Mayor’s Message August 2019
Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer, not named for dogs lazing around in the heat, but because this is when Sirius, the Dog Star, comes up at sunrise. I love little facts like that. During these “dog days”, the heat can be tough on people, animals, and our gardens and trees. We are asking homeowners who have recently planted Village trees on or near their properties to please give them a drink by filling their “gator” with water once a week. A good deed that deserves a cold glass of lemonade for yourself. In May we had a water quality issue in the Village when our regular water sampling detected traces of some contaminants in the water supply. This was never a water emergency and we are confident the problem has been corrected, based on our most recent sampling. The engineering firm of Tighe and Bond are working with us on a permanent solution. The Village will be filing a report with the NY State Department of Health by September 10th. We are continuing to test samples and flush the system on a regular basis to protect our clean water supply. Kudos to the Village Police Dept. and our Police Clerk Danielle Rector for getting a grant from the NY State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The $2,400 grant will allow the Village PD to be part of a statewide Police Traffic Services Program aimed at reducing traffic injuries and deaths. $600 will be allocated for Seat Belt Mobilization Enforcement, and $1,800 for regular traffic enforcement ie: seat belt compliance, speed limits, and distracted driving. Please remember cell phone use is a major cause of accidents. Our friendly Village PD will be on the lookout. And thanks to RFD Chief Kyle Eighmy, who saved the Village $34,000 on the purchase of 45 minute Scott air tanks. Firefighters use these for air while fighting interior fires. The MES Fire Company provided the tanks at half the cost because some were used, but still have full warranties. The new tanks give our brave firefighters 15 to 20 minutes more air to breathe while battling a fire inside a structure. This will not only protect them, but will allow them to better protect you. More thanks, this time to The Grants Committee, and especially Donna Warner, for the successful completion of the ‘Walk-Bike Rhinebeck Grant Application”. The study will identify and prioritize walk/bike path improvements aimed at reducing congestion and emissions in our heavily trafficked Village Center, which will increase both safety and public health. The last study was done in 2011, and there have been many changes since that time. We will prioritize finding transportation options that serve our residents, those who work here, as well as allowing for those who visit to enjoy our beautiful village. The kudos keep on coming! Congratulations to our Village Clerk Pat Coon who was awarded the 2019 General Code National Municipal Clerks Honor Roll achievement. The Municipal Clerks Honor Roll organization awards those who go above and beyond the call of duty everyday. This year, an incredible 228 nominations were received praising the dedication and hard work of clerks across the country. Shout-out to Village CFO Karen McLaughlin as she completed and filed the 2018-19 annual fiscal report to the NY State Comptroller’s Office. This important filing is a requirement to make certain that independently maintained funds/accounts are in proper balance. Here is the statement from Treasurer McLaughin, which contains very good news about the fiscal health of our Village: “The village ended the fiscal year financially strong and fiscally responsible, with Fund Balances in the General Fund: $954,295, Water Fund: $936,587 and Sewer Fund: $976,250. The Fund Balance is the village’s financial position at the end of the 2018-19 budget year on 5/31/2019, not necessarily the village’s cash position. It’s important to convey that this report takes into account: cash, receivables, payables, pending grants and capital projects. This is an on-going challenge with the 2% tax cap, union negotiations, and increasing costs of supplies, equipment and services. The Village has achieved this in-part due to the cost-conscious dedication of the Mayor and the Trustees’ to the departments who work closely with the department heads with their budgets and abiding by the Procurement policy. It takes this dedication of all to maintain the stability of the funds and address the many pressing financial needs of the village.” And, as always we love welcoming residents to our Village Hall, and have worked to make visits convenient, even during our construction project. The installation of the ADA lift is proceeding and should be done by the end of this month. You will soon find the Building/Planning Department on the first level where you usually find the Village Clerk. Her office, and mine, are being relocated to the second level.
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 or come to see me during open hours from 1pm to 2pm daily. Gary Bassett Mayor Village of Rhinebeck 76 East Market St. Rhinebeck, NY 12572 845-876-7015