Dear Residents:

I have enjoyed serving as your Supervisor this year, and look forward to an exciting 2015, as it is a privilege to serve on this Board, for the residents of this great community. I want to take a few minutes to offer a final update for the year 2014.

2015 Budget and AAA Bond Rating: The Town Board adopted the 2015 Budget at the December 10^th Town Board Meeting. The budget is approximately $250,000 below the NYS tax cap and reflects a 2.4% tax rate increase. Budget highlights include but not limited to: increased funding for road maintenance (see below) and equipment, and two new Police officers. In addition, Moody’s restored North Castle’s Aaa (Triple A) bond rating, joining only 12 other municipalities in NYS with that distinction.

November 13, 2014 Special Election: The Special Election for the Ward vote held on November 13 was executed flawlessly by our Town Clerk’s office led by Town Clerk Anne Curran, as well as many other departments and individuals that contributed. Much time and effort was expended by the Town establishing procedures to assure that no registered voters were disenfranchised. It was a monumental effort over a very short time period, and we thank Anne and all the staff for their hard work and dedication.

2015 Waste and Single Stream Recycling Calendar: You should have received the new 2015 Calendar by mail, but you can click hereor visit the Town website if needed.

2015 Road Maintenance: Road maintenance and repair continue to be a high priority. The 2013 Pavement Management Study provided the Town with a comprehensive analysis from routine maintenance to complete road rehabilitation. Looking ahead to 2015, the adopted budget allocates $1.15 million for road maintenance (a 15% increase). In addition, the Town Board is working with the Budget and Finance Committee to evaluate the report and establish a multiyear plan to continue to improve our roads.

New Senior Bus: The Town board approved the purchase of a new bus for our Recreation Department. The bus will have multi-recreational uses but will mainly accommodate our senior program. Included in the various safety features is a wheelchair lift. Delivery is expected in March.

Storm Preparation: The Town has added three vehicles to the Highway fleet and one to Parks in preparation for winter storms. Additionally more staff has been added across the foreman, mechanic and laborer classifications.  The brine has been prepared so both silos are filled to capacity. (Brine is applied to the roads before certain storms – depending on temperature – which makes the roads safer.) In addition, we have a full supply of salt and sand. The following are some reminders of the Emergency Procedures, Town and State Ordinances, and Emergency Contact Information:

• In the event of a power outage please call Con-Edison directly: (800)752-6633
• In case of emergency: North Castle Police Department: 273-9500 or 911
• For emergency storm updates please sign up for Nixle atwww.nixle.com and register your email, phone or both for free updates. This is an EXCELLENT way to receive emergency information from the Town.
• Be Prepared. Our own NC4 always reminds us to be prepared.Click here to learn how to build your own preparedness kit. It’s easy and fun to do with your kids!
• Reminder of several safety issues:
  • Reminder of overnight parking restrictions: No parking on public roads from Nov 15 – Apr 1, 1:00am to 6:00am.
  • Deposit of Snow, Water, and Ice on Town, County, and NYS Roads is prohibited.

     

North Castle Holiday Festivities: North Castle residents began the Holiday season with two very special events, the “North White Plains Tree Lighting” and the “Frosty the Snowman Day/Parade”. Both events were very well attended and big thanks goes out to all of those volunteers who made it all a reality, in addition to our Parks staff that completed the decorations. Also, please don’t forget to shop local and visit one or all of the great eateries that our Town has to offer.  

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday Season and all the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Michael Schiliro

Supervisor – Town of North Castle