MAMAKATING – The newly formed town ethics board, whose members are appointed by the Mamakating town board, has devised a form to be filled out by all town employees.

According to one member of the highway department, the form asks for detailed information about family and business connections, and threatens the respondent with possible fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for withheld and/or untrue information.

The rationale behind these forms seems to be to avoid nepotism and back room deals made through some "old boys' network." However, some employees are reluctant to fill out these forms since, they assert, they have no power to spend the town's money or to make decisions affecting the running of the town.

Other employees went ahead and complied with the ethics board's request. The completed forms were kept in a locked safe in the town clerk's office, but have recently been removed, apparently by a member of the ethics board, and have not yet been returned.

Town supervisor Bill Herrmann was reluctant to discuss this situation, and implied that there was really nothing to worry about. However, those reluctant to fill out the forms in the first place did not seem to be reassured about how the information they were being asked to provide would be handled.

Herrmann reported that they had had a "heck of a week" at town hall. The new computer system was being installed, and will provide upgrades and security features that should have been in place years ago. In the transition period, though, employees had to deal with wires hanging out of ceilings and numerous online glitches. In addition, someone hacked into the town website and posted ads for sneakers in place of the website's usual contents. The problems are now resolved, said Herrmann, and everything is getting back up to virtual speed.

The heating system at town hall was also being upgraded. Herrmann reported that they had found a number of things wrong with the original design, as well as a 60 percent leakage rate. Thanks in part to a $100,000 grant that the town has received, these problems are being resolved with an overhaul of the old system.

Highway superintendent Buddy Platt reported that, thanks to the support of the town board, the department's vehicles are in good repair and ready for winter challenges. The heating system at the highway facility is another matter, though, with Platt expressing gratitude to some very skilled highway employees who so far have been able to keep the antiquated heating system running in spite of its many leaks, rusted-out sections, and other age-related problems.

Councilmember Brenda Geraldi reported that a citizens' preparedness program for seniors will take place on January 30, 2015, and that there will be similar programs throughout the year for everyone. One question to be addressed concerns when town hall should be opened up as an emergency warming station. This topic arose recently when many residents lost power right before Thanksgiving, and some remained in the dark for three or four days.

The town has received a TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant for the development of the D&H Canal linear park and trail. Town engineer Larry Paggi is in charge of this project, assisted by the firm of Barton and Loguidice which will help with landscape, planning, and architecture needs.

The board also passed a resolution to disallow hunting and trapping on town property. The police and the DEC will deal with infractions of this new law, which could result in fines and/or jail time.

The dental insurance plan for town employees announced it will introduce a rate hike effective February 1, 2015. Since employees rate this plan as "better than nothing," the board will look into alternatives.

The chief court officer has submitted his resignation due to health problems. The board appointed Joe Brown to replace him.

In order to pay bills and close out the year's budget, the town board will hold an extra meeting on December 30 at 6 p.m. This meeting will also deal with any other regular business that may come up.