Town of Ogden 2023 Spring Newsletter

TOWN OF OGDEN 2023 SPRING NEWSLETTER

Dear residents,

As the weather continues to improve and we look forward to warmer days and more time outdoors, I’d like to share what we ’ ve been working on at Town Hall and things we plan to do in the coming months That’s why I wanted to start a new tradition with this Spring Newsletter and hope that you’ll continue to follow along as we work to expand our programming and services for town residents

The Mobile DMV is back at the Ogden Town Hall from 10:00am - 3:30pm on the third Wednesday of every month! I have long advocated for the return of Ogden’s Mobile DMV Unit and appreciate the collaboration with the Monroe County Clerk’s Office to get this done for the community If you are looking for shorter lines, friendly staff and an easier commute, come visit the new and improved local DMV site. No appointment necessary.

We are now in the early stages of completing a new Comprehensive Plan. A lot has changed since it was last updated in 2012 and a new plan will help us cast a long-term vision for the future of our Town. It will provide an opportunity for growth while maintaining Ogden's rural character. With help from our consultant, Bergmann & Ingalls, we plan to engage local families and residents to make sure our new plan is representative of what we would all like to see in the town. We will keep you updated throughout this exciting process.

Our Building and Finance Departments have been hard at work with some very important projects this year The Building Department has worked diligently to identify changes that should be made to improve our Town Code These changes will benefit residents and streamline our zoning process In the Finance Department, we have been in the process of drafting a new Purchasing and Procurement Policy This will bring a greater sense of clarity and transparency, and ensure we are good stewards of your tax dollars!

I am also happy to announce that thanks to efforts by Assemblyman Josh Jensen, the Town has been awarded a $50,000 grant for the construction of a new maintenance barn at Pineway Ponds Park The Town Board has designated $120,000 of ARPA funds to this project, meaning that between the federal funds and the state grant, this additional town resource was constructed without the use of a single local taxpayer dollar

We recently launched an Emergency Preparedness Team consisting of stakeholders from the Town, the Village, Police Department, Highway Department, Fire Department, Monroe 2 BOCES and Spencerport CSD. This group will review the Emergency Preparedness Plan, which serves as a guide for a wide variety of potential emergency situations.

Our team has already accomplished so much for the town, and we ’ re just getting started! I will continue sending you all updates throughout the year and sharing timely information on Facebook @MikeZaleOgdenTownSupervisor. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Spring and Summer season!

TOWN BOARD: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00pm

PLANNING BOARD: 2nd Thursday at 7:00pm

ZONING BOARD: 1st Thursday at 7:00pm

CONSERVATION BOARD: 1st Tuesday at 7:00pm

Mike Zale Town Supervisor

Aaron Baker Councilman

Sal Gerbino Councilman

Josh Hinman Councilman

Steve Toms Councilman

From Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale

What's Happening In

VISIT FROM SENATOR ROB ORTT

Sen. Ortt recently came by for a tour of the Ogden Community Center We met with several of our department heads and discussed some of the exciting projects we ' re working on here in town I’m grateful to Sen Ortt for his continued support and advocacy on behalf of the Town

RECOGNITION OF OGDEN HIGHWAY DEPT.

I attended an event to honor local fire, police and road crews who responded to Erie County following the storm on Christmas weekend. Our Highway Department was among those who were recognized. Thank you to Highway Superintendent Dan Wolf and his team for their efforts, especially for keeping the roads plowed all winter long!

MOBILE DMV IS BACK IN OGDEN

I had the pleasure of formally announcing that the county’s Mobile DMV Unit will once again be stationed at Ogden Town Hall in the board room During mobile hours, staff will be available to process requests and answer questions. However, Real IDs, Enhanced Licenses, and Permit testing will not be available at the Mobile Unit.

OPD TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARDS

Congratulations to Officers Mark Bennetti and Corey Lawhorn from the Ogden Police Department They were recently recognized by the Monroe County STOP DWI & Traffic Safety Program for their DWI enforcement efforts in 2022. This is a testament to their commitment to road safety.

SPENCERPORT ROTARY TRIVIA NIGHT

Spencerport Rotary Club's Trivia Night event at Pinewood Country Club was a lot of fun! I served as one of the trivia hosts Members of the Town Board, Town Clerk Noelle Burley and I became Rotary members earlier this year and we ’ ve enjoyed learning more about the great charity work of this wonderful organization.

Our Neighborhood

STORYTIME AT OGDEN FARMERS' LIBRARY

This year, I was excited to start Storytime with the Supervisor at the library. Each month, I visit Mr. Steve’s story time group to read a children’s book to the kids. I have a blast each time I stop by the library, and I always look forward to leading story time Thank you to our Library Director John Cohen and Children’s Services Librarian Steve Shon for allowing me to participate and for your continued partnership with the Town

2023 ROCHESTER POLAR PLUNGE

Our Ogden Team had an incredible time at this year ’ s Rochester Polar Plunge I was blown away by how many people were there to support the Special Olympic Athletes In total, this event raised over $300,000 I am so grateful to Councilman Sal Gerbino who is the founder and organizer of the Rochester Plunge. Chief Travis Gray also had the distinct privilege of walking the torch with Athlete Emily Brushafer who was this year ’ s top individual fundraiser.

NEW DARE OFFICER IN THE OPD

We are thrilled to share that we hired a new DARE officer to work with 5th grade students in our elementary schools Officer Lindauer is retired from RPD and comes with a tremendous wealth of knowledge

The DARE program is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the school district to teach elementary school children how to resist peer pressure surrounding the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

EXPANSION AT TOWNE & COUNTRY EYECARE

Congratulations to the Town and Country Eyecare team upon the Grand Opening of their new expansion It was awesome to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the 1,500 sq ft expansion with Town Clerk Noelle Burley This is a spectacular facility and I’m grateful to Dr Vadas for investing so much in our community

NEW POLE BARN AT PINEWAY PONDS PARK

It was great to show Assemblyman Josh Jensen our newly constructed maintenance barn at Pineway Ponds Park. The barn will provide a much-needed storage and workspace for town personnel. It will improve efficiencies within the park as well as the safety and security of our equipment. Additionally, a section of this new barn will be used to assist OPD in their investigations related, in part, to motor vehicles. I am always so appreciative of Assemblyman Jensen’s partnership and support of our local initiatives here in Ogden

MEALS ON WHEELS RIDE ALONG

As part of the national March for Meals campaign, I joined one of UR Medicine’s Meals on Wheels program volunteers to deliver meals to local residents. This program provides nutritious meals for homebound, elderly, or ill individuals throughout Monroe County. It is truly an invaluable service that means so much to pro i i t

RIBBON CUTTING AT ROBERTS WESLEYAN

I attended the Grand Opening ceremony for Roberts Wesleyan University’s new Golisano Community Engagement Center, located on Westside Dr in the Town of Ogden This state-of-the-art facility has so much to offer Students will now have a new place to study, socialize, access career services and grab a bite to eat!

HOMESTEADS FOR HOPE GROUNDBREAKING

It was a privilege to be a part of the major groundbreaking event for Homesteads for Hope’s new Forever Homestead building. This incredible space will allow for expanded programing and serve as a yearround meeting space It is an expansion of the Homesteads for Hope Community Farm and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2023 I’m confident it will advance Homesteads for Hope’s mission and allow them to touch more lives in the future