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  DEC Reminds New Yorkers: Annual Residential Brush Burning Prohibition Starts March 16

  Spring Burn Ban Reduces Wildfire Risks, Protects Lives, and Property

  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning begins March 16 and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to help prevent wildland fires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

  “While we’re seeing record breaking fires in Texas right now, we’re also at a higher risk here in New York,” Commissioner Seggos said. "Before the annual burn ban goes into effect next month, we’re encouraging New Yorkers who burn woody debris to do it carefully, don't burn on windy days, and have water or equipment ready to extinguish it if needed. All fires must be attended until completely out.”

  This winter season did not provide typical snow cover across much of New York State, leaving dormant vegetation from last year’s growing season exposed where it is susceptible to the daily fluctuation of spring weather. DEC is advocating extra vigilance before the burn ban goes into effect, as Forest Rangers and local firefighters have already responded to early fires in multiple counties. These fires were caused by debris burning with wind carrying the fire to grassy and wooded areas. 

  Since the ban was established, the eight-year annual average number of spring fires decreased by 42.6 percent, from 2,649 in 2009, to 1,521 in 2018. Warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2024 fire season on DEC's website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

  New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

  Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website. 

  Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).

• As Summer’s Latest Heat Wave Approaches, O&R Reminds Customers of Ways to Save on Bills

  CUSTOMERS CAN MAKE THIS SUMMER

  A SEASON OF SAVINGS AS ENERGY COSTS RISE

  As Summer’s Latest Heat Wave Approaches, Orange & Rockland Reminds Customers

  Of Programs & Tips to Conserve and Save on Bills

  PEARL RIVER, NY June 29, 2022 10 a.m. --- As we begin another hot summer season, Orange & Rockland reminds customers they can take advantage of energy savings opportunities in their homes and businesses to cushion against rising costs.

  The company offers robust energy efficiency programs to help customers stay comfortable and save energy. In addition, Orange & Rockland offers tips where customers can look in their homes and businesses to find energy savings.

  “Every home and business has the potential to reduce its energy usage,” said Charmaine Cigliano, O&R’s director of Energy Efficiency Programs. “We want to help our customers identify those opportunities, so that they can save money and lower their carbon footprint. Our customers are great partners in our efforts to reduce the amount of energy it takes to power our service area in New York.”

  Using energy wisely is more important at a time when energy costs are rising across the United States. Customers who conserve during the summer help Orange & Rockland keep its service reliable for everyone.

  O&R customers can stay cool and save all summer by following these money-saving conservation tips:

  • Set your air conditioner to the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower the thermostat increases costs;
  • Close off rooms that are unoccupied while your AC is running. If you’re in the living room with the AC, close off the other rooms;
  • If you run a business, keep your door closed while the AC is running;
  • To reduce heat and moisture in your home, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s cooler outside;
  • When the AC is running, close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out;
  • Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows;
  • Even when using AC, use ceiling and other fans to provide additional cooling and better circulation;
  • Turn off ACs, lights and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your AC about a half-hour before arriving home;
  • Keep AC filters clean.

  For this summer, O&R is offering residential and small business customers discounts for buying an eligible smart thermostat and $85 for registering it with O&R's Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) Program. Replacing an old air conditioner with a new efficient heat pump can make your home more comfortable and more efficient, while helping you save on your energy bill year-round.

  Orange & Rockland is offering incentives for commercial and industrial customers. They include rebates and incentives for making your business more energy efficient, including high efficiency lighting, HVAC upgrades, and custom designed projects.

   Small and medium-size businesses can get a free, no-obligation energy assessment of their facility. O&R will pay up to 70 percent of the cost for qualified energy saving measures and customers can take advantage of our zero percent financing offer.

  Customers can follow Orange & Rockland on Twitter or Facebook for general outage updates, safety tips and storm preparation information.

  Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York. 

• 
  Berry Road Closure: Wednesday, March 16th

  Please be advised that Berry Road will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for culvert pipe replacements. If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Monroe Highway Department at 845-782-8583.

  Sincerely,

  William Brown Jr. 
  Deputy Highway Superintendent 

• 
  Public Hearing Notice: Registry of all Residential Rental Properties in the Town

  TOWN OF MONROE

  NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Monroe, Orange County, New York, on June 21, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Monroe Sr. Center 101 Mine Rd., Monroe, New York 10950 to consider the adoption of a Local Law F-V1 to establish a registry of all residential rental properties in the Town.

  Said Local Law will be made available for review in the Town Clerk’s Office, 1465 Orange Turnpike, Monroe, New York 10950 and may be examined by any interested party from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday in advance of the meeting after June 13, 2022.

  By Order of the Town Board dated June 10, 2022

  Valerie Bitzer – Town Clerk

• 
  Notice of Adoption RE: Residential Rental Permits

  Notice of Adoption RE: Residential Rental Permits

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  Monroe Free Library March Events

  Monroe Free Library March Events.