Members of the Plattekill Town Board met the newest addition to the Plattekill Police Department. Chief Joseph Ryan was pleased to introduce Kevin Doyle, a current phase one cadet at the Ulster Police academy.

Doyle will be entering phase two in November. Chief Ryan assured the Town Board that Doyle will be an excellent fit for the Plattekill Police Department. Mr. Doyle was sworn in by Plattekill Town Clerk Barbara Dawes.

Eagle Scout Project Complete at Thomas Felten Park
As promised, Patrick Leonard, a Boy Scout with Troop 70, returned to the Plattekill Town Board with the news that his Eagle Scout project is officially complete.

Leonard, with the assistance of the Plattekill Highway Department, installed a fitness area at Thomas Felten Park. The fitness area includes a pull up bar, sit up bar and bench. Mr. Leonard went above and beyond the original project by donating a water fountain and bottle filling station at the pavillion. Supervisor Joseph Croce was thankful for the hard work Leonard put into the project. He suspects that the campers attending the Plattekill summer camp will be especially grateful for the new water fountain.

Plattekill Veterans Committee gears up for Veteran Day events
Sis Morse, chair of the Plattekill Veterans Committee, approached the Town Board with updates about the Veterans Day events scheduled this November in Plattekill. A Veterans Day Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 10 2019 at Thomas Felten Park. On Monday, November 11, Aloha Home Acres will hold its Veterans Day ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. Speaking at the November 11 ceremony will be Town Supervisor Joseph Croce. All are welcome to attend these special events.

The Plattekill Veterans Committee relies on fundraising efforts and donations in order to provide events and services to the community. Plattekill Day proved to be a successful fundraising event for the committee. A total of $22,553 was raised for the Plattekill Veterans Committee.

Building Department announces fee increases starting in 2020

Scott Mandoske, the code enforcement officer for the Town of Plattekill, approached the Town Board seeking approval to increase the fees charged by the town for inspections, building permits, and other services. Fees charged by the Building Department have remained the same for ten years. Over those ten years, increases in the cost of gas, fieldwork, and the need to increase pay, along other factors, has resulted the need to increase building fees. Mr. Mandoske researched the cost of fees charged by neighboring towns in order not outprice Plattekill. A drastic increase in building fees would discourage development in the town. Across the board, residents and potential builders will see a 20% increase in fees. For example, the cost of a general building permit in the Town of Plattekill would be raised from $50 to $75. The Town Board agreed to the new fees, which will go into effect January 1st 2020.

Public Hearing for 2020 Budget date set
The public hearing for the 2020 proposed Plattekill Town budget will be held at the next Plattekill Town Board meeting, scheduled for November 6, 2019. Residents can pick up a copy of the proposed budget at the Plattekill Town Hall starting the last week of October. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing with their thoughts, suggestions and comments. The 2020 Town of Plattekill budget must be finalized by November 20.