Hunter Hears Dispensary Update

TANNERSVILLE — The latest Town of Hunter Board meeting on February 27 covered various topics, from law enforcement updates to planning board developments, code enforcement reports, and budget-related decisions.

Town of Hunter Police Sergeant Robert Haines kicked off the meeting with his monthly report for January, highlighting the town's law enforcement activities. Haines stated, "It was a busy month," noting three arrests, 89 criminal complaints, and 62 traffic tickets issued. 

Surprisingly, zero parking tickets were handed out during the period.

Planning Board Chair Marc Czermerys addressed ongoing matters, including the extension approval for the Cortina Valley area subdivision development, an issue that has persisted for approximately a decade. 

Czermerys also discussed reviewing updated site plans for the proposed Catskill Mountain Cannabis distribution center in Elka Park and the Dutcher Hollow event space. He emphasized that the town board has the authority to end the extensions for the Cortina Valley subdivision if necessary.

Building code enforcement officer Rose Santiago presented her report for January, which included details on building permits, Short Term Rental permits, municipal searches, and inspections. Santiago expressed concern about lowballing property values during renovations and suggested revising the code enforcement fee structure.

Councilperson Ernie Reale proposed a potential flat fee, but Santiago countered with a minimum payment and an additional cost based on the square footage of a renovation. The Board motioned to have the town attorney examine the fee structure law.

In other discussions, the Board addressed issues such as renting and operating an excavator for road maintenance, installing dash cameras on town highway vehicles, and requesting a Pomeroy Foundation Grant to commemorate the Fenwick Lumber Company's historical significance.

Elaine Warfield proposed the historical marker project: "It's kind of a long process." The town agreed to sponsor the project, placing a blue sign with gold lettering near state land along Route 214.

A motion was passed to restrict international phone calls from town hall offices due to hacking incidents. The Board also decided to invest $120,000 from the Town's Good Neighbor Fund into the NYCLASS Local Government Investment Pool for higher interest returns.

The meeting concluded with discussions about an upcoming Catskill Watershed Corporation meeting and approval for the 11th Manatoose Revenge Ultramarathon, a 53-mile race scheduled for April 22 that covers areas in the Town of Hunter.