Mayor’s Message for November 2020

A big vote of thanks and appreciation to all who worked the polls and to all who voted.


Everyone followed the protocols designed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and carried on with the work of democracy.


After remaining flat for months, the COVID case numbers are again rising in Dutchess County. (COVID-19 Dashboard) We face still more challenges as COVID-19 is now joined by the seasonal flu, and colder weather.


We must continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. The Poughkeepsie Journal highlighted our Village center signs requiring masks as an excellent example of how important it is that we continue taking precautions.


Governor Cuomo recently released updated out-of-state travel rules in an advisory document. These rules outline new COVID19 quarantine and testing requirements for travelers entering New York from other states. They do not apply to those traveling to and from contiguous states including: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.


Many of our local businesses have greatly benefited from the Emergency Program which allowed streets and sidewalks to be used for dining and shopping. Our permit with the State DOT is set to expire at the end of the month. At that time, the barriers on both State and Village roads will be removed due to cold weather and snow. Trustee Lydia Slaby is forming a task force to determine possible next steps to support our businesses through the cold weather months. Once the task force has made its recommendations, there will be a public hearing.


The Village has now held two public forums on the proposed consolidation of Town and Village Courts. At our Village Board meeting on November 10th, we will set a date for a special election after a petition was filed asking for a referendum. The timing is keyed to the filing of the petition, 9-902 (5) which states:

If such petition be so filed after the first day of the month in which the general village election is to be held and before the first day of the month two months prior to the next general village election, a proposition for the approval of such act or resolution shall be submitted at a special election of such village to be held not less than ten nor more than sixty days after the filing of such petition.


In the past month, the Police Reform Committee has delved into issues of Law Enforcement/Diversion programs related to mental health and drug related emergencies. Dutchess County Commissioner of Emergency Response Dana Smith, who oversees the 911 call center, shared his input. The Committee also discussed the important role Community Outreach plays for our Police Officers. A sub-Committee consisting of young people from the school, Village SRO Officers Beth Imperato and Ken Scattergood, Rhinebeck School District Superintendent Albert Cousins, Officer in Charge Pete Dunn and I will meet to update the ongoing contract between the Village and the School for a Student Resource Officer. And, we have hired private consultants Lexipol to review Police Policy and Procedures.They will report to us within the month.


The Village’s Fire department will be expanding its coverage in the Town of Rhinebeck Fire Protective District. Beginning in January, the coverage will extend through the section of Town which runs north and west of the Village to the border of Red Hook.


Chief Kyle Eighmy has proposed the fire department open bidding to replace our 26 year old rescue truck. This vital piece of equipment is the primary response vehicle for automobile accidents. If the bid is approved, the department should have the new truck in fifteen months.


The Rescue Squad under Rescue Captain Chrissy Eighmy has received a grant to purchase a LUCAS device. This life saving device provides mechanical compressions during ambulance trips for patients in cardiac arrest.


The Village Board received an update from intern David Chernack from the Bard Center for Environmental Policy. He is reviewing both the Comprehensive Plan and the Village Master Plan looking for possible updates in environmental/climate policy. As these plans were drafted in 2009 and 1993 respectively, they may not reflect current best practices.


Trustee Vanessa Bertozzi, continues her work with the Village and Town Highway Departments to determine if replacing the use of road salt with brine for winter clearing is feasible. This could bring not only significant cost savings, but also protect our drinking water.


It was my great honor to present Rhinebeck resident Ethell Arnell with a certificate from the Village in honor of her 100th birthday. Not only that, but we joined her for a celebratory spin around her neighborhood in a police car. A great time was had by all, and a big congratulations to Ethel!

Congratulations to the following Village Employees on their employment anniversaries: Temporary Highway Dept employee MEO Dante Knox - 1 year, Water Plant operator Allen Bateman- 2 years, and Police Officer Jonathan Wilson - 1 year.


I have had a good response to the “Virtual Village Town Halls” which give all of you a chance to weigh in on issues of concern to you. If you are interested in attending one, please reach out to Village Clerk Martina McClinton, let her know what subject or issue you want to discuss, and she will sign you up. Hope to see you there!


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

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Video: Court Consolidation Public Forum November 5, 2020