Water Department demolition awaiting preparation work

MILLERTON — Mayor Jenn Najdek provided an impromptu update on the Water Department building demolition in response to public comment at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on Monday, Sept. 22.

In public comment, resident Delora Brooks asked about the timeline for demolishing the burned highway and water buildings. Najdek said delays stem from the need to reroute exposed water pipes. “Until that’s done, we can’t schedule the demolition,” she said, noting state law also requires 14 days’ notice once the work on the pipes is completed. A demolition company is ready, but the village continues to seek the best price and a contractor who can complete the prep work quickly.

North East Town Supervisor Chris Kennan and Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago joined the meeting.

Kennan discussed a joint application between the village and town for a “NY Forward” grant, which offers two $4.5 million awards for small communities. He noted that projects like the joint wastewater system and Century Boulevard upgrades could make Millerton and North East “prime candidates.” The grant requires no local match. A letter of intent is due in October, with the full application due in November. The village board voted to move forward and partner with the town on the submission.

Drago, who is running for re-election, visited to show support and share county updates. He asked for feedback on the Dutchess County Mobile Health Unit, which visits the Rail Trail lot on the second Wednesday of each month, and brainstormed with the board to boost awareness of the service. He also addressed the EMS crisis, saying now is the time to act as the budget cycle begins. “We need to move toward a long-term plan more quickly — one that will help bring down costs for everyone and, ultimately, provide more reliable, consistent service,” he said.

Village Police Chief Joseph Olenik highlighted the department’s new Axon 4 body cameras, purchased with grant funding. He touted the cameras’ ability to translate more than 70 languages in real time. Olenik said the two-way translator will record interactions and help officers and residents communicate. “This will be an effective tool and will be great for our community policing,” he said.

The board also authorized the issuance of a request for proposals for professional engineering services to update sidewalks on North Center Street. The RFP will be posted Wednesday, Sept. 24, with submissions due Thursday, Oct. 23, at 3:30 p.m. An on-site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.