Mayor Recktenwald makes support for Amidon clear
By Lisa Sanford, L to R: Trustees Jack Beers, James Dineen, David Robinson, Mayor Monica Recktenwald, Trustee Greg Woodworth, Clerk-Treasure Katrina Oliverio
Following a brief public hearing the Canisteo Village Board met for nearly an hour Tuesday evening with nearly 20 local residents in attendance. In routine department reports the summer Farmer’s Market was deemed a success noting interest in expanding it for next year. With a grateful nod to the diligence of village police, trustee Jack Beers announced a major September focus on stifling drug activity in the village, resulting in seizure of 80 bags of fentanyl and three arrests. The hiring of full-time police officer Tyler Congdon was approved with the board noting the imminent hire of yet another full-time officer for the village.
Updates were presented including the village water infrastructure project and water district, a local law proposal for volunteer firefighter property tax exemption of up to 10%, and planning for the Nicholas Clark Memorial Park. Motions were approved regarding contract revision with the fiscal advisor for the Water Capital Improvement project. Village Trick or Treat hours were set for 6-8 PM on October 31. The board approved re-zoning W. Main Street extending the commercial business district from Orchard to North Street.
An 11-minute public comment period brought questions regarding the village police force. A uniformed New York State Police officer requested clarity on rumors that the village police force would be disbanded. Mayor Monica Recktenwald firmly responded saying “This was never discussed. It’s an absolute rumor.” Questions were also raised regarding the status of Village Chief of Police Kyle Amidon and the current investigation underway by the New York State Police. Pressed repeatedly on how and why this investigation developed, Mayor Recktenwald asserted “I did not provide any allegations of misconduct of any staff. I actually support Mr. Amidon,” with trustees further explaining that the decision to place Chief Amidon on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds was a board decision on advice of their attorney. At the conclusion of the meeting the village board adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
