The Mamakating town board agreed on November 19 to add $50,000 to the employee benefit accrued liability reserve fund. Additional funds will also go into reserves for the park construction and repair reserve funds, as well as the town hall construction and repair fund. Board members said the park and town hall funds are in good standing, but need the reserves in case buildings need repairs or additions in the future. The park is one of the busiest in the area, so the upkeep is important.

General expenses since the last meeting to the tune of $516,069.24 were approved.

Cell Towers Agreement

Three new cell towers are likely to be added in town – for T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T.

“Our cell tower is probably one of the most expensive cell towers that there is,” said Town Supervisor Michael Robbins. “We actually make pretty good money on it. Right now, we make $89,000 a year on our cell tower. And they are going to add, as of December 1st, $5,100 more.”

That will increase the amount of cell tower revenue to $94,100. Crown Castle maintains the tower. They have the contract for this, and will cover the costs.

Lost Dogs

There was an agreement made regarding lost or stray dogs, which have increased in number since this past summer. The Humane Society of Middletown will help as a conduit for temporary placement of dogs until they are reunited with their owners or placed in a shelter for adoption.

Up until recently, Vicki Darnobid, the dog control officer, has had to drive dogs to either Port Jervis or Walden to place in a shelter. Wurtsboro has plans to build its own housing unit to temporarily keep such dogs, but it will take time to build. This space, it should be noted, will not serve as a shelter, but only as temporary housing before dogs are placed in a shelter if not found by its owner.

Outdoor Rules

The statewide burn ban continues until at least November 30th. A little rain is expected this week, but the board is waiting for Governor Hochul to weigh in if the burn ban needs to be extended until after November 30.

Meanwhile, rifle season opens Saturday. It goes through December 8th. The town supervisor reminded those present of some of the rules, saying, “if you hear gunshots in the woods, it could be related to hunting. Hunters can't fire in less than 500 feet of residence.”

He added if you intend to go hiking, “wear orange…there's still some wild guys out there that just shoot at things…and don't wear reindeer hats!”

Museum Passes

For announcements, the Friends of the Mamakating Library offered a museum pass to the 9/11 Museum in New York City. One only has to present their library card at the Mamakating Library. Also, a gentle reminder was offered that some people may not be aware of the library system’s wide variety of free tickets to museums and venues, including a pass for the Mohonk Preserve.

Winter Prep

Highway Superintendent Tom Morrow disclosed that crews have been busy a few days a week working with Tree Innovations, downing and clearing dead trees in rights-of-way, getting ready for the winter months. He said they have six days left of work. Crews are also prepping for winter operations, readying trucks for snow removal.

Very important, and bringing some Christmas cheer, is that the Christmas tree lighting at Town Hall will be December 5th, Thursday night at 6 p.m.

Santa Claus will be there with a bunch of elves and the Grinch. Hot chocolate will be served.