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Cold Spring Board of Trustees Workshop Reviews Pending State Legislation on Police Chief
Survey on sustainable tourism in the works for Village
by Michelle Woods
In response to proposed new State legislation mandating a full-time police chief for any municipality with a population of 150,000 or under that has more than 8 part-time or 4 full-time officers, Mayor Anthony Phillips said the Village had sent a letter of protest to County Executive Robert Bondi and had also contacted other Villages in Westchester and Dutchess County.
In their Monthly Workshop on May 8 2007, the Board discussed the issue and how it would impact the Village, which currently has 14 part-time police officers and one full-time Officer-in-Charge. The proposed legislation passed in the State Assembly and Senate and, according to Mayor Phillips, was "something we don't need." He argued that the Village could not afford a full-time police chief and, if one had to be appointed, it would mean that six of the part-time officers would be "unemployed." But he added that "hopefully we can convince the Governor" that it was "not a good idea." Trustee Seth Gallagher noted that if the bill was signed by the Governor, the Board would hold a special workshop to discuss how to move forward. Subsequent to the meeting, Governor Spitzer vetoed the bill and sent it back to the legislature to be reworked.
The Board also discussed two surveys in the Village with Gallagher congratulating the Special Board on a "good job" on their Comprehensive Plan survey, which has been mailed to Village residents, adding that the "survey looked good."
The second survey was initiated by Assistant Professor Rudy M. Schuster from the Faculty of Forest and Natural Resources Management at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse who contacted the Board in writing for its agreement and support to conduct a survey in the Village during the summer on "sustainable tourism" in Cold Spring. Professor Schuster received a $126,800 New York State Sea Grant for a two-year project to study coastal tourism in Cold Spring and Kingston. Trustee Karen Dunn checked whether "he's going to share his info with us?" and the Mayor confirmed that all the information collected will be shared with the Village and it was noted that this would benefit the Comprehensive Plan. The Mayor said he would contact Professor Schuster to get further information and Trustee Gallagher asked him to convey the Village would be happy to welcome him.
Trustees also discussed the status of Dockside Park and its maintenance; Trustee Dunn noting the damaged post and chain at its entrance and Trustee Gallagher noting the amount of driftwood and garbage thrown up by the nor'easter which has not been cleared. According to the Mayor, the Parks Commission is currently in the process of appointing a Commissioner with authority for the property and will contact the Village once they have done so.
In other business, Mr. Gallagher said that, in regard to the New York Power Authority energy audit, mentioned in the special Earth- Day-themed workshop last month, the NYPA had sent through a contract which is currently being reviewed by the Village Attorney. Trustee Dunn said that work was continuing on the Village's website and that she would meet with Virtual Town Hall, which provides website services to small municipalities, next week. She also noted that she is keen to receive any photographs that Villagers might have that are "quintessentially Cold Spring" for the website.
The Board also approved two events for June 2: a 5 mile walkathon through the Village by People Against Domestic Violence, Trustee Gallagher noting that the organization "wanted some visibility through the Village" rather than marching down Main Street as was initially proposed; and an open air concert and picnic organized by the Garrison Art Centre Youth Council which will take place in Mayor's Park between 4-8pm.
The Cold Spring Board Monthly Meeting takes place on the second Tuesday of every month. The next Monthly Meeting will be on June 12.
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