Wassaic Charcoal Kilns could be gifted to town

AMENIA — The Town Board opened its public hearing concerning the renewal of a helipad permit for private property shortly after it began its monthly meeting on Thursday, July 21.

Helicopter permit OK’d

The permit was requested by a private party later identified as Bel Air Farm, after being re-issued for many years.

The board agreed there seemed no reason to deny its renewal and there were no public comments. Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti closed the hearing.

The issue was addressed later in the meeting along with other resolutions; it was agreed the applicant had never abused the privilege and the board voted to renew the permit.

NYSEG presentation

Returning  to the regular meeting, New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG)  representative Dylan Miyoshi spoke of the Smart Meters currently being installed by NYSEG.

“We’re dedicated to meeting the energy needs of our customers and taking steps to build a smarter energy infrastructure, including the installation of smart meters offering you convenience, more control and expanded choice in understanding and managing your energy use.”

Some of the wireless components have been installed already in homes and businesses in town. More details about the energy saving program are on the NYSEG website, www.nyseg.com.

County grants

Dutchess County Legislator Deirdre Houston (R-25) then spoke about the county’s Learn, Play, Create grants recently announced by County Executive Marc Molinaro. She called them “a success,” adding the next grants will be directed toward veterans groups, including local American Legions and VFWs, which lost a great amount of revenue during the COVID pandemic as they could not rent out their facilities. Both groups, she  said, get most of their income from those rentals. Houston said the new round of grants will be around $15,000.

Volunteers needed

Town Clerk Dawn Marie Klingner reported that Wastewater Committee Chair James Wright tendered his resignation; the board accepted it with regret.

Klingner mentioned the town is in need of volunteers for many boards and committees. Anyone wishing to volunteer may e-mail her at townclerk@ameniany.gov.

She also noted the town’s Annual Senior Trip and BBQ will be held in the fall.

CAC update

Councilwoman Vicki Doyle reported Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) met via Zoom. CAC member Stacy Mantel was named a Champion for the Climate Smart Task Force, said Doyle, which will be of great help to the group and its mission.

Doyle added the town needs to obtain credit with the state’s Climate Smart Communities program for some of the energy-saving conversions it’s already done to help it obtain certification through the program. The town also plans to review new projects on Aug. 9. There are two open seats on the CAC right now.

Affordable housing

Councilman Leo Blackwell reported that on July 31 the Amenia Housing Board will hold a meeting at Town Hall to address the local affordable housing shortage. He said Hudson River Housing had purchased land and had hoped it would be able to create some affordable housing in town, but it didn’t work out.

Blackman said the Waste Water Committee wants to review the feasibility study and make a presentation at its next meeting on the issue.

Police, highway

Two part-time constables were hired at a salary of $15.50 per hour. The constables will start Aug. 1; the board approved the hires unanimously.

A bid for a Highway Garage Feasibility Study was voted on; a new garage is to be built on Route 22, south of the main hamlet. The low bid went to LaBella, for $19,000. Once the new garage is built, the existing garage in Wassaic will be used for storage.

Kilns could be gifted

A discussion was held about the Wassaic Charcoal Kilns property possibly being gifted to the town. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is responsible for the required maintenance.

The Amenia Historical Society’s Jerry Strauss said work has been done during the past month on the kilns’ property by the estate manager. Strauss said he thinks the transfer would be a positive move, and said the kilns are an integral part of Amenia’s history.

The kilns were used to make charcoal, necessary to manufacture iron. He noted that they are beehive kilns,  which were part of the Salisbury Iron District and are unique to the U.S. The kilns were used prior to the Revolutionary War up until after the Civil War. The town attorney will look into the possible transfer of the kilns to the town.

The meeting ended just before 9 p.m. The next meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 18, at Amenia Town Hall, at 7 p.m.