Delhi Declared June Pride Month

Tentative Property Assessment & Recreation Improvements

By Mary A. Crisafulli

DELHI - Council members accepted the proclamation application for June to be declared Pride Month in Delhi. The application met all criteria necessary for a proclamation to be accepted including 53 signatures of the required 50. The proclamation passed 3-1 with Supervisor Maya Boukai, Matthew Krzyston, and Christina Viafore in favor, Margaret Baldwin sol against, and Josh Morgan absent. 

The proclamation, brought forth by Amy Randall, honors the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 sparked by Marsha P. Johnson, an advocate for the gay liberation movement and self-identified drag queen. During a police raid of the Stonewall Inn in NYC where many gay men were targeted, Johnson along with others led a series of protests. The following year in 1970 the first Gay Pride Parade was initiated. 

Pride Month is a time for celebration, education, and advocacy for LBGTQ+ rights, explained Randall. "The proclamation helps educate people about issues and promotes acceptance and equality," she said.

Baldwin said she understands Pride Month is already recognized nationally and that the proclamation seeks to bring it to the local level. Baldwin added that on a personal level, she is in support of Pride Month, but as an elected official she wanted follow thru. "There seems to be a focus on division and I want to see things turned into a positive uniting situation," she said.

Baldwin asked Randall if there were any celebrations or educational events scheduled to give the declaration merit, to which Randall said she believes the organization Delaware County Pride has some things organized throughout June. She continued to explain that when seeking signatures she had others question the proclamation as Baldwin has. People asked her, why one group needs to be singled out and what is it about the LGBTQ+ community that requires special focus. "To me it is indicative of progress," said Randall. "The marginalized group deserves the protection of the non marginalized," she explained, "There has to be a moment where we all understand that unity has to happen with love and that we all see each other as human beings and right now we don't but maybe someday we will because people like me keep talking about it."

In other reports, it was announced that the tentative property assessment roll is completed and a copy is available by request to the town clerk or at the county website at co.delaware.ny.us/departments/tax/rolls.htm. The role may be viewed by any person until May 28. The assessor will be available to go over the roll or answer questions at the town hall at 5 Elm Street on Monday, May 20, Tuesday, May 21, and Saturday, May 25 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., and Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Complaints will be heard on Tuesday, May 28 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

In another discussion, several updates to the town recreation area - pool, playground, and concession stand - were discussed.

The town was alerted by comments on Facebook and a phone call from a concerned resident that dog feces were found in the playground area. Dog Control Officer Christopher Bodo and Clerk Elsa Schmitz created a sign banning dogs from the playground. The sign has been installed.

Boukai was pleased to announce the town received nine or 10 lifeguard applications and the pool covers are coming off on Wednesday, May 22.

After a suggestion by a resident, Krzyston the arts and crafts program will be back this year at the pool led by a qualified individual with the Cannon Free Library. Krzyston expects roughly four Saturdays over the summer to have arts and crafts programming. While he didn't want to announce the educator's name quite yet, Krzyston said, "There's nobody better."

The concession stand camera has been installed and is functioning, reported Krzyston. SUNY Delhi students installed indoor lighting and painted the concession building. "It looks really beautiful," said Krzyston, "I think we are halfway there." Since the students will be ending the school year, Krzyston said he has volunteers lined up to finish work which includes installation of outdoor lighting.

Viafore is researching options for a remote bathroom facilities lock. Currently, the bathrooms are only open during pool hours, though Viafore says people use the park and area at other times. The lock minimum would allow for the bathrooms to be locked and unlocked virtually. Viafore said depending on cost, they could install the hardware and if it is abused it could be discontinued.

Former council member Bill Cairns asked the council to consider installation of speed bumps at the American Legion roadway. According to Cairns, the original agreement with the Legion included seasonal speed bumps to permit use of the road for park/pool access. This roadway is the only access to the town facilities. Boukai and Highway Superintendent Daren Evans will discuss the process.

In other business: 

The council put in its annual vote to elect Coalition of Watershed Towns (CWT) Executive Board members. The council voted for Andes Supervisor Wayland Gladstone, Middletown Supervisor Glen Faulkner, and Walton Mayor Ed Snow. The council also voted for Meredith Councilmember Will Outsen, Delhi Councilmember Christina Viafore, and Delhi Mayor Jeffrey Gearhart as alternate CWT board members. Although Boukai was on the ballot for a CWT seat the council did not vote for her. Boukai is expected to be appointed to the Delaware Opportunities Executive Board later this month. "I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and I feel Delaware Opportunities is going to be a good fit," she said. In addition, the board agreed there is enough representation for Delhi with Viafore and Gerheart on the ballot.

The council accepted a bid from Mountain View Property Management to mow the pool, playground, town hall, and highway garage for $160 per mow. The council expects to require 10 mows over the summer season.

The Delhi Dolphin Swim Team donated $136 to the town pool.

The council submitted a job description for county review for a cleaning service provider. Boukai will look into getting the town courtroom carpet shampooed. 

Boukai reported the county has broken ground on the new Social Services housing shelter on Main Street and the foster family visitation center, also on Main Street, is being furnished.

Viafore reported possible development of email addresses for the planning board and swim lessons.

Highway Superintendent Daren Evans was permitted to attend annual highway school from June 3-5. The school is intended to help local highway departments keep up with modern standards and regulations, explained Evans. The cost will be split with the village.

Town Historian Marianne Greenfield was permitted to attend a Revolutionary War conference in Fort Plain from June 14-15. Greenfield sought attendance at this event to help her in development of a project to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War which takes place from 2025 until 2033. "I am thrilled about the project and I just can't wait to learn more about it," said Greenfield.

The council is exploring options for council members' virtual attendance of meetings. If a council member has to miss a meeting they could have the option to attend virtually with limitations, explained Boukai.

The council entered an executive session to discuss the employment history of an individual.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Monday, June 10 at 6 p.m.