Village of Red Hook Mayor’s Report September 2024
SEWER PROJECT I:
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, due Oct 17. Now that final disbursements have been made these can be finalized.
The sign in the Village parking lot has been taken down.
SEWER EXPANSION – PHASE II:
Our working group met September 12 & 27 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. An appeal has been filed. We are working toward doing an Income Survey that might also help get us higher on the list.
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 not yet formally open. The southern trail connects with Abrahams Park. A reminder that parking on the North side of Park Avenue is now prohibited. Signs are on order and will be installed soon.
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 meet with the Fire Co. on September 12th. Discussions are ongoing.
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 –The new water main on Graves Street is now complete. New service lines to residences served by these water mains are being installed now. Final work will be paving Cherry & Graves Streets. Both streets are closed except for local traffic. No traffic is 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 –We have received the official approval to put the Water Tower back in service from both the engineer and the County Department of Health. This project is now complete. The contractor was Worldwide Industries. The contract cost for this project is $373,500.
Lead line Inventory (not a WIIA project) – We met on September 12th to review all the information we have for our Lead Line Inventory, which is due to the State on October 16[th] . We are working with Village Engineer Delaware Engineering. We will be submitting the information we have in early October. This is a living document which we will continue to update as we get more information. The good news is that so far, we have not found any lead pipes in the Village.
DUTCHESS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL (DCTC):
We met in person on September 25[th] at the Wallace Visitor Center in Hyde Park.
RED HOOK LIBRARY:
I did not make it to the September Library board meeting, so I only have a brief report. As you will notice if you drive by, construction has begun on the porch project. The front door is closed but the library is still open. All entries through the back door. Once the porch project is complete, the stucco repair will begin.
OTHER:
NEIGHBOR’S NIGHT (9/13) & HARDSCRABBLE DAY (9/14)
A huge thank you to Festival Organizer Jeff Walsh, Deputy Mayor Melkorka Kjarval, Events Chair Amy Smith and Cider Tent Manager Dan Pucci and all those who helped make these wonderful events happen. Thank you, Thank you! And thank you to all who came out to enjoy the day and be a part of the community.
WELCOME TO THE NEW VFW COMMANDER
The new Commander for the Red Hook VFW Post 7765, Jon Conroe came to meet with me on September 27. We look forward to working together in support of our community.
TIVOLI STREET PAINTING
I visited the Tivoli Street Painting on Saturday, September 28[th] . A wonderful festival with many very talented artists!
RED HOOK COMMUNITY CENTER GALA
I attended the RHCC Gala on Saturday, September 28[th] . A great gathering of the community to support the Community Center. Executive Director Sara Ugolini announced that the Auditorium will now be named for the Community Center’s Founder and Benefactor, Dr. George Verrilli.
BEST WISHES TO ANNE – WE WILL MISS ANNABELLES
I stopped by on the last day of Annabelle’s, Sunday, September 30. After 7 years of being an anchor on a corner of the main intersection at the center of the Village, Anne is retiring. Thank you for all the deliciousness you provided to the Village!
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor Karen Smythe