The State of the City
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
JANUARY 29, 2008
Together we proudly celebrated our City’s centennial last year. I want to,
again, thank all
those who gave their time and talent to make our 100th birthday the
success it was. As we
begin our City’s next one hundred years we can, together, continue moving in a
direction
that will make Port Jervis an even better place to live, work and play.
It is with much pride that I stand here this evening to deliver the 2008 State
of the City.
I want to first thank all city employees for the efforts they put forth as they
perform their
daily assignments. Thank you, too, to those who serve on the many boards and
agencies
throughout the year. Our employees and volunteers truly are the heart of this
great City.
As I sat down to draft this address the past several days the news media has
been abuzz
regarding the national economy, including talks of recession. The President has
suggested
an infusion of money, via rebate checks, to individuals and couples in an
attempt to
stimulate the economy. The worldwide financial markets have been on the decline
and
the Federal Reserve cut lending rates by ¾%. Our State is facing a multi billion
dollar
deficit and our County is very concerned about meeting its sales tax revenue
projections.
All of these factors have an affect on our City’s financial status.
Fortunately we in City government have kept a close eye on our finances. We have
budgeted wisely and kept our belts tight. We will continue to be watchful while,
at the
same time, make every effort to provide our departments with the necessary funds
to
continue the levels of service you, the taxpayer, deserve.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
2007 saw our Police Department go through a top level transition with the
retirement of
Chief Craig Cherry and the appointment of Chief William Worden. Chief Worden hit
the
ground running, never missing a beat. He, along with Lieutenants Jim Bisland and
Bill
VanInwegen oversee a very professional department. The department’s proactive
community oriented efforts are an integral component of the City’s
revitalization.
The department uses the Uniform Crime Reporting system to track Part I and Part
II
criminal activity. Part I crimes are of a very serious nature and include such
things as
murder, rape, robbery. burglary, motor vehicle thefts and serious assault and
larcenies.
Part II crimes consist of all other crime classifications not listed as Part I
crimes.
Reported offenses of Part I crimes shows a 6% decrease in 2007 as compared to
2006.
The department, however, experienced an increase in other areas of service last
year
as compared to 2006. This increase includes 23% more Part II drug offenses, 29%
rise
in disorderly conduct offenses, 17% more arrests for DWI and a 9% overall
increase in
criminal complaints. These increases are attributed to a stronger focus on
proactive
policing strategies. The department filed 804 felony complaints, 1,010
misdemeanor
complaints and 1,239 violation/other complaints with the City Court last year.
Crime prevention initiatives were a top priority last year. The first National
Night Out
was held in August with an estimated 1,000 area residents in attendance. The
department
participated in the County gun buy-back program with a total of 28 handguns, 5
shotguns
and 12 rifles being turned in and safely disposed of. The Department’s
“Neighborhood
Watch” program was revived and saw several sections of our city organize watch
groups.
4 additional surveillance cameras were purchased and installed throughout the
City
through the acquisition of grant monies. Three were as a result of our
participation
in the gun buy back program and the fourth through an LETTP Grant. These cameras
have played a vital role in the department’s crime fighting efforts.
With training remaining a priority in 2007 an officer was trained and certified
as a child
occupant restraint technician. This enables our department to provide another
valuable
public service.
The Department’s efforts in obtaining grant dollars has enabled officers to
participate in such programs as Orange County’s STOP DWI Program and NYS’s
Buckle Up
NewYork Campaign.The DWI program provided money for 160 additional patrol hours
targeting intoxicated drivers whilethe Buckle Up Program provided funds for 29
additional
patrol hours for seat belt enforcement. Other awards totaling approximately
$35,000.00 have
provided funds for selective traffic enforcement, radar equipment and computer
equipment
geared to provide updated laptop units for patrol vehicles. The Department’s
Juvenile Aid
Bureau continues to be a vital asset to our community and our youth. The Bureau
partners
with the School District and numerous community agencies to provide valuable
education,
safety and recreation programs throughout the City.
Since 1989 the department has partnered with the School District in offering the
D.A.R.E.
Program to students. 236 fifth graders graduated the program in 2007 joining
hundreds of
prior grads receiving the essential skills and knowledge to resist substance
abuse and
negative peer pressure. Juvenile Aid Bureau Detective Stanley Buczek and D.A.R.E.
Officer,
Kelly Decker, serve as positive role models for our youth.
Chief Worden is looking forward to an ambitious year of service in 2008.
Improving
and strengthening the department’s organizational capacity and response to
community
needs will be the top priority. The Chief will undertake the rigorous process of
accreditation
to meet and exceed the expectations of quality and professionalism in Law
Enforcement.
Community Policing will continue with an emphasis on improving the quality of
life for
all residents. Plain clothes officers will patrol targeted special neighborhood
conditions
and continue an aggressive narcotics enforcement strategy. Crime prevention will
continue by
supporting active neighborhood watch groups, conducting the 2nd
annual National Night Out
and participating in public educational Activities.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Our Department of Public Works continues to turn out one project after another.
Director
Vince Lopez and Deputy Director Jack Farr lead a dedicated group of employees
who
take pride in keeping our city looking good and functioning well. From cutting
grass to
plowing snow, picking up trash to maintaining City buildings, from top to bottom
and
regardless of conditions our DPW staff gets the job done. The department is
instrumental in the success of the Soap Box Derby, various parades, events and
celebrations.
Beside their day to day activities, the department undertakes many major
projects
last year’s widening of Jersey Avenue, between Fowler and Front Streets, was a
huge
benefit to vehicular traffic, parking and pedestrians safety.
Our crews completed the installation of the antique lighting project along
Jersey Avenue.
The enhanced lighting makes for a safer thoroughfare for motorists and
pedestrians alike.
The construction of the “Centennial Pavilion/Bandstand”, in Riverside Park, is a
wonderful addition to that beautiful complex. The project is complete with
lighting and
electric service and will serve our community for many years to come. The
pavilion/
bandstand certainly contributed to the success of our centennial celebration.
The installation of a “Clay-Valve” on Hudson Street was another major
undertaking.
This installation improved water pressure to scores of homes in that section of
our
third ward. The project was designed and constructed, by the department, in a
way that
saved thousands of dollars in taxpayer money.
In 2008 the department will formulate a multi year plan to replace aging
equipment,
much of which has unfortunately exceeded or will soon exceed its’ life
expectancy. We
will also assess our infrastructure and explore means for upgrading.
ASSESSOR
The STAR program and the upcoming census requirements have added to an already
busy Assessor’s office. Assessor Yvonne Duryea and Clerk Teresa Spradling have,
however, been up to the challenge. The STAR program requires many hours of
review,
upgrading files and educating individuals as properties are transferred or ages
of home-
owners change.
The office continues to review, inspect and measure properties to identify
changes.
Yvonne adjusts physical inventory, revises tax maps and completes exemption
statuses
which results in determining assessments changes. She investigates the validity
of
property transfers and sales prices to ascertain an accurate picture of the real
estate
market.
The Assessor’s Office continually oversees the difficult process of E-911
address
changes. She gives individual attention to the property owner whose address is
affected and makes proper notifications to all necessary parties.
On a daily basis, Yvonne’s office updates tax maps, works on subdivisions,
maintains
bank codes, works with property/potential property owners, real estate
personnel,
appraisers, title companies, contractors and attorneys.
Yvonne reports a 7% decrease in property transfers during 2007 with a median
sale price for a single unit home being $178,775.00, only a 2% drop compared to
2006.
She has updated her records by obtaining digitized photos of buildings and is in
the
process of computerizing her property records including electronic sketching of
buildings.
Yvonne’s main goal for 2008 is assessment equity and to produce an accurate and
fair assessment roll. Secondly, she wants to provide up-to-date accurate
information
to the U.S. Census Bureau which is crucial for our City when applying for
federal
and state funds. Thirdly Yvonne wants to stagger exemption renewal applications
to minimize the time applicants must wait to file.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
2007 was, again, a very busy year for Building Official Wayne Kidney and
Assistant
Laurie Powrie. Efforts continue to ensure that existing structures and
properties are
maintained at a high quality of exterior maintenance and repair. The department
issued
30 violations for exterior maintenance, 114 violations for untidy yards &
courts, 194
violations for grass & weeds and 48 violations for unregistered vehicles stored
on
properties. 42 multiple dwellings were inspected yielding numerous violations
of health and safety codes. Working with the Department of Public Works, Wayne’s
Office issued 149 violations of the garbage ordinance.
The Building Office issued 262 permits for alterations, additions and repairs to
existing
commercial and residential buildings with a value of $2,405,713.00 and 16
permits were
issued for new construction with a value of $2,450,000.00.
Our Planning Board, Chaired by Tom Vicchariello, and Zoning Board of Appeals,
Chaired by Tim Simmons, entertained 11 and 7 applications, respectfully, last
year.
Wayne serves on the Board of Directors of the NYS Building Officials Conference
after
6 years as President. He remains as the delegate to the NYS Organization. He is
serving
his 8th year as Pres. of the board of Directors of the Hudson Valley
Code Enforcement
Officers Educational Conf. as well as other state committees.
Wayne and Laurie will continue to strictly enforce the various codes to ensure
public
safety and health. The office will work closely with the Code Committee in an
effort to
bring the City’s codes up to date and stay compliant with NYS Uniform Fire
Prevention
and Building Code requirements.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Joe Kowal Sr, Asst. Chiefs Jim Fuller and Jeff Rhoades lead a professional
and
very dedicated Volunteer Fire Department. Regardless of time of day or weather
conditions, the City’s firefighters give of themselves to answer the call. The
men
and women of the department were called to action 420 last year. From major
events
to false alarm they left their families, places of employment and social events
to respond.
Chief Kowal and the department recently introduced an innovative piece of fire
fighting
equipment, the FIT5 (Fire Interruption Technology). This device, when
discharged, can
lower the temperature of the inside of a burning structure from 1200 degrees to
250/300
degrees within seconds. This eliminates the dangerous “flashover” that occurs
during
high end temperatures. This device will save lives and provide firefighters
precious time
to get water on the fire. Last year the department took delivery of a new
apparatus for
Engine Co. #2, purchased 14 new Scott Air Packs (3 with mem. Item from Aileen
Gunther) and new turnout gear for interior firefighters. The department also saw
the
completion of the PJFD Museum, complete with department memorabilia, and the
Municipal Training Facility, a state of the art facility. FD Training Officer,
Keith
Brown, secured a $27,000.00 to provide on-line training to members.
Our department Chiefs will look to continue upgrading equipment and provide
training
to our volunteers in the upcoming year.
CITY CLERK/TREASURER
Robin Waizenegger, Clerk/Treasurer, and Sandy Decker, Deputy, oversee a very
busy
office which is the hub of activity for all city departments as well as the
city’s financial
center. Robin’s staff, have and, continues to meet the challenges of ever
changing
accounting and reporting standards. The day to day activities of this office are
varied and
many, but the job always gets done.
The office saw a face lift last year which provides enhanced security for our
employees
and the records they are responsible for as well as handicap accessibility.
Computerization upgrades continue with a new system that provides electronic
receipts
for monetary transactions. Robin will strive to keep pace with required changes
that will
confront her office and plans continued upgrades to various computer systems.
RECREATION
As I mentioned in last years address, I am surprised when I hear some people say
there
is little or nothing for kids to do in our city. Our Recreation Department,
through director,
John Faggione, provides a myriad of activities for all ages. A new format was
instituted
for our summer playground program resulting in the offering of better
activities, longer
hours of operation and more supervisors. This new format also provided for lunch
to be
served at both locations. When added to the lunches served at the Youth Center
the total
exceeded 1,000. Our beach program averaged 35 – 40 bathers per day. Our life-
guards not only kept a watchful on swimmers but they kept the area clean and
provided
a friendly atmosphere.
Adult tennis lessons, co-ed softball, co-ed hockey and arts & crafts were some
of the day
time activities provide. Evening activities included co-ed youth basketball,
co-ed youth
track and flag football. As winter approaches and takes hold recreation programs
move
indoors. The Saturday, 20 week, busy body program is held attracting many
participants.
Youth karate, bowling, volleyball and basketball programs provide instruction
and
competition for many age groups.
Our Youth Center has, again, proven to be one of the City’s best investments.
The level
of participation, last year, exceeded 5,500 youths. The department offers
several special
events throughout the year as well. Snow tubing (weather permitting), Easter
candy dash,
the Annual Delaware River Run, spring cleanup, and trips to a Yankee game and
Hershey
Park are just some of the high-lights.
John and staff are responsible for the annual Halloween parade, 62 years and
going strong.
For the past 12 years they have provided a drop off point for the Santa’s Toy
Box program
providing holiday gifts to area youth.
I would like to thank Recreation Commission Chairman, Thomas Hoppey,
Vice-Chairman,
Luann McCarthy and members Debbie Cunningham, Sue Conklin, Michael Latini,
Lisa Buczek and Lisa Scheibner for their commitment to our recreation program.
COMMUNITY DEVEPLOMENT
Our Community Development Agency’s Director, Kathleen Hendrickson, continues to
be
very successful in obtaining various grants and awards that provide for
development that
might otherwise not be affordable in our community. A total of 1.3 million
dollars was
allocated through the Governor’s Office for Small Cities alone. The most notable
of that
amount is a $750,000.00 award to assist with the Roberta Glinton Medical Office
building project involving Bon Secours Community Hospital and Hall Holdings.
With the
help of CDA, the First Presbyterian Church, the Delaware Valley School District,
local
volunteers and businesses, the first ever Port Jervis Group Work camps Program
was a
resounding success. Plans are in the works to hold another Work camp in 2009.
Major initiatives for this year include exploring our Delaware River Waterfront
Development possibilities through a NYS Division of Coastal Resources Grant
coupled
with Orange County Planning funds and CDA funding. A Community Development
Strategic Plan will also be explored to identify areas where critical services
may be
needed. We will see efforts to begin cleaning up the State Wide Oil property and
continue
the process to do likewise to our “Roundhouse” property.
Nutrition Program
Kathy Shortell and staff, in conjunction with the Orange County Office of the
Aging,
prepare thousands of hot nutritious meals each year. The Senior Dining Program,
at
the Farnum House, is a place for folks to relax, enjoy one another’s company and
be
treated to a delicious meal.
Likewise, the “Meals On Wheels” Program provides home delivered meals to those
who are unable to attend the on-site program. The success of this program is
because
of the many volunteer who give of their time to not only deliver the meal, but
provide
a friendly hello and a smile.
FIRE INSPECTOR
Fire Inspector, Mike Reilly is pleased with the increase of voluntary compliance
of
the various fire and safety codes his office is responsible for. His inspections
still
uncover minor violations that are easily repairable and of concern but the
number
of serious violations continue to decrease.
Mike plans to continue his education efforts regarding proper compliance. He,
especially,
is concerned with the ever increasing electric demands people place on their
sometimes
antiquated home electrical systems. Overloading old systems, utilizing extension
cords
and multi outlet strips, could have devastating consequences.
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Tom Vicchariello does a fantastic job as the City’s Emergency Management
Officer.
Tom’s knowledge and experience has proven invaluable to our City and his
commitment
To the safety of our citizens is truly a great asset.
CITY HISTORIAN
Dick Roberts, last years City Historian, did, as I mentioned early on, a great
job as co-
chair of our Centennial Celebration. Along with planning multiple year long
centennial
festivities, Dick did his usual fine job organizing other City Celebrations like
Arbor Day,
Flag Day and so on.
In 2008 we will welcome a new Historian, Brian Lewis. His experience with the
Railway
Preservation Soc., Minisink Valley Historical Soc. and the Deerpark Museum
coupled
with his enthusiasm makes Brian a nice fit to fill that roll.
I am very proud of where our City has gone over the past 4 years and I promise
to
continue working hard to do what is best for our community.
Last year, as I have mentioned throughout this address, we saw the completion of
many
projects. Other projects are awaiting completion and I look forward to working
with those
responsible parties to bring those projects to fruition. I will continue the
City's fine working
relationship with the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce as our Downtown
Revitalization Plan
comes to life.
For future planning I will have our departments provide the Common Council their
5 year term
projections outlining equipment needs and requirements. This will enable us to
asses the need for,
possible, long borrowing so that we can continue to provide essential
services for you, the tax
payer. At the same time we will project reductions in debt service so that any
taxing impacts
can be minimized.
I have received numerous compliments about how good our City looks. We will do
what it takes
to continue keeping our community clean and esthetically pleasing. I am of the
opinion, however,
that we need to take a long, hard look at our infrastructure. We need to
identify continued trouble
spots in our water distribution system and waste lines and correct them. As the
price tag will be
steep, we will look for State and Federal funding sources to offset cost.
The National and State economy’s are experiencing rough times, both have an
affect on
our City budget. Cuts may be made at those levels and funding sources will
become more
competitive and/or dry up. The burden, then, falls on local governments and you
the tax
payer to make up for those cuts.
However, as I said in my opening, we have budgeted wisely and kept our belts
tight. We will
continue that practice so that our City will continue to be healthy.
Thank you and may God Bless.
Copyright © 2008 The City of Port Jervis, New York.
All rights reserved.
Revised: February 05, 2008.