Enhanced minutes — transcript-derived discussion summaries per item. Not the official record.
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).
The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board voted to accept the minutes from the April 13, 2026 Board of Trustees Special Workshop Meeting by a vote of 4-0 with 1 abstention. Trustee Uku abstained, stating that in her opinion the minutes contained material omissions and misrepresentations of what actually took place at the April 13 meeting, and she referred the public to the PANDA recording for the accurate record.
The Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the April 29, 2026 Board of Trustees Emergency Workshop Meeting. The Mayor noted a correction: $1,430.82 that had been listed as sewer was actually related to sewer maintenance and the county requested it be recategorized as property maintenance, though the total numbers remained the same and the funds would still go back to the sewer fund.
- Uku's stated reason for abstaining on April 13 minutes (material omissions and misrepresentations) is not captured in the official minutes record.Transcript: “Uku: 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 of what actually took place at the meeting on April 13.”
The Mayor presented the Intermunicipal Agreement for Shared Services with Dutchess County for highways and public works. She noted that the agreement was finalized after receiving all comments and is identical to what was shared at the April workshop. The Mayor emphasized that the village is not obligated to share services, can choose to receive or provide services, and can determine its own fees. The agreement simply provides a legal basis and appropriate legal coverage when the village chooses to engage in shared services.
The Board voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to sign the Intermunicipal Agreement for Shared Services with Dutchess County.
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. Trustee Allen seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Trustee Allen also requested that a quick question about a memorial tree be added at the end of general business.
Trustee Uku requested that a discussion item related to the school field lighting project be added, noting that constituents had questions about the village's role in the review process and that the Board had not made an official statement on the matter. The Mayor agreed to add it to general business.
Trustee Uku also requested that a letter regarding police costs and distribution be added to the agenda for discussion. The Mayor agreed to add it after the memorial tree item.
Trustee Uku requested that the PANDA Board of Directors appointment be moved to the start of general business so that the PANDA chair, who was present, could leave if needed. The Mayor agreed, noting this is standard practice for appointments.
Trustee Uku moved to accept the amended agenda, Trustee Rothstein seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board voted unanimously to open the public hearing on the proposed fee schedule. The Mayor thanked the Village Clerk for organizing and clarifying the fee schedule, which consolidates previously scattered fees into one comprehensive document that the village should review annually.
The Mayor proposed several amendments to the building, planning, and zoning department fees to moderate the increases. 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 fees. 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 55 cents residential with a $150 minimum and 75 cents commercial with a $275 minimum. For solar energy collection systems, she recommended 55 cents with a $150 minimum instead of the proposed 75 cents with a $450 minimum. The Mayor noted she had reviewed these recommendations with the building inspector and zoning enforcement officer, who also felt the original proposals were too high.
Trustee Uku asked about the lawn mowing and weed trimming fee on the property maintenance page. The Mayor explained that the village code requires properties to be maintained to a certain standard, and if grass exceeds 10 inches, the village has the right to mow it and charge the property owner, similar to sidewalk clearing. Trustee Uku asked who determines when this is triggered and whether people receive a ticket. The Mayor explained that the highway department identifies properties that are clearly not being maintained and reports them; the determination is not made with a ruler but becomes obvious when a property is neglected. The Mayor noted this does not happen often.
Trustee Rothstein shared a personal experience with a neighbor complaint about his lawn during 'no mow May,' when he was intentionally growing a wildlife meadow. He noted that the county had threatened a fine if he did not mow within three feet of the curb. He expressed concern about the fee but acknowledged there are properties that are obviously completely untended and understood the need for such a provision. The Mayor responded that the public spaces committee is developing standards to distinguish intentional meadows from neglected properties, such as requiring a mowed section from the road and pathways through the sections. She referenced the corner of London and West Market as an example of an intentional meadow that looks purposeful.
Trustee Uku raised the question of whether snow and ice removal from sidewalks should be a village-wide shared cost model rather than a parcel-specific penalty. She noted that all residents benefit from cleared sidewalks and suggested considering a more equitable approach. Deputy Mayor Kjarval expressed interest in exploring the viability of the village providing the service, noting that snow placement and liability are complex issues. The Mayor noted that the village currently has a general business district clearing budget for large snowstorms and that expanding sidewalk clearing to all storms would be a significant additional workload for DPW. Trustee Allen suggested the model could be restructured, potentially by hiring additional staff or contracting out. The Mayor acknowledged this could be discussed further but emphasized the practical challenges and the need to consider what other services would be cut to fund it.
Trustee Uku asked about the trash removal fee on the property maintenance page. The Mayor explained that the village has had instances where renters left large piles of trash at the end of driveways, and the fee allows the village to charge property owners if the village has to remove it. She noted the village makes multiple efforts to reach out to property owners before taking action and that charging for removal is fair to other residents who properly dispose of their trash.
No members of the public made comments on the fee schedule. The Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing.
No members of the public made comments.
Trustee Uku recommended that the Board consider appointing Alex Geller, the Red Hook Public Library Director, to the PANDA Board of Directors to fill the Village of Red Hook's seat. PANDA Executive Director Eric Riback explained that PANDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public access television station serving five municipalities, with each municipality appointing one board member. The current appointee, Mark Doran, has retired after many years of service. Riback noted that PANDA is seeking board members willing to do more than attend meetings and contribute volunteer effort. He stated that Alex Geller approached PANDA expressing interest in serving and sees PANDA as integral to communication, civic engagement, and education. Riback highlighted Geller's strengths: as library director, he has connections to schools and other organizations that PANDA lacks; he has experience in nonprofits beyond libraries; and he brings broader nonprofit and volunteer management experience that most PANDA board members, who come from media backgrounds, do not possess.
The Mayor noted she had reached out to a couple of village residents about the position, with one person not interested and another still considering it. She recommended that the Board consider waiting a month to publicize the opportunity more widely before appointing someone who does not live in the village. She also recommended establishing a two-year term for the position, noting that PANDA does not currently require terms. She argued that a term would remind the Board that this is their appointee (she was unaware of the position until recently), and would allow both the appointee and the Board to decide whether to renew after two years.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval expressed a preference to publicize the position more broadly to see if any village residents are interested before appointing someone who does not pay village taxes. She noted that while Alex has talent and would be a good fit, she wanted to compare candidates. She suggested putting out a public call for applications.
Trustee Uku countered that it is very difficult to find volunteers for nonprofit boards, and adding the constraint of village residency makes it even harder. She noted that Alex is a volunteer, not a paid position, so the fact that he does not pay village taxes is less relevant. She stated that if someone else shows up in a month, the Board can make a decision then, and she was comfortable with a two-year term.
The Mayor expressed discomfort with appointing Alex and then changing the decision a month later if another candidate appeared. She reiterated her preference for a two-year term so the Board commits to a defined period of service.
Trustee Rothstein supported the idea of giving village residents adequate notice of the opportunity before appointing a non-resident, noting that while he would be comfortable supporting Alex's appointment, he believed it was good practice to give residents a chance to apply. He suggested that in a month, Alex would likely still be the best candidate.
Trustee Allen expressed comfort with moving forward with Alex's appointment based on what he had heard and his prior work with Geller, but also acknowledged the value of waiting a month to publicize the position.
Riback noted that in his 12 years with PANDA, no situation had arisen where there were multiple candidates for a board seat. He acknowledged that PANDA has not typically done aggressive promotion of board openings and could be more proactive in seeking candidates.
The Board voted unanimously to table the PANDA Board of Directors appointment to the June 8, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting, allowing time for the position to be publicized and for other interested candidates to come forward.
- The Mayor's recommendation for a two-year term and her stated reasons are not captured in the official minutes.Transcript: “Mayor: I would like to add a two year term. I think it would be appropriate for us to have a term for two reasons, one, because it reminds us that this is our board person. I didn't know that until you called me a couple months ago.”
- Rothstein's stated position that village residents should be given adequate notice before appointing a non-resident is not reflected in the official minutes.Transcript: “Rothstein: I think in practice, it makes sense to make sure that opportunities like this are presented sufficiently to people who live in the village. I think when this kind of district becomes available, I think it does make sense to give some time if residents have not been sufficiently alerted.”
The Mayor presented the tax levy and warrant for fiscal year 2026-2027, a required legal item following budget passage. The approved levy is $1,465,214, representing a 2.3% increase from the prior year, which exceeds the 2% tax cap but is permitted under the levy limit calculation. The assessed valuation of real property in the Village of Red Hook 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 the prior year. Penalty schedules remain unchanged. The resolution authorizes the Village Clerk to deliver the tax roll and warrant to the Treasurer for collection.
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the tax levy and warrant resolution.
The Mayor explained that the Board is authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $206,000 in budget notes to repay the general fund advance made in February to cover sewer debt service. The advance was approximately $170,000 to $205,430, and the budget note will be a one-year note with a one-year renewal option. The Mayor noted she has contacted two banks: Bank of Green County offered 3.8585% with a callable feature allowing partial payoff over time, and M&T Bank was also contacted. The current NY Class interest rate is 3.5%, so the net cost to the village will be limited. The sewer fund will repay the loan through user fees.
Trustee Allen expressed that this is a difficult situation but acknowledged he does not see another way to pay the bill on time without risking municipal funding penalties and accounting violations. He noted his concern that this represents another cost and expressed understanding of public distrust, but stated he cannot see an alternative.
Trustee Uku asked for clarification on which bill is being referred to and noted that the sewer fund will be repaying the loan with interest, meaning ratepayers will bear the cost. She pointed out that rates were just increased in February and questioned whether the general fund could subsidize some of the sewer costs. The Mayor responded that there is an expected surplus in the sewer fund budget listed as reserve, and there are plans to move to a different rate structure and make capital improvements that could affect future costs. She noted the two-year loan provides time to work through these issues.
Treasurer DeFilippis provided calculations showing that on a $206,000 loan at 3.85% interest, the village would pay approximately $7,931 in interest for the year, compared to earning $7,210 on that same amount in NY Class at 3.5%, resulting in a net cost difference of $721 to the village.
Trustee Uku expressed concern that the $37,000 planned reserve in the sewer fund is being used for debt service and cannot simultaneously serve as an emergency reserve and contingency fund that enterprise funds are required to maintain. The Mayor responded that building reserves from zero takes time and is part of the plan, and that she believes the budget includes contingency within line items. She noted that Uku's earlier presentation suggested other reserve pockets would require significant rate increases, which she felt would be asking too much of ratepayers at this time.
Trustee Uku requested that the Board authorize the treasurer to seek the budget note and bring back the repayment schedule and terms for review at the workshop before final approval. The Mayor responded that from a practical standpoint, the village needs to go to closing and transfer the money back to the general fund, and she would be nervous not to use the resolution as presented. She committed to updating the Board on the bank selected, interest rate, and payment plan, noting that the highest rate will be 3.85% and that exact payment schedules cannot be determined until other factors are resolved.
The Board voted 4-0 with 1 abstention to authorize the budget note. Trustee Uku abstained.
- Uku's stated concern that the $37,000 reserve cannot serve dual purposes (debt service and emergency contingency) is not reflected in the official minutes.Transcript: “Uku: if you have a 37 that's supposed to serve as this debt service, it cannot also be the emergency and reserves, and building the reserves you're talking about.”
- Uku's request to defer the vote and bring back repayment schedule details at the workshop is not captured in the official minutes.Transcript: “Uku: I personally would like to see the repayment schedule. If we could split off, authorize the treasurer to go out and seek which exactly which one it is, the terms, the all the repayment options, bring that back to us for the workshop.”
The Board voted unanimously to adopt the amended fee schedule as amended, effective June 1, 2026, incorporating the Mayor's proposed modifications to building, planning, and zoning fees and the sewer fee adjustments discussed during the public hearing.
The Mayor reported that the village received an insurance renewal quote earlier than the prior year. The renewal represents a 7-8% increase and is approximately $1,500 under budget. The total unallocated insurance cost is approximately $106,000 to $108,000 and covers auto insurance, general liability, and excess liability. The village uses New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) as its broker. The Mayor noted that a significant portion of the increase is due to an audit of the village's physical property that was conducted a year ago, which resulted in a higher valuation. She indicated she is comfortable with the current insurance and noted that if the Board wishes to explore other insurance companies, the time to do so would be next February.
The Board voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor to sign the NYMIR Insurance Renewal for 2026-2027 with Marshall & Sterling.
The Mayor presented a resolution to authorize professional training attendance for municipal officials and employees and to establish the procedure for village payment of training fees. The resolution references the budget line item of $2,000 approved for training and codifies the policy adopted in January. The resolution identifies the budgets that support training and clarifies the process for ensuring transparency in how training funds are spent.
Trustee Uku advocated for increasing the training budget, noting her personal experience with NICOM training and its value to trustees. She emphasized that training is a critical investment in municipal governance, particularly for new trustees, and that the fall NICOM conference alone costs approximately $750 for the conference fee plus hotel and other necessary expenses. She argued that the current $2,000 allocation divided by four trustees ($500 per trustee) is insufficient to cover even the conference fee, let alone travel and lodging.
The Mayor responded that the Board went through the budget process and approved the $2,000 line item, and that this resolution reflects that approved budget. She noted that if the Board wishes to increase training funding, that would require a separate budget amendment discussion, not part of this procedural resolution. She emphasized that the resolution does not preclude the Board from increasing the budget in the future if it chooses to do so.
Trustee Rothstein clarified his understanding that the resolution is procedural in nature, establishing how the approved budget line item will be used, and that it does not lock in the $2,000 figure permanently. He noted that the Board can revisit the budget allocation in the future if needed. With that understanding, he indicated his willingness to support the resolution.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval expressed support for the resolution as a way to establish consistent expectations and procedures for how training funds will be allocated and processed.
The Board voted 4-0 with 1 abstention to authorize professional training attendance and establish the procedure for village payment of training fees. Trustee Uku abstained.
- Uku's stated position that the $2,000 training budget is insufficient and her advocacy for increasing it are not reflected in the official minutes.Transcript: “Uku: the fall training alone is roughly, at least, when I went last fall, about $750 and the total cost was closer to 14 to $1,500. I'm talking about hotel and I'm speaking specifically about the conference fee.”
- Uku's abstention and her stated reason regarding the training budget allocation are not captured in the official minutes.Transcript: “Uku: I would be comfortable with tabling this to discuss at the workshop specifically, and not so much the what the board has approved, but the whereas about, about the training policy.”
Trustee Allen indicated he had prepared a draft sewer statement but decided to incorporate it into his full sewer report instead of presenting it separately. The Mayor agreed to include the sewer discussion when Trustee Allen delivers his trustee reports later in the meeting.
Treasurer DeFilippis reported the village's account balances as of April 30, 2026. The General Fund held $116,023.16 in operating funds and $426,694.47 in NY Class. The Water Fund held $190,097.64 in operating funds and $154,424.77 in NY Class. The Sewer Fund held $65,669.01. Additional accounts included a payroll clearing account of $90,581.43, a health insurance deductible account of $10,091.25, and a village green account of $5,156.35. Reserve savings accounts included fire department ($10,716.16), police department ($18,413.90), NY Class USDA water reserve ($151,573.28), USDA water reserve ($7.93), highway reserve ($614.88), snow reserve ($3,538.19), capital reserve ($19,108), court reserve ($3,558.81), and office reserve ($1,049). Monthly expenses for April totaled $161,073.19 in the General Fund, $179 in the Water Fund, and $14,665.91 in the Sewer Fund.
The Board voted unanimously to accept the Treasurer's Report for April 2026.
The Mayor reported that Carrie de Paola has been hired as the new part-time payroll and HR clerk and will transition with the current clerk over several weeks. De Paola also works part-time for the Town of Stanford highway department.
The Mayor reported that the Red Hook Fire Company sent a letter expressing ongoing operational challenges affecting their ability to consistently meet response expectations. They continue to struggle with finding volunteers. The Mayor noted the village is fortunate to have a volunteer fire company and is meeting to determine the best way forward for fire services. In April, the Fire Company responded to 50 total incidents, with only one in the village (a medical illness call) and the rest in the town.
The Mayor 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, while the town's 2026 budget for police services including court is $40,000. The Mayor received an email from Bard College Vice President for Administration Colleen Murphy Alexander expressing gratitude for the Red Hook Police Department's professional and compassionate handling of a student suicide on campus, noting their patience and kindness made a profound difference during a tragic time.
The Mayor reported no specific updates on the sewer expansion project this month.
The Mayor reported that the Youth Pride celebration has secured insurance through the Red Hook Community Center, so the event is proceeding. Youth organizers and staff are running the event, and the community center is providing insurance and tabling. Other local organizations will receive email invitations. The parade lineup location has been secured with the Red Hook School District, though construction at the high school driveway required using an alternative location. The parade will start at 11:45am on June 7, with the police lieutenant leading and departing exactly on time. The Mayor thanked Trustee Amy Smith for providing the coordination that enabled the youth to make the event happen.
The Mayor reported that county grant information and countertops for the compost and food waste program were available at the village table at Apple Blossom Day. She gave away one box and signed up one new person. Plans are being developed for spending the remaining funds.
The Mayor 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 with limited capacity, as they are pulling back from some water sample testing. An aquatic pesticide application from the Red Hook golf course for the Saw Kill pond (assumed to be at hole three) has been submitted to DEC, and the Saw Kill Watershed Community has prepared a letter in response. The next meeting is May 27. The Saw Kill Watershed Community and Karen McDonald are receiving the 2026 Hudson River Watershed Alliance Wave Maker Award, marking the community's 10th anniversary.
The Mayor 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 covering a broader municipal transportation grouping including Ulster County. No corrective actions were noted in the report. The 2026 transportation plan update is in process with a 25-year horizon, currently assessing barriers to transportation including safety and reliability. Annual traffic counts are being conducted, and the Mayor requested counts for Cherry Street and Church Street, which have not been previously counted. The Safety Action Plan was recently formally approved.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported the police monthly statistics for April. There were 348 incidents in the village of Red Hook and 299 in the town of Red Hook. Water tower security checks totaled 85. Uniform traffic tickets issued were 73 total: 27 in the village of Red Hook, 41 in the town of Red Hook, and 5 in the village of Tivoli. Parking tickets were 2 in the village of Red Hook and 0 in the town of Red Hook and village of Tivoli. Arrests totaled 8: 2 in the village of Red Hook, 4 in the town of Red Hook, and 2 in the village of Tivoli.
Deputy Mayor 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 secured a Red Hook Central School District shuttle bus to transport riders from accessory parking to the festival and stopping north of the village. Legislator Chris Munn proposed a law to regulate AI use in government. Cecily Wilson and Fran reminded the group about the summer intern program. The library announced their Revolutionary 250 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 4pm on June 4 to launch the year's art box exhibits.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported on the transitional housing discussion group, which met on January 21 with Hudson River Housing representative Krista Hines and again virtually on April 28 with Town Supervisor McKeon, Community Center Director Sarah Lee, and Bard Vice President for Civic Engagement Aaron Canon. Discussions covered group goals, whether the group was the right venue, and possible next steps. The lack of access to social services support and interventions for individuals with housing, mental health, or addiction crises was discussed in depth. Sarah Lee proposed inviting DCFS Commissioner Sabrina Marcoza to speak to the group. Town Supervisor McKeon proposed finding a location for a Hudson River Housing Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative project covering rental fees for six bedrooms across two properties, with three slots for unhoused persons with serious mental illness and three slots for re-entry population individuals. The group is awaiting information on whether Red Hook would be eligible for satellite access to county supportive social services currently located in Poughkeepsie. A follow-up email indicated priority would be given to radical community members known to be in need of housing support services. 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.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported on the Town of Red Hook Comprehensive Plan. The town committee meets monthly from 7:30pm to 9pm. A workshop is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 at Rose Hill Bar from noon to 4pm, the first opportunity for the community to see goals gleaned from public engagement in an expo-style format where residents can walk around and give feedback.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported on the Community Preservation Fund. The balance as of March 10, 2026 is $3,778,360. She noted the CPF plan is being amended for the second time this year and will have a public hearing. The CPF advisory committee currently meets after projects are sent for review and does not produce minutes, instead using advisory opinions as reference. The current appointment list includes Charlie Lang listed as an architect, though he is no longer in that role. Deputy Mayor Kjarval has been doing preliminary work to understand how the CPF advisory committee operates and noted the village currently has no representation on the committee, whereas there used to be village representation that allowed advance notice of projects. She has been trying to gain access to committee meetings.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported that the communications survey will be shared with the public at Apple Blossom Day and will close depending on responses so analysis can be conducted. There were 69 responses at the time of finalizing the report.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval reported on the Village of Red Hook Building Department for April 2026. Building permits issued: 12. Certificates of occupancy issued: 1. Temporary certificates of occupancy: 1. Certificates of compliance: 0. Municipal searches, stock work orders, do-not-occupy notices, and court hearings: 0. Fire inspections: 3. At the April 9 planning board meeting, the site plan for Red Hook Central School District lighting proposal on West Market Street and Linden Avenue was withdrawn. The site plan public hearing for 87 East Market Street was removed from the agenda due to no submissions within five months. The site plan for 31 East Market Street was tabled to May 14, 2026. At the April 23 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, an area variance for side yard setback at 7449 South Broad was denied. An area variance for parking at 31 East Market Street was denied. An area variance application for 25 Fisk Street was tabled to May 14, 2026 with a public hearing scheduled. Building department revenue for April was $4,556.13.
Trustee Allen reported on the Saw Kill Watershed Community and Fisk Pond. An email went out regarding facilitating the buffer program with Dutchess County Soil and Water, and updates will be provided as information comes in.
Trustee Allen reported on the Public Spaces Committee. The committee reconfirmed participating members for reorganization, though the meeting was not well attended and official confirmation will happen at the next meeting when attendance is expected to be better. 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 their charter, with a few ideas floated but nothing decided pending full committee deliberation.
Trustee Allen reported that the Public Spaces Committee is working on developing the pollinator pathway. Linda, who is spearheading that initiative, was not in attendance, but the committee is looking at other public spaces where the pollinator pathway can be engaged, as well as updates to the code to reinforce pollinators throughout the village. The main objective is revitalizing Abrahams Park. The committee recently received funding and 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 in the park. Various committee members have been tasked with collecting wildlife reports, bird reports, and tree catalogs. The committee will develop concept designs and visualizations of the park to share with the public and to support grant applications and other funding.
Trustee Allen reported on the Sewer Department. The sewer team meets twice per month to discuss operations, maintenance, and future planning. Attendees include H2O Innovations, the public works department, Delaware Engineering, the Mayor, Trustee Allen, the Village 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 their report. The team received tips for moving forward, but the USDA observed the plant was running nearly as well as it could by their standards. The team discussed a newly installed alarm system within the plant that has been effective in monitoring operations, though it needs some tweaking. Over the past month, two alarms notified staff of issues immediately, and because of the new notification system, neither matter became significant—both were handled immediately, demonstrating the system's effectiveness and essential role in smooth operations. The village is receiving a quote for enhancing the alarm system with potential expansion throughout the plant.
Trustee Allen noted that the alarm system came online on March 5. 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 team is focused on making the plant as cost-effective as possible in every realm.
Trustee Allen reported that the village will be installing a new EQ tank within a year, which is related to a consent order from a DEC inspection visit on March 16, with Delaware Engineering taking over operations on April 1.
Trustee Allen provided personal reflections on the sewer situation. He noted that during his campaign, the sewer was the most frequently raised issue by constituents, and he wanted to make a public statement now that he has met with the team, public works department, and engineer. He celebrated and acknowledged the work of the team, noting that significant troubles have been addressed to the point that the USDA can say the operations team is running something very well. He stated the system is now in a much more manageable place and that environmental and fiscal concerns of disaster from the past have been taken care of through implemented fixes. Regarding transparency, he has spoken with the team and received legal counsel about seeking recourse regarding installation and operations. He has discussed various disposal options and other means of waste dispersal with engineers 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 fundings. He is also heavily advocating for rehabilitating the neighboring wetland, which has a long history predating the wastewater treatment plant and also necessitates its own rehabilitation. He believes the team supports this effort and they are moving forward. He stated it is essential to steer the public conversation in the best way. His personal belief is that the village should operate the system as it is and get it under fiscal control before expanding, because this illuminates why people still distrust the system. As he gains trust in the team and program, he wants to communicate that outward. The engineer pointed out that even if development moves forward on schedule, the nature of how construction works municipally means a period of operating the plant in an environmentally and fiscally sound way will happen regardless. He believes this can help people have some relief knowing there is a period right now in which the village is gaining control of it financially. He can see the work being done behind the scenes to figure that out. Things he still wants to push forward include a task force to rehabilitate the wetland, a public document compiling everything the village has to further public education around the sewer system, and exploring a rebate or at-need program for those struggling financially with sewer costs. He also wants written projections for phase two users with and without future developments so the village can be upfront and avoid pitfalls from the past.
Trustee Rothstein reported on the Water Department. He toured the village water plant in April with Highway Foreman Jake Smith. He observed the well placement around the solar field, the interior of the main room where water is pumped from wells into the system with very large impressive pipes, and the room where the main computer resides for remote and on-site monitoring. Jake pointed out a well that is no longer used due to water quality concerns. Rothstein noted improved understanding of how a more stable internet connection can provide more effective remote monitoring. Currently, without a super stable internet connection, an outside consultant drives a couple of hours to provide services, which is billable time. The village wants to get rid of that and be more efficient by solidifying the internet connection. Rothstein noted he has seen multiple improvements in the way the department does business and appreciates that.
Trustee Rothstein reported water statistics for April. The average daily volume of treated water was 226,898 gallons. Total volume of treated water was 6,806,009 gallons. The average chlorine residual at entry point was 2.02 milligrams per liter. Jake explained that if someone smells chlorine 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.
The Mayor noted she looked at the total volume for April and compared it to the prior year, finding that the total volume for April 2026 is actually 15% lower than April 2025, which is interesting.
Trustee Rothstein reported on two projects he is interested in working on. One is groundwork related to the General Business District, including potential discussions with business owners through the Chamber of Commerce about what they are interested in, addressing affordability issues related to signage, and ensuring signs have an aesthetic feel consistent with the village's history. The other is the issue of light poles and whether the village can take ownership of poles currently owned by Central Hudson. He noted that when a municipality owns its light poles, it saves significant costs. He is reviewing recent billing to understand how these things are itemized and what costs could be saved.
Trustee Rothstein reported utility billing for April. Utility bills issued 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 was $62,435.77. No bill adjustments were made.
The Mayor requested a motion to approve audited vouchers as presented by the Treasurer in the following amounts: General Fund $31,633.57, Water Fund $11,998.17, and Sewer Fund $22,629.63.
The Mayor noted that she had signed several vouchers with notes indicating they should be corrected. In the Water Fund, a $9.59 voucher for screwdriver bits should be categorized as Tools rather than Water Repairs. In the Sewer Fund, a shared services fuel voucher represents fuel purchased from the town for DPW trucks. The village has moved to an allocation method based on percentage of budget, as all trucks are used for all services. The allocation is split between five budgets: garbage, maintenance of streets, water, sewer, and snow (though snow bills are now complete). A propane voucher for the sewage treatment plant should be categorized as Fuel rather than Supplies, as it services the generator. In the General Fund, a voucher for nameplates should be categorized appropriately, and a bill from Classic Fingers for court gown and rope should be categorized for Police rather than Port.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the audited vouchers totaling General Fund $31,633.57, Water Fund $11,998.17, and Sewer Fund $22,629.63.
Trustee Rothstein moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion passed unanimously.
This item was deferred. The Mayor indicated the Board is not ready to address public spaces committee membership at this time.
The Board announced upcoming meetings: a Workshop Meeting on May 26, 2026 at 6:30pm and a Board Meeting on June 8, 2026 at 6:30pm.
Trustee Uku reported on the Highway Department for March and April 2026. She referred to the attached resource recovery data report spreadsheet. The Accra fuel surcharge rose from 6.75% to 11.25% in April due to increased fuel costs. March costs were $2,168.18 with revenue of $5,494. April costs were $1,739.91 with revenue of $5,005, including Tivoli garbage service revenue that has been ongoing since November. Year-to-date revenue reflects the Tivoli service as a very good revenue source.
Trustee Uku reported that the Mayor suggested giving the highway department greater discretion to decline pickups, and the department now has full discretion to decline improperly bagged, loosely bound, or contaminated materials. This should reduce contamination charges. Recycling contamination charges increased in March and April, reminding residents to be more thoughtful when recycling.
Trustee 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 total. The Mayor noted that the budget for scrap metal was $4,500, and the program has exceeded that by almost $1,000, which is excellent.
Trustee Uku reminded residents of municipal services available through the 2026 waste collection guide, dual stream recycling guide, and pickup calendar, all designed by Deputy Mayor Kjarval.
Trustee Uku gave appreciation to Highway Foreman Jake Smith and the highway crew for their work. Seasonal tree removal is underway, with several hazardous trees identified across the village. New signage was installed at Abrahams Park in April reminding residents that dogs must be leashed at all times, poop must be scooped, and litter must go in provided trash bins or be taken out of the park. The Mayor clarified that these reminders apply village-wide, not just in the park. Trustee Uku and Jake have begun early discussions on infrastructure grants for road and drainage improvements on Elizabeth Street and the process for potentially adding stop signs at key intersections, both requiring navigation between state agencies.
Trustee Uku reported on the Village Green Committee. The committee held its second quarterly meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 6pm. Chair Tara Barrett, member David Pearson, and Uku met outside Village Hall due to nice weather. Members Jim Cashin, Kevin McGinnis, and Joy Glass were excused. Kevin and Joy welcomed baby Lou on April 11. The tree planting committee has consolidated to a single planting day this fall and is considering assigning members a beat to identify good tree candidates using handwritten postcards. Trustee Uku submitted a draft for the Board's review. The Mayor asked about the QR code and link on the postcard, noting they were not working. Trustee Uku indicated she would verify the links prior to printing and coordinate with Deputy Mayor Kjarval on the correct website path.
Trustee Uku reported that the village received its Tree City USA renewal. 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. The Mayor suggested giving the materials to Highway Foreman Jake.
Trustee 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 David Pearson completed the work. She gave special recognition to David Pearson for his effort.
Trustee 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 6pm at Village Hall.
The Mayor asked Trustee Uku to coordinate with the Public Spaces Committee regarding any redesign work at the front of Village Hall, as the Public Spaces Committee is also looking at that area and they should work collaboratively rather than having three different ideas moving forward.
Trustee 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 6pm. Going forward, Uku and Geller will meet on the third or fourth Friday of the month as scheduling permits. 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, providing free books monthly to children from birth to age five through coordination between Red Hook Public Library, Tivoli Library, the town, and United Way. The library is reimagining its outdoor garden space, heavily used in summer, with goals for 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 Mayor clarified that the library board nominates trustee candidates, but the village board formally votes on appointments. The Mayor noted that technically the village board can appoint anyone to the library board, though it works better if the library recommends candidates. She also noted it is well past time for the library to revisit its charter.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval noted that the village does not fund the library, which creates a taxation-without-representation issue, as village residents pay for both the Red Hook and Tivoli libraries through school taxes. She expressed that this is not how she would have set it up.
The Mayor asked if the library discussed whether there would be an increase for the Red Hook library on the school budget vote. Trustee Uku indicated this was not discussed at her meeting. The Mayor found it interesting that the library is about to finish paying off its mortgage and wondered what would allow for extra money and why they need more funding if they will soon have money available.
Deputy Mayor Kjarval asked if Trustee Uku could get state reports from the library for the past five years and have them analyzed to chart trends. Trustee Uku agreed to do so if Kjarval emailed her specifically.
Trustee Uku reported that the next Library Board of Trustees meeting will be Thursday, May 21 at 6pm on the uppermost floor.
This item was not reached during the meeting.
This item was not reached during the meeting.
Documents prepared for this meeting (18)
Compliance & regulatory (1)
Department reports (5)
Trustee + committee reports (3)
Vendor invoices (5)
- Water Quality Report — AG Environmental RSC Original Report #834722 versions
- Water Quality Report — AG Environmental RSC Original Report #84112
- Water Quality Report — AG Environmental RSC Original Report #84049
- Analytical Report — AG Environmental RSC Original Report #84469
- Analytical Report — AG Environmental RSC Original Report #84472