The Village Green
Newsletter of the Village of Pomona
Message from Mayor Brett Yagel
June 2011
I'm sure most can recall the following verses from our youth: "Rain, rain, go away, come again another day," "When it rains, it pours!" and to use a little poetic license, "the winter of our discontent is over." Of course, the last named item has little to do with the weather; however, it seemed somewhat apropos.
In the hope for better weather ahead, several events are planned: our annual children's fishing contest - a catch and release event- is always a hit with the kids (come rain or shine, the fish don't mind), a series of flamenco dance workshops (cante and toque provided), the great Pomona Music Festival, and Pomona Movie Nights. Of course, our Yoga and Tai-Chi classes continue. For the cost conscious among us, these events are free of charge to Village residents, and as an FYI, the events are nominal in terms of cost to the Village, in large part due to the participation of your fellow resident volunteers (Thank You!). For information on upcoming events, please refer to the Calendar of Events in this newsletter, or go on-line to the Village website for late-breaking updates. (http://www.pomonavillage.com). While you're at the Village website, please send along your email information so that we can keep you informed on Village happenings. It's easy, there's no cost, and in the end, it saves the Village money, which in turn saves us all money.
Other events under consideration: Return of the 'Mobile Passport Renewal Night' and a Defensive Driver Course. Additionally, we are considering having occasional extended hours for residents who are unable to come into Village Hall to conduct/discuss business. We will keep you informed. If there is an event that you would like to suggest, or if you have a question, please call or send us an email. Additionally, if you enjoyed one or all of these events, please consider helping out by volunteering a few moments of your time! Volunteers are always welcome!
Here's some information on Village business, cost containment, and other happenings: Garbage Contract - The single largest recurring operating expense in our Village is our existing 3-year garbage contract. With the contract set to expire August 31, the board received bids this past March from carters with annual breakdowns over a five-year period. After careful analysis, the board voted to award a two year contract to our current carters. The good news: there is no 'learning curve' and more importantly, the new contract has a net savings of over $3K per month over the 2-year contract. A substantial savings in these budget conscious times!
Snow Plow Contract(s) - As the Village falls within two towns, the services for road repair and snow removal are contracted and handled by the respective Highway Departments. In Ramapo, we have a fixed price contract. In Haverstraw, we're not as fortunate; these costs are based on time and materials. While service levels in both are comparable and adequate, we are not insulated against Mother Nature regarding costs. This year, our Haverstraw costs ballooned $50K past the budgeted amount. While we continue to negotiate a reasonable contract, we are meeting some resistance with the town, but are seeking a mutually agreed upon contract that is palatable for all parties. In the near term, we are attempting to remediate our costs. For example, the Village sought relief and fortunately, the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA), identified the winter storm in December 2010 as a major weather event. This declaration resulted in the Village becoming eligible for reimbursement for over $12,500 in cost related expenses for this event. Additionally, the Village sought and was relieved from paying $10K in repairs for a town truck damaged during this storm. Overall, we have reduced the costs of this one event by over $23K dollars, and we continue to explore other cost-containment avenues.
Speeding - Numerous residents have called and complained, not only to Village officials, but the town police departments. Please, observe all posted speed signs within the Village. If you don't see a sign, the maximum Village Speed Limit is 30mph, unless otherwise noted. If you see a school bus with flashing red lights, do not pass. If you need further incentive, over 120 tickets were issued in just under one month's time. So please, slow down. In closing, I would be remiss if congratulations and thanks were not offered to three individuals.
First, congratulations to Trustee Leon Harris. Elected this past March, Trustee Harris is no stranger to community service, having been instrumental in the formation of the Pomona Civic Association and holding the position of Village of Pomona Planning Board Chairperson, amongst other accomplishments. Good Luck and Welcome!
Second, congratulations to Trustee Rita Louie. Re-elected this past March, [now] Deputy Mayor Louie continues to serve and represent the Village both at the Village and County levels. Trustee Louie has been a force behind the Pomona Music Festival, first begun in 2008. We look forward to your continued service and enthusiasm! And last, but certainly not least, to Nick Sanderson. For over15-years, Nick has served this Village with distinction, as a Planning Board Member, Trustee, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor. His leadership and service have positioned Our Village on a sound footing for the future! Many Thanks and Congratulations!Looking forward to serving our Village as your Mayor as well as seeing you at one of our events or at Coffee with the Mayor.