GLEN SPEY, NY — Having dissolved its predecessor in August, the Lumberland Town Board adopted a resolution forming a new zoning review commission on September 13.

Supervisor Jenny Mellan read the resolution which, detailed a three-phase commission for a new panel, which will consist of one unnamed town board member, planning board chair Ed Gavalla; zoning board of appeals chair, Terri Fountain; code enforcement officer Dave Sparling and one non-official resident, plus two unspecified alternate members.

The work will consist of detailing inconsistencies and omissions, reviewing codes pertaining to setbacks and travel trailers, and reviewing solar regulations. The commission was tasked to report to the town board after completing each phase.

Issues involving setbacks and travel-trailer parking in Mohican Lake apparently contributed to last month’s action, which was accompanied by the resignation of Sue Gregg, who served on the planning board and chaired the former review committee.

Responding to several questions from resident Steven Kosmacher, Mellan said the commission was “not exactly” picking up where its predecessor left off after three to four years, but work would be incorporated into the new effort. She gave no time frame for completion, but said that since a town board member would be on the panel, past reporting problems will be avoided.

As for work in adapting Bethel’s solar ordinance for Lumberland’s use, Mellan said, “We won’t be throwing out the baby with the bath water, just some water, and [we’ll be] adding more warm water.”

Town Clerk Ginny Horn said that following a meeting with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, the town would be looking into solving safety issues at the town hall complex with the purchase of personal “panic button” alarms for employees, improved nighttime lighting and the possible installation of stanchions or concrete planters between exposed building walls and parking areas.

Later, asked about the need and cost, Mellan said the board wanted to look at options. As to the need, she said her office window is next to a parking lot and that a truck recently jumped the curb accidentally.

“We can do it now or wait for someone to get killed,” Horn said.

The board’s agenda also reported that, but did not explain why, the Jeff Bank office in Eldred will no longer be accepting school tax bill payments.