NARROWSBURG, NY — More than 60 spectators attended the January 14 Tusten Town Board meeting; but less than 60 could hear things clearly. Those in the back of the room complained repeatedly that they couldn’t hear what was being said.

Some residents were there to see how the new board would handle updating the town’s comprehensive plan, a community hall restroom remodel, two traffic safety studies and alleged zoning and building code violations against a commercial property on parcel section, block and lot 5-1-9.12.

The first order of business was to appoint a new town attorney, one with expertise in municipal government and, in particular, zoning and planning. Following an introductory speech by the candidate herself, the appointment of E. Danielle Jose-Decker of the law firm Ricciani & Jose, LLP was unanimously confirmed by the board. The Monticello firm has been operating in Sullivan County since 2004, representing the towns of Bethel, Lumberland and Forestburgh, as well as the Village of Wurtsboro.

In response to deputy supervisor Jane Luchsinger’s question on the term length of Jose-Decker’s appointment, Johnson said, “The town attorney serves at the pleasure of the board. If at some time in the future, we decide the town needs different legal expertise, we’re free to make another appointment.”

Jose-Decker’s work on behalf of her new client began immediately. After reading aloud a letter from Star Hesse that urged speedy board action regarding alleged code violations outstanding against an income property on town lot 5-1-9.12, supervisor Ben Johnson said the board and Jose-Decker would consider the matter in executive session later that evening, along with discussion of a personnel appointment. Johnson warned that he could not comment on the matter, citing the threat of impending litigation. Noting that the matter is currently under review by New York State, Hesse asked that the Department of State be apprised of any actions taken by the town.
Also of concern to residents is safety at the intersection of State Routes 52 and 97, the site of several accidents in recent years. Because both roads are owned and maintained by the state, Johnson has petitioned the state’s Department of Transportation for a traffic study that will review posted speed limits, lighting, sight lines, signage and other safety factors. A little further south on Route 97, safety at the Lucky Lake Road intersection has also been called into question. “While we’ve got their ear, we’ll pull on it,” said Johnson.

The community hall restroom remodel, on hold until Johnson could consult with all interested parties, will go forward. Two restrooms, one ADA-compliant, will be built, but the kitchen demolition and stall shower installation discussed by the previous board will not happen.

The first step toward developing a new comprehensive plan was appointment of the committee. Ken Baim, Elaine Giguere, Mike Farrell, Art Hawker and Jim Crowley will join board members Johnson and Luchsinger, in addition to two other members yet to be named.
Craig Burkle was named Tusten’s 2020 representative to the Sullivan County Fire Advisory Board.

Before the board went into executive session, it determined that board workshops (open to the public) will be held on the first Tuesday of each month, and it emphasized that the public is welcomed at comprehensive plan committee meetings.

Lastly, acknowledging poor acoustics in the community hall, the board decided to install a microphone system for use at future board meetings. “It won’t be too loud, will it?” asked Bernie Creamer.