Town Board

January 7, 2020

Closed Session

Meeting with Interfaith Council

Discussion of vandalism

Regular Session

1. Report on vandalism

Supervisor Slater and Police Chief Noble gave a report and update on the recent vandalism. A $2,500 reward is being offered for any tips. The town is looking into how to make its buildings safer and also looking into funding sources for any needed hardening measures.

The board also passed a resolution condemning hate crimes and other forms of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination or vandalism.

2. Personnel

Comptroller: Reappointed Patricia Caporale

Tax Receiver: Reappointed Barbara Korsak

Board of Assessment Review: Reappointed Peter Capek

Deputy Supervisor: Councilman Tom Diana

Executive Assistant to Supervisor: Jenna Belcastro

3. Courtesy of the Floor

Rick Romanski, a member of the Recreation Commission expressed concern about the recent reappointment and appointment of elected officials and a department head to the Recreation Commission. He questioned whether it was legal for people holding these positions to serve on the Commission and also whether the reappointment of two members made in December before their terms expired was legal.  He also called for a general overview of the policy and procedures governing the Commission.

Supervisor Slater asked the town attorney to review the legal issues that were raised and the board said it would discuss the matter at its next work session.  It was noted that the town law setting up the Rec Commission dates back to about 1968 or earlier.  (See Town Board 12-17-2019.)

4. Legal Services

Authorized the supervisor to sign an agreement with the law firm of Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt to provide emergency interim legal services while the board advertises an RFP for permanent services. The interim town attorney will be Adam Rodrigues. Compensation will be under the same terms as the prior agreement with the Oxman Law Group.

5. New advisory committees

The Board created the following advisory committees but did not appoint any members.

Veterans Advisory Committee

Census Complete Count Committee

Climate Smart Communities Task Force

6. Miscellaneous resolutions

Designated board liaisons to various town advisory boards, commissions and committees

Adopted meeting calendar for 2020