Meeting with State and Federal Representatives. May 2, 2008 Deputy Mayor James Mullany, and I, met with NYS Senator Bill Larkin, NYS Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, and a member of Congressman John Hall’s office to discuss the Village’s water situation. The meeting was held at the South Blooming Grove Fire District Bldg on Friday May 2, 2008. The Village Engineer Jim Farr, the water / sewer district operators Jack Sherry, and Rick Hannon described in detail our current situation and our need to bring additional new sources of water to our village residents. Our representatives agreed to look into available assistance in funding and permitting to expedite our water project. I would like to thank all of our residents that helped bring attention to our need for assistance in bringing additional new water sources for our Village. We will keep you posted. Rob Jeroloman Mayor Village of South Blooming Grove
April 30, 2008 Dear Residents, New Water & Sewer Bills: As this is the initial water and sewer bill you will be receiving from our Village, I wanted to include a note of clarification. Previously, you received a Town water and sewer bill but effective with this billing period, you will no longer receive this bill from the Town. Instead, you are receiving a Village of South Blooming Grove water and sewer bill. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE NOT BEING BILLED TWICE. The Village bill appears different from ones you received in the past from the Town because the Village has decided to combine the water and sewer bills in order to save money on envelopes and postage for multiple mailings. If you have any suggestions regarding the appearance of the bill please contact me and we will address it. Clarification: We want to clarify some misinformation regarding the water and sewer districts that are solely located within the Village’s borders and only service Village residents. New York State Laws mandate that all water and sewer services must be administered and provided to its residents by the Village. This information was commonly known and accepted by all involved in the formation of our Village. The Village Board agreed with the Town in November of 2007 to allow the Town to collect all fees and rents on behalf of the Village just for the January 2008 billing cycle. The Town did collect these fees and rents for water and sewer from Village residents but never forwarded these account balances to the Village. The Town has notified the Village that they have been operating these same districts at a deficit for many years. That deficit currently exceeds $336,000, according to the Towns unverified calculations. The Town also informed the Village that it will not transfer any of the water and sewer account balances to the Village. The Town also claims that the Village owes the Town an additional $ 48,355.63 to pay off this deficit that the Town created when operating these water and sewer districts. It has become impossible to govern and operate our water and sewer districts without our water and sewer rents and fees. We have been placed in an awkward position attempting to provide these services since January 1st, without any operating capital. The Village has had to adjust the water rates and sewer rates to meet operating costs and bills from vendors and utilities. These adjustments were necessary to meet the costs of the districts and to operate the district with a properly balanced budget. We had a public budget hearing on November 13th, 2007 and had a second public hearing regarding the water and sewer rates and rents on April 28th, 2008. Brown Water Issues: This is the first time we will be dealing with brown water and other water related issues since the water and sewer districts conveyed to the Village in January 2008. In November 2007, the Village budgeted for one flushing per year at an estimated cost of $10,000 per flushing. The next flushing was scheduled for October 2008 with the assumption that prior scheduled flush was performed last October. Due to multiple complaints we have moved up the flush date. You may very well know that flushing the system is a temporary and costly fix, at best. The cost of each flushing will have a dramatic negative impact on the Village’s finances. We have elected to go forward with this temporary fix as a means of providing some relief to affected residents. Brown Water: This is a natural occurrence in deep well situations. Our current wells are 440 and 600 feet deep. The deeper the well, the more susceptible it is to brown water. The brown water incidents occur at irregular intervals. Scheduling regular flushing will not eliminate the problem. We are considering options for a permanent solution. Water Safety: New York State Department of Health in conjunction with Orange County Department of Health regularly tests the safety of our water. Our water contractor tests the water’s safety as mandated by State Law. When letters are issued regarding water safety, they are a direct reflection of all testing. While brown water is not attractive, currently, all water provided by our systems is potable and safe. Short-Term & Long-Term Solutions: There are a couple of permanent solutions. One requires a Village project and the other solution is homeowner based. Village project detail: Background: We have been under water restrictions since the late 1960’s. The brown water issue has affected all residents, at different times, in the Merriewold and Worley water systems. All additional water supplies within those two water districts have now been severely depleted and are operating at capacity. Solution #1: Drill additional water sources. The Village is working with O&R to agree to tap into a water source on their property based on an agreement reached in 2003 between O&R and the Town. This project would involve laying water supply pipes from O&R’s property to the Village’s pumping station. The preliminary cost estimate for this project is around 2 million dollars. We met with Senator Larkin and Congressman John Hall to expedite State and Federal funding. We are scheduled to meet again with Senator Larkin, Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, and Congressman John Hall on May 2nd. Decisions on grants are still pending. Depending on how quickly we can get funding, necessary inspections, permits and engineering, etc., the project is estimated to take 3-4 years. Solution #2: Install filtration devices at the wellheads at an approximate cost of $200K per pump station. We have 2 pump stations. Unfortunately we do not produce enough water to allow the filtration systems to back flush the filters until Solution #1 is implemented. This project is estimated to take 1-1.5 years. Solution #3: Each homeowner installs a whole house filter. The cost per household is estimated at around $100 dollars for parts and the cost of a plumber. This solution solves the individual homeowners’ problem but not the Village’s. Solution #4: More frequent flushing of the system at $10K per flush, which will have an immediate impact on water rates. Note: The iron in the water bonds with bleach to create brown stains on your laundry. Eliminating the use of bleach when doing your laundry will prevent this problem. The Village is addressing all of the above issues and working diligently to correct our water problems. We encourage any of our residents who are interested in volunteering to assist us in achieving solutions to these problems to please contact us. Should you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please call me or our Village Clerk/Treasurer, Barbara Vojta at 782-2600 or e-mail us at: Clerk@villageofsouthbloominggrove.com Mayor@villageofsouthbloominggrove.com The enclosed tax bill is payable either in person at Village Hall (811 Route 208) or can be mailed to us with your payment enclosed. Please visit our web site at www.villageofsouthbloominggrove.com for our updated 2008 Meeting Schedule and our Village news section. Best regards, Robert Jeroloman Mayor
Sample Letter # 1 Your Name Monroe NY 10950 Email:
To: _____________ Dear _____________ I am a resident of the newly formed Village of South Blooming Grove. The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention our serious water situation and shortage in the Village of South Blooming Grove. For many years we have been experiencing a water shortage and have been under water restrictions since the late 1960s. The water shortage that we are faced was inherited by our new Village and must be dealt with it before it becomes a crisis. The available wells cannot meet the demand for water. The water levels of our Village wells are too low and during peak hours the wells pump natural occurring minerals into the water system. The Town of Blooming Grove and now the Village have to periodically flush the water system to remove this sediment, but this is at best is a temporary measure and not a long-term solution. We cannot afford to flush the system and waste much need water to flushing. This is also a very costly. The Village has an agreement with Orange & Rockland to pump water from a well on their property through a proposed pipeline to our water system, but that entails a 3 year construction project and a cost of $2,000,000 to bring this water source to the Village residents. When this new well is connected to the Village's existing water system it will supply enough water to all residents and we will no longer have to flush our mains and water restrictions can finally be lifted. I am appealing to you to please assist us in acquiring the necessary funding and grants to help off set the cost to connect this new water source to our Village before we run out of water. Financially the Village cannot correct this problem without the help of our State, County, and Federal representatives. Thank you. Respectfully, ________________
SECOND SAMPLE LETTER Date: To: Representative
Dear: I am a homeowner residing in the Village of South Blooming Grove, NY. For years, we residents have been experiencing severe problems with our water supply. Recently, the situation has become critical. The Town of Blooming Grove has been aware of this ongoing problem for many years but has never adequately addressed it nor has a solution ever been implemented. The newly formed Village of South Blooming Grove inherited this problem when ownership of the Water and Sewer Districts conveyed to the Village in January 2008. The Mayor and Board of the Village have endeavored to formulate a solution but given the scope and scale of the problem, we realize that we can’t solve it without assistance from County, State and possibly, Federal agencies. We implore you to intercede on our behalf with any officials and/or agencies that can come to our rescue. We can’t continue live like this, nor should we have to. The following are highlights of the situation: 1. Infrastructure is old and has been neglected for years. Our health and quality of life are at stake and we believe it is your obligation as our elected representative to assist us in solving this serious problem. We are counting on you to help us and I look forward to an immediate response to our request for assistance. Respectfully, |
Village State and Federal Representatives:
NYS Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun | NYS Senator William Larkin 1093 Little Britain Rd. New Windsor, New York 12553 |
| US Senator Hillary Clinton Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building 1 Clinton Sq. Rm. 821 Albany, New York 12207 | US Congressman John Hall Orange County Government Center 255 Main St. Rm. 3232G Goshen, New York 10924 |
| US Senator Charles Schumer Leo W. O'Brien Federal Building 1 Clinton Sq. Rm. 420 Albany, New York 12207 | Gov. David Paterson State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 |
A Letter from our Highway Superintend:
A Letter from our Highway Superintend: This notice is asking your cooperation with the following on going problem: According to New York State Highway Law, and New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, it is illegal to “deposit Snow, Ice, Stone, Debris, etc., upon the Roadway.” Therefore, could you please have whoever plows your driveway, plow all the snow “in” and not onto the roadway.
Sincerely,
Sal Amante
Supt. Of Highways
496-3816
March 5, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Litigation Against the Town of Blooming Grove As Unanimously Voted By the Village Board of the Village of South Blooming Grove
The Town of Blooming Grove, through its inaction and/or disregard for the Village’s rights, has caused the Village of South Blooming Grove to institute litigation against the Town and its representatives to compel their compliance with established State Law.
The following outlines the Town’s failure to comply with legal mandates.
As of 1/1/08, the Village of South Blooming Grove officially became a wholly, self-governed municipality. As such, the Village, by law, requires that all funds, assets and records of their accounting, as they relate to the two water and one sewer district, be turned over to the Village by the Town. These were to include all assets, funds, taxes, fees, rents, penalties and levies as well as the relevant documentation supporting the data.
Over the course of several months, multiple requests were made to the Town during several meetings and phone conversations. These requests were memorialized in correspondence following the requests. Mutually agreed dates were set for the transfer of monies, records and data. The requests met with little or no response from the Town.
In its current stance, the Town asserts that the Village owes it money for Building Inspection, Police Service and Code Enforcement covering the year 2007. The Village concurs with the Town’s assertion; however, the Town has failed to properly itemize its ever-changing charges and, in fact, has failed to properly invoice the Village.
The Village has been left with no alternative but to fund its responsibilities, to the districts and our residents, by securing borrowed money, a burden to be borne by Village residents. Most importantly, without the necessary funds, the Village cannot operate the districts in a safe and hygienic manner, thereby endangering the health and welfare of our residents.
The Village is therefore filing a lawsuit to compel the Town to transfer all original documentation relating to our districts and to pay its just and lawful debt. We demand the transfer of all records, bank accounts, assets and funds relating to the districts.
On March 5, 2008, the Village of South Blooming Grove appeared before Justice William Giacomo on its petition against the Town of Blooming Grove. After considering the parties’ arguments, the Judge ordered the following:
1. The Village of South Blooming Grove’s Water and Sewer districts accounts, currently held by the Town, were frozen, by court mandate; and it was further ordered that
2. by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, the Town Clerk is required to turn over to the Village of South Blooming Grove all previously requested original documents; and it was further ordered that
3. the Town Clerk will deliver any loan, bonding or related documents concerning capital indebtedness of the districts; and it was further ordered that
4. the Town Clerk shall deliver an accounting of the districts’ funds to the Village of South Blooming Grove with documentation supporting the accounting; and it was further ordered that
5. the Town Clerk will deliver an accounting of all funds received by the Town for water and sewer rents collected to the present date by 3:00 p.m. March 11, 2008; and it was further ordered that
6. the parties are to return to appear before Justice Giacomo on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. for a status conference.
From Mayor Jeroloman (with unanimous support of the Villager Board):
“We are saddened to report that our relationship with the Town, which began amicably and cooperatively, has faltered and resulted in litigation. Since the Village’s formation it was agreed and understood by all, that all records, funds and services would be provided without reservation. Unfortunately the Town chose a different path, placing an unnecessary additional financial burden on the village and its residents to support and fund our services. We sincerely hope that this will not be a prolonged battle to acquire what is rightfully ours as understood in the original agreement. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress.”
Mayor’s Report
Village of South Blooming Grove
As of December 2007, our Village has been able to secure all necessary services to allow for a smooth transition from the Town of Blooming Grove to a self governed Village. To that end, we have put in place inter-municipal agreements for the following:
· Highway Services -We have negotiated with the Town to have Sal Amante, continue to provide Highway Services in his role as Highway Superintendent. The cost to the Village residents will not change · Building Inspection and Code Enforcement – This Inter-Municipal Agreement with the Town designates Jeanne Overseen to continue in her role as Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. The cost to the Village residents will not change.
· Planning Board - The Village Board is presently acting as the Village’s Planning Board. This will remain in effect until such time as the Village’s Zoning Commission submits its recommendations on the Village’s first Zoning Code. After adopting the Zoning Code, the Village Board will staff the Village’s first Planning Board, which will be staffed by volunteers from within the Village. There is no cost to the residents.
· Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – This will continue to remain the responsibility of the Town until such time as the Village can staff its own ZBA, which will be staffed by volunteers from within the Village.
· Police Protection – This continues to remain the responsibility of the Town with Carl Schupp as the Chief of Police. The Town of Blooming Grove has establish a Town charge on the Town tax bill. This is a mandated charge created by the Town Board.
· Tax Collection - Our Village Clerk/Treasurer will be responsible for this function. The State Comptroller requires that all municipalities manage their tax collection and finances. This process allows us to minimize additional costs to residents by managing the Village budgeting process more effectively and providing the Village with additional revenue through interest bearing accounts and collection of penalties.
· Water Districts - The Village Board has entered into an agreement with the private contractor who has operated our Water and Sewer Districts for over twenty years. The contractor has agreed to continue to operate these districts on behalf of the Village. Future projects include drilling for additional wellheads, installing backup generators, and filtration devices. We are in the process of identifying funding sources in State and Federal governments.
· Sewer Districts - The Village Board has entered into an agreement with the private contractor who has operated our Water and Sewer Districts for over twenty years. Repairs are being scheduled at minimal cost.
· Water and Sewer Billing – The Town will perform this function for the January billing cycle and thereafter, the Village will assume the responsibility for this
· Ambulance and Fire Protection - This will remain as is.
In a final note, the Village Board encourages concerned residents to attend public meetings to provide input and feedback. We believe that working together with our constituents will result in a better, stronger Village where businesses, organizations and especially families, can thrive in a safe and beautiful environment. Please check our website or the Times-Herald Record for meeting dates.
I will be keeping you abreast of all matters relating to our Village on our website.
Rob Jeroloman, Mayor
Village of South Blooming Grove
If you have any concerns or questions please e-mail me at mayor @villageofsouthbloominggrove.com or e-mail the Clerk atclerk@villageofsouthbloominggrove.com
Our Phone number is (845)-782-2600
FEMA MONEYS
for Peddler Hill Road Repairs
On November 5th, the Town Supervisor notified the Village Board that the Town of Blooming Grove has received the FEMA funds to begin work on Peddler Hill Road and Dam. The Town Engineer has started the bidding process and hopes to get the project moving forward. Once we are notified of the repair schedule we will post it on our web site.
Cardinal Drive
Orange County E-911 has notified the Village Board that all proper notifications have been sent and as of December 1st Cardinal Drive will be official renamed to Red Bird. All resdients that live on Red Bird will still recieve mail addressed to them with the Cardinal Drive address. We incourage residents that live on the newly renamed road to begin addressing all of their correspondence with Red Bird as their return address. The Blooming Grove Police Department, South Blooming Grove Fire Department, and the Blooming Grove Ambulance Corp have been notified in writing of the name change. I would like to thank all the residents that live on this roadway for their participation in the renaming process.
Hours for Village Office
The Village of South Blooming Grove's office will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday thru Friday, except holidays. The office is located on Duelk Ave by the South Blooming Grove Fire House and next to the Water Treatment Plant. The office phone number is (845)-782-2600. The Fax number is (845)-782-2601