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washington town board

Washington board reviews investments, fall events

The Washington Town Board approved a new appointment, discussed the town’s investment policy and reviewed upcoming fall events at its meeting Thursday, Sept. 10.

The board appointed Jane Burdis to the town’s Climate Smart Communities Task Force.

Town Clerk Chrissy Briggs reported that the town will have an informational booth at Millbrook Community Day on Sept. 19, where residents can meet local representatives.

Briggs also announced that the town received a $25,000 county grant to replace windows on the first and second floors of Town Hall. The board approved issuing a request for proposals for the project.

The board then discussed the investment of town funds. The Bank of Millbrook remains the town’s designated depository, but board members disagreed over whether town deposits could be invested through NYCLASS, an investment pool for public entities.

Supervisor Gary Ciferri said the board approved NYCLASS as an additional depository in January and that the town has since earned higher yields on its investments. However, the town’s investment policy was not amended to reflect the change. The board agreed to consider a resolution updating the policy at its next meeting.

Recreation Director Danielle Szalewicz introduced Movie Night, a new Recreation Department program beginning this fall. Admission will be free, and residents are invited to bring chairs and gather on the lawn at the town park. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

“Captain America” will be shown Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m., followed by “Hocus Pocus” on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. and “Lilo & Stitch” on Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Near the end of the meeting, Councilmember Maxine Verne said residents had approached her with concerns about donating to the library. She said they questioned how donations were being spent, given what they described as the building’s deteriorating condition.

Although the library is not overseen by the Town Board, Verne said residents had encouraged her to form a task force to examine the condition of the building and how donations are used.

Graham Corrigan
washington town board

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