Monthly Roundup Vol. 1, #1
Early Learning center Update
Last week at the Physical Services Committee meeting, we received an update from the Putnam County Health Department on the status of the Early Learning Center, following the devastating flash flood that damaged portions of the building set to house the center.
Photo Credit: Midhidson News
What We Know:
Based on that meeting, we learned that the contingency space set to be utilized for UPK for Putnam County residents was NOT damaged, and is still set to open on time in September. This was also confirmed directly to me by County Executive Kevin Byrne in a conversation we had.
We also learned that the damage to the area of the building set to be expanded on as part of the build out was extensive and still undergoing evaluation, with it being too early to yet state the extent of the damage.
What We Still Don’t Know:
We don’t know for sure, as of yet, if the proposed build out (which was budgeted at $2.2 Million) is still on track to be opened by December, or if any additional cost is to be added to account for the damage.
I rose to speak at the Physical Services meeting and address both the Health Department and Legislature about the importance of sharing information so we the tax payers are as informed as possible. This is not just a multi-million dollar project of interest to the tax payer, but also of interest to the families who have already expressed anxiety around the viability of this project, and who desperately need it to proceed without a hitch.
Watch: My Comments to the Legislature
2. Vice Chair and Treasurer for Soil and Water Board
On July 1st, I was voted unanimously 7-0 (6 Republicans and 1 Democrat) by the Putnam County Legislature to serve on the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District Board (SWCD), one of the counties most vital independent boards.
Following our July 23rd board meeting, the Soil and Water Conservation District Board voted unanimously to have Cassandra Roth serve as the chairperson for the Soil and Water Conservation District Board (SWCD). This role serves two ciritical functions.
First, it serves as the facilitator and official representative of this body.
Second, the chairperson of this particular board is granted a seat on the Putnam County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (Ag Board), representing the interests of Soil and Water.
At our July 30th meeting, the SWCD unanimously approved me (Brett Yarris) as the Vice Chair and Treasurer for the Soil and Water Board.
As Vice Chair, my role will be to assume any responsibilities unable to be fulfilled but the chair in their absence, inclusive of attending Ag Board meetings.
As Treasurer, my role will be to oversee and account for the nearly $1 Million in funding SWCD has received, and receives in the future, from New York State in Part A, B, and C funds, as well as for participation in the AEM program.
These are funds dispersed to SWCD for hitting crucial performance measures, provided by New York State and NOT the Putnam County Tax Payer. SWCD then votes to approve whether or not to spend those funds to assist landowners and local municipalities in funding crucial soil and water conservation efforts (something that plays a large role in the lives of tax payers in Putnam County) to ease the burden of cost on them.
Brett Yarris signing his sworn Oath of Office
3. Farm Bureau Policy Picnic
Thursday, July 24th, I attended the Duchess, Putnam, Westchester Farm Bureau Policy Picnic. This was an opportunity to get an understanding of the legislative policies impacting farmers all across our region.
I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on various policy proposals surrounding the Agricultural Districts, Assessments, etc. But most importantly, I received an opportunity to listen and gain a valuable understanding of what is impacting real, hardworking farmers across the Hudson Valley. It was extremely illuminating, and allowed me a better vantage point from which to understand how we can continue to support farmers here in Putnam County.
Agriculture Districts
This issue was raised as part of the policy discussion. The proposal was to have New York State take control of Agriculture Districts from the counties, as local municipalities have begun to politicize and weaponize the process, something we have seen here in Putnam County.
While I obviously can see the benefit, this was not something I supported as written. I do think NYS Ag and Markets needs more teeth in the Ag District process, particularly during the application process, I do not think a universal, state-controlled system is the way to fix it.
New York State is beautiful because it is made up of very different regions, each with very different needs. The farms in these regions are likewise very different from one another. A universal system will inevitably leave things to fall through the cracks and leaves the possibility of helping the wrong farms, and hurting the right ones.
Rather, what I proposed was for New York State Ag and Markets to serve as an arbitrator for NEW applicants who dispute the findings of the county. As this does not yet exist now, Putnam farms like Ridge Ranch were forced to litigate the manner, at their own expense, which they were never reimbursed for.
Had Ag and Markets been able to weigh in prior to that and inform the Putnam Legislature it was relying on bad information, Ridge Ranch would not have had to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to defend their land and business from government overreach, and the Putnam County tax payers would not have had to waste money on litigation costs for a losing cause.
4. Community Events
St. James Feast (Carmel Hamlet)
This was such a fun event to go to, something my family and I have gone to in the past as residents of Carmel Hamlet. These events are always great because they are opportunities to bring our community together for fun and good times. My son Zander especially enjoyed the bounce houses, while Thea enjoyed taking me on in a putting contest and popping the balloons. While Christine contemplated where we were going to keep all off the prizes we won!
Me? The sausage and peppers! All of the food was delicious, especially finishing off the evening with Nonna’s Zeppoles!
German Fest (Putnam Valley)
The German-American Social Club in Putnam Valley does an amazing job of celebrating German heritage with great food, great music and lots of fun for the kids.
This was another great community event, bringing people together, giving neighbors a chance to enjoy each other’s company away from the chaos of cable news. I was happy to run into some friends like County Executive Kevin Byrne, Putnam Valley Conservative Party Town Chair Henry Lopez, and Putnam County Legislator Paul Jonke who represents Southeast.
Thea had a blast trying the traditional ring toss, and coming home with a puppet, yet another thing we need to find a place for!
Putnam County 4-H Fair (Kent)
This was the highlight of the summer so far. Kudos to the Putnam County government and the folks at 4-h and Cornell Cooperative for putting on a fair worthy of admiration.
I spent time there manning the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District Board display table, and engaging with passers by on all the ways water infrastructure impacts their tax dollars, the benefits of Agriculture on the community, and much more.
Of course I also spent time as a visitor checking out all of the amazing displays, especially the Putnam County Historical Pavilion which was a great reminder that Putnam’s history is American history.
The food was outstanding, including form Carmel Hamlet’s own Olde Tyme New York hotdog stand. The activities and rides for the kids were a huge plus for the many families who attended.
One of the more beautiful moments was the rededication of the Whipple-Feeley Chapel, which showcased the many veterans who helped make Putnam County so special getting immortalized with their own plaques.
Was great to see so many community leaders out enjoying the fair as well. Got to see County Executive Kevin Byrne, Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi, Putnam County Legislators Nancy Montgomery, Amy Sayegh, Bill Gouldman, Laura Russo, Erin Crowley, and Dan Birmingham, as well as Putnam Valley Town board members Sherry Howard and Christian Russo, and Kent Town Board member Shaun Boyd. Carmel Town Supervisor candidate Jean Hopper was also there, along with Putnam County Legislature Candidate for District 6 Thomas Sprague!
Lots of fun at event that was all about the people coming together!
Putnam County Naturalization Ceremony (Carmel Hamlet)
I had the true honor of attending July 16th’s Naturalization Ceremony in Putnam County’s Historic Courthouse.
It really put so much into perspective. Like how hard these folks worked, and the trials and tribulations they pushed through for the honor of being able to be American, something those of us lucky enough to be born here perhaps at times take for granted.
The pride they had, for what was now true, that they are now Americans, was beautiful and emotional.
The moment that struck me most, was after the applicants gave their sworn oath of allegiance to the United States, we ALL rose and sang the National Anthem, TOGETHER, for them their first time as Americans.
No one asked about party. We just sang our nation’s anthem, as Americans new and old. How silly “politics” felt in that moment.
Not a dry eye in the house. Kudos to Michael Bartolotti and his staff for putting this ceremony together, and for taking great care with what it means to be an American.
