Mayor’s Message- April 11, 2014

MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Public Safety:
With the attention recently on the crude oil tankers traveling through the Capital District, we wanted to update you on the efforts the Village has made in this regard. We attended a meeting with other municipal leaders and the Albany County Executive to discuss concerns. Additionally, Chief O’Brien, Chief Franklin, Sgt. Lacosse and I attended a meeting with key leaders within Albany County and representatives from CP Rail. CP Rail stated Inspectors are out in our area daily and all cars get a Class I inspection when empty. There were discussions on train lengths, procedures when trains stop during their commute, municipalities being properly notified during delays, contact information for CP Rail in case of an emergency, etc. Chief O’Brien followed up with CP Rail Management after the meeting to discuss issues that pertain to Menands. In addition to the HazMat training our fire dept. has already received, the Menands Police and Menands Fire Dept. are coordinating a specialized training session regarding rail safety.
We have also conducted our own internal meetings with Village Department heads to create an Emergency Preparedness Plan, to coordinate response between our Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, for any emergency that the Village might face. This plan is being reviewed by each department, as well as Albany County Critical Incident Emergency Mgmt. Unit and will be put in place soon.
Another resource to be used in an emergency is the FIRST CALL notification system used by the Village of Menands. A warning message can be transmitted to those residents registered to FIRST CALL. If you have yet to sign up for this alert system, we encourage you to do so by going to the Village website @ www.Villageofmenands.Com and clicking on the FIRST CALL link at the bottom left of the page. The process is quick and easy, and a great tool to stay updated on Village activities.
We will continue to monitor the situation with the crude oil tankers travelling through Menands and coordinating efforts to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Dept. of Public Works
In March, the new garbage truck made its debut. The new truck replaced the 1987 truck.

Economic Development
On Friday, March 28th, the Ideal Food Market had their official Grand Opening. Located in Mid-City Shopping Center, included in their grocery items are many international food products. The opening of Ideal Food Market provides additional food shopping options in Menands and we wish them success.

The Broadway Diner re-opened under new management on December 5, 2013. They offer a full menu, take-out and free local delivery. They are open 7 days per week and have a private dining room that accommodates up to 150 people. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Broadway Diner since it re-opened give it a try. Save room for dessert. The Cheesecake is awesome.

C&C Unlimited, Inc., recently moved into space at 6 Simmons Lane. C&C UNLIMITED, INC. handles a wide range of jobs, but specializes in work including Commercial/Residential Structural and Selective Demolition and Asbestos, Lead, Mold Remediation.

There is other movement on the economic front and I will keep you updated as projects begin.

Community
Opening day of baseball is Saturday, April 26th. The Menands Jr. Baseball & Softball League has been a large part of our community for years and watching the games, especially the night games, and supporting the kids is always exciting. Best wishes to the League for another successful season.

The Summer Concert Series will begin July 8th. Schedule will be announced soon with some great new acts.

Mark your calendars. The Annual Village Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 23rd in honor of the Villages 90th Anniversary. Plans are underway and I will keep you posted as details are finalized.

Until next time,
Mayor Meg