Photo credit: Lenora Champagne
At the Pine Plains Town Board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19, a resolution to override the tax levy limit for fiscal year 2025 passed in a 5-0 vote. The board cited anticipated higher expenses as the reason for the override, and a public hearing is set for Oct. 17 to discuss the measure. The tentative 2025 budget was distributed to board members, signaling the beginning of discussions about the town’s financial future.
Supervisor Brian Walsh praised Highway Superintendent Carl Baden and his department for their work on town cleanup day, during which four dumpsters were filled. Board member Bob Ambrose noted that Liberta generously provided the dumpsters at no charge. The highway department was further lauded for its 9/11 flag display, with special recognition of Friends of Stissing Landmarks (FOSL) for bringing a flag to the fire tower. Additionally, the department received commendation for its supervision of the Woodward Hill culvert project, which is expected to have long-term durability.
Board member Kevin Walsh provided an update from the wastewater committee, saying that the town will pursue a “quadrant concept” for a new wastewater system. This approach allows the town to start small, implementing one quadrant first to assess viability before expanding. Walsh noted that State Assembly member Didi Barrett supports this phased approach and has offered assistance moving forward. The next steps include forming a wastewater district or corporation and securing property for the project.
In other news, the board voted to hire Bruce Meglio as a driver for the highway department. It also agreed that five town roads, including Hammerton Road, need speed limit signs and should have them posted soon.
One of the more dramatic reports of the evening came from local police, who — with help of the fire department and a state forest ranger — rescued seven hikers lost on Stissing Mountain during a lightning storm last month.
In a separate update, Supervisor Walsh announced that meetings with the engineering firm LaBella are scheduled for December to begin the design phase of a new Town Hall. “We’ll move from there. It’s moving forward,” Walsh said.
Board member Kevin Walsh questioned how the board would fund LaBella’s work and the eventual construction of the town hall. “We have some funds to pay for the initial design, but I think we need to get something on paper first to see exactly what we’re building and what it’s going to cost us,” the supervisor responded.
A member of the public asked if there would be an opportunity for input on the building’s design. Board member Matt Zick confirmed that LaBella will meet with town offices to assess space needs and will hold three public meetings to gather feedback from residents.
Board member Jeanine Sisco addressed several issues at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of Pine Plains applying for funds through the state’s Plus One ADU program. Dutchess County, she noted, has opted not to apply on behalf of its municipalities. “They have encouraged individual municipalities and regions, like the tri-town coalition — Millerton, Pine Plains, and Ancram — to apply for the grant,” Sisco said. “That’s probably the best route for us, to do it as the three towns.” While the exact timeline for the grant is uncertain, Sisco mentioned it could be announced by the end of the year or early next year. She expressed her commitment to the initiative, citing its potential to help local residents care for family members, increase property values and boost the availability of affordable rentals in Pine Plains.
Sisco emphasized the importance of downtown revitalization efforts and mentioned a Zoom meeting on the topic scheduled for Oct. 7. She also asked that a line item for a grant writer be included in the 2025 budget.
The board also approved Crown Energy’s bid for propane and heating oil services due to lower costs compared to Valley Energy. However, it rejected two landscaping bids for the library as too expensive.
Public comments included a request to close Pine and Maple streets to traffic on Halloween to ensure safety for trick-or-treaters. The board will conduct a survey to gauge public opinion before making a decision.
The Planning Board is seeking two alternate members, and the Beautification Committee is looking to add three members. Anyone interested is encouraged to send a letter of interest to Supervisor Walsh.
In closing, the board passed a resolution to fund a $20,000 fireworks display to mark the conclusion of the annual Ag Fair, which is on Oct. 12.
The next board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Town Hall.