Supervisor's E-Newsletter
November 2020

Coronavirus Update

We continue to deal with the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, and unfortunately, the number of those infected are increasing at a rapid rate. As of November 23, there are more than 5,000 reported cases in Westchester County. We haven't seen numbers that high since early May and it’s a significant increase compared to just a week ago.

Closer to home in the tri-municipal area, which consists of the Town and the two neighboring Villages, we are experiencing an increase as well. As of November 24, there were over 150 active cases. It is anticipated that the number of cases will increase as we enter the winter season. Now, more than ever, we need to do our part to slow the spread!

I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone to follow the rules. Please wear masks everywhere in public. The CDC has published new research that shows masks not only protect others, but protect you as well. Wash your hands often, limit social gatherings to ten people or less, practice social distancing and get tested if you feel ill.

In an effort to control the spread, New York State is using positivity metrics to designate micro-cluster zones. Restrictions within a micro-cluster are based on whether it is classified as a yellow, orange or red zone. As an example, the City of New Rochelle was designated “yellow” a few days ago as a result of the increase in the number of cases there.

Everyone should consider downloading the “ALERT NY” app, which will not only alert you if you have been exposed to someone with the virus, but also provides daily updates. You can learn more about the app and download it HERE.

2021 Town Budget

The Town will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2021 Town budget on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 7:00 pm online via Zoom. The Zoom information will be included in the agenda to be posted to the Town website tomorrow, November 25. Those who view the meeting on local municipal access television or LMC Media’s website will be able to raise their hand to comment or may submit their comments or questions to publicqc@townofmamaroneckny.org.

Budgeting in the era of Coronavirus is very different than normal times. The changes in economic conditions this past year were unprecedented and we don’t know exactly what will happen in 2021. We saw revenues decrease dramatically in 2020 as a result of reduced programs and expenses decreased as well.

Each year, we project costs and revenues based on the national and regional economic conditions and the needs of the Town. As usual, Town revenues have been estimated with a conservative outlook. We project that the economy will remain in the current condition through the first half of 2021 and we anticipate that recovery to pre-pandemic levels will begin in the second half of 2021. We will defer non-critical capital projects to reduce our financial obligations. All of this results in a proposed 1.88% increase in the tax levy, keeping the tax increase below the tax cap rate of 2.20%. The following pie chart illustrates the allocation of expenses in the Town

Westchester Power Update

The Town, along with 27 other Westchester municipalities, recently renewed its participation in Westchester Power, the community choice aggregation energy program that is a program of Sustainable Westchester. The renewed contract has fixed prices that are lower than the current contract prices and we expect market energy prices to increase in 2021. This means you can rely on a fixed price despite market fluctuations.

Westchester Power enables municipalities to take charge of their energy future by buying electricity in bulk for residents and small businesses. Westchester Power allows us to proactively set the criteria that energy companies must meet, and most importantly, make a positive impact on the environment and our communities. Your participation in the Town of Mamaroneck saved $160,000 and avoided 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide through 2020. Although Con Ed prices plummeted this past year, residents with the green account type have still saved $2.00 per month over the life of the program. Remember, the program doesn’t promise savings, but secures fixed prices and provides electricity from renewable energy. In addition, residents always have the option to opt out of the program at any time without penalty.

Veterans Day 2020

Although Veterans Day events were modified this year to comply with COVID-19 social gathering restrictions, both American Legion Posts 90 and 347 held events on November 11. The ceremonies to honor our Veterans were very special this year, as we all appreciated the opportunity to come together as Americans to celebrate and honor those community members who served in the military.

A Different Kind of Halloween

The Town Recreation and Fire Departments created a fun-filled event for our community's children that was an unprecedented hit! The Halloween Drive-Thru was set up in the parking lot across from Memorial Park. There were several booths staffed by Town officials, employees and volunteers, all dressed in costumes, each having a unique theme, distributing candy to children in vehicles while maintaining social distancing. There were over 700 cars that drove through the line of decorated booths. The Town Board and I enjoyed dressing as Supreme Court Justices and were thankful to all the staff and volunteers who contributed their time to host this successful event.

Vine Squad

The Town held the first Vine Squad event on November 14 at the Hommocks Conservation Area. I, along with Elizabeth Aitchison, the Town’s Conservation Planner, and twelve incredible volunteers were tasked with the job of removing invasive vines from trees. The vines, primarily Asiatic bittersweet and porcelain berry, are a special concern, because they weaken and eventually kill the trees. These invasive vines were introduced to the United States from Asia more than 100 years ago, however, in recent decades they have crept across much of the mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast.

Open Volunteer Positions

Two of our Town committees are in need of volunteers.

Housing Authority: Two open positions. The Housing Authority is comprised of five members, each serving a term of five years. It was established in 1992 under the Public Housing Law of New York State to provide affordable housing within the Town, including the Hommocks Park Apartments. Candidates with property maintenance experience and/or financial expertise would be welcomed to apply.

Recreation Commission: One open position that requires a Village of Mamaroneck resident. The Recreation Commission is comprised of seven members, each serving a term of seven years. It was established in 1954 to review and recommend recreation programs, activities and the development or expansion of facilities for the unincorporated area of the Town of Mamaroneck. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month.

If you are interested in being considered to serve on one of these committees, please send a letter of interest and resume to me at supervisor@townofmamaroneckny.org

Town of Mamaroneck Racial Equity Task Force

Councilman Jeffery King serves as the Chair of the Town’s Racial Equity Task Force, which is comprised of seven members. In response to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203, New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the task force will be performing a review of current procedures and practices in the Town’s Police Department and identify any racial equity issues. Each municipality is required to complete a police reform report. The Town plans to hold meetings for public comment on Thursday, December 17 and Monday, February 8. Details regarding the public forums will be forthcoming.

Santa with TMFD -- 2018

Santa Still Coming to Town!

Santa Claus and his elves will join the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department on Thursday, December 17 from 5pm - 7pm to greet children from the safety of a Town firetruck at Memorial Park. Watch our Facebook pages for details.

Upcoming Town Board Meetings

All Town Board work sessions and regular business sessions will be held online via Zoom.

Wednesday, December 2, the work session begins at 6:00 pm and the regular session begins at 7:00 pm, all via Zoom and viewable on LMC Media.
Monday, December 14, the work session begins at 6:00 pm via Zoom and is viewable on LMC Media.
Wednesday, December 16, the regular session begins at 7:00 pm via Zoom and is viewable on LMC Media.

The Town of Mamaroneck is committed to fostering welcoming communities and an equitable, diverse and inclusive society.

Supervisor's E-NewsletterNovember 2020