GERMANTOWN—A Drive to Survive seminar is on the schedule for two of the town’s police officers, police commissioner Roger Rekow reported at the Town Board meeting this week. The seminar, which takes place in Warren County April 1, was recommended by the town’s insurance carrier.
Statistically, the greatest cause of death and injury to police officers is car accidents, in their personal or official vehicles, said Mr. Rekow. “Not a surprise,” said Councilman Donald Westmore, “since officers spend so much time in cars.”
In other business at the March 24 meeting the board:
—Approved $600 for a new computer for the Police Department, but agreed with Mr. Rekow not to spend $2,500 to repair the transmission on the department’s four-wheel-drive vehicle. “We have enough cars to patrol during the nicer weather,” said Mr. Rekow, and they’ll shop for another 4WD vehicle
—Learned from Supervisor Joel Craig that again this year swimming will be prohibited in the town lake, while it is treated for invasive plants. There will be a summer program, however, and the board approved the appointment of Linda Gerlach as Summer Park Program director and Lena Alessi as assistant director. Both have experience and formal education in working with children, said Mr. Craig, and Ms. Gerlach has been in the program since she was 16. “They’re looking to do things a little differently,” he said, “but that’s good. It’s exciting; I wish I were a kid”
—Appointed Claude DiMauro to the Board of Assessment Review to serve until September 30, 2018.
—Learned from Corinne Curry, chair of the citizens’ Arts and Marketing Committee, that they have found gallery space, on Palatine Park Road, thanks to Laurie Marchisio, who provided it. The space opens May 24 with an exhibition by Dawn Breeze, an artist who lives in Germantown. When Mr. Westmore thanked Ms. Curry for her perseverance on this project, she said, “It’s not just me. Lots of artists want to show their work”
—Learned from Ms. Curry that the town’s two information kiosks will be reinstalled on the Fingar property on Main Street as soon as the weather permits. In addition, The Bank of Greene County has donated two benches, which will be placed on Main Street, one by the kiosks and one by the flower shop
—Learned that spring may be on the horizon, with the scheduling of the annual roadside cleanup day on Thursday, April 17 at 9 a.m. The scouts are at the heart of this, but all are welcome. The starting point is the town highway garage.
—Learned from Otto Leuschel, chair of the citizens’ Business and Economic Development Committee, that the next meeting is Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. On the agenda are signage and collaborating with the Germantown Central School District and with the county’s Economic Development Committee, among numerous other possibilities
—Learned from Councilwoman Andrea Dunn that the Emergency Preparedness Committee is preparing an information sheet for prospective volunteers. Residents would volunteer in areas such as communications and shelter. Volunteers may have to take training, some of which is online and most of which is free. “Everyone has a vested interest in this,” said Ms. Dunn, “not only to support community members but also to help folks coming into our community when we need them”
—Learned from Mr. Craig that the town has received permission to do the right-of-way work necessary for the proposed new sidewalks. Now, he said, “We can contact property owners to tell them their options, either to donate the right of way to the town or be paid a predetermined amount for it…. Only then can we put out bids for the project.” He said the town still hopes to begin work on the sidewalks “this year.”
The full board and a dozen residents attended the meeting. The next meeting is Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
