|
September 25, 2020 - In This Issue:
|
|
|
|
|
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
|
Dear Friends,
Last week in this newsletter, we included an update from the Kingston Police Department about the results of the law enforcement partnership. We started this endeavor eight weeks ago at a time when our police department was overwhelmed with drug and gun violence. The community was shaken and hurting. The increased presence was meant to help us solve these crimes and make our community safer.
The Kingston Police Department has been instructed to conduct all stops with the utmost professionalism. However, I heard the voices on the City Hall lawn on Wednesday. The Police Commission has also been doing outreach and gathering feedback from those effected by the increased policing. If you experience or witness what you feel is over-policing or injustice at the hands of law enforcement, please reach out to the Police Commission. You can report anonymously. We are listening. We want what's best for this community and for each and every person to feel safe.
-Steve
|
Kingston Receives Low 2019 Fiscal Stress Score
The Office of the New York State Comptroller has released the City of Kingston's fiscal stress score for 2019. On a scale of 0 to 100, the City received a score of 5%. A lower number indicates a lower fiscal stress score.
|
FYE
|
Score
|
Designation
| |
2017
|
6.7%
|
No Designation
| |
2018
|
6.7%
|
No Designation
| |
2019
|
5.0%
|
No Designation
|
The Comptroller's assessment is an objective review of the fiscal challenges facing individual local governments, and identifies situations where corrective action may be needed. The 2019 scores are based on end-of-year results-before the start of the pandemic, and provide a baseline measurement of a local governments' ability to respond to the current crisis. The recent financial uncertainty and resulting challenges will be reflected in reports in 2021 and beyond.
"The City's fiscal stress score of 5% is on a scale of 0% to 100%, with a lower score being more favorable," said City of Kingston Comptroller John Tuey. "With a score of 5%, the City received a rating of 'no designation,' and was not deemed to be in fiscal stress at the close of 2019. The NYS Comptroller's fiscal scoring system takes into account key financial indicators that drive fiscal health including fund balance levels, liquidity, short-term debt, operating surpluses/deficits, and fixed costs. The City of Kingston's score in 2016 was 19.2% and we've worked diligently over the last four years to improve our overall fiscal health."
"We are extremely pleased to receive such a low fiscal stress score from the State Comptroller's Office," said Mayor Noble. "Our excellent fiscal condition in 2019 has helped us weather the pandemic with all of its economic challenges. Had we not been in such strong financial standing, we would have had to brace for a much more difficult recovery. While we still have a long road ahead, I have no doubt that the City of Kingston will be able to make a full economic recovery."
The NYS Comptroller's Office evaluates budgetary solvency based on key financial indicators:
* Year-end fund balances
* Operating deficits/surpluses
* Cash position
* Use of short-term debt for cash flow
* Fixed costs
More information about the fiscal monitoring system can be found here.
|
Enforced Hours at Kingston Point Beach
A gate was installed this week at the entrance of the Kingston Point Beach parking lot. On Tuesday, the Department of Public Works installed a new gate at the entrance to Kingston Point Beach, which will be locked nightly at dusk and reopened in the morning.
"All of our parks are open from dawn to dusk. Having the beach open afterhours has led to safety hazards, vandalism, and other issues," said Mayor Noble. "In order to mitigate these disturbances, a gate has been installed at the entrance to the Kingston Point Beach parking lot. The beach will be open and accessible during daylight hours and, though there is no lifeguard on duty, we encourage visitors to the beach during the day. However, to ensure the safety of all, we will be locking the gate at nightfall. We are discouraging nighttime use of all our parks."
"The Parks and Recreation Department worked hard to open the beach to the public this summer, which required a variety of new safety protocols and operational changes due to COVID-19," said Lynsey Timbrouck, Recreation Director. "We are also in the midst of implementing capital improvements to enhance ADA accessibility for all visitors to the beach. We look forward to continuing to make important updates to one of our city's most treasured assets and appreciate everyone working together to keep our beach safe, clean, and accessible each day."
The Kingston Police Department and the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments will be responsible for locking and unlocking the gate each day. All emergency personnel will have access to the locks.
photo by the Daily Freeman
|
Ram's Valley Outpost Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to Ram's Valley Outpost on their grand opening! The shop on N. Front Street carries an array of hot sauces and spices that are sourced from local ingredients and made here in Kingston. Ram's Valley will partner with the Arc of Ulster Greene to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities. We welcome Ram and can't wait to try each and every hot sauce on offer!
|
Capital to Capital 5k Run
The Rotary Club of Kingston is sponsoring the new virtual Capital to Capital 5K run/walk this fall to benefit the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration.
The Capital to Capital 5K commemorates the Burning of Kingston, when, in October 1777, over 2,000 Kingston refugees fled to the Town of Hurley as British soldiers burned their city to the ground. Participants who want to run or walk the route of the original refugees will be able to view a map of this route and register for the event at kingstonnyrotary.org.
Registration will be open to all via Zippyreg.com. Participants should walk or run a 5 km (3.1 mi) distance on a trail or park in their hometown or elsewhere, anytime between October 11- Sunday, October 25, 2020.
Entry Fees are as follows:
$10 - race entry with no giveaway
$15 - includes race entry and a handcrafted finisher's medallion
$25 - includes race entry, handcrafted finisher's medallion, and a t-shirt.
To receive an official finisher's certificate, entrants must log their time on Zippyreg.com by no later than Monday October 26, 2020 to qualify.
|
New Bike Racks at Kingston Plaza
New bicycle infrastructure has been installed at the Kingston Plaza for shoppers and commuters with connections to the Midtown Linear Park and the UCAT bus system. The two racks are covered to protect cyclists from weather and are located near shopping and transportation hubs. A third shelter is planned for the front lot off Schwenk Drive at the main entrance near Mac Fitness.
The Midtown Linear Park, which will have a trailhead at the south/east corner of the Plaza is being developed by Ulster County and moving towards construction in late 2020 or early 2021. This future shared-use path is part of the Kingston Greenline network of trails that connect to the Governor's Empire State Trail, that when completed, will connect New York City to Canada, and Albany to Buffalo.
The bicycle shelters are part of a larger improvement to the parking lots at the Kingston Plaza which have been re-paved and new landscaping added. Electric vehicle charging stations were installed in the front parking lot next to the Kingston Plaza entrance sign off Schwenk drive.
|
Mayor Noble's Tuesday & Thursday Live Updates
Mayor Noble has been live on Radio Kingston since mid-March to give the latest information about Coronavirus and issues effecting the community. These updates also stream on the City of Kingston Facebook page.
Click below to watch Thursday's update:
|
Roadwork Update
Per NYS Department of Transportation, effective at 4pm today, the Wurts Street Bridge will be closed to traffic until further notice.
Broadway Streetscape: work has continued with more curb, sidewalk, and bioswale installations. Additional light poles were installed on both sides of Broadway. Work has started on the north side of Broadway from Dederick Street heading west.
Central Hudson: this week, crews worked on restoration in the Pearl Street, Broadway and East Chester Street areas. Going forward this season, isolated services will continue for either new business or single replacement services on an as needed basis.
I-587 Roundabout: highway drainage installation, water main work, and excavation for new highway sections continues throughout the project limits. In addition, installation of highway street lighting will begin the week of October 5. Expect minor delays.
Empire State Trail: s igns and fencing on Greenkill and Route 32 are continuing. The sidewalk on Route 32 should be completed next week. Topsoil, seed and mulch as well as driveways will continue through the end of October. Remaining trees will be planted the week of October 12. The remaining shoulder work on the West side of Route 32 will be completed when the City completes the milling and paving on Route 32 mainline paving, currently scheduled October 5-14. The project is still on target to be completed by the end of October.
|
|
|
Kingston 311
 The Kingston 311 app, website and phone system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests. The Kingston 311 app, available for Android & iPhones, is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations.
This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311. Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us. |
|
|
|
|
