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April 10, 2020 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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We are keeping updated on Coronavirus and doing our best to share this information widely.
What you need to know today:
- This is a holiday weekend and a time many observers spend with their families. While I wish everyone a happy holiday, I cannot urge you enough to stay home, do not gather, and do not visit family members outside your immediate household.
- Governor Cuomo has asked municipalities to begin to crack down and fine those who are not in compliance with the restrictions for gathering. He has raised the fine to $1,000.
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In order to better those serve those in need, the NYS Dept. of Labor website will now allow for a call back option, so that a representative can get in touch with you and answer any questions you may have.
- New York State has updated its guidelines for Essential vs. Non-Essential businesses and workforce. Some changes include landscaping and golf courses among others. See the full list here.
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The Kingston City School District has expanded times and locations for student breakfast and lunch pickup. More info
here.
- For those looking for COVID-19 testing, you still need to contact a physician first to get a prescription or order, but you no longer have to make an appointment for the mobile testing site. If you show up to the mobile testing site without a prescription from a doctor, you will still be turned away.
- We are asking everyone to abide by the guidelines of staying home if you are sick, distancing yourself from others even if you are well, and washing hands and surfaces often. For the sake of yourself and your community, stay safe and take good care.
- We would also love to hear from folks in the community who witness small (or large!) acts of kindness. Email the Mayor's office with your story.
As always, contact th
e County's COVID-19 hotline with questions: 845-443-8888.
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City of Kingston COVID-19 Response
As part of the COVID-19 response, we
have been working to assist residents during this time of crisis, while continuing to deliver all essential City services.
My first priority was ensuring that no one is hungry. The City has been supporting the Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative and assisted with the creation of an Emergency Food Hotline (888-316-0879). Dozens of City staff have been helping to facilitate the hotline, prepare and package meals, and distribute food. The Emergency Food Collaboration is now delivering over 1,000 meals and groceries to 75 families per day.
The City of Kingston has made an additional $30,000 contribution to both Family of Woodstock and People's Place to further support these organizations in providing emergency food assistance, food delivery arrangements, emergency counseling, and more. Mayor Noble has provided additional support to the Emergency Food Hotline efforts by devoting IT efforts to developing the software; renting tents for both the YMCA and People's Place food distribution points; and renting a portable food cooling unit for the YMCA. Additionally, the City is contributing $12,000 to the YMCA for operating costs at the food distribution point.
However, food insecurity is only one of the issues facing our community. Additional efforts include:
- Requesting Governor Cuomo's Office extend the City of Kingston's second property tax payment, which due April 30, for 21 days.
- The Kingston Water Department and Sewer Department has waived all water and sewer bill penalties starting on bill due dates beginning April 7, 2020 until at least May 12, 2020.
- The City's Office of Community Development has secured approximately $440,000 in CDBG Disaster Recovery Funds that will help those most in need in our community.
- The Kingston Local Development Corporation is working to expand its small business loan program to support Kingston's small businesses.
- The City Assessor has cancelled all planned reassessments at this time. Assessments for all properties will remain the same except in the case of improvements, inventory adjustment or change of use.
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Mayor Noble's Daily Update
Mayor Noble is live on the City of Kingston's Facebook page and at Radio Kingston each weekday at 5:00pm. Tune in to hear the day's news and updates. Click below to hear Thursday's update.
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New York State on PAUSE
Governor Cuomo announced the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.
The 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
- Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
- Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
- Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
- When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
- Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
- Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
- Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
- Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
- Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes
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Welcome Lynsey Timbrouck, New Director of Recreation
Lynsey Timbrouck has been
appointed the Director of Recreation for the Parks & Recreation department. Lynsey is being appointed off an eligible Civil Service list and started the new position on April 6.
Lynsey
was most recently a Recreation Leader, where she has been responsible for organizing, planning and implementing community programs, including the department's youth basketball programs, and coordinating special events within the city. Prior to that, Lynsey served in various roles in local government, first as a Community Liaison for New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, and then as the Confidential Secretary for Mayor Noble for the duration of his first term. Lynsey attended the College of Saint Rose on a full basketball scholarship, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Communications in 2011.
"Growing up in the Parks and Recreation Department, I had strong role models who cared about me and supported me to work hard and achieve my goals," said Timbrouck. "Managing this department and giving back to the community who raised me has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Through this work, we have the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of children, adults and seniors each year and I am honored to have the opportunity."
Per the City Charter, the leadership of parks maintenance will move to the Department of Public Works. We look forward to the further improvement of our parks as we continue to enjoy these public spaces.
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Kingston 311
The
Kingston 311 app, website and phone
system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests. The Kingston 311
app, available for
Android
&
iPhones
, is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations.
This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311.
Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us.
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