Jefferson Town Board Organizes for the New Year

By Liz Page

JEFFERSON  – Members of Jefferson Town Board went down the list of official appointments and designations to start the new year last Thursday, with few changes. They also heard a proposal from Eric Schwartz, representing Oorah, Inc.  to have a cross walk across state Route 10 at Castle Mountain Road. They were discouraged to note that someone has been stealing the recyclable bottles from a pair of barrels designated to raise money for Jefferson Heritage Day.

Among the official appointments were the Mountain Eagle Newspaper as official newspaper and Wayne Bank as the official depository. Mike West will remain the town attorney, Olivia Eppich the youth coordinator, Erin House, the water commissioner, Chris Twyble as dog control officer and deputy highway commissioner. Bonnie Dailey was appointed town historian, Don VanValkenburgh the daily water tester, the Evening Star as official bookkeeper.

Meetings will continue on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. with  the warrants reviewed by the board at 6:30 p.m..

The town supervisor will remain as budget officer and service officer. Vanessa Irwin will be the water bill collector, Rich Irwin was appointed code enforcement officer. Mark Los was reappointed as chairman of the Assessment Review Board, Ken Cole as deputy town supervisor and as the delegate to the Catskill Revitalization Corporation. Sarrah Abbatine is the planning board chairman , Valeri Darcie was appointed to a five-year seat on the planning board and Catherine Jonker will serve as the alternate member to the planning board and as secretary. Mileage for official town business will be paid at 73.5 cents per mile.

Eric Schwartz was present to ask the town board to install a cross walk across Route 10 at Castle Mountain Road. He said there is a great deal of pedestrian traffic for Camp Oorah's Boys Division over the summer months. The town board approved a motion to send it on to the state Department of Transportation, which will do a survey and determine if the crosswalk is appropriate. They will also mark it with the proper signage. The request will be passed on to DOT.

In his report, Rich Irwin said the town did not have to pay for the updated Uniform Building Codes over the past five years, due to the pandemic. However, the town will now have to pay $1,547 to get an updated copy of the state building codes. They opted to pay for three years, rather than a higher annual rate.

The Home Town Heroes banners will be offered for purchase to families and others who wish to honor someone who has served in the military.

The shed used for recycling will be placed for bid as is, with the winning bidder asked to remove it within 30 days. The bids will be opened at the March meeting of the town board. Three people have shown interest in the  8 x 8 shed at this point, prompting the town to offer it for bid. 

Discussion about the thieves taking the recyclable bottles from the barrels at the town parking lot indicated board members are discouraged that someone "would stoop that low" to steal the bottles from a local organization. 

Highway Superintendent Ray Hendrickson reported that the town highway crew has been out plowing and sanding almost daily.

Town board members went into an executive session to discuss possible litigation with no action resulting.

The next meeting will be held February 12 at 7 p.m..