Council Explores Sharpening Code Enforcement - Joint Comprehensive Plan WaterSewer System Underway

MIDDLETOWN - Middletown Council members discussed strengthening enforcement regarding unregistered vehicles following accusations of an unpermitted junkyard operation at the March 12 meeting.

Junk Car Complaint

The council received an anonymous complaint regarding an undisclosed property accused of operating an unpermitted junkyard for five years. The council decided to keep the property location concealed until further information is gathered. The complainant accuses their neighbors of maintaining roughly five unregistered vehicles.

Supervisor Glen Faulkner reported that Code Officer Hiram Davis had been informed of the complaint and visited the property. It is believed the special permit the owners possess permits 10 unregistered vehicles. Davis is still investigating.

The complaint opened concern for other unregistered vehicles throughout town. Councilmember Brian Sweeney asked that Davis explore other glaring issues with numerous unmarked vehicles. Sweeney noted the town code allows for just one unregistered vehicle on a property at a time. "I do think it's a problem," he said. Sweeney asked that Davis provide a timeline to remove vehicles for violating individuals.

Councilmember Nelson Delameter echoed Sweeney's concerns adding that some vehicles have license plates with no registration.

Faulkner agreed to inform Davis the council wants to "sharpen our enforcement with these issues."

Before the discussion, Davis provided an annual report for 2024.

Joint Water/Sewer

With the FEMA Grant on pause, Councilmember Robin Williams is working with the Syracuse Environmental Finance Center to secure water infrastructure grants. The free program provides grant writing support. They have found an engineering grant that could help update the engineering plans previously drafted by Lamont Engineering for connecting the Arkville and Margaretville water districts.

The town began exploring connecting the districts as a means to increase sustainability, explained Faulkner. The issue was first discussed in 2024. Benefits include creating redundancy and financial sustainability through additional customers paying into the system, he said. Another major advantage would be to support new construction opportunities in areas along the New York Route 28 corridor that currently have no access to community water or sewer, said Faulkner.

Joint Comprehensive Plan

After an unsuccessful RFP (request for proposal) attempt, the council decided to join forces with villages Margaretville and Fleischmanns to update the comprehensive plan.  

A comprehensive plan is a policy document used to guide the growth and development of a jurisdiction and unify common goals. The procedure can be used or quoted for grant applications, and when in opposition to state or federal regulations.

Both Margaretville and Middletown have individually secured $50,000 Smart Growth Grants to update their plans. The two municipalities agreed to include Fleischmanns despite their lack of funding.

"I think we are attached at the hip," said Faulkner, "I think it tmakes since, it would be hard to exclude one small segment of our overall community."

In other business

The Margaretville Telephone Company (MTC) franchise agreement was approved. A public hearing on the matter was held at a previous meeting.

The council successfully transferred $250,000 to NYClass, a municipal investment bank.

Roxbury, Middletown, Andes, Hardenburgh, Haucketsville, Fleischmanns, and Margaretville representatives are meeting with Westchester Medical officials to discuss updating primary care and hospital services. Ambulance staff shortages are expected to be on the agenda.

Middletown was one of 315 municipalities awarded the Justice Court Assistance Program grant for 2024-2025. The town received $6,850.95 to install a security half-door, TV video system, and door access system.

Due to staffing shortages, aging equipment, and operational expenses, Delaware County will not renew the cemetery support mowing service contract with the town of $3,500. The town cemetery task force has been charged with identifying mowing needs and alternative options.

Ulster County is acting lead agency regarding health and safety issues for the Mountain Jam Festival at Belleayre Mountain scheduled for June 20 to 22. The council received correspondence from concerned residents regarding a proposed off-site RV campsite in Highmount. A public informational regarding the festival is scheduled Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shandaken Town Hall, 7209 NY-28. Faulkner and Nelson plan to attend.

MARK Project was hired at $500 to write an O'Connor grant to update the HVAC system at town hall.

The Council is expected to discuss a three-year contract with Rave Mobile Safety for $2,500 annually at the next regular meeting on April 9. The service would provide emergency messaging, road closures, and other alerts to residents signing up. The council is applying for an O'Connor Foundation grant to help fund the service.

The council entered an executive session to discuss personnel issues and legal matters.