Plattekill board discusses Citizen of the Year updates, banner placement and accessibility for Plattekill Day

Town volunteers and committee members briefed the board about updates to the Citizen of the Year program and proposed a separate youth award for ages roughly 11–17. Committee members reported clarifications to nomination criteria (excluding publicly elected officials) and asked permission to create an online nomination form or email for submissions. The board discussed whether to add a youth award now or budget it for next year and approved purchasing a new perpetual plaque (estimated $395 total with plate engraving) to replace the existing display.

Public commenters raised complaints about where memorial and sponsor banners were placed along utility poles, noting many poles are not usable because they are owned by Verizon, Central Hudson or private homeowners or are blocked by trees. Volunteers placing banners use a provided list, which the board said limits placement choices; board members asked volunteers to inform purchasers about those limitations before ordering banners.

Residents also urged the board to address accessibility at Plattekill Day by securing transport (golf carts or longer personnel carriers) and improving a path/grade to move attendees up a hill. The board directed staff to obtain pricing and said some longer-term grading work may be part of broader projects.

Why it matters: The discussions involve community recognition, public engagement and equity concerns for seniors and attendees with mobility needs, as well as expectations around volunteer-run programs and communications about banner placement.

Next steps: The board will purchase the new plaque, staff will prepare options for online nomination handling, staff will solicit pricing for transport solutions for Plattekill Day and will continue to manage banner placement constraints with volunteers.