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Putnam Valley Town Board Launches New Initiatives and Awards Certificates of Appreciation to Retiring Staff and Volunteers
By Edward Paul Greiff
 | | Retiring Town Clerk Carol Hughes-DiMarco holding the flowers she received from her family and the Certificate of Appreciation she received from the Town. |
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"I can't believe I am saying this," said Putnam Valley Supervisor Robert Tendy as he read from the Certificate of Appreciation he was about to bestow upon retiring Town Clerk Carol Hughes-DiMarco at the February 20, 2008 Town Board meeting.
The audience shared Bob Tendy's feelings that it still doesn't feel like Carol Hughes- DiMarco is actually retiring after so many years serving Putnam Valley, but she really is retiring and has turned the reins over to the very capable Eileen Royael.
Supervisor Tendy had similar comments for other long time employees and volunteers who were rtiring from their active role in the public service life. Some like Dan Ricci are continuing to serve in a different capacity. The Town Board appointed him Marriage Officer for a four-ear-erm to run from 2008 to 2011. In addition he's trying to restore the Ingersol building back into its original 1750 Crofts Corners Inn. Other recipients were Leo Alves who takes with him a wealth of environmental knowledge and experience as he leaves the Conservation Committee, Richard Tully who has served on the Planning Board "or as long as I can remember"said Tendy, and Karin Greenfield- Sanders for her dedication and contribution as the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee Chairperson.
Overall thanks was also paid to all the members of the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee for their drive and determination in persevering over the years in order to complete their assignment to develop a Master Plan that was finally adopted by the Town Board on December 2007.
Because of this dedication it was difficult to see the curtain close on their official involvement in the next stages of the Master Plan process. But, before it came time for the Town Board to vote on whether or not to dissolve the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee, Supervisor Tendy and the Board agreed to allow three minutes to each member of the audience who wished to comment.
As expected there were the already expressed arguments for and against dissolving the committee. However, Peter Tarrant Senior presented an argument disagreeing on dissolving the committee based on, "By every rule of academic and practical logic that the same committee that wrote it should be allowed to now carry out the plan . . . They own it." The inference being they own the intellectual copyright. Councilman Bob Cinque, an attorney who practices Copyright Law, replied that you can not copyright an idea.
Patty Villanova presented an argument that it made no difference if the committee stayed or went; the real problem is enforcement. Ms. Villanova said that Putnam Valley has always been an environmentally sensitive community and that we have more than enough laws on the books to protect its fragile environment. "What's needed is better enforcement of the laws we have," said Ms. Villanova.
The Town Board cast its vote three to one in favor of dissolving the Comprehensive Master Plan Committee. Councilwoman Wendy Whetsel was the one nay vote. Councilwoman Priscilla Keresey was not present.
In a way it was fortunate the public hearing scheduled for February 13 to review the proposed zoning code changes was cancelled because of the weather. Town Attorney Bill Zutt had prepared a four-page synopsis of the key changes in the zoning code for the public hearing and later said the enormity of this undertaking is not fully realized. Supervisor Bob Tendy suggested to the Town Board that they take at least three months to review the 146- page zoning code document. They agreed and set a public hearing date for May 14, 2008 at 7pm to hear public comments regarding these proposed changes. Between now and the public hearing the Board intends to hold a series of information meetings as an aid to understanding the code.
The Ingersol building located at Crofts Corners was built in 1750. Estimates to return it back to its historic architecture as Crofts Inn run between $150,000 and $200,000. Former councilman Dan Ricci still wants to accomplish the restoration task through private funds and donations and intends to form a 501 c (3) corporation to do so. However, he cannot begin doing anything until the Town purchases the property from Putnam County for one dollar. The Town Board's hesitation in going forward with the project is the possibility that the soil on the Ingersol property might be contaminated. Depending on the type and amount of contamination the soil remediation could be expensive. Town Attorney Bill Zutt proposed an option type of contingency purchase agreement that would allow the Town to take control of the property for approximately 120 days and test the soil before the purchase agreement is finalized. The Board agreed to this approach and has instructed Attorney Zutt to proceed with this initiative.
This is going to be the year for lake improvements as each Board member spoke about their liaison experience with the various lake committees. The Town intends to help the Lake Peekskill Civic Association clean up its beaches, parking facilities and find a recreation area for the local kids. The Town intends to work with the Lake Oscawana community and pass laws that will help move the lake out of its "Impaired lake" designation. Roaring Brook Lake has also held meetings with the Town to discuss their needs. Supervisor Tendy said they can't do all the projects but they will make an effort to do as many as they can.
Other Town business included department reports. Parks and Recreation Supervisor Frank DiMarco said they are in contract negotiations for the summer camp program and although there might be a slight price increase it will still be less than other camps. They are also interested in hearing from the residents as to what they would like to see and hear for this summer's "Sunset Series Concerts in the Park." You can go to "pvsunset.com" and take a Sunset Series survey. Coming up very quickly is their annual Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for March 15 at the Town Park.
Media Coordinator MaryAnn Arrien announced the start of a free video class open to Putnam Valley residents. The classes will be held at the Putnam Valley High School on Friday nights from 6 to 8pm and on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30am. Participants must show up at PVHS before the start time so Maryann can let them in the building and escort them to the video facilities.
Putnam Valley Arts is hosting "Creative Art Day in the Park" on May 17, "Open Mic Night" on May 31, and participating once again in Town Day, scheduled for September 13, 2008.
Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain Sheryl Keating reported they had 48 calls for the month of January and 20 of these were motor vehicle accidents. Most of the automobile accidents occurred on the Taconic Parkway.
Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department Chief Louie Luongo reported they responded to 32 calls for the month of January.
Deputy Highway Superintendent Gary Wolfhop gave the best advice for dealing with the winter;s "black ice": slow down. He praised the highway department crews for their dedication and effort in keeping the town's roads clear during this winters snow and ice storms. He reminded the public that they depend upon the public to let them know when there is a problem on a road, "You are not bothering us when you call, we welcome it. So if you see problems call us at 526-3333."
Putnam Valley Library Director Kathleen McLaughlin always on the lookout for ways to improve library services had some great news. First they are increasing their hours and will now be open Monday through Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m. Sunday opening is still 12 noon.
There are also two new programs for kids, and adults who enjoy being kids. First there is "Tumble Books" which is an animated web site that reads a book to the child in one of five possible languages. While the computer is reading the book the words appear on the screen so the child can follow the story visually as well as hearing the words.
The other program is "Puzzles and Games." When the child gets the right answer a little figure applauds them for getting the correct answer.
The next Town Board meeting is a work session scheduled for March 12 at 6pm.
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