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Trustees table Hardscrabble asset transfer after recusal concerns and lack of second
Summary
A planned resolution to transfer sponsorship funds and social accounts for Hardscrabble Day to a new nonprofit did not receive a second and was tabled after trustees raised recusal and naming concerns for social accounts; the board asked staff to return with revised language and conflict guidance.
Trustees considered a resolution to transfer funds and promotional assets used for Hardscrabble Day to a newly formed nonprofit, the Village of Red Hook Hardscrabble Events Corporation. The assets identified in the draft resolution included a bank account with sponsorship proceeds (reported as $5,994.48 on April 30, 2025), the domain HardscrabbleDay.org and associated Instagram and Facebook accounts.
During discussion trustees noted the new nonprofit’s officers include residents with close ties to board members; the mayor disclosed that two officers are spouses of local officials and one officer has nonprofit management experience. Several trustees raised concern about perceived conflicts of interest and whether board members should recuse themselves from a vote. One trustee sought a motion but the item did not receive a second and the measure was tabled.
Trustees asked staff to return the resolution with clearer safeguards: changes to social‑media account names so they no longer include the term “committee,” documentation of the new nonprofit’s officers, and guidance on recusals before any transfer proceeds. The board indicated the funds in question derive from sponsor gifts and are not taxpayer funds, noting the planned transfer would formalize a long‑standing but informal arrangement.
No vote on the substance of the transfer occurred; trustees agreed to revisit the matter with revised language and additional background information.
