The Village Board was busy on March 4, making several personnel appointments and more.
The board approved Mayor Joe D’Onofrio to sign an agreement with the LA Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering PC for work on a waterfront survey (waterfront revitalization strategy) for Highland Falls.
The mayor was also authorized to sign a contract with Complus Data Innovations, at a cost of $280 per month, to assist the village in collecting current and outstanding parking meter fines.
In a third contract that he was authorized to sign, the village will again participate in Orange County’s STOP DWI program, and receive funds from the county for additional police patrols.
In personnel matters, the board appointed Emmanuel Vasquez as a full-time police officer, at a salary of $51,533, with a 78 month probation period.
Another appointment was also made, that of Ryan Kresback as a water treatment plant assistant, effective March 7 and with a salary of $16 per hour. Kresback had previously worked with the village’s DPW.
Bills and claims in the amount of $157,115 were paid.
In public comment, County Legislator Laurie Tautel was on hand to talk with the board about several issues, including the upcoming US census, tax scams, increased sales tax to Orange County municipalities, and information she had learned at the recent Association of Towns meetings in New York City. She had information from that session to forward to various board members.
Olga Anderson also spoke, promoting an April 27 Earth Day event at the Highland Falls Library, and looking for help in planning it and donations of giveaway items for it.
Highland Falls’ Kat Dagaev reminded the board “you need to realize you work for us and have to be held accountable for your actions”, and briefly mentioned consolidation, the number of employees who have left the village, and lawsuits against the village.
Several board members praised the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee for their work in that event, calling it very enjoyable.
