ANNOUNCEMENTS
Proposed 2020–2021 Budget Available For Review
Due to COVID-19 recommendations, no public attendance will be permitted during the budget board meetings. Comments are welcome via mail or email.
The proposed 2020/2021 Tentative Budget is currently available for review.
DUE TO COVID-19 RECOMMENDATIONS, NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE WILL BE PERMITTED FOR THE BOARD MEETINGS ON APRIL 4, 2020 & APRIL 18, 2020.
Comments or concerns can be directed via email to info@villageofoceanbeach.org, or by postal mail to P.O. Box 457, Ocean Beach, NY, 11770, from April 1, 2020 through April 18, 2020.
Update from the Mayor
Updates on what your Village, the Board, and its workforce are doing during this very challenging time.
Dear Fellow Community Members and Residents,
I thought this would be a good time to share with you some of the things your Village, the Board and its workforce are doing during this very challenging time.
Before that, I want to extend my most sincere warm wishes to all your families who are struggling emotionally but hopefully not physically. I am unaware of any Village resident or employee who has any physical symptoms or is in any danger. I also want to say thank you to our Village staff. They are fantastic and a great source of pride, including some not part of Village employment like Dale and her crew next door at the Post Office.
Just like during Sandy, we are, have been and will rise above this as a community. We had some very dark days and nights back then but we came back stronger than ever. This will lessen and then pass at some point. Until then - everyone must practice the safe social patterns you know about. There is NO reason anyone has to get sick if we all do our part.
The streets are almost entirely empty here at the moment and we have Chief George and his small crew monitoring to make sure we have a handle on who is here. We intend to keep it that way for the near term until we see what direction we get from the County and State.
For quite some time now there have been regular and routine meetings between myself, the fire department, the police and EMS as well as more island wide and regional partners like the FIA and others. This group, known as “the island wide task force” has all of our best interests at its core. Any updates are shared with us quite rapidly. At this moment, there is nothing critical to report on that front and I like that news. You should too. If that changes, I will let you know.
Our office hours are now such that staff is working remotely but the daily work of the Village continues. This includes budget review, critical repairs, web-based meetings and community liaison with the State and County etc.
In regards to the budget, it is my firm belief that we need a zero percent “hold the line” budget this year, and I am in talks with our board, the Village Administrator and Counsel to see what temporary hardship relief we can give our taxpayers. More on that to come. I just wanted you to know that I know you are concerned and suffering. Your whole Board knows that as well.
Ongoing construction is another important and complex topic to resolve and we are doing that right now by going through the open permits. Input from the Building Inspector as per the latest NY regulations is critical though we have some unique circumstances on this barrier island. Finalization of that policy and permit review will happen imminently. We want a policy that’s safe, effective and works as much as practical for all. We will finalize those issues and any new rules in connection with the latest County and State requirements. What things constitute critical or emergency work can be slightly different on a barrier island. At the end of the day, we are not letting profit come before safety. We can thread that needle and be compliant with both the letter and spirit of the law. Any contractors who are still working at the moment are diligently enforcing existing rules. No new permits are being issued.
Here are some numbers to know about. These are facts and figures that I think matter:
There are 150 families right now in OB. Police have confirmed. There are approximately 250 in our protection district which includes other towns.
The Police meet and greet every boat. This is only temporary but helps us have clear understanding of the volume, which thus far is OK according to my meetings with Ian and George. Our street patrols (and my constant walking of the old brown dog) tell us that nearly everyone is staying inside and home.
The Village Office is closed but accessible by phone and all staff working from home. The building inspector and village administrator are here when necessary. They are also on the phone with me every day.
l am in touch with the county, town, and emergency agencies by conference call every day. As you might understand, there is a natural trickle-down effect from Governor Cuomo and County Executive Bellone. They both understand where and how we fit in.
I’m out and about constantly. I’m walking every street at least once a day with my old brown dog. Even though there are additional people here, I am very happy to say I don’t see anyone outside who seems out of place. I do see some families out for a short walk and then they go back home.
We had temporarily closed the bay-front playground but allowed it to be opened as there are so few young children here, we see right outside my office door that any families are adhering to very strict and healthy behavior. We will keep a close eye on that as well. This seemed to be the logical thing to do at the moment.
I am proud to be helping lead the Village team just like during Sandy. And as I said, we are here to help and get this Village and your wonderful lives here back to normal.
Until we get more clarity in the coming days, it is still our belief, my belief, that people should stay where they are and let us make sure that when the time comes, we can welcome you all home with open arms.
Mayor Jim
Important: Self-quarantine for 14 days before coming
Please self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to Ocean Beach during this time.
IMPORTANT:
Anyone coming to Ocean Beach and intending to stay should self-quarantine for 14 days!
James Mallott, Mayor
Village Office temporarily closed to the public
Business is welcome via telephone and email until further notice.
Until further notice, the Village Office located at 315 Cottage Walk, Ocean Beach will be closed to the public.
The Village Office staff will be conducting business via telephone and email.
If you need assistance, please contact the office by telephone at (631) 583-5940 and/or email: info@villageofoceanbeach.org
We urge you to visit this website for any additional updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.
COVID-19 update from Mayor Jim Mallott
How we’re dealing with this emergency in Ocean Beach.
As things rapidly change with the Coronavirus COVID-19 and as more information becomes available I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on how we are dealing with this emergency in Ocean Beach.
As I have said, the Fire Island Ferries are running at this point in time. Could that change? Maybe. We will keep you updated. At the moment, the ferry company is thoroughly cleaning the boats after each trip, and there are reserve crews available should the need arise.
Here in Ocean Beach, we already have approximately 100 families taking shelter in their summer homes. If you are thinking of coming to Ocean Beach to occupy your home, I would like to give you a couple of home truths so you can weigh your decision before you make that move.
We are in winter mode and emergency service is very, very, limited. What do I mean when I say that? Our fire and emergency district runs from Point O’ Woods to Atlantique. We may have a dozen emergency responders; half may be EMT’s. Remember, they’re volunteers — put yourself in that position and think how you would feel if one of your family members were asked to respond to a call with the potential of exposure.
Food, such as groceries and to-go food from CJ’s, Mermaid Market, and Castaway, is available now but could cancel at any moment.
Our playground is open. Please make sure you clean your children’s hands etc. after you allow them to use the playground equipment.
There is a strong possibility of a shelter-in-place order from the state. Consider what the consequences of that mean to you and your family, i.e. ferry service cancelled — you may be stranded here for who knows how long.
Please think long and hard about your decision to come here to Fire Island, or if you’re already here, your decision to stay. Please take all advised precautions and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Jim Mallott, Mayor
COVID-19 Info and Police Check-In
To all residents:
In order to best serve the community during this time, we are asking that any homeowners who have come to the island earlier than normal to voluntarily check-in with the police department.
We are using this information solely to aid the police and fire departments to locate occupied homes in any emergencies, and to maintain a list for garbage pick-up service.
Our goal is always to keep everyone healthy and safe, and we please ask for your cooperation with this effort.
See the fact sheet: What to do if you’re sick?
Thank you,
George Hesse, Chief of Police
James Mallott, Mayor
State of Emergency Proclamation
The Village of Ocean Beach is under a State of Emergency as of March 17, 2020 at 12:00 PM, and shall remain in effect for 30 days unless rescinded earlier by order of Mayor James Mallott.
Public attendance canceled for March 21 Board Meeting
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Due to the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments, the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach have canceled the public attendance for the Board Meeting and Public Hearing scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020, which will take place at the Village Office, 315 Cottage Walk, Ocean Beach, NY at 11:30 am.
Steven W. Brautigam, Village Clerk/Treasurer
Fire Island Association Summer Membership Meeting
Fire Island Association: Working for Fire Islanders since 1955
The Summer Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 1 PM at the Community House in Ocean Beach.
Get the latest FIA updates, PLUS join us for the first in a series of Town Hall meetings with new FINS Superintendent Alex Romer.
Water Taxi transportation will be available compliments of FIA and F.I. Water Taxi
JOIN the FIA today and help preserve and protect the future of Fire Island.
Wagon Notice
Beginning Saturday, 6/30/2019, the East Tennis Court will be used as an additional storage area for wagons.
Kindly lock your wagons to the available chains. Please do not lock wagons to the fence!
Summer Restrictions
Building construction ends Tuesday, July 2, 2019 (No construction on Sunday, June 30, 2019).
Golf carts and bike riding ends Friday, June 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Propane Use Permit
In order to ensure the Fire Safety of the Village, we are implementing a Propane Use Permit.
Every residential and commercial property/tenant who use a 100 pound or larger propane tank shall file for a Propane Use Permit.
If you only utilize BBQ propane tanks, it it only necessary to apply for a Homeowner or Rental BBQ Permit, not the Propane Use Permit.
See the Permit Application under Application Forms and/or contact the Village Office with any questions.
