Cochecton residents complain about unavailable CEO

By TOM KANE

LAKE HUNTINGTON — Cochecton residents continued to complain at the Town of Cochecton Board meeting on January 8 that the new code enforcement officer (CEO), John Drobysh, is unavailable.

Drobysh, a Cochecton resident and CEO of the Town of Thompson, was chosen for the job because he has all the training and can function immediately.

“What good is it to have a code enforcement officer—part time or full time—when he’s never available,” said resident Erin Peck.

An appointee with no CEO experience must undergo training, which takes him off the job, according to town supervisor Sal Indelicato. “That’s one of the reasons why we chose Drobysh over the other candidates.”

Drobysh will spend 20 hours a week working for Cochecton.

“We have pressing matters which must be taken care of immediately so we can’t wait for a person to finish the training,” said board member Daisy Smith. “We’re lucky to have him. He can deal with things right away.”

“We still don’t have a phone for him,” Indelicato said.

Town of Thompson officials will meet with Drobysh this week to iron out details on how he will work the two jobs, according to supervisor Anthony Cellini.

“Drobysh has to work full time for us and work evenings and on Saturday for Cochecton. I don’t see how it’s going to benefit Cochecton with him part time, but that’s their affair.”

Drobysh was appointed in early November, following the resignation of Neal Halloran, who took a full-time CEO position for the Town of Goshen in June.

In other business, Smith urged town resident to put up reflector numbers outside their homes as required by the 911 emergency system.

“It’s for their own safety,” she said.