Mayor’s Message May 2020
The Village of Rhinebeck is in the process of planning what a phased reopening will look like. We are working with the County and New York States’ guidelines for how to protect everyone from the COVID-19 virus by moving forward under careful monitoring and guidance from our public health officials.
The Rhinebeck Farmers Market is a signature part of life in the Village. And this past Sunday the annual spring opening took place, with limited crowds, social distancing, the use of masks, and other safety precautions in place. It went well and marks a turning point as we begin to move towards defining what will become the “new normal” until this pandemic is fully contained and controlled.
Our community has taken actions that slowed the spread of the virus. All the data we are seeing confirms this. Now, we must continue to protect ourselves and others while carefully beginning the process of reopening. I meet twice a week with Dutchess County officials, who are in turn meeting with the State, to plot a phased re-opening of various regions. We have also broken into smaller County task forces, made up of officials from every municipality to develop concrete plans for how to open safely. The workshops deal with:
● Government Functions ( Mayor Bassett)
● Economic Development(Trustee Korczak)
● Social Gathering (Trustee Lewit)
I will continue to provide updates as we formalize the plans to move forward.
I cannot thank our essential workers enough for the work they are doing to keep us going in these challenging times. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Volunteers have also gone above and beyond by providing support for those most impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. Our small team of problem solvers called “Rhinebeck COVID-19 Team” have taken on the job of coordinating, supporting and planning how to make certain no one falls through the cracks. They hold twice weekly meetings which include members of the Rotary, interact, Reformed Church, Church of the Messiah, and Village officials. Volunteers provide delivery services to seniors and high risk people. There is a truck and driver for food pantry deliveries. The Dutchess County Fairgrounds has put its refrigerators to use storing perishables, along with creating a drive through food pantry. Local flower farms have donated flowers to the food pantries. Masks have been provided to those who need them. There is social outreach via neighborly chats, and small business support. Members help monitor resident’s needs for household repairs. Volunteers are spreading the word through social media, email, bilingual flyers, and sandwich boards in front of Village Hall and the Doughboy.It’s just incredible to see the efficiency, love and dedication coming from this community.
The Village Board approved next year’s budget during our April 14th board meeting. The Board, Village Treasurer, and all department heads have been very aggressive about efficiency and cost saving measures in light of the potential financial impacts of the pandemic. As a result the Village is in strong financial shape. The 2020-2021 budget has no tax increase and is below the 1.78% tax cap. Meanwhile, we will keep investing in paving roads, replacing old equipment, updating technology, and planning for the future. The livestream broadcast of the Village Board meetings continue to be held online, and are available for viewing on PANDA23.
Pursuing grants is part of our strategy to pay for infrastructure improvements and historical preservation. Another primary objective of ours was to make an investment in our employee wages and benefits, as well as a minor increase in compensation for the Board. These public servants are a critical asset to the Village, and their dedication has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 crisis. Because of the financial impact of the crisis, I am proposing that, instead of one tax payment in June, that residents can pay Village taxes in two installments this year. More to come on that.
It will come as no surprise to anyone who drives or walks in the Village, that the water main replacement project is moving forward. Livingston Street is now complete and paved, the water lines are installed on Chestnut and Platt, and Montgomery Street is in progress. Chestnut and Platt have been milled and are being prepped for paving. Any project like this must include planning for unexpected discoveries. And sure enough, while connecting the water main at Livingston Street, the crews were surprised to find a tunnel that does not appear on any of our maps. There were all sorts of theories being floated, including that the tunnel might be part of the Underground Railroad which was active in Rhinebeck. Village Historian, Mike Frazier, solved the problem by determining that it is a 1893 cistern, and it was built to last, even standing up to our modern machinery. It’s a wonderful feat of engineering, and we were able to reroute the pipes so it can be preserved. The tunnel runs north and south, the width of Livingston St.
We are getting many inquiries for yard sales as the nice weather approaches. Unfortunately, under executive order by Governor Cuomo yard sales or garage sales are considered to be large gatherings and continue to be suspended until further notice.
I want to congratulate Police Officer Darren Bondar, and Village Court Clerk Tricia Giacalone on their work anniversaries.
On a personal note I want to thank everyone who reached out to our family during our personal struggle with COVID-19. Your kindness and concern kept us going. We are lucky to live in this strong, supportive community which has pulled together more than ever during this difficult time…
STAY HOME. STOP THE SPREAD. SAVE LIVES!
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
Gary Bassett
Mayor Village of Rhinebeck
76 East Market St. Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-876-7015