Dear Neighbors:

Paul Presendieu of Sustainable Westchester gave the Board of Trustees and the Croton Community an update on the Westchester Power Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Program.

Croton-on-Hudson joined Sustainable Westchester’s Community Choice Aggregation program, called Westchester Power, following a vote by the Board of Trustees in February 2018.

A CCA is a program that allows local governments to procure power on behalf of their residents, & businesses accounts from an alternative supplier while still receiving transmission and distribution service from their existing utility. By aggregating demand, communities gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources.

Like 26 other Westchester communities, the Board chose to make the 100% green option of the CCA program the default for Croton customers. This pairs the power procured through the CCA with Renewable Energy Credits from 100% emissions-free NY hydropower. By working together with these communities, we’ve helped avoid or mitigate 775,000 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to taking 168,000 cars off the road county-wide.

Under the current CCA contract, which expires on June 30, 2022, both the green and non-green power supply options secure electricity at a fixed rate below the average price per kilowatt-hour for 2015 Con Edison customers. Customers enrolled in the Westchester Power CCA may leave the program at any time without penalty.

In his presentation, Mr. Presendieu shared some planned Sustainable Westchester initiatives. This includes the exciting prospect of integrating local community solar arrays directly into the CCA program. As always, the Board, with the guidance of our Sustainability Committee, will carefully examine these new offerings and work with our partner communities to make them a success for residents.

Sincerely,

Brian Pugh

Dear Neighbors:

 At our Board of Trustees meeting on Monday July 26th,  we received a briefing from Chief of Police John Nikitopoulos on the Use of Force Incidents Report from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), covering the period of July 11, 2019 – October 31, 2020 

 Effective July 11, 2019, state law requires that each police department report incidents in which a police officer used force against an individual while on duty. This new law also directed DCJS to publish  an annual  comprehensive report outlining the circumstances of each of those incidents. The full report can be viewed at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/use-of-force-incidents-final-report.pdf

 We were pleased to learn from the Chief that in the time period covered by the report there were no use of force incidents taken by our police officers. That does not mean that there was no criminal activity in Croton – we know from news coverage and regular communication from our police that law breaking, though at a very low-level compared to other communities, unfortunately does occur  in our Village. 

 But what the  Use of Force Incidents Report tells us is that our officers here in Croton have the training, preparation  and judgment to meet their public safety responsibilities without resorting to force. This record has required restraint, a commitment to deescalating confrontations, and a focus on ensuring that the criminal justice process moves forward in an orderly manner.

 Our Police Reform Task Force and our Police Advisory Committee underscore that the Village will always seek ways to improve policing.  But the Use of Force Incidents Report  is an opportunity to acknowledge work done well by Chief Nikitopoulos and the officers he leads and to thank them for their professionalism. 

Len Simon, Trustee

Village of Croton-on-Hudson

Dear neighbor, Here is the 544th 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 – July 19, 2021 

 Regular Meeting of the Village Board

6:00 pm

PRESENTATION:  Community Choice Aggregation ProgramUpdate by Paul A. Presendieu of Sustainable Westchester. The presentation will go over the current status, benefits and future of the program

PUBLIC HEARING:

1. Public Hearing on Local Law Introductory 9 of 2021 to delete Chapter 168 of the Village Code.  This chapter previously regulated tattooing in the Village.It will be removed from the code.
2. Public Hearing on LocalLaw Introductory 10 of 2021 to amend Chapter 168 of the Village Code, Parks & Recreation Areas, to prohibit the smoking of cannabis in parks and recreation areas.   This is consistent with the existing regulations on smoking in these areas of the Village.

CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Use of Force Incidents Report: July 11,2019 – October 31,2020.  NYS law requires each police department,sheriffs office, and NYS Police to report incidents in which a police or peace officer used force while on duty.  It lists various categories of incidents as well a list of municipalities where there have been occurrences.  Croton-on-Hudson is not listed.  The complete report is included in the backup for this meeting.
2. 2050 Regional Transportation Plan from New York Metropolitan Transportation Council.  The final draft of the long range transportation plan for the Metropolitan area is included and available for comments. The comment period runs thru July 27th.  It covers NYC, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.
3. Compilation of energy data from Municipal buildings for 2020 in accordance with the Village’s Benchmarking policy.  The buildings analyzed are the DPW, Municipal, and three firehouses.  it summarizes gas, electric and oil usage for each.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS:

1. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to amend the 2020-2021 General Fund Budget in the amount of $380.56 for expenses related to police supplies. This is reimbursement money received from a grant covering the child safety seat program.
2. Consider declaring the Village Board as Lead Agency under SEQRA for the review process of the special permit application from Hudson National Golf Club for modifications to their ancillary storage area, and referring the special permit application and CAF to the Waterfront Advisory Committee for a recommendation of consistency with theLocal Waterfront RevitalizationProgram (LWRP).  This steps follows the circulation of the Board’s intent to all pertinent boards and agencies and is the next step in processing this application.
3. Consider scheduling a public hearing on the special permit application from the Croton Circle School for a day care center at 119 Maple Sreet for August 2, 2021, at 7 pm in the Geogianna Grant Meeting Room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building.  The Planning Board has reviewed this and provided the Board with a memo of support.

Consider adoption of Title VI assurances and policies.  In accordance with the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as a recipient of federal financial assistance, the Village is required to adopt  policies regarding Minority and Women-owned Business enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Limited English Proficiency in accordance with the statutes of the NYS Department of Transportation.

Dear neighbor, Here is the 544th 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 – July 12, 2021 

 Work Session Meeting of the Village Board

7:00 pm

Municipal Building

1. Discussion on possible Fall Festival in Vassallo Park. Since Summerfest 2020 and 2021 were canceled due to the pandemic, the Village Manager has suggested a Fall celebration to be held at Vassallo Park.The Board will discuss this idea and review the estimated costs involved for overtime expenses as well as the format of such an event.

2. Review plans to renovate the public restroom facilities in the Municipal Building.  

3. Discussion regarding the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act and its possible impact on Croton-on-Hudson.  The Board will discuss the following items:

1) Shall the Village Code section prohibiting smoking and vaping tobacco in parks and recreation areas be expanded to prohibit the smoking and vaping of marijuana in those areas?

 2) Shall the Village adopt a local law prohibiting dispensaries of marijuana and other cannabis products within the Village boundaries?

 3) Shall the Village adopt a local law prohibiting cannabis consumption sites (“lounges”) from operating within the Village boundaries?

If the Board decides to prohibit #2 or #3, it must do so before the end of this year.  The Board can “opt out” of the provisions of this act up to December 31, 2021.  This decision is subject to a permissive referendum.  If it does not “opt out” by the end of the  year, it cannot do so later.   It can “opt in” at any time. 

Dear neighbor, Here is the 543rd 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 – July 6, 2021

 Regular Meeting of the Village Board

6:00 pm

NOTE: This meeting is on Tuesday. It will be held in the Municipal Building, 2^nd floor meeting room.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1. Public Hearing for the amended special permit application from Hudson National Golf Club for modifications to their ancillary storage area.    The Board will hear comments from the public on the storage area located on Prickly Pear Hill Road.  The Planning Board has provided a memorandum of support for the application.
2. Public Hearing on the special permit application from Joseph Lippolis for a first-floor residential dwelling at 368 S. Riverside Avenue.  The Zoning Board has approved the variance and the Planning Board has recommended approval.

CORRESPONDENCE:

1. Letter from the New York State Dept. of State Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure regarding the removal and installation of fueling stations and associated equipment at the Metro-North Croton-Harmon Yards.    The Village is being notified of the change in the fueling stations from underground to above-ground at the MN Croton-Harmon yards.
2. Letter from Erin Hickok, Senior Investments Analyst at Sol Systems, regarding the environmental site assessments done at the Croton-Harmon Train Station for the installation of solar canopies.  The report did not find any unsuspected or large-scale environmental issues beyond expectations given its past history.  Steps to address individual issues are outlined.
3. Email from New York State Division of the Budget regarding the Village’s share of the American Rescue Plan funding.  The Village is notified that its share of the funding from this fund will be $826,878.  Half will be available this year and half will be available next year.

PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS:

1. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to close various capital project accounts as of May 31, 2021.  Twenty one capital projects have been completed and those accounts will be closed.
2. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to amend the 2020-2021 General Fund Budget in the amount of $6,511.25 for expenses related to STOP-DWI overtime patrols.   The County provides this money for these STOP SWI patrols.
3. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to amend the 2021-2022 General Fund Budget in the amount of $4,000.94 for the reimbursement of COVID-19 expenses.  FEMA provides this funding.
4. Consider authorizing the Village Manager to execute an agreement with Bergmann Associates of Albany, New York, for design engineering services for Historic Hudson Valley’s Van Cortlandt Manor entrance restoration project.  The Village acts as the sponsor agency for the NYS grant that is funding this  HHV renovation.  No Village money is involved.

Consider authorizing the Village Manager to sign Form RP-566 to process the change in assessment for the property located at 906 Half Moon Bay Drive (designated on the tax maps as Section 78.20, Block 001, Lot 001.34) due to a clerical error made in omitting a senior citizen exemption.  This is approval to correct an assessment error for this property.Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to amend the 2020-21 General Fund Budget in the amount of $130,555 to cover the cost of retirement payouts made to four employees.  The money for these payouts has been set aside in a restricted fund for this purpose.Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to make an interfund transfer in the amount of $5,000 for the purpose of auditing the expenditures of the Croton Point Avenue Traffic, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Improvement Project.  Completion of the CPA project requires an audit of each funding source, federal and state. Acknowledge receipt of a special permit application from the Croton Circle School for a day care center at 119 Maple Street and consider referring the necessary documents to the Village Planning Board as required by law.  This is the first step in the process of obtaining a special permit to operate a day care center at this location.

9. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to make a transfer from the fund balance – assigned – future retirement expenditures in the amount of $153,571 to cover the cost of the 2020-2021 fiscal year invoices for the New York State Local and Retirement System.  The amount came in over the budgeted amount and will be moved from the assigned fund balance account to cover the difference.
10. j. Consider authorizing the Village Treasurer to make necessary transfers in the 2020-2021   General, Water and Sewer Fund budgets.   These transfers are in preparation for the upcoming on-site audit.

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