North East nears finish line on commercial zoning review; launches new budget cycle

MILLERTON — The Town Board gathered on Sept. 11 for its monthly meeting, where Supervisor Chris Kennan opened with a reflection on the date and addressed recent news.

“Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I was in New York City on that day, and it comes alive very vividly for me,” said Kennan. He also expressed shock at the recent shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk, calling it “one of many acts of violence that have taken place against people in public life from both parties.” The flag in front of Town Hall was lowered to half-staff.

The meeting began an hour early to continue a zoning review of the commercial district with Town Attorney Warren Replansky. After running out of time at an Aug. 26 workshop, the board worked through the remaining sections, mainly clarifying definitions.

Discussion focused on signs and lighting, multi-family buildings, fences and walls and food trucks. Legal counsel and the review committee will make additional minor edits before presenting a final draft and resolution to amend the district’s commercial zoning at a public hearing. Kennan expressed gratitude toward the Zoning Review Committee, which has held a whopping 100 meetings since the process began.

Kennan then turned to EMS services, confirming that Empress EMS, which recently purchased Northern Dutchess Paramedics, has committed to honoring the town’s existing contract.

“They have committed to honoring the agreement we had with NDP, and I take them at their word,” said Kennan. While this is encouraging given that a clause in the current contract would allow Empress to terminate the partnership, the town’s broader EMS challenges remain. The cost of North East’s EMS contract in 2025 is $511,000 and is projected to rise by 36% next year, to $696,000.

“When people ask why we can’t come in under a 2% increase in the budget cap and you’re dealing with a 36% increase in something that large, it sort of answers its own question,” Kennan said.

In related news, a public hearing was held on Local Law #1, allowing the town to override New York State’s property tax cap. The board passed the measure. Additionally, the town has started the budget process, led by Kennan and Councilwoman Lana Morrison who say they will take a close look at the upcoming budget with taxpayers in mind.

The town may also pursue state funding through New York Forward, which offers two $4.5 million grants for small communities. Kennan has discussed applying jointly with Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek, focusing on the wastewater project. Applications are due in October and November.

Other resolutions approved included budget adjustments, naming three new streets in the McGhee Hill Road subdivision (McGhee Meadows Lane, McGhee Vista Drive, and McGhee Hollow Drive), continuing the snow-removal contract with Dutchess County, and accepting the Water District Benefit Assessment Roll, with a public hearing set for Oct. 9.

The board delayed action on selecting a new IT provider. While Professional Computer Associates has been responsive throughout the proposal process, Northeast Computer Services — a smaller, local company that serves the village — submitted a late bid after not responding to initial outreach from the town clerk in March.

Councilwoman Winkler was hesitant to rubber stamp a company that wasn’t responsive in the initial stages of the months-long vetting process. “We never got a phone call, we never got an email. This is an IT company and I don’t find that responsive.”