Amenia sets hearings for proposed laws allowing for alternates on some boards

AMENIA — Changes to local laws to allow for alternate members on two town boards were assigned a date for public hearing at the regular meeting of the Town Board on Thursday, Aug. 7.

The vote was unanimous to set the public hearing date.

To assist the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals with having a sufficient number of members present to achieve a quorum, the change would allow for the appointment of alternate members. In the event of a regular member’s absence, the chairperson of the Planning Board or the ZBA would be able to seat an alternate for that meeting.

By unanimous vote the Town Board agreed to hold public hearings on Thursday, Sept. 18, beginning at 7 p.m., to consider the changes to town law.

A third public hearing will be scheduled on the same date to consider a new law that would regulate the operation of food trucks. Under the new proposed law, food trucks would require a special permit to be issued by the town’s Code Enforcement Official. Residents would also need a permit to arrange for a food truck at a private function.

In another matter, the project to construct a new town garage is underway with tree removal work having progressed with the work done by the town crew.

A plan for accomplishing site grading work would need Town Board approval. Town Budget Officer Charlie Miller is seeking that approval. He spoke to the Town Board and determined that a decision on the plan could be reached at the next Town Board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Miller said the next phase of the site work would involve earth moving and storm water management in addition to cutting the access driveway apron. Those aspects could be offered out to bid separately from the main construction project, Miller said, adding that the work would be available to local contractors.

Prompt Town Board approval would be important to keeping to the construction schedule, leading Miller to make the request for expedited decision.

“We have the plans,” Miller added.