Village announces HBO to film, gives updates on tennis court and sidewalks

MILLBROOK — The Village Board met on Wednesday, July 14, at the Millbrook firehouse, the first in-person meeting in more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was held at the firehouse instead of Village Hall to maintain social distancing. 

It was aired on Cable Channel 22 and taped to go on the village website at a later date. It was proposed that future Village Board meetings be held at the firehouse because it’s more specious.

Speeding concerns, parking

The board said it needed feedback on driver safety and the speeding problem on Franklin Avenue — always an issue. It is considering posting signs that display the speed of drivers, staking police at speed zones to issue tickets and if it does so, whether those spots should vary over time. 

Continued support for local restaurants was discussed as far as parking on Church Street. It was proposed that there be timed parking restrictions, two minutes for the Millbrook Deli, two minutes for Nooch’s and three minutes for Le Beaux. 

Outdoor dining is featured on Church Street, but the time restrictions would be for patrons to pickup to-go orders, and would also affect Barbaro and Babette’s Kitchen, both on Franklin Avenue. 

“No parking” will also be painted on some parking spaces along Church Street and marked by cones, to help facilitate outdoor dining. The Millbrook Business Association (MBA) offered to help absorb the costs.

Shade Tree Committee

The Shade Tree Committee consists of three members: Public Works Supervisor Bob Collocola, Deputy Mayor Mike Herzog and former Trustee Kevin McGrane. Herzog asked that the three be officially appointed by the mayor; Collacola for a two-year term, McGrane and Herzog for one-year terms. 

Their duties include examining trees in the village to ensure they are safe, deciding what trees need to be taken down, where to plant new trees and what types of trees to plant. 

They must also inform residents if and when trees need to be removed or planted, verbally and in writing. 

Herzog also asked that two vacant positions on the tree committee be filled. Anyone interested in volunteering for the positions is asked to send letters of interest to Village Clerk Sarah Witt at the Village Hall, 35 Merrit Ave., Millbrook, NY 12545.

Several resolutions were  discussed and adopted by the board. One related to a new water/sewer connection for a home on Maple Avenue that had been approved years ago by former Mayor Laura Hurley. 

Trustee and Department reports

Trustee Leslie Anson reported she spoke to Millbrook Central School District Assistant Superintendent for Finance Brian Fried. She said he acknowledged the gazebo located by the tennis courts does belong to the school district, so the district is responsible for its upkeep and repairs.

Collopy noted that the village had $166,000 in Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) money; $100,999 was spent, with $20,000 going toward a new plow and $6,500 going toward a plow for a highway department truck, leaving a balance of $40,000. 

He said he would like to spend what is left on paving and would supplement that with funds from the COVID American Rescue Plan.

Collopy asked that money be put in a long-standing escrow fund, which no one has made a claim for and amounts to $2,295. He  would like that transferred to the General Fund, which the board agreed to. 

Tennis court update

The tennis court repaving project effort has raised $23,410 thus far. The work will not take place until next year, said the board. It was originally expected to cost $25,000 but may run as high as $30,000. The village will get three quotes and select the best price when the time comes. The board expressed its gratitude to the public for each and every donation.

Sidewalks

Engineer Rich Rennia consulted about reconditioning the village sidewalks; he has submitted a formal proposal. He will also submit a figure and a schedule for the work. The initial cost for surveying and planning will cost $10,500. 

The board voted that this sum will be paid from the combined trust accounts. Once there is a final figure in place, the village will search for a grant to help finance the much-needed work.

HBO to film near diner

Collopy reminded all that HBO will be filming near the Millbrook Diner on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Set-up will be on Wednesday, the 23rd, and breakdown will be Thursday, Aug. 25. Crews will be parking three very large trucks and will utilize space at Millbrook High School, but the mayor is expecting minimal disruption. 

HBO has acquired a public assembly permit, but no details were shared on the name of the production.

Thorne Building transfer

The transfer of the Thorne Building from the village to the Millbrook Community Partnership (MCP), formerly the Thorne Building Community Center, has taken place. The papers are signed and the long-awaited transfer is now complete.

Public hearings

The next regular Village Board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Millbrook firehouse will include several public hearings. They will address the repeal of traffic violations; Bingo and games of chance; the need to charge fees at entertainment venues on a yearly basis; and solid waste. 

The code regarding residency requirements to be a village justice is to be repealed as there is no longer a Justice Court in the village. An outdated ethics code revised in 2013 will also be discussed.

For more information on upcoming meetings, go to www.villageofmillbrookny.org.