Water District Loan, Deputy CEO, Traffic Concerns In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN - In a brief meeting of the Middletown Town Board, the council approved a loan, hired a deputy code enforcement officer, and reviewed traffic concerns on Aug. 13. Supervisor Glen Faulkner was absent from the meeting.

Water District Loan

After a lengthy discussion, the council approved an $8,000 loan for the Halcottsville Water District. The resolution did not establish a payback schedule. Funds will bring the system up to compliance after a New York State Department of Health inspection identified several issues. The council will continue to seek grant opportunities or other solutions to sustain the district, which serves roughly 28 homes. With so few users and other sizable repairs upcoming, the council agreed that long-term solutions are needed.

Code Enforcement

Zach Haverly was hired as a deputy code enforcement officer at $28 per hour, a position that will remain in effect through the end of 2025. Starting in 2026, Haverly is expected to be paid $30 per hour. The deputy officer will work roughly seven hours a week, with additional hours if needed. Haverly currently serves as code officer in the village of Walton and the town of Andes.

"I think he's going to be a tremendous asset for the town," said Councilmember Nelson Delameter, who was present at Haverly's interview.

The search for a deputy officer was initiated following the withdrawal of Code Enforcement Officer Hirim Davis's resignation, which noted the town's efforts to address workload concerns.

Traffic Concerns

The town received a letter from Richard Siegel regarding traffic laws aimed at increasing safety on behalf of New Kingston residents. Siegel explained that once dirt roads such as Thompson Hollow Road were paved, drivers no longer naturally slowed down. He asked the board to consider lowering the speed limit to 45 miles per hour on Thompson Hollow and Route 28. "We love the fact that our roads are paved, but we need the roads to be safe," he states.  

Siegel further requested that yellow center stripes be placed on roads such as Thompson Hollow, which allow drivers to cut through to other towns.

In conclusion, Siegel wrote, "Our community has grown, our traffic laws need to reflect the increase in traffic that are on our roads."

Councilmember Brian Sweeney reported that Faulkner has spoken with Superintendent of Highways John Biruk and requested that Siegel attend September's board meeting. He noted that Biruk was not in favor of changing regulations.

From a financial point of view, Councilmember Colleen Martin did not think there was money in the budget for yellow lines. She further noted the roads might not be wide enough to permit lines.

One resident suggested placing "blind hill" or "blind turn" signs in areas that are tight.

In other business

The dog control officer responded to 87 of 110 calls, totaling 91 hours of work.

Delta Engineering toured the transfer station facilities. Although the area is small, the engineers noted, they were willing to submit a proposal, reported Delameter. The council extended the RFP due date to Aug. 29.

Councilmember Robin Williams reported on concerns regarding public transportation. She said local organizations, such as Catskill Neighbors and Margaretville Hospital, are working to encourage the Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) to expand its services to Middletown. She also encouraged everyone to take the transportation survey created by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m.