The Mountain Eagle

1/29/24

Lexington Reorganizes for 2024

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 1/29/24 | 1/29/24

By Michael Ryan

LEXINGTON - All the necessary steps have been taken to prevent any government befuddlement in Lexington.

Town council members recently held their annual reorganization meeting, making the appointments and designations required to conduct official business on behalf of their fellow citizens.

It is traditionally a quick, cut and dried affair and this year was no different, starting with renaming councilman Michael Barcone as deputy supervisor.

Barcone is authorized to step in for town supervisor Jo Ellen Schermerhorn should she ever be absent or unavailable for any reason.

In a similar move, Christine Dwon was again chosen as deputy town clerk, fulfilling those duties in the absence of town clerk Charlotte Jaeger.

Other appointments include: Tal Rappleyea (town attorney), Carl Giangrande (code enforcement/zoning officer);

Nicole Pursell (short term rental/enforcement officer), Mary Palazzolo (town historian), Christine Dwon (deputy historian);

Michelle Brainard (town bookkeeper), Bruce Feml (dog control officer), Liza Dwon (health officer), Andrea Searcy (inventory clerk);

Beverly Dezan (planning board), Elizabeth Martin (planning board secretary), Ron Lipton (zoning board), Kim McGalliard (zoning board secretary), Paul Dwon (disaster coordinator);

Town clerk/tax collector Charlotte Jaeger (registrar of vital statistics, secretary to the supervisor, records management officer, webmaster).

Government committees for 2024 are as follows:

—Highway (highway superintendent Kevin Simmons, Mike Petosa and councilman Bradley Jenkins);

Building (councilman William Pushman, William Decker and code enforcement officer Giangrande):

Monthly Audit (councilwoman Rose Petrella-Wilson and councilman Jenkins), Clerk Audit (supervisor Schermerhorn and councilman Jenkins);

Comprehensive Plan (Lynn Byrne, Jennifer Cawein, Kim McGalliard), Ethics (town clerk Jaeger, John Berger and councilwoman Petrella-Wilson);

Memorial Bricks (town historian Palazollo), Patriots Day (town historian Palazollo and deputy historian Dwon);

Negotiations (councilmen Jenkins and Barcone), Emergency (disaster coordinator Paul Dwon, highway superintendent Simmons and town supervisor Schermerhorn);

Schoharie Watershed/Greene County Soil and Water Conservation recreation (Lynn Byrne and Beverly Dezan);

Board of Assessment Review (Ron Lipton, Susan Falke, Schuyler Minew), Policy Review (supervisor Schermerhorn and councilman Barcone);

Planning Board (Jennifer Cawein (chairwoman), Beverly Dezan, Nancy Orr, Cawsey Scieszka and Taris Charysyn);

Zoning Board (Sarah Pellizzari, Ron Lipton and Nancy Wyncoop-Bower), Official Newspapers (Mountain Eagle and The Daily Mail), Official radio station (WRIP in Windham).

In other matters:

—Council members reported there is positive movement at the venerable Baptist Church in the hamlet of Lexington.

The structure had seemingly become abandoned, causing concerns in the community about it deteriorating into a safety hazard.

However, there has been activity at the site and the long term hope is that the historic meeting house will again have a busy congregation and potentially serve as a training center.

Inspections of the structure show that it is solid, officials said. Windows have been closed in (hopefully making it harder for bats to enter).

Optimism is likewise being expressed for the onetime Baptist parsonage in the hamlet section of West Kill.

The building is standing empty and falling into disrepair. The town is hoping to sort out ownership and title details to be able to proceed with some plan for rehabilitation or demolition.

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Windham Presents Dog Park Plans to Planning Board

By Michael Ryan

WINDHAM - Using the language of those for whom the spot is intended, it might be a “woof woof” and “bow wow” future in Windham.

Town supervisor Thomas Hoyt, in a phone interview earlier this week, said plans for a Dog Park have been presented to the local planning board.

A public hearing is scheduled for February 1 on the park which, if approved, would be located at the Windham Path, along Route 23.

“This is something that has been on a back-burner for a year or so,” Hoyt said, noting the idea was first brought forth by private citizens.

“There were other things going on back then. like the new ambulance building, and now interest is being shown again,” Hoyt said.

The town owns the Windham Path property, prompting Hoyt to bring the preliminary sketches of the park to the planning board, last week.

“We have to go through the process the same as anybody else,” Hoyt said, making available an extensive outline of the proposed park, prepared in March, 2023, by resident Joe Gorberg. The goal is:

—“to establish a conveniently located fenced in, off-leash dog park by providing a clean, safe place for people and their dogs to play, socialize and promote responsible dog ownership without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife;

—“to develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions;

“This park will be a community project, in partnership with the Town of Windham, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike,” the outline states.

Providing design ideas, the Gorberg outline states, “a dog park typically includes three areas; large dog area, small dog area for dogs up to 25 pounds and a transition area.

“A minimum of a 4-foot tall chain link fence, either galvanized or vinyl coated, [would] be installed around the perimeter of the site.

“Black vinyl coated fencing tends to blend into the background better and is more aesthetically appealing.

“The fence should include both top and bottom rails, with the bottom rails installed as close to the ground as possible,” the outline states.

“If the budget and site permit, and if it is necessary to buffer the dog run

area, vegetation should be planted on the outside of the fence to aid in the aesthetic quality of the site and to assist in mitigating the minimal noise associated with the dog park.

“An entry corral or transition area, consisting of at least an 8 foot x 8 foot fenced area with two gates and preferably 100-150 sq ft., should be provided to allow for pet owners to safely unleash their dog prior to letting them in the dog run area,” the outline states.

“The two sets of gates needed for the transition areas or entries should be self-latching, with both opening toward the interior spaces. These gates should also be wide enough to be ADA compliant.”

The outline recommends, “hardscape surface for the transition areas or entrances, as well as a swath of hard surface for an apron just beyond the transition area enclosure, always an area of very high traffic within the main fenced enclosures.

“Dog parks should be located so as not to detract from the aesthetic

quality of a park or open space. Ideally, the dog park should be designed to integrate well into the existing site.

“A variety of surfaces may be used within a site. Crushed fines at the entry are recommended as this area has a concentration of use. If possible, lawn areas should be rested periodically to allow the turf to recover.

“Rules shall be clearly posted, including codes of behavior, hours, and requirements for entry,’ the outline states.

Regarding ADA accessibility, “barrier free access to the site should be provided, as well as an area through the corral and at the entry.

“Trash containers and waste removal bag holders shall be provided in the dog run area, making sure that they are located with easy access for maintenance vehicles.

“Ideally, several benches should be provided in convenient locations to allow for gathering and resting throughout the dog park area.”

The outline also covers items such as a walking path around the perimeter, shade trees, drinking fountains, lighting and agility equipment.

Hoyt said a private group is currently working on raising money, although a combination of funding sources could emerge.

The park, if approved, was initially estimated to cost between $37,700 to $50,900, adding up to $15,400 for optional agility equipment, etc.

“If we do this, it will be done in a very professional way, like our ambulance center and highway garage, and a benefit to the community,” Hoyt said.

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Illegal Deer Baiting Operations Uncovered in Cairo and Prattsville

By Max Oppen

GREENE COUNTY — In a recent enforcement operation, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Lucas Palmateer of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) cracked down on illegal deer baiting activities in Greene County. The operation targeted individuals engaging in the unlawful and unethical practice of hunting with the aid of bait, violating state regulations.

In the town of Cairo, Officer Lucas Palmateer issued citations to two hunters who were found using pre-established bait and placing salt licks on lands inhabited by deer. Hunting with the assistance of bait is considered both illegal and unethical, as it provides hunters with an unfair advantage by attracting the targeted game to an unnatural food source.

Using bait in hunting can have detrimental consequences, as multiple deer feeding from the same bait pile can spread diseases within the herd. The DEC emphasizes the importance of maintaining the principles of "fair chase" to ensure that hunting remains a challenging yet rewarding tradition for all participants who venture into the wilderness.

Responding to a tip regarding baiting activities in Prattsville, Officer Palmateer discovered two individuals hunting from a tree stand on State land. Both hunters were found with fresh piles of corn on the ground in front of them, indicating a clear violation of the regulations prohibiting the use of bait.

Further complicating the situation, a third hunting party member was also hunting with bait on a neighboring property. To gather evidence, ECO Palmateer enlisted the assistance of ECO Melissa Burgess, and together, they charged all three individuals with hunting with the aid of pre-established bait.

In addition to the primary charges, one of the subjects faced an additional charge for maintaining a tree stand on State land without displaying owner information, highlighting the importance of responsible hunting practices. Another individual was charged with failing to comply with the requirement of wearing hunter orange for safety.

Hunters are reminded to familiarize themselves with state regulations and adhere to ethical standards to protect the environment and maintain the sustainability of wildlife populations. The DEC encourages the public to report suspicious hunting activities or violations to help safeguard New York's natural resources.

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Inclusivity at Hunter Mountain

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — Good Shepherd Services, based in The Bronx, is in its second year of a partnership with Vail Resorts, providing young Bronxites with the opportunity to venture upstate and engage in skiing and snowboarding activities. Facilitated through Vail Resorts' Epic for Everyone program, 50 participants from Good Shepherd Services' middle school afterschool program immersed themselves in the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding during the 2022/23 season.

Michelle Yanche, CEO of Good Shepherd Services, expressed the organization's commitment to providing every young person with the opportunity to explore new hobbies and discover their passions, irrespective of their zip code or circumstances. She highlighted the significance of outdoor enrichment programs, like the one established through this partnership, in offering valuable opportunities for NYC youth to acquire new skills beyond the traditional classroom setting, ultimately realizing their fullest potential.

Sarah Slutzky, Director of Skier Services at Hunter Mountain, said, "Working with Good Shepherd Services and welcoming their kids to our resort has really been a pleasure. It's always so exciting to see the kids' faces when they get off the bus and see all of the snow and terrain surrounding them, and of course, bringing these new experiences into their lives is just something that can't be matched for our team. It reminds us all why working at a ski resort is so rewarding! We get to bring fun to our guests' day!"

As part of the program, participants received five free on-snow lessons, complimentary meals, equipment rentals, and two additional lift tickets for continued practice with a guardian. The youth also benefited from various mentorship opportunities, gaining insights into potential careers such as snowmaking, operations, and ski and snowboard instruction.

This collaboration between Good Shepherd Services and Vail Resorts underscores the transformative impact of partnerships, opening doors for young individuals and providing them with experiences and opportunities that may have been otherwise inaccessible.

During the 2022/23 winter season, the company hosted nearly 11,300 underrepresented youth at 32 resorts, including major metropolitan areas near its mountain resorts, such as New York City.

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New 9/11 Course at MCS

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - Anyone alive at the time remembers where they were when they heard about Pearl Harbor being bombed and the assassination of President Kennedy. The same could be said for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The exception, of course, is for people who were born after the attacks. Middleburgh Central School may have a class next year to teach students (all of whom were born after 9/11) about that day and its impact.

Social Studies teacher Jason Dannible informed school board members at their January 10 meeting about the class.

He noted that current students have no memories of 9/11 and its important. The class, which has been proposed for the 2024-25 school year, would include information and lessons about 9/11 and the hunt for Osama Bin Laden.

Mr. Dannible also updated the board on field trips for Social Studies classes.

The sophomores will go to the American Museum of Natural History while the juniors went to the State Capitol and State Museum.

This spring, 50 students, 12 parents, and 10 chaperones are going to Dublin, London, and Paris as part of the biennial History Club trip. In 2026, club members plan on going to Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The cost would be about $3,000 for 10 days.

He also proposed a trip every four years to the Inauguration in Washington D.C. for the seniors.

Some MCS students went to the inauguration in 2017 but were shut out in 2021 by the pandemic, he said. In addition to going to the inauguration, students would go to Mount Vernon, the Capitol, and other sites. It would be a three-night, four-day trip.

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Schoharie Promotional Assn. Plans Busy 2024

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - It is going to be a busy year in Schoharie thanks to the Schoharie Promotional Association and other local organizations.

At their Community Meeting on January 8, members of the Schoharie Promotional Association announced the events planned for the new year.

Events planned for 2024 include:

* February: 17: Schoharie Fire Department )SFD) Casino Night and Valentine's Couples Dinner at firehouse.

* March: 17: Schoharie Fire Department corned beef and cabbage dinner at fire house; March 23: Schoharie Fire Department Easter Egg hunt at firehouse.

* April: 13: Schoharie Promotion Association (SPA), Lily Park clean-up; April 13-14: Schoharie Colonial Heritage Association (SCHA) spring antiques show at Schoharie school; April 15: SFD fish fry at firehouse; April 20: SPA adopt a highway.

* May: 23: SFD Memorial Day parade and open house at firehouse; May 25: SCHA opening of Palatine House and Schoharie Valley Railroad Museum.

* June: 1: DAR, life in Schoharie before the Revolution; June 8, SFD Covered Bridge luau dinner.

* July: Dates TBA, SCHA Children's Theatre Camps at Depot Lane; July 13, SPA Lily Festival, Lily Park.

* August: Dates TBA< SCHA Children's Theatre Camps at Depot Lane; Friday nights, SPA concerts in the courtyard.

* September: 7, SPA cornhole tournament Fox Creek Park; September 20, SFD cruise-in, downtown Schoharie; September 21, village-wide garage sale day; September 21, SCHA model train show and sale at Depot Lane; September 22, SFD car show and food truck event, downtown Schoharie; September 28 and 29, SCHA fall antiques show at Depot Lane.

* October: SPA fall decorating contest; October 12, SFD Covered Bridge dinner; October 31, downtown trick or treat.

* November: 5: Election Night spaghetti dinner at firehouse; November 15, 16, and 17, SCHA Holiday Craft Bazaar at Depot Lane; November-Christmas season, SPA Light in the park, Fox Creek Park.

* December: SPA Christmas decorating contest; December 7, Christmas at firehouse and downtown; December 7, SCHA, Christmas at the Palatine House: December 7, DAR Christmas at Lasell Hall.

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State Delays May Stall SCS Project

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - A staffing problem at the State Education Department may be a bigger problem for Schoharie Central School.

The plans for phase 2 of the district's $25.9 million building project were submitted to SED for review one month ago. At that time, the expected waiting time for approval was six weeks to three months, but now, citing staffing issues, SED estimates the waiting time for approval at three to six months, Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members Thursday.

The delay could have a huge impact on Schoharie's project. It will mean a later start for construction and could mean higher costs.

"The SED approval process moved from 10 to 12 weeks to 22 to 24 weeks," Mr. Blanchard explained in more detail Friday afternoon.

The delay may increase costs, but that is an unknown, he added. "This puts us going out to bid in early summer when the bid process is less competitive. That could make the project more expensive. However, inflation rates and interest rates are going in the right direction which may help us in the long run. It's too early to tell but we will be sure to monitor all facets of the project to keep costs down and get the work completed under budget as we did with the other projects the district has taken on recently."

Going to bid in February would definitely be more optimal than going out to bid in July or August, Mr. August said last week. "We'll stay on top of it."

Phase 2 of the district's $25.9 million building project will transform the elementary school. The project was approved by voters in May 2022.

Once the approval is secured the district will go out to bid for the work. Meetings will then be held between the district, architects, and engineers to iron out the details of the plans, The plans will be shown to the board and public.

The work in the elementary school is major, relocating the cafeteria and library and building a new gym.

Last fall, Mr. Blanchard said he expected the elementary project to be done by the fall of 2026. That timeline now has to be reworked. The work on the elementary school was to start this summer until the state delayed approvals.

When completed, the construction would combine the current "1976" gym and elementary school cafeteria into a much larger gym with a stage at one end, move the cafeteria into the current elementary school library, and move the library to the current "1952" gym.

The project does not require any new local taxpayer funds as state aid and the current building reserve will cover the costs.

State Delays May Stall SCS Project

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - A staffing problem at the State Education Department may be a bigger problem for Schoharie Central School.

The delay could have a huge impact on Schoharie's project. It will mean a later start for construction and could mean higher costs.

"The SED approval process moved from 10 to 12 weeks to 22 to 24 weeks," Mr. Blanchard explained in more detail Friday afternoon.

Going to bid in February would definitely be more optimal than going out to bid in July or August, Mr. August said last week. "We'll stay on top of it."

Phase 2 of the district's $25.9 million building project will transform the elementary school. The project was approved by voters in May 2022.

The work in the elementary school is major, relocating the cafeteria and library and building a new gym.

The project does not require any new local taxpayer funds as state aid and the current building reserve will cover the costs.

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FORMER TEACHER GUILTY PLEA IN FAILURE TO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

DELHI — Benjamin Moyse, 46, of Delhi, New York appeared in the Delaware County Court on January 22, 2024, and pleaded guilty to two counts of Official Misconduct by a Public Servant, a Class A Misdemeanor in violation of Section 195.00 of the Penal Law of the State of New York. Judge Gary A. Rosa presided over the proceeding.

On January 26, 2023, the Delaware County Grand Jury returned an eleven (11) count indictment against Benjamin Moyse. The indictment alleged that the defendant intentionally aided a person under 16 years of age, to commit the felony crimes of possessing and disseminating child pornography. Also contained in the indictment were allegations that Mr. Moyse failed to follow Delaware Academy’s policy and procedures when students and parents repeatedly reported to him that students were being sexually abused.

On January 22, 2024, the Defendant entered guilty pleas to two counts of Official Misconduct by a Public Servant. As part of his guilty plea, Mr. Moyse was required to describe in his own words his violation of the law. In open court, Mr. Moyse admitted to failing to report sexual abuse allegations against two of his students as required by his position as a public-school teacher employed in New York State. The students, who are not being named, later reported the abuse to their parents who were able to alert authorities.

Judge Gary A. Rosa accepted Mr. Moyse’s plea. Before passing sentence, Mr. Moyse was allowed to make a statement. Mr. Moyse stated that he had been singled out and lamented that the students were not being punished for “their actions”. Mr. Moyse also made claims that other adults knew of the abuse and did nothing. As of this writing, law enforcement has found no evidence to substantiate Mr. Moyse’s claims.

Judge Rosa then sentenced Mr. Moyse to a conditional discharge of one year for each count. Separate proceedings by the New York State Department of Education, Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability are pending. The District Attorney’s Office was notified that the two convictions will result in the defendant’s teaching license being revoked in New York State.

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Detective Justin Mohr and Officer Tiffany Crozier of the Delhi Police Department for their investigation into this case. DA Smith also thanked the services of Safe Against Violence, specifically victim advocates Eric Northrup and Cassandra Spatafora, for their help in advocating for the victims in this matter. Smith also thanked the officials of Delaware Academy for their cooperation during this investigation.

Mr. Smith also thanked the victims themselves.

“I want to thank the victims who bravely came forward not just to report serious allegations of sexual abuse but also the complete failure of a public servant to protect them from this sort of behavior. Mr. Moyse’s failure to report sexual abuse by one of his students is deplorable. His repeated failure to report such abuse against multiple students is reprehensible. Standing up to a sexual abuser is never easy, but for these victims to also stand up to a schoolteacher, abusing his position, takes even greater courage and should be commended.”

First Assistant District Attorney Schuyler Konior Kinneman prosecuted the case.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, know that help is available. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673.

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Fruit & Vegetable Grants Awarded, Transparency Appeals Discussed, & Quarterly Reviews At WAC Meeting

By Mary A. Crisafulli

WALTON - Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) Council of Directors approved several grant awards, discussed transparency appeals received, and heard quarterly review updates for the final quarter of 2023 at the regular meeting on Jan. 23.

The grant program offers funds for expansion projects up to $5,000 per applicant for fruit and vegetable farmers. Eligible program areas include greenhouse or raised bed expansion, water access, and farm structural additions. In the future, the WAC Economic Viability Committee hopes to fit equipment purchases into the program. The grant opportunity became available for the first time in October 2023, with applications due that November.

WAC Director Jennifer Grossman announced that 13 applications were received totaling roughly $60,000. Grossman said the number of applications proves what a great need there is for this grant program in watershed communities. The program was originally set to maintain $20,000 in awards but funds were increased to award over $51,000 to 11 farms.

The following farms were awarded funding, $5,000 to East Brook Community Farm, $3,790 to RSK Farm, $5,000 to Snow Hill Farm, $5,000 to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, $4,237 to Hymers Farmstand, $4,673 to Indigo Hill Farm, $4,796 to Liberation Farm LLC, $4,773 to Pro Brothers Farm, $4,526 to Russell Maxwell Farm, $4,850 to SPACE on Ryder Farm, and $4,979 to Stony Creek Farmstead LLC.

In another discussion, WAC directors discussed two transparency policy appeals submitted by Colm Ryan. The first appeal dated Oct. 25, 2022, asked for WAC to reconsider the original denial of providing access to the most recent Whole Farm Plan Summary and WFP-2s for every producer participant in WAC best management practices (BMPs) or Whole Farm Plan programs regardless of whether the land is subject to conservation easement or not. This request was granted, with redactions based on exceptions to portions that violate WAC policy which include; any invasion of personal privacy, information therein is derived from information obtained from a commercial enterprise, or are trade secrets, or are exempt from disclosure under federal law. Directors granted the appeal to the extent that the county location of the farm and WAC signature blocks be disclosed while they were previously redacted. The appeal also asked for WAC to produce documents related to prioritization of BMPs for years 2019 through 2023. The request was granted with the same redactions as the previous request.

The second appeal dated Aug. 21, 2023 asked the board to reconsider denial of the request for identifying name, address, and farm ID of every farm or participant in the Whole Farm Plan. The initial request was denied as it was found to be an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy violation on federal law. WAC Executive Director Ryan Naatz said WAC continues to take the position that it is not subject to FOIA laws and disclosure of participant identity is a violation of personal privacy. The board made no motion on this request. The appeal also requested all documents for the years 2022 and 2023 identifying the amount paid or owed by WAC to any attorney who provided advice to WAC regarding any requests for information under its transparency policy. This appeal was granted in its entirety.

WAC directors also heard several departments' quarterly reviews for the final quarter of 2023. Most departments reported meeting or exceeding goals for 2023 including departments of communications, economic viability, agricultural program, easement program, and the East of Hudson program.

John Jackson with the Information and Technology department reported the last quarter was spent working through any issues that arose from the recent hardware and operating systems upgrades. Most of the issues were with the geographic information system, he reported, which was due to it being several updates behind. One major issue, that is now repaired, was with how BMPs are reported in the system. Jackson said some BMPs were being duplicated which could have caused major issues for the program. "We are down to a couple of known issues and bugs that have been identified and we are working on fixes," said Jackson.

WAC has moved to utilizing Microsoft Teams software which Jackson reported staff training will be scheduled shortly.

Director of Operations Amy Faulkner reported WAC is working to fill the Director of the East of Hudson Program after Gibson Durnford resigned in October 2023. It may take a few months to fill the position, she said.

Two positions were filled including agricultural administrative assistant and finance assistant with staff scheduled to start on Feb. 5. The agricultural assistant in procurement of BMPs. The finance assistant is a newly developed position set to assist with preparation of quarterly payment requests.

WAC directors approved several committee appointments. John Verhoeven, Steve Reed, Tom Hutson, Fred Huneke, and Jason Helmbold were appointed to the Governance Committee. Verhoeven, Reed, and Dwight Bruno were appointed to the Audit Committee. Huneke and Marilyn Wyman were appointed to the Audit and Regulatory Committee.

Directors entered into two executive sessions, one for legal counsel and another to hear updates on the negotiations with watershed stakeholders and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Negotiations are regarding updates and adjustments to DEP land and streamside acquisition programs within the watershed. The report was given by New York State Department of Health representative Patrick Palmer.

The next WAC Council of Directors meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 27.

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State Medicaid Mandate Forces County to Act Fast

By Leila Crockett

SCHOHARIE — The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors rang in their first meeting of 2024 with an agenda packed with change and challenges. Ranging from the introduction of the newly appointed Casella Waste Division Manager to the proposed addition of metal detectors in county offices to sweeping state-mandated updates to the state-mandated Medicare Compliance Program.

The meeting began with Solid Waste Committee Member and Town of Fulton Supervisor Phil Skowfow’s introduction of Adam Critti, who recently took over as Regional Division Manager for Casella Waste. Critti delivered a short but clear commitment to meeting the needs of the county to commence the Privilege of the Floor section of the meeting.

Also by way of Privilege of the Floor, Sara Nies, Director of Community Services of the

Schoharie County Community Services and MH Office, introduced Paul Mayer, Executive Vice President of The Bonadio Group, a CPA and consulting firm. Mayer was on site to pitch his firm’s ability to get the county up to speed on recent updates to the state’s Medicaid Compliance Programs. As Bonadio’s Compliance Solutions Team leader, Mayer has already worked with thirty-three counties in order to ensure they meet compliance requirements.

Mayer went on to explain a host of mandated updates and explained the risk of steep financial penalties if the requirements are not met. For instance, Law Section 363-d includes a fine in the sum of $5000/mo. for up to 12 months and increasing to $10,000/mo. if the county's compliance program was deemed ineffective.

18 NYCRR Part 521 also saw significant amendments which became effective 12/28/22 with enforcement beginning 03/28/23. Part 521b amendments include a variety of updates to training which mandates that a Compliance Officer must be appointed and that a Compliance Committee be formed. In addition, written policies regarding procedures and standards of conduct must be put in place and implemented. The county is also responsible for Training and Education, Discipline, and Auditing and Monitoring.

One of the most significant changes, and costly, if requirements are not met is the Self Disclosure Program. The Self Disclosure Program is related specifically to instances of Medicaid overpayment and dictates the way in which the county is required to pay that money back. Penalties related to self-disclosure can fetch up to $27,000 per claim.

A topic of concern that was touched on by Bonadio and supervisors alike is the challenges posed to smaller counties that may not have the resources or funding to implement this level of oversight and planning effectively. When asked whether there were any types of grants or funding to aid with these concerns, Mayer made it clear that the program is not funded and that any available grants are supplemental at best and would only apply to very specific circumstances. That the fiscal and logistical responsibility to meet requirements falls squarely on the shoulders of counties. Mayer stated that Bonadio had submitted a 3-year contract proposal to the county at the cost of $65,000. The board went on to pass a motion to accept this proposal.

Please see next week's edition for part two of the January Board of Supervisors Meeting for more information about new security measures affecting the county offices.

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1/28/24

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Announces Award Winners for 2024 Fresh Perspective Art Show

Written By Editor on 1/28/24 | 1/28/24

Three Best in Show winners chosen from 112 entries

Gloversville, NY – The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is proud to announce the Best in Show award winners for its 2024 Fresh Perspective Art Show, open to works of all media from artists everywhere. The show, which opened on January 12 and will be on display until March 16, features 112 pieces in a wide variety of media from 44 artists who hail from six states.

Awards were presented at the Meet the Artists Opening Reception on Thursday, January 18, which was attended by more than 60 artists and other community members. Winners received cash prizes and one-year memberships to the Nigra Arts Center. The Best in Show honorees are as follows:

· First Place – “Uprooted on Mason Lake,” a soft pastel drawing by Ron Geary of Northville, N.Y.

· Second Place – “Feasting,” a porcelain ceramic piece by Karen Elem of Gansevoort, N.Y.

· Third Place – “Repentance, Prayer, Praise,” an oil painting by Brian Schmidt of Hamden, Conn.

In addition, voting is underway for the show’s Community Choice Award, sponsored by Kathy Marshall and selected by popular vote from visitors to the show throughout its duration. This award will be tallied after the show’s March 16 closing date and announced on social media. All are invited to come view the gallery and vote on their favorite piece.

The gallery is open for public viewing free of charge weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts is located at 2736 State Highway 30, Gloversville.

The Nigra Arts Center offers annual memberships to anyone who seeks to support the arts and community events at the Center. Membership levels start at just $25 per year and carry benefits such as discounted admission to classes and art exhibitions, mailing list access, invitations to special events, charitable tax deductions and more. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, please visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org or call (518) 661-9932.

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Lexington Reorganizes for 2024

Written By The Mountain Eagle on 1/29/24 | 1/29/24

Windham Presents Dog Park Plans to Planning Board

Illegal Deer Baiting Operations Uncovered in Cairo and Prattsville

Inclusivity at Hunter Mountain

New 9/11 Course at MCS

Schoharie Promotional Assn. Plans Busy 2024

State Delays May Stall SCS Project

FORMER TEACHER GUILTY PLEA IN FAILURE TO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

Fruit & Vegetable Grants Awarded, Transparency Appeals Discussed, & Quarterly Reviews At WAC Meeting

State Medicaid Mandate Forces County to Act Fast

Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts Announces Award Winners for 2024 Fresh Perspective Art Show

Written By Editor on 1/28/24 | 1/28/24

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