Putnam Valley board approves grant-funded EV chargers at Town Hall campus

Putnam Valley, N.Y. — The Putnam Valley Town Board voted to buy two dual-port ChargePoint Level 2 electric-vehicle chargers for the Town Hall campus after the Climate Smart Task Force recommended the installation and a grant that covers most of the cost.

The board discussed a letter from the task force and a preliminary cost analysis before the Supervisor moved to approve purchasing two ChargePoint 6000-series pedestal stations to be sited near the corner by the road across from Town Hall. The town will receive a $29,822 grant for the project; the board was told the town’s 20 percent share would be $7,455. Officials said chargers will be metered so users pay per kilowatt and the town will retain that revenue for upkeep.

Why it mattered

Supporters said chargers address “range anxiety” in an area with few nearby public charging options and that the installation could also support future electrification of town vehicles. The board discussed siting choices intended to reduce trenching and installation costs by leveraging existing utility poles.

What the board approved and other actions

- Purchase and installation of two ChargePoint dual-port Level 2 chargers (ChargePoint 6000 series), to be funded in part by a $29,822 grant; town match is $7,455. The board opened bids for the project and expected installation before the grant deadline. (Discussion and motion: the board approved the purchase.)

- Ratification of the Supervisor’s signature on a supplemental memorandum adding a Senior Real Property Appraiser position to the CSEA collective bargaining agreement (effective 01/01/2026–12/31/2029). The board voted to ratify the agreement.

- Correction to the CSEA salary schedule: the board ratified a fix that lowered an incorrectly listed 2027 entry from $69,791 to the correct $63,790 for the principal clerk line.

- Provisional reclassification of an Assessor’s Office position: the board approved reclassifying Anthony Toteta to Senior Real Property Appraiser pending passage of the relevant civil service exam (per a supplemental memorandum dated 07/13/2026).

- Temporary appointment: the board approved appointing Thomas Kerr as a temporary skilled laborer at $16 per hour (no benefits) effective 07/15/2026 until the regular employee is medically cleared to return.

- Audit and payment approvals: the board approved the audited monthly bills and, as an amendment, authorized payment to Kingston Equipment Rental Inc. for the Cimarron Road/Bridal project — the second installment of $332,873.21 — which town engineer Todd Atkinson signed off on.

What officials said

The Climate Task Force representative told the board the ChargePoint 6000 series was chosen after reviewing neighboring towns’ programs and a preliminary cost analysis that showed the stations fit the grant and the town’s needs. The Supervisor said the siting chosen would minimize trenching. A public works official outlined how the chargers would be accessible to both the public and town employees.

Public comment and safety notes

During public comment, resident Joe Ferraro said local charging options would reduce range anxiety for EV owners in the area. Other commenters raised safety points about lithium batteries and home-charging practices and recommended community outreach about safe charging and battery handling.

Next steps

Town staff said bids would be opened on the advertised schedule and installation will proceed after a contract is awarded and the town’s share is secured. Separately, the board noted personnel actions will proceed according to the terms outlined in each supplemental memorandum and contingent civil-service or administrative requirements.

Votes at a glance

- EV chargers (purchase of two ChargePoint dual-port stations): approved (motion by the Supervisor). Funding: $29,822 grant; town match $7,455. - Ratify supplemental memorandum adding Senior Real Property Appraiser to CSEA contract: approved. - Corrected CSEA salary schedule: approved. - Provisional reclassification of Anthony Toteta: approved, pending exam. - Appointment of temporary skilled laborer Thomas Kerr (07/15/2026, $16/hour, no benefits): approved. - Approval of audited monthly bills: approved. - Payment to Kingston Equipment Rental Inc. for Cimarron Road project — $332,873.21: approved; signed off by town engineer Todd Atkinson.

(All vote outcomes and dollar amounts reflect board statements during the meeting.)