Town Board Regular Meeting - Tuesday, December 8, 2020

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Last Updated: 04 December 2020 04 December 2020

Town Board Regular Meeting

Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 7:30pm

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA VIDEO CONFERENCING ONLY

Pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order 202.1 dated March 12, 2020

Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81269757251?pwd=cXhUOHcwQjIwaDlFQXYxTXYxMEp4Zz09

Please note password for this meeting: 994658

Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone:

Meeting ID: 812 6975 7251

(929) 205-6099

**Please note that by dialing in, your phone number will be visible to the host, participants, and attendees of the meeting.**

 

Meeting Agenda: pdf 12 08 20 Via Video Conference (577 KB)

 

pdf Town Voucher Detail 12 08 20 (24 KB)

pdf Draft LL #4 of 2020 (formerly #3 of 2020) to amend Zoning Code to create Beekeeping Regulations rev. 12-01-20 (227 KB)

pdf Draft LL # 5 of 2020 to amend Zoning Code and Zoning Map regarding Solar Energy Systems (75 Ryder Road) (121 KB)

 

Supervisor's Update – Friday, December 4, 2020

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Last Updated: 04 December 2020 04 December 2020

December is here, can you believe it? Before I jump into this week’s Coronavirus guidance, local events, and festive fun, I want to remind you that the Town is looking for volunteers to fill seats opening on our many Boards and Committees. These groups are an important part of the Town. The Recreation Advisory Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Board of Assessment Review, and the Planning Board are looking for new participants. Here is our posting with more information on these positions – get involved by emailing a resume, or similar description of professional, volunteer, and educational background with a cover letter, to Victoria Cafarelli in my office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

Another critical part of any municipality is to have a collective vision for the future that we can all get behind and work toward as we try to constantly improve our lives and opportunities for health and happiness. The Town of Ossining received a grant in 2019 to upgrade our Comprehensive Plan with sustainability elements, so we are calling the new plan Sustainable Ossining. We want your opinions, suggestions, and ideas for this new plan, which will be used as a guide in making future land use decisions. Over the next few months there will be many opportunities to participate in workshops and virtual public forums. We had our first in November, and attendance was amazing! Nevertheless, we know we did not reach everyone. This week we are launching a survey for members of the public to share with us what you like about Ossining and where you would like to see change. We hope you will take some time to share your dreams and visions for a Sustainable Ossining. Complete the survey here.

 

 

Now to discuss the news on everyone’s mind. We are all concerned about the number of COVID-19 cases climbing, indicating what many health professionals predicted, that we would see a ‘second wave’ in the colder months. The increase in cases we have experienced over the past two weeks reflects the rush of testing conducted before Thanksgiving. While we have seen a small decrease over this past week, we still anticipate our positivity rate to keep climbing when the effects of the weekend do trickle down to our localities. Governor Cuomo addressed the public this week to discuss new steps being taken to slow the spread. My office has been and will continue coordinating with officials at the State and County levels to share new guidance as it is released. You can also sign up for COVID-19 alerts through the New York State website.

 

The central focus now is similar to what we faced in the spring: hospital capacity. Field hospitals are being built in Long Island and the rate of burnout among healthcare workers is growing. In Erie County, hospitals are once again suspending elective surgeries. These are the challenges we will face this winter. We must work together to get our case numbers down to more manageable levels.

 

We have been ramping up testing in our area to bring as many new testing sites as possible to Ossining. We are also lucky that we have so many healthcare facilities in or near Ossining. If you need a test, you can use the Find a Testing Site Nearest You feature on the NYS website. This feature updates based on which facilities have tests. Wait times were high before the holiday because of the number of people traveling across the country (labs had more tests to process), but results generally take only a few days to be returned. Additionally, testing will be available locally, by appointment only. Select the location to make an appointment: the Ossining Rec Center (Joseph G. Caputo Center) on December 7^th or 8^th, Star of Bethlehem Church at 304 Spring St on December 9^th or 10^th, and the Westchester Medical Center Valhalla Campus daily. Star of Bethlehem Church is also allowing residents to make an appointment by texting #COVIDNOW TO 72345. Appointments at Open Door for today and tomorrow have been filled, however you can leave a message and if more spaces become available, you can anticipate a call back. The Town, County, and State are committed to lowering the positivity rate. We will continue to provide updates about testing and resources via our Facebook Page and eblasts.

 

 

It is important that all residents feel comfortable getting tested and asking questions. The guidance changes very quickly and there is no reason to be embarrassed if you missed something. You State, County, and Municipal governments are here to serve you, so ask away! You can contact me at my office with questions by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by phone 914-762-6001. You can also get general COVID-19 information through the County helpline (just dial 211). There are a number of resources out there. Visit the CDC website in English or Spanish to learn more about COVID-19.

 

 

In the Governor’s press conference this week, he discussed trends recognized by Contact Tracers. If you test positive for COVID-19, there is a 70% chance you contracted it in your home or at a small private gathering. Officials are calling this “living room spread.” The Governor noted that as the colder weather set in, people were more likely to meet indoors. If you are visiting someone else’s home, wear your mask the entire time. Eating or drinking together can increase your chances of catching the virus. Protect yourself by washing your hands often and avoid touching your face. Wear your mask with the sides tight against your face and the top over your nose, and if anyone who does not live in your household does come to visit, make sure to wear it inside your home as well. Most importantly, get tested if you believe you may have been exposed, and please stay home if you feel sick.

 

 

If you see an incoming call from NYS Contact Tracing, please pick up the phone. These callers have been trained to connect you with the services you need if you have been exposed to COVID-19. If you have not been contacted, but require services, Westchester County may be able to help. The County can provide free temporary housing if you cannot quarantine in your home. They can also arrange for food and medication deliveries, along with many other services. The County phone number for quarantining and COVID positive individuals and families is (866) 588-0195. This line is confidential.

 

 

Westchester Medical Center has established a treatment program for those who have recovered from COVID-19 but are still experiencing additional symptoms. This Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program is available now at the WMC campus in Valhalla. There is an increase in evidence that a COVID-19 infection can result in lingering symptoms such as fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, headache, muscle weakness, and joint pain, as well as impact to the heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. Some patients recovering from COVID-19 infection also continue to experience mental “fogginess,” confusion, anxiety, depression, and other psychological and emotional issues for months after initially becoming infected. Do not hesitate to get care if you are having ongoing health issues. You can contact the WMCHealth Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program at 1-833-329-0095 or visit them online for more information and to request an evaluation.

 

NYS has launched a program to help New Yorkers find state services and benefits. The Find Services Feature provides an easy-to-use starting point for community members in need of social services, including Paid Family Leave, tax relief, accessing addiction services, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline, Mental Health Resources, Child Health Plus, COVID-19 resources for New Americans, NY State of Health (Official Healthcare Marketplace), Medicaid, and the NYS Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Hotline.

 

 

The Town of Ossining and the Village of Ossining want to hear your opinions on policing. Join us for a Zoom discussion next week (in either Spanish or English) as part of the Police Reform Collaborative Review Project - work that emanates from the State’s mandate for all municipalities with police departments to produce a report with community input about reforming and reimagining policing. A wide range of topics related to police services in Ossining will be discussed. The English-language Zoom session will be held on December 12. The Spanish-language Zoom Session will be held on December 10.

 

 

The Hudson Valley Justice Center has announced the creation of a rental arrears fund to benefit immigrants facing eviction. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call (914) 308-3490 ext. 4 to schedule an intake. These funds will only be available through December 2020. You can learn more at the HVJC website.

 

Valhalla American Legion Post 1038 is making food accessible to Veterans in need. On Mondays through early 2021, Veterans are welcome to stop by 27 Legion Drive in Valhalla for contactless drive-through and pick-up of grocery items. If you know a Veteran in need, please share this with them. If you have any questions, please call Commander John Creskey at 914-282-3169.

 

 

The Westchester County Health Department is offering free flu vaccines this weekend. Advance registration is required. Appointments are available tomorrow from 9am to 3pm and Sunday from 9am to noon.

 

 

Let the festivities begin. From virtual celebrations to contact-less donation drop offs, the creativity is flowing. Let’s dive into some events.

 

Briarcliff High School Students are participating in the 12th Annual Westchester Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics New York. Embracing the theme of icy temp celebrations, Carvel in Chilmark Shopping Center has generously agreed to give a free ice cream cone to everyone who donates $30 or more (bring proof of donation)!

 

 

Westchester County is offering Black Friday deals on golf cards until the end of the year. Visit www.golf.westchestergov.com for more information.

 

 

Light shows are a fun way to remain socially distanced while still enjoying an event with others. The #lightsonjenkinscourt is returning for a fourth year to bring cheer to the neighborhood. Please see their Facebook event for the address and their requested rules. Remember, this a private residence, so be respectful of their home and the homes of others on this street.

 

 

On December 8^th Westchester County is hosting a conversation on issues affecting women. Register on the County website. County Executive George Latimer regularly schedules events for veterans, immigrants, and other groups. You can learn more about upcoming events through the Westchester County Facebook page.

 

 

This year’s annual Ossining Tree Lighting Ceremony will be shared virtually. Join us for a Facebook Live celebration on Tuesday, December 8th at 7pm on the Ossining Facebook Page. DJ Johnny G will emcee with holiday performances from The Mike Risko Band, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

 

 

Sing Sing Kill Brewery’s newest art exhibition features the works of Ossining artist Garrett Ball. The exhibition, titled Silent Songs, opens on Friday, December 11th and runs through the month of January. Ball moved to Ossining in 2015 and has painted backdrops and scenery for dozens of Broadway, major film and TV productions. You can meet the artist on opening night from 6:30-8:00pm. The brewery will be following all COVID-19 health guidelines.

 

 

Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT), which commemorates its 10th anniversary this year, is presenting a virtual event to celebrate. Cheers To 10 Years recognizes the company’s decade of success in developing new work for the theater. The production will stream live on Saturday, December 12 at 8 pm. For more information, visit http://www.wctheater.org/.

 

 

The Ossining Boat & Canoe Club is hosting its annual Holiday Toy Drive! OBCC is accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys for children in need – brownie points if you can buy the toys locally. All the toys stay in Ossining to help our neighbors celebrate the holidays. No-contact drop off boxes have been placed around Ossining, including Mike Risko Music School (144 Croton Ave, Ossining) and the Ossining Elks Lodge (118 Croton Ave, Ossining). More locations are coming soon. If you are uncomfortable being out and about, the Ossining Post Office can help. Address your items to PO Box 743 and the OBCC will pick up from there. For more info, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is offering gift cards for free meals at food distribution locations in Ossining. The gift cards are available through the Chamber’s Virtuous Collective, which helps bridge the financial gap between local restaurant meal prices and residents with food insecurity. For more information or to donate to this program, go to the Virtuous Collective website.

 

 

Ossining Padres Hispanos is celebrating the season with their Adopt-A-Family giving program. The program supports families who are experiencing difficult times. Sponsors are asked to provide one new gift or one new clothing item per child or a combination of both. Sponsors are also asked to bring a basket of food or gift card for food. Sponsors can provide more if they wish. Reach out to Ossining Padres Hispanos to be assigned a family and receive a wish list. Contact Ana at OPH for more information.

 

 

The Marine Corps Reserve is hosting their annual Toys for Tots collection. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Municipal Building by the Clerk’s Office. The office is on the first floor and our screener will greet you at the front door. See the list of suggested items below and stop by between 9am – 2:30 pm (M-F) to drop them off.

 

 

Also helping make the holidays special, Open Door Family Medical Center is hosting a Toy Drive too! Their goal this year is to collect 5000 new unwrapped toys and gift cards. The target age for toys ranges from newborn to 14 years and should be valued around $20. Check out their wish list below and help make the season magical for a local child.

 

 

The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corp (OVAC) is hosting a Blood Drive on December 30^th. Make an appointment online and stop by to help save a life.

 

 

If you plan to make your home a festive escape, snap a few pictures and enter the Holiday House Decorating Contest hosted by the Ossining Families, Positively Ossining, or Ossining Moms Facebook groups. Be sure to post your photos with the caption #winterossining2020 by December 21^st.

 

The Ossining Chamber of Commerce is leading SHOP-EAT-BUY Ossining Month, encouraging all of us to support our local economy. Did you know that 45% of every dollar spent at a small business stays in your community, compared to only 14% of every dollar spent at chain stores? Support Ossining by supporting local businesses. This year, we are asking residents to challenge their friends and neighbors to Small Business Bingo. Take a walk to check out some nearby businesses, gift yourself some much deserved self-care, buy a treat to snack on - there is a lot to explore.

Happy December everyone. Have a great weekend.

 

--Dana

 

If your business, non-profit, or community group has an event that you would like to submit to be a part of the Supervisor's Update, please e-mail a flyer and brief description to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We are happy to pass along events that provide a benefit to the community and support our local economy. Thank you for helping us to highlight all the best Ossining has to offer!

Cancelled - Planning Board Meeting - December 2, 2020

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Last Updated: 02 December 2020 02 December 2020