The Crawford Town Board welcomed new police officers and honored a distinguished senior citizen at last week’s meeting. 

On Thursday, November 19, Crawford police officers Clarke Osborn (former Chief of the Suffern Police Department), Michael Hughes (former part-time officer in Crawford), Patrick Swayne (previously NYPD officer), were all sworn in alongside Michael Mataraza as he was promoted to Sergeant. Town Clerk, Jessica Kempter performed the swearing in.

Orange County Legislator, Rob Sassi, presented the Orange County Senior of the Year award to Dr. William Bassett. Sassi mentioned Bassett’s previous role as Pine Bush School Superintendent and commended him for various contributions including his work with the Rotary Club and other community service.

Christopher Finnegan, Regional Manager of JCO, Inc. Environmental Services provided an update at the Board’s request around the flushing of hydrants within the water district, the proper use of chemicals, that pool chemical test strips are not accurate for testing residential water, and having dead ends within the hamlet does impact the desired constant flow of water through a continuous loop. No public comment or questions were taken following the presentation.

Supervisor Charles Carnes next spoke from a two-and-a-half-page typed statement responding to what he termed “false information and lies with malice against business owners and residents as well as elected and appointed Town officials” posted on a Facebook page

Carnes continued by addressing issues mentioned on the social media site including the improvements in the Bullville area, explanation regarding the walking trail being a ten year lease to the Town from the County (Orange), clarification around rail trails and the fact none connect to rail beds in nearby towns, and other concerns regarding fire and library district budgets, zoning and public hearings as well as police department staffing.

New business included a discussion around the challenges to repair and replace broker water meters for residents in the water district. Under consideration is imposing a substantial financial charge for those who do not have an accurate meter reading done for proper billing.

The Highway Department has reached what Carnes called a fair agreement including a 1.75% raise effective January 1, 2021. Highway Superintendent Larry Marshall expressed concern around some language within the contract regarding matching job titles to those used by the county as well as being able to promote from within rather than hiring from outside the department when appropriate.

Residents from Depot Street were assured the issues regarding buses and tractor trailers on the road were still being investigated. The Board was encouraged to observe the traffic especially during the 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. hours. The bid for the demolition and removal of buildings in Bullville was awarded to Peter Downs & Sons.

The next board meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 7 p.m.