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Board authorizes water-tank bid solicitation, hears grant options and fire company staffing concerns
Summary
The Town Board approved solicitation of bids for a Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project, set May procurement dates, reviewed federal and state grant opportunities and discussed a Red Hook Fire Company letter citing a decline in active membership and a possible study of service delivery.
The Red Hook Town Board voted unanimously on April 22 to authorize solicitation of bids for the Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project, based on design work from Tighe & Bond. The resolution set a pre-bid meeting for May 5, 2026 and a bid opening for May 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Brandee Nelson of Tighe & Bond presented several federal and state funding sources the town could pursue for infrastructure projects, including EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance, WIFIA loans, USDA Water & Waste Disposal grants and loans, McHenry Community Planning Grants, cybersecurity grants, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund intended-use plan, NY PLAYS and Resilient Watersheds grants. Nelson recommended the Board identify priority projects—Supervisor McKeon mentioned Traditional Neighborhood District infrastructure and the prior proposed walkway connection to Hannaford Drive—and meet with the Village of Red Hook to strengthen sewer and wastewater grant applications.
Supervisor McKeon also reviewed correspondence from Richard Hilbrandt, president of the Red Hook Fire Company, reporting a notable decline in active membership and difficulty meeting contractual service terms. McKeon proposed the Town and Village seek a grant to fund a study of service delivery options, which could include restructuring, contracting with a single company for areas outside villages, or creating a fire district. Councilmember William Hamel noted state complexity around establishing town-level fire companies and said state-funded studies may be available.
Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 16 to solicit bids for the Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project—adopted by roll call, Ayes 5, Nays 0; Standard Work Day and Reporting continuation form for elected and appointed officials—adopted Ayes 5, Nays 0; appointment of Chris Carney as ZBA Chair—adopted Ayes 5, Nays 0. The Board also recorded acceptance of meeting procedures and adjourned by unanimous vote.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: staff will hold the pre-bid meeting on May 5 and accept bids through May 21; Board members were asked to review grant priorities and to coordinate with the Village for sewer-related grant applications. No final decision on fire-service restructuring was reached; the Board intends to pursue grant funding and intermunicipal talks to evaluate options.
