Mayor & Board of Trustees
Regular MeetingBriarcliff Manor, NY · April 6, 2021
Minutes
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Organizational Meeting
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
The Organization Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor was
held via Zoom on the Tuesday, the 6th day of April 2021, commencing at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Steven A. Vescio, Mayor
Peter S. Chatzky, Deputy Mayor
Kevin Hunt, Trustee
Edward E. Midgley, Trustee
Sabine Werner, Trustee
Also Present
Philip Zegarelli, Village Manager
Christine Dennett, Village Clerk
Daniel Pozin, Village Counsel
David Turiano, Village Engineer
Kathryn Nivins, Village Treasurer
Announcement of the Mayoral Appointments:
Upon motion by Trustee Hunt, seconded by Deputy Mayor Chatzky, the Board voted
unanimously to confirm the following appointments:
Deputy Mayor Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
Board Liaisons:
Westchester County Municipal
Officials Association Steven A. Vescio 1 year
Town Government Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
County Government Steven A. Vescio 1 year
State Government Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
Recreation Committee Sabine Werner 1 year
Conservation Advisory Council VACANT 1 year
Library Board Kevin Hunt 1 year
School Board (Briarcliff Manor) Kevin Hunt 1 year
School Board (Ossining) Sabine Werner 1 year
Historic River Towns of Westchester Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Media & Telecommunications Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
Business District Liaison Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Fire Dept. Liaison Steven A. Vescio 1 year
Fire Dept. Liaison Kevin Hunt 1 year
Scarborough/Briarcliff Manor
Historical Society Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Park Development/Improvement Sabine Werner 1 year
Roll Call:
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Trustee Hunt Aye
Trustee Werner Aye
Trustee Midgley Aye
Deputy Mayor Chatzky Aye
Mayor Vescio Aye
Point Trustees/Village’s Major Goals:
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Chatzky, seconded by Trustee Werner, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Infrastructure Long Term Planning Steven A. Vescio
Update Local Code Peter S. Chatzky
ARAC-Revise/Estab. Comm. Design/Land Planning Edward E. Midgley
Explore Village/Town Kevin Hunt
Tax Savings/Efficiency Initiatives Sabine Werner
Roll Call:
Trustee Hunt Aye
Trustee Werner Aye
Trustee Midgley Aye
Deputy Mayor Chatzky Aye
Mayor Vescio Aye
Announcement of the Following Board of Trustees Appointments:
Upon motion by Deputy Mayor Chatzky, seconded by Trustee Hunt, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Board of Police Commissioners Board of Trustees 1 year
Board of Fire Commissioners Board of Trustees 1 year
Village Manager Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Village Treasurer Kathryn Nivins 2 years
Deputy Treasurer Robin Rizzo 1 year
Village Clerk Christine Dennett 2 years
Deputy Village Clerk Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Registrar of Vital Statistics Christine Dennett 2 years
Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Village Historian Karen Smith 1 year
Associate Village Justice Stuart Halper 1 year
Village Counsel Daniel Pozin 1 year
Village Prosecutor Stephen P. Dewey 1 year
Roll Call:
Trustee Hunt Aye
Trustee Werner Aye
Trustee Midgley Aye
Deputy Mayor Chatzky Aye
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Mayor Vescio Aye
Upon motion by Trustee Werner, seconded by Trustee Hunt, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following:
Dates of Regular Meetings
The Village Board of Trustees regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday
of each month at 7:30 p.m. with a work session before each meeting beginning at
6:00p.m. An additional work session will be held as necessary on the fourth Tuesday of
each month beginning at 6:00p.m.
Designation of Banks for the Deposit of Village Funds:
a. TD Bank
b. JP Morgan Chase
c. Webster Bank
d. Glens Falls National Bank
Designation of Official Village Newspapers:
a. Journal News
b. The Gazette
Roll Call:
Trustee Hunt Aye
Trustee Werner Aye
Trustee Midgley Aye
Deputy Mayor Chatzky Aye
Mayor Vescio Aye
Upon motion by Trustee Werner, seconded by Deputy Mayor Chatzky, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following policies:
Procurement Policy:
PROCUREMENT POLICY FOR THE VILLAGE BRIARCLIFF MANOR
1. Every purchase to be made must be initially reviewed to determine
whether it is a purchase contract or a public works contract. Once that
determination is made, a good faith effort will be made to determine
whether it is known or can reasonably be expected that the aggregate
amount to be spent on the item of supply or service is not subject to
competitive bidding, taking into account past purchases and the
aggregate amount to be spent in a year. The following items are not
subject to competitive bidding pursuant to Section 103 of the General
Municipal Law: purchase contracts under $20,000 (eg. Equipment,
materials, supplies, etc.) and public works contracts under $35,000;
emergency purchases; certain municipal hospital purchases; goods
purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped; goods
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purchased from correctional institutions; purchases under State and
county contracts; and surplus and second-hand purchases from another
governmental entity.
The decision that a purchase is not subject to competitive bidding will be
documented in writing by the individual making the purchase. This
documentation may include written or verbal quotes from vendors, a
memo from the purchaser indicating how the decision was arrived at, a
copy of the contract indicating the source which makes the item or service
exempt, a memo from the purchaser detailing the circumstances which
led to an emergency purchase, or any other written documentation that is
appropriate.
2. All goods and services will be secured by use of written requests for
proposals, written quotations, verbal quotations, or any other method that
assures that goods will be purchased at the lowest price and that
favoritism will be avoided, except in the following circumstances; purchase
contracts over $20,000 and public works contracts over $35,000; goods
purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped pursuant
to Section 175b of the State Finance Law; goods purchased from
correctional institutions pursuant to Section 186 of the Correction Law;
purchases under State contracts pursuant to Section 104 of the General
Municipal Law; purchases under county contracts pursuant to Section
103(3) of the General Municipal Law; or purchases pursuant to
subdivision 6 of this policy.
3. The following method of purchase will be used when required by this
policy in order to achieve the highest savings:
Estimated Amount of
Purchase Contract Method
$1,500-5,000 Minimum of two verbal quotations
$5,001-19,999 Minimum of three written/emailed quotations or written
request for proposals
Estimated Amount of
Public Works Contract Method
$1,500-7,500
$7,501-34,999 Minimum of three written/emailed quotations or
written request for proposals
A good faith effort shall be made to obtain the required number of proposals or
quotations. If the purchaser is unable to obtain the required number of proposals or
quotations, the purchaser will document the attempt made at obtaining the proposals.
In no event shall the failure to obtain the proposals be a bar to the procurement.
4. Documentation is required of each action taken in connection with each
procurement.
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5. Documentation and an explanation are required whenever a contract is
awarded to other than the lowest responsible offeror. This documentation
will include an explanation of how the award will achieve savings or how
the offeror was not responsible. A determination that the offeror is not
responsible shall be made by the purchaser and may not be challenged
under any circumstances.
6. Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 103 (16), the procurement
policy authorizes the Village to purchase apparatus, materials, equipment
and supplies, and to contract for services related to the installation,
maintenance or repair of those items, through the use of contracts let by
the United States or any agency thereof, any state or any other political
subdivision or district therein. It is incumbent on the Village Department
Head requesting use of this section to ensure that the “other political
subdivision or district” RFP or BID specs was properly executed and
includes the “allowance of piggybacking” in their documentation.
7. Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 104-b(2)(f), the procurement
policy may contain circumstances when, or types of procurements for
which, in the discretion of the Village Manager, the solicitation of
alternative proposals or quotations will not be in the best interest of the
municipality. In the following circumstances it may not be in the best
interests of the Village of Briarcliff Manor to solicit quotations or document
the basis for not accepting the lowest bid.
a. Professional services or services requiring special or technical skill,
training or expertise. The individual or company must be chosen
based on accountability, reliability, responsibility, skill, education
and training, judgment, integrity and moral worth. These
qualifications are not necessarily found in the individual or
company that offers the lowest price and the nature of these
services are such that they do not readily lend themselves to
competitive procurement procedures.
In determining whether a service fits into this category the Village Manager shall take
into consideration the following guidelines: (a) whether the services are subject to State
licensing or testing requirements; (b) whether substantial formal education or training is
a necessary prerequisite to the performance of the services; and (c) whether the
services require a personal relationship between the individual and municipal officials.
Professional or technical services shall include but not be limited to the following:
services of an attorney: services of a physician; technical services of an engineer
engaged to prepare plans, maps and estimates; securing insurance coverage and/or
services of an insurance broker; services of a certified public accountant; investment
management services; printing services involving extensive writing, editing or art work;
management of municipally owned property; and computer software or programming
services for customized programs, or services involved in substantial modification and
customizing or pre-packaged software.
b. Emergency purchases pursuant to Section 103(4) of the General
Municipal Law. Due to the nature of this exception, these goods or
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services must be purchased immediately and a delay in order to
seek alternate proposals may threaten the life, health, safety or
welfare of the residents. This section does not preclude alternate
proposals if time permits.
c. Purchases of surplus and second-hand goods from any source. If
alternate proposals are required, the Village of Briarcliff Manor is
precluded from purchasing surplus and second-hand goods at
auctions or through specific advertised sources where the best
prices are usually obtained. It is also difficult to try to compare
prices of used goods and a lower price may indicate an older
product.
d. Goods or services under $1,500. The time and documentation
required to purchase through this policy may be more costly than
the item itself and would, therefore, not be in the best interests of
the taxpayer. In addition, it is not likely that such de minimis
contracts would be awarded based on favoritism.
8. This policy shall go into effect January 1, 1992, was amended April 7,
2010, April 9, 2014, April 7, 2020 and November 10, 2020 and will be
reviewed annually.
Investment Policy:
INVESTMENT POLICY
OF THE VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR
I. SCOPE
This investment policy applies to all monies and other financial resources
available for investment on its own behalf or on behalf of any other entity or
individual.
II. OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the Village’s investment activities are, in priority
order,
To conform with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements
(legal);
To adequately safeguard principal (safety);
To provide sufficient liquidity to meet all operating requirements (liquidity);
and
To obtain a reasonable rate of return (yield).
III. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
The village board’s responsibility for administration of the investment program
is delegated to the Treasurer who shall establish written procedures for the
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operation of the investment program consistent with these investment
guidelines. Such procedures shall include an adequate internal control
structure to provide a satisfactory level of accountability based on a data
base or records incorporating description and amounts of investment,
transaction dates, and other relevant information and regulate the activities of
subordinate employees.
IV. PRUDENCE
All participants in the investment process shall seek to act responsibly as
custodians of the public trust and shall avoid any transaction that might impair
confidence in the Village to govern effectively.
Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances
then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence
exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation, but for
investment, considering the safety of the principal as well as the probable
income to be derived.
All participants involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment
program, or which could impair their ability to make impartial investment
decisions.
V. DIVERSIFICATION
It is the policy of the Village to diversify its deposits and investments by
financial institution, by investment instrument, and by maturity scheduling.
VI. INTERNAL CONTROLS
The Treasurer is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal
control structure to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that
deposits and investments are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized
use or disposition, that transactions are executed in accordance with
management’s authorization and recorded properly, and is managed in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
VII. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITARIES
The banks and trust companies authorized for the deposit of monies shall be
designated annually at the April Board of Trustee meeting.
VIII. COLLATERALIZING OF DEPOSITS
In accordance with the provisions of General Municipal Law, §10, all deposits
of Village, including certificates of deposit and special time deposits, in
excess of the amount insured under the provisions of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act shall be secured:
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1. By a pledge of “eligible securities” with an aggregate “market value”, or
provided by General Municipal Law, §10, equal to the aggregate amount
of deposits from the categories designated Appendix A to the policy.
2. By an eligible “irrevocable letter of credit” issued by a qualified bank other
than the bank with the deposits in favor of the government for a term not
to exceed 90 days with an aggregate value equal to 140% of the
aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed upon interest, if any. A
qualified bank is one whose commercial paper and other unsecured short-
term debt obligations are rated in one of the three highest rating
categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization or by a bank that is in compliance with applicable federal
minimum risk-based capital requirements.
3. By an eligible surety bond payable to the government for an amount at
least equal to 100% of the aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed
upon interest, if any, executed by an insurance company authorized to do
business in New York State, whose claims-paying ability is rated in the
highest rating category by at least two nationally recognized statistical
rating organizations. The terms and conditions of any eligible surety shall
be approved by the governing board.
4. An “irrevocable letter of credit” issued in favor of the government by a federal
home loan bank whose commercial paper and other unsecured short-term
debt obligations are rated in the highest rating category by at least one
nationally recognized statistical rating organization, as security for the
payment of 100 percent of the aggregate amount of deposits and the
agreed-upon interest, if any.
IX. SAFEKEEPING AND COLLATERALIZATION
Eligible securities used for collateralizing deposits shall be held by the bank
or trust company subject to security and custodial agreements.
The security agreement shall provide that eligible securities are being
pledged to secure Village deposits together with agreed upon interest, if any,
and any costs or expenses arising out of the collection of such deposits upon
default. It shall also provide the conditions under which the securities may be
sold, presents for payment, substituted or released and the events which will
enable the Village to exercise its rights against the pledged securities. In the
event that the securities are not registered or inscribed in the name of the
Village, such securities shall be delivered in a form suitable for transfer.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank, or
trust company, or agent of and custodian for, the Village, will be kept
separate and apart from the general assets of the custodial bank or trust
company and will not, in any circumstances, be commingled with or become
part of the backing for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement
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should also describe that the custodian shall confirm the receipt, substitution
or release of securities. The agreement shall provide for the frequency of
revaluation of eligible securities and for the substitution of securities when a
change in the rating of a security may cause ineligibility. Such agreement
shall include all provisions necessary to provide the Village a perfected
interest in the securities.
X. PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
As authorized by General Municipal Law, §11, the Village authorizes the
Treasurer to invest monies not required for immediate expenditure for terms
not to exceed its projected cash flow needs in the following types of
investments:
Special time deposit accounts;
Certificate of deposit;
Obligations of the United States of America;
Obligations guaranteed by agencies of the United States of America
where the payment of principal and interest are guaranteed by the United
States of America;
Obligations of the State of New York;
Obligations of the Village, but only with monies in a reserve fund
established pursuant to GML, §6-c, 6-d, 6-e, 6-g, 6-h, 6-j, 6-k, 6-l, 6-m, or
6-n.
All investment obligations shall be payable or redeemable at the option of the
Village within such times as the proceeds will be needed to meet
expenditures for purposes for which the monies were provided and, in the
case of obligations purchased with the proceeds of bonds or notes, shall be
payable or redeemable at the option of the Village within two years of the
date of purchase.
XI. AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND DEALERS
All financial institutions with which the Village conducts business must be
credit worthy. Banks shall provide their most recent Consolidated Report of
Condition (Call Report) at the request of the Village. Security dealers not
affiliated with a bank shall be required to be classified as reporting dealers
affiliated with the New York Federal Reserve Bank, as primary dealers. The
Village is responsible for evaluating the financial position and maintaining a
listing of proposed depositaries, trading partners and custodians. Such listing
shall be evaluated at least annually.
XII. PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS
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All purchased obligations, unless registered or inscribed in the name of the
Village, shall be purchased through, delivered to and held in the custody of a
bank or trust company. Such obligations shall be purchased, sold or
presented for redemption or payment by such bank or trust company only in
accordance with prior written authorization from the officer authorized to
make the investment. All such transactions shall be confirmed in writing to
the Village by the bank or trust company. Any obligation held in the custody
of a bank or trust company shall be held pursuant to a written custodial
agreement as described in General Municipal Law, §10.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank or trust
company, as agent of and custodian for, the Village, will be kept separate
and apart from the general assets of the custodial bank or trust company and
will not, in any circumstances, be commingled with or become part of the
backing for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement shall
describe how the custodian shall confirm the receipt and release of the
securities. Such agreement shall include all provisions necessary to provide
the Village a perfected interest in the securities.
APPENDIX A
Schedule of Eligible Securities
1. Obligations issued, or fully insured or guaranteed as to the payment of principal
and interest, by the United States of America, an agency thereof or a United
States government sponsored corporation.
2. Obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the
Asian Development Bank, and the African Development Bank.
3. Obligations partially insured or guaranteed by any agency of the United States of
America, at a proportion of the Market Value of the obligation that represents the
amount of the insurance or guaranty.
4. Obligations issued or fully insured or guaranteed by the State of New York,
obligations issued by a municipal corporation, school district or district
corporation of such State or obligations of any public benefit corporation which
under a specific State statute may be accepted as security for deposit of public
monies.
5. Obligations issued by states (other than the State of New York) of the United
States rated in one of the three highest rating categories by at least one
nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
6. Obligations of Puerto Rico rated in one of the three highest rating categories by
at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
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7. Obligations of counties, cities and other governmental entities of a state other
than the State of New York having the power to levy taxes that are backed by the
full faith and credit of such governmental entity and rated in one of the three
highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization.
8. Obligations of domestic corporations rated in one the two highest rating
categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
9. Any mortgage related securities, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, which may be purchased by banks under the limitations
established by bank regulatory agencies.
10. Commercial paper and bankers’ acceptances issued by a bank, other than the
bank, rated in the highest short-term category by at least one nationally
recognized statistical rating organization and having maturities of no longer than
60 days from the date they are pledged.
11. Zero coupon obligations of the United States government marketed as “Treasury
strips”.
Fund Balance Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Fund Balance Policy
Policy Purpose:
The Village of Briarcliff Manor (VBM) has an important fiduciary responsibility to its
citizens to responsibly account for public funds, to manage municipal finances wisely
and to plan the adequate funding of services desired by the public, including the
provision and maintenance of public facilities. Credit agencies rate municipal
creditworthiness. Their primary focus is the year to year growth in our fund balance.
Municipalities strive to increase their bond rating, and now more than ever must focus
on increasing fund balance.
Reserve Funds:
A. Reserve funds (which essentially are legally authorized allocated funds for particular
and specific purposes) are a component in the VBM’s financial planning for specific
expenses, future projects, acquisitions and other lawful purposes. To achieve this
governmental goal, the Village may establish and maintain reserve funds in accordance
with New York State laws. This includes, but is not limited to, considering rules and/or
opinions issued by the New York State Comptroller.
B. Village reserves funds must be properly established, designated, and maintained by
the Mayor and Board of Trustees (M/BOT)’s to promote the goals of creating an open,
transparent and accountable use of public funds. The VBM may engage independent
experts and professionals, including but not limited to auditors, accountants and other
financial and legal counsel, as necessary to monitor all reserve fund activity and
prepare reports that the M/BOT may require.
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Fund Balance Reporting:
GASB issued Statement No. 54, “Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type
Definitions”, in February 2009. The requirements of GASB Statement No. 54 became
effective for financial statements for the Village’s fiscal period ending 31 May 2012. GASB
Statement No. 54 abandoned the reserved and unreserved classifications of fund balance
and replaced them with five new classifications: Non-spendable, restricted, committed,
assigned and unassigned which are currently defined by the GASB as follows:
Nonspendable – consists of assets that are inherently non-spendable in the current period
either because of their form or because they must be maintained intact, including prepaid
items, inventories, long-term portions of loans receivable, financial assets held for resale
and principal of endowments.
Restricted – consists of amounts that are subject to externally enforceable legal purpose
restrictions imposed by creditors, grantors, contributors, or laws and regulations of other
governments; or through constitutional provisions or enabling legislation.
Committed – consists of amounts that are subject to a purpose constraint imposed by a
formal action of the government’s highest level of decision-making authority (for VBM its
M/BOT) before the end of the fiscal year, and that require the same level of formal action to
remove the constraint.
Assigned – consists of amounts that are subject to a purpose constraint that represents an
intended use established by the government’s highest level of decision-making authority
(M/BOT), or by their designated body or official. The purpose of the assignment must be
narrower than the purpose of the General Fund, and in funds other than the General Fund,
assigned fund balance represents the residual amount of fund balance.
Unassigned – represents the residual classification for the government’s General Fund,
and could report a surplus or deficit. In funds other than the General Fund, the unassigned
classification should be used only to report a deficit balance resulting from overspending.
For the purposes of this Village Policy the term “Unassigned” shall be deemed to
include not only General Fund but also Water Fund which is budgeted and operated
separate from the General Fund.
Funding Policy for restricted or committed and assigned fund balances:
The formal action of the government’s highest level of decision-making authority
(M/BOT) that restricts, commits or assigns fund balance to a specific purpose should
occur prior to the end of the reporting period, but the amount, if any, which will be
subject to the constraint, may be determined in the subsequent financial reporting
period.
Spending policy for all (General and Water) Fund Balances:
By adoption of this policy, the VBM shall maintain the unassigned fund balances at a
level no less than 10% each of the total annual revenues for the General Fund and
Water Fund. Should a fund balance fall below the 10% floor due to emergencies or
service delivery requirements above or beyond the limitations established by the
Financial Goals and Policies, the M/BOT will develop a plan to re-establish at least a
10% floor within a period of no more than three years. Village policy shall be to grow
Fund Balance to a 20% threshold. When this threshold is achieved, Village
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management shall make recommendations to the M/BOT to adjust/adhere to current
economic and operational indicators. In all cases, reserves shall be set aside for
unknown and unpredictable events, such as the result of a natural disaster, and may be
used for unbudgeted and/or unpredictable expenses. The M/BOT shall make a formal
resolution and vote in public on such recommendation.
The M/BOT will determine the composition of its ending fund balance(s) by applying its
accounting policies regarding whether it considers restricted or unrestricted amounts to
have been spent when an expenditure is incurred for purposes for which both restricted
and unrestricted (committed, assigned, or unassigned) amounts are available.
Similarly, within the unrestricted fund balance(s), the classification should be based on
the government’s accounting policies regarding whether it considers committed,
assigned or unassigned amounts to have been spent when an expenditure is incurred
for purposes for which amounts in any of those unrestricted fund balance(s)
classifications could be used. If a government does not establish a policy for its use of
unrestricted fund balance(s) amounts, it should consider that committed amounts would
be reduced first, followed by assigned amounts, and then unassigned amounts when
expenditures are incurred for purposes for which amounts in any of those unrestricted
fund balance classifications could be used.
Periodic review and annual report:
A. The M/BOT and Village Manager (VM) will periodically review all restricted
committed and assigned fund balances. The VM will prepare and submit an annual
report of all restricted, committed and assigned funds for the M/BOT. The annual
report shall include the following information for each reserve fund.
(1) The type and description of the reserve fund.
(2) The interest earned on each reserve fund.
(3) Capital gains of losses resulting from the sale of investments of the reserve funds
from the previous reporting period.
(4) The sum total increase and sum total decrease in the reserve funds.
(5) The ending balance in the reserve funds at fiscal yearend.
(6) A summary statement of projected use and the need of the reserve funds exclusive
of the unassigned.
B. The M/BOT shall utilize the information in the annual report to discuss reserve fund
balances and to adequately maintain necessary funds for the VBM’s long-term financial
planning. The M/BOT will be mindful of its role and responsibility as a fiduciary of
public funds when acting on all reserve fund issues.
Fixed Asset Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Fixed Asset Policy
Policy Statement:
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the physical inventory and
reporting controls of Village of Briarcliff Manor (VBM) assets. These assets include, but
not limited to, accounting of the assets; meeting financial reporting needs; asset
management records keeping; and, where appropriate, the disposal of VBM assets to
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maximize value for aged, obsolete and/or distressed assets no longer necessary for the
operational needs of the VBM.
Policy Purpose:
The intent of this policy is to describe and formulate standard policies required for
recording new and existing assets; changes in assets; methodology of record keeping;
and, the disposal of assets when the VBM so determines. In addition, this policy is
intended to provide a sequence of events for VBM personnel in the safeguarding,
accounting for and disposing of VBM assets. New York State Law and VBM accounting
standards require that the VBM accurately record and account for capital assets on a
routine basis. Because each VBM Department holds and/or is responsible for the use
of capital equipment or other such VBM-owned property, this policy outlines the roles
and responsibilities in regards to VBM’s overall capital assets.
Responsible Party:
The Village Treasurer (and Finance Department) shall be the designated responsible
party to implement and maintain the Fixed Asset Policy. The Treasurer shall report all
findings to the Village Manager and coordinate with the Village Clerk in the
documentation of new and disposal of obsolete or excess equipment as so determined
by the Board of Trustees (BOT).
Physical Asset Reporting Threshold:
For purposes of this policy, the asset reporting threshold shall be set as the gross cost
at the time of acquisition: now established as $5,000.00. However, in the case of
volumes of like-types of materials, consumables and/or the storage of like physical
assets under the individual $5,000.00 purchase threshold, those inventories shall be
considered on an aggregate basis and reported as such. Examples of this nature are
the aggregate of share fire hydrants, water and sewer pipes etc. Notwithstanding
common rates of depreciation, “wear and tear” and/or useful life or obsolescence,
purchase price (including consolidation of parts or equipment enhancements) shall
prevail. However, such items as bulk “fire hose” and firefighter clothing are to be
reported as a lump sum fiscal year expense but inventoried as to useful life and/or
obsolesce. The VBM utilizes straight-line annual depreciation on capital assets.
Physical Inventory of Equipment:
As provided for by a New York State fixed asset control reporting, department heads
are to provide a listing of all reportable property by department responsibility and/or
area purchased each fiscal year. The acquisition and payment thereafter shall be
designated a Fixed Asset (FA) when entered into VBM’s financial software. Each
department head is to provide the information to the Treasurer who will coordinate the
reporting and documentation of all physical inventories. The Initial Effective Date of this
policy shall be as of December 1, 2014. Thereafter on the anniversary date, a review of
all physical inventories shall be made and reported to the Treasurer. All new purchases
and aggregate increases in like inventories shall be recorded at the time of acquisition
to ensure that all assets are verified and recorded on the VBM’s physical inventories
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listing. The purpose of this physical inventory is to verify the existence and useful life of
the equipment (individually by unit purchase or in the aggregate) as well as to ensure
the accuracy of VBM records. Lost, stolen equipment and/or the destruction of VBM
equipment by accident or otherwise shall be reported as soon as the loss is known and
assessed to the Treasurer and Manager. Unreported discrepancies are to be noted
when identified and the Village Manager is to coordinate with all departments to verify
the nature of the loss. For purposes of this policy, the Treasurer shall utilize the current
VBM accounting system module (that is, the Munis, and any successor system) to
maintain all records and adjustments as currently established and standardized for all
Department Heads to review. In those cases where the VBM’s Munis system may not
be appropriate for inventory reporting or control, Excel type spread sheet”
documentation may be utilized with appropriate descriptive captions.
Disposal of Assets:
Upon review of the December semi-annual inventory, each department head shall
determine and recommend to the Village Manager what specific assets are no longer of
use for VBM operations. Those assets shall be identified and described as to its
original purchase price, current operational and/or functional condition, and
determination as to its non-operational need for each department. Those separate
items with a purchase price of at least $25,000.00 shall have an independent, outside
appraisal/evaluation completed prior to disposal determination. There may come a time
or purpose that an asset has no value or redeemable use. An estimated sale value
shall be provided as an indicator of revenue recovery by an independent source outside
of a VBM departmental determination. The VBM Treasurer and the VBM Clerk shall
coordinate all documentation and provide a listing of all defined disposable assets to
the Village Manager as soon as practicable, thereafter. The Village Manager, in
keeping with New York State asset control reporting and sound accounting practices,
shall provide a list to the Mayor and Board of Trustees (M/BOT) for their determination
as to the need and their approval to dispose of such assets. The M/BOT shall
determine the minimum bid price on all items to be disposed and, by formal resolution
shall determine the asset listing that shall be disposed of. Unless otherwise provided,
the M/BOT resolution shall direct the Village Manager to provide for public notice as to
the sale of all identified assets. Unless otherwise determined, all assets are to be sold
by sealed bid on an “as is, where is” basis. Where appropriate, minimum base prices
will be established and a 10% down payment included in the bid. Public notice and the
procedures for sealed bids shall be determined according to standard New York State
and municipal accounting standards. The disposal of such assets as determined by
the respective department head and the Village Manager are not to be disposed of,
gifted, or otherwise abandoned without a resolution by the M/BOT. All bids are to be
reviewed by the Village Manager and any/all assets may be withdrawn from the
scheduled sale even after publicly noticed for sale.
Disposition and Removal of Equipment:
Upon award of bids, the VBM Clerk shall notify the highest bidder of the bid award and
that the equipment is to be paid for from a documented, identifiable payment source
such as money order, bank check or bank wire transfer (no cash) within 3 business
days. The equipment is to be removed within 5 business days after full payment is
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verified. If the winning bidder fails to pay in full, the VBM shall be entitled to seize the
10% down payment. The Treasurer shall determine if the next highest bidder meets the
requirements of the bid process for the asset to be disposed or not. Upon payment for
the bid item, the Village Clerk and Village Treasurer shall update the VBM’s inventory
records and provide a summary to the Manager. The manager shall report to the
M/BOT the results of all sales (or items not bid on) as soon as practical.
Conclusion:
The VBM shall ensure that this policy’s effectiveness be monitored and executed as
defined. Variances and/or amendments are to be reported to the M/BOT for their
resolution and confirmation. This policy shall be renewed at the M/BOT’s annual Re-
organizational Meeting as proscribed by New York State Village Law and amended as
necessary or appropriate.
Rules of Procedure:
VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Pursuant to New York Village Law §4-412(2), but subject to the other provisions of New
York Law and the Village of Briarcliff Manor Code, the following rules of procedure are
adopted and shall govern the meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff
Manor:
PART A: MEETINGS
SECTION A1 - Regular Meetings
The Board of Trustees generally will hold regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of
each month. Such regular meetings shall commence at 7:30PM and be conducted in the
William J. Vescio Community Center. Any deviation from this schedule shall be
determined by the Board of Trustees.
SECTION A2 - Special Meetings
Special Meetings of the Board of Trustees are all those Board meetings other than regular
meetings. A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or a majority of the Board of
Trustees upon notice to the entire Board. Notice shall be given in accordance with law.
SECTION A3 - Executive Sessions
Executive Sessions shall be held in accordance with the New York State Public Officers
Law §105. All executive sessions shall be commenced in a public meeting. (Appendix I
Executive Session Policy)
SECTION A4 – Work Sessions
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Work Sessions of the Board of Trustees are those Board meetings scheduled to discuss
upcoming agenda items or other matters as may be determined by the Mayor or three (3)
members a of the Board. These meeting are open to the public, however comments from
the public will be allowed in the discretion of the Mayor or a majority of the Board present.
A Work Session will precede the regularly scheduled meetings beginning at 6:30pm and an
additional Work Session will be held as necessary on the 4th Tuesday of every month at
6:30pm. Notice shall be given in accordance with law.
PART B: POLICIES
SECTION B1 - Quorum
A quorum of the Board of Trustees shall be required to conduct business. A quorum of the
five (5) member Board shall be three (3). In the absence of a quorum, a lesser number
may adjourn and compel the attendance of absent members.
SECTION B2 - Voting
Pursuant to Village Law each member of the Board of Trustees shall have one vote. The
Mayor may vote on any matter and must vote in case of a tie. The affirmative vote of three
(3) members of the Board is necessary to pass a matter unless otherwise specified by New
York State Law.
A vote upon any question shall be taken by ayes and nays and shall be entered in the
minutes.
SECTION B3 - Agendas
The agenda shall be prepared by the Village Clerk by Friday preceding the Tuesday
meeting. The Mayor or any Trustee may have an item placed on the agenda by giving the
same to the Village Manager the Friday morning before the Tuesday meeting. However,
an item may be placed on the agenda at any time, including during the meeting, by consent
of a majority of the Board. If necessary, a supplemental agenda shall be distributed at the
beginning of the meeting.
SECTION B4 - Order of Business
The order of business shall be:
Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearings
Board of Trustees Announcements
Village Manager’s Report and Updates
Public Comments
Resolutions
Approval of Minutes
Adjournment
The order of business need not be followed if the Mayor determines that it is appropriate to
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deviate.
SECTION B5 - Adjournment
Meetings shall be adjourned by motion and majority vote.
SECTION B6 - Minutes
Minutes at all Board of Trustee meetings shall be the responsibility of the Village Clerk,
who with Board of Trustee approval may employ the services of a person to take minutes.
Minutes of an open meeting shall consist of a record or summary of all motions, proposals,
resolutions and any other matter formally voted upon and the vote thereon. Minutes of an
executive session shall be taken of any action that is taken by formal vote and shall consist
of a record or summary of the final determination of such action and the vote thereon;
provided, however, that such summary need not include any matter which is not required to
be made public by the New York State Freedom of Information Law.
Minutes shall also include the following:
Name of the Board;
Date, place and time of meeting;
Notation of presence or absence of Board members and time of
arrival or departure if different from time of call to order and
adjournment.
Name and title of other village officials and employees present in an
official capacity.
Record of communications presented to the Board.
Record of reports made by Board or other village personnel.
Time of adjournment.
Name of Village Clerk or person who took the minutes.
Minutes need not contain a summary of the discussion leading to action taken or include
verbatim comments unless a majority of the Board resolves to have the Clerk do so.
Minutes shall be considered for approval at the next Board meeting after the minutes are
received by the Village Clerk.
PART C: RULES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION C1 - General Rules of Procedure
The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Board of Trustees. In the Mayor’s absence the
Deputy Mayor shall preside. The presiding officer may debate, move and take other action
that may be taken by other members of the Board.
Board members are not required to rise but must be recognized by the presiding officer
before making motions and speaking. A member, once recognized, shall not be
interrupted when speaking unless it is to call the member to order. If a member, while
speaking, be called to order, he or she shall cease speaking until the question of order is
determined, and, if in order, he or she shall be permitted to proceed.
There is no limit to the number of times a member may speak on a question.
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Motion to close or limit debate may be entertained but shall require the affirmative vote of
three (3) members of the Board.
Procedural questions which are not governed by New York State law or the Village Code or
addressed in these Rules of Procedure shall be determined in accordance with Robert’s
Rules of Order.
SECTION C2 - Guidelines for Public Comment
The public shall be allowed to speak only during Public Hearings, Public Comment periods,
on Board of Trustees agenda items, or such other times as the presiding officer shall allow.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer.
Speakers must step to the front of the room and speak into the microphone or at the
lectern should one be provided. Speakers are not to approach the dais without invitation
and are directed to make their remarks from the microphone or lectern.
Speakers must give their name, address and organization represented, if any.
No items or documents may be placed on the dais or presented to the Board unless either
authorization is requested and granted by the presiding officer or a Board member
specifically requests to see an item. All items for presentation that are granted
authorization or requested by a Board member shall be presented to the Village Clerk who
shall pass it the Board.
There shall be no time limit for remarks during a public hearing, however, remarks must
relate directly to the public hearing topic. During the Public Comment portion of the
agenda, speakers must limit their remarks to four (4) minutes and may be recognized again
by the presiding officer after other speakers have had an opportunity to speak. On Board
of Trustees agenda items, speakers must limit their remarks to one and one-half (1 ½)
minutes and the remarks must relate directly to the specific agenda item under discussion
at that time by the Board of Trustees.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
Board members may, with the permission of the presiding officer, interrupt a speaker
during the speaker’s remarks, but only for the purpose of clarification or information.
All remarks shall be addressed to the presiding officer.
Board members may respond to questions or comments at their discretion.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and
good taste and shall not use foul language, display unacceptable behavior, or be disruptive
of the proceedings.
A buzzer or other alarm will sound to indicate that a speaker’s four (4) minute time limit for
Public Comment or one and one half (1 ½) minute time limit for an agenda item has been
reached. Upon being notified by the presiding officer that his or her time limit has been
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reached, a speaker shall cease speaking, leave the microphone or lectern, if one is
provided, and return to his or her seat unless a Board member requests him or her to
remain to address a question of the Board member.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board with written
communications. Written communications shall be delivered to the Village Manager or
Village Clerk. Speakers may not read written communications verbatim but should
summarize their contents.
The presiding officer may modify these guidelines if warranted.
SECTION C3 - Use of Recording Equipment
All members of the public and all public officials are allowed to photograph and tape or
video record public meetings so long as the photography or recording is done in a manner
which does not interfere with the meeting. Neither photography nor recording is allowed
during executive sessions. The presiding officer may make the determination that the
photography or recording is being done in a manner that interferes with the meeting after
taking into consideration attendant movement and activity, distance from the deliberations
of the Board, noise, size of equipment, ability of the public to participate in the meeting
notwithstanding the photography or recording, and any other pertinent factor. In the use of
photographic or video recording no flashes or other supplementary lighting equipment may
be used beyond that of existing ambient lighting of the room. If the presiding officer makes
the determination that the photography or recording is interfering with the meeting, the
presiding officer may request an accommodation to avoid the interference and if not
sufficient or complied with, order the photography or recording to be stopped.
SECTION C4 - Amendments to the Rules of Procedure
The foregoing procedures may be amended from time to time by the affirmative vote of
three (3) members of the Board.
SECTION C5 - Executive Session Policy
It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor to conduct Village
business in an open fashion and to make available as much information as may legally and
practically be disseminated.
The New York Open Meetings Law authorizes the Board to conduct business in executive
session in a number of areas. These include:
1. matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed;
2. matters which may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent or
informer;
3. information relating to criminal investigations which would imperil
effective law enforcement if disclosed;
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4. discussions relating to proposed, pending or current litigation;
5. collective bargaining negotiations;
6. personnel matters relating to particular individuals; and
7. the proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property or securities
when disclosure would substantially affect the value.
The Board recognizes that it is authorized to use executive sessions in these and other
situations but will do so with restraint.
To maintain confidentiality and to encourage the uninhibited discussion of the subject
matter in Executive Session, all statements made and positions taken by all participants
must remain confidential and may not be disclosed by any participant unless and until
disclosure is authorized by affirmative vote of three members of the Board.
It has been and continues to be the practice of the Board that all members of the Board,
acting together, come to agreement by consensus on the specific information which is to
be released to the public, the suitable vehicle for reporting that information, and the timing
of the reporting.
SECTION C6 – Remote/Virtual Meetings
When authorized by NYS Executive Order or when otherwise permitted by law, the Board
of Trustees may conduct meetings remotely/virtually through Zoom, Webex or other
commonly used platform facilitating live audio/video broadcast over broadband
connections. Any such meeting shall be recorded and posted to the Village website as
soon as practical. Meetings shall follow the same rules as an in-person meetings but shall
also abide by the following specific stipulations.
a. All attendees are to mute their microphone until recognized to address the
Board by a member of the Board of Trustees or the Village Clerk. The
meeting host may mute the microphone, or suspend the video, of any
attendee causing background noise, or any other distraction that may
interfere with the orderly continuation of the meeting..
b. With the exception of the Board of Trustees, Village Employees, Village
Counsel or Village Consultants, the video feed and microphone of all other
participants shall be disabled unless they are speaking and addressing the
Board. When requested, Trustees, Village Employees, Village Counsel and
Consultants shall keep their video feed on so they can be seen by the public
for the entirety of the meeting. An attendee’s video and microphone shall be
enabled when he or she is invited to address the Board, and the video
camera and microphone shall be disabled at the conclusion of such address.
c. Members of the public who wish to speak shall first ask to be recognized by
signaling the meeting host, typically the Village Clerk or a Board member. In
Zoom or Webex, such signal may occur by electronic “hand-raising” or using
the platform’s messaging features to contact the host with a request to
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speak. Any audio-only attendee will be given a chance to verbally request to
address the Board.
d. When appropriate, the host of the meeting may allow members of the
audience to submit questions to the Board via electronic private messaging
offered by the virtual platform.
e. In all cases where a member of the public is invited to address the Board, the
speaker must first state his or her name and address for the record, just as if
the meeting were held in-person.
f. The Mayor, Village Manager, or host of the meeting may mute the
microphone or disable the video feed of any audience member who is
disorderly, or who refuses to cede their time at the request of the Mayor or
Village Manager, or who otherwise interferes with the orderly continuation of
the meeting. Anyone repeatedly interfering with the orderly conduct of the
meeting may be ejected from the virtual meeting..
______________________________________________________________________
Originally adopted by the Board of Trustees at its Organizational Meeting on April 7, 2005
and amended on July 20, 2006, April 9, 2007 and November 5, 2009, April 5, 2017,
November 7, 2018 and January 19, 2021.
Policies and Procedures for Advisory or Ad-Hoc Committees:
Policies and Procedures for Advisory and Ad-hoc Committees
Formation of new committees:
- A title and mission statement will be developed for any proposed committee and
formally approved and established by the Board of Trustees.
- Such committees are constituted by, serve at the pleasure of, and report to the
Board of Trustees.
- The formation of any new committee will be announced in a public meeting, the
newsletter and posted on the web and scroll.
- Committees’ information, findings, conclusions and recommendations where
requested, will be considered advisory rather than binding by the Board of
Trustees. The Board of Trustees at all times retains its rights to exercise final
decisions in the governance of the Village.
Composition
- Committee membership will be limited to a workable odd number.
- One member will be a representative from the Board of Trustees. The Mayor
shall be an ex officio member of all committees with the right to make motions,
speak and vote, and when present shall be counted in determining a quorum.
- Membership on committees will be representative of the community.
- Village residents, village business people, village property owners, and residents
of the 10510 zip code may serve on ad hoc committees.
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- The BOT shall appoint a new member within one month to fill the unexpired term
of a committee member.
Operations
- Quorum: A quorum of any committee is a simple majority of the members
appointed. A quorum must be present to conduct business.
- Structure: All committees will have a chair, vice-chair and secretary who will be
responsible for meeting minutes. Committee members’ names and village-
generated e-mail addresses will be posted on the web.
- Attendance and Participation: The obligation is to attend committee meetings.
Any member who is absent for three consecutive meetings, without providing
reasonable cause to the Chair, will be deemed to have resigned. Committees
are working committees; all members are expected to be prepared for the
meeting and participate actively.
- Meetings:
Committee meetings will start promptly at the time for which they were
called.
A committee will strive for consensus. If it cannot achieve consensus,
it shall act by a simple majority of the members.
All deliberations will be conducted in an open, respectful and inclusive
manner.
- Meeting Notification: Advance notice, including an agenda, will be given for all
meetings. Notices about committee work will be posted on the web site.
- Meeting Minutes: Written minutes will be taken at all committee meetings.
Minutes may follow a standard template including the time, date and location of
meeting, who attended, the topic of discussion, and any action taken.
- Non-members may submit their views and comments on committee activities via
e-mail or written correspondence. Committees will not be required to respond to
public comments.
- Discharge: Members may be discharged from a committee by the Board of
Trustees as a result of the village’s conflict of interest policy, lack of attendance,
misconduct or resignation.
- Reports and Public Statements: An annual report from the committee shall be
submitted to the BOT by the end of February. Any committee report, including
summary recommendations and the annual report, is to be presented first to the
BOT prior to public presentation of same.
- Volunteerism: Committee members shall serve without remuneration, but will be
reimbursed for “out of pocket” expenses incurred in performing their duties.
These expenses must be preauthorized by the Village Manager or designate.
Village staff will provide committees with such public information, clerical
assistance and other help as necessary for them to conduct their work.
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- Draft Documents: Draft documents, including minutes and all committee reports,
are confidential until formally approved by a majority of the committee. No draft
documents should be retained in committee files. Public distribution of draft
documents or any committee report prior to adoption by the committee shall be
grounds for dismissal.
Seat Belt Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Seat Belt Policy
I. Purpose:
To establish a policy to assure maximum operator and passenger safety, thus
minimizing the possibility of death or injury as a result of motor vehicle accidents. This
policy will apply to all Village personnel operating or riding in Village vehicles.
II. Discussion:
Research clearly indicates that the use of safety belts has a significant effect in
reducing the number of death and severity of injuries resulting from traffic accidents.
The use of safety restraints reduces this risk of death and serious injury and assists
personnel in maintaining proper control of their vehicles.
III. Policy:
To assure the safety of all Village personnel and authorized passengers, safety belts
shall be worn while operating or riding in all vehicles owned, leased or rented by the
Village at all times. This also applies to the operation of privately owned or other
vehicles if used on Village business. Unauthorized passengers are prohibited at any
time.
IV. Recommendation:
It is strongly recommended that safety belts be utilized by Village personnel and their
passengers in vehicles while in an off duty capacity to further reduce the risk of death or
injury.
V. Procedure:
1. Village personnel shall use the safety belts installed by the vehicle manufacturer
properly adjusted and securely fastened when operating or riding in any vehicle
so equipped. This requirement shall not apply to vehicles in which the
manufacturer has not installed seat belts.
2. Lap belts shall be properly secured in those vehicles equipped with automatic
safety belt systems that require the lap portion of the belt be manually secured.
3. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for insuring compliance by all authorized
occupants of the vehicle they are operating.
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4. No person shall operate a Village vehicle in which any safety belt in the driver's
seat is inoperable. No person shall be transported in a seating position in which
the safety restraint is inoperable.
5. No person shall modify, remove, deactivate or otherwise tamper with the vehicle
safety belts systems or alarms except for vehicle maintenance and repair or with
the express authorization of the Village Manager.
6. Personnel who discover an inoperable restraint system shall report the defect to
the appropriate supervisor. Prompt action will be taken to replace or repair the
system.
7. Whenever possible, all prisoners are required to be secured in the vehicle by a
safety belt in all seating positions for which safety belts are provided by the
vehicle manufacturer. Caution: Prisoners that are handcuffed in front have the
ability to release the handcuffs using the safety restraint latch plate.
8. When arriving at an emergency call or making a vehicle traffic stop, the Officer
may remove the safety restraint just prior to stopping for quick exit. Caution
should be exercised to insure that during the traffic stop the violator is in fact
going to stop. This prevents becoming involved in a pursuit without the use of a
safety belt.
9. The foregoing policy shall be provided in writing to all employees and a formal
acknowledgment by each shall be documented upon assignment of a Village
vehicle or authorization for reimbursement. Further, this policy shall be incorporated
into the VBM employee handbook and other rules, regulations or policies governing
individual departments within the Village.
10. This policy shall be subject to amendment by the Village Manager under the
direction of the Board of Trustees.
11. The Village Manager is hereby authorized to make non-material changes to this
policy, periodically, in order to better effectuate the Terms, Conditions and Intent of
this vehicle policy.
12. Employees found violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action at the
discretion of the Village Manager.
This policy was adopted by the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees on June 6,
2012 and will be incorporated as an addendum to the Village Vehicle Policy adopted on
June 16, 2010.
Village Vehicle Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
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Village Vehicle Policy
The following shall constitute the automobile acquisition and use policy for all village
owned/leased vehicles and for the reimbursement for private vehicles when utilized for
official business.
1. It is the intent of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees (M/BOT) that the Village of
Briarcliff Manor (VBM) seek to reduce its “carbon footprint” through the reduction of
vehicle use throughout the village; the elimination of non-essential vehicles for
employees; and, the purposeful replacement of existing required vehicles. While
not technologically feasible in all cases, the VBM shall seek out alternative fuel
power lines of vehicles, including hybrids, diesel, flex fuel, and other such
innovations in drive trains that may become available. This is to promote the
decrease in consumption of petroleum, encourage more efficient vehicles and to
substitute, wherever practical and appropriate, a reimbursement per mile rate,
based upon the current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and New York State (NYS)
rates then in effect.
2. Prior to the M/BOT re-organizational session, the Village Manager (VM) shall
compile a list of all vehicles owned/leased by the Village, including but not limited to:
the make, model and mileage of the vehicle, the department and person to whom it
is assigned, whether owned or leased, and if leased, the termination date thereof,
as well as the municipal purpose for each vehicle as assigned in Attachment A. The
list will also include which vehicles are IRS fringe benefit vehicles and the IRS value
of the benefit. The list will also provide the commuting miles of the three volunteer
Fire Chiefs.
3. The VM, concurrent with his compilation of vehicles owned/leased by the VBM, shall
prepare a list of employees, by name, position and department who are recipients of
a monthly car allowance and the amount of such payment. Upon receipt of this list
of outstanding vehicles and employees entitled to payments, the VBM VM shall
initiate and the BOT shall audit and approve such list as attached to the policy.
4. The following VBM employees shall be allocated (offered) the use of a vehicle
owned by the Village: the VM (terms and conditions under separate contract), the
Chief of Police (terms and conditions under separate agreement), the Lieutenant
(terms and conditions under separate agreement), the Detective on duty, the
Superintendent, General Foreman and Assistant General Foreman of Public Works
and the three (3) Fire Chiefs.
5. Such vehicles are provided to the aforementioned department heads for the
execution of their official responsibilities, as a discretionary benefit and not to be
considered entitlements or a condition of employment. Such vehicles may be used
for commuting use subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in this policy.
All vehicles, with the exception of the Chief of Police and unmarked police vehicles
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will have identifying lettering or doors of the VBM and of such Department as the
vehicle may be assigned. All employees granted vehicles stated in this section will
be required periodically to submit a monthly mileage report to the VM. All
employees utilizing Village vehicles as a fringe benefit will be taxed as per IRS rules
and reported on their W-2.
6. In the event that an authorized individual opts to utilize his or her own vehicle, an
allowance will be paid of up to an annual maximum of $4,800.00 divided evenly in
26 pay periods. Said allowance shall be paid as additional salary to said employee
in each pay period of the year. It will be included in the employee’s annual W -2
statement.
7. Fire Response Vehicles shall be provided to the respective three (3) Fire Chiefs. A
specific vehicle is to be assigned to a specific chief for his/her full term of office. The
assigned vehicle in all instances shall be considered the property of the VBM and in
no way shall be considered a personal vehicle. The assigned vehicle may be used
by the Fire Chief’s to commute to his/her place of employment within a limitation of
a 25 mile radius from his/her residence; the assigned vehicle shall not be used for
any purpose beyond a radius of 50 miles from the VBM Village Hall without the
expressed approval of the VM and compliance with such conditions of approval as
may be imposed; PROVIDED, however, that no approval shall be needed for
firematic response. The assigned vehicle is, under no circumstances, to be used for
personal vacation or similar type of activities.
8. Employees with VBM owned/leased vehicles may utilize the village’s fuel facility for
fuel for their specific vehicle only and are subject to the rules and regulations of
operation for that facility. Those employees who are provided a monthly allowance
are not permitted to utilize the village’s fuel facility.
9. When a VBM employee or Volunteer Fire Chief with a village owned/leased is
required to travel on official business that requires overnight travel, permission must
be granted in advance by the VM. In the event that a VBM employee utilizes their
own personal/private vehicle for official use in representing or meeting the needs of
the VBM, reimbursement for mileage associated with the official function shall be
reimbursed by the VBM at the then prevailing IRS rate. Such charges are to be
documented in keeping with existing VBM policies then in effect.
10. The VBM shall require any and all of its employees who operate any Village owned
or leased vehicle or piece of equipment to subscribe to the Village’s membership in
the License Event Notification Service (LENS). The LENS program automatically
notifies the Village of driver license events that occur, including but not limited to;
the expiration, the suspension, or the revocation of a driver license; the restoration
of a driver license; traffic convictions; reportable accidents; the completion of a
training course to reduce points and insurance premiums.
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11. Accident Investigation Procedures: VBM realizes some accidents are
unpreventable. All employees should seek prompt and effective medical attention
immediately, if necessary. Providing detailed facts of the accident will help our
insurance carrier deter fraudulent third party insurance schemes.
a. All employees with VBM vehicles are required to document all details of an
accident: traffic flow, speed limits, stop lights/signs, weather conditions,
citations issued, etc. Pictures should be taken to document the extent of
damage to all vehicles involved.
b. Once this information is secured, the driver is to report all accidents
immediately to the Village Clerk and the VM. If the vehicle is inoperable,
arrangements need to be made for towing and delivery to the VBM DPW yard,
as appropriate.
c. Any accidents that occur while using a vehicle in violation of the stated
guidelines of this policy may result in the driver being held responsible for
repairs and associated costs.
12. Vehicles for Personal Use (unless otherwise provided for in this policy):
a. Personal use of VBM vehicles is prohibited. Written permission may be
granted by the VBM for extreme situations outside the bounds of this
policy. If permission is granted, the employee assigned to the vehicle will
be the only driver allowed to operate the vehicle.
b. Use of the VBM vehicle is limited to travel to and from work and work
related events. The vehicle is not to be used for personal and/or
entertainment purposes. Commuting miles may not exceed 25 miles
without the expressed approval of the VM and compliance with such
conditions of approval as may be imposed.
c. Village vehicles may not be used to transport persons who are not officials
or employees of the VBM, nor material not related to the conduct of
official Village business, without direct authorization by the appropriate
Department Head or the Village Board.
13. VBM realizes a proper working vehicle is the first step to ensuring everyone’s safety.
VBM encourages all employees to report any and all maintenance and malfunction
issues immediately to the Superintendent of DPW with a courtesy copy to the VM.
14. The foregoing policy shall be provided in writing to all employees and a formal
acknowledgment by each shall be documented upon assignment of a Village
28
vehicle or authorization for reimbursement. Further, this policy shall be incorporated
into the VBM employee handbook.
15. This policy shall be subject to amendment during the year and may be done by the
Village Manager under the direction of the BOT, as so determined and necessary.
16. This Policy and attached documents shall become effective as of 1 June 2010 upon
the adoption by the VBM M/BOT. It is subject to re-adoption at the annual re-
organizational meeting of the VBM M/BOT.
17. The VM is hereby authorized to make non-material changes to this policy,
periodically, in order to better effectuate the Terms, Conditions and Intent of this
vehicle policy.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees on: June 16, 2010
Roll Call:
Trustee Hunt Aye
Trustee Werner Aye
Trustee Midgley Aye
Deputy Mayor Chatzky Aye
Mayor Vescio Aye
Adjournment:
Upon motion by Trustee Werner and seconded by Trustee Hunt, the Board voted
unanimously to close the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Christine Dennett
29
Agenda
AGENDA
APRIL 6, 2021
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NEW YORK
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
7:00 PM
Due to COVID-19 concerns the meeting will be held via Zoom. Please feel free to
view or call in to the meeting and email any comments you have prior to the
meeting to BOT@briarcliffmanor.org or cdennett@briarcliffmanor.org.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86812833150?pwd=Zk5wWmVrWjZ5eHI5VU1xRmRSNVA4UT09
Meeting ID: 868 1283 3150
Passcode: 122189
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+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
1. Oath of Office to Be Administered to the Newly Elected Officials
2. Mayoral Appointments
3. Board of Trustees Appointments
4. Appointment to Village Boards and Commissions
5. Scheduling of Dates of Regular Board of Trustees Meetings
6. Designation of Banks for the Deposit of Village Funds:
7. Designation of Official Village Newspapers
8. Approval of Village Procurement Policy
9. Approval of Village Investment Policy
10. Approval of Fund Balance Policy
11. Approval of Fixed Asset Policy
12. Approval of Board of Trustees Meetings Rules of Procedure
13. Approval of Policies and Procedures for Advisory and Ad-Hoc Committees
14. Approval of Seat Belt Policy
15. Approval of Village Vehicle Policy
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Organizational Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
7:00 p.m.
1. Oath of Office to Be Administered to the Newly Elected Officials:
a) Mayor Steven A. Vescio 2 years
b) Trustee Peter S. Chatzky 2 years
c) Trustee Edward E. Midgley 2 years
d) Village Justice Howard T. Code 4 years
2. Announcement of the Following Mayoral Appointments:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
a) Deputy Mayor Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
b) Board Liaisons:
Westchester County Municipal
Officials Association Steven A. Vescio 1 year
Town Government Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
County Government Steven A. Vescio 1 year
State Government Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
Recreation Committee Sabine Werner 1 year
Conservation Advisory Council VACANT 1 year
Library Board Kevin Hunt 1 year
School Board (Briarcliff Manor) Kevin Hunt 1 year
School Board (Ossining) Sabine Werner 1 year
Historic River Towns of Westchester Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Media & Telecommunications Peter S. Chatzky 1 year
Business District Liaison Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Fire Dept. Liaison Steven A. Vescio 1 year
Fire Dept. Liaison Kevin Hunt 1 year
Scarborough/Briarcliff Manor
Historical Society Edward E. Midgley 1 year
Park Development/Improvement Sabine Werner 1 year
Point Trustees/Village’s Major Goals:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Infrastructure Long Term Planning Steven A. Vescio
Update Local Code Peter S. Chatzky
ARAC-Revise/Estab. Comm. Design/Land Planning Edward E. Midgley
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Explore Village/Town Kevin Hunt
Tax Savings/Efficiency Initiatives Sabine Werner
3. Announcement of the Following Board of Trustees Appointments:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Board of Police Commissioners Board of Trustees 1 year
Board of Fire Commissioners Board of Trustees 1 year
Village Manager Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Village Treasurer Kathryn Nivins 2 years
Deputy Treasurer Robin Rizzo 1 year
Village Clerk Christine Dennett 2 years
Deputy Village Clerk Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Registrar of Vital Statistics Christine Dennett 2 years
Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Village Historian Karen Smith 1 year
Associate Village Justice Stuart Halper 1 year
Village Counsel Daniel Pozin 1 year
Village Prosecutor Stephen P. Dewey 1 year
4. Announcement of the Appointment to the Various Boards and Commissions:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Planning Board
a) Chairperson Edward Nolan 1 year
b) Member Michael Gelardi 5 years
c) Alternate Krista Mastrocola 1 year
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Zoning Board of Appeals
a) Chairperson Christopher Bogart 1 year
b) Member John O’Leary 5 years
c) Alternate Conor Savage 1 year
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Recreation Advisory Committee
a) Chairperson Georgina Gualdino 1 year
b) Member Roger Battacharia 3 years
c) Member James Alvich 3 years
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Conservation Advisory Council
a) Chairperson VACANT 1 year
b) Member VACANT 1 year (unexpired term)
c) Member VACANT 1 year (unexpired term)
d) Member VACANT 1 year (unexpired term)
e) Member VACANT 1 year (unexpired term)
f) Member VACANT 1 year (unexpired term)
g) Member VACANT 2 years
h) Member VACANT 2 years
i) Member VACANT 2 years
j) Member VACANT 2 years
k) Member VACANT 2 years
l) Member VACANT 2 years
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Ethics Board
a) Chairperson Anthony Capasso 1 year
b) Member Philip Zegarelli 1 year
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Tree Preservation
a) Member-V.M. Philip Zegarelli 1 year
b) Member-C.A.C. VACANT 1 year
c) Member-P.B. Edward Nolan 1 year
Architectural Review Advisory Committee
a) Chairperson VACANT 1 year
b) Member Kate Aker 3 years
c) Member VACANT 2 years (unexpired term)
d) Member VACANT 2 years (unexpired term)
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
CDAG Representative
a) Jessica Vecchiarelli 1 year
5. Dates of Regular Meetings
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Page 3 of 29
The Village Board of Trustees regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday
of each month at 7:30 p.m. with a work session before each meeting beginning at 6:00p.m.
An additional work session will be held as necessary on the fourth Tuesday of each month
beginning at 6:00p.m.
6. Designation of Banks for the Deposit of Village Funds:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
a. TD Bank
b. JP Morgan Chase
c. Webster Bank
d. Glens Falls National Bank
7. Designation of Official Village Newspapers:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
a. Journal News
b. The Gazette
8. Procurement Policy:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
PROCUREMENT POLICY FOR THE VILLAGE BRIARCLIFF MANOR
1. Every purchase to be made must be initially reviewed to determine whether it is a
purchase contract or a public works contract. Once that determination is made, a good
faith effort will be made to determine whether it is known or can reasonably be
expected that the aggregate amount to be spent on the item of supply or service is not
subject to competitive bidding, taking into account past purchases and the aggregate
amount to be spent in a year. The following items are not subject to competitive
bidding pursuant to Section 103 of the General Municipal Law: purchase contracts
under $20,000 (eg. Equipment, materials, supplies, etc.) and public works contracts
under $35,000; emergency purchases; certain municipal hospital purchases; goods
purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped; goods purchased from
correctional institutions; purchases under State and county contracts; and surplus and
second-hand purchases from another governmental entity.
The decision that a purchase is not subject to competitive bidding will be documented in
writing by the individual making the purchase. This documentation may include written
or verbal quotes from vendors, a memo from the purchaser indicating how the decision
was arrived at, a copy of the contract indicating the source which makes the item or
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service exempt, a memo from the purchaser detailing the circumstances which led to an
emergency purchase, or any other written documentation that is appropriate.
2. All goods and services will be secured by use of written requests for proposals, written
quotations, verbal quotations, or any other method that assures that goods will be
purchased at the lowest price and that favoritism will be avoided, except in the
following circumstances; purchase contracts over $20,000 and public works contracts
over $35,000; goods purchased from agencies for the blind or severely handicapped
pursuant to Section 175b of the State Finance Law; goods purchased from correctional
institutions pursuant to Section 186 of the Correction Law; purchases under State
contracts pursuant to Section 104 of the General Municipal Law; purchases under
county contracts pursuant to Section 103(3) of the General Municipal Law; or purchases
pursuant to subdivision 6 of this policy.
3. The following method of purchase will be used when required by this policy in order to
achieve the highest savings:
Estimated Amount of
Purchase Contract Method
$1,500-5,000 Minimum of two verbal quotations
$5,001-19,999 Minimum of three written/emailed quotations or
written request for proposals
Estimated Amount of
Public Works Contract Method
$1,500-7,500 Minimum of two verbal quotations
$7,501-34,999 Minimum of three written/emailed quotations or
written request for proposals
A good faith effort shall be made to obtain the required number of proposals or quotations. If the
purchaser is unable to obtain the required number of proposals or quotations, the purchaser will
document the attempt made at obtaining the proposals. In no event shall the failure to obtain the
proposals be a bar to the procurement.
4. Documentation is required of each action taken in connection with each procurement.
5. Documentation and an explanation are required whenever a contract is awarded to
other than the lowest responsible offeror. This documentation will include an
explanation of how the award will achieve savings or how the offeror was not
responsible. A determination that the offeror is not responsible shall be made by the
purchaser and may not be challenged under any circumstances.
6. Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 103 (16), the procurement policy authorizes
the Village to purchase apparatus, materials, equipment and supplies, and to contract
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for services related to the installation, maintenance or repair of those items, through
the use of contracts let by the United States or any agency thereof, any state or any
other political subdivision or district therein. It is incumbent on the Village Department
Head requesting use of this section to ensure that the “other political subdivision or
district” RFP or BID specs was properly executed and includes the “allowance of
piggybacking” in their documentation.
7. Pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 104-b(2)(f), the procurement policy may
contain circumstances when, or types of procurements for which, in the discretion of
the Village Manager, the solicitation of alternative proposals or quotations will not be in
the best interest of the municipality. In the following circumstances it may not be in the
best interests of the Village of Briarcliff Manor to solicit quotations or document the
basis for not accepting the lowest bid.
a. Professional services or services requiring special or technical skill, training or
expertise. The individual or company must be chosen based on accountability,
reliability, responsibility, skill, education and training, judgment, integrity and
moral worth. These qualifications are not necessarily found in the individual or
company that offers the lowest price and the nature of these services are such
that they do not readily lend themselves to competitive procurement
procedures.
In determining whether a service fits into this category the Village Manager shall take into
consideration the following guidelines: (a) whether the services are subject to State
licensing or testing requirements; (b) whether substantial formal education or training is a
necessary prerequisite to the performance of the services; and (c) whether the services
require a personal relationship between the individual and municipal officials. Professional
or technical services shall include but not be limited to the following: services of an
attorney: services of a physician; technical services of an engineer engaged to prepare
plans, maps and estimates; securing insurance coverage and/or services of an insurance
broker; services of a certified public accountant; investment management services; printing
services involving extensive writing, editing or art work; management of municipally owned
property; and computer software or programming services for customized programs, or
services involved in substantial modification and customizing or pre-packaged software.
b. Emergency purchases pursuant to Section 103(4) of the General Municipal Law.
Due to the nature of this exception, these goods or services must be purchased
immediately and a delay in order to seek alternate proposals may threaten the
life, health, safety or welfare of the residents. This section does not preclude
alternate proposals if time permits.
c. Purchases of surplus and second-hand goods from any source. If alternate
proposals are required, the Village of Briarcliff Manor is precluded from
purchasing surplus and second-hand goods at auctions or through specific
advertised sources where the best prices are usually obtained. It is also difficult
to try to compare prices of used goods and a lower price may indicate an older
product.
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d. Goods or services under $1,500. The time and documentation required to
purchase through this policy may be more costly than the item itself and would,
therefore, not be in the best interests of the taxpayer. In addition, it is not likely
that such de minimis contracts would be awarded based on favoritism.
8. This policy shall go into effect January 1, 1992, was amended April 7, 2010, April 9, 2014,
April 7, 2020 and November 10, 2020 and will be reviewed annually.
9. Investment Policy:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
INVESTMENT POLICY
OF THE VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR
I. SCOPE
This investment policy applies to all monies and other financial resources available for investment
on its own behalf or on behalf of any other entity or individual.
II. OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the Village’s investment activities are, in priority order,
• To conform with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements (legal);
• To adequately safeguard principal (safety);
• To provide sufficient liquidity to meet all operating requirements (liquidity); and
• To obtain a reasonable rate of return (yield).
III. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
The village board’s responsibility for administration of the investment program is delegated to the
Treasurer who shall establish written procedures for the operation of the investment program
consistent with these investment guidelines. Such procedures shall include an adequate internal
control structure to provide a satisfactory level of accountability based on a data base or records
incorporating description and amounts of investment, transaction dates, and other relevant
information and regulate the activities of subordinate employees.
IV. PRUDENCE
All participants in the investment process shall seek to act responsibly as custodians of the
public trust and shall avoid any transaction that might impair confidence in the Village to
govern effectively.
Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under circumstances then prevailing,
which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their
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own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the safety of the principal
as well as the probable income to be derived.
All participants involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal business
activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or which could
impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions.
V. DIVERSIFICATION
It is the policy of the Village to diversify its deposits and investments by financial institution, by
investment instrument, and by maturity scheduling.
VI. INTERNAL CONTROLS
The Treasurer is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal control structure
to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that deposits and investments are
safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition, that transactions are
executed in accordance with management’s authorization and recorded properly, and is
managed in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
VII. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITARIES
The banks and trust companies authorized for the deposit of monies shall be designated annually at
the April Board of Trustee meeting.
VIII. COLLATERALIZING OF DEPOSITS
In accordance with the provisions of General Municipal Law, §10, all deposits of Village, including
certificates of deposit and special time deposits, in excess of the amount insured under the
provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act shall be secured:
1. By a pledge of “eligible securities” with an aggregate “market value”, or provided by General
Municipal Law, §10, equal to the aggregate amount of deposits from the categories designated
Appendix A to the policy.
2. By an eligible “irrevocable letter of credit” issued by a qualified bank other than the bank with
the deposits in favor of the government for a term not to exceed 90 days with an aggregate
value equal to 140% of the aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed upon interest, if any.
A qualified bank is one whose commercial paper and other unsecured short-term debt
obligations are rated in one of the three highest rating categories by at least one nationally
recognized statistical rating organization or by a bank that is in compliance with applicable
federal minimum risk-based capital requirements.
3. By an eligible surety bond payable to the government for an amount at least equal to 100% of
the aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed upon interest, if any, executed by an
insurance company authorized to do business in New York State, whose claims-paying ability is
rated in the highest rating category by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations. The terms and conditions of any eligible surety shall be approved by the
governing board.
Page 8 of 29
4. An “irrevocable letter of credit” issued in favor of the government by a federal home loan bank
whose commercial paper and other unsecured short-term debt obligations are rated in the
highest rating category by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization, as
security for the payment of 100 percent of the aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed-
upon interest, if any.
IX. SAFEKEEPING AND COLLATERALIZATION
Eligible securities used for collateralizing deposits shall be held by the bank or trust company subject
to security and custodial agreements.
The security agreement shall provide that eligible securities are being pledged to secure Village
deposits together with agreed upon interest, if any, and any costs or expenses arising out of the
collection of such deposits upon default. It shall also provide the conditions under which the
securities may be sold, presents for payment, substituted or released and the events which will
enable the Village to exercise its rights against the pledged securities. In the event that the
securities are not registered or inscribed in the name of the Village, such securities shall be delivered
in a form suitable for transfer.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank, or trust company, or agent of
and custodian for, the Village, will be kept separate and apart from the general assets of the
custodial bank or trust company and will not, in any circumstances, be commingled with or become
part of the backing for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement should also describe
that the custodian shall confirm the receipt, substitution or release of securities. The agreement
shall provide for the frequency of revaluation of eligible securities and for the substitution of
securities when a change in the rating of a security may cause ineligibility. Such agreement shall
include all provisions necessary to provide the Village a perfected interest in the securities.
X. PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
As authorized by General Municipal Law, §11, the Village authorizes the Treasurer to invest monies
not required for immediate expenditure for terms not to exceed its projected cash flow needs in the
following types of investments:
• Special time deposit accounts;
• Certificate of deposit;
• Obligations of the United States of America;
• Obligations guaranteed by agencies of the United States of America where the payment of
principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States of America;
• Obligations of the State of New York;
• Obligations of the Village, but only with monies in a reserve fund established pursuant to
GML, §6-c, 6-d, 6-e, 6-g, 6-h, 6-j, 6-k, 6-l, 6-m, or 6-n.
All investment obligations shall be payable or redeemable at the option of the Village within
such times as the proceeds will be needed to meet expenditures for purposes for which the
monies were provided and, in the case of obligations purchased with the proceeds of bonds or
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notes, shall be payable or redeemable at the option of the Village within two years of the date
of purchase.
XI. AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND DEALERS
All financial institutions with which the Village conducts business must be credit worthy. Banks shall
provide their most recent Consolidated Report of Condition (Call Report) at the request of the
Village. Security dealers not affiliated with a bank shall be required to be classified as reporting
dealers affiliated with the New York Federal Reserve Bank, as primary dealers. The Village is
responsible for evaluating the financial position and maintaining a listing of proposed depositaries,
trading partners and custodians. Such listing shall be evaluated at least annually.
XII. PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS
All purchased obligations, unless registered or inscribed in the name of the Village, shall be
purchased through, delivered to and held in the custody of a bank or trust company. Such
obligations shall be purchased, sold or presented for redemption or payment by such bank or trust
company only in accordance with prior written authorization from the officer authorized to make
the investment. All such transactions shall be confirmed in writing to the Village by the bank or trust
company. Any obligation held in the custody of a bank or trust company shall be held pursuant to a
written custodial agreement as described in General Municipal Law, §10.
The custodial agreement shall provide that securities held by the bank or trust company, as agent of
and custodian for, the Village, will be kept separate and apart from the general assets of the
custodial bank or trust company and will not, in any circumstances, be commingled with or become
part of the backing for any other deposit or other liabilities. The agreement shall describe how the
custodian shall confirm the receipt and release of the securities. Such agreement shall include all
provisions necessary to provide the Village a perfected interest in the securities.
APPENDIX A
Schedule of Eligible Securities
1. Obligations issued, or fully insured or guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, by the
United States of America, an agency thereof or a United States government sponsored corporation.
2. Obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development,
the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the African Development
Bank.
3. Obligations partially insured or guaranteed by any agency of the United States of America, at a
proportion of the Market Value of the obligation that represents the amount of the insurance or
guaranty.
4. Obligations issued or fully insured or guaranteed by the State of New York, obligations issued by a
municipal corporation, school district or district corporation of such State or obligations of any public
Page 10 of 29
benefit corporation which under a specific State statute may be accepted as security for deposit of
public monies.
5. Obligations issued by states (other than the State of New York) of the United States rated in one of the
three highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
6. Obligations of Puerto Rico rated in one of the three highest rating categories by at least one nationally
recognized statistical rating organization.
7. Obligations of counties, cities and other governmental entities of a state other than the State of New
York having the power to levy taxes that are backed by the full faith and credit of such governmental
entity and rated in one of the three highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized
statistical rating organization.
8. Obligations of domestic corporations rated in one the two highest rating categories by at least one
nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
9. Any mortgage related securities, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which
may be purchased by banks under the limitations established by bank regulatory agencies.
10. Commercial paper and bankers’ acceptances issued by a bank, other than the bank, rated in the highest
short-term category by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization and having
maturities of no longer than 60 days from the date they are pledged.
11. Zero coupon obligations of the United States government marketed as “Treasury strips”.
10. Fund Balance Policy:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Fund Balance Policy
Policy Purpose:
The Village of Briarcliff Manor (VBM) has an important fiduciary responsibility to its citizens to
responsibly account for public funds, to manage municipal finances wisely and to plan the adequate
funding of services desired by the public, including the provision and maintenance of public facilities.
Credit agencies rate municipal creditworthiness. Their primary focus is the year to year growth in our
fund balance. Municipalities strive to increase their bond rating, and now more than ever must focus
on increasing fund balance.
Reserve Funds:
A. Reserve funds (which essentially are legally authorized allocated funds for particular and specific
purposes) are a component in the VBM’s financial planning for specific expenses, future projects,
acquisitions and other lawful purposes. To achieve this governmental goal, the Village may establish
and maintain reserve funds in accordance with New York State laws. This includes, but is not limited
to, considering rules and/or opinions issued by the New York State Comptroller.
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B. Village reserves funds must be properly established, designated, and maintained by the Mayor and
Board of Trustees (M/BOT)’s to promote the goals of creating an open, transparent and accountable
use of public funds. The VBM may engage independent experts and professionals, including but not
limited to auditors, accountants and other financial and legal counsel, as necessary to monitor all
reserve fund activity and prepare reports that the M/BOT may require.
Fund Balance Reporting:
GASB issued Statement No. 54, “Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions”, in
February 2009. The requirements of GASB Statement No. 54 became effective for financial statements
for the Village’s fiscal period ending 31 May 2012. GASB Statement No. 54 abandoned the reserved
and unreserved classifications of fund balance and replaced them with five new classifications: Non-
spendable, restricted, committed, assigned and unassigned which are currently defined by the GASB as
follows:
Nonspendable – consists of assets that are inherently non-spendable in the current period
either because of their form or because they must be maintained intact, including prepaid
items, inventories, long-term portions of loans receivable, financial assets held for resale and
principal of endowments.
Restricted – consists of amounts that are subject to externally enforceable legal purpose
restrictions imposed by creditors, grantors, contributors, or laws and regulations of other
governments; or through constitutional provisions or enabling legislation.
Committed – consists of amounts that are subject to a purpose constraint imposed by a formal
action of the government’s highest level of decision-making authority (for VBM its M/BOT)
before the end of the fiscal year, and that require the same level of formal action to remove the
constraint.
Assigned – consists of amounts that are subject to a purpose constraint that represents an
intended use established by the government’s highest level of decision-making authority
(M/BOT), or by their designated body or official. The purpose of the assignment must be
narrower than the purpose of the General Fund, and in funds other than the General Fund,
assigned fund balance represents the residual amount of fund balance.
Unassigned – represents the residual classification for the government’s General Fund, and
could report a surplus or deficit. In funds other than the General Fund, the unassigned
classification should be used only to report a deficit balance resulting from overspending.
For the purposes of this Village Policy the term “Unassigned” shall be deemed to include not
only General Fund but also Water Fund which is budgeted and operated separate from the
General Fund.
Funding Policy for restricted or committed and assigned fund balances:
The formal action of the government’s highest level of decision-making authority (M/BOT) that
restricts, commits or assigns fund balance to a specific purpose should occur prior to the end of the
reporting period, but the amount, if any, which will be subject to the constraint, may be determined in
the subsequent financial reporting period.
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Spending policy for all (General and Water) Fund Balances:
By adoption of this policy, the VBM shall maintain the unassigned fund balances at a level no less than
10% each of the total annual revenues for the General Fund and Water Fund. Should a fund balance
fall below the 10% floor due to emergencies or service delivery requirements above or beyond the
limitations established by the Financial Goals and Policies, the M/BOT will develop a plan to re-
establish at least a 10% floor within a period of no more than three years. Village policy shall be to
grow Fund Balance to a 20% threshold. When this threshold is achieved, Village management shall
make recommendations to the M/BOT to adjust/adhere to current economic and operational
indicators. In all cases, reserves shall be set aside for unknown and unpredictable events, such as the
result of a natural disaster, and may be used for unbudgeted and/or unpredictable expenses. The
M/BOT shall make a formal resolution and vote in public on such recommendation.
The M/BOT will determine the composition of its ending fund balance(s) by applying its accounting
policies regarding whether it considers restricted or unrestricted amounts to have been spent when an
expenditure is incurred for purposes for which both restricted and unrestricted (committed, assigned,
or unassigned) amounts are available. Similarly, within the unrestricted fund balance(s), the
classification should be based on the government’s accounting policies regarding whether it considers
committed, assigned or unassigned amounts to have been spent when an expenditure is incurred for
purposes for which amounts in any of those unrestricted fund balance(s) classifications could be used.
If a government does not establish a policy for its use of unrestricted fund balance(s) amounts, it
should consider that committed amounts would be reduced first, followed by assigned amounts, and
then unassigned amounts when expenditures are incurred for purposes for which amounts in any of
those unrestricted fund balance classifications could be used.
Periodic review and annual report:
A. The M/BOT and Village Manager (VM) will periodically review all restricted committed and assigned
fund balances. The VM will prepare and submit an annual report of all restricted, committed and
assigned funds for the M/BOT. The annual report shall include the following information for each
reserve fund.
(1) The type and description of the reserve fund.
(2) The interest earned on each reserve fund.
(3) Capital gains of losses resulting from the sale of investments of the reserve funds from
the previous reporting period.
(4) The sum total increase and sum total decrease in the reserve funds.
(5) The ending balance in the reserve funds at fiscal yearend.
(6) A summary statement of projected use and the need of the reserve funds exclusive of
the unassigned.
B. The M/BOT shall utilize the information in the annual report to discuss reserve fund balances and to
adequately maintain necessary funds for the VBM’s long-term financial planning. The M/BOT will be
mindful of its role and responsibility as a fiduciary of public funds when acting on all reserve fund
issues.
11. Fixed Asset Policy:
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Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Fixed Asset Policy
Policy Statement:
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the physical inventory and reporting controls of
Village of Briarcliff Manor (VBM) assets. These assets include, but not limited to, accounting of the
assets; meeting financial reporting needs; asset management records keeping; and, where appropriate,
the disposal of VBM assets to maximize value for aged, obsolete and/or distressed assets no longer
necessary for the operational needs of the VBM.
Policy Purpose:
The intent of this policy is to describe and formulate standard policies required for recording new and
existing assets; changes in assets; methodology of record keeping; and, the disposal of assets when the
VBM so determines. In addition, this policy is intended to provide a sequence of events for VBM
personnel in the safeguarding, accounting for and disposing of VBM assets. New York State Law and
VBM accounting standards require that the VBM accurately record and account for capital assets on a
routine basis. Because each VBM Department holds and/or is responsible for the use of capital
equipment or other such VBM-owned property, this policy outlines the roles and responsibilities in
regards to VBM’s overall capital assets.
Responsible Party:
The Village Treasurer (and Finance Department) shall be the designated responsible party to
implement and maintain the Fixed Asset Policy. The Treasurer shall report all findings to the Village
Manager and coordinate with the Village Clerk in the documentation of new and disposal of obsolete
or excess equipment as so determined by the Board of Trustees (BOT).
Physical Asset Reporting Threshold:
For purposes of this policy, the asset reporting threshold shall be set as the gross cost at the time of
acquisition: now established as $1,500.005,000.00. However, in the case of volumes of like-types of
materials, consumables and/or the storage of like physical assets under the individual
$1,500.005,000.00 purchase threshold, those inventories shall be considered on an aggregate basis
and reported as such. Examples of this nature are the aggregate of share fire hydrants, water and
sewer pipes etc. Notwithstanding common rates of depreciation, “wear and tear” and/or useful life or
obsolescence, purchase price (including consolidation of parts or equipment enhancements) shall
prevail. However, such items as bulk “fire hose” and firefighter clothing are to be reported as a lump
sum fiscal year expense but inventoried as to useful life and/or obsolesce. The VBM utilizes straight-
line annual depreciation on capital assets.
Physical Inventory of Equipment:
As provided for by a New York State fixed asset control reporting, department heads are to provide a
listing of all reportable property by department responsibility and/or area purchased each fiscal year.
The acquisition and payment thereafter shall be designated a Fixed Asset (FA) when entered into
VBM’s financial software. Each department head is to provide the information to the Treasurer who
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will coordinate the reporting and documentation of all physical inventories. The Initial Effective Date
of this policy shall be as of December 1, 2014. Thereafter on the anniversary date, a review of all
physical inventories shall be made and reported to the Treasurer. All new purchases and aggregate
increases in like inventories shall be recorded at the time of acquisition to ensure that all assets are
verified and recorded on the VBM’s physical inventories listing. The purpose of this physical inventory
is to verify the existence and useful life of the equipment (individually by unit purchase or in the
aggregate) as well as to ensure the accuracy of VBM records. Lost, stolen equipment and/or the
destruction of VBM equipment by accident or otherwise shall be reported as soon as the loss is known
and assessed to the Treasurer and Manager. Unreported discrepancies are to be noted when
identified and the Village Manager is to coordinate with all departments to verify the nature of the
loss. For purposes of this policy, the Treasurer shall utilize the current VBM accounting system module
(that is, the Munis, and any successor system) to maintain all records and adjustments as currently
established and standardized for all Department Heads to review. In those cases where the VBM’s
Munis system may not be appropriate for inventory reporting or control, Excel type spread sheet”
documentation may be utilized with appropriate descriptive captions.
Disposal of Assets:
Upon review of the December semi-annual inventory, each department head shall determine and
recommend to the Village Manager what specific assets are no longer of use for VBM operations.
Those assets shall be identified and described as to its original purchase price, current operational
and/or functional condition, and determination as to its non-operational need for each department.
Those separate items with a purchase price of at least $25,000.00 shall have an independent, outside
appraisal/evaluation completed prior to disposal determination. There may come a time or purpose
that an asset has no value or redeemable use. An estimated sale value shall be provided as an indicator
of revenue recovery by an independent source outside of a VBM departmental determination. The
VBM Treasurer and the VBM Clerk shall coordinate all documentation and provide a listing of all
defined disposable assets to the Village Manager as soon as practicable, thereafter. The Village
Manager, in keeping with New York State asset control reporting and sound accounting practices, shall
provide a list to the Mayor and Board of Trustees (M/BOT) for their determination as to the need and
their approval to dispose of such assets. The M/BOT shall determine the minimum bid price on all
items to be disposed and, by formal resolution shall determine the asset listing that shall be disposed
of. Unless otherwise provided, the M/BOT resolution shall direct the Village Manager to provide for
public notice as to the sale of all identified assets. Unless otherwise determined, all assets are to be
sold by sealed bid on an “as is, where is” basis. Where appropriate, minimum base prices will be
established and a 10% down payment included in the bid. Public notice and the procedures for sealed
bids shall be determined according to standard New York State and municipal accounting standards.
The disposal of such assets as determined by the respective department head and the Village Manager
are not to be disposed of, gifted, or otherwise abandoned without a resolution by the M/BOT. All bids
are to be reviewed by the Village Manager and any/all assets may be withdrawn from the scheduled
sale even after publicly noticed for sale.
Disposition and Removal of Equipment:
Upon award of bids, the VBM Clerk shall notify the highest bidder of the bid award and that the
equipment is to be paid for from a documented, identifiable payment source such as money order,
bank check or bank wire transfer (no cash) within 3 business days. The equipment is to be removed
within 5 business days after full payment is verified. If the winning bidder fails to pay in full, the VBM
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shall be entitled to seize the 10% down payment. The Treasurer shall determine if the next highest
bidder meets the requirements of the bid process for the asset to be disposed or not. Upon payment
for the bid item, the Village Clerk and Village Treasurer shall update the VBM’s inventory records and
provide a summary to the Manager. The manager shall report to the M/BOT the results of all sales (or
items not bid on) as soon as practical.
Conclusion:
The VBM shall ensure that this policy’s effectiveness be monitored and executed as defined. Variances
and/or amendments are to be reported to the M/BOT for their resolution and confirmation. This
policy shall be renewed at the M/BOT’s annual Re-organizational Meeting as proscribed by New York
State Village Law and amended as necessary or appropriate.
12. Rules of Procedure:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the following appointments:
BE IT RESOLVED that Board of Trustees does hereby adopt the following policy as amended:
VILLAGE OF BRIARCLIFF MANOR
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RULES OF PROCEDURE
Pursuant to New York Village Law §4-412(2), but subject to the other provisions of New York
Law and the Village of Briarcliff Manor Code, the following rules of procedure are adopted and shall
govern the meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor:
PART A: MEETINGS
SECTION A1 - Regular Meetings
The Board of Trustees generally will hold regular meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Such regular meetings shall commence at 7:30PM and be conducted in the William J. Vescio
Community Center. Any deviation from this schedule shall be determined by the Board of Trustees.
SECTION A2 - Special Meetings
Special Meetings of the Board of Trustees are all those Board meetings other than regular meetings. A
special meeting may be called by the Mayor or a majority of the Board of Trustees upon notice to the
entire Board. Notice shall be given in accordance with law.
SECTION A3 - Executive Sessions
Executive Sessions shall be held in accordance with the New York State Public Officers Law §105. All
executive sessions shall be commenced in a public meeting. (Appendix I Executive Session Policy)
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SECTION A4 – Work Sessions
Work Sessions of the Board of Trustees are those Board meetings scheduled to discuss upcoming
agenda items or other matters as may be determined by the Mayor or three (3) members a of the
Board. These meeting are open to the public, however comments from the public will be allowed in
the discretion of the Mayor or a majority of the Board present. A Work Session will precede the
regularly scheduled meetings beginning at 6:30pm and an additional Work Session will be held as
necessary on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. Notice shall be given in accordance with law.
PART B: POLICIES
SECTION B1 - Quorum
A quorum of the Board of Trustees shall be required to conduct business. A quorum of the five (5)
member Board shall be three (3). In the absence of a quorum, a lesser number may adjourn and
compel the attendance of absent members.
SECTION B2 - Voting
Pursuant to Village Law each member of the Board of Trustees shall have one vote. The Mayor may
vote on any matter and must vote in case of a tie. The affirmative vote of three (3) members of the
Board is necessary to pass a matter unless otherwise specified by New York State Law.
A vote upon any question shall be taken by ayes and nays and shall be entered in the minutes.
SECTION B3 - Agendas
The agenda shall be prepared by the Village Clerk by Friday preceding the Tuesday meeting. The
Mayor or any Trustee may have an item placed on the agenda by giving the same to the Village
Manager the Friday morning before the Tuesday meeting. However, an item may be placed on the
agenda at anytime, including during the meeting, by consent of a majority of the Board. If necessary, a
supplemental agenda shall be distributed at the beginning of the meeting.
SECTION B4 - Order of Business
The order of business shall be:
Call to order
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearings
Board of Trustees Announcements
Village Manager’s Report and Updates
Public Comments
Resolutions
Approval of Minutes
Adjournment
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The order of business need not be followed if the Mayor determines that it is appropriate to deviate.
SECTION B5 - Adjournment
Meetings shall be adjourned by motion and majority vote.
SECTION B6 - Minutes
Minutes at all Board of Trustee meetings shall be the responsibility of the Village Clerk, who with Board
of Trustee approval may employ the services of a person to take minutes. Minutes of an open meeting
shall consist of a record or summary of all motions, proposals, resolutions and any other matter
formally voted upon and the vote thereon. Minutes of an executive session shall be taken of any
action that is taken by formal vote and shall consist of a record or summary of the final determination
of such action and the vote thereon; provided, however, that such summary need not include any
matter which is not required to be made public by the New York State Freedom of Information Law.
Minutes shall also include the following:
Name of the Board;
Date, place and time of meeting;
Notation of presence or absence of Board members and time of arrival or
departure if different from time of call to order and adjournment.
Name and title of other village officials and employees present in an official
capacity.
Record of communications presented to the Board.
Record of reports made by Board or other village personnel.
Time of adjournment.
Name of Village Clerk or person who took the minutes.
Minutes need not contain a summary of the discussion leading to action taken or include verbatim
comments unless a majority of the Board resolves to have the Clerk do so. Minutes shall be considered
for approval at the next Board meeting after the minutes are received by the Village Clerk.
PART C: RULES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION C1 - General Rules of Procedure
The Mayor shall preside at meetings of the Board of Trustees. In the Mayor’s absence the Deputy
Mayor shall preside. The presiding officer may debate, move and take other action that may be taken
by other members of the Board.
Board members are not required to rise but must be recognized by the presiding officer before making
motions and speaking. A member, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless it is
to call the member to order. If a member, while speaking, be called to order, he or she shall cease
speaking until the question of order is determined, and, if in order, he or she shall be permitted to
proceed.
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There is no limit to the number of times a member may speak on a question.
Motion to close or limit debate may be entertained but shall require the affirmative vote of three (3)
members of the Board.
Procedural questions which are not governed by New York State law or the Village Code or addressed
in these Rules of Procedure shall be determined in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
SECTION C2 - Guidelines for Public Comment
The public shall be allowed to speak only during Public Hearings, Public Comment periods, on Board of
Trustees agenda items, or such other times as the presiding officer shall allow.
Speakers must be recognized by the presiding officer.
Speakers must step to the front of the room and speak into the microphone or at the lectern should
one be provided. Speakers are not to approach the dais without invitation and are directed to make
their remarks from the microphone or lectern.
Speakers must give their name, address and organization represented, if any.
No items or documents may be placed on the dais or presented to the Board unless either
authorization is requested and granted by the presiding officer or a Board member specifically requests
to see an item. All items for presentation that are granted authorization or requested by a Board
member shall be presented to the Village Clerk who shall pass it the Board.
There shall be no time limit for remarks during a public hearing, however, remarks must relate directly
to the public hearing topic. During the Public Comment portion of the agenda, speakers must limit
their remarks to four (4) minutes and may be recognized again by the presiding officer after other
speakers have had an opportunity to speak. On Board of Trustees agenda items, speakers must limit
their remarks to one and one-half (1 ½) minutes and the remarks must relate directly to the specific
agenda item under discussion at that time by the Board of Trustees.
Speakers may not yield any remaining time they may have to another speaker.
Board members may, with the permission of the presiding officer, interrupt a speaker during the
speaker’s remarks, but only for the purpose of clarification or information.
All remarks shall be addressed to the presiding officer.
Board members may respond to questions or comments at their discretion.
Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum, dignity and good taste and
shall not use foul language, display unacceptable behavior, or be disruptive of the proceedings.
A buzzer or other alarm will sound to indicate that a speaker’s four (4) minute time limit for Public
Comment or one and one half (1 ½) minute time limit for an agenda item has been reached. Upon
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being notified by the presiding officer that his or her time limit has been reached, a speaker shall cease
speaking, leave the microphone or lectern, if one is provided, and return to his or her seat unless a
Board member requests him or her to remain to address a question of the Board member.
Interested parties or their representatives may address the Board with written communications.
Written communications shall be delivered to the Village Manager or Village Clerk. Speakers may not
read written communications verbatim but should summarize their contents.
The presiding officer may modify these guidelines if warranted.
SECTION C3 - Use of Recording Equipment
All members of the public and all public officials are allowed to photograph and tape or video record
public meetings so long as the photography or recording is done in a manner which does not interfere
with the meeting. Neither photography nor recording is allowed during executive sessions. The
presiding officer may make the determination that the photography or recording is being done in a
manner that interferes with the meeting after taking into consideration attendant movement and
activity, distance from the deliberations of the Board, noise, size of equipment, ability of the public to
participate in the meeting notwithstanding the photography or recording, and any other pertinent
factor. In the use of photographic or video recording no flashes or other supplementary lighting
equipment may be used beyond that of existing ambient lighting of the room. If the presiding officer
makes the determination that the photography or recording is interfering with the meeting, the
presiding officer may request an accommodation to avoid the interference and if not sufficient or
complied with, order the photography or recording to be stopped.
SECTION C4 - Amendments to the Rules of Procedure
The foregoing procedures may be amended from time to time by the affirmative vote of three (3)
members of the Board.
SECTION C5 - Executive Session Policy
It is the policy of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor to conduct Village
business in an open fashion and to make available as much information as may legally and practically
be disseminated.
The New York Open Meetings Law authorizes the Board to conduct business in executive
session in a number of areas. These include:
1. matters which will imperil the public safety if disclosed;
2. matters which may disclose the identity of a law enforcement agent or informer;
3. information relating to criminal investigations which would imperil effective law
enforcement if disclosed;
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4. discussions relating to proposed, pending or current litigation;
5. collective bargaining negotiations;
6. personnel matters relating to particular individuals; and
7. the proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property or securities when
disclosure would substantially affect the value.
The Board recognizes that it is authorized to use executive sessions in these and other
situations but will do so with restraint.
To maintain confidentiality and to encourage the uninhibited discussion of the subject matter in
Executive Session, all statements made and positions taken by all participants must remain confidential
and may not be disclosed by any participant unless and until disclosure is authorized by affirmative
vote of three members of the Board.
It has been and continues to be the practice of the Board that all members of the Board, acting
together, come to agreement by consensus on the specific information which is to be released to the
public, the suitable vehicle for reporting that information, and the timing of the reporting.
SECTION C6 – Remote/Virtual Meetings
When authorized by NYS Executive Order or when otherwise permitted by law, the Board of
Trustees may conduct meetings remotely/virtually through Zoom, Webex or other commonly used
platform facilitating live audio/video broadcast over broadband connections. Any such meeting shall be
recorded and posted to the Village website as soon as practical. Meetings shall follow the same rules as
an in-person meetings but shall also abide by the following specific stipulations.
a. All attendees are to mute their microphone until recognized to address the Board by a
member of the Board of Trustees or the Village Clerk. The meeting host may mute the
microphone, or suspend the video, of any attendee causing background noise, or any
other distraction that may interfere with the orderly continuation of the meeting..
b. With the exception of the Board of Trustees, Village Employees, Village Counsel or
Village Consultants, the video feed and microphone of all other participants shall be
disabled unless they are speaking and addressing the Board. When requested, Trustees,
Village Employees, Village Counsel and Consultants shall keep their video feed on so
they can be seen by the public for the entirety of the meeting. An attendee’s video and
microphone shall be enabled when he or she is invited to address the Board, and the
video camera and microphone shall be disabled at the conclusion of such address.
c. Members of the public who wish to speak shall first ask to be recognized by signaling
the meeting host, typically the Village Clerk or a Board member. In Zoom or Webex,
such signal may occur by electronic “hand-raising” or using the platform’s messaging
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features to contact the host with a request to speak. Any audio-only attendee will be
given a chance to verbally request to address the Board.
d. When appropriate, the host of the meeting may allow members of the audience to
submit questions to the Board via electronic private messaging offered by the virtual
platform.
e. In all cases where a member of the public is invited to address the Board, the speaker
must first state his or her name and address for the record, just as if the meeting were
held in-person.
f. The Mayor, Village Manager, or host of the meeting may mute the microphone or
disable the video feed of any audience member who is disorderly, or who refuses to
cede their time at the request of the Mayor or Village Manager, or who otherwise
interferes with the orderly continuation of the meeting. Anyone repeatedly interfering
with the orderly conduct of the meeting may be ejected from the virtual meeting..
______________________________________________________________________
Originally adopted by the Board of Trustees at its Organizational Meeting on April 7, 2005 and
amended on July 20, 2006, April 9, 2007 and November 5, 2009, April 5, 2017,November 7, 2018 and
January 19, 2021.
13. Policies and Procedures for Advisory or Ad-Hoc Committees:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by _____________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve to designate the following Policies and Procedures for Advisory or
Ad-Hoc Committees:
Policies and Procedures for Advisory and Ad-hoc Committees
Formation of new committees:
- A title and mission statement will be developed for any proposed committee and formally
approved and established by the Board of Trustees.
- Such committees are constituted by, serve at the pleasure of, and report to the Board of
Trustees.
- The formation of any new committee will be announced in a public meeting, the newsletter and
posted on the web and scroll.
- Committees’ information, findings, conclusions and recommendations where requested, will be
considered advisory rather than binding by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees at all
times retains its rights to exercise final decisions in the governance of the Village.
Composition
- Committee membership will be limited to a workable odd number.
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- One member will be a representative from the Board of Trustees. The Mayor shall be an ex
officio member of all committees with the right to make motions, speak and vote, and when
present shall be counted in determining a quorum.
- Membership on committees will be representative of the community.
- Village residents, village business people, village property owners, and residents of the 10510
zip code may serve on ad hoc committees.
- The BOT shall appoint a new member within one month to fill the unexpired term of a
committee member.
Operations
- Quorum: A quorum of any committee is a simple majority of the members appointed. A
quorum must be present to conduct business.
- Structure: All committees will have a chair, vice-chair and secretary who will be responsible for
meeting minutes. Committee members’ names and village-generated e-mail addresses will be
posted on the web.
- Attendance and Participation: The obligation is to attend committee meetings. Any member
who is absent for three consecutive meetings, without providing reasonable cause to the Chair,
will be deemed to have resigned. Committees are working committees; all members are
expected to be prepared for the meeting and participate actively.
- Meetings:
• Committee meetings will start promptly at the time for which they were called.
• A committee will strive for consensus. If it cannot achieve consensus, it shall act by
a simple majority of the members.
• All deliberations will be conducted in an open, respectful and inclusive manner.
- Meeting Notification: Advance notice, including an agenda, will be given for all meetings.
Notices about committee work will be posted on the web site.
- Meeting Minutes: Written minutes will be taken at all committee meetings. Minutes may
follow a standard template including the time, date and location of meeting, who attended, the
topic of discussion, and any action taken.
- Non-members may submit their views and comments on committee activities via e-mail or
written correspondence. Committees will not be required to respond to public comments.
- Discharge: Members may be discharged from a committee by the Board of Trustees as a result
of the village’s conflict of interest policy, lack of attendance, misconduct or resignation.
- Reports and Public Statements: An annual report from the committee shall be submitted to the
BOT by the end of February. Any committee report, including summary recommendations and
the annual report, is to be presented first to the BOT prior to public presentation of same.
- Volunteerism: Committee members shall serve without remuneration, but will be reimbursed
for “out of pocket” expenses incurred in performing their duties. These expenses must be
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preauthorized by the Village Manager or designate. Village staff will provide committees with
such public information, clerical assistance and other help as necessary for them to conduct
their work.
- Draft Documents: Draft documents, including minutes and all committee reports, are
confidential until formally approved by a majority of the committee. No draft documents
should be retained in committee files. Public distribution of draft documents or any committee
report prior to adoption by the committee shall be grounds for dismissal.
14. Seat Belt Policy:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve to the following Seat Belt Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Seat Belt Policy
I. Purpose:
To establish a policy to assure maximum operator and passenger safety, thus minimizing the possibility
of death or injury as a result of motor vehicle accidents. This policy will apply to all Village personnel
operating or riding in Village vehicles.
II. Discussion:
Research clearly indicates that the use of safety belts has a significant effect in reducing the number of
death and severity of injuries resulting from traffic accidents. The use of safety restraints reduces this
risk of death and serious injury and assists personnel in maintaining proper control of their vehicles.
III. Policy:
To assure the safety of all Village personnel and authorized passengers, safety belts shall be worn while
operating or riding in all vehicles owned, leased or rented by the Village at all times. This also applies to
the operation of privately owned or other vehicles if used on Village business. Unauthorized
passengers are prohibited at any time.
IV. Recommendation:
It is strongly recommended that safety belts be utilized by Village personnel and their passengers in
vehicles while in an off duty capacity to further reduce the risk of death or injury.
V. Procedure:
1. Village personnel shall use the safety belts installed by the vehicle manufacturer properly
adjusted and securely fastened when operating or riding in any vehicle so equipped. This
requirement shall not apply to vehicles in which the manufacturer has not installed seat belts.
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2. Lap belts shall be properly secured in those vehicles equipped with automatic safety belt
systems that require the lap portion of the belt be manually secured.
3. The driver of the vehicle is responsible for insuring compliance by all authorized occupants of
the vehicle they are operating.
4. No person shall operate a Village vehicle in which any safety belt in the driver's seat is
inoperable. No person shall be transported in a seating position in which the safety restraint is
inoperable.
5. No person shall modify, remove, deactivate or otherwise tamper with the vehicle safety belts
systems or alarms except for vehicle maintenance and repair or with the express authorization
of the Village Manager.
6. Personnel who discover an inoperable restraint system shall report the defect to the
appropriate supervisor. Prompt action will be taken to replace or repair the system.
7. Whenever possible, all prisoners are required to be secured in the vehicle by a safety belt in all
seating positions for which safety belts are provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Caution:
Prisoners that are handcuffed in front have the ability to release the handcuffs using the safety
restraint latch plate.
8. When arriving at an emergency call or making a vehicle traffic stop, the Officer may remove the
safety restraint just prior to stopping for quick exit. Caution should be exercised to insure that
during the traffic stop the violator is in fact going to stop. This prevents becoming involved in a
pursuit without the use of a safety belt.
9. The foregoing policy shall be provided in writing to all employees and a formal
acknowledgment by each shall be documented upon assignment of a Village vehicle or
authorization for reimbursement. Further, this policy shall be incorporated into the VBM
employee handbook and other rules, regulations or policies governing individual departments
within the Village.
10. This policy shall be subject to amendment by the Village Manager under the direction of the
Board of Trustees.
11. The Village Manager is hereby authorized to make non-material changes to this policy,
periodically, in order to better effectuate the Terms, Conditions and Intent of this vehicle
policy.
12. Employees found violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of
the Village Manager.
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This policy was adopted by the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees on June 6, 2012 and will be
incorporated as an addendum to the Village Vehicle Policy adopted on June 16, 2010.
15. Village Vehicle Policy:
Upon motion by ______________, seconded by ______________, the Board voted
unanimously to approve to the following Village Vehicle Policy:
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Village Vehicle Policy
The following shall constitute the automobile acquisition and use policy for all village owned/leased
vehicles and for the reimbursement for private vehicles when utilized for official business.
1. It is the intent of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees (M/BOT) that the Village of Briarcliff
Manor (VBM) seek to reduce its “carbon footprint” through the reduction of vehicle use
throughout the village; the elimination of non-essential vehicles for employees; and, the
purposeful replacement of existing required vehicles. While not technologically feasible in all
cases, the VBM shall seek out alternative fuel power lines of vehicles, including hybrids, diesel,
flex fuel, and other such innovations in drive trains that may become available. This is to
promote the decrease in consumption of petroleum, encourage more efficient vehicles and to
substitute, wherever practical and appropriate, a reimbursement per mile rate, based upon the
current Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and New York State (NYS) rates then in effect.
2. Prior to the M/BOT re-organizational session, the Village Manager (VM) shall compile a list of all
vehicles owned/leased by the Village, including but not limited to: the make, model and
mileage of the vehicle, the department and person to whom it is assigned, whether owned or
leased, and if leased, the termination date thereof, as well as the municipal purpose for each
vehicle as assigned in Attachment A. The list will also include which vehicles are IRS fringe
benefit vehicles and the IRS value of the benefit. The list will also provide the commuting miles
of the three volunteer Fire Chiefs.
3. The VM, concurrent with his compilation of vehicles owned/leased by the VBM, shall prepare a
list of employees, by name, position and department who are recipients of a monthly car
allowance and the amount of such payment. Upon receipt of this list of outstanding vehicles
and employees entitled to payments, the VBM VM shall initiate and the BOT shall audit and
approve such list as attached to the policy.
4. The following VBM employees shall be allocated (offered) the use of a vehicle owned by the
Village: the VM (terms and conditions under separate contract), the Chief of Police (terms and
conditions under separate agreement, dated 3/7/04), the Lieutenant (terms and conditions
under separate agreement), the Detective on duty, the Engineer/ Building Inspector, the
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Superintendent, and General Foreman and Assistant General Foreman of Public Works, the
Superintendent of Recreation, and the three (3) Fire Chiefs.
5. Such vehicles are provided to the aforementioned department heads for the execution of their
official responsibilities, as a discretionary benefit and not to be considered entitlements or a
condition of employment. Such vehicles may be used for commuting use subject to the
limitations and conditions set forth in this policy. All vehicles, with the exception of the Chief of
Police and unmarked police vehicles will have identifying lettering or doors of the VBM and of
such Department as the vehicle may be assigned. All employees granted vehicles stated in this
section will be required periodically to submit a monthly mileage report to the VM. All
employees utilizing Village vehicles as a fringe benefit will be taxed as per IRS rules and
reported on their W-2.
6. In the event that an authorized individual opts to utilize his or her own vehicle, an allowance
will be paid of up to $152.32 each to an annual maximum of $4,800.00 divided evenly in of the
26 pay periods. Said allowance shall be paid as additional salary to said employee in each pay
period of the year. It will be included in the employee’s annual W-2 statement.
7. Fire Response Vehicles shall be provided to the respective three (3) Fire Chiefs. A specific
vehicle is to be assigned to a specific chief for his/her full term of office. The assigned vehicle in
all instances shall be considered the property of the VBM and in no way shall be considered a
personal vehicle. The assigned vehicle may be used by the Fire Chief’s to commute to his/her
place of employment within a limitation of a 25 mile radius from his/her residence; the
assigned vehicle shall not be used for any purpose beyond a radius of 50 miles from the VBM
Village Hall without the expressed approval of the VM and compliance with such conditions of
approval as may be imposed; PROVIDED, however, that no approval shall be needed for
firematic response. The assigned vehicle is, under no circumstances, to be used for personal
vacation or similar type of activities.
8. Employees with VBM owned/leased vehicles may utilize the village’s fuel facility for fuel for
their specific vehicle only and are subject to the rules and regulations of operation for that
facility. Those employees who are provided a monthly allowance are not permitted to utilize
the village’s fuel facility.
9. When a VBM employee or Volunteer Fire Chief with a village owned/leased is required to travel
on official business that requires overnight travel, permission must be granted in advance by
the VM. In the event that a VBM employee utilizes their own personal/private vehicle for
official use in representing or meeting the needs of the VBM, reimbursement for mileage
associated with the official function shall be reimbursed by the VBM at the then prevailing IRS
rate. Such charges are to be documented in keeping with existing VBM policies then in effect.
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10. The VBM shall require any and all of its employees who operate any Village owned or leased
vehicle or piece of equipment to subscribe to the Village’s membership in the License Event
Notification Service (LENS). The LENS program automatically notifies the Village of driver
license events that occur, including but not limited to; the expiration, the suspension, or the
revocation of a driver license; the restoration of a driver license; traffic convictions; reportable
accidents; the completion of a training course to reduce points and insurance premiums.
11. Accident Investigation Procedures: VBM realizes some accidents are unpreventable. All
employees should seek prompt and effective medical attention immediately, if necessary.
Providing detailed facts of the accident will help our insurance carrier deter fraudulent third
party insurance schemes.
a. All employees with VBM vehicles are required to document all details of an accident:
traffic flow, speed limits, stop lights/signs, weather conditions, citations issued, etc.
Pictures should be taken to document the extent of damage to all vehicles involved.
b. Once this information is secured, the driver is to report all accidents immediately to the
Village Clerk and the VM. If the vehicle is inoperable, arrangements need to be made for
towing and delivery to the VBM DPW yard, as appropriate.
c. Any accidents that occur while using a vehicle in violation of the stated guidelines of this
policy may result in the driver being held responsible for repairs and associated costs.
12. Vehicles for Personal Use (unless otherwise provided for in this policy):
a. Personal use of VBM vehicles is prohibited. Written permission may be granted by the
VBM for extreme situations outside the bounds of this policy. If permission is granted, the
employee assigned to the vehicle will be the only driver allowed to operate the vehicle.
b. Use of the VBM vehicle is limited to travel to and from work and work related events. The
vehicle is not to be used for personal and/or entertainment purposes. Commuting miles
may not exceed 25 miles without the expressed approval of the VM and compliance with
such conditions of approval as may be imposed.
c. Village vehicles may not be used to transport persons who are not officials or employees
of the VBM, nor material not related to the conduct of official Village business, without
direct authorization by the appropriate Department Head or the Village Board.
13. VBM realizes a proper working vehicle is the first step to ensuring everyone’s safety. VBM
encourages all employees to report any and all maintenance and malfunction issues
immediately to the Superintendent of DPW with a courtesy copy to the VM.
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14. The foregoing policy shall be provided in writing to all employees and a formal
acknowledgment by each shall be documented upon assignment of a Village vehicle or
authorization for reimbursement. Further, this policy shall be incorporated into the VBM
employee handbook.
15. This policy shall be subject to amendment during the year and may be done by the Village
Manager under the direction of the BOT, as so determined and necessary.
16. This Policy and attached documents shall become effective as of 1 June 2010 upon the adoption
by the VBM M/BOT. It is subject to re-adoption at the annual re-organizational meeting of the
VBM M/BOT.
17. The VM is hereby authorized to make non-material changes to this policy, periodically, in order
to better effectuate the Terms, Conditions and Intent of this vehicle policy.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees on: June 16, 2010
Adjournment:
Upon motion by ______________and seconded by ______________, the Board voted unanimously to
close the meeting at ______________p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Christine Dennett
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