Red Hook WatchIndependent Community Resource

Mayor's Report — August 2025

↑Meetings/Document history/chain_2395
2 versions2025-09-08attached document

Versions

  1. 12025-09-08
    Mayor's Report — August 2025
    attached documentmeeting · 2025-09-08
  2. 22025-09-08
    Mayor's Report — August 2025
    working documentmeeting · 2025-09-08

Latest version

Open original on source siteView version history →Meeting on 2025-09-08 →

Village of Red Hook ’ Mayor s Report August 2025

WIIA – WATER PROJECTS:

Waiting for final close out. Closing from short term to long term financing will take place in 2026, per EDC.

SEWER PROJECT I:

The Single Audit was officially submitted on August 11, 2025. EFC sent notice of granting Carver their waiver for their MWBE report on August 26, 2025.

TRIBUTARY WETLANDS:

Zoe Evans forwarded to me proposals from PVEDI Engineering, Architecture and Geology for a stream sediment quality investigation. I will be reviewing these with PVEDI Engineer Conor Tarbell on Friday, September 5[th] . I also have a Wetland study proposal from Delaware Engineering’s Environmental Scientist. The plan would be to decide on a direction and look for grants to fund the project.

SEWER PROJECT II:

I issued a written response to the request to rescind the SEQR Negative Declaration on August 11[th] with the response from Delaware Engineering attached. I shared this response via email to all who had emailed me. Copies are available. After significant review, it has been determined that the SEQR Negative Declaration there is no new information that would require it to be rescinded.

We have an opportunity to submit a WIIA Grant Application for the Sewer Expansion – Phase II project on September 15[th] . The review and vote on this application is on the agenda. At the current WWTP site, there is a wetland under the jurisdiction of the DEC and the Army Corps of Engineers. In order to consider expanding at that site, a wetland permit is required as well as an expanded SPDES permit. Part of that process is for the DEC to do their own SEQR determination to which we provide information from our previous SEQR review. Both these documents are available with the agenda.

SAWKILL WATERSHED COMMITTEE (SKWC) –

The SKWC met on August 6. Attendees were Karen Schneller-MacDonald, Sheila Buff, Henry Woods, Jen Adams, Amy Shein & Karen Smythe. There was a debrief of the July 16[th] presentation of the testing results. Henry discussed the results near the golf course – no pesticides & herbicides came up perhaps due to the time of year. It was noted that Kidd Lane is downstream of the Tivoli WWTP.

What to do with the recommendations was discussed. Fiscal sponsorship was again discussed. The purpose being to establish ongoing funding. The difference between Open Space Institute and Good Works was reviewed. Next steps were established. Karen Schneller-MacDonald shared that she would be with the group until the end of the year. The next meeting is scheduled for September 24[th] .

RED HOOK LIBRARY (RHPL):

The RHPL had their August board meeting on August 21[st] . Attendees were Vice President/Acting President Martha Tepepa and Board members - Leah Bahnatka, Gareth Davies, & Kelly French, Executive Director Alex Geller. Absent: President Anna Greig, Treasurer Grace Kachigan.

There is an open board seat with the resignation of Sarah deVeer. The board is reviewing candidates for recommendation at this time. The Community Relations Committee has determined that there will be a

“Meet & Greet” on the Library Porch on Oct. 16 from 5-6pm. The committee is looking to connect with RHCSD through the PTSAs. The Treasurer’s report stated that they are right on target vs budget.

Alex shared that the Summer Reading program had high engagement, and Red Hook will be celebrating with an Ice Cream Social on Sept 6. Alex met with PANDA. They settled on a proposal of broadcasting two meetings and some cultural programs. They are supporting a Village wide scavenger hunt during the month of September using the symbol of a blue heron. It was mentioned that there were 2 that frequented the pond (as I left the meeting, one flew across the pond as I headed for my car!). The podcast studio will launch in September. The reservation system is being finalized. They are planning to pave the parking lot in September.

For more information, you can find their board packet on the library’s website – redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees. Their next board meeting will be Thursday, September 18[th] at 6:30pm at the library.

PUBLIC SPACES/ABRAHAMS PARK:

The Public Spaces Committee met on Monday, August 18[th] at 7pm in Village Hall. See meeting notes.

CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITY TASK FORCE:

The Task Force met on Thursday, August 7[th] at 4pm in Village Hall. Attendees were Betsy Brauer, Alex Geller, Cat Viega and Karen Smythe. We discussed the various projects that had been started and set up next steps. Alex was going to track down the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Cat was going to review other Climate Smart webpages and begin developing recommendations for the Village. Karen is to invite Scott Kleinberg, our Dutchess CCE representative to our next meeting. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25[th] at 6pm.

Changes between versions

2025-09-08→2025-09-08
substantive change+1 −115

The Public Spaces Initiative section was removed from the report.

  • Removed the entire 'PUBLIC SPACES INITIATIVE' section, including 'OUR MISSION' and meeting notes regarding the RHCC Seed Exchange and Pumpkins in the Park.
Show red-line diff
## **Village of Red Hook ’ Mayor’ s Report August 2025** ## WIIA – WATER PROJECTS: Waiting for final close out. Closing from short term to long term financing will take place in 2026, per EDC. ## SEWER PROJECT I: The Single Audit was officially submitted on August 11, 2025. EFC sent notice of granting Carver their waiver for their MWBE report on August 26, 2025. ## TRIBUTARY WETLANDS: Zoe Evans forwarded to me proposals from PVEDI Engineering, Architecture and Geology for a stream sediment quality investigation. I will be reviewing these with PVEDI Engineer Conor Tarbell on Friday, September 5[th] . I also have a Wetland study proposal from Delaware Engineering’s Environmental Scientist. The plan would be to decide on a direction and look for grants to fund the project. ## SEWER PROJECT II: I issued a written response to the request to rescind the SEQR Negative Declaration on August 11[th] with the response from Delaware Engineering attached. I shared this response via email to all who had emailed me. Copies are available. After significant review, it has been determined that the SEQR Negative Declaration there is no new information that would require it to be rescinded. We have an opportunity to submit a WIIA Grant Application for the Sewer Expansion – Phase II project on September 15[th] . The review and vote on this application is on the agenda. At the current WWTP site, there is a wetland under the jurisdiction of the DEC and the Army Corps of Engineers. In order to consider expanding at that site, a wetland permit is required as well as an expanded SPDES permit. Part of that process is for the DEC to do their own SEQR determination to which we provide information from our previous SEQR review. Both these documents are available with the agenda. ## SAWKILL WATERSHED COMMITTEE (SKWC) – The SKWC met on August 6. Attendees were Karen Schneller-MacDonald, Sheila Buff, Henry Woods, Jen Adams, Amy Shein & Karen Smythe. There was a debrief of the July 16[th] presentation of the testing results. Henry discussed the results near the golf course – no pesticides & herbicides came up perhaps due to the time of year. It was noted that Kidd Lane is downstream of the Tivoli WWTP. What to do with the recommendations was discussed. Fiscal sponsorship was again discussed. The purpose being to establish ongoing funding. The difference between Open Space Institute and Good Works was reviewed. Next steps were established. Karen Schneller-MacDonald shared that she would be with the group until the end of the year. The next meeting is scheduled for September 24[th] . ## RED HOOK LIBRARY (RHPL): The RHPL had their August board meeting on August 21[st] . Attendees were Vice President/Acting President Martha Tepepa and Board members - Leah Bahnatka, Gareth Davies, & Kelly French, Executive Director Alex Geller. Absent: President Anna Greig, Treasurer Grace Kachigan. There is an open board seat with the resignation of Sarah deVeer. The board is reviewing candidates for recommendation at this time. The Community Relations Committee has determined that there will be a “Meet & Greet” on the Library Porch on Oct. 16 from 5-6pm. The committee is looking to connect with RHCSD through the PTSAs. The Treasurer’s report stated that they are right on target vs budget. Alex shared that the Summer Reading program had high engagement, and Red Hook will be celebrating with an Ice Cream Social on Sept 6. Alex met with PANDA. They settled on a proposal of broadcasting two meetings and some cultural programs. They are supporting a Village wide scavenger hunt during the month of September using the symbol of a blue heron. It was mentioned that there were 2 that frequented the pond (as I left the meeting, one flew across the pond as I headed for my car!). The podcast studio will launch in September. The reservation system is being finalized. They are planning to pave the parking lot in September. For more information, you can find their board packet on the library’s website – redhooklibrary.org/board-of-trustees. Their next board meeting will be Thursday, September 18[th] at 6:30pm at the library. ## PUBLIC SPACES/ABRAHAMS PARK: The Public Spaces Committee met on Monday, August 18[th] at 7pm in Village Hall. See meeting notes. ## CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITY TASK FORCE: The Task Force met on Thursday, August 7[th] at 4pm in Village Hall. Attendees were Betsy Brauer, Alex Geller, Cat Viega and Karen Smythe. We discussed the various projects that had been started and set up next steps. Alex was going to track down the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. Cat was going to review other Climate Smart webpages and begin developing recommendations for the Village. Karen is to invite Scott Kleinberg, our Dutchess CCE representative to our next meeting. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25[th] at 6pm. 8/18/2025 ## **P U B L I C S P A C E S I N I T I A T I V E** ## **O U R M I S S I O N** ## **Notes** 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks - Committee Advisory role - Mission Statement 1. Ash to send out revamped Mission/Vision statement with notes from Spring/Summer for review. Discuss at next meeting **2.** RHCC Seed Exchange Discussion Points: - Does it fit into the role of committee? 1. Village can donate the item to the community center and transfer ownership of maintaining to RHCC - Red Hook Library collaboration 1. RHCC is Seed Exchange, Library’s is a Seed Library (hand out seeds) 2. The two entities reach different parts of the community, seems beneficial to have both. Work to set up collaboration separately. 3. Pumpkins in the Park Discussion Points: - RHCC would like to participate but not own the event - Reach out to Library and Historic Society 1. Ash to reach out to other non profits on transferring ownership of event to keep it going. (Add Rotary) 2. PS can still volunteer and participate in event 8/18/2025 3. If cost is brought down, Village could still maintain event. Bring - your own pumpkins, paper pumpkins etc. 4. 2026 focus Discussion Points: - Meadow requirements and guidelines 1. Research other municipalities for code around meadow gardens 2. How to inspire and encourage meadow gardens and keep aesthetic to code - Native planting and pollinators 1. Municipal lot /Chamber info booth revamp 2. Advisement on layout, design and native plants when project starts (TBD) - Art exhibits and processes 1. Review Art Expo information from 2015 5. Abraham’s task force - Time Frame for development 1. Village has engineering proposal for parking lot, waiting to confirm funds 2. After parking lot is finalized, then can move on to master plan for the park - Grant Opportunities for pollinator gardens 1. Research options available but may need plan for final submissions. Do not want to plant before having master plan finalized. 2. Pocket forests or native plant info gardens, areas designed to teach and inform people while being in the park - Bard collaborative 1. Can work with Bard curatorial program and 3 Sister Garden to bring information or events to Park - April as Native Plant Month Deputy Mayor Melkorka Kjarval’s Monthly Reports August, 11th, 2025 **Red Hook Together** meets every first Thursday of the month. Red Hook Together met on Thursday, September 4th, at 12pm/noon at the Red Hook VFW. The group was introduced to the new Bard CCE facilitator, Jacqui Cook. Groups shared updates; such as Historic Red Hook is working on an Interpretive Plan this year, Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley has funding to do home repairs for qualifying homeowners in Upper Dutches (there is a deadline at the end of September, so please contact visit rthudsonvalley.org for more information). The Community Center is selling tickets for its annual fundraiser gala, the VFW has quite a few community events such as Trunk or Treat Halloween, a Christmas giveaway and two Student essay contests. The Red Hook Central Schools announced progress on their capital improvement projects. Jacqui will be working on a digital survey to plan out upcoming topics of focus for this year's meetings. If there are any topics you feel that these sessions should address on behalf of the Village and/or our constituents feel free to email me directly at mkjarval@redhookvillage.gov so that I can propose them. **Town of Red Hook Comprehensive Plan:** The Town committee meets monthly from 7:30pm to 9pm on the fourth Tuesday at Town Hall. The Town of Red Hook Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met on Tuesday, August 26th. In attendance were the committee members and Committee chair Julia Solomon. Also present were consultants Eric Pierson from Patterns for Progress and Tiffany Zezula who is the Deputy Director for the Land Use Law Center at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. The August meeting was focused on upcoming community outreach. The Town will be at Hardscrabble Day, engaging with the public as well as promoting the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop, which will be on **Tuesday, October 21st, from 7:00-9:00pm at the High School Cafeteria** . The public is encouraged to pre-register and attend to participate in this process which seeks to determine what issues should be addressed in the plan. Consultants from both Patterns for Progress and Pace Land Use Law Center will help facilitate breakout group sessions with community members. **Village and Zoning Review:** There have been no meetings held since my last report. In the meantime, edits from previous discussions have been incorporated into the working draft law and The Mayor and I are hoping to schedule an information / discussion session to share the latest version of the draft law. The goal of the information session will be to explain the law's intent and the ways in which the zoning changes attempt to do that. If you are interested in these proposed changes please attend the session, this will be one of the final informal conversations before we move into the formal public hearing format. Links to the 2/26/25 draft of the Gateway North law, are available in the March 13th special workshop agenda: redhookvillage.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03132025-662. ## **Planning/Zoning & Building Department:** See attached Reports.

References

This document cites or incorporates the following separate documents:

Referenced by

These other documents cite or incorporate this one:

Recurring pattern

These other chains use the same template but are separate decisions: