Police Chief investigation, more flooding, FEMA money recieved
By Lisa Sanford
The May meeting of the Canisteo Village Board featured extensive public comment, centered primarily around the recent May flooding issues and how to establish a greater climate of positivity in the wake of the investigation of former Canisteo Village Police Chief Kyle Amidon. The 13-month investigation conducted by the New York State Police and Schuyler County District Attorney resulted in Amidon pleading guilty to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Amidon was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge, and has paid $13,379 to the Village of Canisteo. Amidon’s May 8 resignation was accepted without board comment at this meeting.
Residents who spoke during public comment noted the difficulty of knowing facts over opinions as the investigation continued, and a resulting breach among village residents fueled in part by social media. “The negativity needs to go away” said one.
Several residents emphasized slow public works response to last week’s flooding, noting driveways washed out, sidewalks destroyed and personal expense of multiple sump pump replacements. Mayor McInroy was praised for his on-site presence during the flooding, and pledged to look into procedures that could enable crews to respond more quickly to such situations.
The board, mayor and clerk/treasurer were questioned about a 2021 New York State law requiring board agenda and committee reports to be posted on the village website 24 hours before meetings occur. Village Clerk Katrina Oliverio noted the time challenge this places on small staffs, and that they are making progress on this “to the extent practicable.” A copy of the law was shared with Mayor Richard McInroy who says he will work on it.
Thurston Town Supervisor Michael J. Volino briefly addressed the group of over 20, introducing himself as a Republican primary candidate for district #9 county legislative district (Cameron, Canisteo, Thurston).
As the length of public comment went on, Mayor Richard McInroy emphasized his commitment to transparency and accessibility with thanks from the group for listening to their concerns.
In other agenda items, the board:
Reminded village residents that the two choices for village flag are flying in the downtown park, with voting ending on June 1.
Noted monthly tallies of 169 ambulance calls and 40 fire calls were reported.
Reported that the grant-funded unmarked patrol car is now in service.
Acknowledged that the remaining $50,855 of FEMA Disaster Debby emergency response funds has now been released.
Unanimously approved a PILOT resolution with the Canisteo Wind Energy LLC Project featuring payments of approximately $200,000 over a 20 year period once project timelines are met.
Agreed to use Clean Energy Community grant funds for purchase of battery powered small tools and maintenance equipment such as pole and demo saws.
Authorized $10,000 purchase of a 2011 Chevrolet ambulance from the Town of Troupsburg and approved a mutual aid ambulance service agreement with the town.
The village board meets next on June 10.
