Mayor’s Message for November 2022
It is with great sadness and appreciation that I start this month’s newsletter with the announcement that two of our finest public servants, Fire Chief Kyle Eighmy, and EMS Captain Chrissy Eighmy are retiring at the end of this year. These two dedicated officers have saved numerous lives and made our community a better and safer place through their years of service. Kyle joined the Village of Rhinebeck Fire Department in 1985, and worked his way up the ranks until becoming Chief twelve years ago. In 1996, Chrissy joined the RFD and has served as Emergency Medical Services Captain for 5 three-year terms. We wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirement. The Eighmy family has exemplified community service over many years. Kyle’s father, mother, and brother also had years of distinguished service in the RFD.
The Village Board has voted to begin the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process on the rezoning application from the owners of 6 Mulberry Street (locally known as the Father Brogan Center or the Bulkeley School). This does not mean we have approved the project; it means that we have authorized a study of the proposal to change its zoning law to permit adaptive reuse of 6 Mulberry (a 15,500 sf structure on 1.4 acres near the historic center of the Village. For a comprehensive look at the proposal and some of the issues involved, go here: 6 Mulberry St Update.
Your Village water and sewer billing service is getting a customer friendly upgrade! Starting the first of the year, we are offering online billing and consolidated water and wastewater payment services. We have partnered with InvoiceCloud for online payments and paperless billing. If you are interested in the new online options, please provide us with your email address: Update your contact Information. If you want to stay with paper billing, no need to do anything. If you have any questions, please contact Krissy at cdenu@villageofrhinebeckny.gov
After several years of study, the Village Board has decided not to transfer operations of the Water and Sewer System to the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority. We recently requested and received a grant from New York State for $3 million for the water plant upgrades. We’ve applied for a grant for wastewater system improvements with zero percent financing. These upgrades are badly needed, and these grants will allow us to do the work.
We have agreed to an amendment to our contract with the Rhinebeck Farmers Market. It modified the terms of the agreement for operation to a five year term, beginning January 2023 through December 31, 2027.
The Village Board has increased the sale price of bulk mulch and has added the option of buying finished compost as well. Customers can buy mulch or compost for $40/yard. Village residents continue to get free delivery, Town residents pay a $50/load fee, and those outside the Village within a 25 mile radius will pay $60. Commercial companies will be charged the same rate of $40/yd with an additional $150 loading fee for large loads.
In addition, the Village Board is actively working on many projects that will be on the agenda for updates going forward.
Water Plant Upgrade
Muni- Link Water & Wastewater Billing System
Village Hall Sidewalk
SoHo Water (Grasmere)
Compost Facility
Emergency Antenna for Police and Fire
Center St Water and drainage
Village Hall Flex Tech Design Proposal
Tim Decker is the new Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, after Rachel Cavell stepped down as Chair. Rachell will remain a member of the Board. It is with much regret that I have accepted Judy Merritt’s resignation. A very heartfelt thank you to each of you for your years of service and your long-term commitment to the Village.
The Village Board has approved wage increases to Village staff. The persons in the following positions: Village Clerk, Police Clerk, Court Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Treasurer, Secretary to the Planning Board, Secretary to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Superintendent of Public Works have received hourly wage increases. Recognizing that their work is essential to the good functioning of our Village, we found it necessary to make these adjustments.
Daylight Saving Time 2022: Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend.
AND if you haven’t already, please don’t forget to vote in the midterm elections !
On Election Day November 8, the polls will be open from 6 am to 9 pm. Early voting is already underway in Rhinebeck Town Hall. I want to thank all our poll workers for volunteering, they are essential to the integrity of our elections. And each voter also plays a vital role. For information and polling locations: Dutchess County Board of Elections
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@Villgeofrhinebeckny.gov
Mayor Gary Bassett