Amenia plans EV station on rail trail parking lot

This story has been updated.

AMENIA — Electric vehicle owners will enjoy a new charging location on Mechanic Street, following action taken by the Town Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, June 5.

By unanimous vote, the board agreed to the purchase and installation of a dual port station for the rail trail parking lot on Mechanic Street. The contract was awarded to Lilypad of Martinez, California, to install, service and monitor the ChargePoint stations as recommended by the town’s association with the Sourcewell municipal purchasing cooperative program.

The cost for the project is estimated at $29,274, to include site preparation, installation and support. Two cars will be able to charge at the computerized station at the same time.

Responding to board member Brad Rebillard’s question about monitoring of the stations, town finance director Charlie Miller said the vendors are responsible for monitoring.

In other action the Town Board voted unanimously to use the services of Jaybird Painting of Wassaic to paint the exterior and do repair work at the Town Hall this summer. Attempting to attract three proposals, twelve local painter contractors were contacted for estimates. Jaybird was the sole successful bidder with a total estimate of $14,400. Eight contractors did not respond, one was too busy with other jobs, one was not interested in the job, and one could not provide an advance estimate.

The Paul Winters Summer Concert Series will be held this summer, providing free concerts on Monday evenings. The first concert is scheduled for Monday, July 7. The board voted unanimously to set aside park-use rules prohibiting alcoholic beverages to accommodate the Parks and Recreation-sponsored concerts.

Following an Executive Session, Lyzzette Bullock won appointment to the Planning Board by a vote of 3-1. Board member Brad Rebillard cast the vote in opposition. Bullock will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John Stefanopoulos, and will serve a term to end in 2031.

During public comment, residents in opposition to operations at Kent Hollow mine identified perceived shortcomings within the agreement, particularly in regard to enforcement of the conditions.

The Town Board scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, June 12, to avoid the Juneteenth holiday that will occur on Thursday, June 19.