November 27, 2018
Letter to the Editor of the Gazette

To The Editor:

For those of you who may have missed it, State Assemblywoman Sandra Galef’s recent annual Newsletter Questionnaire, relating to “plastic Pollution”, was summarized in last week’s edition of the Gazette.
The article reported that “An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated they believe single-use plastic bags are harming the environment (89%). 68% of people responding said they would support implementing a nominal fee on carry-out plastic bags, 59% said they would support a ban on plastic bags, with a minimum charge of 10 cents on paper carry-out bags, and 73% said they would support a ban on plastic bags with no fee on paper bags.
I was very gratified to read the results of Assemblywoman Galef’s questionnaire, and to see the strong support for legislation on this issue. I have heard folks say that reducing or eliminating single use plastic bags is such a small response to the larger climate change issue, the proverbial “drop in the bucket”. Here’s a little parable to put that in perspective:
A sparrow heard that the sky was falling, and lay down on his back. Along came one of the king’s horsemen. He said, “What are you doing?” The sparrow said, “I heard the sky is falling, and I’m holding it up.” The horseman was amused: “Do you really think you can hold up the sky with those little legs?” And the sparrow said, “We do what we can.”
And so we do what we can. And when many people do it, it becomes magnified; whole communities do it, and states, and even countries. We do it not for our own self-satisfaction, but to be good and careful stewards of the environment. We do it for the benefit of the planet that we share.
Sincerely, Sherry Horowitz, Trustee, Village of Croton-on-Hudson

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Croton Democratic Committee I want to express our sincere congratulations and thanks to every one of the residents of the Village who voted in last Tuesday’s election. Exercising our right to vote is our most solemn responsibility as citizens and it was heartening to see such historic levels of participation by our fellow Croton residents.

Of course, we wish to express our particular thanks to all of you who saw fit to turn out and vote for the Croton Dems’ endorsed candidates, all of whom won. We were particularly grateful for the tireless efforts of our friends in the Village, especially the Cortlandt/Croton Indivisible group (CCoHope), who did such extraordinary work to support our friend and new State Senator, Pete Harckham. Pete waged decent, respectful, issue-driven campaigns in both the primary and general elections. We are lucky to have him as our new representative in the Senate.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that, thanks to you, Andy Simmons will be the newest Trustee on the Village Board of Trustees. Returning to the Board will also be Trustee Ann Gallelli, who now has the distinction of being the highest vote-getter of any trustee in history. And congratulations to Sam Watkins, our Village Justice, the highest vote-getter ever… for any Village office. We are grateful that these folks have offered their service to Croton on Hudson.

Richard Masur,
Chair, Croton Democratic Committee

To The Editor:

 

Keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is the neighborly thing to do, and it’s the law. In preparation for the winter season, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton selected a contractor to remove snow and ice from sidewalks for property owners that fail to clear them within 18 hours.

 

When a property owner fails to clear their sidewalk, it puts their neighbors at risk and presents a particular challenge to senior citizens and parents trying to navigate young children across a slippery sidewalk.  Further, unshoveled sidewalks undermines the efforts of all the neighbors that did clear their walks.

 

Village law has long required that sidewalks be cleared of snow and ice within 18 hours.  Historically, we’ve relied on fines to enforce this. But at times the owner would be fined, be taken to court and still fail to keep their walks clear-meaning the public still wasn’t getting the safe passage the law was meant to protect.

 

In 2016, a bipartisan majority on the Village Board adopted a local law empowering the Village to charge the property owner for the removal of the snow and ice.  As of last Monday, the Board is putting that new power to use on behalf of the community. We selected Enricco Contracting, which provided the lowest of three bids for snow removal services: $38/hour for snow shoveling, $46/hour for snow blowing, and $175/hour for using a skid steer.

 

I encourage residents to make preparations now to ensure that they are ready for winter.

 

Dozens of Croton residents have already availed themselves of “Operation Snowflake” organized by the Town of Cortlandt. Seniors can have a student from the area shovel for them.  If you are interested in this service, you should contact the community center’s Becky Ferguson at 528-8377 for questions and information.

 

To be clear, Operation Snowflake is for seniors only and a match with a student cannot be guaranteed. Which is is why it’s important for all of us to be proactive and plan for what we will do to ensure our sidewalks are clear and safe for our community before the flurries fly.

 

Sincerely,

 

Brian Pugh

To the editor:

Several weeks ago, Croton’s Board of Trustees voted to create our first committee on Diversity and Inclusion. For a small village like ours, some might wonder why, or whether, this is necessary. For me, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

It is exciting to start to take a real look around and see who actually lives here now. It is exciting to see that even within a few square miles, we contain many cultures and many lifestyles. This committee is tasked with looking more deeply into our population and seeing what we can do in order to reach and interact with each other. We’ll look at how the Village might help newer Americans not only adjust to life here, but to have them share their own riches and cultures. We’ll look at our attitudes and see if we can reach farther and more openly across what seem like dividing lines. We’ll look at what we as a Village can do to be more welcoming, more understanding, more helpful, more open.

Anyone interested in working with this group should reach out to me through the Village. I look forward to meeting, speaking, and sharing in our beautiful differences and similarities.

Things happen when we open our eyes. Amazing lessons are learned when we interact with people we might consider “different” from ourselves. This is a time, and an opportunity, to look for each other and to get to know one another. There is much to teach and much to learn.

Sincerely,

Amy Attias, Village Trustee

Dear neighbor,

Here is the 424th installment of Decoding Village Agendas to keep Croton residents informed of the actions of the Village Board at their meetings.  I continue to add recipients to this email update on agendas so you may be receiving it for the first time. I enjoy getting your feedback and hope to continue to hear from you.  If you do not wish to receive these periodic email updates from me, please reply to this email and your name will be removed from the email list.

Ann Gallelli

Decoding Village Agendas –   November 19, 2018

Regular Meeting of the Village Board

8:00 p.m.

 (Open to Public and Televised

 

 

PRESENTATION/OTHER:

 

 

• Vincent F. Kopicki, Environmental Facilities Commissioner for Westchester County, discusses the August 2018 sewage leak in Crotonville.  The Village has requested that the County address how and why this sewage leak into the Croton River occurred and what is being done to prevent a future occurrence  as well notification protocols to the Village.

 

1. 1. Sarah Smiley, Director of Member Services from Energize NY, on the new Pay When Received PACE program.  The Village already is a member of the Energy Improvement Corporation.  As a member it is eligible to participate in certain Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that comply with NYSERDA programs, and investor owned utility programs.  The new Pay When Received program is aimed at commercial, multi-family and not-for-profit building owners.    It requires the Village to approve an addendum to its current agreement.

 

• Review of the Environment Assessment Form Parts II & III by the Village Board to determine consistency related to Phase II of the Senasqua Park Walkway project.  The Village is moving forward with its plans to complete the walkway extension from Senasqua Park to the recently completed Elliott Way walkway to the north.  It requires approvals from both the NYSDEC and the Army Corps of Engineers.  The process to getting those approvals involves submitting application design documents, declaring the Village to be Lead Agency in the SEQRA review and a determination of consistency with our Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan – LWRP.  The Board will review the documents.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: Public hearing to consider adoption of Local Law Introductory 11 of 2018 to amend the Tree Law of the Village Code to address the removal of dangerous trees and tree limbs.    The Board will take public comments on the proposed law.  The intent is to amend Section 208 of the Code to allow the Village to remove  trees on private property, that are deemed dangerous and an imminent threat, with notice to the owner, with the costs being borne by the owner.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

 

• Memo from Daniel O’Connor, Village Engineer, regarding the extension of a building permit for 370 South Riverside Avenue.  Mr. O’Connor recommends a six month extension due to extenuating circumstances of the owner.

• Email from Jo Ann Fannon, Chair of the Croton Community Blood Drive Committee, announcing the Croton Blood Drive on December 2.  The Blood Drive will be held from 9 am to 3 pm at the Croton Harmon High School.  Ms. Fannon’s letter emphasizes the extreme need for  blood in our area and urges participation by our residents.

• Email from Dan Welsh, Westchester Power Program Director, regarding 2019 notification letters.  Notification letters will be going out to customers of the Westchester Power program notifying them of options for at their energy supply.  The Village is part of this program offered by Westchester Power.  Constellation New Energy is the supplier.

 

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

• Consider authorizing the Village Attorney to execute the proposed tax certiorari settlement for 35 South Riverside Avenue for the years 2014-2017.    A proposed settlement agreement between the owners of the property and the Village calls for a reimbursement from the Village of $22,837.97 for the years 2014 – 2017.

• Consider authorizing the Village Attorney to execute the proposed tax certiorari settlement for 180 North Riverside Avenue for the year 2017.  A proposed settlement agreement between the owners of the property and the Village calls for a reimbursement from the Village of $4,448.24 for the2017 year.

 

 

Dear neighbor, Here is the 423rd installment of Decoding Village Agendas to keep Croton residents informed of the actions of the Village Board at their meetings. I continue to add recipients to this email update on agendas so you may be receiving it for the first time. I enjoy getting your feedback and hope to continue to hear from you. If you do not wish to receive these periodic email updates from me, please reply to this email and your name will be removed from the email list.

Ann Gallelli

Decoding Village Agendas – November 5, 2018

Regular Meeting of the Village Board

8:00 p.m.

(Open to Public and Televised

PRESENTATION/OTHER:

Consider adoption of a resolution to rename the 2nd Floor Meeting Room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building in memory of Village Trustee Georgianna Grant.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Public Hearing to consider the amended special use permit application of Hudson National Golf Club, 40 Arrowcrest Drive.
The Board is the Lead Agency on this application to build a new building for caddies and carts. The Planning Board and Waterfront Advisory Committee have both recommended favorably.

Public Hearing to consider adoption of Local Law Introductory No. 9 of 2018 to amend the Zoning Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson to regulate affordable housing.
The proposed law has been under discussion by several Village Board’s over several years. It applies to new residential development of 10 units or more, requiring 10% set aside for an affordable unit. It defines affordability within US Department of Housing and Urban Development Guidelines. It also sets minimum floor area and occupancy standards.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Email from Karina Tarnawsky, Teatown Events Manager, regarding Hudson River EagleFest 2019.
Teatown has schedule its next Eaglefest event for February 9, 2019 at Croton Point Park.

Letter from Leslie Snyder, attorney for Verizon Wireless, regarding the proposed installation of a wireless facility at 2143 Albany Post Road in the Town of Cortlandt. This is a required communication/notification. The facility is not located in Croton, but rather in Montrose.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS:

Consider adoption of a resolution denouncing anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, xenophobia and all manifestations of racial, ethnic, religious and political bigotry. This statement of condolence is in response to the shootings in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life congregation.

Consider establishing a Village Diversity and Inclusion Committee and appointing individuals to serve for a term to expire in December 2019. The committee would be tasked to develop and implement programs designed to create a spirit of diversity and inclusion for all that live, work in, and visit the Village. Members would be appointed for a one-year commitment and at least three would be Village residents.

Consider scheduling a public hearing for Monday, November 19 at 8 p.m. in the meeting room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building to consider adoption of Local Law Introductory 11 of 2018 to amend the Tree Law of the Village Code to address the removal of dangerous trees and tree limbs. This amendment of the Tree Law would allow the Village to more effectively take action when dangerous tree situations occur on private property. Owners would be notified and required to address in a specified time frame at which point the Village could address the situation if the property owner has failed to do so.

Acknowledge the receipt of the special permit application from New York SMA Limited Pertners ship d/b/a Verizon wireless for the proposed co-location of a personal wireless services facility at the Municipal Building, 1 Van Wyck Street, refer such application to the Village Planning Board as required by law and consider scheduling a public hearing for Monday, December 3, at 8 pm o the meeting room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building to consider the issuance of the special permit.. This is the next step in the process for Verizon to co-locate a wireless facility at the Municipal Building. The location is in the attic.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to enter into an agreement with the State of New York to maintain, repair and energize the highway lighting system underneath the U.S. Route 9 bridge on Croton Point Avenue. The Village is agreeing to install and maintain a lighting system underneath the Route 9 highway bridge over Croton Point Avenue. There have been many requests to provide better lighting in this area under the bridge.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to sign the proposal from Chazen Companies to design a new chlorination system for the North Highland Booster Pump Station in the amount of $29,900. The Village already adds chlorine to its water. At the suggestion of the County Health Department, a second location for adding chlorine would be added. The design for this system would be authorized.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to sign the proposal submitted by BFJ Planning for consulting planning services for zoning updates to the North Riverside corridor in the amount of $65,000. The Board provided for this study in its budget for 2018/2019. It would look at the current zoning along the North and South Riverside corridor and the Municipal Gateway with a goal of optimizing its vitality.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to sign the proposal from Woodard & Curran to integrate the Nordica Drive Sewage Pump Station into the SCADA System at a cost of $18,000.
The SCADA system is part of an automated system for monitoring and controlling sewage. The Nordica pump station has yet to be included in the ongoing effort to update the entire system.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to sign an agreement with the SPCA of Westchester, Inc., to provide services to the Village for seized and stray dogs and cats for the period beginning January 1, 2019, continuing through June 30, 2019, at a cost of $3,368.70. The Village signs an annual agreement for these services with the SPCA. This agreement is for only 6 months do to planned renovations at the Briarcliff facility starting next year.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to enter into a contract with Errico Contracting for snow removal services for the 2018-19 winter season. Property owners are required to remove snow and ice within a certain time period following a snow storm’s end. After that the Village can remove it with a cot to the owner. The contract provides for the following rates: – $38/hour for snow shoveling, $46/hour for snow blowing, and $175/hour for using a skid steer.

Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to make an interfund transfer in the General Fund in the amount of $28,520 for the purposes of covering training and turnout gear costs for the Fire Department. This expense was included in the Fire Department allocation in the 2018/2019 budget which is deposited in the Contingency Account until needed.

Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to write off three account receivables in the amount of $7,481.91 s uncollectible. Three accounts have been determined to be unrecoverable by the Village Attorney, Engineer’s office, Auditor and Treasurer.

To the editor:

I write in support of Ann Gallelli’s candidacy for another term as Trustee in Croton on Hudson. I myself am currently a Trustee and since I began running for that office I have had the honor and pleasure of working with Ann.

As a woman who has often been a mentor for others, when I made the decision to run for elected office I was looking for a mentor myself. Ann gave unstintingly of her time to help me learn about local issues, to navigate the experience of being a candidate, and to learn how to listen more than just advocate for my own position.

Ann’s deep knowledge of the history and background of issues, of the parties and players involved, combined with her generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor, all work to make her a force many look to when important decisions come up. Ann and I don’t agree on every issue – although we agree on many! – but I have been learning from Ann since I first met her many years ago, and continue to look to her example of giving, giving, and giving more, to the community she loves and has served for so long.

I look forward to Ann’s continued service as Trustee. We are all so lucky to have her.

Respectfully,
Amy Attias

To the Editor,

I write this letter in total support of the Gallelli/ Simmons/ Watkins ticket on Election Day. While I have known Judge Watkins a very long time, and only just recently met Andy Simmons my purpose here is to praise and support my dear colleague Ann Gallelli.

Almost ten years ago I was first elected to the Board of Trustees. It was then that I really got to know and respect Ann, who was already a legend for her ethics and tenacity. While it is true that this ticket faces no opposition, you need to be present on Election Day. Ann posesses an extraordinary institutional knowledge of our Village’s history and it’s zoning challenges and has a clear vision for our collective future; this needs to be shared with the newer members of the board.

I was a beneficiary of this knowledge and am a better person for it. Thank you Ann!
Ian Murtaugh
Trustee
Village of Croton-on-Hudson