The Marlborough Town Board was very supportive of a kayak and canoe rental service proposal at its April 26 meeting, and just came short of approving it. The members decided they needed additional time to consider what the lease agreement would look like.

“I would like the opportunity to open a new kayak business on the banks of the Hudson down in the Milton Landing area,” Colin Murphy said Monday evening. “I talked to a lot of people in this community and a lot of people actually like it.”

Murphy’s proposed business would operate Thursdays through Sundays on the shores behind the Milton-on-Hudson. Both walk-ins and reservations are accepted, and business would be conducted out of his Ford F350 van. Though the heavy canoes would have to be carried across the tracks, Murphy said it was preferable because the beach was less rocky and “treacherous” than at other parts.

Murphy, a Desert storm veteran, would reserve Wednesdays to take other veterans on guided tours. He promised the board members that he would offer a canoe or kayak to the town for employees to use it as they see fit.

With six canoes and three kayaks in his arsenal, Murphy promised the board safety as at the top of mind. He has been studying the river, kayaking business and countless techniques to minimize incidents for the past three years and has collected rental items that would float in case of emergency. Life jackets, parental signatures for minors and classes for new paddlers would all be required. Additionally, rentals would be shut down at the sight of ill weather.

“We all like the idea. I like the idea. I think it’s great. It promotes the park, it promotes the town, it brings another clientele into the town,” said Councilman Allan Koenig.

Though all board members loved the idea, a few raised concerns about offering a lease agreement to Murphy that didn’t require some type of payment to the town in exchange for his use of park property.

“If we set up a lease agreement where we’re just allowing people to set up business on town parks without any financial trade off, I think we’re setting ourselves up for the future for possible other people wanting the same deal, you know what I’m saying?” Councilman Scott Corcoran said, adding that the property is owned by taxpayers.

Town Supervisor Al Lanzetta pointed out that not only was Murphy a disabled veteran — he lost his hearing in war — but he is providing a service to other veterans. Lanzetta said that approving the proposal would be a testament to how highly the Town of Marlborough regards its veterans.

“So we could actually help him out a little bit more than any other person,” Lanzetta said.

The board ultimately decided to consult its legal advisors on the situation and to revisit in two weeks. Murphy said he planned to open the business “when it gets warm,” and would be willing to wait the 14 days to get an OK.