Amenia: Public apology, better process

AMENIA — What was billed as a public apology to be offered during a special meeting of the Town Board on Tuesday, July 9, once delivered, led to fruitful discussion between the Town Board and the Recreation Commission, leading to a better understanding of the expenditure process.

Having scheduled its special meeting immediately prior to the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission, the Town Board gathered to resolve a funding allocation issue in regard to the Town Hall gym floor renovation project. At issue was the handling of the funds released due to cancellation of the town’s summer camp program this year.

Acknowledging an error in failing to notify the Recreation Commission and Recreation Director Katie Sterk-Grassi, Town Supervisor Leo Blackman had moved to approve the drafting of a resolution to use half of unexpended summer camp funding in support of a project that will correct the condition of the Town Hall Gym floor, long in need of repair.

“It was my mistake,” Blackman said, with general agreement that the gym floor project is necessary and that the gym floor is used primarily for recreation activities.

“This was being worked on by former Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti,” councilman Paul Winters said, adding that in those years the understanding was that gym floor repairs would come from the General Fund. With the cancellation of Summer Camp over the past two years, related funding was used to improve and maintain Beekman Park, including new fencing, a pitching machine, and general maintenance.

Discussion focused on what constitutes a capital improvement project as opposed to maintenance, and how the town regulations can be clarified to arrive at a clear process for assigning funding while promoting better communication between town offices and recreation officials.

General agreement was reached that the gym floor would be treated as a capital expense, as would be the upcoming septic repairs at Beekman Park.

Acknowledging confusion about the process and satisfied that the town attorney would create a clarifying resolution, Sterk-Grassi offered apology for her comments at a recent meeting of the Town Board.

Financial Officer Charlie Miller indicated that $29,500 remains unspent in summer camp funding.

Latest News

Amenia Town Board hires part-time clerk
Amenia Town Hall
Photo by John Coston

AMENIA — A variety of subjects were discussed at the regular meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, July 3, including reappointments and hirings.

By unanimous vote, Donna DiPippo was reappointed to the post of Town Assessor, and Robin Schultz was hired as a part-time clerk in the Town Clerk’s office.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete.It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
North East town records brought into the digital age

Chris Virtuoso reorganized parcel records in the North East Town Hall basement by parcel number during the process of scanning and digitizing the documents.

Photo by Grace DeMarco

MILLERTON — Within the walls of the two-story Victorian housing the North East Town Hall lies a room-full of town records dating back to the late 19th century. Stored in labeled cardboard boxes and protected by dehumidifiers, the records are in the process of being dated, organized, and scanned into categorized online programs.

As the Town Hall works to relocate to 5603 Route 22 at the former Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, the consolidation and digitalization of records, as well as the disposal of those unneeded, is a time-sensitive project. Marcy Wheatley, the Deputy Town Clerk, emphasized their current heavy focus on organizing and scanning. “Now, when we move, we can get rid of a lot,” Wheatley stated.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Fire Department Carnival returns

The Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue in the village of Millbrook.

Archive photo

MILLBROOK — Summer fun is just around the corner, thanks to the fire department and the return of the Fire Department Carnival scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 9, and continue through Saturday, July 12, on the Thorne Building grounds on Franklin Avenue.

Opening night activities will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. The Carnival will open each night at 7 p.m., remaining open until 11 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less