Village Board of Trustees Meeting

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Village of Nyack Board of Trustees Held at Village Hall at 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025 Present: Joseph Rand, Mayor Pascale Jean-Gilles, Trustee Donna Lightfoot-Cooper Joseph Carlin, Trustee Nathalie Riobe-Taylor, Trustee – Arrived 7:34 pm Also Present: Andrew Stewart, Village Administrator Dennis Michaels, Village Attorney Linda Donnelly, Village Clerk Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm Pledge of Allegiance Mayor’s Introduction Mayor Rand opened the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of Anita Lam-Wright, a beloved community member. He acknowledged the Veterans Day ceremony originally planned for Mount Moore Cemetery, which was moved indoors due to weather. He thanked Bill Batson and the Mount Moore Cemetery Board for organizing the event. He also recognized the local Girl Scouts for their fundraising efforts in support of homeless veterans at Hezekiah Easter Square. The Mayor expressed appreciation to the NY Forward local planning committee for their work in securing and recommending projects for the $4.5 million downtown revitalization grant. He noted recent ribbon cuttings for two local businesses: We Love Bread on North Broadway and Yes Yes Delivery, a hyper-local delivery startup on Main St. Upcoming community events were announced, including: • The Holiday Lights celebration in Hezekiah Easter Square on Friday, December 5; • Rockland Pride’s Night Market on Bayard Rustin Way; • The Nyack Collective’s First Friday art reception. Mayor Rand thanked everyone for helping collect 5,000 lbs. of food in three hours, praising People to People, the NAACP, and Nikki Hines for their support. Concluded by wishing all residents a happy Thanksgiving. Page 1 of 12 Proclamation: Xeyla and Not Your Disability, Inc. COMMENTS FROM THE VILLAGE BOARD Trustee Jean-Gilles – Congratulations to Mayor Rand, Trustee Carlin and Trustee Riobe-Taylor on their recent election win. Trustee Lightfoot Cooper – Reported that the “Music to Mend” fundraiser for Nyack Plaza families raised $14,500. The check was presented to the bishop at St. John Tabernacle. She thanked organizers Susan Wilmink of Angel Nyack, and Brianne Higgins and David Budway of Maureen’s Jazz Cellar for their efforts in making the event a success. PRESENTATION Friends of Depew House Becky Holt Fine presented a proposal to preserve the historic Depew House as a publicly owned, self-sustaining cultural and educational resource. Mayor Rand/Trustees – Expressed support for the preservation effort while raising concerns about the library’s financial needs and suggested exploring the creation of a nonprofit to potentially purchase the Depew House. PUBLIC COMMENT Tom Dudzick – Thanked the Board for addressing his prior complaint about excessive ambulance siren noise, noting a dramatic improvement. Tristan Dunnigan – Speaking for the Chamber, thanked the Board for approving event dates, praised strong collaboration with the village, and expressed gratitude for community efforts addressing food insecurity, especially during the holidays. ADOPTION OF MINUTES – 10/23/2025 On motion of Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Riobe-Taylor. The minutes of the meeting held on 10/23/2025 were accepted as presented. ACTION ITEMS RESOLUTION NO. 2025-188 – ACCEPTING AUDITED VOUCHER SUMMARY The following resolution was offered by Trustee Jean-Gilles, seconded by Trustee Lightfoot- Cooper. WHEREAS, the Audited Voucher Summary was presented to the Nyack Village Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting of November 13, 2025. RESOLVED, the General Fund Claims set forth on Pages 1 through 15 in the below listed amounts are approved for payment: Page 2 of 12  GENERAL FUND $392,261.51 NYACK PARKING AUTHORITY $ 42,858.41 WATER FUND $266,209.01 CAPITAL PROJECTS – 2017 Improvements $ 93,968.69 On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-189 – AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,432,804 TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS TO SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM, STATING THE ESTIMATE MAXIMUM COST THEREOF IS $4,432,804 AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean- Gilles. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF NYACK, IN THE COUNTY OF ROCKLAND, NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVES (by the favorable vote of not less than two- thirds of all the members of said Board of Trustees) AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Village of Nyack, in the County of Rockland, New York (herein called the “Village”), is hereby authorized to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $4,432,804 pursuant to the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (herein called the “Law”), to finance improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks in connection with the Safe Routes to School Program, including related infrastructure, on Upper Depew Avenue, Depew Avenue, Main Street, South Midland Avenue and Summit Street. Section 2. The estimated maximum cost of the project described herein, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $4,432,804 and said amount is hereby appropriated for such purpose. The plan of financing includes the issuance of bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $4,432,804 to finance said appropriation, and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the Village to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable. It is expected that grant funds shall be received and any such grant funds to be received by the Village and any other funds available for such purpose are authorized to be applied toward the cost of said project or redemption of the Village’s bonds or notes issued therefor, or to be budgeted as an offset to the taxes to be collected for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds or notes, and Page 3 of 12 the principal amount of bonds or notes issued shall be reduced by the amount of grant funds received. Section 3. The following additional matters are hereby determined and declared: (a) The period of probable usefulness applicable to the object or purpose for which said bonds are authorized to be issued, within the limitations of Section 11.00 a. 24 of the Law, is ten (10) years. (b) The proceeds of the bonds herein authorized, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized. The foregoing statement of intent with respect to reimbursement is made in conformity with Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2 of the United States Treasury Department. (c) The proposed maturity of the bonds authorized by this resolution will exceed five (5) years. Section 4. Each of the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, shall contain the recital of validity as prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Law and said bonds, and any notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, shall be general obligations of the Village, payable as to both principal and interest by general tax upon all the taxable real property within the Village. The faith and credit of the Village are hereby irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds, and any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, and provision shall be made annually in the budget of the Village by appropriation for (a) the amortization and redemption of the bonds and any notes in anticipation thereof to mature in such year and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year. Section 5. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Law and pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.00 of the Law relative to the authorization of bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, Section 30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes and Section 50.00 and Sections 56.00 to 60.00 and Section 168.00 of the Law, the powers and duties of the Board of Trustees relative to authorizing bond anticipation notes and prescribing the terms, form and contents and as to the sale and issuance of the bonds herein authorized, and of any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes, and as to the execution of credit enhancement agreements, are hereby delegated to the Village Treasurer, the chief fiscal officer of the Village. Section 6. The validity of the bonds authorized by this resolution, and of any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, may be contested only if: (a) such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the Village is not authorized to expend money, or (b) the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of such resolution, or a summary thereof, are not substantially complied with, Page 4 of 12 and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or (c) such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Section 7. This bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum and the Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed, within ten (10) days after the adoption of this resolution, to publish or cause to be published, in full, in the official newspaper of the Village, having a general circulation within said Village, and posted in at least six (6) public places and in each polling place in the Village, a Notice in substantially the form appearing in Exhibit A hereto. Section 8. The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed, after said bond resolution shall take effect, to cause said bond resolution to be published, in summary, in the official newspaper of the Village, having a general circulation within said Village, together with a Notice in substantially the form as provided by Section 81.00 of the Law. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-190 – ACCEPT DONATION FROM SUBARU DISTRIBUTORS CORP. FOR THE 2025 SPRING TREE PLANT PROJECT The following resolution was offered by Trustee Riobe-Taylor, seconded by Trustee Jean-Gilles. WHEREAS, the Village of Nyack is committed to enhancing its urban forest and promoting environmental sustainability through community-based initiatives such as the Spring Tree Planting Project; and WHEREAS, Subaru Distributors Corp. has generously offered to donate $4,000.00 to support the project; and WHEREAS, the Village Board of Trustees wishes to formally acknowledge and accept this donation with gratitude; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village Board of the Village of Nyack hereby accepts the donation of $4,000.00 from Subaru Distributors Corp. to be used exclusively for the 2025 Spring Tree Planting Project. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Page 5 of 12  Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-191 – APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF 2025-2026 UNPAID TAXES TO ROCKLAND COUNTY FOR RELEVY The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean- Gilles. RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees are authorized to execute the attached abstract of unpaid taxes for submission to the County of Rockland County for relevy. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-192 – AUTHORIZE THE REFUND OF TOWING FEES FOR VEHICLES REMOVED DURING THE HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean- Gilles. WHEREAS, the Nyack Chamber of Commerce hosted a Halloween celebration on October 25, 2025, which included street closures and temporary parking restrictions to ensure public safety and the success of the event; and WHEREAS, several vehicles were towed from restricted areas during the event due to lack of adequate signage or public notice; and WHEREAS, the Village Board recognizes the inconvenience and financial burden this may have caused to residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the Board finds it in the interest of fairness and community goodwill to refund the towing fees incurred by affected vehicle owners; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Nyack, hereby authorizes and directs the Village Treasurer to issue refunds for towing fees paid by the following individuals whose vehicles were towed on October 25, 2025 during the Halloween celebration, in the following amounts to be paid from Parking Authority funds: Page 6 of 12  Scott Mason Batchelder, Jr. $175.00 Mark Sljukic $346.00 On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-193 – APPROVE THE MAYOR’S APPOINTMENT OF GABRIEL APONTE TO ASSOCIATE JUSTICE COURT CLERK The following resolution was offered by Trustee Jean-Gilles, seconded by Trustee Carlin. WHEREAS, the Village Board recognizes the need to fill the position of Associate Justice Court Clerk to ensure the efficient operation of the Village Justice Court; and WHEREAS, Gabriel Aponte has demonstrated the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this role; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village Board of Trustees hereby appoints Gabriel Aponte to the position of Associate Justice Court Clerk, effective immediately, at a rate of $27.02 per hour, subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the current collective bargaining agreement between the Village of Nyack and IBEW Local 363. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-194 – AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE HIGH AVENUE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS NYK 0217 TO TONY CASALE, INC. The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean- Gilles. WHEREAS, the Nyack Village Board previously authorized the bidding of a public works project for the High Avenue Drainage Improvements; and WHEREAS, bids were opened on November 5, 2025, (a total of 15 bids were received), Page 7 of 12 and the lowest responsible bid for the project was received from Tony Casale, Inc.: Base Bid $467,460, Alternate 1 $44,139; Contingency (“If and where directed” for digging test pits to locate utilities), $6,000, for a total of $517,599. WHEREAS, the Village Engineer has reviewed the bids, and recommended the award of the project to Tony Casale, Inc., for the Base Bid and all Alternate Work. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NYACK VILLAGE BOARD AS FOLLOWS: That the Village Administrator is authorized to contract with Tony Casale, Inc., High Avenue Drainage Improvements project in the amount of $517,599 for the base bid and all alternate bids, subject to the approval of the Village Attorney as to the form of the contract. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-195 – APPROVE A PERMIT APPLICATION FOR MEMORIAL PARK FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL PENGUIN PLUNGE The following resolution was offered by Trustee Riobe-Taylor, seconded by Trustee Jean-Gilles. RESOLVED, Nyack Village Board approves a permit application by Barbara Noyes for Memorial Park for the 19th Annual Penguin Plunge, Sunday, March 1, 2026, noon – 2 pm. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-196 – APPROVE STREET CLOSURE PERMITS FOR THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ACADA ANNUAL STREET FAIRS The following resolution was offered by Trustee Riobe-Taylor, seconded by Trustee Jean-Gilles. Page 8 of 12  RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board approves applications for street closures from the Chamber of Commerce for the dates 4/12/26 and 9/13/26 and from ACADA for the dates 5/17/26, 7/12/26, 10/11/26. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-197 – APPROVE APPLICATION FROM CHABAD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF MENORAH EXHIBIT AT HEZEKIAH EASTER VETERANS SQUARE The following resolution was offered by Trustee Carlin, seconded by Trustee Riobe-Taylor. RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board to approves an application from Chabad for the installation of a Menorah Exhibit at Hezekiah Easter Veterans Square from December 1 through the duration of Chanukah (Chanukah is celebrated this year from December 14 – December 22) and will be removed during the following week. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-198 – APPROVE APPLICATION FROM THE PARISH OF ST. PAUL AND ST. ANN FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CRECHE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON AT HEZEKIAH EASTER VETERANS SQUARE The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean- Gilles. RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board approves an application from the Parish of St. Paul and St. Ann, working with the Knights of Columbus, for the installation of a creche exhibit for the Christmas season at Hezekiah Easter Veterans Square, from November 29 to January 5. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Page 9 of 12  Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-199 – APPROVE THE CLOSURE OF JACKSON AVENUE ON DECEMBER 5TH FOR THE PRIDE CENTER NIGHT MARKET The following resolution was offered by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Riobe- Taylor. RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board approves the closure of Jackson Avenue on December 5th for the Pride Center Night Market. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-200 – APPROVE KARL DUBUISSON’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER ON DECEMBER 26TH AT THE NYACK SENIOR CENTER The following resolution was offered by Trustee Carlin, seconded by Trustee Riobe-Taylor. RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board approves the annual Christmas dinner, hosted by Karl Dubisson, at the Nyack Center on December 26th. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes RESOLUTION NO. 2025-201 – APPROVE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST ON DECEMBER 25TH AT THE NYACK SENIOR CENTER The following resolution was offered by Trustee Carlin, seconded by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper. Page 10 of 12  RESOLVED, the Nyack Village Board approves the annual Christmas breakfast, hosted by Kris and Tom Burns, at the Nyack Center on December 25th. On roll call the vote was as follows: Trustee Jean-Gilles . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Riobe-Taylor . . . . . Yes Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper . . Yes Mayor Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Trustee Carlin. . . . . . . . . . . Yes DEPARTMENT REPORTS (based on availability) OPD – Mayor Rand noted that the OPD has been more visible recently, with patrol cars and officers on foot making a positive difference. He expressed gratitude to Chief Butterworth, Captain Shannon, and their teams, acknowledged ongoing challenges, and said community meetings with OPD leadership will be scheduled after the new year. Village Administrator – Announced funding for the Kilby Street sidewalk project, highlighted ongoing capital projects including major upgrades at the senior center, reminded about the NY tourism grant deadline on November 21, and noted the Helping Hands food truck’s success on Depew Avenue, which will continue for a few more weeks. Trustee Carlin – Has the shoreline path project been finalized? When will construction commence? We need to work on the sponsorship program. What is the timeline? Administrator Stewart – Design is essentially finished. Construction starts after the approval of the contract. Working on developing a template outlining pricing and plaque options for commemorative benches, to present as a partnership with the Park Conservancy. Timeline is shooting for prior to July 3rd. Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper – When is next Parking Authority meeting and can we have a parking authority employee present? Requested Executive Session. Administrator Stewart – January. We can certainly ask. OLD BUSINESS Nyack Rat Control Project The Building Department, Administrator and carting partners are working block by block with owners to solve container placement issues, creating tailored sanitation plans for each building. Gas Leaf Blowers – Trustee Carlin After receiving complaints, Trustee Carlin personally documented issues and worked with the Administrator and Building Department to cite both the company and occupants involved. He praised the swift action of code enforcement, noting that one resident who had initially criticized the village later thanked him once the matter was resolved. He emphasized the importance of enforcing the fine schedule for noise violations, especially against repeat offenders. Mayor Rand – Suggested preparing a year-end report in January showing the number of citations issued, fines collected, and types of violations. Social Work Case Management Service Project Page 11 of 12  Administrator Stewart – Highlighted ongoing RCADD outreach every second Tuesday with police support, noted productive discussions on services for residents facing challenges, and said the village is exploring funding partnerships—potentially with the library and Soup Angels dinners—to expand case management and outreach. Very active outreach programs by different agencies in the village. Trustee Jean-Gilles – Will prevention or education programs be offered to the local youth? Mayor Rand – Village will develop the scope of the program, making that a part of the program. Nyack Outdoor Fitness Park Will evaluate at a later date. NEW BUSINESS Downtown Holiday Programming Decorating contests for businesses and homes, plus $5 Saturday movie events at the Nyack Center 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Funded by Tourism Grant. Putting out an event guide. Helping Hands Food Trailer Located on Depew Avenue. Will be around for two more weeks. COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper, seconded by Trustee Jean-Gilles to enter into executive session at 9:03 pm. – personnel performance review. Motion by Trustee Jean-Gilles, seconded by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper to end executive session at 9:26 pm. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned in memory of Terry Hecker and Anita Lam-Wright. Motion offered by Trustee Jean-Gilles, seconded by Trustee Lightfoot-Cooper to adjourn meeting at 9:26 pm. Motion carried. VILLAGE CLERK Page 12 of 12