September 30, 2020

Dear Residents:

There are a few things I would like to update you on:

Governor Cuomo has mandated that every police department in NYS review the needs of the community it serves and evaluate the department’s current policies and practices. The community must establish policies that allow police to perform their duties effectively and safely. In conjunction with members of the community, the Village needs to develop policy recommendations from this review. The plan will be offered for public comment and finally adopted by the Board of Trustees. This process must be completed by April 1, 2021 and the future state financial aid for the police department will depend on the Village completing the process. Presently Police Commissioners Mel Ettinger, Ian Jablonski and Officer-in-Charge Ray Mahdesian are working on this project.

The Governor also signed the Pandemic Operations Plan into law. This law requires public employers to develop a plan for operations in the event of a declared public health emergency involving a communicable disease. This plan must be completed by April 1, 2021 as well.

Both mandates are large undertakings for a small village. I am letting you know about them to give you an appreciation of some of the complicated things the Village must deal with on a regular basis.

Approximately three years ago the Village received requests from two bay side property owners for permits to put in floating docks. After a lengthy review, their request was denied by the Village based on the existing dock law. The property owners took Asharoken to court in an effort to overturn the decision. The court ruled in favor of the Village. This month, the Village received notice that the property owners have decided to appeal the lower court’s decision. The Village attorney is working on Asharoken’s response to the complaint.

The Village Police Department has finally received the new police vehicle to replace the one that was totaled in an accident last fall. The new vehicle was fully paid for through the insurance settlement.

Have a great day,
Mayor Greg Letica

September 18, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

I would like to thank everyone who voted in the Village election on Tuesday. Your desire to get out and vote in spite of the pandemic is really admirable. Big thanks goes out to Village Clerk Nancy Rittenhouse, Judy Ross, Denise DeAcetis and Hillary Candelora for running the election. They did a great job making sure a safe protocol was followed. And as always, they provided the proper mix of professionalism and small Village amity to assure a pleasant experience for the 120 residents who voted in person.

I would also like to wish everyone who is celebrating Rosh Hashanah a happy holiday and a good and sweet new year.

Have a great weekend,
Mayor Greg Letica

September 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Sadly, I am writing to inform you of the passing of former Mayor Peter Anderson. Peter served three terms as Mayor from 1976 to 1982 then served a term as Trustee from 1987 to 1989. Pete and his family loved living in Asharoken and his dedication to the Village led him to run for public office. Peter is in a very select group of only ten people who have served as Mayor. Thank you Pete for all your years of dedication. We have lowered the flag to half mast in Peter's honor.

Our condolences to his wife Rose and his family.

Sincerely,
Mayor Greg Letica