The Milan Town Board on April 20 set a public hearing on proposed changes to the town’s short-term rental law that would require annual inspections and explicit compliance with state fire prevention and building code.
The proposed amendment would revise Local Law No. 2 of 2022, which governs short-term rentals, defined as residences rented for fewer than 30 days. Under the changes, short-term rental units would be required to comply with statewide fire prevention and building code provisions, including the presence of a smoke detector, two safe means of ingress and egress per bedroom, and the presence of a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher.
Short-term rentals would also be subject to an annual inspection by Milan’s zoning enforcement officer. The public hearing on the proposed changes was set for May 17.
At the same meeting, the board resolved to make Milan a New York State Climate Smart Community and adopted the program’s pledge. “We believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to save money, and to build livable, energy-independent and secure communities,” read board member Clint Bond, who will serve as the town’s liaison.
The state program encourages municipalities to pursue renewable energy options, waste reduction plans and infrastructure solutions related to climate change. Participating municipalities must complete and document climate actions to earn various levels of certification. The program also requires municipalities to assemble a climate smart task force. Milan resident Kathryn Kassner will lead that effort.
After registering with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the town will be eligible to apply for grants for projects related to renewable energy, flood mitigation and emissions reduction. In 2025, the DEC awarded $22 million in grants to Climate Smart Communities.
In other business, Town Clerk Ingrid Kulick opened a bid from Malcarne Contracting for $237,620 for the town hall roof replacement project. The board did not vote on whether to accept the bid.
The board also authorized $7,000 to pay Optimus Architects to update the building’s HVAC plans. Because the north addition of the town hall was built in 2003, previous plans are no longer current. The updated plans will be used in requests for proposals for the full replacement of the HVAC system.
In the meantime, the town authorized up to $10,000 to pay Dutchess Tekco for short-term repairs to failed air conditioning in the north addition. “It’s been excruciating at times,” board member Debra Blalock said.
In Highway Department business, the board authorized $45,000 for engineering services from K.C. Engineering related to repairs of two Milan culverts on Battenfeld Road and Torre Rock Road.
During public comment, Milan resident Maureen Byrne addressed the board about an altercation with a neighbor, who she said accosted her over a Trump sign in her yard. Supervisor Bill Jeffway thanked her for raising the matter and noted the tragedy of politics interfering with neighborly relations.
The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18.
We live in America – a free country. Anyone should be able to post a sign about a political figure without fearing of being accosted. Go Mureen! Sorry you have such a difficult neighbor.