Story by Lourice Angie
The Warwick Town board assembled for their annual reorganization meeting on Thurs., Jan 2. Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton delivered the State of the Town address and several appointments were made for the New Year.
Supervisor Sweeton Delivers State of the Town Address
The reorganization meeting commenced with Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton delivering his annual State of the Town message.
Sweeton summarized the challenges the Town faces as the largest town in Orange County – both in terms of population and geography – in a state with high taxes that relies “almost exclusively” on property taxes to fund its school systems.
He reported that the Town relies on its “dedicated workforce and team of public servants” to provide essential services, maintain public safety and the Town’s infrastructure in a time of “diminishing resources.” He added that the Town also has a “resident population who is engaged in the future of the community they call home.”
Sweeton also outlined the many positive programs and activities in the Town of Warwick including farmland preservation; sustainable energy development; the continued development of the Warwick Technology Park; and continued commitment to senior citizens through the Friendly Visitor Program, transportation system and senior clubs.
The Warwick Police Department continually trains and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies. The Town also works through “innovative and constantly evolving” zoning in order to prevent overdevelopment as well as protect natural resources throughout the Town.
“We look forward to 2020 with great enthusiasm and expectations for the continued success of this magical place we are proud to serve,” stated Sweeton at the end of his remarks.
Town Officials Sworn In
Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton was sworn in by Town Justice Peter Barlet, followed by Town Justice Nancy DeAngelo, Deputy Supervisor James Gertsner and Councilman Russell Kowal.
Elected Official Salaries
The Town Board adopted a resolution on the following elected officials’ salaries: Supervisor $64,500; Councilman $11,750 each; Justices $27,500 each; Town Clerk $58,210; Records Management Officer $2,733; and Receiver of Taxes $41,243.
2020 Appointments
Town Clerk Eileen Astorino appointed Carolyn Purta and Melissa Stevens as Deputy Town Clerks at no additional compensation to act for her during the year with powers of the Town Clerk.
The Warwick Valley Dispatch, located on Oakland Ave. in Warwick, was named the Official Newspaper for the Town of Warwick.
Benjamin Astorino will continue as Chairman of the Planning Board with J. Theodore Fink, AICP as the Planning Consultant. The Zoning Board of Appeals Attorney is Robert W. Fink, the ZBA Recording Secretary is Mary Hebel and the Planning Board Engineer is HDR Engineering, P.C.
The Town of Warwick Auditor is Stephen M. Brown, CPA and the Town Attorney is John D. Bollenbach. Special Counsel for the Town of Warwick include the following firms: Jacobowitz and Gubits LLP; Bluestein, Shapiro, Rich & Barone LLP; and Jaspan/Schlesinger LLP and Labor Counsel Donoghue, Thomas, Auslander & Drohan, LLP.
The Town of Warwick Marriage Officers are John Johansen, Michael J. Newhard, and Jesse Dwyer.
Animal Control Officers for the Town include Suzyn Barron, Kathleen Mosca, Alysa Sokol, Chad Cancel and Joan Schmick.
Town Council Liaisons
The Supervisor and Town Council members serve as liaisons to various Town Departments and community organizations.
Supervisor Michael Sweeton serves as the liaison to Planning and Zoning.
Deputy Supervisor and Councilman James Gerstner is the Technology Coordinator for the Town of Warwick and serves as liaison for Cable Television Regulation, Recreation Department as well as the Town Board Liaison to the Village of Warwick.
Councilman Floyd DeAngelo is the liaison for Animal Control; Police; Airport; and Town Board Liaison to the Village of Greenwood Lake.
Councilman Mickey Shuback serves as the liaison to the Water and Sewer Department, Recycling, Public Works, and is the Town Board Liaison to the Village of Florida.
Councilman Russell Kowal is the Town Liaison for Parks as well as Labor Management.
Town Clerk Eileen Astorino is the Claims Coordinator for the Town of Warwick.
Christmas Tree Disposal
Town Residents may bring their discarded Christmas trees next to the mulch pile, across from the Dial-A-Bus building on Public Works Dr., Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Jan. 31.
Next Town Board Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Town Board will be held on Thurs., Jan 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Highway, Warwick.
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