January 2021 Newsletter
RuthAnn Speer Loveless, Mayor 824-2024 Jim Stokes, Acting Administrator 824-1111
Russ Lura, Deputy Mayor 750-0222 Kim Taranto, Village Clerk 824-1111
Julie Dudrick, Trustee 825-5525 Mary Ann Henderson, Treasurer 824-1111
Chris Henke, Trustee 723-9002 Don Forth, Codes Enforcement 824-1111
Sean Nevison, Trustee 824-5486
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FROM THE VILLAGE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
Cost, Climate and Convenience: The Village Utilities is working toward a more efficient, cost effective and climate responsible way to send our bills and distribute information to our customers and residents each month. Please take a minute to register for an ONLINE UTILITY ACCOUNT by visiting the Village website at: https://hamilton-ny.gov/pay You will need your utility account number and the last payment amount. Once enrolled, you will receive email notifications that your bill is ready.
Or, just complete the contact information section of this month’s utility bill and return it with your payment to the Village office. Any questions regarding the online portal, emailed utility bills, email notifications of Village news and events, or to update your contact information via email, please contact us at: info@hamilton-ny.gov
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From the Mayor’s Desk
Hello Neighbors,
Most of us are happy to say good-bye to 2020 with the many challenges we confronted. While we do not want to lose sight of the things for which we can be thankful, the arrival of 2021 brings with it hope for a better year, a return to some normalcy, and many more opportunities to share with family and friends. As we learn of local health care workers and responders being vaccinated, it gives us hope that soon we all will benefit from this important vaccine. In the meantime, adhering to COVID protocols must continue to be at the top of our “New Year’s Resolution List” and I urge everyone to renew your personal efforts. “We are all in this together” continues to be our mantra.
We welcome the return of Colgate students on January 22 and 23. As in the fall, they will have been tested prior to arriving in Hamilton and again when they check in. After two weeks of quarantine, they will experience another round of testing before resuming somewhat normal activities. Colgate has required everyone to sign an updated Commitment to Community Health and has instituted a more comprehensive testing program for all during Gates 1 and 2. We continue to be grateful to Colgate for their thoughtful and comprehensive planning, ensuring the safety of those in the Village as well as the University.
We are in the midst of the NY State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, mandated by Governor Cuomo. This is a very important program, and your participation is critical to the success of our efforts. More information is provided in this newsletter and an important survey is enclosed.
I send warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2021!
All the best, RuthAnn
The Village of Hamilton is a Climate Smart Community! The Village of Hamilton has recently received signs that will be posted noting the Climate Smart Community – Bronze Certification – status awarded to the Village by the State of New York last summer. The Village is one of only 55 communities throughout the State to achieve this status. To read more about the initiatives completed by the Village to achieve this award, please visit: https://climatesmart.ny.gov/actions-certification/participating-communities
It’s Winter!
Please Help Keep the Sidewalks Clear! – We take pride in Hamilton being a walkable community, even in the winter. The DPW works diligently to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks, but the Village Code obligates all property owners to keep their sidewalks free from snow, ice and other obstructions. Please help your friends and neighbors by cleaning and salting your sidewalks. If you have any questions about sidewalk cleaning, please call the DPW at 315-824-2590.
Don’t Let Your Water Meter Freeze – Property owners are responsible for the cost of replacing frozen water meters, as well as the cost of water spilled from broken pipes. Please make sure windows and basement openings are secure for the winter to keep water pipes and meters from freezing.
Help Us Keep the Streets Clear – On-street parking is prohibited from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow the DPW to clear the streets in the winter. Please inform any out-of-town visitors!
New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative
As part of the Village of Hamilton’s Police Reform and Reinvention Process, the Village is seeking public comment regarding individual experiences and perceptions of current policing practices, as well as suggestions as to how our police force may better serve the community. Enclosed with this newsletter is a questionnaire which we would greatly appreciate you completing and returning to the Village.
Also, an open community forum will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. during which members of the public will also have the opportunity to comment in person on these issues. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this open forum will be convened using ZOOM telephone/video conferencing technology, and the access protocol for said meeting may be obtained by emailing nancym@hamilton-ny.gov no later than 2:00 p.m. on January 26, 2021 to obtain the meeting invitation link and password, which will be provided to you by return email. For online security purposes, please include your name, address and phone number with your email request.
Village Office – The Village Office remains closed to the public for the protection of our employees and residents. If you need assistance with a Village matter, please call 315-824-1111 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or email the Village Clerk at kimt@hamilton-ny.gov and arrangements will be made to address your concern. Unless it is absolutely necessary to come into the Village Office, all requested documents, such as payment receipts, birth and death certificates, etc., will be returned by mail. You can find information about Village services, updated news, and board meeting minutes on the Village website: www.hamilton-ny.gov