Millbrook trustees move ahead on block grant process

MILLBROOK — Following a public hearing at the Millbrook Board of Trustees’ reorganization meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the trustees voted unanimously to approve a resolution to complete the application process for a Community Development Block Grant.

The process will begin with an early February submission of a letter of intent to apply, as explained by Mayor Peter Doro. The full application will then be due in early March.

A previous community block grant project had corrected sidewalk unevenness along the south side of Franklin Avenue. The current application would continue the project to repair the sidewalks along the north side of the street.

One resident’s question about any planned tree removal in connection with the project determined no trees would be affected.

“The concrete is worn out,” Doro said, describing current sidewalk conditions, explaining that some sidewalk panels are uneven, creating a tripping hazard for pedestrians, the elderly and the physically challenged. Doro noted, however, not every panel needs replacement.

“We can keep the good panels,” Doro said, adding the project may also include moving a crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety when crossing Franklin Avenue.

Taking action to fill a vacant seat on the board created when Doro was elected to serve as Mayor, the vote was unanimous to appoint Republican Elizabeth Socci to the position. Republican Patrick Murphy was unanimously selected to serve as Deputy Mayor.

Democrats Shannon Mawson and Julia Bucklin also serve as Trustees.

Speaking of his decision to recommend Socci fill the vacant seat on the Board of Trustees, Doro noted the margin of votes received in the November election was narrow, with Socci having received 389 votes and Mawson having received 391, a difference of only two votes.

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to a reading of the various rules, regulations, fee schedules, meeting schedules and other details of village government.

Discussion of topics which will be considered in the coming year included the wastewater system upgrade project, repairs to the Village Hall possibly including the gym area and inviting the public to consider initiating a community garden project.