Town board approves $150,000 budget move to build new park pavilion

The Ancram Town Board on a unanimous voice vote approved a resolution to move $150,000 from the town’s fund balance into budget line 8020 to fund the Blast Park pavilion project.

Monica, who reported on the project, said the town had been awarded a $125,000 grant from Didi Barrett's office and that contractors were under contract to build a 30-by-60 timber-frame pavilion. "We were awarded in January, a $125,000 from Didi Barrett's office for the blast field right revitalization project is what we're calling it," Monica said, reading the grant background to the board. The selected builder’s quoted price for the structure was $99,331 and the recommended site work contractor quoted $29,700, leaving the total slightly above the grant amount. The resolution authorizes $25,000 of town funds to cover the shortfall and moves $150,000 into the pavilion budget line to ensure contractors can proceed.

Board members discussed the project timeline and reimbursement process. Monica outlined key dates: stamped plans expected the week of the 28th, footing and stone installation the week of May 12, building materials delivered the week of June 30 and the two-day building erection the same week. She warned that grant reimbursement paperwork could take up to a year. The resolution was read aloud, moved and seconded and carried by the board.

The board also asked staff to coordinate with the summer camp so programming can continue while construction occurs and to ensure receipts and documentation are retained for grant reimbursement.

The pavilion resolution was read in full during the meeting; the board carried the motion and directed staff to proceed with contract administration and reimbursement filing.