Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grants Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rhinebeck board moves to submit LOI for county CDBG funding to fix mini park drainage
Summary
The board voted to submit a letter of intent (LOI) to the county to seek Community Development Block Grant funding for a drainage and French-drain project at the village mini park, committing to develop the full application and to a local funding contribution if awarded.
The Village of Rhinebeck board voted to submit a letter of intent (LOI) to the county for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to repair drainage at the mini park and authorized village staff and consultants to prepare the LOI and follow-up application.
Board members and Brandy, the consultant who presented the drainage assessment, described a “belt-and-suspenders” approach: correct failing road drainage pipes that currently discharge onto the mini park, convey runoff past the park, and install French drains under and around the playground area to lower the surface groundwater table. “There’s quite a lot of water that drains through that section pipe, and it just dead ends now,” Brandy said, summarizing video and investigative work showing pipe clogging and sediment fill.
The proposed project total is $220,000, according to materials discussed at the meeting: $175,000 for construction, a 20% contingency, and $45,000 for surveying and design. Grants are available for up to $200,000 from the county’s CDBG program; board members noted that pursuing the maximum grant would require the village to commit to the remaining local share (roughly $20,000 or more, depending on final budget and contingency). The transcript records that the village does not have to finalize that contribution before submitting the LOI, but the board must be prepared to include the local match in future budgeting if awarded.
The county’s schedule requires a LOI by Feb. 3 and full applications by March 3; the county’s CDBG program year begins Aug. 1, 2025. The board set a public hearing for Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. as part of the application process and approved submitting the LOI prior to that hearing so the county receives the LOI in time; members noted the LOI can be rescinded or modified after public input if necessary.
The board voted to submit the LOI and to have staff/consultants (Brandy and Tanya Vaughn) assist in preparing the application. The transcript shows a voice vote recorded as “aye.” Board members acknowledged that final budget decisions and the village’s matching contribution would be addressed during the normal budget process if the grant is recommended.
