Mayor's Newsletter - November 2023

Thank You to Our Veterans

Croton-on-Hudson had another meaningful Veterans Day observation thanks to American Legion Fox Eklof Post 505. As Americans, we are among the happy few that, in all human history, have been able to live in peace and enjoy the benefits of constitutional democracy. We owe that to our veterans.

Our Croton-on-Hudson community celebrates our veterans. As part of our Hometown Heroes initiative, the DPW hangs banners in honor of local veterans from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. The Village will accept applications for banners for 2024 starting in December. For more information on the Hometown Heroes banner program, please call the Village Office at 914-271-2895.

The Board of Trustees has also authorized the maximum property tax exemption for veterans under state law. For more information, contact the Village Assessor at 914-271-4783.

Croton Votes to Add to FD Service Awards

Unofficial results from the Board of Elections show that on November 7, 2023, voters in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson nearly unanimously approved an amendment to the Croton-on-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department’s Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP). On June 26, 2023, the Village Board of Trustees adopted a resolution unanimously to authorize the referendum. The approved amendment extends the maximum number of years of Service Credit for which a qualified volunteer firefighter may earn a Service Award to 40 years and increases the monthly Service Award to $30, which represents a maximum monthly Service Award of $1,200.

Village Holds Vaccine Clinics

The Village of Croton-on-Hudson has so far hosted two Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Municipal Building this year. The clinics offer the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Thank you to Sav-Mor Pharmacy for staffing these clinics.

The NYS Department of Health website has information on where to get vaccine appointments.

In addition to vaccines, as of September 25, residential households can order one set of free at-home tests from USPS.com. There’s a limit of one order per residential address.

Recent Actions by the Village Board

At its November 13th meeting, the Board of Trustees adopted resolutions:

1. Endorsing an interfaith statement against antisemitism and Islamophobia;

2. Authorizing the Village Manager to enter into a contract with La Teja Contractors & Landscaping, Inc. for snow removal services for the 2023-2024 winter season;

3. Approving a Stipulation of Agreement dated November 2, 2023, between the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and Local 456, International Brotherhood of Teamsters;

4. Authorizing the Village Manager to execute an Addendum Agreement with Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OVAC) and the Village of Briarcliff Manor regarding the ALS Fly Car;

5. Implementing a minimum wage of $15 per hour as of January 1, 2024, for all seasonal part-time employees of the Village;

6. Acknowledging receipt of the 2023 Justice Court Audit;

7. Authorizing the Village Treasurer to issue a tax refund to the property owner of 11 Newton Court as a result of a tax grievance filed and settled in the State Supreme Court; and

8. Authorizing the Village Treasurer to issue a tax refund to the property owner of 34 Lounsbury Road as a result of a tax grievance filed and settled in the State Supreme Court.

Video and back-up material for the meeting can be found here.

Wireless Service Survey

Help improve cell service in Croton-on-Hudson by taking the quick survey: https://forms.office.com/r/6Sz3eTuWBH. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete. The deadline for completing this survey is Thursday, November 30th. If you require assistance with completing the survey online, please contact the Village Manager's office at 914-271-4848.

A presentation to the Village Board by Televate, the Village’s wireless technical consultant, can be viewed here.

Recognizing Public Servants

The Board of Trustees recently presented Certificates of Recognition from the New York Conference of Mayors to the following Village employees celebrating 25+ years of service: 1) Mike Esposito: 25 Years; 2) Chris Antonecchia: 30 Years; and 3) John O'Brien: 35 Years.

Thank you to Mike, Chris, and John for their tireless service to the Village! We are so much richer for their experience, skill and dedication to our community.

Hudson River Day

Thank you to the Croton Yacht Club for hosting this year’s Hudson River Day. River Day provides a full educational and interactive experience centering around the history and ecology of the river. Further thanks to some of the special guests for River Day: Brigid Faranda, Clearwater, Croton 125 Committee, Croton Historical Society, Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Police Department, Croton River Artisans, Ferry Sloops, Hudson River Boat and Yacht Club organization, Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (HRFA), Hudson Valley Stream Conservancy, Mario Giacalone and Riverkeeper.

Staying Safe & Warm This Winter

The following New York State programs are available to help residents and businesses manage their energy needs. This includes:

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Eligible homeowners and renters can receive $976 per month for heating depending on income. For more information visit NYS HEAP.

Energy Affordability Program/Low Income Bill Discount Program: Income-eligible consumers can receive a discount on their monthly electric and/or gas bills. For more information, visit Con Edison’s EAP page.

Community-based Service Programs: Service organizations provide emergency utility assistance. Please contact the American Red Cross (800-733-2767), Salvation Army (800-728-7825), and United Way (2-1-1 or 888-774-7633) to learn more.

NYS Energy Efficiency Programs: NYSERDA also offers a range of home energy efficiency programs that can help save energy and reduce costs over time. Income-eligible customers may qualify for reduced cost or free energy upgrades to their homes through the EmPower+ program. A New York Energy Advisor can answer simple questions and get connected with energy-saving offers in New York State.

Stay Safe: The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourages heating oil users to inspect fuel storage tanks for potential leaks or spills before receiving shipments of fuel oil for the heating season. More information can be found here.

Upcoming Village Meetings & Events

Please note that all board meetings are being held in-person at the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building, unless stated otherwise:

Monday, November 20 | 7:00pm – Board of Trustees Work Session

Tuesday, November 21 | 8:00pm – Planning Board Meeting

Monday, November 27 | 7:00pm – Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, November 28 | 7:00pm – Fire Council Meeting (Washington Engine Firehouse)

Recordings of the statutory board meetings (Board of Trustees, Planning & Zoning) are available under the Village’s live stream channel.

Departments

Boards & Committees

Mayor's Newsletter - November 2023