Residents press trustees on parking signs, littering, dog waste, lake treatment and sewer capacity

At the March 12 meeting of the Wappingers Falls Board of Trustees, several residents used public comment to press the board for action on parking signage, littering, dog waste and other long‑running quality‑of‑life issues.

Parking and signs: resident Steven Politz said missing or incorrect “no parking” signs on Elm Street and South Missouri Avenue are creating safety and access problems, particularly as a nearby church becomes active again. He asked the village to place or correct signs so buses and a handicapped van could pass. Trustees told Politz to submit a proposed sign location and photo so staff could review and install signage where appropriate.

Littering and enforcement: multiple residents described recurring litter — including torn lottery tickets left on Market Street and near a nursing home — and asked whether the village could handle complaints the same way state police did when a resident provided a plate number. Village officials said existing law and the new village littering chapter enable summonses but enforcement typically requires an eyewitness statement or an officer who observes the violation; the village can also issue mailed tickets where appropriate. One resident who has been documenting a repeated littering problem described giving plate numbers to law enforcement and said the new ordinance would make it easier for the village to act.

Dog waste and code enforcement: the village attorney and trustees confirmed the village code already contains a provision addressing dog feces (cited in the meeting as Section 47‑5(h)). Trustees and staff advised residents to contact the town dog warden or village code enforcement depending on the location; they noted enforcement resources and jurisdictional lines can differ inside the village and in adjacent town areas.

Lake treatment and wildlife: the board reported the village signed a contract for year two of a three‑year lake-weed treatment plan designed to kill roots rather than repeatedly cut weeds; the contractor will follow New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC/DEP) perimeter rules on proximity to shore. Residents asked about deeper remedies such as dredging; trustees said dredging and major excavation would raise contamination and permitting issues and that much of the nutrient load comes from upstream municipalities.

Sewer capacity and tri‑municipal constraints: a trustee who serves on the regional sewer committee said a temporary restriction on new sewer hookups remains in place for the three municipalities served by the regional treatment plant because of infiltration and capacity problems during heavy rains. The trustee said communities are working to identify illicit discharges and manhole issues but cannot lift the restriction until system-wide infiltration is addressed.

Budget freeze and operational concerns: village treasurer reported a temporary freeze on non‑budgeted spending as trustees aim to control expenditures; staff said essential services (fire and police) remain exempt from the freeze when necessary. During public comment, a village employee and union representative urged trustees to address police scheduling and overtime policies, which he said affect officer safety and retention.

What the public will see next: trustees asked residents to provide photos or locations when signage is missing and said staff will respond where possible; the board also said it will follow up on where enforcement responsibilities lie for dog waste and will post lake treatment schedules once DEC approvals and timing are set.