STATUS OF RE-PAVING ROUTE 117 SOUTH OF GREEN LANE

Readers of this column may recall that a few weeks ago, I reported that the NYS Department of Transportation at our urging required Con Edison to restore the surface of Route 117 curb to curb (rather than just the southbound lane, as Con Edison originally reported to us) for the portion of from the residential section of Bedford Hills south to Green Lane.

At that time I also explained that restoration had been complicated due to Mt. Kisco’s water line replacement project which also runs along 117. DOT would not require Con Edison to restore the surface twice – now following its own work and then following the completion of Mt. Kisco’s work. We continue to be concerned about the length of time that the surface has been in very poor and dangerous condition prompting some driers to avoid the rough, rutted surface and drive in the opposing lane of traffic.

When we learned of Mt. Kisco’s project earlier this year, we urged the Village’s engineers to coordinate with their counterparts at Con Edison and with DOT with a view to getting the work done promptly.

Earlier this week I asked DOT and the Village of Mt. Kisco for an update, and received the following reply from Village Manager Ed Brancati:

Supervisor Burdick,

To provide a quick update on our water main replacement:

The Village and our engineers for this project, Delaware Engineering, have developed a plan that significantly minimizes the disturbance to N. Bedford Rd. by keeping much of the work under the northbound sidewalk, but we still need to perform work in the roadway to make a variety of connections across N. Bedford Rd. Our plan is to perform all work in the roadway at the beginning of the job so that we can allow Con Ed to restore the road as quickly as possible.

We have submitted all plans to NYS DOT for their review, have received comments, and provided responses. We have also submitted our plans to WCDOH for their review and are likewise addressing their comments. We have also put the project out to bid with responses due on Thursday July 12th at 10 am and the Board of Trustees will look to award on Monday July 16th. At that point we can begin scheduling the work.

I will continue to keep you informed.

UPDATE ON POLICE STATION RENOVATION PROJECT; CARPORTS

As earlier reported, due to dramatic change in Public Service Commission incentives to solar developers, the Town received no bids for a long term contract in which the value of electricity produced by solar panels on carports would pay for the carports themselves.  We then put it out to bid based on the then carport plans and received a single bid (from the general contractor, Verdi Construction) in excess of $350,000.  The Town Board rejected the bid and approved the recommendations of the project team for new plans which would provide greater flexibility to bidders and potentially lower bids.

With the renovation project between 85 and 90% complete, we intend to avoid delay resulting from the carport bidding and installation.  The project team has developed the following timelines:

accessed here: Request for Proposals (RFP)

UPDATE ON HYBRIDS AND ELECTRIC CARS

FOR THE TOWN’S OPERATIONS

The Town has had as an objective for over 10 years – beginning under the helm of my predecessor, Lee Roberts – to increase the Town’s use of hybrid and electric cars.  The policy makes sense from both an environmental and taxpayer standpoint.  A summary of the benefits of electric cars is available through the US Department of Energy athttps://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-benefits, explaining that emissions are reduced significantly; operation costs are much lower; and from a national security and price volatility standpoint, electricity in the US nearly 100% domestically produced (as opposed to oil, a significant portion of which is imported).  Under Ms. Roberts, the Town’s passenger car fleet became nearly entirely comprised of highly cost-effective hybrids which have borne out their promise of lower emissions and lower operating costs.  Our staff also is very satisfied with them for serving their required functions.

Going forward, the Town benefits from greater competition, moderated purchase costs and more choice.  The driving range on a single electric charge also has dramatically increased with improvements in battery technology.

The Town was the first municipality in Westchester County to undertake a gold pledge under the New York League of Conservation Voters/Sustainable Westchester challenge to increase further the acquisition and operation of electric or plug-in hybrids. The Gold Pledge . The 10 year Capital Plan which the Town Board adopted in December provides for vehicle replacement, including electric passenger vehicles. We have ordered a Chevrolet Bolt, one of the most highly regarded electric vehicles.  We did well on the purchase price working through the Sustainable Westchester consortium with a $33,970.00 price tag.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Bedford Canvas Bags

Newly appointed Reusable Bag Task Force (RTBF) member Rosemary Lee picked up this canvas bag at the Bedford Town House before heading off for vacation. They are $5.00 while supplies last.

PRIOR POSTS OF CONTINUED RELEVANCE

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUNE 27

TOWN BOARD MEETING ACTION

Note: The Board scheduled this meeting to consider the request of Police Chief Melvin Padilla regarding certain audio visual equipment and related items for the police station renovation project which could not be held over to the July 17 meeting lest it delay the project.

Conservation Board Application for Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grant

The Board approved the Conservation Board’s request for authorization to submit an application for a $50,000 UCF planting grant. We thank Conservation Board chairman Simon Skolnik and member Fred Pollack who have been tireless and very successful in pursuing grant opportunities.

Appointments:

Our congratulations and thanks for the service of those whom the Board appointed:

1.    Local Katonah resident Jack DeAlto appointed to the position of

Police Officer.

2.    Sally Corbett appointed to the Drug Abuse Prevention Council for a term

expiring December 31, 2019.

3.    Mary Cassidy appointed to the Traffic Safety Working Group for a term

expiring August 31, 2020.

Change Order for Asphalt (Police Station Renovation Project)

The Board approved a change order in the amount $34,362.88.

Proposal from Entertainment Technologies, Inc (Police Station Renovation Project)

The Board approved the requests from Police Chief Melvin Padilla to (1) accept proposal from Entertainment Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $34,707 from for certain audio visual equipment and related items’ and (2) to authorize initial payment to Entertainment Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $12,000 The Board’s action enables the project to proceed without delay.

No Knock Registry

The Board set a Public Hearing for 7:50 PM on Tuesday, July 17 on proposed amendments to the Town solicitation law to establish a No Knock Registry and to revise approved entities for performing fingerprinting.  The No Knock Registry is in response to concerns of some residents regarding door to door sales.  It prohibits such solicitation to the homes of those residents who complete a request to be listed on a “no knock registry”. The Town Clerk will maintain the registry and provide a simple form. The proposal will not infringe upon political, educational or religious activities.

Corrective Amendments to the Town’s Energize NY Benefit Financing law

At the request of the Energy Improvement Corporation, of which the Town

is a founder and long-standing member, the Board set a Public Hearing

for 7:55 PM on Tuesday, July 17 to adopt corrective amendments to the law (Local Law 9-2017)

Resolution Regarding Algonquin Pipeline

At the request of the Town of North Salem and others, the Board adopted a resolution regarding the Algonquin Pipeline to protect the safety of Bedford’s residents, businesses and institutions as it relates to air emissions regulations developed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, affecting natural gas infrastructure facilities. Resolution

REVISION FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2018

TOWN BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

Summer months are away months and many of our residents are unable to attend two meetings in July and two in August. The Town Board approved the following changes to these summer month meetings. We have cancelled the July 3 meeting and retained the July 17 meeting which was previously scheduled. We cancelled the August 7 and August 21 meetings and have replaced them with a single meeting to be held on August 14.

THE SUPERVISOR’S SHOW

Each month, we spend a short time chatting with members of the community

on recent activities and/or events that are pertinent to all of us. Take a few minutes to get to know some of your neighbors, and how their community involvement serves us all. If you would like to be on the show, send me an email and pitch yourself or your group!

For the latest Supervisor’s Show:

Green Initiatives, Regulations, and the Recently Adopted Reusable Bag Law

click here

Some photos from the Summer Solstice Yoga

at John Jay Homestead

Saturday June 23, 2018

Many Thanks to The Katonah Village Improvement Society, Deirdre Breen and all of the yogis from our many local studios.

Noteworthy:

Congratulations to the Town of Bedford for being recognized by Westchester County with the 2018 Westchester Eco Award. Thanks and praise to Kevin Winn and the highway department along with Bedford 2020 for working with the carters to create a single stream, to the Town Board for putting it into law, and to our entire community for responsible recycling. According to the data, Bedford has the highest recycling rates in the County. Great work!! “

Single Stream Reycyling:

Summer Fun + Bedford Parks

Summer Fun for Everyone! Bedford Recreation’s Park it in Bedford

Entertainment Series is back this summer! Grab your family, friends, a blanket and park hop with us and enjoy the magic of the summer! It’s Better in Bedford!

Bedford Rd Gas Main replacement from Park Dr South to Barker St

Con Ed has informed us that a that gas main replacement project on Bedford Rd from Park Dr south to Barker St in Mount Kisco is scheduled to start on Monday 7/9.

The information below is from Con Ed:

“We are in the process of requesting night hours with WTMC – same stips that we worked last year – 7p-6a. The linear footage of the project this year is about a 1/3 of the linear footage of the project last year so we anticipate a shorter disturbance period.

We are going to work towards completing construction by 10/15 –

As long as the water main project is completed by then, and all goes well on our end, we should be able to get the roadway re-surfaced before the plants close for the winter.

Feel free to reach out with any questions pertaining to this project.”

Larry Dugan

WCM-Gas

914-789-6886

As the start date nears, Con Ed will provide a work notice as a reminder that we will share here.

THE TOWN OF BEDFORD RECEIVES THE 2018 WESTCHESTER

MUNICIPAL PLANNING FEDERATION AWARD

FOR THE ANTIOCH HOMES PROJECT

On Thursday June 7, The Town of Bedford was honored to receive a planning commendation from the WMPF for our work at Antioch Homes. Antioch Homes, which was competed in 2017, is an example of a creative adaptive reuse, as well as a coordinated effort on the part of our community to provide 12 new affordable housing units in Bedford Hills. The project included

re-purposing the former Antioch Baptist Church into four apartments and construction of two new buildings with four units each. The picture below is of Antioch Homes on Railroad Avenue in Bedford Hills.

From L to R: John Tegeder (WMPF), Andrew Chintz (Blue Mountain

Director), Chris Burdick (Bedford Supervisor), Marion Blount (Antioch Homes

Chair), WMPF representative

REMINDER: TOWN FACILITIES FOR RECYCLING,

YARD WASTE & E-WASTE

Most of the following services are free to Town residents:

Recycling at the Town’s Recycling Center

The Railroad Avenue Recycling Center is located at 343 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.  Carters are obligated to collect single stream recyclables at your property along with trash for all customers. For those who wish to drop off recyclable materials, the Railroad Avenue Recycling Center accepts single stream recyclables (metal, plastic, glass, cardboard and paper). A complete list of single stream materials can be found at http://bedford2020.org/single-stream-recycling/.

Ewaste, Metals, Textiles; Trash Drop Off for Seniors

Residents may bring electronic waste to the Recycling Center, but please note that for CRTs (TVs and old monitors), residents first must obtain from the Town Clerk (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM M-F, 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills) the coupon after paying a modest fee (to cover the costs to the Town). In addition, the Railroad Avenue Recycling Center accepts e-waste of all kinds (see below for details), bulk metals of all kinds, textiles, and trash for seniors (60+) who purchase Senior Refuse Coupons (book of 5 for $25) at the Town Clerk’s office. Each coupon can be used for up to a 33-gallon trash bag of household refuse (do not include recyclables in the refuse bag).

Beaver Dam Yard Waste and Compost Facility

The Town of Bedford Beaver Dam Compost Facility processes recyclable wood waste and leaves from the Town and provides beneficial reuse of the waste as compost and mulch. The facility provides an extremely cost effective method for this recycling as well as an environmental benefit of local recycling with minimal transportation requirements. It is open for residents to dispose of recyclable wood waste (logs and branches up to 6” diameter, brush, and leaves), as well as pick up wood mulch and leaf compost. This service is free to Town of Bedford residents between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM Monday to Friday, excluding Town holidays.

Shredder Services

The Town is pleased to provide once again this year mobile paper shredder services at the Town Recycling Center at 343 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on March 17, September 15, and November 17. We had such services on March 5 and also during Clean Up weekend at the Crusher Road Highway Facility. A mobile shredder truck will securely destroy documents. The company’s customer service professionals never physically touch your documents so the entire process is “touch-free”. The company can shred paper, paper clips, rubber bands, staples and even the black clips. They cannot shred 3-ring binders, or anything that is non paper (CDs, tapes, DVDs, hard drives, etc.).

Please also refer to the “Recycling Division” page on the Town’s website at

or call the Highway Division at 666-7669 with any questions.

Possible Acquisition from NYC of Community Center Site

As I reported last week, the Community Center of Northern Westchester had contacted me last year regarding plans for an addition to the building it occupies in Katonah. Both the building and the land on which it is situated are owned by New York City, with the NYC Water Board having authority with regard to its disposition.  The Center is seeking a long-term occupancy of the property which is key to its ability to raise funds for the planned addition and to provide certainty regarding its present location.  Lee Roberts and I spoke with NYC DEP Assistant Commissioner David Warne who investigated the matter internally.  In following up on the matter with Mr. Warne earlier this year, he suggested that the Town Board request that NYC convey the property to the Town at $1.00/waived (which would be subject to certain conditions). The solution is ideal both for the Town as well as the Community Center.         I have been working closely with both Lee and Clare Murray, Executive Director of the Community Center to develop the proposal.  The Town Board authorized me to pursue the acquisition. The process will take some time, but DEP has encouraged us. We are cautiously optimistic that approval will be granted following DEP’s review of documents and other submissions (there are several layers and agencies within NYC which must review/approve the conveyance).

Carports for the Police Station Renovation Project  The Board, as recommended, rejected the bid mentioned below for the carports and approved a $16,300 proposal by GPI Engineering to re-design the carports to motivate more competitive bidding including from manufacturers of prefabricated metal carports.  I should mention that the design will allow for later installation of rooftop solar panels should they become economically viable. As mentioned previously, the Board had determined that carports for providing protection to 17 vehicles would prolong the life of the police patrol cars and other vehicles by protecting them from the elements and in addition during winter snowstorms police response time would be affected by the time to clear off vehicles for safe travel.   Before New York State Public Service Commission had revised its incentive program for solar developers, it was a reasonable assumption that the Town would be able to successfully find bidders for installing solar carports at no upfront charge to the Town, but rather financed through federal and state tax and other incentives to the developer and by the Town purchasing electricity from the developer at a reasonable rate.  Following the PSC changes last year, the incentives were not sufficient in the NYSEG service area to be financially viable for developers.  On May 1, 2018 the Town Board authorized releasing bid documents to solicit bids to build the carports. Only one bid was received and it was in the amount of $350,380 from Verdi Construction Company, LLC, the general contractor for the job.  Based on the fact that only one bid was received, Comptroller Abraham Zambrano recommended that the Town Board reject the Verdi bid and authorize the project be re-bid. a proposal to re-design the carports has been obtained from GPI Engineering. We are hopeful that the re-design will result in greater bidder interest including from manufacturers of prefabricated carports.

POTHOLES NYS ROADS AND CLAIMS FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE

For potholes on state roads in our Town, such as Routes 22, 117, 121, 137 and 172 we would suggest that you call NYS’s pothole line at 1-800-POTHOLE.  Also, I’ve been asked whether there might be the possibility of reimbursement for repairs for vehicle damage resulting from potholes or other faulty conditions of NYS roads.  You may consider filing a claim. For information: https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/legal-services-division/smallclaims

HURRICANE SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED

We received the following e-mail today from the Westchester County Office of Emergency Management:

As we have all been reminded by the widespread utility outages and damage caused by the most recent nor’easters and high winds, following a harsh winter season, severe weather continues to be the hazard to which we as a County remain the most vulnerable all year round. As we approach the summer months this threat evolves yet again to include brush fires, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, as well as tropical cyclones.

Hurricane Season in the Atlantic officially began today June 1, 2018, and will end on November 30, 2018. The season started early again this year with the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto on May 25^th in the Gulf. Below are two links providing updates on this season’s outlook as well as product and service changes implemented by the National Hurricane Center for 2018.

Be assured that the Town is vigilant in checking emergency plans and procedures that we have in place and in identifying and addressing training, equipment and supply needs.

UPDATED: PAVING OUR STATE ROADS: STILL TRYING TO GET ACTION

I-684

It’s been a long haul trying to persuade New York State to pave the concrete portion of I-684 that runs through Bedford (the same original surface from the late 1960s).  You may remember that in early 2014 shortly after coming into office, I started working with Assembly David Buchwald and then State Senator George Latimer to urge the re-paving of the portion of I-684 which runs through Bedford. We also worked with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to press for funds from Washington, since 80% to 90% of the funds to repair our State’s highways comes from the federal government.  Thanks principally to the efforts of Assemblyman Buchwald a portion of the Bedford section was paved (the southerly portion up to Harris Road).  But the portion from Harris Road through a bit north of Exit 6 is in terrible condition. One of our residents who is an engineer and works on major road projects described it in an e-mail earlier this week: “Spring has arrived!! Please take the time to drive northbound and southbound on I-684, including the exit ramps. The pavement deterioration has become very severe in some areas due to the harsh winters. You may see large chucks of concrete in the shoulders that have broken free from the mainline pavement. Perhaps the board can urge the NYSDOT Highway Department to have maintenance crews fill the pot holes in the Katonah corridor as a priority.”

Governor Cuomo: https://www.governor.ny.gov/contact; also try http://www.writethegovernorofnewyork.com/; also1-518-474-8390

DOT Albany office: 518-457-6195

DOT Region 8 Acting Regional Director Lance MacMillan: 845-431-5750

If you send an e-mail, please consider copying me and our legislators:

State Assemblyman David Buchwald: buchwaldd@assembly.state.ny.us, 914-244-4450

State Senator Shelley Mayer: smayer@nysenate.gov, 518-455-2031

SAVE MONEY AND THE ENVIRONMENT WITH THESE TWO EXCITING SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER INITIATIVES!

Nissan Leaf Discount Program

Electric vehicles save money and reduce fossil fuel usage and emissions. Click the link below to see how you can save up to $12,500 on a 2018 all electric Nissan Leaf through the Sustainable Westchester bulk discount program.

Community Solar

Now everyone can be a part of the transition to local, clean solar energy, even if you don’t have access to your roof because you are in an apartment or it’s too shady. Currently in con Ed Territory only. Click Here to sign up for Local solar – and save money on your Con Ed bill!

FOR THE COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR click here 

FOR THE TOWN CALENDAR click here

TO SIGN-UP FOR NIXLE ALERTS click here

PHONE SCAMS – NYSEG

Customers are receiving automated calls from “NYSEG” telling them that their electricity will be shut off later that day.  The customer is instructed to call back to prevent this. The callback numbers, which vary, answer with “NYSEG automated service line,” and prompt you to push 3.

These calls are not from NYSEG and are an attempt to scam residents and businesses.

Some precautions to take to avoid falling victim to a scam:

MOVING AHEAD WITH OUR COMMITMENT TO

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Consistent with the Town’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 2020, on October 3, 2017, the Town Board responded to the New York League of Conservation Voters/Sustainable Westchester challenge by being the only municipality in Westchester County to adopt Gold Tier Pledge under which we commit to purchase Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV’s) for at least 10% of our new light-duty municipal fleet purchases by the end of 202 and revisit this level annual to consider adopting a higher purchasing commitment. At its May 1, 2018 Town Board meeting the Town Board approved the purchase of the highly rated Chevy Bolt, which has an excellent driving range of 238 miles on a single charge. The Town is able to purchase the vehicle under procurement through NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services in which the Town may participate.

FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR’S SAKE

Please consider your neighbor when you go to work with your lawn mower or weed whacker (or your lawn service uses them). We realize that your busy schedule makes it difficult to find time to get work done on your property. We all try to squeeze in time to do it. But please not too early and not too late…

IT’S THE LAW: IDLING

Please be reminded that Westchester County regulates the idling time of motor vehicles to not more than three minutes (with certain exceptions – click here for the law. Let’s all obey the law to avoid unnecessary pollution.

NEW YORK STATE ACTION OF STATE AND LOCAL TAX (SALT) DEDUCTIONS

Many have asked us about what action is being taken in response to the December federal tax law revisions which caps SALT tax deductions for federal income tax purposes to $10,000.

The following is brief description of the new law that can be provided to the public regarding the New York budget bill that provides offsets for Federal SALT tax deductions: The New York State Legislature has adopted new state law provisions designed to offset the impact of the recently enacted federal tax limitation on state and local taxes (SALT) to $10,000. Specifically, the legislation creates a vehicle for taxpayers to contribute to certain charitable funds that, in turn, would be applied for local tax purposes. The concept is that, as a charitable contribution, the amount paid by taxpayers who itemize their tax returns could be claimed as a charitable deduction on federal taxes. Under the new law, a New York State tax credit would also be provided on a percentage of each contribution. Under the new law, each taxing jurisdiction, including school districts, villages, towns, cities and counties, is responsible for establishing and managing such charitable funds. The funds collected would then be used by each taxing jurisdiction and applied to the taxing jurisdiction’s annual tax levy. The law also provides a mechanism for the taxpayer to receive a tax credit based upon the amount contributed to a school district’s or other municipal corporation’s charitable fund. The exact procedures for making payments into the charitable funds and receiving a credit against taxes owed are still being formulated.

New York State, by being the first state to enact a “workaround” to ameliorate the limitation on the federal SALT deductions, has positioned itself to be the legal test case for whether such an arrangement will pass legal muster. The Town and other government agencies, school districts and municipalities throughout New York State are in the process of reviewing the proposed bill provisions to determine what action should be taken and whether to implement the provisions of this new law. Similarly, tax experts are in the process of reviewing whether or not these new charitable funds will be treated as legitimate charitable contributions that are deductible for filers who itemize their federal tax returns. New York’s Governor and Legislature appear to believe the provisions are sound. However, a final answer has yet to be obtained and we recommend that you consult with your personal tax consultant before taking any action.

We will keep you advised as the situation develops.

FOR THE APRIL 6, 2018 KATONAH-BEDFORD HILLS SEWER DESIGN STATUS REPORT click here

CABLEVISION/OPTIMUM OUTAGE BILL CREDIT

If you lost Cablevision/Optimum service during the recent storms, you may qualify for a credit on your bill. Cablevision has records by address on power outages. We have been advised that if your outage was for fewer than four hours you would not qualify for a credit. If you the outage was for a longer period of time, you do qualify. You will need to contact them. We suggest that you also provide your service outage period according to your records (be specific with dates and times, to the extent you can).  Call them at 718-860-3513 or via Chat at https://www.optimum.net/support/outage/

VERIZON CUSTOMERS, DID YOU RECEIVE A CREDIT FOLLOWING SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

 We have contacted our Verizon representative inquiring about a credit for their customers impacted by service interruptions during the March storms. She advises us that if you reported the service interruption to Verizon, you will receive a credit automatically on your bill. We advise that you check your bill.  If you did not receive a credit, please call Verizon customer service at 1-800-Verizon to request it. Also, for customers who did not report the outage, it may not be too late, contact customer service letting them know when you lost service and when it was restored.

NEW BEDFORD VETERANS MEMORIAL

I am pleased to report that the Town Board approved construction of a new Veterans Memorial in Katonah, which will honor the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women from Bedford and around America who served in our military. The Memorial will be located on the Katonah Green, directly across from the Katonah Village Library, and will be funded entirely through private contributions. Information regarding the Memorial can be found at http://www.bedfordny.gov/veterans-advisory-committee/.

JOINT LETTER OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR KITLEY S. COVILL AND TOWN SUPERVISORS OF BEDFORD, LEWISBORO, NORTH SALEM, POUND RIDGE AND SOMERS TO NYSEG

click here for the letter

ACTION TAKEN AT THE APRIL 3 TOWN BOARD MEETING

Horse Properties – As scheduled, the Town Board held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Code to allow for a half bath in accessory structures, including barns and stables, the purpose of which is to enable property owners to engage daytime grooms..  The proposed Zoning Code amendment expressly prohibits sleeping facilities and kitchens.  As I mentioned at the outset of the hearing the proposal comes after nearly two years of discussions with horse property owners and others supporting the horse community.  Earlier this year, the Town Board had referred to the Planning Board their petition requesting revisions in the Zoning Code to relax restrictions affecting the horse community. A number of residents spoke on the need to ensure that Bedford is “horse friendly” and we do not continue to lose horse owners.  Following the public hearing the Town Board unanimously adopted the amendments.

Congratulations to Amy Carelli At the recommendation of Police Chief Melvin Padilla, the Town Board approved the appointment of Amy N. Carelli to Police Officer effective on or about April 26, 2018. We are pleased to have Ms. Carelli join the force.

Moving ahead on Electric Vehicles In the first installment of fulfilling the Town’s New York League of Conservation Voters/Sustainable Westchester Gold Pledge on purchase of electric passenger vehicles for its municipal fleet, the Town Board authorized going out to bid for the purchase of a Chevy Bolt, an all-electric vehicle that has received excellent reviews for its range of over 230 miles and durability.

Bedford Village Parking  As I mentioned in this space last week, the Town has been in discussions with the Bedford Presbyterian Church regarding acquiring the Church’s vacant land off of Court Road for the purposes of constructing a municipal parking lot.  Last year environmental evaluation of the site showed no issues. We held a public meeting earlier this year at which comments we received showed positive support. We then commissioned an appraisal of the property which was just concluded this week and shows a fair market value of $150,000.  Following discussions with representatives of the Church, I postponed Town Board consideration of approving an offer, so as to allow time for the Church to obtain its own appraisal – a step which is customary and the right action.

FOR THE SUPERVISOR’S MAY MONTHLY REPORT click here

ENERGIZE BEDFORD CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Bedford 2020 and Energize Bedford’s limited time campaign in partnership with the Town of Bedford drove an increase in energy efficient homes in Bedford. From September 1, 2017- January 15, 2018, we collected more than 70 leads, helped set up 27 assessments and 11 jobs were completed in the 5 month time frame. Although the limited time discount is over, leads are still coming through and homeowners who entered the program during the campaign are working toward completing their projects.

STOP THE BLEED

Paramedics are trained and prepared to operate with law enforcement in active shooter situations. This additional stop the bleed program is intended to provide a level of basic quick action from the public before help arrives. We have certified trainers in this program and want to start offering it up to various public institutions such as schools. Click here for the booklet.

NO PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS FOR MUNICIPAL FACILITIES

You may recall that last July the Town issued a Request for Proposals for solar panels and other systems for Town facilities. We received no proposals, which we learned was due to the fact that New York State had not settled with the electric industry on incentives and utility obligations regarding solar power provided back to the grid. So, as I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Town went ahead to re-issue an RFP. In late 2017, New York State published guidelines that define the future value of distributed energy resources (a/k/a, the VDER value stack). As of early 2018, solar developers can now use this value stack to estimate future project income from the local utilities, based on specific project locations. We understand that New York’s resolving these future values of solar electricity means that solar developers will be more attracted to investing in potential solar projects such as those in our RFP

The NYS Public Service Commission issued an “implementation order” in September on the “value of distributed energy resources,” following which was substantial work in sorting out valuations with electric utility distributors in the State, such as NYSEG and Con Edison. We understand that there now is a “level playing field” and basis on which solar developers would take an interest in our RFP.  However, the VDER provides greater incentives to solar developers in Con Edison service area where rates are higher.  Our Town facilities, however, are located in NYSEG service area.  One of the solar developers with whom we had worked closely took the time to explain why it was financially not possible to submit a proposal – due to the difference in VDER between the two service areas. Please click here for the letter.  I have recently met with a commercial property owner in Bedford Hills and a solar developer about the possibility of rooftop solar panels for “community solar”. Stay tuned.

SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

NOW THAT THE SPRING HAS ARRIVED – PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING TO YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM:

septic pump out – if you haven’t done it within the last five years, the law requires you do so. And, if you have a problem with your system, please check out the Town’s Septic System Repair and Replacement program to deal with failing septic systems. The program allows Bedford property owners in the Croton Watershed (about 85% of the Town’s land area) for a 50% reimbursement of repair/replacement costs. If you have a failing septic system, contact the Planning Department at 666-4434 for further information or visit our website.

MOUNT KISCO WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT

Mount Kisco is preparing to replace the 90-year old water main on New York State Route 117 from Preston Way in Mount Kisco to Green Lane in Bedford Hills and continuing to the end of Green Lane.

The construction work is planned for the fall of 2018 and will take place during the night (hours have not yet been determined). The project’s engineering will consider everything that is feasible in the design to minimize disturbance to the public and the property owners.  Currently, the project is in the preliminary design phase, which includes survey and soil boring work along the road right-of-way.  Soil boring work will take place in April during the working day between 9 am and 3 pm and is not expected to result in any lane closures.

    We met today with Mount Kisco’s engineers to emphasize the need for full coordination among Mount Kisco, Con Edison (with regard to restoration work on the southbound lane of Route 117 – SEE POST IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS ONE), NYS Department of Transportation, Westchester County Health Department and Bedford in both the design and the execution of the project.  We made it clear that the Mount Kisco project must avoid the significant disruptions which the Con Edison gas line project caused last fall.  It is also critical that restoration be complete.

We will keep you informed on the status both of the Mount Kisco project and Con Edison’s gas line project.

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UPDATED SHREDDER SCHEDULE INCLUDING NEW DATE OF MONDAY OCTOBER 22

The Town is pleased to provide once again this year mobile paper shredder events:

A Mobile Shredding Truck will securely destroy documents. The company’s customer service professionals never physically touch your documents so the entire process is “touch-free”. The company can shred paper, paper clips, rubber bands, staples and even the black clips. They cannot shred 3-ring binders, or anything that is non paper (CDs, tapes, DVDs, hard drives, etc.)

INTERNSHIP IN MEDIA RELATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS, AND COMMUNICATION PLANNING

In consultation with the Bedford Veterans Advisory Committee, develop and implement a professional-grade communications plan that identifies local veteran-related events, programs, issues, and concerns and effectively promotes this material via appropriate print, broadcast, and electronic media.

    The successful candidate should have a skill-set sufficient to demonstrate an ability to write effective press releases along with appropriate research, planning and organizational skills to develop and implement a plan that ensures general public awareness.

  The plan should encompass an audience that includes: *     Print media* Broadcast media* Social media networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)* Local elected officials *Social service agencies * Veterans service organizations

    Junior or senior level undergraduate, or graduate level. Hours to be determined, along with attendance at monthly Veterans Advisory Committee meetings. Unpaid. Supervision: Chair, Bedford Veterans Advisory Committee. Contact: Mark Sindeband, 914-260-4188, aegisresources@optonline.net

FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT click here

WESTCHESTER POWER – HOW’S IT BEEN DOING HERE IN BEDFORD?

There’s been some discussion on Katonah Parents Facebook and questions I regularly receive regarding the Westchester Power (also known as Community Choice Aggregation or CCA).  By way of background, the Town Board unanimously adopted Bedford’s participation in this program sponsored by Sustainable Westchester and placed us among those Westchester municipalities choosing the “Green Option”.  At the time, we insisted that the rates must be less than the previous twelve month cost for each utility, provide fixed prices (rather than a “bait and switch” of a great rate at the outset only to pop up later) and an opt out provision at any time without charge or penalty, a common complaint at the time against many energy service companies (ESCOs). Westchester Power residential and small business electric customers in Bedford have a rate of 8.00 cents per kilowatt hour in Con Edison’s service area and 7.42 cents per kilowatt hour in NYSEG’s service area.  These are fixed rates, rather than rates which vary month by month (which is the way NYSEG and Con Edison bills).  I’ve received e-mails and calls from NYSEG and Con Edison customers who saw a spike in rates this winter. Just yesterday I received a call from a resident in Con Edison service area who is signed up with an ESCO at over 11 cents per kilowatt hour and was dismayed at her large utility bills.

So how’s Westchester Power been doing here in Bedford? I turned to Dan Welsh, Director of Westchester Power, for an analysis and he provided the following:

“Here is my estimate of the savings for Bedford residents and small businesses through the end of January. We are including the avoided sales tax now when we talk about this as you know, and that’s a significant piece. February saw a low price for Con Ed which would bring this down, but now March is looking that it’s bounced back and so I would look to the end of March for the next update.”

Should you have questions, please contact Dan at

dan@westchesterpower.org or 914-242-4725

IT’S TAX SCAM SEASON. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF

From the Office of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

If someone is threatening you or you are targeted for a scam, please contact my office immediately. We are here to help: 1-800-771-7755.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDINGTAX SCAMS

The IRS, the AARP, NYS Attorney General and many others are issuing warnings about scams particularly directed at the elderly.  Please don’t fall prey. See https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts

MOBILE PAPER SHREDDER AT RECYCLING CENTER

The Town is pleased to provide once again this year mobile paper shredder events at the Town Recycling Center at 343 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on March 17, September 15, and November 17; and at 1 Crusher Road, Bedford Village (Crusher Road highway yard), Bedford Village from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on May 5. A Mobile Shredding Truck will securely destroy documents. The company’s customer service professionals never physically touch your documents so the entire process is “touch-free”. The company can shred paper, paper clips, rubber bands, staples and even the black clips. They cannot shred 3-ring binders, or anything that is non paper (CDs, tapes, DVDs, hard drives, etc.).

 KATONAH FIRE DEPARTMENT UNDER-18 RECRUITMENT PROGRAM

Are you interested in a terrific community service opportunity? Would you like to receive state-of-the art lifesaving and firefighting training? Katonah Fire Department eagerly welcomes applications from 16-year-olds for its Under 18 Program. Interested candidates can fulfill their John Jay High School Community Service obligation, as well as service hours required for other organizations, such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Membership in the department as a firefighter is a great way to have your college application

stand out as well!

Any person who is between the ages of 16 and 18, who is physically fit, morally and mentally sound, and who, having met with the membership committee and satisfactorily passed the committee’s investigation (as established in the Katonah Fire Department, Inc. Constitution and By-Laws), may be selected for membership status.

The goal of this program is to carefully instill, enforce, and monitor the practices that lead to well trained, respectful, hardworking members once they reach their 18th birthdays and/or the conclusion of their first year of membership.

In addition, it creates a culture in which these members both realize their age- and experience-related limitations, but also feel as though they are learning and being prepared for taking on the duties of full-fledged, non-probationary members of the Katonah Fire Department.

An oversight committee and a training coordinator act as a resource to these members – in all aspects of KFD membership: firefighting, training, rules and regulations, etc. – and set example for the types of behaviors expected from our entire membership.

Applicants who join receive all training and equipment at no expense to them. They also become eligible for various scholarship opportunities. If you’re interested in finding out more, please sent an e-mail to chief2211@katonahfd.org

TOWN’S WEBSITE

is now available in Spanish. We have added a plug-in allowing for the website’s automatic translation to Spanish. Please note that this does not apply to linked PDF documents. http://www.bedfordny.gov/

MOTORISTS

I wish to augment the below information (e-news 8/25) with the following request for motorists:

Sharing the road with bicyclists. When parked on the street, check for bicyclists approaching from behind you before opening your car door. Always exercise due care to avoid colliding with any person walking or bicycling. Always be vigilant when pedestrians are present, especially those with visual or physical impairments. Bicyclists are fully entitled to use the road and have the right to “take the lane” by positioning themselves at or near the center of the lane when needed to avoid hazards or if the lane is too narrow to safely travel side by side with motorists.

Pass bicycles only when necessary and safe: pass to the left of the bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear. When in doubt, wait until you can pass at a safe speed. Before making a right turn, let bicyclists clear the intersection. When turning left or entering a roadway, yield to oncoming bicyclists as you would to any vehicle.

RULES OF THE ROAD FOR CYCLISTS; SAFETY TIPS FOR WALKERS; TIPS FOR CROSSING THE STREET

 Some of you may have heard of the tragic death earlier this month of a cyclist in Stony Point. Another was killed yesterday. We also are concerned about the safety of walkers and pedestrians. While we implore drivers to observe speed limits and other rules of the road, we also wish to share with you rules and tips for cyclists and pedestrians some of which a Bedford resident compiled and sent to me.

CYCLISTS

New York State law mandates the following related to cyclists:

 A regular reader of this weekly newsletter asked why I repeat certain posts from week to week. I do so because not everyone reads my newsletter on a weekly basis, much information provided remains relevant and I wish to continue to alert the community about it. In response to the comment, however, you will see that I’ve divided the newsletter into two sections “New Posts” and “Continuing Posts”. Both sections are relevant and, I believe, worthy of review. I wish to thank readers for making suggestions and comments; over the years, I’ve not only changed format but added content based on them (for example, why the flags are flown at half-staff.