Big announcement on the Rombout Sewer District. A few years ago, a new sewer plant was built for $13 million. This plant covers the Route 9D corridor. The town under the Pagones Administration. Received a 1% short term loan from NYS. However, Pagones failed to comply with the contract and the loan is now being called. This means that since the town is just above junk bond status. The new loan will be at a 8% interest rate.
A few years ago. The Pagones administration hired a Syracuse law firm to apply for such loan. The town paid the firm over $600,000. At the time, Pagones bragged that this deal was going to save the district millions.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Fishkill Firefighters take part in Ice Water Rescue training
FISHKILL, N.Y. -- A firefighter is stranded in the Fishkill Creek clinging to the foot of a bridge to stay afloat. moments later his colleagues jump onto a life boat and paddle across to save him. Fortunately, this scene is just for practice.
“it is good to go out there and train for these situations,” said Assistant Glenham Fire Chief, Eric Nicholson.
About 30 firefighters from four agencies attended the Ice Water Rescue training in Fishkill on Saturday. During the training they learned about operating procedures, equipment and patient handling while in the classroom; then they hit the creek to put their knowledge to the test.
Check out the video
http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/573428/firefighters-take-part-in-ice-water-rescue-training/
“it is good to go out there and train for these situations,” said Assistant Glenham Fire Chief, Eric Nicholson.
About 30 firefighters from four agencies attended the Ice Water Rescue training in Fishkill on Saturday. During the training they learned about operating procedures, equipment and patient handling while in the classroom; then they hit the creek to put their knowledge to the test.
Check out the video
http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/573428/firefighters-take-part-in-ice-water-rescue-training/
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Fishkill plans to connect Brinkerhoff Water with Merritt/Toll Water
Southern Dutchess News February 8, 2012. By Kristine Coulter Staff Writter. This is a weekly local paper that covers Fishkill very well. Subscription is $26.00 a year and call 297-3723 to subscribe as I do.
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Improvements are planned for the Brinkerhoff and Merritt park water districts. The Fishkill town board voted in favor of Rhode, Soyka & Andrews being retained for furnishing the board with a map plan, and report for the improvement and intergration of the facilities on Wednesday, February 1.
"In the Brinckerhoff water district, we have three wells, two are in use. The second, which is very productive and the (Dutchess County) Department of Health has determined that the well is under the influence of the adjacent stream to use it, we would have to filter and disinfect," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla after the meeting.
The Brinkerhoff water district is in need of storage capacity, as well, said LaColla.
In regards to the Merritt Park water district, there are high levels of chloride out of one well, he said.
The town is "now bringing 80,000 gallons a day of water from the Village of Fishkill for the Snook Well." remarked the supervisor.
The proposal voted on at the meeting was to provide the engineering for the filtration and connection to the one-million-gallon tank at Merritt, explained LaColla.
"It would resolve all three problems," said the supervisor, the well issue, the storage issue and the Merritt Park well issue.
"The early estimate was approximately $1 million, which would most likely be spread over a 20 year note," stated LaColla about the total cost of the project. He added that the cost would be carried by the estimated 1,500 users in the two water districts.
"In addition, we would no longer have to purchase water from the village, reducing cost," he continued. The blending from the village has helped to decrease the levels of chloride in the Snook well in the Merritt Park water district, he said.
The engineering work would be done later this year and the project should be finished in the spring of 2013, said LaColla.
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Improvements are planned for the Brinkerhoff and Merritt park water districts. The Fishkill town board voted in favor of Rhode, Soyka & Andrews being retained for furnishing the board with a map plan, and report for the improvement and intergration of the facilities on Wednesday, February 1.
"In the Brinckerhoff water district, we have three wells, two are in use. The second, which is very productive and the (Dutchess County) Department of Health has determined that the well is under the influence of the adjacent stream to use it, we would have to filter and disinfect," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla after the meeting.
The Brinkerhoff water district is in need of storage capacity, as well, said LaColla.
In regards to the Merritt Park water district, there are high levels of chloride out of one well, he said.
The town is "now bringing 80,000 gallons a day of water from the Village of Fishkill for the Snook Well." remarked the supervisor.
The proposal voted on at the meeting was to provide the engineering for the filtration and connection to the one-million-gallon tank at Merritt, explained LaColla.
"It would resolve all three problems," said the supervisor, the well issue, the storage issue and the Merritt Park well issue.
"The early estimate was approximately $1 million, which would most likely be spread over a 20 year note," stated LaColla about the total cost of the project. He added that the cost would be carried by the estimated 1,500 users in the two water districts.
"In addition, we would no longer have to purchase water from the village, reducing cost," he continued. The blending from the village has helped to decrease the levels of chloride in the Snook well in the Merritt Park water district, he said.
The engineering work would be done later this year and the project should be finished in the spring of 2013, said LaColla.
Fishkill Town Police cut 2 positions
Southern Dutchess News February 8, 2012. By Kristine Coulter Staff Writter. This is a weekly local paper that covers Fishkill very well. Subscription is $26.00 a year and call 297-3723 to subscribe as I do.
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The members of the Fishkill Town Board voted to eliminate two positions from the Fishkill Police Department, one Captain position and one Detective Sergeant position, in what officials called a cost savings move. There are no layoffs. The two members of the Fishkill Police force, Scott Bierce, who's captain position was eliminated, and Bernardo Scalamandre who's Det. Sgt. position was eliminated, will immediatly be reassigned to the patrol division, said town officials. The vote was taken at the board's Wednesday, Feb. 1 meeting.
"This brings us more in line with the structures of other police departments in the area," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla after the meeting. He continued that for years, the Town of Fishkill Police Department "has been top heavy" and this was a way to streamline and reduce costs.
The resolution states that the board voted on states that "due to the economic climate, the postitions were eliminated." The resolution passed unanimously.
"Bottom line is cost factor," stated Fishkill Police Chief Donald Williams after the meeting. When asked about the two officers' work performances, he responded, "Certainly, their work was satisfactory."
Councilman Tony Curry said, "It is a cost-cutting measure and operational measure. We're supporting the chief's decision."
Councilman Kurt Buck is the board liaison to the police department. "It's a cost-cuttingeffort to streamline. We just need a well rounded police department, that's accountable," said Buck. "That was our premise when we ran and we're starting to do that."
Before the vote, residents were able to comment on agenda items. A former councilman Dennis Zack asked, "What procedure was used" to determine this decision, the criteria and if superior training was taken into account. he also asked if there were any personal issues involved with the decision.
Town officials said th emeasure would save around $40,000.
Buck responded that "This is pretty much cost-cutting by the Chief of Police."
After the meeting, Bierce stated that he had been with the department for 30 years. He said he has full-time experience with the Metropolitian Transportation Authority (MTA). He was on the MTA's sergeant patrol at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, Bierce stated. Bierce said his lawyer would be answering questions. When asked for his lawyer's name, he said he was not ready to release that at this time.
Williams said the change would have "little or no effect" on the number of personnel scheduled to a shift. He said it has not been determined yet who would do the administrative work that Bierce and Scalamandre did. The work would probably be divided between three of four adminstrative positions said Williams.
"No bearing whatsoever,: the chief said on the safety of the residents.
"We're dealing with the budget that was left us," said Councilman Brian Callahan. "We wish we could make everyone happy."
Scalamandre did not respond to a message seeking comment. Fishkill Town Comptroller Robert Wheeling did not call back by press time with a definitive number as to how much the town would save.
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The members of the Fishkill Town Board voted to eliminate two positions from the Fishkill Police Department, one Captain position and one Detective Sergeant position, in what officials called a cost savings move. There are no layoffs. The two members of the Fishkill Police force, Scott Bierce, who's captain position was eliminated, and Bernardo Scalamandre who's Det. Sgt. position was eliminated, will immediatly be reassigned to the patrol division, said town officials. The vote was taken at the board's Wednesday, Feb. 1 meeting.
"This brings us more in line with the structures of other police departments in the area," said Fishkill Supervisor Bob LaColla after the meeting. He continued that for years, the Town of Fishkill Police Department "has been top heavy" and this was a way to streamline and reduce costs.
The resolution states that the board voted on states that "due to the economic climate, the postitions were eliminated." The resolution passed unanimously.
"Bottom line is cost factor," stated Fishkill Police Chief Donald Williams after the meeting. When asked about the two officers' work performances, he responded, "Certainly, their work was satisfactory."
Councilman Tony Curry said, "It is a cost-cutting measure and operational measure. We're supporting the chief's decision."
Councilman Kurt Buck is the board liaison to the police department. "It's a cost-cuttingeffort to streamline. We just need a well rounded police department, that's accountable," said Buck. "That was our premise when we ran and we're starting to do that."
Before the vote, residents were able to comment on agenda items. A former councilman Dennis Zack asked, "What procedure was used" to determine this decision, the criteria and if superior training was taken into account. he also asked if there were any personal issues involved with the decision.
Town officials said th emeasure would save around $40,000.
Buck responded that "This is pretty much cost-cutting by the Chief of Police."
After the meeting, Bierce stated that he had been with the department for 30 years. He said he has full-time experience with the Metropolitian Transportation Authority (MTA). He was on the MTA's sergeant patrol at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, Bierce stated. Bierce said his lawyer would be answering questions. When asked for his lawyer's name, he said he was not ready to release that at this time.
Williams said the change would have "little or no effect" on the number of personnel scheduled to a shift. He said it has not been determined yet who would do the administrative work that Bierce and Scalamandre did. The work would probably be divided between three of four adminstrative positions said Williams.
"No bearing whatsoever,: the chief said on the safety of the residents.
"We're dealing with the budget that was left us," said Councilman Brian Callahan. "We wish we could make everyone happy."
Scalamandre did not respond to a message seeking comment. Fishkill Town Comptroller Robert Wheeling did not call back by press time with a definitive number as to how much the town would save.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Fishkill Business makes equipment that saves soldiers lives
Written by Craig Wolf Poughkeepsie Journal
For more, go to the papers website or subscribe to it as I do.
FISHKILL — In Afghanistan, American soldiers face a high risk of being blown to bits. A company here is doing something about it.
Advanced Reconnaissance Corp. has gone through a surge of job creation under a government contract to make devices that can detect disturbed earth that may signal the presence of a buried “improvised explosive device” that can blast passing military vehicles and maim or kill the people inside.
ARC, as the company usually refers to itself, was just a handful of people keeping an idea and a technology alive until the doctor came. That was the federal government, with a $10 million contract award in May that let it put the idea into practice.
It’s now close to deploying the systems for use in airplanes. “Disturbed earth is what we’re looking for,” explained Joe Jamin, vice president. “It’s remote sensing. You fly over the road and analyze the reflected light from the road.”
A later phase is intended to add vehicular and handheld systems.
The work was funded under the Department of Defense’s Department’s Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, or JIEDDO. The military has been seeking ways to cut down deaths and serious injuries caused by the improvised bombs that enemies place along roads and detonate when an American or allied vehicle comes along.
Tougher vehicles, mine-clearing machines and sniffer dogs are some of the approaches. Reconnaissance systems like ARC’s are another.
Jamin said ARC expects to have 27 people on board by the end of the month, some of them in an office in Maryland but most of them here.
Mark Westfield, the CEO and chairman of ARC, said it has been a long path to this point, starting with the early development of the sensing technology going back many years and continuing with a pitch to the military to develop it into actual systems.
“The funding dried up and it was very hard on us,” Westfield said. “It didn’t dry up because of the technology. It dried up because of the shenanigans that went on with Congress and the budget.”
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012301290058
For more, go to the papers website or subscribe to it as I do.
FISHKILL — In Afghanistan, American soldiers face a high risk of being blown to bits. A company here is doing something about it.
Advanced Reconnaissance Corp. has gone through a surge of job creation under a government contract to make devices that can detect disturbed earth that may signal the presence of a buried “improvised explosive device” that can blast passing military vehicles and maim or kill the people inside.
ARC, as the company usually refers to itself, was just a handful of people keeping an idea and a technology alive until the doctor came. That was the federal government, with a $10 million contract award in May that let it put the idea into practice.
It’s now close to deploying the systems for use in airplanes. “Disturbed earth is what we’re looking for,” explained Joe Jamin, vice president. “It’s remote sensing. You fly over the road and analyze the reflected light from the road.”
A later phase is intended to add vehicular and handheld systems.
The work was funded under the Department of Defense’s Department’s Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, or JIEDDO. The military has been seeking ways to cut down deaths and serious injuries caused by the improvised bombs that enemies place along roads and detonate when an American or allied vehicle comes along.
Tougher vehicles, mine-clearing machines and sniffer dogs are some of the approaches. Reconnaissance systems like ARC’s are another.
Jamin said ARC expects to have 27 people on board by the end of the month, some of them in an office in Maryland but most of them here.
Mark Westfield, the CEO and chairman of ARC, said it has been a long path to this point, starting with the early development of the sensing technology going back many years and continuing with a pitch to the military to develop it into actual systems.
“The funding dried up and it was very hard on us,” Westfield said. “It didn’t dry up because of the technology. It dried up because of the shenanigans that went on with Congress and the budget.”
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012301290058
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Reorganization Meeting 1/4/2012 Town of Fishkill
http://www.fishkill-ny.gov/pdfs/TownBoardAgendas/2012%20Agendas/01-04-2012%20TB%20Reorganization%20Meeting.pdf
Meetings are now on cable and will be archived on the towns website.
Meetings are now on cable and will be archived on the towns website.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Fishkill Developer owes 400K in property taxes
Developer Steve Aaron “owes more than $400,000 in property taxes on affordable-housing projects and has been accused by contractors of failing to pay his bills,” according to an investigation by the Times Herald-Record.
Kingston-based Birchez Associates and its president, Steven Aaron, owe taxes on three of four Ulster County senior and work force housing developments. Aaron is in court with three municipalities over unpaid taxes, and recently the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency voted to strip his tax break in four months unless he pays Kingston some $330,000.
Over the last five years, Aaron or his companies have been named in dozens of lawsuits, judgments or liens after contractors said they weren't paid, according to Ulster County court records. Yet last month, he won a state economic development grant for a new project in Fishkill.
“Aaron disputed claims against him point by point in an interview,” according to the report.
Aaron recently alleged racial bias and anti-Semitism was behind the demand of the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency that he pay $330,000 in taxes he owes to the city of Kingston or lose tax benefit he received for the Birchwood Village housing complex. He subsequently apologized for the allegation, saying he didn’t mean to be taken literally.
Aaron is working in Fishkill: The Birches at Fishkill, which was awarded a $1.8 million grant last month from the state Region Economic Development awards process.
For more details check out papers website.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120103/NEWS/201030327/-1/NEWSLETTER100
Kingston-based Birchez Associates and its president, Steven Aaron, owe taxes on three of four Ulster County senior and work force housing developments. Aaron is in court with three municipalities over unpaid taxes, and recently the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency voted to strip his tax break in four months unless he pays Kingston some $330,000.
Over the last five years, Aaron or his companies have been named in dozens of lawsuits, judgments or liens after contractors said they weren't paid, according to Ulster County court records. Yet last month, he won a state economic development grant for a new project in Fishkill.
“Aaron disputed claims against him point by point in an interview,” according to the report.
Aaron recently alleged racial bias and anti-Semitism was behind the demand of the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency that he pay $330,000 in taxes he owes to the city of Kingston or lose tax benefit he received for the Birchwood Village housing complex. He subsequently apologized for the allegation, saying he didn’t mean to be taken literally.
Aaron is working in Fishkill: The Birches at Fishkill, which was awarded a $1.8 million grant last month from the state Region Economic Development awards process.
For more details check out papers website.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120103/NEWS/201030327/-1/NEWSLETTER100
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