LIBERTY — During their regular board meeting on Monday night, councilmembers in the Town of Liberty issued a proclamation in recognition of the fire departments, first responders, police, facility personnel and others who assisted during the fire at Barkley Gardens Apartments on March 8.

“Due to the circumstances at Barkley Gardens, approximately 120 residents, mostly senior citizens and disabled tenants, and with the fire being located on the fifth floor, it was a very challenging situation,” said Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo, reading from the proclamation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the resident who was injured along with the two firefighters who sustained injuries while fighting the fire,” the proclamation continued.

“We express our gratitude to you for getting everyone out and to safety. We thank you for your dedication, training and volunteer work, but mostly for your bravery and professionalism.” 

Roadside Litter

Garbage and litter strewn along roadways continues to be an issue throughout Sullivan County, particularly in the Town of Liberty.

During board discussion toward the end of Monday’s meeting, Councilman Dean Farrand reminded the board to consider, either through the town’s Parks and Recreation or Highway Department, hiring some summertime employees to go around and pick up litter.

“I dont know about every road in the town of Liberty, but every road I rode on in the past week is just cluttered in litter,” Farrand said. “We’re trying to clean up Liberty and I think this is something within our power.”

Farrand asked if the board could evaluate what it would cost to hire the extra personnel and what town truck they could use.

"I think it would be well worth the money spent,” Farrand said. Supervisor DeMayo said they would look into the matter and put something on the next meeting’s agenda.