Mayor’s Message for November 2021
October came to an end with ghosts and goblins turning out in force for the classic Halloween Parade! Even many family pets got into the act. Many thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary who made it happen. It feels wonderful to be able to get back to normal after so many things were put on hold during the pandemic. Next up is the Holiday Lighting with Santa on November 20th, followed by Sinterklaas on December 4th. Mark your calendars! And, while you are at it, remember to set your clocks back on Saturday night (November 6). This weekend also marks peak leaf season in the Hudson Valley, when our trees put on their biggest display of the year.
A beautiful piece of Rhinebeck Village history will soon be on display in the Village. The original gates that were part of the private entrance to Astor Drive have been donated by the Verilli family. Village Historian Mike Frazier suggests we display them in their original location so that everyone can enjoy them. The gates have been carefully preserved by the Verrili family and are in wonderful condition. They were removed when Astor Drive became a Village road in the mid 1960’s. Thanks to the family for this wonderful gift.
You have probably noticed that the jersey street barriers for outdoor dining in the Village have been removed. The emergency orders from the State and County which permitted the barriers, expired on November 1st. We are so thankful that this experiment was successful in allowing local businesses the extra space to operate safety during the pandemic.
I am happy to report that the Village Highway Department has found replacements for the two trucks which were destroyed in a fire at the facility in late September. We received insurance settlements of $112,875 for one, and $114,362 for the other and were able to buy a 2021 Dodge 5500 with plow and sander for $85,180, and a 2023 International Dump Truck with a front plow, wing and sander. The Dodge will be in operation before winter, but we will have to find a temporary truck as the International which is being built now, is estimated to be completed by March 2022.
The Village Fire Department has accepted a bid for a much needed new ambulance from Horton Emergency Vehicles and VCI Emergency Services. Horton is well established as being one of the highest quality, most custom ambulances on the market. The quote was for $246,114.00. Many thanks to our Village Fire Department EMS Captain Chrissy Eighmy, and EMS Lieutenant Jeff Cotter for their hard work in finding the right vehicle at the right price. And, many thanks to the Frost Foundations for helping secure the funding. The ambulance will give EMT’s a vital piece of lifesaving equipment.
Back in 1993, the first comprehensive plan for the Village was drawn. And to put it mildly, a lot has changed since then, and it is past time for us to update it. To that end, the Board has established an advisory Comprehensive Plan Committee. There will be between 7 and 11 members, including people from existing boards, committees and commissions as well as other residents. Not only will the Committee review and update the plan, but it will conduct annual reviews in the future. Subcommittees will be formed to consider individual aspects of the Village’s land use policy, planning and regulation and continuation of the opportunity of outdoor dining in the Village, the potential expansion of the Village Historic District Overlay, housing needs for our entire population with particular attention to our elderly and low-income residents, and individualized zoning amendments that may be referred to the Committee by the Village Board from time to time.Trustee Slaby will act as Chair.
The Village board will be applying for a 2022 Community Development Block Grant. At last month’s public hearing, I proposed the idea of applying for money to do ADA (American Disabilities Act) curb replacements in the Village Center. This would not only allow greater access to the disabled, but improve walkability for everyone in the village and is based on suggestions from our engineering firm. The CDBG application allows for repairs or new construction of sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts and bike friendly features to remove inhibitors and improve pedestrian connections, so this proposal would meet the criteria for the grant.
Trustee Bertozzi proposed a resolution in support of the environmental rights amendment on the state ballot for clean water, air and a healthy physical environment. This was voted on by the public in the Nov 2nd election. Voters approved it, and it will be put into the state constitution! New York State has a long history of environmental protection and leadership to protect every New Yorker’s health and physical environment, yet there are still a multitude of issues threatening New York’s water, air, natural resources, such as climate change, emerging contaminants (such as PFAS and PFOA) in our drinking water supplies, and poor-to-failing air quality in many of our communities. The Village of Rhinebeck is particularly concerned about protecting our drinking water source: the Hudson River and the threat from climate change, which is contributing to a loss of habitat and wetlands; erosion and accretion of land; loss of agricultural productivity; loss of property, injury and death from more severe storms and flooding; harmful algal blooms in lakes and ponds.
The Marijuana Special Election will take place on Tuesday November 16, 2021. This special election will be located upstairs at the Rhinebeck Village Hall, 76 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY. The Village Hall is handicapped accessible, and a lift is available. Voting will take place from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Village Board unanimously voted to recommend the nomination of Village CFO Karen McLaughlin for a second term on the NYCLASS Governing Board. Besides being CFO/Treasurer Karen is a member of the New York State Municipal Finance Officers Association and the New York Government Finance Officers Association.
The following employees have anniversaries for the Village of Rhinebeck: Water Plant operator Allen Bateman- 3 years and Highway MEO Dante Knox - 2 years. We are glad to have them with us.
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