September Rye City Council Updates

School Construction, Pedestrian Safety Projects and Crossing Guards

Thanks to all for continued patience and cooperation as the City and Schools institute traffic, parking and pedestrian safety initiatives with the start of the school year.  New crosswalks, alternate drop-offs, new traffic patterns, new sidewalks, additional parking accommodations and newly paved roads are all part of the safety improvements.  In addition, the City has successfully introduced a new crossing guard program.  The City has long had difficulty in hiring and maintaining a full complement of crossing guards often resulting in police personnel filling vacant spots – over 200 times annually.  The City has hired All City Management Services (ACMS) under the auspices of the Police Commissioner to assume all responsibility for crossing guard services, including recruitment, staffing vacancies and training.

Central Avenue Bridge Re-Opens

The City proudly re-opened the Central Avenue Bridge, a key roadway in Rye after over 6 long years of delays.  Long delays have become more common place with local projects that require NY state funding with never-ending regulatory approvals, but I want to thank the Governor, the State DOT, City staff and the residents for staying persistent in their support and in expediting the project over the last two years. 

Rye Arts Center Lease Extended

Having been approached in 2010 to begin discussions on renewing the lease for the Rye Arts Center which was set to expire in 2 years, I was pleased the Council adopted the negotiated 25-year extension this past week.  The relationship has been mutually beneficial for all and the organization provides a great deal to the community and our children in enhancing our cultural opportunities and quality of life. 

Rye’s 1st Environmental Sustainability Plan Adopted

I was also very pleased to have Rye’s first sustainability plan which has been in development the last few years adopted this past week.  It outlines our shared goals and policies for sustainable development within Rye’s characteristics, and provides a guideline for enhancing and preserving those qualities.  The plan addresses specific recommendations in energy, transportation, waste reduction, water/land use, and community awareness.  Thanks again to our sustainability committee, professional staff and all of those involved.

The New Direction for Playland Takes Another Step Forward

The Sustainable Playland (SPI) project took another positive step this month as the organization submitted its improvement plan to the Westchester County Board for approval.  The SPI proposal has great promise for Westchester residents.  Based on the work of the City’s own strategic committee established two years ago, my work on the County Citizens Committee, and resolutions passed by the Council in support of Sustainable Playland and the Westchester Children’s Museum, we encourage this project to move ahead as soon as possible. 

Labor Negotiations Summary

As outlined in a past issue, for the last five years, the City and the Rye Police Benevolent Association (PBA) have been in negotiations over a new labor agreement. Despite many attempts to resolve outstanding issues, we are at an impasse and have proceeded to binding arbitration.  The last collective bargaining agreement between the City and the PBA covered 2003-2008 and resulted on average a 3% per year (15% cumulative) salary increase with no increase in employee contribution to health insurance or other benefits.  The City's proposal reflects the current economic realities facing the City and is consistent with increases negotiated with other bargaining units in Rye and in neighboring communities. The City of Rye, in order to achieve financial sustainability, must find a way to balance dramatically increased health care costs, along with higher salaries, while working within the mandated tax cap. That is why we continue to seek contracts -- not just for the Police -- that will lessen the impact of higher benefits costs. We esteem the contributions Rye employees make to our safety and well being; but at the same time continue to manage our costs and their long-term impact on Rye residents.