as a tool for all future planning and zoning development decisions.

Electrical work and interior painting at the Town Hall will proceed following the Town Board’s unanimous vote to approve the hiring of contractors. McDermott Electric of Wingdale was awarded the contract for needed electrical work, one of three who submitted bids. The bid was the second lowest at $4,400, but the contractor was determined to have had experience with the configuration of the building’s electrical systems and the bid was not appreciably higher than the lowest bid.

A contract for Town Hall interior painting was awarded to Jaybird Painting of Wassaic, the lowest of three bidders, at $7,940.

A proposal to extend the term of service of the Town Supervisor from two years to four years, discussed at past Town Board meetings, will be included on the Nov. 4 election ballot, following unanimous decision by the Town Board. Discussion had determined that the change would enhance efficiency and continuity. The vote by referendum is mandatory under the Municipal Home Rule Law.

Failing to advance to a public hearing was a proposal that would have limited the number of consecutive terms of service for elected town officials. The negative vote was unanimous at 3-0. Councilmember Brad Rebillard was absent from the meeting.
Commenting on her vote, councilmember Nicole Ahearn felt that the measure was not necessary, that it was difficult enough to attract people who are willing to step up and serve.

“I have faith in the voters,” agreed Rosanna Hamm, feeling that elections provide opportunity for voters to effect change.