Thank you, everyone, for making Green Ossining’s second annual Earth Day such an unqualified success. We estimate between 1000-1200 people came through the park on Saturday to enjoy food, music and learning about how to live a sustainable life. It was a great team effort and a great day on the beautiful Ossining waterfront.
Thank you all so much for your hard work. It really paid off.
Onward to next year: bigger and better! Please forward to me any suggestions about how we can make the 3rd Annual Earth Day even more successful in 2012.
Thanks again,
Catherine Borgia, Town Supervisor
(Event Photos are being compiled and will be posted on GreenOssining.org asap.)
Application for License Plates or Parking Permits for Persons with Severe Disabilities
New York residents to apply for plates or a parking permit for people with severe disabilities. Requires a medical doctor's signature and certification. Plates are issued at state and county DMV offices, but permits are issued by local governments, not DMV. *NOTE: Completed applications must be submitted to: Ossining Town Clerk, 16 Croton Ave, Ossining, NY 10562
Request for Proposal – Evaluation of Potential Government Structures
March 2011
Project Description:
The two municipalities, the Town and Village of Ossining, are involved in extensive discussions and studies to determine how services can be delivered to their respective constituencies in the most efficient and cost effective manner through the reduction of duplication and elimination of governmental inefficiencies. The two municipalities were recently awarded a NY Department of State High Priority Planning Grant for $45,000 with a $5000 community match to complete this study. The Village of Briarcliff Manor was a co-applicant of the grant, but decided to discontinue participation in Spring 2010.
This complex matter shall require detailed study of the present delivery of services and redundancies that may or may not be readily apparent, the cost of those services, and how proposed changes shall impact on the taxpayer, e.g. the equalization rate on each jurisdiction, elected officials, form and format of government, political identity and a host of other implications including, but not limited to, how to address the significant portion of the Village of Briarcliff Manor which is within the Town of Ossining. Due to previous consultant studies, a good source of data has been collected that may help expedite an additional study.
Fact Sheet on Comprehensive Plan and Proposed Zoning Law Process
Date of Public Hearing on Proposed Zoning changed to Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 7:30 pm Police/Court facility on Spring Street
Two significant changes made:
Allowing automotive uses to rebuild to existing footprint in case of disaster
Change from “Non-Conforming” Use to “Grandfathered” Use to clarify protection of existing automotive use businesses
Comprehensive Plan Process:
NYS recommends each municipality have a Comprehensive or Master Plan. Zoning should follow from the plan and must be consistent with adopted plans
In 2002, after a multi-year process involving public surveys, hearing and other forms of public input, the Town Board adopted the Comprehensive plan, working with a citizen committee and consultant planners
Plan recommends changes to North State Road
In 2009, the zoning component was begun
Zoning Changes Process:
Working with the Planning Department, Town Board and Planning Board (both made up of appointed or elected citizen members), FP Clarke, our consultant planners, make recommendations to the Town Board.
Town Board discusses the recommendations at several meetings over 2009, 2010, and early 2010
Recommendation to make auto related uses non-conforming
Does not have sunset clause, so businesses can continue to operate
Does not hamper businesses from growing within current footprint – for example adding customers or other automotive services, re-use of existing space
Most businesses are already physically maxed out on space for expansion
Does not prevent sale of business or other change of ownership
Adds time to non-conforming use from 3 mo to 1 year
Prevents other competitive businesses from moving to North State Road
Town Board to discuss a change allowing non-conforming uses to rebuild to existing footprint if catastrophe or natural disaster occur.
Call for public hearing on March 22, 2011, 7:30 pm, 86/88 Spring Street
Time for Town Board to hear public comments
Opportunity to discuss possible changes at work sessions
Town Board votes on Zoning Changes – date TBD, after public comment period
COUNTY EXECUTIVE AND OSSINING SUPERVISOR SIGN POLICE SERVICES CONTRACT
Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Ossining Supervisor Catherine Borgia today formally signed the historic Inter-Municipal Agreement for the Department of Public Safety to provide contractual police services to the Town.
At a ceremony held at the former Town of Ossining Police Department, Astorino and Borgia signed the IMA, which went into effect on Jan. 1. Under the agreement, the Westchester County Police is providing Patrol and Investigative services to the Town of Ossining.
“The contract between Westchester County and the Town of Ossining allows the town to achieve significant tax savings for its residents and businesses,” Astorino said. “I applaud Supervisor Borgia and the members of the Town Board for looking for creative ways to reduce the tax burden in their community.”
With the county police providing communications and supervision from its existing resources, the agreement enables the Town of Ossining to achieve significant savings annually – estimated at $600,000 the first year and as much as $800,000 in subsequent years – as compared to maintaining its own police department.
“This historic and ground-breaking contract will provide the taxpayers of the Town of Ossining significant, repeating cost savings while maintaining the high level of police service Ossining residents deserve,” Borgia said. “It is an excellent example of how governments can work together to find new and effective ways of providing vital services to constituents at reduced costs. By working together, we created a mutually beneficial agreement for the Town of Ossining and the County. It was a pleasure to work with the County Executive, the County Board of Legislators, and the Commissioner of Public Safety to craft this innovative arrangement."
Under the IMA, the Department of Public safety is providing two patrol officers on day and evening tours and one officer on the midnight tour; a School Resource Officer at the Anne M. Dorner Middle School; and a detective to handle investigations in the Town.
Astorino stressed that Westchester County taxpayers were not being asked to subsidize police services in the Town of Ossining. The contract requires the Town to cover the full cost -- including salaries, benefits and pension costs – of the officers who police the community.
Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth said that the transition in Ossining was a smooth one as a result of a phased-in approach to the consolidation of service:
On Nov. 17, 2010, the county police took over all dispatching and communications functions from the Town of Ossining police. This freed town police officers to participate in cross-training with county police officers.
Dec. 31, 2010-Jan. 1, 2011: 10 TOPD members with the rank of police officer or detective were sworn in Dec. 31 as Westchester County police officers. At 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, the county police began patrolling the town.
Jan. 31: TOPD supervisors – one lieutenant and three sergeants – were sworn-in as members of the county police.
March 2: TOPD Chief Mark Busche is sworn in as a captain in the county police.
“Each phase of the transition enabled Town of Ossining personnel to familiarize the county police with the community and enabled Ossining officers to learn the policies and procedures of the Westchester County Police,” Longworth said. “This approach enabled us to make as seamless a transition as possible.”
Longworth praised the Town of Ossining Police Department for more than a century and a half of service to the community. He said the Westchester County Police was committed to maintaining the level of personal and professional police service the community has come to expect.
The $2.3 million contract runs for five years and is renewable at its conclusion.
The Department of Public Safety also patrols the town of Cortlandt under a similar contract for police services.
Judge Edwin Shapiro to Retire After 31 Years of Service
(February 9, 2011)
The Honorable Edwin Shapiro, Senior Ossining Town Justice has announced his retirement from the court effective March 15, 2011. Judge Shapiro has served for over 31 years and recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
“I have been honored to serve the citizens of the Ossining-Briarcliff community as their Town Justice for more than three decades but now the time has come for me to spend more quality time with my wife, children, and grandchildren,” said Judge Shapiro.
“I will sincerely miss serving the court as it has been an extremely rewarding experience for me and I hope also for most of those who have appeared before the court. I have tried to administer and apply the law with fairness and justice for all those who have appeared before me. I have often been told by grievants that even though they may have lost their case, they felt that they were treated fairly and with respect by the court,” he added.
“I am particularly pleased that many of my decisions have been published in the official New York State law reports and cited as ‘Decisions of Interest’ in the New York Law Journal during my tenure. Other officers of the court have cited them in legal matters throughout the State.”
“I have been an early proponent of alternatives to incarceration and, in landlord – tenant proceedings, always tried to keep people in their homes rather than evicting them by employing creative arrangements that were not unfair to landlords, Judge Shapiro stated. “I would rather have put someone in jail than separate a family from its home, he added.
Judge Shapiro is a graduate of Trinity College, where he was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, and of Harvard Law School, where he was a member of Chancery Club and a team finalist in the renowned Ames Competition.
Former Ossining Town Supervisor and County Legislator Richard Wishnie stated, “Judge Edwin Shapiro has had a long, distinguished and honorable career as an Ossining Town Justice and will certainly be missed by the grateful citizens of our community. Judge Shapiro has been a model for how a local court should be administered and I hope that those that may follow him will emulate his extraordinary professional demeanor.” Wishnie added: “I have known Ed and his wife Sandy for nearly forty years and it certainly is a blessing that they can now enjoy the years ahead with their family and friends in a well deserved healthy and happy retirement.”
Town Supervisor Catherine Borgia said, “The Town Board is very grateful to Judge Shapiro for his many years of dedicated service to the Ossining community. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”
A Message to the Community Regarding the 2011 Budget
Catherine Borgia, Town Supervisor November 1, 2010
One consistent message that I have heard from constituents this year is the heavy burden of property taxes during a time of great economic stress. I am very pleased to announce that the Supervisor’s Tentative 2011 Budget shows tax decreases for all taxpayers in the Town of Ossining, including residents in the Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff. This decrease will be achieved with no loss of services. We have heard the needs of our taxpayers and this budget reflects their concerns.
This budget has tax decreases in both the Town General budget (-0.32%) and the Town Unincorporated budget (-9.62%). All residents of the Town of Ossining, including those in the Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor, pay the Town General tax. It is important to note that the Town General tax represents less than 2% of the total property tax bill. Residents in the Unincorporated area (the “town-outside” of both villages) pay the Town Unincorporated tax. These tax decreases have been achieved through careful fiscal control by the Town managers, innovative practices to craft government services, and cost-cutting measures taken by every Town employee.
For a second consecutive year, the Supervisor’s Tentative Budget shows a decrease in spending in both the Town General and Town Outside portions of the budget, for a total of $436,149 in savings. The Tentative Budget also includes Emergency Contingency Accounts for the three major funds: Town General Fund, Unincorporated Area Fund and Highway Fund to be used, as per our Fund Balance Policy adopted in early 2010, for unexpected costs that may arise during the coming year. Another best-practices model implemented in the Tentative Budget is a 6-year Capital Plan to better anticipate and allocate resources for needed capital improvements in the municipality.
One major innovation reflected in this budget is the Town’s plan to contract for police services with Westchester County. The decision to contract for policing services was very complex and required a great deal of analysis, data collection and reflection. The process would not have been as effective without a great deal of work by Town Staff, careful Board analysis, and participation by residents of the Town. I am very grateful to all who helped the Town Board make this decision. Contract discussions with the County are underway; we will have more information as the deal is finalized. As a result of contracting with the County, we anticipate a tax decrease of -16.54% in the Unincorporated Area fund. This fund and the Highway Fund make up the Town Outside total; taxpayers will see a -9.62% tax decrease in that portion of their property tax bill.
Another financial success in 2010 was the increased marketing of Historic Dale Cemetery, which led to a bulk sale of plots, and the opening of a new market for the cemetery for advanced, bulk plot sales to a new market. The annual Town General Fund appropriation made to Dale Cemetery sharply decreases in this budget to $57, 248 from last year’s contribution of $232,358 from the Town General Fund. Additional future bulk sales will decrease or eliminate this taxpayer expense.
Despite these recent financial accomplishments, this continues to be a very challenging time for municipal governments. We face some of the same issues that our residents are experiencing as a result of the economic downturn. In Westchester County, Towns are responsible for collecting school and county taxes, and making the school districts and County “whole.” Regardless of whether taxpayers have paid their school or county taxes, the Town of Ossining pays the entire amount owed by our taxpayers to the Ossining and Briarcliff School Districts, and to Westchester County. The Town then becomes the priority lien holder on the property, and ultimately receives the amount owed plus late fees. The total amount of unpaid taxes due as of October 2010 is $2,981,641. This amount is an “accounts receivable” to the Town, and will create a very healthy fund balance over time once it is collected through the Town’s rigorous tax-collection practices and the legislatively-mandated foreclosure process.
Other economic challenges faced by the Town include a decrease of Taxable Assessed Values of -1.10% in the Town Outside and -0.32% in Town General. Like every municipality in Westchester County, we have seen a sharp increase in tax certiorari filings which further impact the Town of Ossining Assessment Roll. Additionally, our state-mandated contribution to the New York State Employees’ Retirement System increases 43.45% in 2011.
At the same time that our mandated costs are increasing, our other sources of revenue are declining. In 2010, our Mortgage Tax revenue came in lower than the amount budgeted, even though that amount had been significantly reduced from prior years. Accordingly, the Supervisor’s Tentative 2010 Budget reflects an anticipated 11.5% decrease in Mortgage Tax revenue. NewYork State Aid to Municipalities decreases an additional 10% in this budget, in keeping with the cuts made by the State in 2010 and anticipated in 2011. For the second year, the Supervisor’s Tentative 2010 Budget uses no fund balance to offset expenses.
Despite all of these economic challenges, the Town of Ossining is delighted to be able to offer a budget that shows a tax decrease for all taxpayers in the Town of Ossining. This is due to the hard work and careful resource management by every employee of the Town of Ossining. As taxpayers, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of public servants working for our benefit.
The Supervisor’s Tentative 2010 Budget is available in the Town Clerk’s office at 16 Croton Avenue, the Ossining Public Library, and online at www.townofossining.com. We urge members of the public to review the budget and make comments at the Public Hearing or by contacting me at 914-762-6001, 914-262-8873, or cborgia@townofossining.com.
You live in the community ranked the #2 best community to live in Westchester by Westchester Magazine, based on criteria such as Diversity, Housing Costs, Parks & Recreation, Property Tax, Proximity to NYC, Safety, Schools, Proximity to Water, Nightlife, Shopping, and Downtown.
Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Police Options September 13, 7:30 pm, at Anne M. Dorner Middle School
The Town of Ossining will hold two “Town Hall”- style meetings on Thursday, August 26 and Monday, September 13, at 7:30 pm at Anne M. Dorner Middle School on Van Cortlandt Avenue, to discuss the two options for providing policing services to the unincorporated area of the Town of Ossining currently being evaluated by the Town Council.
The two proposals – one by Westchester County and one from the Village of Ossining – are available for download below. Both proposals suggest ways to save Town of Ossining taxpayers money by providing alternatives to the current method of delivering police services to the unincorporated area of Ossining.
“We encourage residents, particularly those who live in the “Town-outside” area, to attend one or both of these meetings. The Town of Ossining understands the burden on taxpayers, and we continue to seek innovative ways of providing the excellent services residents enjoy in more cost-effective and efficient ways. We have an opportunity to make a very positive change that will save taxpayer money right away, and create a more sustainable future for the community.”
Those unable to attend the meetings are urged to send their comments and questions regarding the two proposals to: cborgia@townofossining.com.
With the increase in coyote sightings in the Town of Ossining during the month of July, the Town of Ossining Police Department would like to inform the public on things they can do to avoid contact with this predatory animal.
First and foremost, coyotes live throughout upstate New York so observing one, especially during the spring and summer months, is not uncommon.
Like most wild animals in our area, their main concern is food. Therefore, residents should never attempt to feed a coyote should they come into contact with one. Also, residents should control their garbage receptacles especially those kept outside. Coyotes will also feed off of bird food, and dog and cat food, so these need to be controlled as well. If you see open sources of food and/or garbage on your neighbor’s property, you should inform them to either contain them or bring them inside. If a coyote cannot gain access to food it will generally move on.
As mentioned above, coyotes are predatory animals and can prey upon small dogs and cats. Because of this, you should always keep your animals leashed and feed them inside. Be on guard with your children, especially those that are still young. Keep them close to you and do not let them wander.
Coyotes like hiding places to rest and raise their young. Thinning shrubbery is a good idea and closing off spaces that they can enter, especially underneath porches and inside crawlspaces, will help keep these animals moving and away from your property.
Aside from being predatory animals, coyotes can carry rabies. This is another reason to completely avoid contact with coyotes. Keeping them off of your property is one thing, approaching them is another. They are not dogs and are not domesticated. They are wild predators. However, if a coyote approaches you, there are a few things that you can do to avoid an attack. Be aggressive. Do not cower or run away as the coyote will see you as prey and this can provoke an attack. Stay your ground. Yell loudly, throw things at the animal, wave your arms and do whatever it takes to scare the animal away. Pots and pans are great noisemakers. Do not try to catch the coyote; call the police. As soon as the threat is over, go indoors.
In the month of July 2010, there have been five sightings of a single coyote in the Town of Ossining. Here is the information:
July 14; Coyote sighted on Wyche Way
July 20; Coyote sighted in the area of 150 Route 9A
July 27; Coyote sighted at Cedar Lane Park
July 28; Coyote sighted in the Fox Hill Condominiums
July 28; Coytoe sighted in the Fox Hill Condominiums [11 minutes later])
On all of the above occasions, before a Police Officer arrived, the coyote had left the area and was not observed.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Town of Ossining Police Department @ 914-762-6007 should you observe a coyote. Our officers will make every attempt to ensure the safety of our residents.
Ossining Town Police Department 507 North State Road Briarcliff, New York 10510
ICMA Final Report of the Public Works Analysis
Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor and Town of Ossining, New York
June 4, 2010
The Village of Ossining, Town of Ossining and the Village of Briarcliff Manor retained the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and its subcontractor, Springsted Incorporated, to conduct a study to examine how best to provide police services and public works operations within their boundaries. In commissioning this study, policy makers hope to identify opportunities to share services and reduce staff and equipment that would create efficiencies and the ability to reduce the property tax burden. This initiative recognizes that several intergovernmental municipal agreements (IMAs) already exist among the municipalities, providing some momentum for identifying further opportunities to expand this approach to the delivery of public works services.
The results of this analysis have been submitted to the municipalities in two parts; the first examining a consolidation of police services and the following report, presenting the results of Springsted’s review and analysis of public works operations. The public works analysis is presented in four sections: Introduction and Study Methodology, Department Overviews and Organizational Structures, Functional Reviews, and Findings and Conclusions.
The Town Board believes that Chapter 183, Tree Protection, of the Town Code is in need of some clarification, reorganization and improvement in order to allow said chapter to operate efficiently and effectively, and to thereby provide the desired protection to trees, and the management of the removal of trees in the Town. Further, Chapter 183 does not currently contain any penalty provisions. As such, if said chapter provided disincentives to violators, it would be much more effective than is currently the case. Therefore, the Town Board believes that it is reasonable and appropriate to add penalty provisions to the subject chapter. This local law is determined to be an exercise of the police powers of the Town to protect the public health, safety and welfare of its residents.
July 13, 2010 - Town Board Resolution
K. Declaring Surplus Equipment
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ossining hereby declares the following vehicle used by the Assessor’s Office as surplus and authorizes the sale of, to the best offer made; however; if no sale is able to be made due to the poor condition of the vehicle, the Town Board authorizes the equipment to be disposed
of:
VIN: 1FALP52U8VG263296
YEAR/MODEL: 1997 Ford Taurus
July 13, 2010 -Town Baord Resolution
L. New York State Retirement System-Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution
Resolved, that the Town Board of the Town of Ossining hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body:
Residents Plan Memorial Bench in Honor of Supervisor Martha Dodge
A local group of residents have teamed up with the Town of Ossining to honor Town Supervisor Martha Dodge, who passed away in December 2009 after a fight with cancer, by erecting a bench and memorial in her honor at Louis Engel Waterfront Park.
Several of Dodge’s friends approached her husband, John Codman, about how best to memorialize Martha’s enthusiasm for protecting the environment and the Hudson River, and to commemorate her service to the Ossining community. A public bench honoring Dodge at the Ossining waterfront seemed the perfect solution.
A dedicated fund has been established to help fund the bench and memorial and to landscape the site. Those wishing to donate to Martha’s bench and memorial should mail the donation to: Town of Ossining, Supervisor’s office, Attn: Martha’s Bench, 16 Croton Ave, Ossining NY 10562. Please make sure to include the words “Martha’s Bench” in the “re:” line of the check. This is a dedicated fund. All donations received will go towards the purchase of the bench and memorial, landscaping, and upkeep of the site.
The Town will have a dedication ceremony with the Codman-Dodge family once the bench and memorial have been installed.
The Hon Martha L. Dodge, Town Council member and Town Supervisor, passed away on December 27, 2009 after a brief and courageous fight with cancer.
For more information, contact the Town of Ossining at 914-762-6001.
For information on Memorial Gifts or Donations,
please write or call OVAC at (914) 941-3941.
OSSINING VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS INC.
P.O. Box 523, Ossining, New York 10562 http://www.ossiningvac.org
Photo: Martha Dodge and Sam Luben, Chief of OVAC, signing of agreements to create an Ambulance District for Ossining & part of New Castle.
The Town of Ossining has been complying with the NYS DEC requirements for an MS4 community. This requires completion of several tasks over a period of years.
One of those tasks is entitled, “Illicit Storm Water Discharge Detection Elimination.” Another task is entitled, “Public Participation.” A third is entitled, “Public Education.”
For the past several years, the Town has prioritized the renovation of Engel Park, and requested several years of Community Development Block Grant funding for various projects in the park, including the renovation of the comfort station.
The Partnership is comprised of human services agencies, civic organizations and community advocates who live and work in the Town of Ossining, Village of Briarcliff Manor, and Village of Ossining. Our mission is to combat domestic violence through community outreach, education, prevention and awareness.
A local group of residents have teamed up with the Town of Ossining to honor Town Supervisor Martha Dodge, who passed away in December 2009 after a fight with cancer, by erecting a bench and memorial in her honor at Louis Engel Waterfront Park.
For information on Memorial Gifts or Donations,
please write or call OVAC at (914) 941-3941.
Stormwater Management Program - incl Illicit Discharge Survey
For the past several years, the Town has prioritized the renovation of Engel Park, and requested several years of Community Development Block Grant funding for various projects in the park, including the renovation of the comfort station.
