The monthly meeting of the Pine Plains Town Board on March 16 included discussion of new payment possibilities for summer recreational activities, a resignation and two new appointments, and an introduction to an eventful year ahead for The Stissing Center arts and community hub.
Speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting, Brett Bernardini, the new executive director of The Stissing Center, said he hopes to make the organization a strong partner to the community as well as “the preeminent center for arts in the Hudson Valley” following nine months of intensive reconstruction work due to begin this autumn.
Credit: Daisy Sindelar
The reconstruction, which will cost an estimated $3 million, includes the replacement of the existing roof and the stabilization of the old dormers that are distinctive characteristics of the building’s architecture. The building’s third floor will also be renovated and exterior paving completed.
The town laundromat, a fixture in the building for more than 30 years, is expected to continue operating during the construction period, albeit in a different location. Bernardini stressed The Stissing Center would continue to host arts programs at different venues throughout the renovation.
Also during the public comment period, resident George Keeler complained about the dilapidated condition of a large multi-family residence on Smith Street near the Seymour Smith Intermediate Learning Center. Town Supervisor Brian Walsh said he would ask Drew Weaver, the town’s building inspector, to conduct a walk-through of the premises.
In other matters, the Town Board voted to keep open the public hearing on the town’s proposed Cannabis Law. Town Attorney Warren Replansky said he had revised the law based on comments from the Planning Board and that those should be reviewed by interested members of the public before the law is enacted.
The police department reported that in the last month, 30 traffic tickets were issued and 19 warnings give to drivers.
The recreation committee reported that they are working on giving folks the ability to pay fees by credit card rather than just by cash or checks. Cleanup day at the ball fields near Stissing Lake will take place on April 2. Volunteers are invited to come help. Baseball and softball matches will begin April 16.
Amanda Zick was appointed as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, replacing Margo Jackson. Zick had been an alternate on that board. (Amanda Zick’s husband, Town Board member Matt Zick, abstained from the vote.) George Keeler was appointed to serve as tax assessor, replacing Jim Mara.
The Town Board also accepted the resignation of Town Justice David Humeston, effective February 28.
Anyone wishing to serve as a temporary replacement should send a letter of interest and CV to supervisor.secretary@pineplains-ny.gov. Being an attorney is not a requirement, although some knowledge of courts and police work is useful.
Board member Matt Zick inquired about the necessity of putting the job of designing a new Town Hall out for bid. Replansky indicated that the design work did not require a competitive bid process.
The next Town Board meeting is April 20. Town Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. They are open to the public and are also streamed live on YouTube.
(Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include information about the tax assessor appointment and the search for a replacement for town justice.)