The Town of Crawford Board meeting was held Thursday, June 18 at the Town Hall and on-line via Zoom. Supervisor Charles Carnes read reports from the various departments including police, building, water and sewer, and highway without incident. The Town Clerk report showed various losses in revenue to the Town indicating a loss of almost $14,000 when compared year to date with 2019. The Board discussed the anticipated decrease of 20% in sales tax revenue for the year as well as additional potential losses.

Carnes alerted the Board and those in attendance that all that is required to create a Village within a Town is an appropriate petition with 500 signatures. Pointing out the various reasons adding an additional layer to local government is undesirable including increased costs, ability to maintain oversight of the Master Plan as well as control of other local agencies. Carnes distributed a packet of info to the Board.

“To prevent this from happening, we can form a coterminous town/village,” Carnes stated and explained it would be similar to having a Village of Crawford and Town of Crawford. The Board is reviewing the information they were provided regarding the matter.

Domanie Ragni, Director of Community Services, revisited the topic of a UFO Museum with a second presentation to the Board. Ragni conducted a poll among business owners open on Main Street and said the support for the project was almost unanimous though no official location has been selected at this time. She also emphasized the proposed museum would attract three types of people including those who want fun, people who are curious and want to learn more and the serious people who have no doubt about the existence of UFO’s. Legislator Rob Sassi reiterated his support for the project. Asked about the timeline of securing a site for the museum, Ragni replied she hoped one could be in place for the rescheduled UFO Fair to be held September 5 – 6, Labor Day Weekend.

The Pine Bush Lions Club submitted a letter canceling the September 2020 Harvest Festival due to concerns surrounding the Corona virus and hoping to return in September 2021.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 7 p.m. and will include two proposed local laws related to zoning for mixed use and business.