Southern Ulster Times Jan. 20 2016

TIMES Chief retires his badge SOUTHERN Vol. 13, No 3 ULSTER 3 JANUARY 20, 2016 3 ONE DOLLAR Dukes sweep series Page 40 SERVING HIGHLAND, MARLBOROUGH AND PLATTEKILL Time and money Lloyd Town Board debates salaries, starting time at reorganization meeting By MARK REYNOLDS [email protected] Usually town reorganization meetings go smoothly but this year, with two Democrats on the Lloyd Town Board, there were a few disagreements. Last fall Democratic Councilman Mike Guerriero was joined by another Democrat, Joe Mazzetti, bringing the board’s composition to 3 Republicans and 2 Democrats. When it came to approving the salary of the full-time Recreation Director, Frank Alfonso, Councilman Guerriero questioned the $43,297 salary. He said 3 years ago the Director received a $10,000 raise. “It went from $30,000 to $40,000 and now in three years we’re up to $43,000,” he said. Councilman Kevin Brennie said part of the reason is because the Director took over the cleaning chores and some additional responsibilities after the town eliminated that service. Supervisor Paul Hansut added that the Director is also getting the normal 2% raise. Guerriero said Alfonso also gets a town cell phone and mileage reimbursement; “He gets compensated pretty well.” Hansut said the Recreation Director is a competitive position and he was hired off the Civil Service list. The vote was 4-1, with Guerriero the Continued on page 3 Bobby Troncillito steps down as Marlboro Fire Chief By MARK REYNOLDS [email protected] Bobby Troncillito has been the Marlboro Fire Chief for more years than any others who have served in the post: 36 consecutive years as Chief – and he is in his 52nd year with the company, having joined the service at 18 right out of high school. Last week he made it official and retired from his position and passed the torch to his peer, his first assistant and close friend Andy Polizzi. When asked about his decision, he said, “I’ve got to keep my emotions under control; I get very sensitive. You know it’s been a hell of a run and in all honesty when your mind tells you it’s time, it’s time.” Troncillito turns 70 in September. Troncillito said many have helped him reach his goals along the way. “Everything that I’ve accomplished over the years doesn’t happen by yourself,” he said, with a catch in his voice. “I’ve been blessed all these years with good line officers, supportive Fire Commissioners, the house officers and their support, the support of the membership, the Ladies Auxiliary, and another key factor is your mutual aid [fire] companies, like Milton, Middle Hope and Plattekill who are our mainstays – no fire company can do it by themselves anymore, they’ve got to have mutual aid once in awhile.” During his tenure Troncillito has been involved with numerous organizations- the Ulster County and New York State Fire Chiefs Associations, the Ulster County Fire Advisory Board and FASNY [Firemen’s Association of the State of New York]. “You get involved, you eat and sleep Bobby Troncillito, who has been a member of the Marlboro Fire Department for 52 years, including 36 years as chief, has turned over the reins to Andy Polizzi. this business and it’s in your blood; I can’t make it any plainer than that,” he said. WWW.SOUTHERNULSTERTIMES.COM Troncillito has long family ties to the department, from his father to a quartet Continued on page 4