monthly— Board of Trustees Meeting & Public Hearing
Agenda (25 items)
Order reflects how the Board actually took items up at the meeting (which sometimes differs from the posted agenda — e.g. items brought forward when a guest is present).
Trustee Uku abstained from accepting the April 13 minutes, stating for the record that in her opinion the minutes contain material omissions and misrepresentations of what actually took place at that meeting. She referred the public to the PANDA recording as an alternative source.
Mayor Smythe noted a correction to the April 29 emergency workshop minutes: $1,430.82 originally listed as sewer was reclassified as property maintenance per a county request, though the total amounts in the resolution remain unchanged. The correction reflects categorization only and does not affect the underlying financial figures.
The April 13 minutes passed 4–0 with Uku abstaining. The April 29 minutes passed unanimously.
- Uku's abstention and stated reasons for the April 13 minutes are not reflected in the official minutes record.Transcript: “I will abstain on the adoption, and again, out of respect for everyone's time. I won't go into the reasons for my abstention, but I believe, in my opinion, the minutes contain some material omissions and misrepresentations”
Deputy Mayor Kjarval moved to add a letter to the Town of Red Hook regarding the Community Preservation Fund to the agenda as general business. Allen seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Allen requested that a brief question about a memorial tree be added at the end of general business. The chair agreed.
Trustee Uku requested that the PANDA Board of Directors appointment be moved to the start of general business to accommodate the PANDA chair's schedule, noting this is standard practice for appointments. The chair agreed without objection.
Uku also requested adding a discussion item about the school field lighting project and the village's role in the review process, noting constituents had raised questions and the board had not made an official statement. The chair agreed.
Uku further requested adding a discussion about a letter she had previously sent to the board regarding police costs and distribution. The chair agreed to add it after the memorial tree discussion.
The agenda as amended was approved unanimously on motion by Uku, seconded by Rothstein.
The public hearing on the proposed fee schedule was opened unanimously on motion by Kjarval, seconded by Rothstein.
Mayor Smythe thanked the clerk for organizing the fee schedule into a single comprehensive document and noted the village has not reviewed fees annually as appropriate. She proposed several amendments to the building and planning department fees to moderate the increases from the initial proposal. For residential construction, she recommended 55 cents per square foot with a $150 minimum instead of the proposed 75 cents. For commercial construction, she recommended 75 cents instead of 95 cents, with a $300 minimum adjusted to $275 to align with other commercial categories. For decks and porches, she recommended 55 cents with a $150 minimum instead of 75 cents. For barns, pole barns, sheds, and detached garages, she recommended residential at 55 cents with $150 minimum and commercial at 75 cents with $275 minimum. For solar energy collection systems, she recommended 55 cents per square foot with a $150 minimum instead of the proposed 75 cents with $450 minimum. Smythe noted she had reviewed these recommendations with the building inspector and zoning enforcement officer, who also felt the initial proposal was too high.
Trustee Uku asked about the lawn mowing and weed trimming fee on the property maintenance page, seeking clarification on what triggers enforcement. Smythe explained that village code requires properties to be maintained to a certain standard—grass longer than 10 inches is out of code—and the village has the right to mow and charge the property owner, similar to sidewalk clearing. Uku asked who determines when enforcement occurs and who handles billing. Smythe indicated the highway department identifies violations and the clerk handles billing, noting it does not happen often and is not done with a ruler but becomes obvious when a property is neglected.
Trustee Rothstein shared a personal experience: his household had been contacted by the county regarding lawn height while they were intentionally growing a no-mow meadow with native plants. He noted the county cited a three-foot standard from the road. He expressed concern about voting for a fee that residents would have to pay, but acknowledged there are properties that are clearly untended and the fee serves a purpose. Smythe noted the public spaces committee is developing standards to distinguish intentional meadows from neglect, such as mowed sections near the road and pathways through the plantings, and referenced the 'Less Lawn More Life' program.
Uku raised a broader policy question about snow and ice removal from sidewalks, noting that currently only a minority of residents have sidewalks but the village benefits from cleared, safe sidewalks. She suggested the board consider a more equitable village-wide shared cost model rather than parcel-specific penalties. Allen expressed interest in exploring different options. Kjarval asked whether this would mean the village taking on the service. Smythe noted the liability question—currently each property owner is responsible and thus liable—and the practical burden on DPW during snowstorms, which can last 24 hours. Uku acknowledged these concerns but suggested the village could pay DPW or hire a contractor. Smythe agreed this could be discussed at a future workshop.
Uku asked about trash removal and snow removal fees on the property maintenance page. Smythe explained these address situations where residents leave trash or snow at the end of driveways and abandon properties. The village has made extra efforts to reach out to property owners multiple times before charging, and the fee gives the village the ability to recover costs when cleanup is necessary.
No members of the public offered comment in person or online on the fee schedule.
The public hearing was closed unanimously on motion by Kjarval, seconded by Allen.
No members of the public offered comment.
Trustee Uku recommended that the board consider appointing Alex Geller, the Red Hook Public Library director, to the PANDA Board of Directors. PANDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public access television station funded by five municipalities, each of which appoints one board member. The current village appointee, Mark Doran, has retired after many years of service.
Eric Riback, PANDA board member, explained that PANDA broadcasts municipal meetings and is expanding its programming offerings to become a video hub for the community. He noted that PANDA's bylaws are simple and outdated and need revision. He stated that PANDA seeks board members willing to volunteer beyond attending meetings. Riback expressed strong support for Geller, noting that as library director, Geller has connections to schools and other organizations that PANDA currently lacks, and his nonprofit experience would help PANDA expand its volunteer base and governance structure. Riback acknowledged that Geller does not live in the village but noted that residency has not been a strict requirement historically and that Geller is deeply embedded in the community.
Mayor Smythe noted she had reached out to a couple of village residents to gauge interest, with one person declining and another still considering. She recommended waiting one month to publicize the opportunity more widely and allow other village residents to express interest. She also recommended establishing a two-year term for the appointee, noting that terms remind the board of its responsibility to oversee the appointment and provide an opportunity to reassess the fit every two years.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval expressed preference for publicizing the position to see if other village residents were interested before appointing Geller, noting that the appointee represents taxpayer money and ideally should be a village resident. She noted that Geller could still volunteer and be involved regardless.
Trustee Uku countered that it is very difficult to find volunteers for nonprofit boards and that adding a residency requirement makes it harder. She noted that Geller is a volunteer and is not being paid from PANDA funds. She stated she had reached out to village residents and found it difficult to generate interest.
Trustee Rothstein expressed support for giving village residents ample notice of the opportunity and time to express interest, noting that while Geller appears uniquely qualified, it is good practice to alert residents to such opportunities. He stated he would be comfortable supporting Geller's appointment after a one-month wait.
Riback noted that in his 12 years with PANDA, there has never been more than one candidate for a board seat, and he would be thrilled to have multiple interested candidates.
Kjarval suggested that PANDA could do more aggressive public outreach, noting that quiet networking sometimes results in people who think they deserve the role, while public outreach can reach people who might not otherwise consider themselves qualified.
Uku noted that not everyone has access to all communication channels and that reaching different demographics may require different strategies.
The board voted unanimously to table the PANDA Board of Directors appointment to the June 8, 2026 board meeting.
Mayor Smythe explained that the village must authorize a budget note not to exceed $206,000 to repay the general fund for an inter-fund advance made in February 2026 (Resolution 7-2026). The advance of approximately $170,000 was transferred from the general fund to the sewer fund to make debt service payments on the capital repayment for phase one of the wastewater treatment plant. The budget note is a one-year note with a one-year renewal option and does not require publication or competitive bidding.
Smythe reported she had contacted two banks. Bank of Green County offered 3.8585% with a callable feature allowing partial payoff over time. The current NY Class interest rate is 3.5%, so the net cost to the village is approximately $721 in additional interest expense for the year. The sewer fund will repay the note from sewer user fees.
Trustee Allen expressed that this feels like a difficult situation—the village is in a rock and a hard place—but acknowledged that not paying the bill on time would risk higher interest rates on future municipal funding and would constitute an accounting violation. He stated his discomfort with the situation on the record while recognizing he cannot see another way forward.
Trustee Uku noted that the original February resolution required the treasurer to present a repayment plan by today. She asked who will be repaying the note and by what means. Smythe clarified that the sewer fund will repay it through sewer user fees. Uku pointed out that sewer ratepayers will have to pay not just the principal but interest on this commercial loan, and this comes after a rate increase in February. Smythe noted there is an expected surplus in the sewer fund budget this year and next year, listed as reserve, and that the board has discussed moving to a different rate structure that could provide another opportunity to review costs.
Uku expressed concern that the $37,000 reserve cannot simultaneously serve as debt service, emergency reserves, and contingency funding. She stated she would be comfortable if the board authorized the treasurer to seek the loan and bring back the repayment schedule and terms to the workshop for further discussion before final approval. Smythe responded that from a practical standpoint, the village needs to go to closing, get the money, and transfer it back to the general fund, and she is nervous about delaying. She noted the highest interest rate will be 3.8585% and that the payment plan will be determined based on cash flow and other factors that may change.
Uku stated that she did not believe the attorney had indicated that turning an advance into a transfer is completely off the table, and that the attorney suggested the spirit of her proposed resolution is sound. Smythe clarified that the attorney indicated turning an advance into a transfer is not something that can be done.
Treasurer Marybeth De Filippis provided the interest cost analysis: on a $206,000 loan at 3.85%, the village would pay $7,931 in interest for the year, while earning $7,210 on the same amount in NY Class at 3.5%, for a net cost difference of $721 to the village.
The resolution to authorize the budget note passed 4–0 with Uku abstaining.
- Uku's abstention and her stated concerns about reserve allocation and the repayment mechanism are not captured in the official minutes.Transcript: “I abstain. I don't know what the resolution... to absorb it in the general fund. That was my last”
Treasurer Marybeth De Filippis reported the village's cash balances as of April 30, 2026. General Fund checking: $116,023.16; General Fund NY Class: $426,694.47; Water Fund checking: $190,097.64; Water Fund NY Class: $154,424.77; Sewer Fund: $65,669.01; Payroll clearing: $90,581.43; Health insurance deductible: $10,091.25; Village Green: $5,156.35. Reserve accounts included Fire Department ($10,716.16), Police Department ($18,413.90), Water USDA ($151,573.28), Highway ($614.88), Snow ($3,538.19), Court ($3,558.81), and Office ($1,049.00). Monthly expenses for April totaled General Fund $161,073.19, Water Fund $179.00, and Sewer Fund $14,665.91.
The Treasurer's Report was accepted unanimously.
Mayor Smythe presented the tax levy and warrant for fiscal year 2026–2027, a required legal action following budget approval. The authorized levy is $1,465,214, representing a 2.3% increase from the prior year, which exceeds the 2% tax cap limit but is permitted under the levy limit calculation. The assessed valuation of real property in the village is $329,291,070, a 10.4% increase from the prior year, resulting in a tax rate reduction of approximately 7.4%. The new tax rate is $4.441892 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, down from $4.7985 in the prior year. Penalty schedules remain unchanged.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Mayor Smythe moved to adopt the fee schedule as amended, incorporating the adjustments to building and planning department fees, sewer fees, and property maintenance fees discussed during the public hearing. The amended fee schedule is effective June 1, 2026.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Mayor Smythe presented the intermunicipal agreement for shared services with Dutchess County for highways and public works. The agreement was finalized following the April workshop and incorporates all comments received. Smythe emphasized that the village is not obligated to share services, either to give or receive, and retains the right to determine its own fees. The agreement provides legal coverage and a framework when the village chooses to engage in shared services.
The board authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement unanimously.
Mayor Smythe reported that the village received an insurance renewal quote earlier than in prior years. The renewal from New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) through Marshall & Sterling represents a 7–8% increase and falls approximately $1,500 short of the budgeted amount. Smythe indicated she will make a future budget adjustment to cover the shortfall. The total unallocated insurance cost is approximately $106,000–$108,000 and covers auto insurance, general liability, excess liability, and other coverages. The water fund also contributes to the unallocated insurance cost.
Smythe noted that the increase is primarily attributable to a property valuation audit conducted by the insurer approximately one year ago. She indicated the village uses a broker and has been satisfied with NYMIR coverage. She noted that if the board wishes to explore other insurance companies, the appropriate time to do so would be next February.
The board authorized the Mayor to sign the insurance renewal unanimously.
Mayor Smythe presented a resolution to authorize professional training attendance for village officials and employees and to establish the procedure for village payment of training fees. The resolution codifies the training policy adopted by the board in January and identifies the budgeted amount of $2,000 for training expenses. The resolution authorizes village funds to support attendance at professional development events but does not guarantee full payment of all costs.
Trustee Uku advocated for increasing the training budget, noting that NYSCOM training is a valuable investment and that the fall conference alone costs approximately $750 for the conference fee, plus hotel and other necessary expenses. She stated that trustees should not be deterred from attending by cost constraints and that the village should prioritize training as a budget item. Uku requested tabling the resolution to discuss the training policy at the workshop.
Mayor Smythe clarified that the resolution is procedural and reflects the budget already approved by the board. She noted that the board can discuss a budget amendment at any time, but the purpose of this resolution is to authorize the procedure for using the budgeted funds and to establish expectations. She stated that if someone wishes to attend an event costing more than the per-trustee allocation, the board can choose to allocate additional funds or make a budget amendment by cutting elsewhere.
Trustee Rothstein asked whether the resolution forecloses the possibility of increasing the training line item in the future. Smythe confirmed it does not. Rothstein then moved to second the resolution, noting that it is procedural and affirms how the budgeted amount will be used, while leaving open the possibility of future budget adjustments.
Trustee Kjarval noted that the resolution establishes a shared expectation about the procedure and is similar to the board's prior policy agreement on board compensation.
The resolution passed 4–0 with Uku abstaining.
- Uku's abstention and her stated concerns about the adequacy of the $2,000 training budget are not reflected in the official minutes.Transcript: “I abstain. My position would be, and again, I don't know when Karen and Eric spoke a few months ago”
Trustee Allen indicated she had prepared a draft sewer statement but had a productive meeting with the engineer that morning and preferred to incorporate her remarks into her trustee report rather than present a separate statement. The chair agreed to this approach.
Mayor Smythe announced that Carrie de Paola has been hired as the new part-time payroll and HR clerk, replacing Irene Wholesome. De Paola also works part-time for the Town of Stanford highway department. Smythe asked the board to welcome her aboard.
Smythe reported that the Red Hook Fire Company sent a letter expressing ongoing operational challenges affecting their ability to consistently meet response expectations, with continued difficulty finding volunteers. Smythe noted the village is fortunate to have a volunteer fire company and is meeting to determine the best way forward for fire services. She reported receiving an April incident report showing 50 total incidents, of which only one was in the village (a medical call); the remaining 49 were in the town. The fire company is still working out bugs in new software, so not all incident types are yet categorized.
Smythe reported that the police department has initiated a full review of call volume in the town to create a report indicating the percentage of police time and resources used to support town services. The 2026–2027 police department budget is approximately $1.1 million; the town's 2026 budget for police services is $40,000. Smythe received an email from Bard College Vice President Colleen Murphy Alexander expressing gratitude to Lieutenant Hildebrand, Sergeant Starr, and Detective Campbell for their professionalism and kindness in handling a student suicide on campus. Smythe noted this is not the first such incident the police department has handled and that maintaining grace and kindness in such moments is difficult.
Smythe reported that the Youth Pride celebration has secured insurance through the Red Hook Community Center and is a go. Youth organizers and staff are staffing the event. The parade lineup location has been secured with the Red Hook school district, though the school is doing construction that weekend and the original parade staging area cannot be used. The parade will start at 11:45 a.m. on June 7. Smythe thanked Amy Smith for providing the glue to enable the youth to make the event happen.
Smythe reported that county grant information and countertops for the compost and food waste program are available. She gave away one box and signed up one new person at Apple Blossom Day and is working on a plan to spend remaining funds.
Smythe reported on the Saw Kill Watershed Community Advisory Council. The group had planned to table at Apple Blossom Day but canceled due to weather. They sent a request to Dutchess County Soil and Water regarding their buffer program for the Fifth Street pond. The group discussed sending a letter to the county DPW regarding an upcoming project in Red Hook and a letter of support to the town regarding the town's purchase of the town water district property. Bard College confirmed continued involvement but is pulling back on water sample testing. An aqua side application regarding pesticides in water from the Red Hook golf course for the Saw Kill pond has gone to DEC. The Saw Kill Watershed Community will receive the 2026 Hudson River Watershed Alliance Wave Maker Award, and Karen Shall McDonald will also receive the award. The group has hit its 10th anniversary. The next meeting is May 27.
Smythe reported that the Climate Smart Communities Task Force held no meeting in April. The Dutchess County Transportation Council met virtually on April 29 for a federal certification review with no corrective actions noted. The 2026 transportation plan update is in process with a 25-year horizon, assessing barriers to transportation including safety and reliability. Traffic counts are being conducted annually; Smythe requested counts for Cherry Street and Church Street, which have not been counted before.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported the April police statistics: 348 incidents in the village of Red Hook, 299 in the town of Red Hook, and 85 water tower security checks. There were 73 uniform traffic tickets issued (27 in the village, 41 in the town, 5 in Tivoli) and 2 parking tickets in the village. There were 8 arrests total (2 in the village, 4 in the town, 2 in Tivoli).
Kjarval reported that Red Hook Together meets every first Thursday of the month virtually at noon. The Rotary's Apple Blossom Festival on May 9 has secured a Red Hook Central School District shuttle bus to transport riders from accessory parking to the festival and to stops north of the village.
Kjarval reported that Legislator Chris Munn is proposing a law to regulate use of AI in government. Cecily Wilson Fran reminded the group about the summer intern program. The library announced a 250th anniversary event in coordination with the town on Flag Day. PANDA shared they are looking for board members to fill the village of Red Hook board seat. The next Red Hook Together meeting will be at 4 p.m. on June 4 to launch the year's slate of art box exhibits.
Kjarval reported on the transitional housing discussion group, which met on January 21 with Krista Hines from Hudson River Housing and again virtually on April 28. Attendees included Town Supervisor McKeon, Community Center Director Sarah Lee, Neville Smite, and Aaron Canon, Vice President for Civic Engagement at Bard. Discussions covered group goals, whether the group is the correct venue, and possible next steps. The group discussed lack of access to social services and interventions for individuals with housing, mental health, or addiction crises. Sarah Lee proposed inviting DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Marcoza to speak. Town Supervisor McKeon proposed finding a location for a Hudson River Housing Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative project covering rental fees for six bedrooms in two properties, with three slots for unhoused persons with serious mental illness and three slots for re-entry population individuals. The group discussed whether Red Hook would be eligible for satellite access to county supportive social services currently located in Poughkeepsie. An update email indicated that priority would be given to Red Hook community members known to be in need of housing support services. Kjarval noted that the emergency overnight warming shelter previously held in St. Christopher's basement during winter 2024–2025 has been unable to find a location, though funding and staffing are available.
Kjarval reported on the Town of Red Hook Comprehensive Plan. The town committee meets monthly from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. A workshop is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at Rose Hill Bar from noon to 4 p.m., offering the first opportunity for the community to see goals gleaned from public engagement in an expo-style format.
Kjarval reported on the Community Preservation Fund. The balance as of March 10, 2026, is $3,778,360. A public hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Kjarval has been doing preliminary work to understand how the CPF advisory committee works. Currently, the committee meets after projects are sent to review and does not produce minutes; instead, it uses advisory opinions as reference. The current appointment list includes members but still lists Charlie Lang as an architect, which is incorrect. Kjarval noted the CPF plan is being amended for the second time this year and the town is requesting New York State extend the tax authority until 2051. Kjarval has been trying to get access to advisory committee meetings and has not had village representation on the committee, which previously existed. She is advocating for an inter-municipal agreement between the town and villages to ensure village representation and decision-making authority.
Kjarval reported that the communications survey will be shared with the public at Apple Blossom Day and will close depending on responses so the board can analyze them. As of the report, there were 69 responses.
Kjarval reported on the building department. In April 2026, 12 building permits were issued, 1 certificate of occupancy, 1 temporary certificate of occupancy, and 1 certificate of compliance. At the April 9 planning board meeting, the site plan for Red Hook Central School District's lighting proposal on West Market Street and Linden Avenue was withdrawn. The site plan for 87 East Market Street was removed from the agenda due to no submissions in five months. The site plan for 31 East Market Street was tabled to May 14. At the April 23 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, an area variance for a side yard setback at 7449 South Broad was denied, an area variance for parking at 31 East Market Street was denied, and an area variance application for 25 Fisk Street was tabled to May 14. Building department revenue for April was $4,556.13.
Trustee Uku reported on the Highway Department for March and April 2026. The Accra fuel surcharge rose from 6.75% to 11.25% in April due to increased fuel costs. Total costs for March were $2,168.18 with revenue of $5,494. Total costs for April were $1,739.91 with revenue of $5,005. Revenue includes Tivoli garbage service, which has been ongoing since November and is performing well year-to-date. Mayor Smythe noted that the highway department has been given greater discretion to decline pickups of improperly bagged or contaminated materials, which should reduce recycling contamination charges.
Uku reported that the scrap metal program has generated $1,490.45 in income since the last report. Since the program's inception in September 2007, donations have yielded $60,963.29 in total revenue. Smythe noted that the fiscal year budget was $4,500 and the program has exceeded that by almost $1,000.
Uku reminded residents to refer to the 2026 waste collection guide, dual stream recycling guide, and pickup calendar for information on municipal services including trash, recycling, food waste drop-off, and brush and yard waste pickup. She credited Deputy Mayor Kjarval with designing these guides.
Uku gave special appreciation to Jake Smith, the highway foreman, and his crew for seasonal tree removal, installation of new signage at Abrahams Park in April, and beginning early discussions on infrastructure grants for road and drainage improvements on Elizabeth Street and the process for potentially adding stop signs at key intersections. She noted that both efforts require navigating between state agencies and many hours of work.
Uku reported that the Village Green Committee held its second quarterly meeting on Thursday, April 16. Chair Tara Barrett, member David Pearson, and Uku met outside Village Hall. Members Jim Cashin, Kevin McGinnis, and Joy Glass were excused; Kevin and Joy welcomed baby Lou on April 11. The committee has consolidated tree planting to a single planting day this fall and is considering assigning members a beat to identify tree candidates using handwritten postcards. Uku submitted a draft for the board's review.
Uku reported that the village received its Tree City USA renewal, a successful application made in December. The village has been a member of Tree City USA for 24 continuous years. The renewal came with a reflective decal with 24 on it.
Uku reported that a tree planted on Fraley was tipped over during construction. She requested permission from the owner for the committee to adjust it, and Dave Pearson completed the work. Uku gave special recognition to Pearson for his efforts.
Uku reported that the Village Green Committee has begun work on future initiatives, with member Jim Cashin and library director Alex Geller working on some initiatives. The next Village Green Committee meeting will be Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m. at Village Hall.
Uku reported on the Red Hook Public Library. She met with library director Alex Geller on April 25 for an introductory tour and overview of current initiatives. The Library Board of Trustees meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Going forward, Uku and Geller will meet on the third or fourth Friday of the month, schedules permitting. The library's 2026–2027 budget is $562,950, funded primarily by Red Hook Central School District and the Town of Red Hook. A major milestone is that the library's mortgage is almost paid off. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is coming to Red Hook, mailing free books monthly to children from birth to age five. The library is reimagining its outdoor garden space with a goal of new furniture, sensory play area, and garden improvements by July 1. The library board will recruit two new board members this summer with announcements going live soon. The next Library Board of Trustees meeting will be Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m.
- The official minutes do not capture the discussion between Smythe and Uku regarding the Village Green Committee's planter redesign and the need to coordinate with the public spaces committee.Transcript: “before any work is done, let's have a conversation only because I don't want three different ideas to be moving forward”
Trustee Allen reported on the Sewer Department. The sewer team meets twice per month to discuss operations, maintenance, and future planning. Attendees include H2O Innovation, the public works department, Delaware Engineering, the Mayor, Allen, the Clerk, and others relevant to particular discussions. At the April 6 and 16 meetings, the USDA visited the site to investigate potential energy and cost savings. The USDA expressed genuine admiration for the operations team and celebrated their work in an unsolicited note in their report. The USDA observed the plant was running nearly as well as it could by their standards and offered some tips for improvement.
Allen reported that a newly installed alarm system within the plant has been effective in monitoring operations. Over the past month, two alarms notified staff of issues immediately, and neither became significant because of the immediate notification. The alarm system has become integral to smooth operations, and the team is receiving a quote for enhancing it with expanded coverage throughout the plant.
Allen reported that at the April 27 meeting, the team primarily discussed the future of the plant, including renegotiating energy prices, incorporating solar technology, and other cost-effective considerations. The village will install a new EQ tank within a year as part of a consent order from a DEC inspection visit on March 16; Delaware Engineering took over operations on April 1.
Allen stated that she had concerns about the sewer system during her campaign, as it was the most frequently raised issue while canvassing. She expressed that after meeting with the team, the Public Works Department, and the engineer, she must celebrate and acknowledge their work. She noted that the USDA's assessment that the operations team is running something very well demonstrates that significant trouble has been addressed and the situation is now much more manageable. Allen stated she has advocated for seeking recourse regarding installation and operations, discussed various disposal options and waste dispersal means, and is actively pursuing every way of making operations as cost-effective as possible through cutting energy expenses, distributing operation and maintenance expenses, and pursuing grant and emergency funding. She is also strongly advocating for rehabilitating the neighboring wetland, which has a long history predating the wastewater treatment plant and also necessitates rehabilitation.
Allen stated that she believes the village should operate the system as it is and get it under fiscal control before expanding, as this will help people gain trust in the program. She noted the engineer pointed out that even if development moves forward on schedule, the nature of municipal construction means a period of gaining financial control will happen regardless. Allen stated she still wants to push forward on a task force to rehabilitate the wetland and supports creating a public document compiling everything the board has to further public education around the sewer system. She also wonders if there is a way to discuss a rebate or at-need program for those struggling financially with sewer costs. She emphasized the need for written projections for phase two users with and without future developments so the board can be upfront and avoid pitfalls encountered this time.
Mayor Smythe thanked Allen for digging in and noted that Allen has not yet had a longer tour of the wastewater treatment plant. Smythe expressed interest in coming forth with a resolution at the next meeting or workshop to create a wetland task force or committee, with identified appointees.
Allen reported on the Public Spaces Committee. At the most recent meeting, the committee reconfirmed participating members for reorganization, though attendance was low and official confirmation will occur at the next meeting. The committee discussed potential ideas for new projects and public spaces, including collaborating on village hall ideas and looking at municipal lots. The committee is also looking at engaging more of the public art aspect of its charter, with several ideas floated but nothing decided pending full committee deliberation.
Allen reported that the committee is developing a pollinator pathway and looking at other public spaces to engage in the initiative. Linda, who is spearheading the pollinator pathway, was not in attendance. The main objective is revitalizing Abrahams Park. The committee recently received funding approval for a design and research intern, a Bard graduate graduating in May, who will work with the committee through the fall to develop a PARCC report including site analysis, history, and a resource catalog of natural resources. Various committee members have been tasked with collecting wildlife reports, bird reports, and tree catalogs. The committee will develop concept designs and visualizations to share with the public.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval asked how the inventory for the PARCC report will be conducted and whether GIS or other technical tools will be used. Allen explained the approach is more informal: one committee member who is a passionate birder will catalog birds based on her observations; Allen is creating a tree catalog through scale drawings in her notebook; and another member will handle wildlife observations. The materials will be compiled into a well-put-together document.
Allen reported on the Saw Kill Watershed Community and Fisk Pond. An email went out regarding the buffer program with Dutchess County Soil and Water, and updates will follow as information comes in.
Mayor Smythe requested a motion to approve audited vouchers in the following amounts: General Fund $31,633.57, Water Fund $11,998.17, and Sewer Fund $22,629.63.
Smythe noted that she had signed several vouchers with notes indicating they should be corrected. In the Water Fund, a $9.59 charge for screwdriver bits should be categorized as Tools rather than Water Repairs. In the Sewer Fund, a shared services fuel charge should be allocated across five budgets (garbage, maintenance of streets, water, sewer, and snow) based on a percentage allocation, as all trucks are used for all services. In the Sewer Fund, a propane charge for the generator should be categorized as Fuel rather than Supplies. In the General Fund, a charge for court gown and rope should be categorized as Port rather than Police.
The vouchers were approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned on motion by Rothstein, seconded by Kjarval, at 9:59 p.m.
Trustee Rothstein reported on the Water Department. In April, he toured the village water plant with Jake Smith and observed the well placement, solar field, the main room where water is pumped from wells into the system, and the room where the main computer resides for remote and on-site monitoring. Jake pointed out a well no longer used due to water quality concerns. Rothstein noted that a more stable internet connection can provide more effective remote monitoring; currently, without a super-stable connection, an outside consultant drives a couple of hours to provide on-site monitoring, which is billable time. Rothstein observed multiple improvements in the way the department does business.
Rothstein reported April water statistics: average daily volume of treated water was 226,898 gallons; total volume of treated water was 6,806,009 gallons; average chlorine residual at entry point was 2.02 milligrams per liter. Jake explained that if chlorine is smelled in the water, it means there is not enough chlorine in the system. Testing revealed that Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria were absent in all testing sites. Completed repairs included pump number 12 with a new pump and drop line. The check valve in the water treatment plant has been approved by DOH and is scheduled for installation the week of May 11. The replacement of the pump and motor for well 13 is waiting for pump size clarification from Delaware Engineering.
Mayor Smythe noted that the total volume of treated water for April is actually 15% lower than last year, which is interesting given the work the team has done on fixing leaks and measuring water going out into the system.
Rothstein reported on utility billing. Utility bills issued in April totaled $259,658.21. Penalties and finance charges issued were zero. Utility payments received were $200,585.05. Re-levy unpaid onto property taxes was $15,506.43. Accounts receivable outstanding to the village as of May 1 were $62,435.77. There were no bill adjustments.
Rothstein reported on two projects he is interested in working on. One involves reaching out to good business owners through the Chamber of Commerce to discuss what they are interested in, with attention to affordability issues regarding signage and ensuring signs have an aesthetic feel consistent with the village's history. The other involves investigating whether the village can take ownership of light poles currently owned by Central Hudson, noting that municipalities that own their light poles save significant costs. Rothstein has reviewed recent billing to understand itemization and potential savings.
Documents prepared for this meeting (21)
Compliance & regulatory (1)
Operations reports (DMR / wastewater / water) (1)
Department reports (5)
Trustee + committee reports (4)
Vendor invoices (1)
Other working drafts (9)
- Village of Red Hook Fee Schedule — Effective June 1, 2026
- Deputy Mayor's Monthly Reports — May 11, 2026
- Community Preservation Fund and Planning/Zoning Review — May 2026
- Sewer Report Narrative — May 11, 2026
- SPEDES Permit Facility Form — First Plant
- SPEDES Permit Facility Form — Second Plant
- Water Report — April 2026
- Board of Trustees Meeting & Public Hearing
- Board of Trustees Meeting & Public Hearing