Village trustees appoint new police recruit, set date for ICE law discussion

MILLERTON — The appointment of a new village police recruit and the approval of a communications platform were among the key items discussed at the Millerton Village Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

The board also set a date for a follow-up to the recent special meeting regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That meeting will be held Tuesday, July 29, at 6 p.m., with the village’s legal counsel expected to attend.

Following a brief report from Police Chief Joseph Olenik, the board unanimously accepted the resignation of Officer Julia Phillips, who is stepping down to spend more time with her family.

“She was a great officer,” said Olenik, before introducing a candidate to fill the vacancy.

Heather Dworkin, 25, of Fishkill, addressed the board during the meeting.

“Law enforcement has always been huge in my family, and I’m ready to take that step myself and serve my community,” she said. Dworkin was joined by her parents, Mary and Keith Dworkin. Her father serves as police chief in the village of Millbrook.

“I’m interested in this village specifically because I like the fact that you can build a relationship with the people who live here,” she added. “That’s very important to me.”

After an executive session, the board unanimously voted to appoint Dworkin as a new police recruit for the village.

Trustees also approved a two-year contract with TextMyGov, a new software platform designed to improve communication with residents. The system will allow the village to send text alerts in emergencies or when timely mass communication is needed. While implementation details are still being finalized, the board voted to move forward following a review of competing options.

In other business, the board will plan to formally recognize a tree committee, which has been operating on a volunteer basis and hopes to explore funding opportunities through the state Department of Environmental Conservation.