10 May "Give Where You Live" May 10, 2024 By Town Clerk . Community News, General 0 "Give Where You Live". Related Articles Public Hearing Notice - 10/26/21 @ 730pm via ZOOM: Application of Kingsville Synagogue to Receive an Area Variance From the Schedule of District Regulations Table for RR-1 Acre Zoning District Without Central Sewers, to Permit a Third Story Where NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to §§ 57-63.G and 57-65 of the Code of the Town of Monroe and §§ 267-a of the NYS Town Law, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Monroe, New York, will hold a Public Hearing on the 26th day of October, 2021 at 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard that day on the application of Kingsville Synagogue to receive an area variance from the Schedule of District Regulations table for RR-1 acre zoning district without central sewers, to permit a third story where maximum building height is only 2 ½ stories. The lands affected by this application are located at 10 Kingsville Drive in the Town of Monroe and shown generally on the tax maps of the Town of Monroe as Sec. 1, Block 1, Lot 4.32. A copy of the application is available for public inspection at the office of the Zoning Board during regular business hours. The meeting is open to the public. The Public Hearing shall be conducted via video/tele-conference and so there will be no physical meeting location in order to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the Monroe residents. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89491586412?pwd=M1RsQlNORGMrVE9EaVU5MXU3QUJKZz09 Meeting ID: 894 9158 6412 One tap mobile +19292056099, 89491586412, # US (New York) Dial by your location +19292056099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 894 9158 6412 The Meeting is being held in accordance with the New York State Public Officers Law and Executive Order 202.1 (“EO 202.1”) issued on March 12, 2020 and Executive Order 202.15 issued on April 9, 2020, by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, which suspended Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, to the extent necessary to permit any public body to meet and take such actions authorized by the law without permitting in public in-person access to meetings and authorizing such meetings and public hearings to be held remotely by conference call, video conference or similar service. For any person unable to participate at the time of the meeting, email comments may be submitted in advance to [email protected]. Accordingly, NO IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE IS PERMITTED FOR THE MEETING. Public comment shall be permitted and all persons participating shall be entitled to be heard. Dated: Monroe, New York October 12, 2021 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF MONROE, NEW YORK BY: MICHAEL MURPHY, CHAIRMAN O&R: Heating Prices Rise as the Winter Approaches; Planning Remains the Key to Saving Money, Energy PEARL RIVER, NY Nov. 1, 2021 4:30 p.m. --- Orange & Rockland (O&R) is urging its 130,000 natural gas and its 226,450 electric customers to use energy efficiently this winter with bills projected to be higher than last winter. The increase is due mainly to higher natural gas supply costs for both natural gas and electric customers as natural gas is one of the main fuels that power the production of electricity. O&R does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply. The company analyzes supply and demand forecasts and uses a variety of buying methods, including short-term and long-term contracts, to get the best natural gas prices for its customers. O&R provides the commodity to customers at cost. The cost of natural gas has increased as the demand for the commodity has increased, exports have increased, and severe weather has hindered production in the Gulf of Mexico area. These and other factors have caused a decline in the amount of gas in storage in the United States. Based on comparing the forecasted winter 2021-2022 to the prior three-year average of bills, the following would be the increase: A residential customer using on average 600 kWh per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $122.97 to $144.20, or 17.3% as compared to the average of the prior three winters. A residential customer using on average 177 Ccf per winter month will see an average monthly bill increase from $232.52 to $273.92, or 17.8% as compared to the average of the prior three winters. The key to controlling home energy costs is managing usage. That becomes more important with costs rising. To help O&R’s natural gas and electric customers further manage their winter energy costs, O&R offers the following O&R Advises To make natural gas work harder for you, it makes sense to have a qualified heating contractor or plumber clean and inspect your heating system before winter sets in. An efficiently burning heating system not only makes your natural gas dollars go farther, but it’s cleaner and safer. Taking steps to tighten up insulation by using weather-stripping at all attic stairwells and access points and stopping cold air infiltration from electric switch and plug outlets by using draft blockers can also pay off. In addition, double-checking all points where heat enters a room to make sure, draperies, furniture or other obstacles do not interfere with the free flow of heat is a practical, easy way to help. And, you can take advantage of your smart meter by viewing your detailed energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at www.oru.com to more effectively manage your household energy dollars. Those tips, and other energy conservation and efficiency steps, gain greater importance if extreme cold weather, or other supply factors develop over the winter. What can residential customers do to further control their energy costs? Shop for alternate energy suppliers which may or may not provide you with a cheaper price on energy purchases. For more information about energy shopping, go to www.oru.com and the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) website at www.newyorkpowertochoose.com. In addition, to better manage the monthly utility bill to avoid unpredictable bills that result from seasonal usage variations, sign up for O&R’s Budget Billing program. Budget Billing does not reduce your overall energy expense. It simply lets you spread out your annual energy expense over a 12-month period (with updates every six months) and lets you know ahead of time what your monthly payment will be. That makes managing the household budget much easier. And for convenient shopping for energy-saving household products, it’s hard to beat the My ORU Store www.myorustore.com. It’s a digital marketplace that offers O&R’s residential customers a wide variety of energy-saving household products including LED lights, water/energy saving devices, advanced power strips, smart thermostats and connected home products. The My ORU Store makes saving energy and money, both easy and affordable. For additional information about other energy efficiency and free winter energy saving tips, visit O&R’s website at www.oru.com/save. O&R reminds the public that anyone who smells natural gas should leave the area immediately and call 911 or O&R’s emergency gas hotline at 1-800-533-LEAK (5325). 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. 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. DEC Announces Hunting and Trapping Licenses are Now on Sale Expanded Hunting Opportunities Continue for the 2022-2023 Season New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2022-2023 seasons are now on sale. Expanded hunting opportunities offered last year are also available to hunters this year. "Half-a-million New Yorkers enjoy hunting each year and DEC is excited to increase hunting opportunities again this season for long-time hunters and new participants to the sport," Commissioner Seggos said. "As always, safety is a top priority and I remind all hunters to follow the key principles of hunter safety before heading afield." Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at license-issuing agents, or by phone at 866-933-2257. The new hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2023. Annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. New York's habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC's conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come. DEC also encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a Habitat and Access Stamp each year. Funds from the $5 stamp supports projects to conserve habitat and improve public access for fish- and wildlife-related activities. This year's Habitat and Access Stamp features a red eft, a juvenile eastern newt. Expanded Call Center Hours Beginning this week through Nov. 30, the DEC Call Center is accessible from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Regular call center weekday hours will resume Dec. 1. Individuals should have the following items ready when buying a license: Complete contact information (e.g. name, address, email address, telephone number); DEC customer ID number (if applicable); Proof of residency (e.g., driver's license or non-driver's ID with a valid New York State address); and If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card. If not already entered in DEC's automated licensing system, individuals are required to provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases. For additional information, visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on DEC's website. Deer Management Permits (DMPs) DMPs, the tags issued for antlerless deer, are available at all license-issuing outlets, by phone, or online through Oct. 1, 2022. DMPs are used to manage the deer herd and are issued through an instant random selection process at the point of sale. The chances of obtaining a DMP remain the same throughout the application period; hunters need not rush to apply. The 2022 chances of selection for a DMP in each Wildlife Management Unit are available online, through license issuing agents, or by calling the DMP Hotline at 1-866-472-4332. Detailed information on Deer Management Permits and this fall's Deer Season Forecast is available on DEC's website. The 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC hunting regulations webpage. Copies will be available at license-issuing agents. Online and In-Person Hunter Education Training Courses All first-time hunters, bowhunters, and trappers must pass one or more courses before they can purchase a license. Online and in-person courses are available. In-person courses include a field day where new hunters can get hands-on experience. All in-person courses are free of charge, but space may be limited. Courses fill quickly, so participants are encouraged to sign up early. Visit DEC's website for more information, including a list of courses, registration instructions, and how to obtain study materials. The requirements to earn a New York State hunter education certificate can also be met by completing DEC's online hunter education course and passing the exam. Upon passing, participants will receive a hunter education certificate to purchase a hunting license. Participants must be New York State residents. The cost of the course is $19.95. The online course can be accessed at DEC's website. New York State is also offering an online bowhunter education certification course. Upon passing, hunters will receive a bowhunter education certificate. Participants must be New York State residents. The cost of the course is $30. The online course can be accessed at DEC's website. Additional Hunting Opportunities Continue Additional deer hunting opportunities initiated last year will continue in 2022. A special early season for antlerless deer runs from Sept. 10 to 18, 2022, in select Wildlife Management Units. Twelve- and 13-year-old hunters may pursue deer with a firearm or crossbow under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter in counties that opt in to the program (see Junior Big Game Hunting map and details), and the new holiday deer hunt provides a second portion of the late bow and muzzleloader season from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 in the Southern Zone. These opportunities contribute to deer management, allow for young hunters to be mentored by experienced adults, and enable families and friends to hunt together during the holiday season. Opportunities for Junior Hunters and Trappers To foster the next generation of responsible hunters and trappers in New York, DEC expanded opportunities for junior hunters (licensees aged 12-15) by designating special youth hunts for deer, wild turkey, pheasants, and waterfowl, as well as opportunities for junior trappers (younger than 12 years old) by establishing the trapper mentoring program. These opportunities allow young hunters and trappers to spend time in the field with experienced adults and gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of the hunting and trapping community. More information about these programs and other opportunities for junior hunters and trappers is available on DEC's website. Remember: Hunt Safe, Hunt Smart! The number of hunting-relating shooting incidents is declining, but even one incident is too many. Hunters can prevent injuries and fatalities by following the rules of hunting safety: Assume every gun is loaded; Control the muzzle in a safe direction; Keep your finger off the trigger until firing; Be sure of your target and beyond; and Wear hunter orange or pink. Tree stand falls are a major cause of hunting injuries. These hunting-related injuries and fatalities are easily preventable. Hunters are advised to use a full-body harness and fall-arrest system and stay connected from the time they leave the ground until the time they return. Hunters are advised to check stands (including straps and chains) every season and replace worn or missing parts. The proper use of tree stands and full-body harnesses helps prevent injuries and fatalities. Recently-enacted legislation established new requirements for the purchase and transfer of ownership of semi-automatic rifles and the purchase, possession, storage, and transport of firearms and ammunition in New York. See the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws (PDF) on DEC's website for initial guidance. More detailed information will be coming soon. Keep Chronic Wasting Disease Out of New York Hunters should take the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) seriously. CWD is always fatal to deer, elk, moose, and caribou. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and be practically impossible to eliminate once established, threatening the future of New York's deer population, hunting tradition, and many of the other benefits associated with deer. The most effective disease management strategy is to prevent CWD from entering New York. Hunters can help protect New York's deer herd from CWD by following these tips: If hunting any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, debone the animal before bringing it back, and follow the law about importing carcass parts from outside of New York. See CWD Regulations for Hunters. DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts; Avoid products containing real deer urine, like scent lures. Prions are shed in the bodily fluids (saliva, feces, urine) of infected deer before they appear sick. Prions bind to soil and plants where they remain infectious for years. There is no way to ensure that products containing deer urine are free of prions. Instead, choose synthetic alternatives; Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not on the landscape; Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles; and Report any deer that appears sick or is acting abnormally. Hunters: Want Older Bucks in New York? It's Your Choice Many deer hunters dream of seeing and shooting a large buck, but there is great temptation for a hunter to take the first buck they see, often a young buck, when the opportunity presents itself. New York hunters can increase the likelihood they will harvest an older, larger buck, simply by choosing to pass up shots at young, small-antlered bucks. Older bucks create more rubs and scrapes, are more challenging to hunt, and yield more meat -- all things that may enhance the deer hunting experience. Many New York hunters are already voluntarily choosing to pass on young bucks. As a result, the availability and harvest of older, larger-antlered bucks is increasing. To see and take more older bucks, DEC encourages hunters to work with neighbors and hunting partners to cooperatively reduce harvest of young bucks, improve habitat conditions, and ensure adequate harvest of antlerless deer. For more information, go to DEC's website. https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html ORANGE & ROCKLAND OFFERING ASSISTANCE AS ENERGY MARKET PRICES SURGE 9-9-22 ORANGE & ROCKLAND OFFERING ASSISTANCE AS ENERGY MARKET PRICES SURGE Company Reminds Customers of Payment Options, Budget Billing, Energy Saving Tips, Energy Efficiency Programs PEARL RIVER, NY September 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – Orange & Rockland (O&R) is urging customers to take actions now that can help them manage costs this winter as market prices for electricity and natural gas are expected to be substantially higher. Though summer is still winding down, Orange & Rockland, recognizing the hardship high bills can impose, is letting customers know what they can expect for energy costs in the winter of 2022-23 and steps they can take to soften the impact. The company offers Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bill and a number of Payment Plans and Assistance, including Budget Billing, which smooths customers’ costs out throughout the year. The company encourages customers to check out its energy efficiency incentives for upgrades customers make to their homes. Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits Utility companies and customers across the Northeast are facing similar circumstances. The increases in customers’ bills are mainly due to increases in the market cost of natural gas, which is volatile and influences electric market costs. The company currently projects that its average residential natural gas heating customer using an average of 158 ccfs per month will pay $337 a month from November 2022 to March 2023, 44 percent more than the average bill of $234 a year earlier. Orange & Rockland buys natural gas and electricity on the wholesale markets and uses a variety of strategies to stabilize pricing for customers. The company does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply. Higher natural gas prices also affect the cost of electricity since power generation plants in the region run mainly on natural gas. A typical O&R residential customer using 600 kWh a month this winter will pay about $174, a 28.8 percent increase over last winter’s $135 based on current projections. The best strategy for Orange & Rockland’s approximately 358,00 NY energy customers is to carefully manage their usage. Customers can save money on energy by using these tips: Set your thermostat at the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable and safe. Whether you are using a gas furnace or an electric heat pump, each degree lower decreases heating costs. Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or anything else that could obstruct the flow of heat. Have a qualified contractor clean and inspect your heating system. Insulate hot-water pipes and warm-air ducts that pass through unheated areas. Clean or replace filters for your hot-air furnace and heat-pump. Swap out window shades seasonally. Light-colored window coverings reflect the sun's energy, while darker ones absorb it and release heat. Replace conventional light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are up to 10 times more efficient and are widely available and affordable. The company offers help for customers who are struggling with their bills. Orange & Rockland can put customers on Payment Plans and Assistance, so that they can pay off balances over time, rather than all at once. Orange & Rockland also is implementing the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program, which the company helped design and propose. Under that program, residential customers who receive qualifying government assistance will receive a bill credit on their past-due balance for service through May 1, 2022. If you are enrolled in Orange & Rockland’s Energy Affordability Program or received Emergency Rental Assistance Program or Home Energy Assistance Program-Regular Arrears Supplement benefits, your bill credit will be processed automatically, and you do not need to take any action. In addition, your service will not be suspended for non-payment while your bill credit is being processed. Customers who receive benefits from certain government programs may qualify for discounts on their monthly energy bills. Orange & Rockland offers information on these and other Payment Plans and Assistance it has available for customers. The company’s information campaign to keep customers informed about winter bills will include press outreach, e-mails, bill inserts, social media postings, conversations with elected officials and other communications. Orange & Rockland also notes that energy costs are changing quickly with significant shifts daily. The company will continue to refine its winter pricing forecast. Natural gas supplies are expected to remain tight this winter, and any disruptions from interstate gas transmission providers could further constrain supplies. O&R remains vigilant in its monitoring of operational conditions. About Orange & Rockland Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), also a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., is a regulated utility. O&R 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. 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). Comments are closed.