Concern over the investigation of Chief Kyle Amidon continues
By Lisa Sanford
During its 45-minute regular monthly meeting Tuesday, the Canisteo Village Board discussed a range of department reports, status updates and voucher approvals. The board regretfully accepted the resignation of budget officer Michael Delaney, Jr. who has served the village in a variety of capacities for the past 6 years. Delaney remarked to those present that he will continue to be available for the next few months in a volunteer capacity as support on budget issues. In a unanimous vote of those trustees present (Trustee Greg Woodworth was absent from the meeting) Ian Whatcott was appointed as the new budget officer. Village Historian Steve Cotton provided an artistic and cost update on the gazebo weather vane replacement. Trustee James Dineen revealed the two final designs for the village flag, a result of 149 votes cast by village residents. Once flag mockups of the two designs are available village residents will vote on the final choice. Mayor Monica Recktenwald reported the nest step in the Water Infrastructure Project will be a USDA update expected in December. Recktenwald also noted that the Waste Water Treatment Plant Engineering Study and UV Project is on schedule with most concrete poured, and generator delivery expected in the next week.
With a small group of about 20 residents present, public comment concerns were expressed regarding the need to re-institute a village-wide fire whistle to alert residents of existing emergencies, such as the August flash flooding. Questions were posed as to the current level of village police protection. The mayor responded that since the administrative leave and State Police investigation of Police Chief Kyle Amidon, three full-time and one part-time officer have been hired. Several in attendance remarked that they have been pleased with the energy, courtesy and diligence of these new hires.
Regarding the Amidon investigation Mayor Recktenwald and the board were also pressed with the questions “What does the board know about the investigation? Does each board member know he is under investigation?” Trustees expressed knowledge that it is taking place, but not of the specifics of this investigation. At one point a frustrated Mayor Recktenwald challenged one attendee to maintain expected rules of courtesy after he spoke under his breath multiple times during the meeting. Fire Chief Don Lewis, a veteran of such investigations in his decades of experience in law enforcement further commented that such behavior is uncalled for and “not helping anything.” Overall, however, the public comment portion of this meeting was respectful with genuine interest and concern from those present.
The village board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 P.M at their offices on 8 Green Street.
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