Village of Maybrook Board Meeting

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7 pm

Passing of Jane Schimpf- The Village of Maybrook mourns the passing of Jane Schimpf, 86, of North Port, Florida, formerly of Maybrook, NY. Jane passed away peacefully at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, Florida, on December 21, 2025, after courageously battling a long illness. Jane was deeply involved in the Maybrook community for many years and retired after dedicated service as a Court Clerk for the Village. We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, William Schimpf, former Mayor and Justice of the Village of Maybrook, and to the entire Schimpf family. Jane will be greatly missed by all who knew her and forever remembered by the Village of Maybrook.
Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts (FAST) New York Grant Program- On Friday, December 12, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $43 million had been awarded to upgrade five sites across New York State for competitive industrial use through the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts (FAST) NY Grant Program. FAST NY is designed to prepare and develop sites statewide to accelerate shovel-readiness and enhance New York’s ability to attract large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. Administered by Empire State Development, the program supports site improvements that drive new investment, grow businesses, and create jobs—helping to diversify New York State’s economy. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, I received a call from Governor Hochul’s office informing me that the Village of Maybrook was awarded $25.48 million, the third-highest award granted since the FAST NY program began. For many years, the Maybrook Rail Yard has represented both tremendous promise and missed opportunity. Today, through Governor Hochul’s leadership and the FAST NY program, we take a transformative step forward. This historic State investment will allow for the redevelopment of this long-idle property into the Switchyard Terminal for Economic and Advanced Manufacturing, creating shovel-ready sites that will attract innovative employers and expand economic opportunity for Maybrook and Orange County. With a revitalized infrastructure, the Village of Maybrook is prepared to assume its role as a regional economic center. I extend my sincere appreciation to New York State for its partnership in helping to build a stronger and more prosperous future for our community. This achievement is the result of years of dedicated work that positioned the Village to be considered for a grant of this magnitude. I would like to thank the Village Board—past and present—for their continued support throughout this process. I also extend my gratitude to Village Engineer Sean Hoffman, Village Attorney Liz Cassidy, former Village Attorney Kelly Naughton, Millennium Strategies’ Michael Dzuba, and the Orange County Partnership’s Conor Eckert for their invaluable contributions. Finally, I thank the many residents who supported me over the years and showed patience as we worked toward this milestone. The Village of Maybrook proudly celebrated its 100th Anniversary this past year. We now move forward into our next century with renewed opportunity and optimism—ready to prosper once again, just as we did for so many years as the historic Maybrook Rail Yard. 2026 is going to be a busy and exciting year in the Village of Maybrook!
Retirement of Maybrook Police Chief Arnold (Butch) Amthor – This evening marks both a sad and a happy occasion as we recognize the retirement of Village of Maybrook Police Chief Arnold “Butch” Amthor. I have had the honor and privilege of working with Chief Amthor since 2010. His expertise and deep knowledge of police work helped transform the Maybrook Police Department into the professional organization it is today. Chief Amthor has been a tremendous asset to our village and a trusted mentor to many officers, past and present. Throughout his career in Maybrook, he consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, integrity, and leadership. I am deeply grateful for his years of service to our community. Tonight, we celebrate his retirement, which officially takes effect on January 31, 2026. Chief Amthor has graciously agreed to remain in his role through the end of the month to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for our incoming Maybrook Police Chief, Dennis Barnett. On behalf of the Village of Maybrook Board of Trustees, I extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Chief Arnold “Butch” Amthor— a colleague and a friend— for a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement, shared with his lovely wife, Lisa.
Promotion of Dennis Barnett to Police Chief of the Maybrook Police Department– This evening, it is my recommendation to the Village of Maybrook Board of Trustees to appoint Deputy Chief Dennis Barnett to the rank of Police Chief for the Village of Maybrook. Upon Board approval, Chief Barnett will receive a salary of $34,000 per year. Dennis Barnett has worked closely alongside Chief Arnold “Butch” Amthor for several years, gaining invaluable experience and demonstrating consistent dedication, professionalism, and leadership. His knowledge of the department and commitment to the community will ensure a smooth and seamless transition into his new role as Chief of Police. Having observed his progression through the ranks—Patrolman, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief—I have full confidence in his ability to effectively lead and command the Maybrook Police Department moving forward. Congratulations to Chief Dennis Barnett on this well-earned appointment.
Maybrook’s Annual Christmas House Decorating Contest- The Village of Maybrook proudly hosted its annual Christmas House Decorating Contest. Our judges faced some very tough decisions, as many residents did an outstanding job decorating their homes for the holiday season.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

1st Place: 113 Logans Way – $150 Home Depot Gift Card
2nd Place: 810 Abbey Avenue – $100 Home Depot Gift Card
3rd Place: 506 Everett Place – $75 Home Depot Gift Card

As always, we extend our sincere thanks to all the residents who participated and decorated their homes in the true spirit of Christmas.

Next Village Board Meeting- The next Village Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7 pm at the Maybrook Government Center. The change in date is due to Martin Luther King Day. Happy New Year to all!

Respectfully,

Mayor Dennis K. Leahy