By Lourice Angie
During the Town of Warwick Board meeting on Thurs., Aug. 13, Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton discussed the recent tropical storm named Isaias that swept through Orange County, causing hundreds of Warwick residents to be without power.
The Board stated that it is of extreme importance to them that residents are able to communicate with Town emergency services in times of need. In addition to dialing 911 in an emergency, Warwick offers a 24/7, 365 days a week manned dispatch service that can be reached by calling the Warwick Police Department directly at 986-5000.
Another important Town service is called the Swiftreach HomeTown Alert System, however, with so many residents using cell phones, the town urges anyone interested to visit www.townofwarwick.org and sign up to receive phone messages, emails and/or text messages. This service will help keep residents informed of important information and up to date alerts in case of an emergency.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the storm, the Town has re-opened Union Corners Park on the sports field side for residents to bring tree limbs and wood debris through the end of August.
Water Emergencies
In addition to storm related and emergencies, if anyone experiences a water emergency within the Town’s Water District’s they can call 986-0630 during the daytime and 486-1030 in the evenings, weekends or Holidays.
DPW on Emergency Status
The Town Board announced that the Department of Public Works (DPW) will now be classified as first responders and operate on emergency status. Residents are asked to call 986-3358 for all routine matters or call the Warwick Police Dept. at 986- 5000 to reach the 24-hour dispatcher service who will alert DPW crews in case of an emergency.
Coronavirus Update
Supervisor Sweeton wants to update the public that after speaking to the administration department at St. Anthony Community Hospital, he is happy to announce that there are currently no COVID-19 positive cases. The rate of positive cases in Warwick has been stable for several weeks and fortunately the Town has not had any COVID-19 related deaths in several months.
“Here in Warwick we have had less than 25 positive cases of COVID-19 in the last month, and that is a direct result of our residents doing the things they have to do – wearing their masks, washing their hands and avoiding large gatherings. Let’s keep it up and help protect our families, businesses and especially our elderly neighbors,” said Sweeton.
Senior Center Expected to Remain Closed Until End of September
Due to the continued efforts of helping eradicate the COVID-19 virus and the direction of the Orange County Department of Health, the Warwick Senior Center will remain closed until at least the end of September.
“Those 65 years and older are the most at risk of dying from this terrible virus, and we will do whatever we need to do to protect them,” said Sweeton.
Police Report
In other business, Councilman Floyd DeAngelo reported that the Warwick Police Department handled a total of 1,170 calls for the month of July.
CPF Receipts
Sweeton announced that the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) receipts for the month of January were $68,070.94 which brings the total fund balance to $3,652,265.54.
“It was a good month and reflects that properties continue to sell here in Warwick,” said Sweeton.
Next Meeting
The next Board meeting will be held on Thurs., Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick.
