Amenia Town Board adopts changes to boards' alternate seating rules

AMENIA — Town Board members adopted new local laws allowing the appointment of alternate members to Amenia’s Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Town Board unanimously adopted the new laws at its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, the final meeting of the year, after a public comment period that drew no comment from the public.

The new laws clarify the structure of the two boards, formalizing the selection and seating of alternate members to meet quorum. Attendance rules are also clarified, along with prescribed minimum hours of training.

Later in the meeting, and by unanimous vote, both chairmen of the two boards were re-appointed to their posts. Robert Boyles Jr., Planning Board chair, and Terry Metcalfe, ZBA chair, will continue to serve for the calendar year 2026.

Town Supervisor Leo Blackman reported on the current status of construction projects, including the sidewalk to Beekman Park, the new town garage and the Water District.

Work on the sidewalk, which began in August, has been plagued by construction delays, Blackman said. With the onset of winter weather, the completion date will be in spring, he added, noting that the final asphalt application between curb and pavement will also occur in spring. In the meantime, coarse gravel will fill the gap for the winter.

Spring will also see the start of construction work on Water District improvements, beginning with the well heads and the new pump house. The following phase will see work on the town’s water tank.

Site work for the new town garage and salt shed is not complete, Blackman said. Town crews were able to help with site clearing and grading. Construction will begin in early spring.

In other business, the Town Board approved the re-hiring of Christina Gast, an independent contractor, to assist with grant-writing for the calendar year 2026.

Long-anticipated electrical improvements to Fountain Square will proceed at a cost of $2,630. The project will bring removal and replacement of the existing electrical panel at the site.

In the coming year, the Recreation Department will be updating its Master Plan, with the help of consultation services from Nexus Creative Design of Mt. Kisco, one of six bids received. Although Nexus at $49,750 was not the lowest bid received, Judy Moran, Recreation Commission chair, indicated that Nexus is currently shepherding the town’s update of the Master Plan for Development.

Observing how Nexus consultants are managing that task, particularly community outreach, made them the logical choice for the Recreation Plan update, Moran said.

Attending the meeting and speaking briefly was Dutchess County Representative-elect Eric Alexander, who indicated that he expects to attend Amenia’s meetings with frequency.

Commenting on his tenure of service on the Town Board, councilman Brad Rebillard spoke of the experience as he prepares to step aside.

“I encourage anyone to step up and serve in any position within the town’s government,” Rebillard said, adding that he appreciated the opportunity to serve.

The next meeting of the Town Board will be its annual reorganizational meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, when oaths of office will be administered to elected town officials.