Village Newsletter: Jan. 21, 2021
|
|
|
Checking eligibility, making an appointment, what you need to bring, your 2nd appointment, getting assistance, County Town Hall on COVID-19 and vaccines
|
|
|
Ice skating, ParkMobile, Christmas tree recycling, Westchester Power, Sustainability Task Force volunteers, safer speeds
|
|
|
13 English Lane, low carbon concrete, Holiday Hustle, financial audit, 23 Manor Lane, Waterfront parking for non-residents, Memorial tree policy, Gould Park,
|
|
|
Assistance for small businesses
|
|
The resounding takeaway theme from yesterday's festivities in Washington was the need to focus anew on how we can work together, despite our differences, to overcome the enormous challenges we face. We are stronger when united. No matter your political affiliation, I think we can all agree that reducing divisiveness and strengthening our community is a worthy effort. Fortunately, in Dobbs Ferry, we have a head start. Already, we have come together this year to combat food insecurity, support our small businesses, help neighbors who need assistance and reach out to those isolated by the virus that continues to plague us. We have also taken important steps to address some of the divisions that have caused pain and anger. We can always and will need to do more. Are you interested in taking a step to come together and strengthen our community? Why not volunteer for one of the many groups working to make our Village a wonderful place to live?
Service can be a wonderful antidote to stress and frustration, emotions many of us are feeling right now as the pandemic rages on and the vaccine distribution has been slower and rockier than we all would like. We have some information below about how to get vaccine appointments, but until the vaccine supply increases, the process will continue to be frustrating. This should not deter anyone from seeking a vaccine. It is the tool that will help us get this pandemic under control. We promise to share any new information and guidance we receive as soon as we get it.
In the meantime, we continue to experience a post-holiday surge of virus cases. We have 91 active cases in Dobbs as of today, and County-wide, the case numbers are at the same level they were in April. The new more contagious variant means that we need to be extra committed in using the same strategies we have been using all along - wear a mask, stay socially distant, reduce exposure to people not in your household. Here is an article with some guidance about extra precautions we can take.
Be well, and wear a mask!
Vincent Rossillo
Village Mayor
|
|
|
The process for signing up for vaccine appointments has been frustrating for many. Supply remains insufficient to meet demand and many designated distribution sites have not received vaccine allocations. This situation will improve as supply increases. Please see below information about the current situation for scheduling appointments, how to get assistance navigating the process if you need it, and what you need to bring with you. We will be updating our website with information as we receive it as well.
|
|
Checking Eligibility
We are currently in Phase 1A and 1B of New York State's phased distribution plan. In addition to healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers including teachers, people age 65 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. For a complete list of New Yorkers who are currently eligible, click here
Because the list of those who are eligible changes, before you make an appointment, you should first confirm that you are eligible. You can do so by checking on this web application from New York State: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or by calling the state's vaccine hotline at: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
|
|
Making an appointment
If you are eligible, the same web application can guide you to schedule an appointment with one of the state-run sites. If you have problems with the online site, you may also call the state's vaccine hotline at: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829). While the hotline was not functioning early on, it is currently open to check eligibility and schedule appointments at state-run facilities.
For instructions on how to use the eligibility app, check out the online instructions.
Locally, the main state-run distribution site is at the Westchester County Center. The best advice we have heard from those who have successfully secured appointments is refresh the page - a lot. Please know that even if you call today, your appointment may be scheduled for several weeks or months from now.
Other local vaccine distribution sites - pharmacies, hospitals, and other local facilities - are not included in the Am-I-Eligible app. You must call or go online to the websites of these other distribution locations to check on appointment availability. We expect to receive a comprehensive list of local vaccine distribution sites in the near future. Right now with very limited supply, very few local sites have received allocations. We expect this to change and will keep you updated as we receive information.
In the meantime, below are a few sites that will be offering the vaccine but we do not yet know of anyone who has secured an appointment through them. Nevertheless, they could begin scheduling appointments at any time once they receive supply of vaccine. We will add to the list as we receive more information.
|
|
What you need for your appointment
1) Your registration card. You should receive this online or by email when you make your appointment. If you do not have the capacity to print your registration card, our Recreation Department can assist you. Call them at 914-693-0024.
2) The New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online at https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine.
3) Proof of eligibility. This may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status. If you are eligible because of your age, bring a government-issued ID that includes your date of birth (like a driver’s license or passport).
|
|
Your second appointment
The site where you receive your first appointment will sign you up for your second appointment. You should return to the same site to ensure that you receive your second dose of the same vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not fully effective without two doses. If the site does not register you for your second appointment the same day that you receive your first dose, they should follow up afterward to schedule your second dose. If they do not, you should follow up with them.
Moderna's second dose should come 28 days after the first dose.
Pfizer's second dose should come 21 days after the first dose.
From the CDC Frequently Asked Questions:
"You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 1-month interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval."
|
|
If you need assistance making an appointment to receive the vaccine
1) The County has established a program to help seniors who need assistance navigating the appointment process. The Department of Senior Programs and Services has an information and assistance phone line that is available to assist Westchester’s seniors on weekdays from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m at 914-813-6300.
2) The Town of Greenburgh is establishing a volunteer-based Vaccine Angels program. Volunteers will help seniors navigate the appointment process. If you would like to enroll, please call our Recreation/Senior programs department at 914-693-0024 to submit your contact information and someone will be in touch to assist. If you are interested in volunteering for the program, please email Paul Feiner a pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
3) If you need assistance printing your materials for your appointment, our Recreation Department can assist. Please call them at 914-693-0024.
|
|
Ice skating at Memorial Park
Looking for a COVID friendly outdoor activity? We’re happy to announce that we’re bring back our outdoor ice rink for a 2nd year—this year located at Memorial Park! Hopefully the cold weather will be more accommodating for us than it was last winter…
The ice is not quite ready yet, but stay tuned and check our website, Facebook, or Instagram for details and updates on the status of the rink. If the weather forecast holds, we are hoping to open sometime next week. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some sub-freezing temps!
|
|
ParkMobile coming to town
Next month, you will start seeing signs downtown for ParkMobile, an app that allows contactless payment for parking. You will be able to check how much time you have left and remotely extend your session, all without touching a meter. With many communities in our region also using ParkMobile, this new service is not replacing the meters, but just offering a more convenient option and a familiar way for visitors to Dobbs to find parking.
|
|
|
|
Video: How ParkMobile works
|
|
Christmas Tree recycling
In case you wanted to enjoy your holiday decorations a little longer, you can still put out your Christmas trees for recycling on the first day of your garbage collection (Monday or Tuesday) which is also when yard waste is collected throughout the year. The trees are recycled at the Yonkers organic waste recovery facility.
|
|
Westchester Power notification
Westchester Power sent out a quarterly notification to residents who either recently moved to the Village or recently opted out of an Energy Supply Company contract. As a reminder, in November, Dobbs Ferry renewed participation in the Westchester Power Community Energy program. Residents are automatically enrolled unless they opt out because the bulk energy purchasing model allows for favorable pricing when communities collectively go out to bid. Dobbs Ferry is enrolled in the renewable supply option which is helping to reduce our CO2 emissions. It is easy for residents to opt out of the program if they so desire by calling Westchester Power at 914-242-4725 or by sending them an email at westchesterpower@sustainablewestchester.org. For more information about the program or Dobbs Ferry's participation, check out the Westchester Power page on our website.
|
|
Volunteer with the Dobbs Ferry Sustainability Task Force
Are you concerned about climate change? The volunteer based Sustainability Task Force (STF) has been instrumental in guiding Dobbs Ferry’s role as a recognized municipal leader on clean energy and climate action. As one of the first 6 municipalities in all of NY State to become a Climate Smart Community (CSC), Dobbs was recently recertified in 2020 as "Bronze" level CSC by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Village has also been an early adopter of clean energy and energy efficiency measures and remains a NYSERDA designated Clean Energy Community. As a result of being both a CSC and a CEC certifications, Dobbs has received grant funds that have greatly benefited our community. The STF is looking for new, dedicated, community volunteers who are interested in making the Village a more climate responsive and resilient, clean energy community.
For more information please email: sustainabledobbs@gmail.com.
|
|
A friendly reminder:
Please slow down! Our schools are open and speed zones are in effect. Our kids are out walking and biking even through the cold temperatures. Please help keep our streets safe for pedestrians.
|
|
|
|
The last Board of Trustees meeting took place on January 12. The next one will be on January 26 at 6:30pm. Instructions for remote participation are included on every agenda. Agendas are released the Friday before the meeting, distributed by email, posted at the Library and Village Hall, and can be found on our website by clicking on the calendar date of the meeting.
|
|
13 English Lane public hearing closed
The public hearing for site plan approval for the construction of three townhomes on the empty lot at 13 English Lane was closed, and a resolution is being drafted for approval at the next meeting. The development was previously reviewed and approved by both the Planning Board and the Architectural and Historical Review Board. The approval of the development of three 3br/2ba townhouses includes a waiver of Village Code requirements for the rear yard setback because the developer was asked to install a sidewalk for the public at the front of the property. As a result the Village is also asking the property owner to provide an easement allowing for public access for use of the sidewalk.
|
|
Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Presentation
The Board heard from Chris Neidl of the Open Air Collective about a regional effort to promote the use of low carbon concrete in construction of sidewalks and other municipal projects. The production of cement, the central binding ingredient of most concrete, accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions. By incorporating substitute ingredients, including products that actually capture carbon in concrete, the Village has an opportunity to work with other Rivertowns to help reduce carbon emissions. The Village of Hastings has proposed working with Dobbs Ferry and other communities to produce a Rivertowns concrete mix suitable for and available in our geographic area. The Board is considering a resolution that would promote the use of low carbon concrete in municipal projects. For more information, you can check out a recent presentation produced by the Open Air Collective.
|
|
Holiday Hustle - a virtual success
This year's Holiday Hustle to support the work of the Youth Services Coalition and their distribution of holiday gifts for children in need in our community was a virtual success. While the Holiday Hustle has become one of the most popular winter 5k races in the area with over 600 participants on an annual basis, this year, because of the pandemic, the Youth Services Coalition was not able to host the event in person. Nevertheless, over 300 people participated in this year's "race" from all over the world, supporting the Coalition's holiday donations. The Coalition was recently awarded a 5-year grant allowing them to continue their work supporting youth activities in our community.
|
|
Financial Audit Report
The Board heard from Brendan Kennedy of BST and Co. CPAs, the independent auditor that reviewed Village finances for the year ending May 31, 2020. The review did not fully reflect the current state of Village finances as affected by the pandemic because the audited accounts ended in May of last year. Nevertheless, the financial statements reflect that for the period ending May 31, 2020, our General Fund produced a surplus which set us up well to weather the loss in sales tax and other revenue reductions in this challenging year. While parking revenues were way down, real property tax revenues actually increased despite no increase in the tax rate, partially as a result of property developments added to the Village tax rolls. The auditors issued an "unmodified opinion" which is the highest level of assurance that our financial statements are free of material error, weaknesses, deficiencies and non-compliance. In response to questions from the Board, Mr. Kennedy explained that the report of $45.8 million in unrestricted deficits is not a reflection of weakness in our Village finances, but rather reflects our long term obligations, in particular for post-retirement healthcare for those we employ. Mr. Kennedy explained that this format of reporting presents Village finances as if we were operating as a private business and is therefore somewhat misleading. He reassured the Board that all New York municipalities reflect similar figures for unrestricted deficits as a result of the benefits we grant to municipal staff. Mr. Kennedy gave high praise to our Treasurer, Jeff Chuhta, saying that he ranks Mr. Chuhta as one of the top five treasurers out of the more than 100 municipalities that he audits.
|
|
23 Manor Lane request for driveway access
The owners of 23 Manor Lane have requested access to their driveway over a de-mapped paper street on property that belongs to the Village. While the Board is inclined to grant use of the property to be able to access the owner's garage, the Village attorney is investigating a potential license agreement to set forth certain restrictions on the property's use.
|
|
Non-resident access to Waterfront parking
As a result of the pandemic, the commuter parking permits normally sold to Ardsley residents have not been fully utilized. Therefore, the Board approved opening up permit sales to other non-residents interested in using the Waterfront parking lot over the next several months until permits are issued for the new fiscal year beginning in June.
|
|
Memorial Tree Program
The Village is considering the development of a single policy to allow residents to plant trees on Village property in memory of loved ones. The Recreation Commission and the Recreation Department have been working on a policy designed specifically for Waterfront Park, and will now consider how to best incorporate other Village properties such as Chauncey Park (behind Rivertowns Square) and Juhring Estate as well.
|
|
Gould Park Playground coming this year
Our Recreation Department will go out to bid on equipment for Gould Park Playground in March. The group of residents working in support of the new park are still short of their financial goal for the current plan, and if they do not reach their goal, will need to scale back the design. For more information, please visit https://www.gouldpark.com/.
|
|
|
Do you have a community event you would like to include in the biweekly Village newsletter? Email us.
|
|
Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund
In an effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers approximately $3 million in reimbursement grants for up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates.
The Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund is a partnership between New York State, Diageo Wine & Spirits, Southern Glazer Wines & Spirits and The National Development Council (NDC). Grant funding will be managed by The National Development Council (NDC).
Restaurants can apply to the Rising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund starting Monday, January 11, 2021.
|
|
2nd Draw PPP loans available
Following the passage of the latest COVID-19 Economic Relief bill, 2nd Draw PPP loan applications are now open to eligible small businesses with fewer than 300 employees. The loans can be used to fund payroll costs, pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. For more information, check out the information from the federal Small Business Administration. The agency outlines additional COVID relief options available as well.
|
|
|
|
|
