April has been a busy and exciting month in Menands.

Village:

The 2015/2016 Village Budget was passed. Staying within the 2% tax cap at 1.54%, the tax rate increase is $0.14 per $1,000 over last year. This equates to an increase of $14.00 for homes assed at $100,000.Thank you to Treasurer Bill Smith, Dept. Heads and the Village Board for their efforts in achieving this budget.

Public Safety:

With the recent retirement of members from the Menands Police Dept., Chief Mike O’Brien introduced new members, Officers Paul Stone and Ty Bariteau, to the Village Board. Officer Bariteau is a Village resident and both officers are transfers from the Albany County Sheriff’s Dept. Best wishes to  Sgt. Gene Connors and Officer Andy Cohen in their retirement and we thank each of them for their 20 years of service to our Village.

The Annual Joint Installation Dinner for the Menands Fire Co. #1 and Auxiliary was held. Congratulations to the 2015 – 2016 Line Officers, Civil Officers and Board of Directors of the MFC and to the Officers of the Auxiliary for their dedication and commitment to our Village.

Economic Development:

I was honored to be asked to participate in the ribbon cutting at Dr. Eric Luper’s Chiropractic Office Grand Opening. We are happy that Dr. Luper decided on Menands for his place of business and he is happy to be here.

I was also invited to attend the Ground Breaking ceremony at The Loft’s at Albany International. The $30 million renovation project will convert the building into 145 high-end loft apartments and include a yoga studio, fitness center, tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Developer Uri Kaufman praised the Village for our dedication to this project. We look forward to the Grand Opening.

Community:

The annual Village Easter Party was well attended. Thank you to Youth Director Brianna Coughlin, her counselors and Dan Carroll for their part in this family event that was fun for all.

Opening Day of Baseball was held. Thank you to the League officers, coaches, parents, the Menands Fire Dept. and the community for always making this a special day for the kids. Congratulations to Paul DeDominicis for being introduced by League Co-President Steve Boulet to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Paul has participated in the league in various capacities over many years and this honor was well deserved.

A Night of Comic Relief annual fundraiser was held to benefit the Derek Murphy Fund. Derek is the son of Menands Police Officer John Murphy. This event is a great time in support of one of our own.

Pay-It-Forward Together committee is  hosting “Prom Closets”. The Prom Closet was established to assist girls with a gently used prom dress paid forward from other girls in the community. What a great idea! For additional information or to donate prom apparel contact Carol Darmetko @ 396-7580.

Empower Ethiopia First Annual Fundraiser was held and hosted by the Buoniconto-Hayes family from Menands. This fundraiser is in support of the Let Us Change Ethiopia, a nonprofit organization that provides a home and education for children previously living on the streets in Ethiopia. As always there was a great outpouring of support from the  community and part of what makes Menands a special place to live.

Until next time,

Mayor Meg