Town board continues ethics code, town-village talks

The Town of Woodbury is seeking to revise its ethics code, following previous concerns that simply amending a section of the code did not go far enough. During the August 15 town board meeting, Woodbury town attorney Edward Thater acknowledged issues raised about the code’s language and limitations. Thater explained that the proposed revision to the ethics code follows the New York State comptroller’s model ethics code for local governments, with certain changes reflecting the requests of the board. A public hearing for the matter will be held on September 5.

Highland Mills resident Martha Lopez commented on the proposed changes to the ethics code during the meeting, calling for more transparency on the cost to first amend and then re-work the entire code. She also questioned the motives of the town attorney.

“It is difficult for the public to trust future initiatives from a town attorney who appears to have been more focused on finding or creating loopholes that benefit certain individuals rather than ensuring the integrity of our governments. How can we the public place our trust in any future actions initiated by this town attorney who seems intent on deceiving us with these reworked laws?”

Later in the meeting, attorney Thater rejected claims that he was pushing an agenda. “I do not draft any bills without explicit instructions from the board. I do not, I have not brought to them a single idea where I said, ‘hey this is a bill you should do.’” That is not my role, and I don’t do that, so I just want that on the record.”

The town counsel did receive support from Highland Mills resident Maria Hunter, who shared how she appreciated his rewriting of a certain chapter and making it clearer.

Town-Village consolidation

Lopez, along with fellow Highland Mills resident Jimmy Ng, also mentioned State Senator James Skoufis’ proposed plan to have one governing body for the town and village of Woodbury. Lopez asked the board if any of them had reached out to Skoufis’ office requesting his involvement with town and village matters. The board responded that they learned about Skoufis’ plans when everyone else did and had no prior knowledge of his proposal.

“I found out the same day that everyday else did,” said Councilman Brandon Calore. “I haven’t seen any legislation.” Calore also commented that he, like some other members of the village board, is against the idea of a merger, but can’t make an informed decision until he sees legislation detailing cost savings and other matters.

Ng expressed his worry that a merger could change the dynamic of Woodbury and worried about how it could bring problems found in neighboring municipalities. “South Blooming Grove is the example we do not want to follow. Their board is controlled by special interests. Agreeing to consolidate to two boards savings or no savings you’re going to get taken over sooner or later that’s a fact. You’re talking about five seats controlling everything compared to 10 seats controlling everything; we’re going to lose out.”

Thater sought to ease the public’s concerns by emphasizing that there is currently no proposed bill before the state legislature to look at, and even if there were, the legislation cannot pass unless both local governments agree. He explained that under New York State Municipal Home Rule, the state legislature can’t just impose things on incorporated municipalities.

Tourism

During the meeting, the board approved an agreement with the county to utilize a $4,999 tourism grant for its Woodbury business brochure initiative. Calore explained that the funding will be used for the creation, purchase, and additional distribution of high-quality signers and brochures. He shared that the brochures are already in local hotels and at Woodbury Common.