Ryan probe drags on

By RICK REMSNYDER
Posted 10/26/22

The investigation of Plattekill Police Chief Joseph Ryan’s accident in his patrol car in New Jersey on September 1 continues to drag on with no end in sight.

There has been no update on the …

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Ryan probe drags on

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The investigation of Plattekill Police Chief Joseph Ryan’s accident in his patrol car in New Jersey on September 1 continues to drag on with no end in sight.

There has been no update on the status of the investigation during the last two Plattekill Town Board meetings, including the last one on October 19.

Following the meeting, new board member Bill Kras expressed some frustration about the town’s lack of progress with the Ryan investigation when interviewed by the Southern Ulster Times.

“I’m learning being a new board member that things in government do not move as quickly as I and many town taxpayers might like,” he said. “But the issue is not dead.”

Kras said there eventually would be a resolution to the probe and it would be announced in public.

Supervisor Jennifer Salemo said the board is now discussing possible policy changes regarding travel by town employees.

Ryan crashed his 2021 Ford Explorer police car into a light pole trying to avoid another vehicle that had merged into his lane during a trip on September 1 to visit relatives in Toms River, N.J.

The cost of repairs to Ryan’s car were estimated to be $12,500.26, according to an insurance claim.

Ryan has maintained that under terms of his contract he can travel out of Ulster County and has traveled extensively in his vehicle since being promoted to police chief in 2007.

Salemo said the board doesn’t agree with Ryan’s position.

“The only rule he broke is that he used a town vehicle outside of our jurisdiction,” she said following the board meeting. “He doesn’t have a car. When he does use it again, the policies will be a little bit clearer.”

Salemo said since the policies are still being worked on, there’s no point in making any public pronouncements about the investigation and the report that will be released to the public.

The board decided no disciplinary action was warranted against Ryan, she said.

“There was no drinking and driving,” she said. “There was no hitting a pedestrian. Nothing like that. He took the car out of the area. Is that grounds for dismissal? I don’t think so. The board didn’t think so. We’re just trying to tighten our reins a little bit so we don’t encounter this again.”

In other news, it was announced there would be a public hearing on the 2023 budget at 7 p.m. on November 2 at the next board meeting.

Ulster County Legislator Kevin Roberts, who represents Plattekill, told the Town Board that the county is continuing its Cares Small Business Assistance Program.

Under the Cares II program, a total of $950,000 will be allocated to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Businesses are eligible for grants of up to $35,000 and funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement status.

Applications will be accepted starting October 31. Information is available at UlsterCountyNY.gov/oed.

The program is part of the funding available through the American Recovery Plan Act.

Roberts, a Republican, reported that all 16 Democrats voted against extending the “gas tax holiday” that was implemented in June amid soaring gas prices that were nearing $5 a gallon. The holiday is set to expire on December 31.

It was defeated 16-7 along party lines with only the seven Republicans voting to extend it, Roberts said.

“So, next year gas will be going up about 12 cents a gallon in Ulster County,” Roberts said. “Sorry to have to report that.”