It was not entirely smooth sailing at last week’s Town Board reorganization meeting in Marlborough. The new board, under the leadership of Supervisor Chris Cerone, adopted resolutions for a wide variety of town government functions, from establishing sewer rates and approving the purchase of equipment for the Highway Department to approving salary levels for employees, certifying a town-wide fee schedule and making appointments to various committees. The board ran into stiff criticism concerning their proposed membership for the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC).

Cerone acknowledged the right of the public to comment for a 3-minute period after a resolution is read, when this was pointed out by resident Cindy Lanzetta. She stated that in September 2008, Councilwoman Lisa Biggin proposed a procedural policy, which was subsequently adopted, on how all committee appointments are to be made. It states that open positions are to be advertised and interviews given, as needed.

Lanzetta said that in December a memo was sent to all board members, including the new administration, recommending appointments to the CAC of Brian Simonofsky, Mici Polizzi Simonofsky, Alphonso Lanzetta, Noel Russ, Daniel Salay and herself.

“These are people who followed and applied to be on the CAC,” Lanzetta said. “

These are people who have been active and attended CAC meetings. These are people who have special skills and qualifications to be appointed to the CAC.”
The Town Board, however, set forth an entirely different composition for this committee of Councilman Dr. Anthony Pascale, Deputy Supervisor Stephen Osborn (both as committee persons) and Arlette Porpiglia, Danny Brooks and Amy Hepworth as members.

Lanzetta questioned how the board arrived at their formulation.

“As a representative to the Ulster County Environmental Council, I would like an explanation why the recommendations were ignored and three people who did not apply for the position have been appointed,” she asked.

Lanzetta noted that Hepworth, Porpiglia and Brooks had not applied, with the latter two stating, that for personal reasons, they could no longer attend CAC meetings. In addition, Lanzetta said three high school students, who have been active on the CAC, have been ignored.

“I believe that for political purposes high school student Daniel Salay, who has been involved, you have blown him off,” she said. “It is a shame to put the CAC in this predicament.”

Cerone responded that this is the makeup the board has suggested but left the door open for additional appointments in the future.

Biggin urged her fellow board members to consider Lanzetta’s suggestions, postpone making the appointments and have Pascale and Osborn oversee the process.

Mici Simonofsky indicated to the board that she would like to remain on the CAC.

“I am available and I urge the board to uphold the law and put this under old business [on the agenda],” she said.

In the end, however, the Town Board approved their proposed committee assignments, with Biggin the sole no vote.

When the issue was brought up again at the board meeting Monday Jan. 11, Cerone reiterated his openness in the future but that at this time he was approaching the CAC appointments in a “different way.”

“It is just a philosophical difference and it is not political,” was his response to the implication he was acting in a partisan manner.

The matter was not entirely clarified, however, with members of the public stating that the CAC needs to consist of 7 members – one from the agricultural community, one a student and 7 more from varying backgrounds.

Fire Inspection fee dropped

The Town Board made one change in the fee schedule with the elimination of the $50 fire inspection fee that businesses pay each year. This amounts to nearly $6,000 the town will no longer be collecting, however the Building Department will still be performing the inspections.

Brian Simonofsky pointed out that 65 percent of municipalities in New York charge for the inspection.

“Why eliminate a fee that pays for itself,” he asked the board. “The $50 won’t ruin a business and it will come out of my pocket.”

Councilman Dr. Anthony Pascale said the removal of the fee is a “token of good faith” on the part of the Town Board.

Councilman Eric Affuso echoed Pascale’s sentiment.

“I am about helping the businesses and the residents,” he said. “Many stores are empty and there are no rentals. We’re here to help and not hurt the taxpayers.”
Though the Town Board categorized the inspection fee as a burden to the business community, some residents at the meeting said it was a benefit extended solely for political reasons and will be shouldered, ultimately, by the entire community.

By MARK REYNOLDS
mreynolds@tcnewspapers.com