FORESTBURGH – Tension over public behavior at the Forestburgh town meetings came to a head Thursday evening when Deputy Supervisor Steve Budofsky read a prepared statement on behalf of the town board, outlining stricter enforcement of meeting rules and warning that the disruptions will no longer be tolerated.

The statement described a pattern of disrespect, disruption and “hostile behavior” by some attendees over the past several years. Budofsky emphasized that despite repeated reminders of the procedure, members of the public have continued to interrupt and challenge the board’s authority and derailed town business.

“These efforts have been disregarded completely,” Budofsky read, referring to the attempts made to maintain a positive and orderly atmosphere. “This behavior will not be tolerated by either the supervisor or the town council members, and the board will exercise its authority as a group or individually to the fullest extent in order to conduct meetings as stipulated under New York State law.”

The statement pointed to the August meeting which had to be adjourned after persistent disruptions that had escalated to challenging the supervisor’s authority.

Citing New York’s open meeting law, the board emphasized that the purpose of a town’s board meeting is strictly for officials to conduct town business. The law entitles the public to attend and observe but does not require boards to accept public comment.

“When the courtesy of public comment is extended, it is expected that the rules of procedure and decorum are acknowledged and adhered,” Budofsky read. 

The board outlined behaviors it considered unacceptable, including speaking out of turn, making antagonistic or slanderous remarks, attempting to bait or intimidate officials, or repeatedly raising issues on topics that have already been addressed. The board also clarified that agenda items such as bills, minutes and reports are for the purpose of the board action only and are not invitations for debate or unrelated grievances.

Going forward, officials warned that individuals who violate the rules of decorum may forfeit their opportunity to speak and could be removed by authorities. “Any attempts to disrupt the meeting will be met with strict enforcement of the rules,” the statement concluded.