Story by Lourice Angie
The Warwick Town Board held their general monthly meeting on Thurs., Mar. 26 via Zoom, which is a video conferencing platform. The meeting was closed to the public to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to help lessen the transmission of COVID-19.
All future Town Board meetings will be held in this manner until the Governor’s order is lifted. At this time, restricted activities will continue until the number of new cases begins to drop and to ensure that the local health system does not become overwhelmed.
“On behalf of the Town Board, I would like to thank everyone for doing their part and staying home to practice social distancing and following the CDC guidelines during this extraordinary health crisis,” said Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton.
‘Adopt A Warwick Senior Program’
Sweeton then spoke about the “Adopt A Warwick Senior Program,” which consists of volunteers who are dedicated to helping senior citizens get the groceries and medicines they need. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer for the program or if a senior is in need of assistance, call Town Hall at 986-1120, ext. 241 or call the Village of Warwick at 986-2031 and leave a message.
In addition, Sweeton addressed the impact the health crisis is having on small businesses saying, “We appreciate small businesses that have with complied with the non-essential quarantine order and we also appreciate everyone’s effort to try to do what they can to help them as well. Warwick residents, you’re pulling together to beat the virus and to get our Town back as quickly as possible.”
Daily Communication with Mayors
Supervisor Sweeton said that he communicates daily with the Mayors of the Town’s three Villages, along with the Orange County Emergency Management team to ensure that the most accurate and updated information pertaining to COVID-19 is made readily available to all residents. This information is posted on their websites and social media platforms.
The Town offices, while closed to one-on-one contact, are still staffed with essential personnel who are monitoring phone calls and emails so that necessary services can still be provided to Town residents. The lobby of the Warwick Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick, is open. Residents can drop off forms, bills, etc. For additional information visit the Town’s website at www.townofwarwick.org.
Dial-A-Bus
The Dial-A-Bus normal service is suspended until Covid-19 mandates are lifted, but if any senior has a need they are asked to call 986- 2877. The Town is trying their best to accommodate and prioritize essential rides.
“We know that you depend on the Dial-A-Bus system. While it’s not operating on a normal schedule, we do have the ability to take you on essential trips,” said Sweeton.
Lt. Maslanka Retires
The Town Board thanked Lieutenant Thomas Maslanka for his 32 years of service with the Warwick Police Department. Maslanka retired on Thurs., Mar. 26.
“We wish Lieutenant Maslanka the best in his retirement and thank him for his service to our town,” said Sweeton.
Retired DPW Workers Congratulated
Supervisor Sweeton also congratulated Wayne Barber, Richard Triplet and Paul Hudler on their retirement from the DPW.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Town Board, as per Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.1, will be closed to the public but can be viewed live via the Zoom app on Thurs., Apr. 9 at 7:30 p.m. A link to the meeting will be placed in our official newspaper, the Warwick Valley Dispatch, and on www.townofwarwick.org.
