Mayor’s Message for January 2022
Wishing each and every one of you a Happy New Year! And, with 2021 now firmly in the rear view mirror, I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you did to help and support our community during a very challenging year.
We have made a lot of progress despite the ongoing threat of the COVID19 pandemic, but I know everyone is feeling exhausted as we face the latest upswing in cases. However, we do need to continue our efforts so we can put this latest challenge behind us. Health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, and boosted, to continue wearing masks in public places and social distancing when possible. If you are sick, please stay home. For more information on COVID-19 tests, go toTesting for Coronavirus in Dutchess County
As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board has tried to balance the safety of our population with the economic needs of our residents and local businesses. It is a tough balancing act, and we truly appreciate your understanding of the big picture. Because of the latest surge in COVID19, the Village government will go back to remote meetings. Please watch for meeting notices on our website or social media page. If you are signed up on our distribution list you will automatically get a schedule by email. If you want to sign up, please do so here:Village of Rhinebeck
Despite the challenges, 2021 was a year of significant accomplishments for the Village.
- Completed the renewal of our union contracts with the Police Department and Service Workers Unions.
- Approved plans for outdoor dining and retail.
- Completed the Police Reform Initiative and submitted it to the state.
- Opted-out of allowing Cannabis dispensaries or consumption establishments in the Village by referendum.
- Adopted the 2020-21 budget with a new tax rate that was down $1.02 per $1,000 from previous year’s budget
- Appointed Cahti Tegtmeier as the Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC)
- Appointed Suzanne Holzberg to the Village Planning Board
- Appointed temporary Building-Planning and Zoning personnel (Ken McLaughlin, Justin Noyes and Brian Connolly)
- Hired Joe Zipp to the Highway Department as Highway Laborer
- Appointed two new police officers, Michael Plass and Steven Leung
- Passed a policy banning the spraying of glyphosate (often referred to by the brand Roundup™ ) on municipal properties
- Adopted an updated Village Procurement Code with the Environmentally Preferable guidelines.
- Purchased a Water Dept. Utility truck, Highway Dept. crew truck and two dump trucks with plows and sanders and a Police Command Car.
- Completed the conversion of 243 Village Street Lights to LED
- Approved the purchase of a new Rescue Truck and Ambulance for the Fire Dept.
- Approved anti-bias/diversity training for all Village leadership and department heads
- Approved a study to analyze the 2006 Village water rates
- Submitted WIIA Grant (Water Infrastructure Improvement Act) for Water Treatment Plant upgrades
- Submitted Grant for 2022 CDBG on ADA curb replacements
- Paved Cramer, Verna and Orchard streets
- Completed Wastewater Treatment plant greenhouse repair
- Received a grant from NY State’s NYSERDA program to study energy efficiency and air quality/HVAC assessment at Village Hall
- Received 2021 MIG Grant (Municipal Investment Grant) for Police Equipment ($28,755)
- The Autism Supportive Committee won Dutchess Tourism's "Accessible Hospitality" Award of Distinction.
- Approved Committees to work on the 1993 Comprehensive plan and the Historic District Overlay
- Environmental accomplishments - For a complete list of the environmental accomplishments please go to 2021 Rhinebeck Village Annual Climate Progress Report
Going forward into 2022, we already have a list of projects to work on:
- Updating the Comprehensive plan to address issues with Affordable/Workforce housing, Senior Living Housing and zoning regulations
- Complete the Historic District Overlay for the expanded historic district
- Implement the Compost Pilot Program for 100 homes and 5 businesses
- Obtain WIIA (Water Infrastructure Improvement Act) grant for Water Treatment plant ($6.5M)
- Complete phased plan for updates to existing water rates
- Receive 2nd payment of ARP Funds (American Rescue Plan) totaling $261,802 and plan expenditure
- Adopt Small Wireless Facilities code (5G)
- Continue anti-bias/diversity training and police reform recommendations
- Plan for Rt. 9 corridor study and Landsman Kill Bridge Replacement
- Beautification of main corridor by replacing aging Norway Maples with tree species better suited for the environment
- Promote Rhinebeck Village’s Autism Supportive Community Initiative
- Continue on our path to obtain Silver Certification as a Climate Smart Community
- Improve our parks to better meet needs of the residents
I’d like to congratulate the following people who have again stepped up to be officers of the Village of Rhinebeck Fire Dept. for 2022. Congratulations and thanks to all!
Chief- Kyle Eighmy
Assistant Chief - Bryant Knapp
1st Captain-Peter Fraleigh
2nd Captain-Todd Leary
1st Lieutenant-Sheldon Tieder
2nd Lieutenant-Blake McMichael
EMS Captain- Chrissy Eighmy
EMS 1st Lt.- Jeff Cotter
EMS 2nd Lt- Talal Jabari
Fire Police Captain- Tim Day
CIVIL Officers:
President- Mark Browne
Vice President- Sonny Fraiman
Treasurer- John Imperato
Secretary- Walt Cotter
Financial Secretary- Leanne Pitcher
1st Board of Director- Rick Dorrer
2nd Board of Director- Sandy Williams
The following employee had anniversaries for the Village of Rhinebeck:
Deputy Clerk Krissy Denu- 12 years
Officer in Charge Sgt. Peter Dunn- 20 years.
Residents are encouraged to put out their discarded Christmas trees at curbside as early as possible to be picked up and recycled into mulch. Please remove all tree stands, tinsel, lights, and ornaments from trees before placing them out for collection. DO NOT place trees in plastic bags.
As we head into the new year, I want to acknowledge those we have lost, and their families. And, to continue our efforts going forward in hopes for a better, brighter 2022.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 2 at Village Hall or via email to MayorBassett@VillageofRhinebeckny.gov
Mayor Gary Bassett