Mayor's Weekly Update

December 6, 2022

MAYOR'S UPDATE

From the desk of Mayor Rika Levin

We had a great community gathering for the annual Tree Lighting event in downtown Ossining on Friday evening. It was a long overdue night out for families. There were holiday performances from the Ossining Rec After School Program, OUFSD choral groups, the Mike Risko Band, and holiday music from DJ JohnnyG. Folks enjoyed games, cookies, and my favorite… hot chocolate. I am so glad we could all kick off the holiday together. Thank you to the Recreation and Parks Department for putting this event together. I want to also express gratitude to the Elks and the Chamber for their support. And, of course … Santa, for coming to take pictures with the kiddos!

Please join us on Wednesday, December 7th, @ 3:45 PM for our Ribbon Cutting event, where we will celebrate the installation of our new, inclusive playground at Veteran’s Memorial Park!

Playgrounds like these are positive recreational outlets essential to Ossining’s efforts to ensure quality of life and ample opportunities for health, fitness, and social interaction. This project is an inclusive, ADA-accessible playground funded by a SAM grant that New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick secured on our behalf. This highly desirable amenity will quickly become a valuable local asset that many Ossining residents can easily access by walking or biking.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the award of $567,500 to municipalities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles through DEC's Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program (click here for the announcement).

The 2022 round of the Municipal ZEV Rebate Program made 12 awards to 10 municipalities, with the Village of Ossining receiving $5k toward one battery electric vehicle.

These vehicles will help New York achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction directives of the State's climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act).

Last week I wrote about our water meter replacement program and wanted to clarify the message. We will be replacing 1650 of the 6000 existing meters from December 7th thru mid-April. If your meter is due for a replacement, you will receive a letter with information on scheduling an appointment online. Since not all meters need to be replaced, you will only need to do this if you receive written notification from the Village.

This week’s Legislative Meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 7th, at 16 Croton at 7:30PM.

We will begin our meeting by promoting Officer Benjamin Ervin to the position of Sergeant.

Following are some items of note:

After going through the Public Hearing process, there is a resolution to adopt our final Local Law of 2022 regarding tax exemptions for low-income seniors and Cold War Veterans.
There will then be a resolution authorizing the Village Manager to sign an agreement with the Town for Police Services (2023- 2026). This is a roll-over contract from the prior, with increased fees that reflect the new cost of doing business and some truing up from the preceding contract (as is customary). The only changes to the language include:

A change in the type and frequency of reports required by the Chief.
Memorializing the Town Board having a representative on the Police Reform Advisory Committee.
How animal control services are done.
Adding police presence during the Summer Concert Series.

Former Village employee Marilyn Kadan is donating $600 to be used for the Rec’s Animal Ambassador program—the Board will be asked to accept this gift.
There is also a resolution to renew the contract with A1 for IT services for the Village in 2023 (including the OPD).
There are then (3) items related to the budget:
The adoption of the 2023 Village budget (yay!)
The adoption of changes to the Fee Schedule effective 1/1/23 for the General Fund
The adoption of changes to the Fee Schedule effective 1/1/23 for the Water and Sewer Funds
There is a resolution authorizing the Village Manager to sign a Scope of Services for Hazen & Sawyer on work for the Indian Brook Water Treatment Plant.
Under New Business, there are resolutions about Fee Schedule change requests (for 1/1/23): An increase to Overnight/Hardship Parking permits and replacement stickers for Overnight/Hardship Parking Permits.