■ A public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 118 of the Village Code is scheduled for Aug. 28 at Village Hall. The revisions will enable the village to collect up to a 5 percent occupancy tax from hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Mayor Kathleen Foley, at the Wednesday (Aug. 14) meeting of the board, indicated a similar tax on short-term rentals, such as those booked through Airbnb and VRBO, will be next on the agenda.
■ Foley reported that heavy rains on July 9 created three sinkholes, including around a stormwater drain near Fishkill Avenue and Main Street. “As we deal with our aging infrastructure, bigger and more regular storms, these pop-up issues are going to continue to happen,” she said, adding that there have been complaints about village crews falling behind on routine maintenance items, a situation made worse by reduced staffing in recent weeks. Foley said preparation for predicted storms is a priority for village crews. “I will take that use of their time any day over cutting the grass if it can prevent a resident’s house from flooding,” she said.
■ The board accepted a $4,100 bid from Badey and Watson to survey Fair Street for stormwater drain repairs needed after the July 2023 storms. Foley said the job was awarded to Badey and Watson because it said the work could be completed in 10 days. Rowan Survey submitted a lower bid of $3,000 but said it would need six weeks. Geological Land Surveying bid the project at $9,000 with an eight- to 10-week timeline.
■ The village plans to apply for Pro-Housing Community Certification from New York State. The program recognizes municipalities that take action to support housing growth by making them eligible for related grants. By applying, the village pledges to enact policies that “encourage a broad range of housing development, including multifamily housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units and supportive housing.”
■ Matt Jackson, the officer-in-charge of the Cold Spring Police Department, reported that officers responded to 217 calls in July, including 56 traffic stops, 53 building checks, 17 assists to emergency services, nine welfare checks, eight fire department assists, six motor vehicle crashes, three reports of suspicious persons, two people in crisis, two disputes and calls regarding fireworks, assault, theft, a marine incident, a missing person, trespassing, disorderly conduct and an overdose.
■ The Cold Spring Fire Co. answered 25 calls in July, including three mountain rescues, two Hudson River incidents, two motor vehicle crashes and calls for a downed powerline, a boat fire and an open burn.
