Town of Fishkill 2021 State of the Town Message from Supervisor Albra
Dear Town of Fishkill Resident,
As I begin my second year as Town Supervisor, I want to take a moment to communicate my thoughts on my first year in office, remark on the accomplishments we have achieved, recognize individuals who have made those accomplishments possible, and offer my thoughts on the general State of the Town.
As residents are well aware. I was elected on the promise of preserving Fishkill’s quality of life, with development being the major component. I was fortunate enough to have Board members elected with me who share the same concerns. Fighting developers and nefarious lawyers who try to circumvent our land use laws is a difficult task. Not only do we need elected officials to fight on your behalf, but we also need the tools to do so. A critical aspect of this is the Town Attorney. Prior to taking office, I interviewed countless attorneys from within Dutchess County, and determined that they all had too close a relationship with other lawyers in Dutchess County. This search was conducted in partnership with Councilwoman Louise Daniele, who found our current Town Attorney, Brian D. Nugent, with the firm of Feerick Nugent MacCartney from Rockland County. The Town Attorney and his firm are experts in various municipal matters, including land use, labor law and not-for-profits.
Putting Development in Fishkill in Check
On April 1, 2020, the Town Board terminated its review of an application regarding the proposed Rolling Hills development to change the zoning on a Town parcel. Our Town Attorney represented the Town arguing that a prior Town Board cannot sign a Memorandum of Understanding that binds future Town Boards on decision to change zoning. The Dutchess Supreme Court agreed with the Town and dismissed the developer’s lawsuit against the Town. This case has confirmed that the Town – and every other municipality in New York State – has a right to exercise its legislative discretion regarding zoning laws. This decision was not only a great victory for the citizens of Fishkill and your quality of life, but was also a great victory for every citizen of New York State. I would like to thank the Town Attorney for his great work. |
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With further regards to development, the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals play a pivotal role. We have appointed a new ZBA attorney, and the ZBA has operated in a very proficient manner. We also appointed a new Planning Board attorney and appointed a new Planning Board Chairman, who now starts all meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance and allows residents to speak at the beginning of the meeting. These changes may seem small, but they are profound. Now, residents have the opportunity to speak before a project has already been decided on. I thank Chairmen Kantor and Van Tine for their hard work and dedication for the citizens of the Town of Fishkill.
The Town is currently working on revamping Chapter 150 of the Town Code, regarding development. To further protect the citizens of Fishkill while at the same time giving business owners an opportunity to expand their businesses, such as allowing more drive-throughs, something which is clearly needed in this environment. We have and are continuing to accomplish the promise that I made to the citizens of Fishkill, that I would put the citizens, and their quality of life, ahead of the interests of developers who were not promoting responsible development in our Town. This is what we have done, and we will continue to do.
 It’s important for the citizens to realize that one person just can’t do all of this on their own. The Supervisor is only one vote out of five on the Town Board, and a Town Supervisor has no veto power. I need to have not only a Board which supports my ideas and proposals, but a Board that support the Town having the tools to carry out its mission, such as the right lawyers, engineers and consultants who can carry out my vision. I would like to commend Councilman Ori Brachfeld, Councilwoman Jackie Bardini, Councilwoman Louise Daniele and Councilwoman Kenya Gadsden for supporting the citizens of Fishkill and helping me to facilitate my vision for the betterment of the citizens of our Town.
Strong Financial Footing
I’m also pleased to announce that the Town continues to have a strong financial footing. I was able to freeze a five percent assessment for 2020. During the past 13 months, Fishkill has experienced a significant increase in home sales, with homes selling for as much as $100,000 over assessed value. I will be working with the Assessor, to keep any increase in assessments nominal.
During this pandemic, the Town of Fishkill Town Hall as always been accessible to all. We have glassed-in and secured all offices and service windows, required residents to wear masks, and prevented them from coming in if they are sick. This is an important accomplishment, as only a handful of Towns across New York State have been able to do what we have done, which is to keep out Town Hall open to the public and continue to provide high level of services that you expect from us. Remaining open has enabled the Town to conduct important business which has a big impact on Town finances. For example, the Building Department and Assessor’s Office process homes sales. In return, the Town receives a portion of the mortgage tax, which is up significantly this year, keeping our finances strong.
Capital Projects, Water and Sewer
Briefly, I’d like to discuss our ongoing capital projects. Our salt shed project is nearing completion. The Town Hall parking lot has been repaved. Work is underway to repair the Recreation Center roof. In the Beacon Hills Water District, we are working on a $6 million project to replace the water mains, for which the Town has received a $3 million grant from the State.
The Town as a whole has a well-built Town Hall, Police Station, Recreation/Senior Center, and sewer plant on the 9D corridor. In the near future, we will make improvements to the Highway Department garage. I want to freelance and allow the Highway Department to contract this project. While our infrastructure is strong, we do have issues with water. We are upgrading Beacon Hills, as mentioned. We are making improvements to the Merritt Park Water District, which provides service to the Toll Brothers development. Once these improvements are made, we plan on moving towards consolidation of the Beacon Hills, Glenham and Blodgett Water Districts. Consolidation is a good thing because these districts will be more standardized and efficient to run. We do have some concerns with the Brinckerhoff Water District, mainly dealing with infrastructure and preventative maintenance. For the 2022 capital budget, I will again be asking the Town Board to approve allocations to make these necessary upgrades. I will also continue to pursue protections for the many Town residents who depend on well water for their homes and businesses, by working to develop an aquifer protection plan to protect water quality. The Town sewer infrastructure appears to be functioning well at this time.
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 The Town has passed Resolutions to create a project labor agreement and establish an apprenticeship program. Not everyone chooses, or can afford to go to college. This law will support those who wish to have successful careers in skilled labor jobs as carpenters, construction workers and contractors, plumbers and electricians.
New Policies for Fishkill
In addition to having a shared service with the Town of Wappingers for our Assessor, the Town this year entered a shared service agreement with the City of Beacon for Human Resources, saving taxpayers money. Having our new Human Resources Director allowed us to do the following:
- Adopt a new domestic violence policy
- Adopt a new employee behavior policy
- Adopt a new hiring policy
- Adopt a new whistleblower policy
- Update the Town’s sexual harassment policy
- Update the Town’s workplace violence prevention plan
- Update the Town’s vehicle use policy
- Update the Town’s Family Medical Leave Act policy
- Amend the employee handbook to comply with Civil Service law
The Town’s new hiring policy gives new opportunities to all Fishkill residents to be able to apply for non-civil-service positions within the Town government, and all non-civil-service job postings are now available for viewing on the Town website, social media and television station. It also ensures that everyone is given a fair, equal interview and candidates are evaluated based upon consistent criteria. We have implemented diversity and inclusion training for all Town employees for the first time ever. This includes ways to counter bias and provide useful solutions in using appropriate and positive language in the workplace. Our new policies and procedures have brought the Town into compliance with state and federal regulations. Our new domestic violence policy focuses on helping any employee who is in a domestic violence situation, regardless of gender. Through this policy, we have designated a domestic violence liaison who will work with employees who need assistance with domestic violence matters, and to assist them in developing a safety plan for work, to ensure they and their coworkers are safe throughout these situations. Additionally, the Town has implemented a new whistleblower policy, and this sets a new standard of ethics for the Town of Fishkill. This policy provides protection for any employee to come forward if they believe there is any unethical or illegal behavior taking place in the Town government. This policy lays out the procedure to bring information forward during this situation and protect the employee from retaliation. Town Department Heads also must now prepare a weekly report for the Town Board members.
Victories for Transparency and Open Government
My commitment to transparency and open government is second to none. As citizens are aware, the Town posts all agenda items and the available backup documentation on the Town’s website. In addition, all meetings are streamed live on local TV and on the website. I also revamped Town Board meeting agendas to allow the citizens of Fishkill to speak about any matter at the beginning of the meeting and not towards the end, as was previously the case. Now, when a meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., residents typically have the opportunity to speak shortly after the meeting starts, instead of having to wait until 9 p.m. or later to make their voices heard. We have also modified our Public Hearing law to be more transparent and proactive in notifying the public of upcoming Public Hearings before the Town Board concerning land-use matters. I created an office space in Town Hall for all Town Board members, which includes a computer, printer, filing space and a telephone. Previously this workspace was not available to Town Board members. All Board members, regardless of party affiliation, have access to everything, highlighting my ongoing commitment to open government and transparency. In addition, Board members are free to contact the Town Attorney and Department Heads as they see fit, another thing which did not happen previously. Not only is this important for transparency and open government, it is part of the checks and balances of government, allowing other Board Members to observe and comment on my actions. The more open the government is, the more it helps me in my duties as your Town Supervisor.
Additionally, this Town Board passed a Term Limits law for Town Supervisor and Town Board members, limiting officials in these positions to no more than two terms. Fishkill is one of fewer than ten towns out of more than 900 in the State to have this law. I believe term limits is important as it prevents atrophy in public service and allows for new ideas and officials every four to eight years. |
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Police Department
I will briefly talk about the Police Department. The Governor and President set parameters for police reform last year, and I will go into further detail on these items prior to the Board’s adoption of the Plan being developed by the Police Department and Community Policing committee. I am proud to say that despite the difficult circumstances of protests, the Police Department provided mutual aid during protests in the City of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon and the Village of Fishkill, with no major incidents reported. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Department has provided excellent service to Town residents. I would like to commend Chief Dworkin and Commissioner Zack for their leadership and dedication to the Fishkill community.
 This past year the Town also took time to recognize Chief Donald Williams Sr. Chief Williams served as Town of Fishkill Police Chief for more than 40 years, and the Town Board has dedicated the Police Station in his honor.
Making a Difference in the Community
 The Town Police Department’s PBA was active in the Fishkill community, hosting a number of events, including a Toys-for-Tots drive during the holidays, participating in No-Shave November to raise $1,400 for the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and hosting free child car-seat safety checkpoints for families to ensure their children’s safety restraints are properly installed in their vehicle. I’d like to thank our PBA membership for their participation.
 Throughout the year, the Town has engaged in several food drives in front of the Police station, led by Councilwoman Gadsden. Hundreds of local families received food during these events, and we estimate that 60 percent of residents who received food are actual residents of Fishkill, with the remaining recipients being residents of Beacon, Wappingers and Newburgh. I commend Councilwoman Gadsden for her commitment to our community and her eagerness to make a difference by organizing events to put resources directly in the hands of those most in need.
 I’d also like to commend Councilwoman Gadsden for her initiative in spearheading the installation of public Wi-Fi at the Town Recreation/Senior Center. Work on this began last fall and is now complete. Providing public Wi-Fi enhances the experience of residents at Recreation and Senior Centers functions at a very low cost, and I’m proud to have partnered with the Councilwoman to make this happen.
Town Fire Inspector Steve Van Buren and myself teamed up to host a car show for a fallen NYPD officer during the summer at Geering Park. We were joined by Building Inspector Joel Petrus and assisted by Buildings and Grounds director Brandon Knapp. I’d like to thank Steve for volunteering his time to make this happen, and the event raised more than $2,500 to benefit the officer’s family.
 Recognizing Residents
A Fishkill Girl Scout came to Town Hall this past year, wanting to do a project for her Silver Award. She was sponsored by Councilwoman Daniele in erecting a shade shelter for dogs and their owners at the Town of Fishkill Friendly Paws Dog Park. I commend Girl Scout Kelly See for her tremendous actions, and it proves how lucky we are to have dedicated young people like this in our Fishkill community.
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I also took the opportunity, at a Town Board meeting, to recognize Walmart employee Terry Denicolais. Terry took time during his busy shifts to engage the Fishkill community on social media, advising them of important safety and cleaning supplies and their availability at our local Walmart. This kind of community spirit and dedication to others deserves recognition, and I’m glad to be able to recognize Terry’s hard work. |
Remembering Fallen Heroes
In February, after 10 years of requesting a traffic control device and crosswalk on Merritt Boulevard, the residents of Toll Brothers were heard. I was able to work with Councilman Brachfeld and Councilwoman Bardini to secure a solar-powered flashing signal for the intersection at Merritt Boulevard and Vanderbilt Way. Highway Superintendent Glenn Scofield and his crew were able to fully install this device and a crosswalk, saving the taxpayers a significant amount of money.
 In remembrance of Veterans Day, I was able to work with County Executive Marcus Molinaro, who came to the Town of Fishkill War Veterans Memorial Park to co-host an event with me to dedicate three county roads to three Fishkill residents who were killed in combat in Vietnam. Osborne Hill Road, County Route 34, was dedicated to PFC Michael Garlo, USMC; Baxtertown Road, County Route 35, was dedicated to Lance Cpl. Richard R. Smith, USMC; Red Schoolhouse Road, County Route 36, was dedicated to 2nd Lt. Robert Bruce, US Army. As you enter these roads, you will see a brown sign marking their dedication to each of these three fallen heroes of Fishkill. Again, I’d like to thank Executive Molinaro and Dutchess County Commissioner of Public Works Bob Balkind for partnering with me.
 Improving Quality of Life
Improving the quality of life for Town of Fishkill citizens is my central goal. Helping residents take pride in their Town and their neighborhoods is a huge part of my mission. Last year, I worked with the Buildings and Grounds department to make improvements to Dutchess Park Lake. After decades of neglect, the lake was in dire need of restorative work, and I directed our Buildings and Grounds crew to make repairs to an aerator, improving both the aesthetics and the water quality. After these improvements, swans returned to Dutchess Park last year, and I thank the grounds crew for their hard work to deliver the residents of Dutchess Park a park space they can enjoy and take pride in.
 Honoring Fishkill's History
This year, the Town, in its effort to improve quality of life and highlight our local history, will be erecting a statue to Daniel Nimham. Chief Nimham was the last Sachem, or tribal leader, of the Wappinger people, and was born within the boundaries of the Town of Fishkill in 1726. He was an outspoken advocate for Native American land rights and spoke before the British government to guarantee Native American tribes’ land treaties were enforced. During the American Revolution, he led the Stockbridge Militia to fight on the American side, and was with Washington at Valley Forge in 1777. Sachem Nimham was killed in 1778 at the Battle of Kingsbridge in the Bronx, one of America's first veterans killed in combat. The statue is being cast in bronze by sculptor Michael Keropian and will be erected at either the triangle at the intersection of Route 52 and Route 82, or at the Town War Memorial. |
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This will be a great attraction for the Town and will be a foundation to build upon the Town’s historical legacy, as we focus on our cultural and historical sites which will then attract visitors from across the country. This project would not have happened without the support of Councilwomen Bardini and Gadsden, and I would like to thank them for their vision and appreciation of Fishkill’s boundless history.
In closing, I can report to you that the State of the Town of Fishkill is Strong. I would first like to thank the residents of Fishkill for giving me the opportunity to serve in this position. I’d like once again to thank my fellow Councilmembers, Ori Brachfeld, Jacqueline Bardini, Louise Daniele and Kenya Gadsden for working with me to allow me to provide the high level of service Fishkill residents deserve. I’d also like to thank Town Clerk Becki Tompkins, who assists me in running the Town on a daily basis, Highway Superintendent Glenn Scofield, who is the best Highway Superintendent in Dutchess County, our Department Heads and our dedicated employees. If any resident has any questions or concerns, you can contact me via email at supervisor@fishkill-ny.gov or by phone at (845) 831-7800 ext, 3309. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. May God Bless you, and may God Bless the Town of Fishkill.
Sincerely,
Azem "Ozzy" Albra
Town Supervisor
Town of Fishkill
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