Mayor Recktenwald absent, no updates on investigation into Chief of Police
By Lisa Sanford
The Canisteo Village Board met for its routine monthly meeting Tuesday evening with mostly routine items on the agenda. With a small group of village residents present, the meeting was presided over by village trustee Jack Beers in the absence of Mayor Monica Recktenwald. Department reports noted progress with the Canisteo Living Sign cleanup and next steps for the Nicholas Clark Village Park. Residents were reminded to submit their votes for a community flag by December 1, with renditions currently on display at the Canisteo Historical Society. Following a presentation from Steve Peck of the Ryan Agency trustees voted to accept proposed municipal insurance rates for the coming year. Resolutions were also approved for purchase of a new fire department brush truck, and designating two trustee and one mayoral term (of two years length) to be filled in village elections to be held March 18, 2025.
During a public hearing prior to the regular meeting, trustee James Dineen explained the ramifications of a resolution to provide a 10% village property tax rebate to volunteer firefighter and ambulance workers. The resolution, passed by a 3-1 vote later during the regular meeting, will impact 10 to 15 individuals who have been active Canisteo Fire Company members for at least two years, with the deduction lasting for the duration of their service. Any members with 20 years or more of active service will receive a life 10% deduction through the village. (Trustee Greg Woodworth abstained from voting due to his current status as a fire department volunteer). During the public hearing an opportunity for public comment was offered with several comments of support from those present, citing the possibility that this exemption might encourage more volunteerism as a result.
Upon adjournment of the 50-minute meeting, some residents in attendance questioned why no public comment was on the agenda. Several expressed a desire to know more about the current status of the New York State Police investigation of Canisteo Police Chief Kyle Amidon, currently on administrative leave. Trustee Beers responded there was no public comment on the agenda due to the absence of the mayor from this meeting.
