Re-Opening Town Court
by Michelle Van Horn
During the mid-March Special Town Board Meeting, members made a motion to pay town employees who couldn’t work from home due to foreseen eminent shutdowns, which essentially meant Town Court employees. Shortly after, and in line with town board’s judgement call, the Unified Court System mandated the same, that employees were to stop working in the building, and that municipalities pay them during their absence. Currently, Town Hall is closed to the public, and will remain closed until phase 2 of re-openings, which is determined by passing Governor Cuomo’s 7-point metric system. The conversation at the Tuesday, May 12 Town Board session moved to now allowing Town Court employees to return to work per the Unified Court System’s memo to do so.
The Court has requested a partition to separate that part of the building from other town employees. The two Clerk of Courts will only be exposed to one another rather than sharing space with other town employees who may enter the building when necessary. Clerk of Court employees will be expected to wear masks and social distance while in the building, unless in an office with a door that shuts. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be in effect for all shared communal spaces within the building. The handicapped entrance will act as the Town Clerk’s entrance. They’ll have the kitchen, court room, court offices, and their own bathroom, with a partition in between the two bathrooms. Lastly, Michelle Bienes, who was appointed the second Deputy Court Clerk, was not able to start her position since the arrival of the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, with the Town Hall alarm system needing managing with the Town Court Clerks coming back to work, Michelle has graciously offered to handle the need.
New policies for reopening will need to be put in place, and Superintendent Tistrya Houghtling has asked for support in writing these. Councilmember Deb Gordon has raised her hand to help, and two other town members are also requested to join the policy-writing party.
Summer Camp Is Canceled
The feasibility of offering the Youth Summer Camp programs was in question. The Columbia County Department of Health has put out a strong warning not to hold summer camp this year. Councilmember Norman Rasmussen agrees saying that they “need to air on the side of caution and take the safe approach,” which all board members agreed with as well. Councilmember Jesse Newton added, “our bathrooms won’t be complete before then,” which refers to the Shatford park bathrooms, construction of which was put on hold since Covid-19 showed up. To this end, the Shatford Youth Town of New Lebanon Summer Camps are now cancelled. Director of the Summer Camp programs Michelle Bienes has held and counted on this position for 18 years now. Starting in February, Bienes plans sessions, hires camp counselors, and puts out applications for the Summer Camp programs. This aside, “It absolutely breaks my heart,” says Bienes not to be able to support the children and their families this year. Also, the salary of the Summer Camp Director (Bienes) is an appointed position, which means the salary must be paid, or the town must furlough the position. Superintendent Houghtling was clear in stating not wanting to furlough any town employee position if at all possible. In alignment with the good morals and values of the Town of New Lebanon, Bienes spoke up and said, “I’m not one to not work for my money,” and created a possible plan as to how she could put in time to the town where it might be needed. One idea she had was to scan 10 to 15 years of digital files that the town is required to keep on camp goers, sometimes up to 25 years after they turn 21 years of age. Councilmembers agreed that there will be plenty for Bienes to do to cover her salary and help support the town’s needs.
Alternatives for Summer camps are being considered, as well as the possibility to revisit opening Summer Camp if things drastically change. Stay tuned for further un-foldings.