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East Fishkill board approves hires, grant applications and water-district planning
Summary
Following the moratorium vote, the East Fishkill Town Board authorized police hires, staffing changes, WIIA grant applications for a proposed Hopewell Railroad Water Improvement Area, awarded trade-service contract authorizations, and contracted a traffic consultant for Hopewell Hamlet work.
After the public hearing on data centers, the East Fishkill Town Board moved through routine and project business during the June 25 meeting.
Personnel: The board approved two police hires — Ryan Fells (start date Aug. 24, 2026) and Eddie Gonzalez (transfer effective June 29, 2026) — and authorized several clerical hires and seasonal labor positions in accordance with CSEA contracts. Police leadership described the hires as replacements and expressed confidence in the candidates presented.
Water and wastewater planning: The board declared lead agency and adopted negative declarations needed to advance planning for the Hopewell Railroad Water Improvement Area and the Hopewell Hamlet wastewater-treatment-plant upgrades, actions that are prerequisites to applying for state WIIA grants. The board authorized staff to submit WIIA applications for the Railroad Water Improvement Area and Hopewell Hamlet wastewater plant; members noted that maximum award amounts and overall project budgets will be determined by grant processes and that at least one member abstained from votes where an appearance issue arose.
Facilities, contracts and planning: Town staff were authorized to award bids for trade services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) to ensure timely maintenance of town facilities. The board approved a change order with WSP USA to design a filtration and connection for Well No. 5 to increase municipal water supply capacity and awarded a contract to Patricia Lynch Associates for traffic mitigation planning and roundabout studies tied to DOT bridge work in Hopewell Hamlet.
Process and next steps: Board members said projects such as the water-district formation and WIIA applications depend on grant awards and further study; the board also signaled it will use consultants where necessary to evaluate traffic, water and environmental impacts.
Meeting logistics: The board noted upcoming community events including America 250 celebrations at Hopewell Recreation Complex on July 11 and summer concerts; the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026.
