Village looks at new sign for fire department, EV charging station

MILLBROOK — Mayor Tim Collopy opened the  Millbrook Village Board meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9 with the  acceptance of minutes from the previous month and approving unpaid vouchers from Village Clerk Sarah Witt.

Fire Chief Ted Bownas gave his May report. There were 86 incidents, with six vehicular accidents, 64 EMS calls, 12 automatic fire alarms and one brush fire, as well as one car fire, two haz mat calls, 65 calls for Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP), eight calls for the Millbrook ambulance squad and 53 member responses; assistance was provided by the Millbrook Engine, Hook and Ladder Company, aka the Millbrook Fire Department (MFD), once and by its EMS 13 times. Aid was received by the MFD once and the EMS three times.

Bownas spoke of the July 8 and 9 block party and parade (see article this page).

Nancy Forest of Lodi Signs was asked by the MFD to  propose a new note board, as the department’s old one was reported to be in poor condition. The issue has been raised numerous during the past four or five years, according to the department.

Forest spoke about a lighted, digital sign that could disseminate important information to the community. She said it could be updated when needed and the cost would be covered by the MFD.

The board asked the fire department to look at village sign codes, which were just recently updated, and at safety components for signs. Some of those attending the meeting also asked if the village could post the information learned online for the public. The issue will be further reviewed and discussed at future meetings.

The Millbrook Police Department (MPD) gave its May report. The department assisting the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) twice, the New York State Police (NYSP) seven times and another agency once. The MPD also aided the MFD four times and the EMS three times. Officers provided security at the Town of Washington Court twice and did school safety checks 15 times; officers assisted local citizens three times in May.

Highway Superintendent Bob Collacola shared the Summer Brush Pick Up schedule: Pick up will be on the second Monday in July, August and September.

The Highway Department has been busy, added Collacola. Crews have been painting parking lines, marking restrictions, curbs throughout the village and all crosswalks and handicap spaces as well. Crews also repaired pot holes and graded the parking lot and driveway at the water plant; they repaired three catch basins on Nine Partners Lane. They also did repairs with backhoe hydraulic controls, in house and thus saving on costs, he said. The department also repaired the streetlight across from the Millbrook Library at 3 Friendly Lane.

Other Village Board business included discussing outdoor dining options, now more than two years into COVID-19 pandemic. If the methods used during the first two years of COVID remain in play, trustees asked what other means could guarantee  the safety of diners, pedestrians and drivers.

Several ideas were discussed, including restricting parking at special times and placing barriers like flower pots to protect outdoor diners. The mayor mentioned the Village Board wants to help local businesses stay vital, but must consider all options and all risks. The board plans to discuss ideas with restaurant owners and the Millbrook Business Association.

Deputy Mayor Vicky Contino reported she’s been working with the Washington Town Board to get an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station installed at Town Hall, at 10 Reservoir Drive. If agreed upon, it would be installed and maintained by Livingston Energy Group at no cost to either the town or village. All revenues would go to Livingston.

The board approved a resolution to adopt the NYS Climate Smart Communities pledge. In doing so, it committed to finding opportunities to reduce energy use and emissions. Resident Jen Glasson agreed to be the point person She will work with Trustee Michael Herzog Herzog and the Cary Institute if Ecosystem Studies to develop a set of recommendations for the board to review by next year.