Every month, we will provide a recap of what happened at the two monthly town board meetings. This will include issues of concern, while also including positive steps that the town is taking. Below are the latest monthly recaps.

September,2024

September 4, 2024

Work around the town

• Purchased some surplus equipment from the county

Recycling Center

• Proposed lowering yearly fee as of July 1st to encourage people to continue buying permits for the remainder of a year

Other

• Balloonfest was huge success-22,000 visitors. All went smoothly

September 18^th, 2024

Town Business

• The 2025 budget process is beginning
• Supervisor Frazier detailed the various accounts-the town has over 5 million dollars in assets.
• Resolution stating that 30 hours is considered full time work at town hall was approved.
• The state recommends an assessment every 10 years, the last one done in the town was 2003. The cost would be about $50,000. Not having an updated one may result in more challenges on Grievance Day. The board is looking into this further.

Library

• Purchased an Interactive Promethean Board
• Looking for new Library Manager-Karen Foley is stepping down

Town Initiative

There was a lot of discussion about how to address a developer wanting to build a wedding venue. Some ideas that seemed to have overall agreement:

• Take conference center out of town code and replace with catering center, which would include wedding venue
• The venue would be built on 50 acres with setbacks from the road and at least 500 feet from neighbors. 
• The venue would be about 6,000 square feet. 
• It would not be a restaurant to be used regularly
• Should be off a county road-not a town road
• Possibly have overnight rooms for wedding party-no more than 4 nights
• All subject to public hearing

Other

• Board of Elections asked to have Early Voting for the November 2024 election at Tymor Senior Citizen Center

Town Board approved. 

Resident Comments

• Jean Moore presented evidence that no funding has been raised for the UV Library- even though the 501c3 has been in place for years
• Jonah Ritter countered with the fact they just got their charter, so it wouldn’t have been wise to raise funds until that happened. He says that costs are minimal because of the space they are using and all materials are donated.
• Kevin Harrington stated that the fate of the library will be decided on Election Day
• Mr. Richwine stated that the “community room” is just fine with all donated materials and we can save $100,000. (This ignores the fact that there is about $250,000 in the budget to support this space of old materials.)

August, 2024

August 7, 2024

*All Board Members are facing the audience. Town lawyer is at one end. *Pat Cartalemi absent

-Roof on #8 (large building) is 2/3 complete

-Andrea reported that she received the petition regarding the UV library. All was in order, she conferred with the attorney who agreed, so it will be on the ballot.

-Habitat for Humanity will be at the Transfer Station on 9/21 accepting donations.

– Octoberfest 9/15

-BalloonFest 9/1 and 2 tickets for residents at about 50% off at the Town Hall up until the day of the Fest

-Basic Park maintenance was reported on – mowing, clearing etc.

-Jonah Ritter (Library Trustee) – welcomed new trustee, Dr. Christine Woodcock (D)(lives in the building Tymor rents out)

• they have a provisional charter
• in process of setting up a meeting with MHLS to discuss a path to membership.
• there will be a special ceremony for Charter Announcement
• trustees had the DOT put up road signs indicating a library
• story times are scheduled – they have books, cds, games, dvds
• touting the online resources if you have your card
• open T-Sat in the afternoon – asked for volunteers or teens wanting to help

$137,000 left for roof repairs which will cover #2 (the rental)

Town Hall roof is in desperate need of replacement

1.5 million in Capital improvement. Need to move 143,000 from other repair account. Durland said we have too many projects going and he would like to wait until the full board (Cartalemi) was there before they go ahead and approve more. He worried about depleting the money they worked so hard to save up over the years. Motion passed to repair #2 and Town Hall

-Fountains and Skyacres have grievances regarding their assessments. They are significant and have hired attorneys. We now have to have an assessment attorney. The Town Assessor wants Keene and Bean (past experience). All in favor.

Vail Farm PTA wanted to use Tymor to do a summer event for students because their school roof is being replaced and is not safe. Tymor can’t be used because of Balloonfest. So they offered Godfrey. Steve asked to waive the fee.

Working on using shared secretarial help. Steves private secretary can be assigned to work with the assessor. Andrea’s deputy clerk can be assigned elsewhere also. They have to define part time and full time hours. Will discuss next time.

Public Comment –

Kevin Harrington – He just stated that Steve’s secretary motion needed clarifying.

Charlie Richwine said he was told that Godfrey can’t be rented. Questioned why they are waiving the fee to the PTA. Nice to fix roofs, roads need work.

Steve had a conflict with the 21 st – they moved the next meeting to the 28th.

August 28

Work around the town

• Stop maintaining roads that are really just driveways. Lawyer is looking into the process to eliminate this expense
• Roofs were being finished up by end of summer

Recycling Center

• Hire additional alternative worker to allow for time off for employees
• Reinstate charge for refrigerators and like items

Library

• Amy Watkins provided copies of the library charter to the TB members
• Eric Mahollitz is a new trustee
• Campfire stories program was attended by several families
• They are reaching out via social media
• Upcoming programs include College 101 and Journaling, along with one weekly story time
• Need volunteers- they have 1
• Reaching out to homeschoolers to set up possible programs

Town Initiatives

• Hometown Heroes
  • start with area around town hall
  • 20-25 banners to begin with
  • Reach out to residents for input
  • Usually families sponsor banners- about$200 per banner
  • No cost to town
  • Approved unanimously

Other

• Approved consolidating 4 part time positions into 2 full time
  • Deputy clerk and Land Use secretary
  • Secretary of the Supervisor and Deputy Assessor
  • This can be changed if personnel change
• Supervisor Frazier asked for more police patrols of UV roads to catch speeders

February, 2024

February 7

• After some discussion, Councilman Cartalemi made a motion to appoint Jeff Battistoni as the town attorney- a position he has held previously. His appointment was approved 3-2
• Councilman Durland asked to discuss returning to one work session and one regular town board meeting. It was discussed, but Supervisor Frazier indicated it was his prerogative, and the board will have two regular meetings a month, including public comments and being available via YouTube.
• There was discussion-which continued into the February 21^st meeting-about agreement surrounding what constitutes full time hours. The town hall is only open 4 days a week allowing for less than the 32 hour week stated in the handbook. This is causing some difficulties with payroll. The easiest option is to change the handbook. 
• An AARP defensive driving course will be offered.
• The town board agreed to write a letter to MHLS to ask to have library restrictions lifted.
• Councilman Cartalemi brought up some changes to be made to the TC Zone. These are to address issues that are coming up as this area is being developed.
• Resident Jean Moore presented the board with a table indicating that the contract cost to MHLS would be about a third of the current budget for the UV Town Library which is currently not up and running. She asked that the board keep track of any money spent on the library and that the current state of the building be considered before placing newly acquired materials in there. 
• Resident Chuck Richwine stated that when he visits the Millbrook Library with his grandson, he sees very few patrons. 

February 21

• Mentioned that some residents are receiving emails that appear to have come from the town, but they are not.
• Pipe on West Clove Mtn. being fixed-needs an engineer to inspect it
• Tax collector was appreciative of the town switching to M & T Bank-this has made depositing checks easier and the bank has worked with the town to offer some convenient services
• Camp is sold out. Old pool filter has been removed and new one will go in soon.
• *Amy Watkins, Director of Library Board of Trustees, wrote a letter to the Town Board disapproving of the actions of a town board member-Superintendent Frazier. The letter stated that Superintendent Frazier met with the MHLS to discuss removing restrictions without the knowledge of the Library Trustees. The letter claimed that this put them in a problematic position and undercut their position. Dr. Watkins asked for a written communication to the trustees stating that this would not happen again and to work with the trustees to continue the work on a community center type library.  Superintendent Frazier responded that he had reached out to the MHLS in an exploratory manner to seek restoration of all our library services. He acknowledged that he cannot do anything on his own, but would need the approval of a majority of the board. 
• *One resident claimed for at least the second time that the Millbrook Library is not used
• *Eileen Pucci stated that the Beekman library is well used and that there is data to prove how much libraries are used. 
• Excavator purchase approved
• Salt Shed- approved money to pay for plans to be drawn up
• *There are multiple town roofs that need to be repaired due to current leaks. There seemed to be agreement that this should be a priority. Vanguard is pre-approved by the state and would save some upfront money. The board decided to seek other estimates as well.
• *Employee handbook needs to be updated to reflect full time hours. The town hall is not open 35 hours a week, therefore making it impossible for those employees to work “full time.”

January, 2024

January 17

• Alain Natchev was appointed chair of planning board and Josh Redinger was appointed to the planning board.
• Amy Watkins was not given time during the meeting to speak as Chair of the Library Trustees, but spoke during the comment time. She said 42 residents had completed the survey and 12 people had offered to be trained as volunteers. There was a desire for electronic resources, so they are offering these through Libby. The library director is taking care of problems with “cards.” 
• There is still no public mention of who the library director is, and the website has not been updated.
• Supervisor Frazier noted that there are many leaking roofs at Tymor, including the Town Hall, that need to be taken care of.
• #11 Tymor will be rented at $3,900 per month

January 29– Special Meeting between Library Trustees and the Town Board

• The trustees distance themselves from the fundraising committee- which has raised $2,200. They stated that their job is to provide library services, whether or not the library ever gets built. They all talk about it being a great community center-with a place for the library.
• Alex Cohen has been contracted to serve as Library Director for a maximum of $3,500 a month. They anticipate they will hire a permanent director within 4-6 months. There was no mention of where they are advertising for this director. 
• Alex did the first training of volunteers on Saturday-they will be the ones to keep the “library” open. 
• Amy Watkins, the Chair of the Library Trustees, refused to show Steve the employment agreement for Alex Cohen. 
• It appears that Supervisor Frazier and Councilman McGivney have concerns about moving forward with an expensive library project. Councilman Welsh, Councilman Durland and Councilman Cartalemi seem to back the project.

October, 2023

This is the October version of Things to be Aware of in Union Vale

The election season is here and it is important to vote.  In UV, votes can help  ensure that things change so that there will be more than one voice at the table. Eileen Pucci and Ed Kasche are Democrat Town Councilman candidates, intent on improving transparency and balancing our Town Board.  Kevin McGivney (Republican) seems to have the same goals.  

Steve Frazier is the Republican candidate and Betsy Maas is the Common Ground candidate for Town Supervisor.  A Q&A forum with the two Town Supervisor candidates on October 24 was attended in-person by over 100 people. Ms Maas’ assertion that the Town Supervisor position is mandated to be full-time seems to be driven by a view that Town employees need close supervision 

Other than voting, here are the other items that deserve public attention and involvement:

• legal actions against others.  There are currently 3 legal actions against other municipalities and status has not been made public.  It is interesting that, once again, our Town will exceed the annual budget for legal expenses (as of October, 2023 legal costs are approx 10% higher than what was budgeted)
• UV Town Library
• 2024 budget planning

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings:

• 11/1:  “work session”. It is expected that there will be a vote on the Preliminary 2024 budget 
• 11/15:  official Town Board meeting

October Town Board meeting summary:

• Public Hearing re: 2024 Tentative budget.  There were no relevant comments from residents
• The tentative 2024 budget was presented after the Public Hearing.  Some highlights:
  • Town taxes will be flat year-to-year.  This does not include a fire district budget increase from $968K to $1,567K
  • Other than a $156K appropriation of fund balance, it is unclear how the remainder of the approx $4.5M of fund balance and outstanding monies in the capital projects line item factor into the 2024 budget
  • A UV Library will be a big focus in 2024.  This includes fund-raising (status unknown), a new barn roof, fit-up, materials, operational costs, etc.
  • A confidential secretary for the Town Supervisor has been added 
  • There is a goal for “successful leveraging of our own assets to enhance our financial situation”. What does this mean? 
  • Tentative budget was approved
• Ms Maas commented that the Town is in good financial condition
• There is a desire to find new tenants for the house at 11 Tymor.  Focus is on 1) tenant without children or 2) professional business(s).  I wonder if the later is consistent with the deed restrictions
• Cut-backs in the Tymor after school program
• Seeking FEMA monies for the W Clove Mtn bridge (damaged by a storm)
• Godfrey Park playground upgrade proceeding despite rain delays
• Discussion re: political signage 

September, 2023

This is the September version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  

The upcoming election is getting attention so it is important to start there and then move to other topics that deserve public attention.  As always, sn aware and engaged community is a better community

There are 3 Town Board positions open this year.  Town Supervisor candidates are Steve Frazier and Betsy Maas.  Councilman candidates are Kevin Durland, Kevin McGivney and newcomers Ed Kasche, Eileen Pucci and Pat Cartalemi. Neither Ms Mass nor Mr Cartalemi won at the UV Republican caucus and are now running as part of Ms Mass’s “Common Ground” party.  Pucci, Kasche, McGivney and Frazier are all running to create transparency and balance to improve Town Board decision-making.  

It is interesting to note that the UV Republican Committee, chaired by Betsy Maas, does not endorse Steve Frazier, the winner of their caucus for Town Supervisor for the stated reason below:

……We agree with the decision of the Union Vale Town Board who reiterated that fact in discussion and by resolution when they declared the position of Supervisor to be a full-time position. :

A response to freedom-of-information request for documentation supporting the statement above did not include a discussion, resolution or vote on that topic     

Here are the other items that deserve public attention and involvement:

• Legal actions against others
• UV Town Library 
• 2024 budget planning 

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings:

• 10/4 – “work session”.  Vote on new Town short-term rental requirements is expected
• 10/18 – Official Town Board meeting.  Board member discussion re: 2024 budget expected

September Town Board meeting summary:

• No information regarding fund balance and unspent portion of the $1.5M capital reserve fund
• No information regarding the 3 legal actions against Beekman & the County
• UV Town Library
  • No information regarding UV Town library fund-raising (Town website reference to $2.5K funds raised has been removed).  
  • Expectation is that the application for a provisional NYS charter for an initial library in the Senior Center will be submitted by 11/1.  UV Library website projects the construction of a library to begin within the next year..  
• No information regarding Furnace Pond remediation 
• The tentative 2024 budget is in development
• The Town has submitted a request for a waiver of MS4 (stormwater) requirements
• Godfrey Park playground – materials delivered and area prepared
• Seeking FEMA funding to address damage from recent storms
• The Park Manager is leaving and the Highway Superintendent has reconsidered and will no longer be leaving
• Security system upgrades are needed
• Voted 4:1 to no longer require that Town Constables be UV residents

August, 2023

This is the August version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  An aware and engaged community is a better community

Items that deserve public attention and involvement are as follows:

• Legal action and resulting costs to residents – Union Vale vs Beekman (proposed construction of a cell tower), Union Vale vs Beekman (annexation), Union Vale vs Dutchess County (void the sale of 80A of property)
• UV Library – Progress is being made toward a provisional NYS charter for a UV library in the current Senior Center, There has been no report on fund-raising status.  It has been over 3.5 years since funding to local libraries was cut and diverted elsewhere
• 2024 budget planning will begin shortly and include time for resident suggestions.  This is the time to speak-up!
• New Town Code requirements regarding 1) short-term rentals and 2) removing the requirement for Town Constables to be UV residents

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings:

• 9/6 – “work session” (noted as “Town Board may take action”)
• 9/20
  • 7:00 – Public Hearing regarding changing Town Code residency requirement for Constables
  • Official Town Board meeting

Highlights from August Town Board meetings:

• Fund balance – $4.4M (general and highway).  This does not include the unspent portion of the $1.5M that was transferred to a reserve fund in late 2021 and last publically reported as approx $900,000 in late 2022
• Preparation for the JP Morgan Chase-sponsored Balloon Festival at Tymor Park
• Review of recent rains and highway department response
• Godfrey Park playground – community build scheduled for 9/21 to 9/23
• UV Historical Society meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month
• Vote regarding short-term rentals delayed due to inconsistent documentation
• Gaelic Football – Due to constraints on the Bruzgul Road fields, upper soccer fields may be a better option.  Cost is not yet known
• Changing residency requirements for Town Constables
• UV Library – Library director is on-board and helping to obtain a NYS charter.  The Town library services website has been updated  and seems to indicate that $2.5K of the projected $1,500,000 has been donated (a response to a post-Board meeting request to confirm is outstanding)

July, 2023

This is the July version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  Remember, an engaged community is a better community

The primary things that deserve public attention and input are:

• Expected August Board vote to implement new town code requirements regarding short-term rentals
• Expected future Public Hearing and Board vote to change town code requirements regarding junk, rubbish and debris
• UV Library status.

The next official Town Board meeting is scheduled for August 16

Summary of July Town Board meetings:

• Public Hearing (short-term rentals) – 3 resident comments were acknowledged
• A UV Town Librarian has been hired
• There was no update regarding 1) various legal actions (annexation, route 55 parcel sale) initiated by the Town and 2) UV Library fund-raising
• Finances – Annual financial audit indicates were “very strong”, cash balance = $4.46M ($3.9M general fund plus $566K highway
• Cybersecurity is a major issue
• Thank you to the Highway department for their work responding to recent heavy rains
• Discussion with the Town Engineer regarding a desire to create Gaelic football fields where baseball fields previously existed.  This will require extensive grading and new drainage and will fit only the “minimum size” field.  When asked, Ms Maas indicated that the motivation for this is that the Gaelic football team is our biggest facility renter
• Community Night (fireworks) preparation
• Resident noise complaints (a closed Executive session related to this topic was held later in the meeting)
• Verbank Rural Cemetery – need for funding
• Update to escrow schedule – topic for a future meeting
• Need to purchase defibrillators

Below is a brief history of the UV library situation as a point of reference so that it is not forgotten.  Note that it has been over 3.5 years since UV funding for local libraries was withdrawn.  

• 1/1/2020 – Town funding for local libraries was discontinued 
• 5/2020 – A library building fund-raising team presented at Town Board meeting
• 9/2020 – Local libraries implemented restrictions.  UV on-line services implemented shortly after
• 3/2021 – A tentative design for a UV library was presented at the Town Board meeting
• 1H 2022 (a specific date was not included on the Certificate of Incorporation) – a 501c3 non-profit for UV library building funding was established
• 7/2022 – The library consultant finished his work.  Budget and interim plan for a UV library was offered and the project approved.  
• 9/2022 – Library Trustee’s named
• 3/2023 – Library Trustee’s seek a library coordinator
• 7/2023 – UV Town Librarian hired

June, 2023

This is the June version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  An aware and engaged community is a better community

Caucuses:

• The UV Democrat Caucus met and voted to support Ed Kasche and Eileen Pucci for Town Council positions in the upcoming November elections
• The UV Republican Caucus met and voted to support Steve Frazier (Supervisor) and both Kevin McGivney and Kevin Durland (Councilmen) in the upcoming November elections

Items that deserve public attention and input are:

• Legal actions and expenditures – Annexation of Tymor Park property, compelling the County to void the sale of 80A of property (60 A in Union Vale) along route 55, etc.
• Library – It has now been 3.5 years since funding to local libraries was cut and 2 years since a 501c3 was established for capital fund-raising (no fund-raising status has been provided)
• New town code requirements regarding short-term rentals. The proposal can be found here and the required public hearing has been scheduled for July 19 at 7:00 in Town Hall

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings

• July 12 “work session”  This is a date change and notice has been given that action may be taken (no subject provided)
• July 19 7:00 Public Hearing followed by official Town Board meeting

June Town Board meetings were notable for lack of what was covered as much as what was covered.  

• There was no mention of fund balance, status of UV library (including fund-raising), annexation, legal action against County re: Route 55 parcel sale, etc
• Finances – $10K gift from former resident Ed Sharkey, annual financial audit is beginning, request from Verbank Rural Cemetery Association for funding (a decision was made to meet with the Association), need to update Town escrow fees based upon new Town Center zone (subject for July Board meeting)
• The UV Historical Society has been revived.  The next meeting will be on 8/9 at 6:00 (picnic).  RSVP to UVHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.  $10 annual dues  
• The Centenarian picnic was a success and will be a future annual event
• Major paving projects completed and work re: tree removal is beginning
• Community Night (fireworks) postponed to July 22
• New Town Code requirements regarding short-term rentals (example VRBO, AirBnB).  Requirements include an annual permit and self-inspection checklist.  A draft has been posted on the Town website and the required Public Hearing to hear comments has been scheduled for for July 19 at 7:00 PM
• Several residents again voiced a concern re: neighbor compliance with noise, animal, gun requirements
• A closed Executive Session (personnel issue) 

May, 2023

This is the May version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  An engaged community is a better community

The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:

• Legal actions/expenditures:
  • Annexation of Tymor Park property
  • Action to compel Dutchess County to void the sale of 80A of property (60A in Union Vale) bordering Route 55 because our Town wants to purchase it.  Prior to initiating this action there had not been any discussion of our Town purchasing the property or the cost of such a purchase
• Library – No mention of hiring a library coordinator and still nothing at all re:  capital fund-raising.  Remember that UV cut funding to local libraries 3.5 years ago
• New Town Code requirements regarding 1) short-term residential rentals and 2) junk, rubbish and debris.  Drafts not available to public and the required Public Hearing is pending

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings:

• June 7 “work session”
• June 21 official Town Board meeting

Also, be aware that the UV DEMS Caucus has been scheduled for June 7 at 7:00 PM.  If you are an enrolled UV Democrat, please consider attending and ultimately voting for those who value transparency, accountability and meeting resident needs.

Summary of May Town Board meetings:

• UV “Orange Bag” (road clean-up) day was a success
• Concerns re: asylum-seekers being moved from NYC to the area
• Town Cash Balance (the total accumulation of town operating expenses and deficits) is now just over $5M.   
• The Town has made the final payment to Dutchess County as penalty for early withdrawal from County Workers Comp plan
• Library Trustees are meeting regularly.  They report that a mission, vision, bylaws and a logo have been completed and that obtaining a NYS Charter is not easy  
• No substantive information regarding status of legal actions
• Highway dept plans (oil/chip, paving, trees, etc.) are being implemented
• The UV Historical Society is being re-invigorated and will meet again on June 12 at 7:30 in the Tymor Park Senior Center
• New requirements regarding 1) short-term rentals and 2) junk, rubbish and debris have been drafted.  The required Public Hearing has not yet been scheduled
• June 10 event to celebrate two Town residents (Jane Geiser and Al Poelzl) who turn 100 years old in 2023.  Assuming that there will be relevant residents in the future, this will be an annual event 
• Community Night (fireworks) scheduled for June 23
• Transfer Station – Benchmarking with the Town of Kent has identified some potential ideas for improvement

April, 2023

This is the April version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  An engaged community is a better community

The primary things that deserve public attention and input are:

• Legal action continues to compel Dutchess County to void the sale of 80A of property (60A in Union Vale) bordering Route 55 because our Town wants to purchase it.  Prior to initiating this action there had been no discussion of our Town purchasing the property or the cost of such a purchase
• There was no mention of UV library status (hiring of library coordinator, provisional charter, building fund-raising, etc.)  See a brief history of the library situation at the end of this email
• Work continues to draft new Town Code requirements regarding 1) short-term residential rentals and 2) junk, rubbish and debris.  Drafts have not been made available to the public but any Town Code change will require that to happen before a Public Hearing

Upcoming scheduled Town Board meetings:

• May 3 “work session”
• May 17 official Town Board meeting

Summary of April Town Board meetings:

• Presentations regarding Veterans Affairs and Low/No May initiatives
• Annexation litigation continues
• 2023 highway department paving and oil/chips) plans approved
• Drafting new requirements regarding 1) short-term rentals and 2) junk, rubbish and debris
• UV’s position regarding legal action against Dutchess County re: the sale of 80A property (60 A in UV) seems to hinge upon a past County Resolution as opposed to a regulatory requirement
• Transfer Station – Benchmarking with the Town of Kent has identified some potential ideas for improvement
• The UV Seniors Club re-organized under the Recreation Dept
• $3.2K approved for a design proposal for a new drainage system to convert Tymor basefields to soccer.  
• A closed Executive Session regarding litigation

Below is a brief history of the UV library situation as a point of reference so that it is not forgotten.  Note that it has been almost 3.5 years since UV funding for local libraries was withdrawn.  

• 1/1/2020 – Town funding for local libraries was discontinued 
• 5/2020 – A library building fund-raising team presented at Town Board meeting
• 9/2020 – Local libraries implemented restrictions.  UV on-line services implemented shortly after
• 3/2021 – A tentative design for a UV library was presented at the Town Board meeting
• 1H 2022 (a specific date was not included on the Certificate of Incorporation) – a 501c3 non-profit for UV library building funding was established
• 7/2022 – The library consultant finished his work.  Budget and interim plan for a UV library was offered and the project approved.  
• 9/2022 – Library Trustee’s named
• 3/2023 – Library Trustee’s seek a library coordinator

March, 2023

This is the March version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  Remember that an engaged community is a better community

The primary things that deserve public attention and input are:

• UV has continued legal action to compel Dutchess County to void the sale of 80A of property (60A in Union Vale) bordering Route 55 because our Town wants to purchase it.  Prior to initiating this action there had been no discussion of our Town purchasing the property or the cost of such a purchase
• Cash balance (the total accumulation of town operating expenses and deficits) is now just over $6M.  This does not include approx $900K of unallocated funds in a capital projects budget
• The UV Library Trustees are working on a Provisional NYS Charter application.  This will require obtaining books and hiring a library coordinator.  There was no mention of building fund-raising status
• Work is underway to draft a new requirement regarding short-term residential rentals

Upcoming scheduled meetings:

• April 5 “work session”
• April 19 Official Town Board meeting

Summary of March Town Board meetings:

• Approved property tax exemption (up to 10%) for qualified volunteer emergency responders
• Upcoming events.  Examples – Habitat for Humanity at the Transfer Station on 4/15, Angels of Light run/walk on 4/22
• The Godfrey Park Playground Committee presented the design that they chose and requested funding for purchase.  $60K was approved
• On-going discussion regarding control of “junk”, “rubbish” and “debris” as it relates to littering and property maintenance
• Initial discussion regarding updating the Town Code to permit Town Constables to not be registrars in the Town (i.e. do not vote in UV)
• Oral arguments were recently heard regarding cell tower litigation

There was no mention of annexation  

February, 2023

This is the February version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:

• The Town Board voted (4:1) to compel Dutchess County to void the sale of 80 A of property bordering Route 55 because our Town wants to purchase it.  During previous Town Board meetings, there has been no discussion of UV purchasing this property nor how much that would cost 
• Library services.  It has been 3+ years since funding to the library system was stopped and diverted elsewhere.  Are the current services meeting resident needs?  What is the status of the fund-raising effort to build a UV library?
• Establishing additional financial Reserve Accounts.  

Upcoming scheduled meetings:

• March 1 “work session”
• March 15 Official Town Board meeting

Summary of February Town Board meetings:

• Supervisor report – 11 Tymor house is vacant again, concerns re: NYS budget as it relates to affordable housing requirements, electronic waste at Transfer Station has been addressed, 
• UV Library Trustee’s – library bylaws have been drafted and were given to Town Board members for comment
• CAC – 2023 goals include overlay districts (example – wetland setbacks on private property)
• Parks and Recreation – 2023 planned programs.- trail races, “Paint and Sip”, 6/23 fireworks, Balloon Festival, etc.
• Furnace Pond dam – The County has offered to find someone to perform the boring test
• The residents involved in designing a new Godfrey Park playground are nearing completion of their effort.  Next step = presentation to Town Board 
• One possible solution for the N Clove, On-The-Green, Rte 22 intersection is to make On-The-Green a dead end
• Meeting with County DPW and NYS DOT re: the Bruzgul/Noxon/55 intersection.  The intersection will be put on a long list of DOT projects
• Policies and Procedures:
  • Recreation fee for accessory apartments – Expect a vote in March
  • Change Town Code to permit a non-elector to serve as a Town Constable.  Public Hearing needed.  
  • Property tax exemption (up to 10%) for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers
  • Littering in Union Vale.  Possible town code changes.  
  • Short-term rentals.  A proposal for a UV process that would include completion of a self-check form and $100 annual permit.  
• Two closed door Executive sessions – One described as being related to litigation
• A resident suggestion to record and broadcast Planning Board meetings was rejected by the Town Supervisor  

There was no mention of annexation litigation or library fund-raising

January, 2023

Public Hearing:

• A second Public Hearing was held on 1/18.  There were approx 23 people in the meeting room and it lasted approx 35 minutes.  A 3 minute time limit on comments was enforced
• The meeting started with Betsy and several others who represent the  Town speaking on topics such as Dutchess County input, traffic, water and septic and how various controls are in place to address concerns
• Several residents spoke on topics such as traffic, noise, population density, congestion, phased change, and increased population. 

Board meetings (1/4 and 1/18)

• January 4:
  • started with an Executive Session after which it was announced that a new Planning Board member had been approved to fill the place of a departing member
  • the remainder of the 1/4 meeting was spent approving multiple organizational resolutions that are typical of what is approved every January
• January 18:
  • Cash balance is approx $3.2M (general and highway fund).  This does not include the unspent portion of the $1.5M that was transferred to a reserve fund (as of late 2022, that was approx $968K).  Total = approx $4.1M
  • Betsy read several pieces of favorable correspence that she received
  • Highway – Immediate fix to damaged salt barn completed.  Culvert update
  • Success of clothing recycling building.  More Lagrange residents are using the UV Transfer Station due to the Lagrange facility closing
  • CAC – recent grant proposal not awarded.  Contingency plans being sought
  • Recreation – Town Board approved a $10 increase for summer camp attendees
  • NYS real property tax exemption for active first responders (10% of assessed property value)
  • Proposed NYS short term rental legislation.  Requires owners of relevant property to report existence.  Fine = $250 per day of late reporting 
  • Local Law #1 (town code changes in TC zone) was read in entirety and passed 4:1

Annexation litigation and library services were not addressed.
The next Town Board meetings are scheduled for Items to watch for:

• Library services (fund-raising, temporary library, chartering, etc.)
• Establishing additional financial reserve accounts 

December, 2022

This is the December version of Important Things To Be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:  

• Pending changes to the Town Code in the UV Town Center zone.  Proposed changes are posted on the Town website 
• Library services (plan, fund-raising, temporary library, chartering a new library, etc.).    
• Establishing financial Reserve Accounts

Upcoming meetings:

• A yet-to-be scheduled Special Town Board meeting to vote on Town Code changes.  It is expected that this meeting will occur by January 3.  Watch the Town website for details
• January 4, 2023. Annual Organizational Meeting.  This includes appointing members of various Town Committees (Planning Board, Ethics Advisory Board, etc.). I have not seen a call for volunteers but I would suggest that anyone interested to contact the Town Board
• January 18, 2023.  Official Town Board meeting   

The December Town Board meetings were dominated by a 12/21 Public Hearing (PH) to hear comments regarding proposed Town Code changes in the Town Center zone.  The recording of the Public Hearing and Board meeting can be accessed here. 

The PH lasted almost 2 hours and was attended in person by 50+ people.  The number of attendees via ZOOM or Youtube is unknown.  

• An overview of the intent, purpose and impetus for changes from Ms Maas preceded an overview of the process and changes by the contract Town Planner.  
• Concerns voiced by attendees included traffic, water supply, lighting, school system, emergency response and the changes not being consistent with the rural nature of the Town.  
• Comments from the Dutchess County Planning Board have been received and were described in very general terms. 
• Town staff described both 1) the difficulty in predicting what development would occur and 2) the checks and balances in place via various government bodies  
• The next steps are to make (undefined) changes and hold a Special Meeting before January 3 for the Town Board to vote

The Town Board meetings

• New Transfer Station attendee booth is in place.  2023 permits are on-sale.
• Godfrey Park playground effort continues
• Highway
  • a new pick-up truck is in service
  • the wall of the Town salt shed blew-out, is being stabilized 
• Library Services. Amy Watson (President of the Trustee’s) spoke:
  • Trustees are meeting 2x/month
  • Library manage job description has been written
  • Trustees have met with funding-raising team (no mention of status of fund-raising)
• Conservation Advisory Council – 2022 accomplishments – “no mow May”, star-gazing event, etc.
• Resolution to accept Redl Family land gift (corner of Rte 82 & North Clove)
• Status of the Annexation effort was described as being “still in litigation”

November 2022

This is the November version of Important Things To Be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:  

• Proposed changes to the town code in the Town Center (route 55 corridor) zone.  It appears as if many of the changes are intended to promote commercial growth.  Proposed changes are posted on the Town website 
• Library services (plan, fund-raising, temporary library, chartering a new library, etc.).    

Upcoming meetings:These meetings provide opportunities to listen and speak-up.  Attendance at Board meetings is now in-person only.  Agenda and records to be discussed are required by NYS Law to be made available at least 24 hours before a meeting (check the Town website for the passive communication of this information)

• December 7.  7:30 PM.  Town Board “work session” for which an agenda is never publicly available.
• December 21.  Public hearing at 7:00 PM for individuals to have an opportunity to be heard regarding proposed town code changes in the Town Center (route 55 corridor) zone.  Residents can participate via ZOOM (contact Andrea Casey, townclerk@unionvaleny.us, to be called on to speak).  Anyone intending to provide a letter should provide it several days in advance and specifically ask that it be read during the meeting and entered into the public record  
• December 21.  Scheduled to begin at 7:30.  Town Board meeting.  It is challenging to predict Board meeting agendas but it may include a vote regarding Town Code changes and decisions regarding new “reserve accounts” to fund future needs

Some of the topics covered during November Board meetings include:

• An updated 2023 budget was passed with a property tax increase of 1.9%.  The reasons given for the increase were energy cost and inflation but be aware that library funding (2022 library budget was $35.5K, 2023 library budget is $112.5K) was a contributing factor.  The full on-going library operating costs ($250K/year plus $41K in donations, fines, etc.) will be borne by residents in 2024.   
• Fund balance (the total accumulation of town operating surpluses and deficits) was $3.6M.  This is in addition to approx. $968K of unallocated funds in a capital projects budget item.  
• Library – Trustee’s are meeting and working on bylaws and a librarian job description.  A “Provisional Library” appears to be the first step.  Status of fund-raising is unknown
• Approved new flooring for hallways in Town Hall
• Furnace Pond dam boring project continues to be delayed
• Designs for a.new Godfrey Park playground being evaluated
• New cameras and flat screen TV’s purchased and installed in Town Hall meeting room for future use during Town Board and other meetings  
• Resident concerns regarding vehicle speed and unlicensed vehicles on town roads

October, 2022

This the October version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:

• 2023 budget planning
• Proposed changes (not yet communicated to the public) to town code in the Town Center Zone (route 55 corridor)
• Library services (plan, fund-raising, temporary library, chartering a new library, etc.)  

Upcoming meetings:

Now is the time for residents to listen and speak-up as necessary.  It is important to note that attendance at Board Meetings is now in-person only and that work sessions and public hearings are not recorded.  Agendas and records to be discussed are required to be made available at least 24 hours prior to official Town Board meetings and are posted on the Town website

• November 2.  7:00 public hearing to hear public comments and questions regarding the The Preliminary 2023 budget.  Residents are given 3 minutes to speak.  A Town Board “work session” will immediately follow.  
• November 16.  7:30 Town Board meeting that will include a Town Board vote regarding the 2023 budget.  
• Unknown dates.  A Town Board Special Meeting to vote on town code changes.  A subsequent public meeting is expected   

Some 2023 Budget items to be aware of:

• A property tax increase of 1.9%.  The reasons given are  inflation, energy and supply issues but be aware that increased library costs and decreased taxable assessed value are among the other factors.  Library operational costs budgeted in 2023 are only a portion of the full on-going operational costs.  In 7/2022, the Town estimated that the full on-going library operating costs to be borne by residents would be $250K/year (plus $41K in donations, fines, etc. income).  
• General fund revenues are greater than tax “revenues”
• Fund balance (the total accumulation of all Town operating surpluses and deficits) is not shown in the budget.  Fund balance is currently $3.5M.  This is in addition to the $1.4M unspent funds in the Town capital projects fund  

Some of the topics covered in October Town Board meetings included:  

• A very moving presentation regarding recently deceased and long time former Town official Peter Deforest
• A granite 9-11 Memorial has been placed at Town Hall
• A $51K FEMA grant was received for Town highways
• The select group that put together proposed town code changes for the Town Center Zone is nearing completion of their work.  The land use moratorium was extended
• UV Library.  Trustees were formally inducted.  Names were provided in a subsequent communication.  
• Upcoming Tymor Park and CAC events
• Test boring at Furnace Pond dam continues to be delayed

September 2022

This the September version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:

• Proposed changes (not yet communicated to the public) to town code in the Town Center Zone (route 55 corridor)
• Library services (fund-raising, temporary library, chartering a new library, etc.)
• 2023 budget planning.  Possible tax increase in 2023

Upcoming meetings:
It is important to note that attendance at Board Meetings is now in-person only and that work sessions and public hearings are not recorded.  Agendas are required to be made available at least 24 hours prior to official Town Board meetings and are typically posted on the Town website

• October 5.  7:00 public hearing.  The tentative 2023 budget is scheduled to be presented.  This is the first time that the public will be made aware of the contents of the 2023 proposal.  The Town Board “work session” will immediately follow.  
• October 19.  7:00 public hearing regarding the 2023 budget.  The Town Board official meeting will immediately follow and will include a Town Board vote on the tentative budget.  The Town Supervisor has commented that a tax increase in 2023 is possible
• 10/26.  UV Library Trustee reception
• Unknown dates.  A Town Board Special Meeting to vote on town code changes.  A subsequent public meeting is expected 
• November 2.  7:00 public hearing regarding the 2023 budget. The “work session” will immediately follow
• November 16. 7:30.  Official Town Board meeting, including adoption of final 2023 budget  

Some of the topics covered in September Town Board meetings included:  

• A select group has put together proposed town code changes for the Town Center Zone.  
• UV Library.  Trustees were formally inducted.  Names were provided in a subsequent communication.  There was no mention of the capital fund-raising efforts and the assumption is that the 2023 budget will include a line item for the projected $291K operating cost
• Executive session regarding “potential litigation”
• Successful Balloon Fest and Oktoberfest and other pending events at Tymor Park
• Spending for a new water tank associated with the Tymor Park pool and flooring in Town Hall
• Test boring at Furnace Pond dam is now being expedited

August 2022

This the August version of Important Things to be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary items that deserve public attention and input are:

• library services (trustee selection, fund-raising, temporary library, chartering a new library, etc.)
• 2022 capital project priorities
• 2023 budget planning.  Possible tax increase in 2023

Upcoming meetings:

• September 7.  7:00 Public hearing to heat any broad comments from residents regarding the 2023 budget.  Ms Maas stated that taxes may need to increase in 2023.  The public hearing will be immediately followed by a “work session”.  Work sessions have no published agenda, are not recorded and are available in-person only 
• September 21.  Official Board meeting.  Remote access via ZOOM may not be offered.  Agenda’s are provided approximately 24 hours in advance.  Possible agenda items:
  • Library services
  • 2022 capital projects prioritization
  • Initial discussion re: a 2023 town budget
  • Land use moratorium and possible related town code changes
  • Speeding on town roads
  • Reducing cost associated with Town Court 
  • A dog park in Tymor

August was a relatively uneventful month during Town Board meetings. Topics included:  

• Annexation of Tymor Park property.  Legal oral arguments have concluded.  There may be a decision within the next several months
• Brief discussion regarding reducing Town court costs associated with  Town prosecutors by grouping cases.  More to come….
• Planning for the Regional Chamber of Commerce Balloon Fest over Labor Day weekend
• Town cash balance is $3.2M (this does not include the $1.6M that was moved from cash balance to “capital projects” in 12/2021.  The capital projects list is still in process of being prioritized.  Preparation for one of the projects, remediation of Furnace Pond dam, is now being expedited  
• Building moratorium – working groups are in the final stages of their work.  Outcomes will be discussed during Board meetings and any code change mandates a public hearing
• Increasing level of resident concern re: vehicle speeding.  More discussion is needed on this topic 
• Kick-off meeting regarding a new playground at Godfrey Park
• Applications for various grants that can support a natural garden at the Route 55 solar farm, electric vehicle recharging at Tymor Park. 
• Addressing problems with flooring and HVAC in Town Hall

July 24, 2022

This is the July version of Important Things To Be Aware of in Union Vale.  The primary item that deserves public attention and input is Library Services:

• The Library Consultant’s Presentation to the Town Board was provided (reference Town website) and Ms Maas’ summary was “the status quo is not working”.  A budget and Interim Plan for a UV Town Library was offered and the Board subsequently approved a resolution, by a 4:1 vote, to authorize a UV Town Library
  • The estimated cost for construction ($1,586,200) is intended to come fully from fund-raising and there is a goal to fund 15% of the 2023/2024 operational expense ($291K) through donations
  • The Immediate Plan includes 1) identify trustees and begin fund-raising in parallel and 2) prepare the Senior Center as the interim library for chartering purposes.  

          What will residents think about this when the details are known?

Upcoming meetings:

• August 3 “work session”.  Work sessions have no agenda, are not recorded and are available in-person only
• August 17 official Board meeting.  Note that remote access via ZOOM may not be offered in the future.  Agenda’s are provided approximately 24 hours in advance.  Agenda items may include:
  • Library Services
  • Land Use Moratorium and possible Town Code changes
  • Resident fireworks
  • Vehicle speed and stop signs
  • Pollinator gardens in the area of the route 55 solar farm
  • Tymor Park dog park

A retrospective look at July Town Board meeting topics is as follows:

• Finances are good. Cash balance = $2.9M plus $0.5M (highway) = $3.4M (this does not include the $ that was moved from cash balance to “capital projects” in 12/2021 and for which spending priorities are underway)
• Annexation (78 Acres in Tymor) litigation.  Underway but nothing expected for several months
• Resident complaints
• Highway – catch basin repairs and road signage (speed limit, etc)
• Town Clerk – Shredder available at Town Hall on 8/3 (time TBD)
• Resident comments re: a UV Town Library (2 in favor, 9 against)fvorent
• Plans for pollinator gardens near the Route 55 solar farm and pending flagpole
• The 7/6 work session was primarily dedicated to Alex Cohen providing his Preliminary Analysis and presenting some guidance from NYS  The topic for the meeting was not well publicized and resident attendance with small
• Initial discussions regarding resident fireworks, vehicle speed, stop signs, traffic enforcement, property damage by large trucks, a UV dog park

Subsequent to the meeting, there were communications seeking library donations and volunteers for a UV Library trustees and improving the playground at Godfrey Park

June 23, 2022

This is the June version of Things to Be Aware of in Union Vale.  The Top 2 items that deserve public attention and input are as follows:

• 2022 Capital Projects – Prioritizing and determining the cost of 2022 capital projects is underway.  The list of projects was made available to attendees during the June 1 “work session”
• Library – The June 4 session with the library consultant focused on attendees opinions of different areas at Tymor regarding their possible use as a UV Town Library.  During the subsequent Board meeting, Ms. Maas stated that all adult needs are currently satisfied via UV Library Concierge Services and that discussions are needed to address child “storytime” needs.  The preliminary analysis from the consultant will be provided to residents after a public strategic meeting that will be scheduled shortly

Upcoming Meetings

• Library consultant meeting (time/date TBD)
• July 6 – Town Board “work session”.  “Work sessions” have no agenda, are not recorded, and are not available via ZOOM
• July 20 – official Town Board meeting.  Agenda’s are not provided approximately 24 hours in advance.  Agenda items may include:
  • Library Services
  • Land Use Moratorium and possible Town Code changes 

A retrospective look at June Town Board meetings is as follows::

• Public hearings to approve franchise renewal agreement with Altice/Optimum and MS4 (stormwater control)
• Discussion regarding use of property at the corner of Route 82 and North Clove Road (recently donated by the estate of H Redl).  The donation provides an opportunity to improve the road intersection and for possible CAC activities (example – a community garden)
• A Verbank resident has agreed to lead a team to help design/improve the Godfrey Park playground (an grant application for this effort has been submitted)
• Action was taken to approve the auction of several pieces of heavy equipment and purchase new replacements
• Town financials were described as being good.  Fund balance is approx $3.7M (excluding the $ that was moved to the 2022 capital projects fund).  Mention of the desire to save for potential future needs
• Upcoming Camby Road closure
• Annexation litigation continues 
• Loretta Ryan provided an update re; the Equestrian Center and recent event
• Community Night (fireworks) is scheduled for June 24 and a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored balloon festival is scheduled for the Labor Day weekend.
• Discussion regarding the pro’s and con’s of a dog park at Tymor
• Donation of a 9-11 Memorial by Mary Jean Calvi and family

May 23, 2022

This is the May version of Things to Be Aware of in Union Vale  The Top Three  items that deserve public attention and input are as follows:

• June 1.  6:30 PM.  Town Hall.  Town Board “work session”.  This session will be devoted to prioritizing 2022 capital projects.  The Board has developed a list of projects but it has not been distributed to the public.    This is a great opportunity for residents to help our Town Board make decisions that meet resident needs (using a portion of the funding that was moved out of cash balance in December 2021)
• June 2.  6:00 PM.  Tymor Park location TBD.  The library consultant will be providing the Town with a preliminary document shortly and this subsequent meeting will talk through what Betsy Mass described as “the next priorities”  This is another great opportunity to help our Town Board make decisions that meet resident needs.
• June 15.  7:30 PM.  Town Hall.  Official Town Board meeting in-person or via ZOOM.  Meeting agendas are not normally provided more than 24 hours in advance but based upon past meetings, the agenda will likely include:
  • Library services
  • Land use moratorium and possible Town Code changes
  • Possible dog park at Tymor Park

As for Board meetings in the recent past, please below a list of some of the items covered::

• Town finances were described as good.  Fund balance (general and highway) is now approximately $3.7M (this does not include the $1.74M that was transferred out of fund balance and into “capital projects” in 12/2001)
• The Altice/Optimum franchise agreement was renewed for 10 years
• The Town Board voted 4 to 1 to adopt changes to local zoning code.      One of the changes (described by the Town Supervisor as “administrative”), means that the Town Board is no longer required to seek and obtain input from the Planning Board on various land use matters
• A decision has been made that the library survey deployed several weeks ago has been deemed not very useful due to ethical challenges 
• Decisions were made to auction-off various town highway and recreation department equipment and then buy new
• The Town Board accepted a gift of land from the H Redl estate (corner of North Clove and Route 82).  There is a desire to use the land to help improve safety at the intersection
• Many resident letters were received in support of the application for a grant to fund a new playground at Godfrey Park
• A new shed for the Transfer Station has arrived and prep work for installation can begin
• A resident spoke to urge the Town to eliminate political messages during Town-related events. 

April 30, 2022

This is the April version of Things To Be Aware Of in Union Vale.  The top 3 “Hot Buttons” that deserve public attention are as follows:.   

• The last ZOOM meetings with the library consultant are scheduled for May 9 at 5:00 and 7:00.  The in-person meeting will be on May 14 at the Tymor Park Senior Center. Contact Laura Sumner (library@unionvaleny.us) if you need help signing-up for the ZOOM meetings. RSVP to Laura by 5/8 for the 5/14 meeting. It will be interesting to see a plan that meets resident needs and makes financial sense.  
• The 4/6 Public Hearing was followed by a vote to move forward with a 90 day moratorium regarding building in the Town Center zone and common driveways.  
• The Board will be discussing 2022 priority projects during the June 1 “work session”.  This relates to the $1.74M of our Town’s $3.9M cash balance that was moved to a fund entitled “capital projects fund” in 12/2021.  The Board has developed a list of projects but it has not been distributed to the public

Upcoming Town meetings:

• May 4 ‘work session” 
• May 14 Town Board meeting.  This will likely be preceded by a yet-to-be-announced Public Hearing

Town Board meeting agendas are not made available more than 24 hours in advance.  Possible agenda items include:

• Summary of discussions with the Town Planner regarding possible changes to Town building codes
• Altice/Optimum/Cablevision contract renewal
• Modifying Town Code regarding residency requirements for Planning Board members
• New York Stretch Code
• Library services

Some additional items of note from the April official and unofficial Board meetings:

• Review of Habitat for Humanity, Angels of Light 5K walk/run, the Verbank cemetery beautification program (sponsored by Girl Scouts) and the 5/1 road clean-up
• Central Hudson representatives attended to discuss increasing costs, billing problems, community solar, utility assistance programs and answer individual resident questions
• The Town Supervisor distributed a “profit and loss” document to Board members and summarized for meeting attendees.  It is puzzling why documents such as this are not also made readily available to residents
• A motion was approved to purchase a new building/shed for the Transfer Station
• Outdoor cameras in strategic locations around Town
• The CAC referenced a “No Mow May” initiative and preliminary efforts regarding a possible pollinator garden at the Route 55 Solar Farm
• Recreation – summer camps are almost full and the Easter egg hunt was a success
• Motions introduced and approved to repair and then auction a current diesel truck and then purchase a new truck
• Laura Sumner outlined library-related resources that are available on-line and reminded everyone about upcoming library consultant sessions.
• A Motion was passed to use American Rescue Plan funds to 1) replace the barn roof above what may someday be a UV Town Library and 2) initiate an engineering study regarding road culverts

March 27, 2022

This is the March 2022 version of what’s happening in Union Vale.  The top 4 “hot buttons” directly below are followed by 1) the schedule of upcoming meetings and then 2) additional meeting content not listed as a “hot button”.  
First, one learning point from March.  Residents who get involved and speak-up can make a difference 

• Finances:
  • Town finances are in control despite the fact that this is the 2nd month in a row where spending exceeded revenue.  In March, this was largely due to the $45K penalty that UV agreed to pay Dutchess County based upon a mediation decision.  
  • While the 2021 financial books are not yet closed, our Town overspent the $50K budgeted for legal expenses in 2021
  • Current cash/fund balance was not reported and there was no discussion regarding what the $1.8M allocated for the “capital funds project” will be used for.  Residents can help with this
• Upcoming opportunities for volunteers include:
  • Habitat for Humanity will be at the Transfer Station on 4/23
  • Tymor Park anniversary celebration later this year
  • Litter clean-up in conjunction with Fire Department in April
• A Cohen Associates has been hired to provide library consultant services.  This will include a survey and community meetings.   The survey is now available here.  Betsy Mass has committed to using UVMail to distribute a 9 page document that describes the project for all residents.  
• A public hearing was held to modify Town Code regarding residency requirements for Planning Board membership.  12 residents objected to the change and 1 agreed with it.  Comments can be viewed beginning at the 5:45 mark of the recording here  The subject was tabled so as to provide greater clarity before voting.  Later in the same Board meeting, a UV resident was offered and accepted the position.  It is expected that there will be a action to make the change for projected future needs

Upcoming Town meetings:

• April 6.  7:00 PM.  Public Hearing regarding a 90 day UV building moratorium followed by a Town Board “work session” where action may be taken.  Remember that “work sessions” do not have agenda’s, are not recorded and are accessible in-person only
• April  20.  7:30 PM Town Board meeting.  Agenda’s are not made available more than 24 hours in advance.  Possible agenda items include:
  • Modifying Town Code regarding residency requirements for Planning Board members
  • Prioritization of capital funds projects
  • New York “Stretch Code” 
  • Library services
  • Installation of outdoor cameras in strategic locations around Town

Additional Board meeting updates

• 86% of 2022 taxes have been collected
• Dutchess County has proposed a flat sales tax and growth payment to Towns beginning in 2023
• Efforts are underway to justify UV not being formally covered under MS4 stormwater requirements
• Outdoor cameras have been purchased and will be placed shortly
• Highway blacktop and chip plans are finalized
• April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month in Union Vale
• A resolution amending and expanding senior citizen tax payment exemption was passed

February 27, 2022

With all that is going on in the world, it can be difficult keeping track of what is happening in our little town but we will attempt to do that here.  The “hot buttons” directly below are followed by the schedule of upcoming meetings and additional meeting content not included as a “hot button.”

Here is one resident’s view of the “hot buttons.”

• Finances are good.  Cash balance is reported as being approximately $2M.  However, this does not include the $1.8M that was transferred from cash/fund balance to a separate “capital funds project” category for which decisions have not yet been made.  While there are obviously on-going expenses, there are also pending revenues (as a point of reference, cash balance increased from $3.1M to $4.7M between February and April of 2021).  Let’s make sure funds are spent in a way that meets resident needs
• Someone has been hired to “reactivate” the library services which are  currently available via the town website.  Both the ebooks and bound book options have been reported to the Town over the past several months as not being operational – this not only restricts access but money is being spent with no value in return 
• The Board approved hiring a library consultant to, among other things, lead community meetings regarding Union Vale library services.  We expect that this will include current services and building a Union Vale Town library.  Remember that a group of residents spoke at a Board meeting in May 2020 – offering to initiate an effort to raise funds to build a UV library (no update regarding fund raising has been communicated).  The first estimate was that a UV Town Library would cost approximately $1.5M, excluding purchase of books, annual operating costs, etc.  Upon questioning, Betsy Maas stated that a Town email describing the consultant effort (scope of work, deliverables, timing, etc.) is forthcoming.  The consultant cost was quoted as $19K
• While 4 UV voters have formally offered to serve on the Town Planning Board, the Town Board voted 4 to 1 to move forward with the required public hearing associated with authorizing a change in residency requirements for Planning Board members and alternate members.  The public hearing will be held at 7:00 on March 16 at the Town Hall.  Residents are strongly encouraged to make their views known via attendance or, if that is not possible, an email to ALL Board members, asking that it be read during the hearing 

Upcoming Board meetings:

• March 2 at 7:30 in the Town Hall.  Work session (no agenda, no meeting minutes, no remote attendance)
• March 16:
  • 7:00 PM – Public Hearing
  • 7:30 PM – Town Board meeting

Additional Board meeting updates:

• The total population and number of households in UV has decreased.  There are now 4,558 residents (down by 275) there are now 1,587 households (down by 171)
• Climate Smart – UV is partnering with several other towns in Dutchess County in an effort that will result in a $50K shared grant
• Perry Gusikoff is leading an effort to look into the possibility of camera’s to address littering in targeted areas of town
• Highway – Challenges with cars parked on town roads (reference plowing/salting) and truck repair.  Roof at the town garage has been repaired
• CAC – Initiating work on a composting toilet at the equestrian center and looking into a pollinator project at the route 55 solar installation
• Parks and Recreation – summer camp registrations are going well, issues with diesel-powered park vehicles
• Betsy raised a concern regarding Town cost associated with prosecution of individuals who challenge fines resulting from newly installed school bus cameras.  A suggestion was made that Dutchess County prosecute
• Discussion of a possible registry for AirBNB (and other short-term vacation) rentals.  No decision made

FebFruary FFF27, 2022