Ex-clerk urges Hanover to purchase cameras

At a recent meeting, Crino spoke during public comments as a resident to push for action from the current Town Board to keep the infrastructure of the Town safe.

Crino cited a recent OBSERVER article highlighting a string of thefts around Chautauqua County, titled, “Sheridan equipment theft could be part of bigger trend,” which ran in the weekend issue of the OBSERVER on July 20-21.

Crino contacted the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office to inform them of his belief that the issue is “much broader than that.” Crino stated Erie County has had the same issue with equipment being stolen there, as well. Crino said the issue brought a topic of discussion back to his mind dating back to when he was Town Clerk.

On Nov. 14, 2022, the Town Board issued a resolution to look into security cameras to be installed at the Highway Department building. The topic came up again in early 2023, when Crino stated Councilman Bernie Feldmann expressed a desire for cameras to be installed at the Water and Sewer Department building, as well as the Highway Department building.

Pictured is Hanover Deputy Supervisor Bernie Feldmann responding to Tim Crino’s concerns at a recent meeting of the Town Board.

Crino received quotes from two providers and submitted the proposals to the Board in July of 2023. A year later, however, both buildings remain without security cameras. Crino pressed the Board on why no action has been taken.

Crino highlighted the two buildings in question are substantial Town investments, with the Highway Department building is worth $2.6 million and the Water and Sewer Department building is worth $5.8 million, not including any of the equipment at either site.

“We have our water system out there right now totally unprotected, and it’s been two years,” Crino said.

Crino further emphasized that the cost for security cameras can be covered by American Rescue Plan Act funds, of which the Town had approximately $235,000 as of Jan. 1, when he left office. Crino asked, “Why has this taken a year and a half to put up cameras?”

Feldmann responded to Crino’s comments that because of the same OBSERVER article, he reached out to one of the two providers who previously submitted a quote for the installation of security cameras, especially at the Highway Department building. He planned to meet with one of the providers the day of the recent meeting, but was forced to reschedule.

“Budgetarily, yes we have the money, but we also have a lot of different things to do with the money,” Feldmann said.

Crino fired back, “That’s more important than our water? I would like to know what they are.”

Feldmann said there is already surveillance at the water tower, but Crino highlighted there is no surveillance of the wells in Forestville.

“We have the money. It’s not budgetary, it’s outside of the budget. It’s ARPA money,” Crino said, while reminding the Board the remaining ARPA funds must be allocated by the end of the year.

Town Accountant Elmar Kiefer stated later in the meeting, “We have enough ARPA money to cover the cameras at all the places. That would not be a problem at all.”

Crino and the Board also went back and forth on a decision to not purchase additional buildings for the Town, as the Town is now evaluating an expansion to its current Town Hall and Court. Crino was critical of the Town’s decision to not pursue additional buildings and does not believe the need to expand the current facility should be a priority over projects, such as enhanced security measures.

Later in the meeting, the Board delayed taking action on an addition to the pavilion at Bicentennial Park to allow for more time to discuss priorities with remaining ARPA funds. The Town Board will discuss finances in an upcoming budget meeting to determine the best use of the Town’s available funds. Town Supervisor Lou Pelletter directed each member of the Board to submit a proposal on how to spend remaining ARPA funds at a future meeting.