LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — At its July 11 meeting, the Cochecton Town Board contemplated upgrades to the new sewer plant, the new town hall, a new dog pound and new town highway equipment.

But first it appointed a replacement for longtime dog control officer Rosemary Barile, who left office for health reasons. Supervisor Gary Maas said the board feels Tamara Depaolo of Fosterdale is a good fit for the job. “She has a home-based insurance business, a love of dogs, and already has a connection with Joanne Gerow, Town of Liberty Dog Control/Peace Officer and founder of Catskill Animal Rescue Inc., a shelter for unwanted, neglected and abused animals whose goals include shelter, adoption, and low-cost spay/neuter services.”

Depaolo’s appointment means the town must provide a new dog containment facility to be located on her property. Maas said the town expects to purchase a 10-by-10-foot kennel and must put up an additional fence to comply with the state’s double enclosure requirement. Comparison shopping will be done before purchase.

Councilperson Sean Nearing reported on NYSEG’s free inspection of the new town hall for energy-saving opportunities. Replacement of 75 10-year-old fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs will result in a 60% savings on the town hall electricity bill. Of the $7,662.56 replacement cost, NYSEG will reimburse $5,075.74, leaving the town’s share at $2,586.56. The board voted unanimously to approve the expenditure.

Maas groaned as he raised the topic of additional repair work to the new sewer plant. When one of four valves was recently replaced, it became apparent that tiles underlying three other valve lines also need replacement. Failure to do so could cause two beds to be out of commission during the summer months when plant volume is dramatically increased by the Lake Huntington summer community. No cost estimate was given.

As highway superintendent Kevin Esselman gave a routine report, Maas said, “What, you don’t want any new equipment?” “Well, we could use a new sweeper,” said Esselman. “How would you feel about combining it with a mower and tractor?” asked Maas. Esselman agreed it could be done and said he would look into the purchase price of the hybrid equipment.

Code enforcement officer Greg Semenetz said the town has received seven new single-family building permits this summer.