Work Session

Village of Ossining Work Session Agenda Wednesday, March 26, 2025 @ 7:30 PM 16 Croton Ave. Board Room OSSINING, NEW YORK and VIA ZOOM Members of the public can view the meeting via computer or mobile app: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81029241987 Members of the public can listen to the meeting by dialing in via phone: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 810 2924 1987 **Please note that by dialing in, your phone number will be visible to the host, participants, and attendees of the meeting.** Topic: Hacienda del Patio Cabaret License- Discussion Contact: Stuart Kahan, Corporation Counsel & OPD Lieutenant Lantz Hacienda El Patio (2025 application) (redacted) Topic: Community Center Re-Design Presentation Contact: Representatives from DAK, Karen D'Attore, Village Manager; Bill Garrison, Superintendent of Recreation & Parks, and Chima Monday, Youth Bureau Director 24012_2025-03-25_Presentation-to-Village-Board FINAL Topic: Resolution joining other Westchester municipalities to retain special counsel regarding Con Edison’s proposed rate increase Contact: Mayor Rika Levin 27-25 HoH Con Ed Resolution March 2025 VOO Resolution - PSC Con Ed Special Counsel Topic: Resolution opposing Project Maple- The Algonquin Fracked Gas Pipeline Expansion Contact: Mayor Rika Levin 26-25 HoH Resolution opposing Project Maple ADJOURNMENT - WORK SESSION Work Session March 26, 2025 Page 1 of 96 Page 2 of 96 Page 3 of 96 Page 4 of 96 Page 5 of 96 Page 6 of 96 Page 7 of 96 Page 8 of 96 Page 9 of 96 Page 10 of 96 Page 11 of 96 Page 12 of 96 Page 13 of 96 Page 14 of 96 Page 15 of 96 Page 16 of 96 Page 17 of 96 Page 18 of 96 Page 19 of 96 Page 20 of 96 Page 21 of 96 Page 22 of 96 Page 23 of 96 Page 24 of 96 Page 25 of 96 Page 26 of 96 Page 27 of 96 Page 28 of 96 Page 29 of 96 Page 30 of 96 Page 31 of 96 Page 32 of 96 Page 33 of 96 Page 34 of 96 Page 35 of 96 Page 36 of 96 Page 37 of 96 Page 38 of 96 Page 39 of 96 Page 40 of 96 Page 41 of 96 Page 42 of 96 Page 43 of 96 Page 44 of 96 Page 45 of 96 Page 46 of 96 Page 47 of 96 Page 48 of 96 Page 49 of 96 Page 50 of 96 Page 51 of 96 Page 52 of 96 Page 53 of 96 Page 54 of 96 Page 55 of 96 Page 56 of 96 Page 57 of 96 Page 58 of 96 Page 59 of 96 Page 60 of 96 Page 61 of 96 Page 62 of 96 Page 63 of 96 Page 64 of 96 Page 65 of 96 Page 66 of 96 Page 67 of 96  VILLAGE OF OSSINING Renovation of the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center Presentation to Village Board Page 68 of 96 March 26, 2025  DRI AWARD - JOSEPH G. CAPUTO COMMUNTIY CENTER The $10 million NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) was awarded to the Village of Ossining in 2021 A 17 member Local Planning Committee spearheaded community engagement and planning for proposed DRI projects The renovation of the Joseph G. Caputo Community Center was designated to receive $2.5 Million in DRI funding with the goal of: Transforming the Community Center into a state-of-the-art facility for intergenerational recreation and learning that will create opportunities for innovative STEM programming while providing expanded and improved space for sports for children, adults, and seniors Page 69 of 96  OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS Site Investigation, Data Collection, and Record Research (September - October 2024) Municipal and Community Engagement (September - October 2024) Programming and Schematic Design (October – November 2024) Conceptual Design/Community Outreach (December 2024 – April 2025) Design Submittal / Bid Preparation / Final Plans (April – June 2025) Contractor Bidding and Negotiation (July – August 2025) Renovations Start (To Be Determined) Page 70 of 96  PROJECT GOALS & OBJECTIVES Optimize space, flow, form and function of interior spaces. Convert former museum space to expand program functions. Re-design existing space to support youth programming and community outreach/ activities. Re-imagine exterior courtyard area as functional and accessible outdoor programming space. Ensure security via the redesign of a single main entrance on the lower level. Thoughtful integration with the Sing Sing Kill Greenway and other transportation nodes. Introduce decarbonization elements wherever possible. Page 71 of 96  STAKEHOLDER INPUT DCAK-MSA met with the following key stakeholders to gather input based on their specific program/space needs: Town of Ossining Recreation Advisory Board Rec Program Staff Senior Nutrition Staff Rec Admin Staff Maintenance/Facilities Staff Youth Bureau Staff Section 8 Staff Youth Advisory Board Youth Council Page 72 of 96  STAKEHOLDER INPUT Stakeholder input informed design to accommodate enhanced: Senior Programs Outdoor Space Adult Programs Administrative Space Family Programs Storage Space Afterschool Programs Community Gathering Space Youth Bureau Programs Events Page 73 of 96  RENOVATIONS – FIRST FLOOR Key Features Stakeholders F Requested: A Main entry visible from the reception desk. B Youth programming and community outreach space. C Café provides an informal gathering space. D Open stair creates connection between floors. E Glass walls provide separation and transparency. C F Stage repurposed as storage space A G Existing toilet facilities made accessible. D E Page 74 of 96 B  RENOVATIONS – SECOND FLOOR Key Features Stakeholders Requested: A Functional and accessible courtyard Glass storefront windows and doors connect B interior and exterior spaces. B C Rec. administrative offices/Section 8 Interior storefront allows observation of D programs from common areas. Multi-purpose space: transformable with E moving partitions, natural light, power A outlets in floor, secure storage. C Page 75 of 96 D  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS Flexible Spaces / Flexible Design: Easily transformed for different age groups and uses. Movable walls Zones instead of Rooms Nesting tables and stacking chairs for multi-use and ease of storage Page 76 of 96  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS Open Views to Activity Centers: Glass walls between • Multi-purpose rooms and corridor • Offices and corridor Page 77 of 96 z  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS Acoustics: Decorative acoustic wall in stair for sound control Page 78 of 96  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS Colorful and Tactile Way-finding: Themed vinyl wallcovering at music room Page 79 of 96 z  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY: Fast WiFi Smart Screens/TVs Spaces for Computer Use Page 80 of 96  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS LIGHT AND OPEN COMMON SPACES: Café Reception Gathering Special Events Main Lobby/ Commons with Reception and Cafe Relocated Stair Page 81 of 96  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS BIOPHILIC DESIGN: Light woods with accent colors bring the outdoors in. Storefront between multi-purpose space and Page 82 of 96 courtyard connects indoors and outdoors.  PRINCIPAL IDEAS AND CONSIDERATIONS Multigenerational Space (Repurposed Courtyard) • Seating Area w/ Trellis • Playground • Bocci Ball Court Page 83 of 96  PROPOSED LOWER LEVEL PLAN Page 84 of 96  PROPOSED UPPER LEVEL PLAN Page 85 of 96  SITE IMPROVEMENTS Empowerment Garden Butterfly / Audubon Attraction Area Playground Page 86 of 96  NEXT STEPS Board Feedback (March 2025) Community Outreach – 2 Information/Input Sessions - April Dates at Community Center (TBD) - Update on Progress - Identify Placemaking Opportunities (April 2025) Design Submittal / Bid Preparation / Final Plans (April – June 2025) Contractor Bidding and Negotiation (July – August 2025) Renovations Start (To Be Determined) Page 87 of 96  QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Page 88 of 96 THANK YOU Page 89 of 96 Page 90 of 96 Page 91 of 96  RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF JOEL R. DICHTER OF DICHTER LAW LLC AS SPECIAL COUNSEL TO REPRESENT PARTICIPATING WESTCHESTER MUNICIPALITIES IN CON EDISON'S ELECTRIC AND GAS RATE CASE BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION WHEREAS, on January 31, 2025, Con Edison filed a petition with the New York Public Service Commission to increase electric and gas rates as of January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, under this petition, electric rates would rise by 18% with residential delivery charges increasing by 25.1%, and natural gas delivery rates rising by 19.1%; and WHEREAS, this Con Edison rate hike proposal comes after an increase of 20% in rates over the past three (3) years and any further significant increases would have negative financial impacts on residents and businesses within Westchester County; and WHEREAS, the Public Service Commission is currently reviewing Con Edison’s petition for an electric and gas rate increase; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Village of Ossining be represented in this matter to ensure the concerns of local governments and its residents are adequately addressed; and WHEREAS, Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC has the necessary experience and expertise to represent the interests of the participating municipalities in this case and has submitted a proposal dated February 13, 2025 to represent participating municipalities; and WHEREAS, the proposal includes intervening in the rate case, conducting discovery, retaining expert witnesses, preparing briefs, and attending all hearings and any settlement negotiations at a total cost that shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) which would be split equally among all of the participating municipalities that accept to his representation in this rate case; and WHEREAS, such representation will only proceed if at least twenty (20) municipalities agree to be represented by Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Ossining as follows: 1. The Municipality hereby authorizes the hiring of Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC as special counsel to represent participating Westchester municipalities in Con Edison’s Electric and Gas Rate Case before the Public Service Commission; and Page 92 of 96  2. The Municipality’s share of the legal fees shall be determined based on an equal division among all participating municipalities, with the total amount of such representation not to exceed $100,000 (example: ($100,000 / 20 municipalities = $5,000 each); and 3. This authorization shall only take effect if at least twenty (20) municipalities agree to be represented by Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC in this matter. 4. The Village Manager is hereby authorized to take all necessary actions to execute agreements and related documents and make payments in furtherance of this resolution. 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Village of Ossining shall coordinate the payment to Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC on behalf of the participating municipalities for representation in this Con Edison electric and gas rate case. Page 93 of 96 Page 94 of 96 Page 95 of 96 Page 96 of 96