Thankfully, our efforts to stay at home, socially distance and practice good hand hygiene have paid off. We've managed to slow the spread and flatten the curve, which helped avoid a healthcare crisis in our local emergency rooms.
New York State is slowly beginning to reopen, but unfortunately it will be some time before things return to "normal." That said, I regret to share with you the following cancellations: The Philmont Memorial Day Community service and parade have been canceled. The Minkler-Seery American Legion Post 252 will still honor those Veterans who gave their lives for us with a service at each cemetery and at the Village Memorial Parks, with a time and date to be announced. Chairman Jeffrey French is asking all Claverack residents to take a moment out of your day on May 25th to remember those service members who are no longer with us. All rentals of the Claverack Town Park have been suspended for the Summer. This includes any private parties, gatherings, concerts, etc. The park will remain open for walking and playing, but residents are asked to refrain from playing any contact sports (basketball, etc.). The Claverack Summer Youth Program at the Town Park has been canceled. The Town Board regrets having to make this decision, but we did not feel it was prudent to move forward with the program as State and County government have both discouraged summer camps and youth programs during this time. We look forward to having a program in Summer 2021. The Claverack Republican Club's Summer Concert Series has been canceled for 2020. In making the announcement, Club vice-president Charles Schram said, “there was simply no way to make it work given the nature of the venue and the close interaction required.” The club will begin planning for the 2021 season at the first of the year. Philmont Community Day has been canceled. Any donations, and all money from fundraising will be utilized for next year’s event. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Secretary/Treasurer Brenda Baker by calling (518)-821-4481, or by email. For additional updates and announcements, please continue to check the town website.
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The Town of Claverack has received a limited amount of cloth face masks (not medical grade) from the County to distribute for free to Claverack residents who have been unable to obtain them elsewhere.
A limited supply of these masks will be distributed in the Claverack Library Parking Lot on Saturday, April 25th, from 12:00 Noon until about 2:00 PM (or until we run out). Masks are also available at McNann’s on Main Street in Philmont for those of you that live closer to Philmont. The masks come in packages of five, so we are limiting the distribution to one package per family. We encourage you to share any unneeded masks with someone who needs one. They are made of soft cloth and can be washed and re-used. Per the State social distancing guidelines, we ask that everyone maintain at least a 6-foot distance from one another if you come to get a package. Please note that if you cannot make it on Saturday, there will be a supply of these masks at the Town Office on Church St during the week. If you come to the office, our Town Clerk will come out and give you a package. We apologize for the short notice, but we just received these and wanted to get them out into the community without delay. Thank you, Claverack Town Board Here's the latest information...
The Pine Haven Nursing Home continues to care for multiple residents who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. To date, over 20 residents have tested positive, some have succumbed to the virus. In response to the outbreak, County leaders have helped to coordinate procurement of personal protective equipment for Pine Haven staff and Administrators from the facility have been in regular contact with County and State Health Officials to help coordinate response to the situation. A number of local businesses have donated equipment and materials to the home. The Claverack Republican Club recently provided dinner to all shifts at the home to show support and appreciation for the work being done. We sincerely appreciate all that is being done to support Pine Haven and the residents who reside there. A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY TREASURER PJ KEELER As we all know by now, the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on our healthcare system and has been personally devastating for thousands of New Yorker's who have contracted the virus and the families of those who have lost their lives as a result. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
What may not be so apparent, is the economic toll that the pandemic is having across the country, including right here in Columbia County. When businesses are forced to close, spending and economic activity plummets. This in turn results in significantly less revenue flowing to local governments; money we count on to pay the bills. At the same time, we're forced to spend monies that may or may not have been budgeted for, to respond to the pandemic; things like overtime costs and equipment. I want to assure everyone that the County finance team is fully engaged and responding to this situation. We are diligently working to assess the potential economic impact this pandemic will have on county and town operations and planning strategies to aggressively respond to the challenges ahead. Make no mistake, we will get through this. It will take some tough decisions, belt tightening, and good conservative fiscal management, but rest assured we will take the steps necessary to keep our financial house in order... and I will keep you updated as we do. My best to you all. Please stay home, stay safe, and be healthy. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues it's grip on our state, I wanted to give you a quick update on things here locally. First, I want to say THANK YOU to all of our healthcare workers and first responders who are out on the front lines battling this pandemic. I want to also thank all of the essential workers who still report to work everyday, to provide essential goods and services to our residents and community. Much appreciated. Governor Cuomo has extended the New York State on PAUSE executive order through April 29th. This means that all schools and non-essential businesses must remain closed. Non-essential gatherings of any size (including parties, celebrations and other social events) are prohibited. All residents are encouraged to stay home, and to employ social distancing (keeping at least 6' from others) when situations require you be in public (trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.). The CDC also recommends that you wear a cloth face covering when in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. While this shutdown is necessary and warranted, it is unfortunately going to take a toll on small businesses and our town budget. We are expecting a sharp decline in sales tax revenue, which will require us to take measures to keep finances stable. Rest assured that we are monitoring the situation and planning for what may lie ahead. With all of that said, everything isn't all doom and gloom. There are some very positive signs that things may be starting to trend in the right direction. The rate of hospitalizations and admission to Intensive Care Units are starting to decline, as it the rate of intubations (which refers to patients being placed on ventilators). This is all good news and a glimmer of hope! Please hang in there, stay home and be safe! NOTICE: TOWN OFFICES REMAIN CLOSEDAll Town Offices remain closed until Thursday April 30, 2020. As we all know, news concerning this situation changes rapidly and there is always the chance this could be extended so please check the website frequently for any new changes. If the need arises where it is necessary to speak with someone at the Town Offices, please consult the Town Directory and leave a message for the Town Clerk, Court Clerk, Assessor, or Building Inspector. Town Court is canceled until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed. Updates will be posted on our website and on the town office and court office answering machines. Update from the Columbia County Department of Health, as of 3:00 pm, April 9, 2020: Unfortunately, we have had a fifth death in our community from COVID-19.
We’ve created charts representing the information reported in our daily updates that can be viewed on our website. The Mellenville-Philmont Food Pantry is doing well and continues to provide much needed food and supplies to town residents. With so many businesses closed and residents out of work, we have seen an increase in usage of the Food Pantry in recent days. Karen Garafalo is doing a superb job keeping our stock in check and getting it out to the public, and also uses the website and Facebook to let people know what we might be in need of. Our minister from the Methodist Church brings about 50 loaves of bread to us each week. McNan’s Deli on Main Street in the Village is a great supporter of the Village in many ways. Along with the Reformed Church in Philmont (now worshiping with the Methodist Church since the fire a few years ago), they provide sandwiches daily to children up to the age of 16. Taconic Hills School provides breakfast and lunches to students whose families have signed up to receive them. They are delivered each day by Johnston’s Bus Company. We have a storefront by McNan’s where we keep a tote filled each day with canned goods, bread, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, etc. for anyone in need and also put the same items out on a “free” table outside at the food pantry location (where we also have a cooler with frozen items). We are very thankful for the support of nearby residents who leave goods at the storefront or bring them to the pantry itself. We've also received financial assistance from some residents. This is a great help as we have to watch our funds carefully and do have to shop for needed items, especially meat protein and items for larger families. All in all, we are in better shape than many pantries, thanks to all the support that we do get, but that may change drastically “down the road” as people remain out of work. The vast majority of the food and supplies that we offer do not come to us free; we have to purchase them. Many things, like meat protein, is expensive and makes it difficult for us to afford. So we have to be able to substitute with what we can afford, and use what funds we have. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to the food pantry may do so by mailing a check made payable to "Mellenville/Philmont Food Pantry" to the Claverack Town Office, PO Box V, Mellenville, NY 12544. Mary Jeanne Hoose Town Clerk SOME FUN PHOTOS FROM COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTHWe thank them all for all that they are doing!
PINE HAVEN CONFIRMS CASES OF COVID-19The Columbia County Department of Health announced today that four residents of Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Philmont have tested positive for COVID-19. The four cases have been confirmed by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Each of the four individuals are isolated at the facility. None of the four confirmed cases are hospitalized — their symptoms are being treated and managed by the facility. The families of the patients have been notified and the facility reports the patients’ symptoms are improving. Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation is remaining vigilant in taking proper precautions to protect staff and all residents. The facility has taken several precautions over the past three weeks in an effort to protect their community. They have been closed to visitors for the past three weeks, and employees and all essential deliveries are being screened for travel, symptoms or fever. “I’m confident that Pine Haven is taking the necessary steps to protect their residents and employees,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Friday. “The Columbia County Department of Health remains in constant contact with the New York State Department of Health,” he added. “All nursing homes within the county have a plan to handle these types of contingencies,” said county Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr. “Pine Haven has and continues to be proactive. We understand they’ve been isolating residents to their wings. They’ve certainly been closely monitoring anyone coming in or out. As the Chairman mentioned we continue to communicate with the state throughout our response,” said Jack Mabb, Director of Public Health. NOTICE: TOWN OFFICES CLOSEDAll Town Offices will be closed until Monday April 6, 2020. As we all know, news concerning this situation changes rapidly and there is always the chance this could be extended so please check the website frequently for any new changes. If the need arises where it is necessary to speak with someone at the Town Offices, please consult the Town Directory and leave a message for the Town Clerk, Court Clerk, Assessor, or Building Inspector. Town Court is canceled until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed. All Town and County meetings have been cancelled until further notice. Updates will be posted on our website and on the town office and court office answering machines. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. As of 4 pm, March 27, 2020, Columbia County has 27 positive cases of COVID-19. We have received 291 test results completed for Columbia County residents. There are 96 under mandatory quarantine and 35 under precautionary quarantine. There are 10 residents with suspected, not tested cases.
Today Governor Cuomo announced all New York State schools will be closed until April 15th at which point the matter will be reevaluated. It is important now more than ever to stay vigilant and STAY HOME. If you do have to go out, don’t touch common surfaces (credit card reader, doors, countertops, shopping carts). Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow. Dear Residents, Our Board feels that is is prudent to take proactive steps to minimize the spread of coronavirus into our community. As of Monday morning, March 16, the Town Office, including the Clerk’s Office, Assessors Office and Building Inspectors Office are all currently open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate. Updates will be posted on our website and on the Town phone system. There are no scheduled meetings this week, and decisions on upcoming meetings will be made in the near future. We ask that you postpone any in-person visits to the Town Office while we remain open, unless it is absolutely necessary. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. Also until further notice, All County meetings have been cancelled until further notice Food Pantry Updates: As of this week the pantry will be open on Tuesday, However, food will be brought outside for you. There will be a table outside with extra items for those in need. At this time, we will be using paper bags. Please keep your reusable bags to be returned at a later date. Updates will be made as necessary. Notice from the Claverack Town Court - Court Closure The court has received notification from the Office of Court Administration that effective 5pm on Monday March 16, 2020, all town and village court proceedings will be postponed for 45 days in relation to the Coronavirus public health emergency. All Tuesday night court proceedings for Vehicle & Traffic Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court will be postponed until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed. The court office at this time remains open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate. Updates will be posted on our website and on the court’s answering machine. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time. STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR COLUMBIA COUNTYAs of Noon today (Monday, March 16, 2020), Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell has issued a State of Emergency has been declared for Columbia County. At this time, the State of Emergency includes one Executive Order that regulates public gatherings. The Executive Order states: All social, community, and public events or gatherings, including Columbia County-sponsored events, where it is anticipated that attendance will exceed fifty (50) people or more, shall be restricted, cancelled or postponed. This means all social gatherings of more than fifty (50) should be deferred until further notice. For any meetings that are absolutely necessary, a venue should be chosen that can accommodate a six foot distance between participants. Citizens are asked to restrict public appearances to critical activities such as obtaining fuel, food, or medical care. When in public, please retain a six foot distance from your fellow citizens. Sound personal hygiene techniques should be in practice. Read the entire State of Emergency Order here. From Columbia County 911: Hotlines available to the public for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) related information. It's best to call your doctor's office or one of these hotlines for information, before presenting at the Emergency Room, clinic or doctor's office. As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, go to the ER or dial 911 without delay. As of 4 pm on March 16, 2020, Columbia County has 0 positive cases of COVID-19, 3 individuals under mandatory quarantine, 9 individuals under precautionary quarantine. We have received 15 test results completed for Columbia County residents, all with negative results. We continue to work closely with our local healthcare partners and community members on a case by case basis to evaluate testing criteria as issued by the CDC and NYSDOH.
We continue to monitor the national and state guidance and adapt our local response plans accordingly. On March 16, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors issued State of Emergency for Columbia County, and the Mayor of Hudson issued a Local Emergency Order. The New York State Executive Order makes the following recommendations until further notice: no more public gatherings of over 50 persons, casinos will close at 8 pm tonight, gyms will close at 8 pm tonight, movie theaters will close at 8 pm tonight, bars/restaurants will close at 8 pm tonight- except for take out. It is recommended that only essentials be open after 8 pm tonight including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, medical facilities. At the December meeting of the Claverack Town Council, the Town of Claverack became Columbia County’s first Purple Heart Community, joining other municipalities across the country along the symbolic Purple Heart Trail. As a Purple Heart Community, Claverack pays tribute to our nation’s military service members who have been injured or killed in combat. New York State Senator Daphne Jordan was on hand at the meeting to present the Town Board with a Senate Proclamation. “This is a special honor for Claverack to be able to formally thank and pay tribute to our wounded military members,” said Claverack Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. “I thank Senator Jordan for her support of this program and her leadership on this and other veteran programs and issues. Most importantly, I thank all of our Purple Heart heroes – living and passed – for their service and great sacrifice.” Senator Jordan’s office is working closely with local governments all across the 43rd Senate District in encouraging more localities to become Purple Heart Communities to help recognize the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of America’s armed forces. To learn more about becoming a Purple Heart Community, e-mail Senator Jordan’s office at jordan@nysenate.gov. The Town of Claverack has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing its leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally. Announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in August 2016, the Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the state by providing grants to eligible municipalities to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. The Town of Claverack received the designation for completing four of 10 possible high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. “We are so proud the Town of Claverack has achieved this designation. It will allow us to become more aware of energy efficiencies, lower are utility costs and take advantage of the technical support now available to our Town when working on future projects,” said Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. “Congratulations to the Town of Claverack for making this important step towards a cleaner and more renewable energy future,” said Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA. To earn the Clean Energy Community designation, the Town of Claverack completed the following high-impact clean energy actions:
Clean Energy Community Coordinators are available at no charge to help communities develop and prioritize clean energy goals, access easy-to-use resources such as guidance documents and case studies, and take advantage of available funding and technical assistance opportunities. For more information on Clean Energy Communities, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec. Local government officials or employees can find contact information for their respective coordinator here for assistance navigating the program. Claverack taxpayers will see their third straight year of tax cuts in 2020 under the watchful eye and conservative budgeting practices of Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt, Deputy Town Supervisor Steve Hook and fiscally conservative members of the Claverack Town Board.
The 2020 budget contains a tax decrease of 1.9%, the largest tax cut for Claverack taxpayers in recent history, and is more than $58,000 under the New York State Tax Cap. The budget contains $2.7-million in spending. While the budget includes significant cost savings to Claverack taxpayers, it also includes several upgrades and increases to meaningful town programs and services. The budget includes a 2% raise to payroll and increases in the minimum wage. It also contains funding for assessment re-evaluation with the County, includes funding for additional park maintenance and repair costs and increases spending on senior programs. “We’re focused on doing more with less,” said Town Supervisor Kippy Weigelt. “It’s not an easy job cutting the budget, but our taxpayers are at their limit. They need relief. We’ve done the hard work they elected us to do and we’re doing it without cutting services.” The Town of Claverack has been able to control expenses through increased efficiencies, including consolidation of town positions and job duties, sharing services with other municipalities and creating a long term capital spending plan. At the same time, the town has made improvements and upgrades to infrastructure, town parks and highway equipment. Our first significant winter storm of the year is expected to impact Claverack Sunday and Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire area through Monday evening. Snow is expected to begin late morning/mid-day on Sunday. We'll likely see snow taper off for a time Sunday night, then pick back up again on Monday. Travel will be difficult Sunday evening, and during the Monday morning commute. Please plan your travel accordingly. |
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