The most recent executive order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all non-essential businesses to suspend in-office personnel functions, affecting many of our retail businesses, services and their employees. Health services and local government services together with pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations are considered essential services and remain open for business.

The village offices and departments are still accessible by phone or email. Questions you may have or need for village assistance: 518-523-2584 or email: lpclerk@villageoflakeplacid.ny.gov.

Although the Town Hall is closed to public access, you can still pay your utility bills using:

1. Drop box in entryway (accessible 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays)

2. By online payment; or

3. By mail.

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Electric department

Late Charges for electric payments due April 2020 are being waived.

Electric turnoffs that would normally occur April 15, note that all accounts in arrears scheduled to have electricity turned off April 15 will be extended to May 15 at which time the situation will be re-assessed.

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Water/sewer department

Services are being maintained at a normal level. Staff has been adjusted in accordance with state mandates to provide some coverage in event one shift becomes exposed and requires quarantine.

Discussion has taken place regarding shared service support with our neighboring Tri-Lakes villages. In the event the need arises we are here for each other.

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Highway department

Street and sidewalk services are being maintained although staffing is adjusted to state mandates.

With mild weather, we are beginning spring cleanup along Main Street and side streets as weather permits. While we have temporarily deferred a community Public Information meeting regarding the Main Street Reconstruction Project due to current mandates, it will be rescheduled in an appropriate forum. Bids will be opened to complete replacement of the Mirror Lake Project on April 7. The plan is to complete that project this summer.

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Police department

Our police department is operating as normal with staffing in accordance with state mandates.

Calls for assistance are being handled without change. With the notable reduction in Main Street traffic, our sole traffic officer will be spending less time on the street until traffic resumes.

As with other first responders, keep in mind if their service is required, it is important to provide a description of the conditions they may be exposed to.

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Fire department

The firehouse is operating under lockdown conditions for the protection of necessary personnel who need to be in the building. Staff are covering emergency dispatch for all services. Operating procedures have been adjusted for village employees and for volunteer firefighters. Extra screening procedures to detect the novel coronavirus are being used. Equipment, including coronavirus kits, gloves are in use. Laundry protocols for turn-out gear worn by the members have been strengthened.

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EMS services

We are advised by a representative of the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service that, in part due to reduced activities in Lake Placid, there have been fewer calls for support. Department supplies have been OK as Essex County Emergency Services has offered support to maintain necessary inventory. Keep in mind if their services are needed it is important to provide our first responders with a description of the conditions they may be exposed to.

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Other information

Hotel lodging is a listed essential service, however, many of our local lodging establishments have elected to close during this time. Further, some local real estate offices have suspended taking vacation rental reservations during this period. We thank them for reducing the risk of the community being exposed to COVID-19. We express our sincere appreciation for this and hope the word spreads to others to defer their plans to spend time in Lake Placid until this current emergency has passed. Other efforts by the village to reduce non-essential traffic and visitors coming from areas with known presence of COVID-19 have been pursued; we are informed by Essex County no effective authority exists at this time beyond encouraging visitors to voluntarily delay their travel to Lake Placid during this emergency.

Following town, county and state initiatives, the mayor has taken the additional precaution of the village declaring a state of emergency that allows for local response to events that may become necessary during this situation.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these mandates and doing your part in keeping yourself, your family and your neighbors safe. That includes staying home, and when you have to go out in public keeping social distance (6 feet from those around you), and washing your hands often.

The village of Lake Placid and town of North Elba are strong and we will successfully get through this crisis together.

Craig H. Randall

Mayor, village of Lake Placid