Mayor’s Message for February 2022
We’ve heard it from Punxsutawney Phil, winter is not done with us yet. Please remember to make sure that your sidewalks are clear after each storm. Whether it’s you doing the shoveling, or you have hired someone to do the job, clear the snow and ice from all sections of sidewalk that border your property. Once the storm ends, you have 24 hours to clear the sidewalks. A big thank you for your ongoing cooperation. If you want more information on the Village Code, you can go to Chapter 98-5 of the Village of Rhinebeck Code.
Website link: Streets and Sidewalks - Village of Rhinebeck, NY
We have received a limited supply of over the counter COVID test kits for distribution to Village residents on a first come, first serve basis. The distributions end on February 7th, but we will keep a limited supply on hand for our residents. Please call the Village Clerk, Martina McClinton at Village Hall to check on availability. Also, remember that the federal government will provide four free at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests through the website:
With the national rollout of 5G, the Village may soon benefit from upgraded wireless internet services. When implemented, 5G will at least double the bandwidth for most connected devices. In fact, we may be getting it even sooner than expected, as telecom providers are looking to deploy 5G in areas that are not serviced by high speed fiber-optic. Therefore, we are now working on adopting a new law for “Small Wireless Facilities''. The purpose of the law would be to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of standards for permitting, developing, siting, installing, designing, operating and maintaining those within the Village.
On January 27th, CFO Karen McLaughlin and I had the opportunity via ZOOM to present the “State of Rhinebeck” as part of the annual Chamber of Commerce event. At this presentation we covered our finances and events from 2021 and the outlook for 2022. As always, our Village board is working hard for you, if you would like to review the “State of Rhinebeck” presentation please go to the Village website Mayor & Board of Trustees — Village of Rhinebeck
We have appointed the first seven members of an eleven-member committee which will study and recommend updates for the Comprehensive plan. I am happy to announce the appointment of Matt Johnson as Committee Chair. Matt, a Rhinebeck resident, is an expert in convening, facilitation, executive coaching, long-term-creative imagining, and planning. Committee members include Elijah Bender, John Clarke, Jeff Cotter, Tim Decker, Lisa Fountain, Louis Turpin. We’re so lucky to have committed people to serve on this important project. To learn more about this committee please go to: Comp Plan — Village of Rhinebeck
Deputy Mayor Ric Lewit is the Chair of a committee which will conduct a search for a new Superintendent for the Department of Public Works. It’s an important job which involves overseeing planning and execution of maintenance on all village streets, sanitation, and water systems, and supervising the administration, personnel, and operations of the Departments. The Superintendent reports to the Mayor and Village Board.
Applications must be submitted by February 18th. For more information: htts://villageofrhinebeck.org/announcements-public-notices/highway-laborer-open-position-6jm64-k8lla.
The Village Board has appointed Ken McLaughlin as our permanent part time Building Inspector/Administrator. Ken has been doing the job as a temporary employee for the past year. He has 35 years of experience and serves as the Building Inspector for the Town of LaGrange, and the Village of Millbrook. Reporting to Ken, will be Zoning enforcement officer Justin Noyes, Brian Connolly, Municipal Code Inspector, and Ryan Dowden, Building, Planning and Zoning clerk. Please welcome Ken to our staff. If you have any questions, please call the Building and Planning Department at 845-876-1922.
It is time to begin work on the budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The first step is for the Board to meet with each individual department, before setting the entire budget.
We will hold a series of Budget Workshops at 6PM on the following dates:
Highway and Police - Feb. 22nd
Water and Wastewater - March 1st
Environmental, Fire and General - March 22nd
Total Budget Review - March 29th
Public Hearing - April 12th
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or comments. You can reach me by phone 845-876-7015 ext 2 at Village Hall or via email to MayorBassett@VillageofRhinebeckny.gov
Mayor Gary Bassett