News

The State phased reopening for our region is happening!

The Delhi Pool and Playground must remain closed for now. Before it can open, the Southern Tier region in which Delhi is located has to make it to Phase 4 of reopening. An annual risk assessment for the playground that will address any safety concerns needs to be completed as well.

Recreation is an important part of life. The Town of Delhi understands this and is working to facilitate options for our citizens. Currently, hiking trails are open and welcoming. Continue to practice social distancing and mask-wearing.

• Bramley Mountain Trail access is located on Glen Burnie Rd
• Mount Crawford Trails behind Delaware Academy can be accessed by Sheldon Park or the Lutheran Church on Rt. 28
• O’Connor Fitness trail access is located at the far end of parking lot
• Smith Pond Trail access starts at the Delaware Academy Sugar Shack
• SUNY Delhi Outdoor Education Center is located off Rt 28 going toward Bovina and Andes.

Thank you for your patience as we work together.

As a glimpse of the future for the playground, here are some SUNY Delhi student drawings of what the playground might become.

Find more information in the NY Forward Reopening Guide.  

Phase 1

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale Trade
• Select Retail for Curbside Pickup Only
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing

Phase 2

• Professional Services
• Finance and Insurance
• Retail
• Administrative Support
• Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing

Phase 3

• Restaurants and Food Services

Phase 4

• Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
• Education

Please note that the last day to pay Town of Delhi taxes is tomorrow April 30, 2020.  Although the office is closed to the public payments can be dropped in the drop box outside the town hall we check the box daily, or if you are mailing them we will accept payments postmarked April 30th.  The other option would be to pay your Town of Delhi tax bill by credit card; payments can be made on-line via the direct link below.  Please note you will be charged a fee if you utilize the credit card feature:

• https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a001th

You will need to complete the steps as shown and must have your tax map number which is located on your tax bill under “property information” please note the first series of numbers “122801” is NOT part of your tax map number and should not be used when putting in the tax map number. 

Any payments postmarked after April 30, 2020 will be returned to the sender and it will be necessary to contact Delaware County Treasurer’s office for the payment.  Thank you, stay safe!

The Town and Village of Delhi have reached out to the Delhi fire department to help distribute cloth face masks to those who don’t have them.

On Saturday, April 25th from 1:00-3:00 pm please drive by the fire house at 140 Delview Terrace extension and volunteers will be handing them out.

Reminder to stay in your vehicle.

Quantities are limited and will be first come first served.

Although my office is closed to the public I will still continue to accept requests and payments via mail or drop box.  My email is townclerk@townofdelhi.org and the number to reach the office is 607-746-3737, all requests will be answered and taken care of in a punctual manner.  Most forms are available on our website www.townofdelhiny.com. 

Please note I have spoken to NYSDEC regarding the upcoming fishing season, upon their suggestion licenses are available through the NYS DEC call center.  The number is 866-933-2257, option 2; 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday.    You will be asked some questions, and will then be given a number to keep with you while you fish until you new license is received via mail.

If you would like to pay your Town of Delhi tax bill with a credit card instead of sending your payment through the mail or utilizing the drop box; payments can be made on-line via the direct link below.  Please note you will be charged a fee if you utilize the credit card feature:

• https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a001th

You will need to complete the steps as shown and must have your tax map number which is located on your tax bill under “property information” please note the first series of numbers “122801” is NOT part of your tax map number and should not be used when putting in the tax map number.  If you require help please call me and I can walk you through the process.

Take care and be safe! 

We are in unprecedented times as we face the challenge of the coronavirus. We can get through this together by following the guidance given by the CDC and the state and county health departments. 
 
The coronavirus is spread by human interaction, so there is a lot that you can do to help minimize the spread.  You’ve probably heard it a million times, but keeping your hands clean is crucial. Be mindful of what you are touching and don't touch your face with unwashed hands.  Practice social distancing, and limit your interaction with others. It is critical that people keep a six-foot distance between each other.  Remember, that one can be a carrier of the virus even if they don’t display symptoms.  You must also stay home when feeling sick.  
 
The Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce has a new website, www.supportdelhi.com, that will be available soon.  They will be offering suggestions to remind us how Delhi is still a great place to live, work and play while practicing social distancing. They will be providing resources for keeping you and your family happy, healthy and entertained!
 
If you are feeling lonely, please try one of the many apps that can help you stay connected with family and friends.  Facebook, Zoom, and Facetime are a few of the ways to stay in contact with your loved ones without being near them and potentially putting them and yourself at risk.
 
We WILL get through this together!
 

The Town Highway Department will be operating with a reduced crew for at least the next two (2) weeks. This includes all road crews unless there is an immediate need or emergency such as snow removal, downed trees, or other road obstructions.

The Town Highway Department's phone number is 607-746-2237. The voicemail will continue to be checked regularly and frequently.

If there is an emergency, contact 911 or the Delaware County Sheriff’s office at 607-832-5555.

This is in accordance with our state recommendations to reduce the chance of spreading the coronavirus. Thank you for doing your best to limit exposure and being patient with each other. Stay well.
 
Daren Evans, Delhi Highway Superintendent

Our country, our state, and our county have all declared states of emergency to deal with the COVID-19 crisis and updates and recommendations from their agencies come regularly.

As a town, we have taken a few steps to follow recommendations from the CDC, New York State Department of Health, and our own County Public Health Department. As such:

• The Town Hall building at 5 Elm Street will be closed to visitors until further notice. This includes the Town Clerk, Town Assessors, and Town Justice Court offices.
• Town business can be completed by phone (607-746-3737), email (townclerk@townofdelhi.org), or regular mail. 
  • Town Clerk 607-746-3737
  • Assessors 607-746-8843
  • Justice Court 607-746-7278
  • Code Enforcement 607-832-5522

• Scheduled court appearances for March and April 2020 have been postponed and will be rescheduled. You will be notified by mail by the Town Court.
• Any scheduled, in-person Town meetings will be cancelled for the next 4 weeks, alternative options are being explored.

These measures have been put in place to protect our citizens and limit spreading the novel coronavirus. Continue to check our website, townofdelhiny.com, for further updates.

If you are in need of assistance, the County Office for the Aging, Delaware Opportunities, and Delaware Academy have programs in place.

If you are concerned that you may have the coronavirus, please call your primary care provider for screening. They will be able to guide your care. Only use the emergency room for emergencies.

During this time, we hope you and your families stay safe and are able to maintain the social distancing recommended. And remember, Delhi has many outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Delhi Town Board

Mark Tuthill, Supervisor
Bill Cairns, Deputy Supervisor
Matt Krzyston
Janet Tweed
Christina Viafore

Take Notice:

By Office of Court Administration, Sixth Judicial District, the Delhi Town Court is temporarily closed.  If you have a scheduled court appearance at the Delhi Town Court for March and April 2020 these dates have been postponed and will be rescheduled; you will be notified by mail of the new date.  

If a fine payment is due, please mail in a money order payable to:

Delhi Town Court
5 Elm Street
Delhi, NY  13753

Please contact the Town of Delhi Court at 607-746-7278 between the hours of 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday should you have any questions or wish to discuss any court issues.  Thank you. 

The Pool Advisory Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, has been canceled. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 21. 
 

delawarecountypublichealth.com

In response to COVID-19, the Chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, in accordance with recommendations from the County Health Director, has declared a State of Emergency under New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, to preserve the public health and safety and to make available and provide for all required assistance which is vital to health, security, and well-being of the citizens of Delaware County. This declaration is effective Saturday, March 14 through Monday, April 13, 2020.

LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDERS ISSUED: 
Tina Mole, the Chairman of the Board of Delaware County, in accordance with a Declaration of Emergency, issued the following Emergency Orders:

1. In accordance with recommendations from the County Health Director, I order the suspension of all classroom and extracurricular functions with regard to all public schools situated in the County of Delaware, except, schools may remain open for administrative and staff functions. This Order shall take effect at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. on April 14, 2020, unless sooner revoked, but may be extended for additional periods.

2. Delaware County Office for the Aging Senior Meal sites and Senior Transit will cease operations effective immediately. This order shall remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. on April 14, 2020, unless sooner revoked.

Delaware County Public Health Services currently has a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. The State of Emergency declaration will help Public Health reduce the spread.

The 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus is spread person to person by droplets when coughing. It can cause an illness ranging from mild to severe. This virus causes a disease called COVID-19 and can lead to fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Older adults and persons who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart, lung disease or diabetes seem to be at a higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. People who are at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible.

You can take the following everyday preventive actions to stay healthy:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, trouble breathing or pneumonia) talk to your primary care provider. Do not come to the emergency room unless there is a pressing emergency.

For general information about COVID-19 please call the New York State Department of Health 24/7 hotline at 1-888-364-3065. For more information about COVID-19 you can visit www.delawarecountypublichealth.com,https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

According to delawarecountypublichealth.com, Delaware County currently has one confirmed, positive case of COVID-19. Delaware County Public Health is working to reduce the spread. Individuals that came in contact with the person, will be contacted as this is standard protocol for the Public Health department with any communicable disease.  They recommend if anyone has a fever, with cough or experiencing shortness of breath they should contact their health care provider to find out if they meet current criteria for testing.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Lung disease

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. To reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19 these actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease:

• Take everyday precautions 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
  • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.  An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.

For general questions about COVID-19, please call the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) 24/7 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html

Brush Burning Prohibited in NYS March 16 through May 14

DEC reminds residents that with spring approaching, conditions for wildfires will become heightened, and residential brush burning is prohibited March 16 through May 14 across New York State.

Even though portions of the state are covered in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. DEC posts a fire danger rating map and forecast daily during fire season on its website and on the NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App available on DEC's website. Currently, wildfire conditions in the state are low risk.

Historically, open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures are warmer and the past fall's debris, dead grass, and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily and be further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation.

Violators of the state's open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call, 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.  https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/67751.html

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

PLAN AND PREPARE

• Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials
• Create a household plan of action.
• Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses.
• Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.
• Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
• Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

Take everyday preventive actions:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.

TAKE ACTION

In case of an outbreak in your community, protect yourself and others:

• Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath
• If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face
  • *This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)

Put your household plan into action

• Continue to practice everyday preventive actions
• If someone in the household is sick, separate them into the prepared room
• If caring for a household member, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health
• Keep surfaces disinfected
• Avoid sharing personal items
• If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email
• Stay informed about the local outbreak situation
• Notify your work if your schedule needs to change
• Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself

Take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions.

• Consider staying at home and away from crowds if you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues
• Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick and limit close contact with others
• Practice good hand hygiene

Take the following steps to help protect your children during an outbreak:

• Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick with COVID-19
• Keep track of school dismissals in your community
• Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/checklist-household-ready.html

We know you are concerned about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the risk this poses to you, your family and your community. 

The State Health Commissioner wants to assure you that the risk from this virus to New Yorkers remains low. You likely heard in the media, New York identified the first local cases of COVID-19 on March 1st. Despite this, the risk of contracting the virus is still low in New York State. People most at risk are those who have traveled internationally in the past 14 days or have been in close contact with an international traveler in the same time frame. 

The State Health Department is working across the state to ensure plans are in place to minimize the spread of the virus. However, it is important to note that spread in the community is expected, but we can be successful by taking small steps to help contain it. 

Cold and flu viruses are much more prevalent in New York right now. You are far more likely to contract one of these viruses than COVID-19. You already know the steps to take to stop the spread of all of these viruses. Please remember to: 

• Wash hands with soap and water, and often. 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, especially before eating 
• Avoid contact with sick people. 
• And stay home if they feel sick, or are caring for a sick housemate. 

One thing to do, to prepare if the virus becomes prevalent in our state, is to gather and update your home preparedness kits. This kit would ideally contain a thermometer, decongestants, anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen for fevers. Only act on COVID-19 information from reliable sources like the NYS Health Department and the CDC. 

The Department of Health has fielded numerous calls from individuals inquiring about the use of face masks. CDC does not recommend the use of face masks or N95 respirators among the general public. We need to preserve the use of masks and other personal protective equipment for health care workers and individuals who may be ill.

Take the important steps included above and stay home when you feel ill, avoid contact with people who are ill, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands often with soap and water. 

There are medical misinformation and hateful, hurtful rumors circulating on the internet.  New Yorkers can access accurate, reliable and up-to-date information on the Department of Health's website:  www.health.ny.gov/coronavirus. New Yorkers can also call the Department of Health’s hotline at 1-888-364-3065. You can also find reliable information and updates about the virus on the website and social media platforms of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/COVID19. 

One of the goals for Delhi in the Joint Comprehensive Plan is to develop a varied selection of quality housing for people who live and work in Delhi.  One of the implementation steps to address the needs is to conduct a housing market analysis.  On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the members of the Delhi Town Council attended the Public Hearing for the Delhi Housing Study to give input on a housing needs assessment and a market analysis for the Village and Town of Delhi.  Over 40 community members also attended to give their input.

The study will seek to address the following issues:

1. What are the range of housing needs within the community for people of all stages of life and income levels
2. What types of housing options and projects are economically feasible for the local market
3. Potential locations within or near the Village to support such housing

The Village and Town of Delhi intend to use the results of this study to implement definitive housing development projects to meet the needs of residents, aid businesses with issues of worker recruitment/retention and improve community sustainability.

Those who were unable to attend the public hearing can still participate by taking the survey online at www.delhinyhousing.com.  Your input is very important to the process.