Plattekill Board discusses new discovery laws

By Stacia Donaldson
Posted 12/24/19

Plattekill Town Supervisor Joseph Croce announced an addition to the December 18 Plattekill Town Board meeting agenda. At the request Town Supervisor’s request, Special Prosecutor Danial Rusk, …

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Plattekill Board discusses new discovery laws

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Plattekill Town Supervisor Joseph Croce announced an addition to the December 18 Plattekill Town Board meeting agenda. At the request Town Supervisor’s request, Special Prosecutor Danial Rusk, Judge Robert Murphy and Judge Annamaria Marciocia, along with Captain Joseph Ryan and Lieutenant William Smith of the Plattekill Police Department, were in attendance to discuss the impact of a new state law that could financially impact the town.

Starting on January 1, prosecutors in New York State will be required to disclose evidence, collected during the discovery phase, to the defense within 15 days of arraignment. Prior to this law, prosecutors were not required to present evidence to the defense until the day the trial begins. Types of evidence includes police equipment reports, officer training records, conviction reports, witness statements and depositions. This new law is part of the sweeping judicial reforms throughout the state. As the new discovery laws apply to not only criminal, but also motor vehicle and traffic violations, the Town of Plattekill and its courts, will be affected.

Like other towns in New York State, Plattekill may see a decrease in revenue as the cost of prosecuting unresolved traffic cases will increase. Daniel Rusk, special prosecutor for the town, spoke of the projected increase in the workload for his office. Plattekill Police Captain Joseph Ryan agreed that his officers will need to adjust their patrols to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. Ryan assured the board that with the help of Lieutenant Smith, they will implement new protocols to assist officers during this transition.

More information on the full impact of the new discovery laws will be discussed at a meeting of the Office of Justice Court Support. Judges Murphy and Marciocia will join 250 other justices to discuss the new judicial reforms for 2020.

Anderson Center for Autism CEO meets with Town Board

Patrick Paul, CEO of the Anderson Center for Autism, met with members of the Town Board to clarify information regarding the establishment of a residence in the town of Plattekill. The new community residence, located on 97 Glen Rock Circle, will be one of the many residencies established by the Anderson Center throughout the Hudson Valley. The residence will be home to five individuals with autism. To assist the residences, staff will be onsite 24 hours a day. Paul assured the board that the residence will be kept in good condition, and that there will be little increase in the car traffic in the neighborhood.

Paul’s hope is that the five individuals, all over the age of 21, will be able to make friends and put down roots in Plattekill. When renovations are complete, the Anderson Center plans to hold and open house at the residence. The Plattekill Town Board had no objections to the establishment of the new community residence, and agreed to write a letter of support for the Anderson Center.

Town Clerk steps down after 30 years of service
Barbara Dawes, a 30- year employee of the Town of Plattekill, attended her last Town Board meeting as the Plattekill Town Clerk. Dawes did not seek re-election this past November. Donna Hedrick, the current assistant town clerk, was elected to the position of Town Clerk, and will be sworn in at the January 2, 2020 Town Board meeting.

Croce and the members of the Plattekill Town Board thanked Dawes for her hard work and dedication.

The Plattekill Town Board’s first meeting of 2020 will be held on January 2. The swearing in ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the reorganizational meeting. The meeting will take place at the Plattekill Town Hall.