Village of Red Hook Mayor’s Report February 2025
PERSONNEL
I missed an opportunity to acknowledge Trustee Steve Appenzeller’s final Village meeting on Feb. 27[th] . His closing did happen on Friday so he is no longer a Village resident and therefore can no longer be a Village trustee. I will be considering options for an appointment to fill his seat in the coming month. But I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Steve for his two years on the board. And the extend a continued welcome to work on projects in the Village should he so choose.
Our new Deputy Treasurer, Marybeth De Filippis, started last Monday. She is overlapping with current Treasurer Lori Urbin through the first week of April when we will have a resolution to appoint her as our Treasurer, upon Lori’s retirement from the Village. Welcome, Marybeth!
WIIA – WATER PROJECTS:
SCADA Controls Upgrade –Achieved Substantial Completion on December 3, 2024.
Cherry & Graves Street Water Main Replacement – Achieved Substantial Completion on October 8, 2024
Water Tank Rehabilitation –Achieved Substantial Completion on September 26, 2024.
Financing – No confirmation yet on the additional financing request.
SEWER PROJECT I:
The major outstanding item is the Single Audit. We have received a draft that we are reviewing. There is one final MWBE report from Carver Construction to be filed with EFC. The Oct-Dec ’24 report was filed but Carver didn’t make it a final report so there will be at least one more.
SEWER EXPANSION – PHASE II:
An Income Survey is in process which has the potential to increase our chances of getting Bipartisan Infrastructure funding and other grants as well. If you are contacted, please respond. It’s very important.
UPSEU CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS:
The final Police Contract is awaiting final edits. Still waiting for the DPW Contract.
AUDIT FIRM:
Our comptroller and I have met with another audit firm to get a proposal for services. We should receive that proposal in the next few weeks.
RED HOOK LIBRARY:
I attended the Library Board meeting on February 20[th] . The library board continues to review and update policies. This month they reviewed and approved an Operations Stabilization Reserve Fund Policy, a Tele-communicating Policy, & a Website Policy. The board approved sending a 259 Letter to the School District with a request for an increase of $10,000 in funding via the school tax bill – for a total of $234,400. The justification is a general request for “support and maintenance of the library”. Financial
reports were reviewed. New board member and Treasurer Grace Kachigan brings her CPA experience and expertise. She is working with the bookkeeping firm to ensure that the financial reports are properly reported. The Director Alex Geller reported on programs and circulation. The juvenile & adult programs are gaining the most in attendance through additional programming for these age groups. Physical circulation continues to decline, and E-circulation continues to increase. They have added back snow shoveling services from the proceeds of their annual appeal. The porch construction project is complete. They spoke of a need for a Library tool shed. The Town may be giving them one that is no longer in use, but the timing is unknown. March 21 they will be having a Spring concert. The 7-part nature walk series is in the final stages of planning. For more detailed information, you can find their board packet on the library’s website – redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees.
Respectfully submitted, Mayor Karen Smythe