ACCOMPLISHMENT, CONTINUITY AND A VISION FOR GARDINER
Accomplishments of the Democratic Team's First Term
|
"Property tax is a nightmare and we want it eliminated." CARL
|
Budget and Taxes
- This administration's "can do," efficient government, costs no more than the ineffective prior administration's "can't afford it" efforts: Our rate $0.31 per thousand of assessed value Vs. theirs $0.72 per thousand of assessed value for town general expenses. (While valuations went up in 2004, the real tax costs are down.)
- Completed the long delayed renovation of the Gardiner Schoolhouse Town Hall providing sorely needed meeting space to the community with considerably lower expenditures than previously anticipated.
- Increased services and recreation with no increase in 2005 Budget or tax levy
- Resolution in Support of Property Tax Reform
- Patriot Act Resolution supporting penalty free county tax extensions for servicemen
- Parents and Grandparents Exemption Local Law
|
"My intention is to begin multi-year planning and cover increases first with funding from our unexpended balance." CARL
|
Library and Social
- Local law to add "Public Libraries" to HR zone by Special permit
- Local law to transfer Property to the Gardiner Library
- Motion to contribute to the New Paltz Gardiner Sr Citizen's Club
- Resolution in support of Gardiner Day grants.
 Land Use Planning
- Adopted a cutting edge master plan that describes our community's vision for Gardiner.
- Enacted a moratorium to allow new zoning while the ridge district remained protected.
- Notification Requirements Local law
- Established an open space committee to explore financially appealing conservation options for large landowners.
- Conducted an open, inclusive advisory process to engage everyone in the development of a new set of zoning regulations consistent with our Master Plan.
- Resolution to amend site plan fee in the Zoning, Planning and Building Fees
- Resolution to authorize David Church as Town Board Planning Consultant
- Motion to consider Solar Energy and Renewable resources for municipal projects
- Local Law to Establish Alternate Members to the Planning Board and ZBA
|
"We will not be permitted to be an island paradise surrounded by encroaching forces. We have to control our own destiny and that means being connected to the rest of the world." CARL
|
Miscellaneous
- Local law amendment for Sole Appointed Assessor
- Dusinberre Speed and Weight Restrictions
- Enacted the Gardiner Kennel Law
- Began the Cellular Service Project
- Resolution in opposition to NYS Casinos
- Created a fantastic Town website to provide comprehensive information and foster communication between our officials and all residents.
 Rail Trail
- Worked with the Rail Trail Association, local volunteers and contractors to help raise over 40k for the renovation of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
- Received a $2,000 donation from the Wallkill Valley Land Trust to landscape Michael Ashbill's "Rail Ties" sculpture in the center of the hamlet.
- Gardiner/Mohonk Preserve kiosk placed at the entrance to the Rail Trail.
- Received a $10,000 grant from New York State Council for the Arts to hire Stephen Yarabek, a landscape designer, to help design a boat access area to the Wallkill with a pedestrian walkway up to the central hamlet.
- Solicited grants, completed a survey and began the engineering work required to install sidewalks in the central hamlet.
Environmental Technology
- Installed a constructed wetlands in the Gardiner Sewer, a green technology that will substantially reduce the odor problem, improve the quality of effluent and increase the capacity of the system without having to incur the expense of a sewer expansion.
- Commissioned a water study of the Rt. 208 aquifer to determine it's suitability as a future water source for the community
 Regional Planning
- Resolution in Support of the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
- Shawangunk Mountain Regional Partnership Resolution
- Resolution to Partner with Mohonk Preserve to place a Preserve Kiosk at the entry to the Rail Trail
- Resolution in support of Shawangunk Mountain Regional Partnership funding
Staff Training and Recognition
- Minimum Training and Attendance Law for Boards and Commissions
- Resolution to award and recognize Town employees, volunteers and suppliers
- Resolution to extend recognition to Carol Lohrman and Vivian McCord after 39 years of service by naming Town hall Roads in their honor
|