BETHEL — A letter from Sullivan 180 CEO Denise Frangipane announcing a grant of $17,000 was read at the Bethel Town Board meeting May 14. The funds are designated to support the care of public spaces and the installation of new playground equipment at the Forest Reserve in Smallwood.

 It is expected that $5,000 will go towards cleanup of public spaces and the town Litterpluck held May 17, and $12,000 will be for the new playground addition, which has a total cost of $72,000. The remaining $60,000 is to be provided by leftover stimulus funds. The equipment alone is approximately $55,000 and $17,000 covers installation and mulch. Delivery will be in July. 

In reference to the series of playground equipment installed since 2023, including chess tables, Supervisor Dan Sturm stated, “The overall idea is to get families out and about to enjoy all Bethel has to offer. We now have walking trails, chess tables, a dog park, (summer camp and pool), playgrounds, a gazebo, and benches…”

Other meeting business

Town Clerk Rita Sheehan submitted a request for FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) Tracking Software. There are 35 FOI requests from various agencies and there is a need for a method to track and simplify the process, which includes receipt, acknowledgement, date fulfilled, applicant payment, denials, and appeals. 

The cost of $5,037 will be discounted by $3,037, with a net cost of $2,000 from a trusted vendor. 

At first, Sturm replied that it would be discussed for next year’s budget, but then encouraged approval since Sheehan is presently questioning the vendor prior to purchase.

An environmental consulting firm, Keystone Environmental Services of Binghamton, NY, has been hired to conduct a pre-demolition asbestos survey at a vacant cabin structure at 83 Huntington Avenue in Smallwood. A NYS Certified Asbestos Building Inspector will visit the site and collect asbestos samples of suspect building materials scheduled to be disturbed during demolition. 

Samples will be submitted to a laboratory and the final survey report shall identify the locations, quantities, friability, and conditions of materials identified as asbestos through bulk sample analysis.

There has been no co-operation from the owner of the unsafe cabin despite numerous attempts by the town, and an asbestos report is necessary prior to building demolition. The cost of $4,015 for the report will be levied against the owner.

The Town of Bethel received a check from the county in the amount of $9,168 for a percentage of the town’s sales of cannabis between 9/01/2024 and 2/28/2025. The sum, approximately 3% percent of sales, is a revenue source whereby the local municipality receives a direct share. 

Sturm stated, “This is the first check we’ve gotten. As you may know, there are two cannabis locations in Bethel. A lot of towns in the county opted out and Bethel chose not to.” 

Since the check represents the first five months of operation, annual receipts are predicted to be more than double.

Councilwoman Lillian Hendrickson, who is soon to begin her last six months in office, stated, “Being that it’s [almost] June, and I will be gone, [as the end of December is the end of my term]… It was a pleasure representing you…I can’t thank everybody enough…I hope I represented you to the best of my ability. I did everything I could to get everybody to work together.”

Councilwoman Wendy Brown highlighted the Sustainable Bethel Forum scheduled for Sunday, June 15, noon - 3 p.m., at the Duggan School. There will be speakers and various types of information about landscape, septic, electricity, water, and other environmental topics pertinent to residents of Bethel.

Zoom participant Mary-Ellen Seitelman asked, “When will the topic of a moratorium [on development] be on the agenda?”

Sturm responded that he has “had extensive conversations” with various departments and members of the public…” I am giving serious and careful review of all relevant facts and will have a decision at the appropriate time.…On that note, we have board meetings every two weeks and anyone can come and comment.” 

Seitelman also asked if “new zoning laws will be considered to address high-density multifamily housing.”

Sturm said that there will be a zoning review with consideration of adjustments to it. 

“Yes, it is a hot topic and will be considered,” he said.