Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES February 22, 2021 PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Senerchia Trustee Bennett Trustee Cataldi DeLillo Trustee Owen-Michaane Attorney Cornachio Manager Pierpont PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND FIRE SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance and notified those in attendance where the fire safety exits were located. OPENING REMARKS The Mayor opened the meeting. She said that a disturbing milestone was reached this week. There have been five hundred thousand deaths due to Covid 19. She thought that it was appropriate to ask for a brief moment of silence to remember those whom we have lost and those who have suffered. The Mayor said that we since the outset of the pandemic the Board has taken the health protocols very seriously. She said that we sanitize this room and the building in general on a regular basis. She said that through discipline and deft management we have avoided some of the pitfalls of other municipalities. The Mayor said that the Board is very spread out in this room and have calculated density requirements in accordance with the Governor’s order. The Mayor said that we have a very effective and thorough Covid Hub on our web page. There is a tremendous amount of information and links on the web page. Mayor Monachino Lapey stressed that the vaccine rollout is controlled at the State level. She said that an armory in Yonkers will be opened as a site for vaccines especially to address disenfranchised communities. The Mayor said that she and the Board members have heard from people about their dissatisfaction with their inability to get the vaccine. She said that we have made this known to our state representative and we advocate for more vaccines in the lower Hudson valley area. Trustee Senerchia said that a week ago the Mayor reached out to Senator Biaggi on vaccine rollout. She has advocated to our representatives especially for seniors. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that a lot of residents have asked if Glen Island could be used not only for testing but for a vaccine center. He said that Aqueduct race track in Queens is used as a testing and vaccine site. It serves a dual purpose. This is controlled by the Governor and the New York State Department of Health. He would like to get more vaccine sites in New Rochelle so that people can get the vaccine. He said that this would also help disenfranchised people. He said that we need more sites so people can get out and get it. The Mayor spoke about recent collaboration with the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber spearheading Random Acts of Kindness. They treated the service departments to lunch. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that Christina Chianese, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, is doing a wonderful job for both Pelhams. They provided the Police and Fire Departments with a much-needed lunch in the challenging times of Covid. He thanked the Chamber for doing this in such challenging times. Trustee Senerchia said that they delivered lunch to the Fire Department this past Wednesday. He said that Christina is really getting people and local businesses involved. He thanked the service departments and the vendors who supplied the meals. He said that it was much appreciated. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Chamber will help offset the cost of picnic tables or benches for either Weihman Park or Veterans’ Park at the Four Corners. She said that we can have some café tables in the Four Corners area. The property owners need to check in with the Village Manager to make sure there is ADA compliance. The Mayor said that the tables or benches are an expensive purchase and the Chamber has offered to donate one thousand dollars toward that purchase. She said that we run a tight budget and this is very helpful. The Mayor said that the Village is collaborating with the school district. She said that many parents have reached out to the Board to express concern about the need to safely return to in person learning in the schools. She said that this is within the purview of the school district. She said that we’ve been in contact with the Board of Education and Superintendent Champ. We are always happy to accommodate and use whatever resources we have to help. She said that the Village does have property and the school district is seeking updated guidance from the Department of Health and the State Education Department. Some concerns and issues have to be worked out. The Board of Education is having a meeting on Wednesday, February Twenty Fourth at seven thirty in the evening. She said that all questions and comments can be aired then. There is concern about the mental health consequence of remote learning. Trustee Owen Michaane said that he is the father of four children under the age of eight. He said that his family has dealt with mental health issues with our children. He said that the pandemic has not been easy on anyone. He said that looking at park land or office space and all options should be on the table. He said that he thanks anyone who will help his children ease the pressure of the mental health issues we’ve faced as a family. He thanked the Mayor, Village Board and Board of Education for their collaboration. He said that the options may or may not work but the eventual goal is to get our children some sort of normalcy. He said that it is ok to let others speak out. He said that there should be no negativity in trying to come up with solutions to help one of the most urgent situations we face. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that mental health issues are very important for us as a community and especially for children. In typical times the Board of Education provides space. These are atypical times. To support gatherings, we need to have more space. Being close to each other is what increases health and safety issues. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that it is appropriate to look into the broader community to see what resources are available there. That makes a lot of sense from a financial perspective. She said that we’re happy to support that effort. The Mayor said that there have been a lot of questions recently about why elections are held when they are. She said that there was a petition in 2018. This Board deals with facts and accurate information. She asked the Village Manager who is also the Village Clerk to discuss this in a little more detail. The Village Manager said that a petition was filed in 2018 proposing to change the election to November from March. He said that by default the State of New York holds Village Elections in March. It takes a petition with four hundred valid electors to change that date. He said that on September Tenth he had a chance to review the petition. Whatever decision he made would more than likely be subject to judicial review. He said that there were three submissions in 2018. The petition has to be numbered consecutively. It was not numbered and that was a fatal defect. There were five hundred thirty-two signatures and four hundred were required. One hundred one signatures did not appear on the roll of enrolled electors. This was a brand new roll that had been requested from Westchester County. This number included people who did not live in the district and entries that had unrecognizable signatures. This left three hundred seventy entries. The petition was fatal from the get go because there were no numbers. The petition was resubmitted to try to cure the defects. There is no provision in Village Law to accept a re-submission. The petitioner then submitted another petition in October with five hundred signatures. It had fifty pages and twenty-six pages did not reference the Village of Pelham Manor. They referenced the Village of Pelham. The petition had two hundred signatures not the four hundred that are required. There was an Article 78 filed to challenge his interpretation. He said that the Supreme Court upheld every one of his determinations on the basis he provided. Steven Shekane, 917 Washington Ave, asked the cost for defending this action and was told that it was a little more than thirteen thousand dollars. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo asked for confirmation that New York State sets Village elections in March as a default and was told that was correct. Trustee Senerchia thanked the Public Works Department for snow removal and clean up. He said that clearing the roads is also for the safety of the service departments so that they can continue to provide quick responses. He said that he was around this weekend and two residents spoke with him about the police foot patrols at Four Corners. One elderly resident was extremely happy to see the officers walking the area and speaking with the residents. She found it comforting to have police presence there. He said that residents can call Village Hall to report problems like a street light that is out, a pot hole, low hanging wires or wires down by calling 738-8820. He said that you will get a live person to take that information. You will get the administrative staff and your concern will get attention. He said that requests can also come to the Manager and Trustees either by e mail or in person. Trustee Bennett spoke about positive news that was received today. Police Chief Carpenter was told by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services that the Village meets certain standards for Use of Force. She said that at the next meeting the Chief can discus that in more detail. She said that there has been positive feedback about the foot patrols at Four Corners. She said that Executive Order 203 held a public forum which was well attended and there was an excellent exchange of ideas. She said that last week the working group met with the Police Chief the Village Manager and myself to discuss comments from the public forum and feedback and ideas from the working group members. The Chief is compiling data on topics that were brought to us and discussed. She said that public comment period continues and she gave her e mail bb@pelhammanor.org for comments. Trustee Bennett said that she looks forward to hearing from people. Trustee Owen Michaane said that it is budget season in New York State and Westchester County. He asked residents to urge the County and Department of State to consider red light and speed cameras along Boston Post Road. Boston Post Road is not a road governed by the Village road. It is a New York State road. He said that in past Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Senator Alessandra Biaggi have been supportive of this effort. He said that last year the County got permission from the State to put up red light cameras in various areas. Pelham Manor was not selected. He said that he wished Pelham Manor had been one of those communities selected for placement. He said that the police can’t be all places all the time. He said that pedestrian safety was important. He said if you’re doing something wrong, you should be ticketed, but if you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re not going to be ticketed for it. ------------ MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2021 REGULAR MEETING The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or edits to the minutes from the February 8, 2021 meeting. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she abstained from voting because she was unable to attend the meeting. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes from the February 8, 2021 Regular meeting be and hereby are approved. ------------ REPORTS Fire Commissioner Senerchia discussed the monthly report with Chief Ruggiero. The Fire Commissioner said that there were thirty-nine plus calls for the month. Three calls were on the I- 95 corridor, two were car fires, one motor vehicle accident, one to two calls on the Hutchinson River Parkway and seven in-service inspection sin the Business District for fire compliance. Responding to fires, motor vehicle accidents, lift assists, downed wires, and digging out fire hydrants. There are two hundred seventy- seven fire hydrants. The Fire Commission asked about a call on January Twentieth to 575 Colonial Avenue. This was at Pelham Memorial High School. He asked the Chief if it was a mutual aid response. The Chief said that it wasn’t actually a mutual aid call. It was a planned response. It was a dual response. He said that whenever the high school alarm goes off, we send people automatically. The alarm was activated and there was a dual response. He said that we send apparatus and manpower automatically. The call was cancelled en route, but it was a planned dual response. Chief Ruggiero publicly thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the lunch they provided last week. He said that it was a nice surprise and very welcome during this time of Covid. Fire Commissioner Senerchia also thanked the Chamber and the local vendors who helped out. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Fire report be and hereby is approved. ------------- SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM The Short Environmental Assessment Form was prepared by the Village Manager and the Village’s planning consultant. The Mayor said that the City of Mount Vernon and Westchester County were advised of the proposed local law and sent comments. She asked the Village Manager to give a little more detail on this. Manager Pierpont said that the Short Environmental Assessment Form outlines the proposed action was designed to help with still vacant parcels of land in the Business District. It was originally designed for retail stores. The owners of the shopping centers contacted him about the possibility of an urgent care or minute clinic. The Village was looking for low traffic generators. The environmental review concludes that there are not significant environmental impacts. The Mayor said that the proposed Local Law was posted on the Village website under public documents. ------------- RESOLUTION APPROVING SEQRA NEGATIVE DECLARATION The Mayor said that the Village had received comments and assessments from Westchester County and Mount Vernon. She said that this may have less of an environmental impact that the current use. The Mayor said that she was comfortable voting for this. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Negative Declaration under SEQRA for Local Law 1 of 2021 be and hereby is approved. ------------ ACTION ON LOCAL LAW 1 OF 2021 Trustee Owen Michaane said that this was brought up in January. He said that he believes it’s good for residents. He said that urgent care and medical businesses are doing well. This would be located in Pelham Manor and said that minutes can help make the difference. He also said that this will bring in more tax revenue which helps us plan for events like a pandemic. He said that he was in support of this law. He said that Westchester County Planning Commissioner Norma Drummond approved this use. She said that based on the documentation there was little impact displacing existing businesses in the area to be re zoned. He said as a small business owner he couldn’t ask for better language. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she was in favor of this local law. It is an opportunity to allow local businesses to make decisions for themselves which increases the probability of having a vibrant commercial district. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Local Law 1 of 2021 be and hereby is adopted. ------------- RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 28433-28479 After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to sign abstract of vouchers numbers 28433- 28479. ---------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if there were any comments or questions from the public. Allison Frost, 4579 Boston Post Road, spoke about the cost savings associated with moving the Village election from March to November and was told that it usually costs three thousand dollars a year to conduct the elections. Allison Frost asked it the Board has the power to put the issue of moving the elections to a public referendum. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that in 2018 there were about four thousand two hundred voters. The petition had two hundred fifty to three hundred valid signatures. She said the Board would keep an open mind. She said that there are benefits to keeping elections where they are and not conflating local and federal issues. She said that we would be responsive to everyone. The Mayor said that there hasn’t been an enormous outcry for this, but said that we are open minded and would consider it. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said if there were a significant petition with the ratio of number of voters and number of people on the final petition balancing that with what I’ve spoken to other residents about she would consider it. She said that there are advantages to keeping the election in March. Allison Frost said that there were three hundred seventy valid signatures. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo asked for confirmation that four hundred signatures are required for the petition to be valid. The Village Manager said that a ballot proposition can be initiated by a petition with four hundred valid signatures correctly filed in his office. Allison Frost said that three hundred seventy voters were in favor of this and she asked what would be considered a groundswell of support. The Mayor said, speaking for herself, that there are over fifty five hundred residents and no one has come forward to ask for that since 2018. She said that we have to balance the equities. She said that no voice goes unheard, but we cannot please everyone. We have to do what we think is in the interest of the Village. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo agreed with the Mayor that we balance everyone’s viewpoint and make a decision. Trustee Senerchia said that out of five thousand plus residents three hundred seventy names were on the petition. He said the other four thousand five hundred have to be taken into account. Michael Teitlebaum, 1076 Grant Avenue, spoke about the hundreds of signatures that were received on the petition. He thanked the board for hosting the virtual meeting and said he was happy that they now have ADA ramps. He said he was happy that the snow cat plowed the sidewalks, but thought they could update the route to take into account the ramps. The Village Manager said that at night, with six to eight inches of snow, it can be difficult for the sidewalk plow’s operator to maintain his bearings. In the spring we’ll fix the lawns. Cobblestones should be flush to the ground. If when we’re finished plowing, there is a specific area that needs to be addressed, we’ll hand dig it out. He said that our employees hand dig the school crosswalks. He said people should call Village Hall at 738-8820. We pick up the phone and will get on it. Ann Rende, 4472 Boston Post Road, said that she didn’t see the need to change the date of the elections. She said that she likes the March election where we can concentrate on local issues and not be dissipated by national or county elections. She said that she didn’t see the advantage of moving the election to November where issues will be overlooked. Erica Winter, 923 Esplande, asked about the pedestrian crossing at Esplanade and Boston Post Road, crosswalks on Pelhamdale Avenue between Black Street and Shore Road, and said that she would like to go on the record supporting a referendum to let the voters decide on whether to change the date of the elections. Manager Pierpont said that the bid opening for the pedestrian crossing is tomorrow and we will have more information after that. The only crosswalk on Pelhamdale Avenue that we couldn’t accommodate was the offset intersection where Bolton Road and Mount Tom meet. Erica Winter said there were no crosswalks between Black Street and Shore Road so the kids who go to Prospect Hill and live on the other side of Pelhamdale can’t cross the street. She thought the best option was Grant Avenue. Manager Pierpont said that there is a vertical curve with limited site at the location. It has to comply with the Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices (UMTCD) and is some thing that can be reviewed. Trustee Owen Michaane said that the funds were allocated for the pedestrian crossing. The first bid cam in sixty thousand dollars over budget. Several residents said that they were willing to wait to see if the costs were lower with the second bid. He said that hopefully we’ll get better bids. The Mayor asked if the funds were reserved for us and was told yes. Alexy Scholl and Michael Teitelbaum, 1076 Grant Avenue asked when the food composting program was going to start. They said that they were happy to see the Village progressing and wondered when the kits would be available. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she has been working with her counterpart in the Village of Pelham and we anticipate having more details within the next month. -------------- EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor said that we have a personnel matter and communication on a legal matter regarding the monopole and collective bargaining. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously  RESOLVED, that the Board be and hereby is authorized to conduct an Executive Session to discuss the following: A personnel matter and communication on a legal mater regarding the monopole and collective bargaining. No action was taken in Executive Session. -------------- ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. -------------- Clerk