If Mamakating residents were hoping to see the elected officials sworn-in at the first meeting of the year, they were disappointed. Newly elected Town of Mamakating Supervisor Michael Robbins held the traditionally public ceremony privately for only invited friends and family at Town Hall on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

When asked about the decision, he said he wanted to keep the event safe for the public and in accordance with COVID-19 social distancing measures. He said he was advised that was an acceptable thing to do. He did not think of inviting any of the press. He mentioned that the word did get out about the ceremony, and some of the public that were not invited showed up.

At the scheduled January 4 reorganization meeting, concern was expressed, however, about the list of appointees voted and accepted by the board at the meeting, but left unnamed. Supervisor Robbins, who began the vote prepared to announce the 30 names, but was advised by town attorney Ben Gailey that it wasn't necessary, explained to commenter Kent Findley that not all the positions are filled. The public can email the town for the list at any time.

The workshop and meeting were a short 30 minutes. Three expense items were voted and approved, with little discussion. The original agenda for the meeting available 24 hours prior to the meeting showed two totals: one for $7,988.95, and another for $118,183.13, for various town and highway expenses. However, at 4:30 p.m. the day of the town board meeting, another was added to the agenda at $365,119.42 and was not available for the public to view on the town website prior to the meeting. Town of Mamakating administration reported that the large figure is for four budget lines for the town's insurance, from both the General and the Highway funds.

Roadway News

Findley also spoke up about road safety concerns. He told the highway department that the roads in Wurtsboro Hills are in urgent need of painting, adding that without visible road markings, the trek could be dangerous.

Highway Department Superintendent Robert Hufcut later mentioned 10 garbage bags dumped by an unknown person or persons at Ferguson Road. The NY State Police were called, but no person was charged because it was not reported. The public is urged to inform the town board, the highway department, or the Sullivan County Sherriff’s Office if they know anything about the illegal activity and/or the offenders.