Village of Red Hook Mayor’s Report August 2024
SEWER PROJECT I:
All the final disbursements have been made. We approved the final payment to Carver Construction at our workshop meeting on August 22. The final payment included an offset for the Village’s cost of reconstructing the odor control system which had been improperly constructed. The system is now installed correctly and functioning properly.
The major outstanding item is the Single Audit. We are awaiting a draft of the Single Audit from UHY for year ending 5/31/22. There are also final MWBE reports to be filed with EFC. Now that final disbursements have been made, these can be finalized.
SEWER EXPANSION – PHASE II:
Our working group met August 2, 16 & 30 to review both the ongoing operations and the Phase II project.
The draft IUP listing has come out. We were not included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure funding. Delaware Engineering plans to appeal.
ABRAHAMS PARK TASK FORCE:
The survey is on the Village website. The survey has a Spanish version included. We are still looking to get more respondents so if you haven’t filled it out, please do so! We want your input.
The Cookingham West trails are apparently set to be formally opened in late September. The southern trail connects with Abrahams Park. There has been no parking designated for these trails. I have a proposal to discuss tonight for temporary parking regulations for Park Ave. while we determine what permanent changes we’d like to make.
UPSEU CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS:
Deputy Mayor Kjarval and I met with UPSEU and the Village reps for both DPW (formerly referred to only as Highway) and Police Departments. We are progressing and hope to come to full agreement in the coming weeks.
FIRE CONTRACT:
I am scheduled to meet with the Fire Co. later this week to continue contract discussions.
WIIA – WATER PROJECTS:
SCADA Controls Upgrade – the new SCADA system is on auto and running the water system. There are several punch list items being worked on including replacing the chlorine analyzer, adjusting the alarm system & adjusting how the system alternates.
For background, the SCADA system controls the water system, and this upgrade will increase the efficiency of the system. Avanti Construction is the contractor. The cost for this project is $416,700.
Cherry & Graves Street Water Main Replacement – Amity Construction is back on site, here to complete the project – which includes completing the new water main on Graves Street, doing all new service lines to residences served by these water mains, then cleaning up and paving Cherry & Graves Streets. Both streets are closed except for local traffic. Starting the week of Sept 9, no traffic will be allowed on Graves St. expect for those who live there.
The contractor is Amity Construction Substantial completion is contracted to be December 17, 2024. The cost for this project is $1,003,560.
Water Tank Rehabilitation –This project is in the final stages of inspection, disinfecting and testing. The contractor is Worldwide Industries. The cost for this project is $373,500. The project will be fully complete upon passing the final tests and inspection.
Lead line Inventory (not a WIIA project) – Due to the State in October. Our team will be meeting later this week to review all the information we have and see if there are any large gaps in our information.
DUTCHESS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL (DCTC):
No meeting in August.
OTHER:
ALL ELECTRIC POLICE VEHICLE:
Thanks to a grant from State Senator Michelle Hinchey, we now have our first all-electric police vehicle for the Red Hook Police Department. We had a photo session at Linden Avenue Middle School on Thursday, Sept 5, with the Senator, Lt. Hildenbrand, Sgt. Sterritt, School Superintendent Dr. Warden, Deputy Mayor, Trustees, School officials and many of our police officers.
TIVOLI COMMUNITY DAY:
I attended Tivoli Community Day on August 3[rd] at the invitation of Mayor Griffith. It was a fun day celebrating the Tivoli Community.
DUTCHESS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FORUM:
I attended the DC Ag Forum held annually during the Dutchess County Fair on Thursday, Aug 22nd. The County announced the expansion of the Ag Navigator to a Full-Time County position starting in 2025. The Ag Navigator helps local and perspective farmers manage the complexities of farming and the various regulations and requirements. They also act as a liaison for farmers, municipal officials and economic development specialists.
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor Karen Smythe