September 7, 2021   ***IMPORTANT MESSAGE***

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

I trust that this message finds everyone safe and healthy in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida’s flood-inducing rainfall. Please know that Village Public Works employees, along with SKE2 volunteers, have been working relentlessly to ensure that clogged culverts, storm drains have been cleared, basements have had floodwaters pumped out and waters redirected, and yard debris continues to be removed. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.

I also just conferred with Town Supervisor Dick Randazzo and followed up with a telephone call to the Manager of Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Emergency Planner, Dominick Greene. Mr. Greene advises that there may be funds available for “individual assistance” from FEMA. He encouraged us to manage expectations, as there will be “needs based” assessments. This translates to the construct that bases relief monies on your household income level, as well as your existing insurance coverage. Items such as structural damage, loss of furnace, or electrical panel compromise are considered priorities. Other appliances, say a second refrigerator in your basement are obviously lower-priority losses. FEMA allows 22 days from disaster event for the County to submit a list of residents’ claims. Keep in mind, any individual claim may or may not be entertained. But we would be derelict in not compiling a list for submission and ascertaining what, if anything, can/may be replaced by FEMA.

With this in mind. I must have said list turned over to Orange County NLT Monday, September 20^th, 2021. Therefore, any resident interested in submitting for potential claim consideration MUST have the below information emailed to the Village Hall Clerk at [email protected] NLT COB (4:30 p.m.) on Friday, September 17^th, 2021.

Residents who sustained damage to their property, please provide ONLY the following general information:

Name, address, email address, telephone number and a brief description of the damages you have incurred.  Please include a general description of flood damage; location such as basement, first floor, second floor; and types of damage and loss, i.e. electrical, furnace, finished basement, personal property, etc. 

The state of emergency for the Village of COH was lifted this morning. Thank you for your patience during our response to this weather event.

Stay safe and healthy.

Very respectfully,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

September 2, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

This is a weather emergency, State-of-the-Village edition of my usual update messages. The tropical depression known as Ida certainly did not impact us as destructively as it did the Gulf Coast and even parts of New York City and Long Island. But the record amounts of rainfall have led to serious flooding in places and washed out portions of local roadways. Some of our water facilities – especially the Taylor Road wellfields – continue to remain submerged and subject to flooding. Blessedly, there were no reported power outages and though some storm drains in our roadways were overwhelmed by the volume of rainwater, we seem to be in “okay” shape infrastructure-wise. We have power and safe, clean drinking water. Some of our neighbors in the Town of Cornwall and surrounding communities did not fare so well.

New York State has declared a state of emergency that includes Orange County. This is important for us, as it makes us eligible for reimbursement from NYS and/or FEMA for any necessary municipal road or facilities repairs caused by storm damage.

With this in mind, and because a state of emergency need be declared, locally, in order to issue any necessary emergency orders for public safety, I have issued a DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY, which is attached. In doing so, I have consulted with the Attorney for the Village, the Village Clerk, and the Village Board. I have also interfaced with DPW and Water Superintendents Halvorsen and Trainor. Most importantly, I have crafted this declaration with specific guidance from Cornwall OEM Emergency Manager and Deputy EMS Coordinator for Orange County, NY, the Village’s own Kurt Hahn. We will continue to coordinate with all appropriate local, state, and federal officials, in order to identify any potential forthcoming hazards and mitigate storm damage.    

It is times like this that we should appreciate our Village employees from the Department of Public Works, as well as the Water and Police Departments. Next time you see one, make certain to thank them for their 24/7 availability to help keep us all safe and efforts to ensure we all maintain Village services in the wake of natural disasters such as Ida.

Stay safe and healthy.

Very respectfully,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

August 20, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

Been a month since I sent a dispatch from 325 Hudson Street. And, while there has been considerable coverage of the Village Board’s doings within the pages of The Cornwall Local and I continue to greatly enjoy the multitude of folks who take me up on my open invitation and stop inside Village Hall to meet face-to-face, it is important that I use this medium to share some important items in the conduct of our Village government. 

I made a tough call – but the RIGHT call – to place Village facilities (Village Hall, DPW Building and our Water Treatment Plants) under a 14-day mask mandate on Tuesday. The CDC and the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) released a countywide alert that acknowledged the uptick in hospitalizations related to the Delta variant – and they “strongly urge” and “recommend” indoor masking for “ALL PERSONS” (vaccinated or unvaccinated). This pertains to all Village facilities – for employees and visitors alike.

Would like to acknowledge local elected officials’ support of a DASNY grant that we were just awarded from New York State. While it will take some time for it to wind its way through the bureaucratic process, we will be receiving $50,000.00 in monies directed to our pavilion project at the waterfront in Donahue Memorial Park. Thanks to Supervisor Randazzo, Assemblyman Schmitt, Legislator Kevin Hines, County Executive Neuhaus, and especially NYS Senator Skoufis for their efforts in helping us secure this windfall.

At Monday’s Village Board Meeting (which are all available online through our streaming service), resident Maureen Buckley made an impassioned plea to encourage the Village to reconstitute a “welcome wagon” for Village newcomers. Her enthusiasm truly inspires me. Anyone else interested in participating in the formation of a committee to tackle this effort to welcome newcomers, please email Mrs. Buckley at: [email protected].

Mixed emotions here – We will miss Ms. Wynn Klosky, who is stepping down from her position on the Planning Board. We also welcome Mr. Garry Michel, who was appointed by the Village Board to fill her vacancy. We also bid farewell to Building Inspector Bill Horton. Former Code Enforcement Officer Benny Maggio returns next week to help us fill the vacancy until the end of the year. Know someone interested in position? Contact us.

Also, on Monday night, the Village Board approved the official Village seal (finally). Check out the attached image of the seal, replete with image of the gazebo and Hudson River.

Have a safe and healthy weekend, all. I am truly inspired and motivated by all of you.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

July 16, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

We continue to navigate the loosening of pandemic-related restrictions for Village functions and events. Especially as pertains to the safety and welfare of our children -- we must get this 100% right. Questions have recently arisen regarding our mask-requirement policy for youngsters attending Summer Playground (Camp) at COH Elementary School, and why we required them while Town Camp (at Lee Road School) does not. I have spoken with Village Camp Director Jenna Park and have news to deliver: 

We continue to operate under the guidance put forth by the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH), and while some discretion was allowable, we followed what the OCDOH “strongly recommended” and elected to err on side of complete caution. Ms. Park has continued to interface with the OCDOH and they are, as of today, satisfied with our continued precautions and see no reason that Summer Playground cannot move to *mask optional* policy beginning Monday, July 19^th. This adjustment pertains to campers only. Our staff and counselors are allowed to be unmasked only if they are vaccinated.

We will continue to conduct daily screenings at COHES that involve temperature checks and will continue to operate in “pods” that cloister the same children and staff together throughout the summer. Parents are certainly allowed to require their child remain masked indoors, if so inclined. Sunday evening, the Summer Playground director will send out a message to all camper parents on the REMIND app, advising of this change.

We are comfortable moving in this direction and will adjust accordingly as new guidance is provided or facts on the ground change. I, for one, know how brutally hot the un-air-conditioned gym at COHES can be. This should be a welcome change for our campers.

As with any topic that you need clarification from the Village on, I am always available to discuss an issue or concern and more than happy to engage. Finding solutions should always be the preeminent charge of this office. I am humbled for the opportunity.

Have a safe and healthy weekend,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

July 2, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

Happy Independence Day on Sunday, the anniversary of our great nation’s democratic experiment. We should all be proud to be American on this day – and every other day. Keep in mind that while fireworks are postponed until next year, the IDC will still hold some 4^th events, to include the Pet Show on Saturday, and Sunday’s parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. -- as opposed to its usual 5:00 p.m. start. Let celebrate our nation and the long-awaited return to some post-pandemic normalcy together as friends and neighbors.

Reminder that July’s work session and business meeting of the Board of Trustees will be conjoined and held on Monday, July 26^th. Our meeting protocol now includes livestreaming, 24/7 availability, on our YouTube channel (link posted at a future date).

If you happen to walk or drive past Village Hall, you might notice the emplacement of our Village seal on the building’s exterior. Photos attached. Let us know what you think.

One of the long-range items I have asked Jeanne Mahoney, our Village Clerk, to tackle is a review of Cornwall-on-Hudson business meeting agendas and minutes dating back to 1885. Our plan is to identify and compile a comprehensive listing of all Village leaders -- Did you know that before the Village had a mayor, there was a president? We must keep track of our history. It is far too easy to forget it and then it becomes lost to the ages.

Here are a few other historical morsels Jeanne uncovered:

1. The Town used to be referred to as “the Upper Village.”

2. In 1897 – taxes were $1.061 per $100.00 (budget was 0.226 for “ordinary   expenses”, 0.375 for “extraordinary expenses”, and 0.46 for “highway.”

3. Also, in 1897, the Village Board entered into a 3-year contract with Cornwall Electric Lighting & Power Co. for 110 street lamps to be placed along “streets, avenues, squares, and public parks”.  Lamps would be lit from “dusk to dawn except on nights and parts of nights where the moon unobstructed by clouds is of sufficient brightness to render artificial light unnecessary.”

4. April of 1899 – The position of Highway & Water Superintendent was established and Adam Jager was appointed to the position.  Later that same month, Supt. Jager was also “authorized to perform police duty”. 

 

Stay tuned for more COH history soon.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

June 18, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Apologies for last week’s radio silence. Was upstate in attendance at annual conference held by the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM). I certainly absorbed a lot of information via technical briefings and presentations, and Lake George was a most stunning location to convene. But, always good to return home to Cornwall-on-Hudson.

Reminder that on this upcoming Monday, June 21st, immediately before the regularly-scheduled business meeting of the Board of Trustees at 7:00 p.m., we will conduct an overdue tribute to the longest-tenured mayor in Village history – Edward C. Moulton, Jr. – by dedicating the Village board room in his honor. Mr. Moulton served COH as mayor for 26 years and was responsible for moving Village Hall into our current facility in 1992.

At Monday’s meeting, the Village Board will also unveil our new state-of-the-art livestream system for remote access to monthly Board meetings. Transparency, ease-in-access are important to us. Here’s YouTube link to view in real time (or go back and watch later) including Moulton dedication ceremony and recognition of Village resident who helped save Dobbs Ferry police officer’s life following stabbing: https://youtu.be/HxY-IGHbmH0

Also, on the Board’s agenda for Monday: Resolution to approve purchase of police body camera system for COHPD officers, announcement of Donahue Farm Steering Committee appointments, Board of Fire Commissioners appointments, MRTA (Marijuana Law) discussion, and Chestnut Street and Mill Street Water Main Replacements update.

Around the Village: Facelift at Village Hall continues – check it out! Sidewalks are being replaced as necessary, within the budget. Selected road re-paving (and pothole repairs) set to commence soonest. Capital Improvement Plan geared towards necessary critical infrastructure repairs under Board consideration and pending an engineer review.

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -- Anonymous

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

June 4, 2021

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Was truly humbling and awe-inspiring to take in the crowds along the parade route and witness the gathering at the Veterans’ Triangle during Memorial Day observances last Monday. As President Lincoln so eloquently spoke of while honoring the fallen at Gettysburg – our nation owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who “gave the last full measure of devotion.” God bless them all and rest their souls.

Reminder that on Saturday, June 5^th, Girls on the Run Hudson Valley Chapter will be holding a small 5K Race which commences at 8:45 a.m. and should conclude around 10:00 a.m. The race begins and ends at COH Elementary School. Would be great if some residents could help cheer the runners on and if motorists proceeded with caution in area.

Per Water Superintendent Michael Trainor: Residents can be kept informed by subscribing to the Village’s messaging system. Simply text to 99411 and enter the keyword COH12520. Enrollment affords you emergency alert notifications, as well as other general use information regarding Village services and other matters requiring public dissemination.

The Village Board will be grappling with a myriad of issues this month; to include provisions of the Marijuana Regulation and Treatment Act, our Short-Term Rental Law, standing-up of the Donahue Farm steering committee, training our police in body cam implementation, livestreaming of our Board Meetings, and a Capital Improvement Plan that seeks to tackle necessary infrastructure repairs and upgrades. We plan to be “live” for our June 21^st Business Meeting (instructions forthcoming on how to observe from a provided link on our website and Facebook page. At that same meeting, former Mayor Edward C. Moulton, Jr. will be honored as the Board Room is dedicated in his name.

Heat wave closing in. Will be in the 90’s all weekend. Stay cool and hydrate if outdoors.

Let’s all be our brother’s and sister’s keepers.

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

May 21, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

Lots to get to – so, let’s get after it:

Our Summer Playground camp enrollment has final registration opportunity tomorrow at Village Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11 a.m. Registration open to ALL – not just Villagers.

As we emerge from the pandemic restrictions, please note adjusted public policy at Village Hall: Fully vaccinated folks not required to mask or socially distance. Not-fully vaccinated folks still required to do both while visiting our space.

After careful consideration, the Village Board approved a resolution during its May business meeting to adopt the following structure for our Donahue Farm steering committee: 9 members who will “interface with specialists, public, and other partners, prepare interim reports for VB/public/other stakeholders, and vote on and present final recommended plan to Board.” Interested parties should contact Trustee Bill Braine, who will provide further guidance/direction at [email protected].

COH History-in-the-making: On Thursday, June 10^th at 1:30 p.m., the Cornwall Historical Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will be unveiling a NYS historical marker [see photos] in front of the Cornwall Central School District Office at 24 Idlewild Avenue to honor sorority founder Harriet J. Terry. The office is directly across the street from the building that once housed Cornwall-on-Hudson High School – where Harriet graduated from in 1903. Born and raised in COH, she attended Howard University, a HBCU, where she and fifteen other women founded AKA. Her teaching career spanned 40 years. According to CHS, and paraphrasing her own words, Harriet was the first African-American of the five A-A families residing in COH to graduate from high school. What an incredible legacy and COH is thrilled to have helped to launch such a heroine.

Do something good for someone today and expect nothing in return.

 

My very best wishes to all,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

May 14, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

Well, closing out my first month-and-a-half in office and must say – I am truly impressed with how well this Village functions and how much the “neighborly spirit” infuses almost every conversation in regards to solution-seeking.

It truly takes a Village.

My second point is pandemic-related. Have you and your family been vaccinated? Know that there are three safe, effective, and free vaccines available for Village residents -- including a vaccine “pod" (point of dispensing) today at Woodbury Common, and easy appointments elsewhere locally. County Executive Steve Neuhaus recommends Village residents check out the County website for more information: https://www.orangecountygov.com/2038/Vaccine. You can also inquire with your doctor, any local pharmacy, or simply call the State Vaccine Hotline at 1-833-697-4829 to find a way that works best for you—even if your schedule or transportation issues make it difficult. In other good news, the CDC just approved Pfizer vaccine for 12-15-year-old youngsters, and appointments are readily available. Even with the cancellation of Riverfest and July 4th fireworks, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel!

Village Board meets for monthly Business Meeting this next Monday, May 17^th. The agenda is available on our website and will include important items such as police body cams, upcoming meetings livestreamed, Donahue Farm steering committee, and planned dedication of Board Room in honor of Village’s 26^th mayor, Edward C. Moulton, Jr., on June 21^st.

Don’t forget the School Budget vote and BOE elections on Tuesday.

Leaving you with early 1900’s photo of Village Hall (now Pepettini) on River Avenue.

Respectfully, James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

May 7, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

 

I am not going to pretend I have anything totally figured out yet. But I am straightening and bending downward the learning curve. Definitely helps to have such a dedicated Village Hall staff and seasoned Village employees.

 

Just one important item I’d like to highlight from this past week:

As promised, the “Village Mayors’ Roundtable” took place at Village Hall on Tuesday, May 4^th. Blessed to have in attendance all living former mayors. Shared breakfast with our 24^th mayor (Charles P. Obremski, 1977-1979), 26^th (Edward C. Moulton, Jr., 1981-2007), 27^th (Joseph J. Gross, 2007-2011), and its 28^th (Brendan G. Coyne, 2011-2021). Was humbled and honored to be able to ask each mayor the greatest challenges of his administration and receive some sage advice on where they felt my immediate and long-term efforts should focus. God bless and keep these honorable public servants.

We have posted a photograph to commemorate the historic assemblage, as well of one of Mayor Moulton in front of his original desk; one he acquired in Poughkeepsie (as he recalls it). Every mayor since has used that desk.

Sadly, our 25^th mayor (George R. Dempsey, 1979-1981), 93, passed away in Amherst, MA, on June 22, 2020, from injuries sustained after a fall. A WWII U.S. Navy veteran of the Pacific Theater (enlisting when war broke out at the ripe old age of 17), his New York Times obituary included this attribution: “He even served as mayor of a small village where his family had deep roots.”

Do not want to add anything else for fear of stepping on the somber reflection on the service of Mayor Dempsey. We continue to owe a debt of gratitude to his Greatest Generation. As Memorial Day approaches -- with parade -- let’s reflect on their service and sacrifices.

My best to all – James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano