Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES June 28, 2021 PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Senerchia Trustee Bennett Trustee Cataldi DeLillo Trustee Owen-Michaane Manager Pierpont ABSENT: Attorney Cornachio 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. The Mayor opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The Mayor said that it was the eightieth birthday of our counsel’s mother and he would not be attending the meeting this evening. She said that he will join the Board later by phone for executive session. She said that the Board would move right into the Proclamations. She said that the Michailoff family rivals the Spanas in terms of scouting contributions to the Town and Village. She said that Alexander and Caroline Michailoff are here this evening. The Mayor asked Alexander Michailoff to come forward. She highlighted his Eagle project which included a multi phased approach to improving the grounds at OLPH Church in Pelham Manor. His project included planting four sugar maple trees, installing a rain gutter and two rain barrels. She noted that he led this project a week after having ACL reconstructive surgery from an injury at a Pelham High School lacrosse game. Trustee Bennett said that his work was just phenomenal. She said that the parish grounds look beautiful. She said what you have done is evident and the grounds look lovely. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she was sure he learned a lot during the process and contributed to the community. She said that is what makes Pelham great. Trustee Senerchia thanked him for being a role model, a mentor to youth, and committed to giving back to the community. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that, having been an Eagle Scout, he knows how hard it is to become an Eagle Scout and he thanked him for all his work. Alexander Michailoff thanked the Mayor and Board, the Pelham Civics for their donations, and his troop. All in attendance congratulated Alexander Michailoff. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Alexander D. Michailoff has attained the rank of Eagle Scout which is the highest honor in the Boy Scouting program and WHEREAS, Alexander D. Michailoff has been in the Boy Scouts since he was seven years old earned the Eagle Scout rank one month before his eighteenth birthday and WHEREAS, Alexander D. Michailoff has earned twenty- eight merit badges required for  the Eagle Scout designation and WHEREAS, Alexander D. Michailoff completed his Eagle Scout Service Project which included a multi-phased approach to improving the grounds at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Pelham Manor by planting four sugar maple trees, installing a rain gutter and two rain barrels to provide a source of water, repairing a slate walkway and numerous plantings around the parish. He led his project approximately a week after having ACL reconstructive surgery from an injury at a Pelham Memorial High School lacrosse game, and WHEREAS, Alexander D. Michailoff earned Eagle rank last year and will be having his formal ceremony in July 2021 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor hereby recognizes Alexander D. Michailoff on the occasion of his earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Mayor asked Caroline Michailoff to come forward. The Mayor gave an overview of the proclamation for Caroline Michailoff’s Gold Award. The Mayor said that Caroline designed and planted two sustainable pollinator gardens. One garden is in Pelham Manor and the second garden is on the Highline in Pelham. She said that Caroline’s work was amazing since it spans both villages and offers the opportunity for the sustainable work to affect the entire Town. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said the it crosses two villages and she saw her garden when she was working with Mrs. Montanarella. She congratulated Caroline on her work. Trustee Bennett congratulated her and thanked her for her work and improving our Village. She said that she looks forward to seeing her garden. Trustee Senerchia said that it was very well done. He said that she is also a role model that others will be able to look up to. Trustee Owen-Michaane congratulated her on her work. All in attendance congratulated Caroline Michailoff. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Caroline M. Michailoff has received the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of America which is the highest honor in the Girl Scouts program, and WHEREAS, Caroline M. Michailofff, currently a Junior in Pelham Memorial High School, has been in scouting since kindergarten, and WHEREAS, Caroline M. Michailoff received a Silver Award in the Eighth Grade and her Gold Award this year when she turned sixteen, and WHEREAS, Caroline M. Michailoff designed and planted two sustainable pollinator gardens in 2020 for her Girl Scout Gold project, and WHEREAS, one garden is located in a park in Pelham Manor off the Esplanade and Boston Post Road and the second garden is located on the Highline in Pelham NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Manor hereby recognizes Caroline M. Michailoff on the occasion of her earning the Gold Award. - - - - - -- - - - - - - - OPENING REMARKS The Mayor said that since the last meeting the Governor lifted the State of Emergency. For those not vaccinated, a mask and social distancing rules remain in effect. The Mayor said that she had received a few positive communications and kind remarks from residents about the stop sign at Plymouth and Townsend. Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if the red light camera legislation was still sitting on the Governor’s desk. The Village Manager said that the Governor has not signed the legislation yet. He does not know if the Governor has seen it. The Village is monitoring this legislation. The Mayor spoke about the benches that were purchased in coordination with a thousand dollar grant from the Chamber of Commerce. She said that Trustee Bennett is spearheading this local improvement project. The Mayor congratulated the Pelham High School graduates. The Mayor spoke about golf courses and people trampling over property. She asked students and parents alike to be respectful of neighbors. She asked them to dispose of their garbage properly and to help a friend if needed. She asked that they remember to be mindful of others possessions. Trustee Bennett said that Lieutenant Atkins and she have been working with residents in the area who have been affected. She asked people to be careful and respectful. She asked them to be respectful of other people’s property and gardens. She said that there will be a heightened police presence in the area to monitor this. Trustee Bennett said that last Monday night she and Trustee Owen-Michaane attended a ceremony to honor Michael Schwerner who graduated from Pelham Memorial High School. She said that a plaque to honor him has been placed on Michael Schwerner Way and it is a lovely memorial to him. The Mayor said that she was unable to attend this ceremony and thanked Trustees Bennett and Owen-Michaane for attending. COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER Westchester County Executive George Latimer came to the meeting to give an update on some issues in the County. The Mayor introduced the County Executive and Ellen Hendrix the Assistant Director of Governmental Services. The County Executive gave numbers on Covid in Westchester County. There are one hundred seventy- eight active cases in the County. In January there were eleven thousand five hundred active cases. Nine people are currently hospitalized. In January, there were five hundred eighty- eight- people hospitalized. Seventy six percent of all Westchester adults have gotten at least one shot. He said the good news is that this allows us to focus on things other that Covid. The County Executive said that just shy of twenty- three hundred people died. He said that there were four fatalities in the last few weeks. In January, thirty, forty or fifty people were dying each night. The County Executive said that the County has fully opened all parks. He said that Glen Island has to be decommissioned after having served its purpose as a testing center. He said that we need to get the parking lot back. He said that it wouldn’t be available for the Fourth of July, but it will be available sometime in July. He said that the other parks, golf courses and Playland are open. He spoke about the new Family Court in New Rochelle. It opened a month ago on Garden Street. It is ideal for public transportation and it will serve New Rochelle, Pelham and Mount Vernon. The County Executive spoke about a program designed to help people behind on their rent. The back rent would be paid directly to the landlord. He said people should call 211, which is manned by the United Way, to sign up for the program. He also spoke about some funds that may be of help to local businesses. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that we appreciate your help. She said that Ms. Hendrix and Mr. Crane from his office have been very helpful. She said that we have been working with Legislator Clements on drag racing on the Hutch. The County Executive suggested an in- person meeting. He said that Chief Calabrese handles the patrol units and thought that his lieutenant for captain could meet with your police representative. Trustee Bennett said that would be wonderful. County Executive Latimer suggested that they call the office to arrange the meeting. Mayor Monachino Lapey thanked the County Executive for his wonderful update. -------------- MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 14, 2021 REGULAR MEETING The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or concerns on the minutes. There were no questions, comments or concerns. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes from the June 14, 2021 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved as distributed. ------------ REPORTS Fire Commissioner Senerchia discussed the monthly report with Chief Ruggiero. The Fire Commissioner said that there were forty-seven calls and a few more brush fires by Pelham Parkway. The Fire Chief said they are trying to get the brush fires squared away with a landscaping company in that area. Fire Commissioner Senerchia spoke about the Fire Department’s response to the BJ’s gas station. He asked the Fire Chief to speak about this in a little more detail. The Chief said that a woman at the gas station accelerated and her car went into Eastchester Creek. The Police Department was there and then the Fire Department. The City of Mount Vernon was at the scene. A police officer went into the water to attempt a rescue without success. The car eventually sank. The Fire Chief said our objective was to secure the vehicle. He said that the New York City Dive team, with divers and boats, got very involved. The woman was extricated from the car. She was deceased. The County wanted to do an investigation and the scene was turned over to Westchester County Police Department at noon. The Chief said that there was a fatality. He wished there had been a different outcome. This was a very involved, delicate, dicey type of rescue. Fire Commissioner Senerchia thanked him. He said that he had driven by the scene but there was a lot going on and he didn’t want to hinder the operation. The Fire Chief thanked the County for getting the bridge open during high tide. He said that everyone worked well together. He said that the Mayors from Pelham Manor and Mount Vernon and the Village Manager were at the scene. The Fire Commissioner thanked the Fire Chief. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that what happened was horrible, but when an incident of this magnitude happens, the cavalry shows up. She said it was a tribute to you and your department. She thanked the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief said that the Mutual Aid system comes into play a lot. You don’t think it does, but it does. Fire Commissioner Senerchia spoke about a HazMat incident from a few years ago. He said he was aware of how important mutual aid can be. The Mayor said that Chief Ruggiero was the Incident Commander on site. It couldn’t have been run more efficiently. She said that we’re lucky to have very dedicated first responders. The Board thanked the Chief for his report. The Village Treasurer said that this is a preliminary end of year report. Not all encumbrances are recorded yet. The final numbers will show that we came in very close to budget. We were less than one percent in the black. It was a challenging year in many respects. He said that we developed a budget not knowing the effect Covid would have. He said that it could go either way, but thought the Village would be in the black. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that no one could have expected this. She said that it was pretty amazing that we’re in the position we’re in. The Treasurer said that the Village never closed. We had staff here at Village Hall. He said that we have some frail elderly and we made accommodations for that. Everyone tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy in our operations. We were able to be here for our residents. There weren’t many here, but they worked hard. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that it was remarkable given the year you had. This was unknown at the beginning of the year. This was a one in a hundred-year pandemic. She said that there wasn’t that societal memory. There was a lot of risk that needed to be mitigated. We ended the year in the black, zero debt, an excellent rating from the State Comptroller and we have not cut services. She said we added the service of food scap recycling. She said that the Village spent between three and four million dollars on Capital projects. The Treasurer said that the Village spent two and a half million dollars on Capital projects. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that this Board focused on good government services such as two day trash collection, rapid response of first responders and the ability to maintain and improve upon the Village’s condition. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Fire and Village Treasurer reports be and hereby are approved. ----------- SIGN PERMIT FOR STRICTLY PIZZA 4400 BOSTON POST ROAD The Mayor said that Strictly Pizza is moving along. Its location is affectionately known as the old Knuckleheads Tavern. She said that she likes the font of the sign. It’s a little edgy, but professional The Mayor thanked the Planning Board for their hard work. Chairman Taubner and his team were on site. Trustee Bennett said that she was impressed with the plans and renderings. He said that this will be such a welcome addition to the Village. It will be a gateway. She liked the way the parking was established. She said that it was efficient and a great use of space. She thought it was wonderful. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that he liked the greenery. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that the sign looks good. The building looks tired and she liked the improvements. Trustee Senerchia agreed. He said that the proposed sign enhanced the building and thought that it would fit in well with the surrounding area. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that our Planning Board doubles as an Architectural Review Board. They worked closely with the applicant and reviewed the materials proposed for the site. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the sign permit for Strictly Pizza 4400 Boston Post Road be and hereby is approved. ----------- EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT PROPOSAL FROM MAXWELL K. EDMISTER The Mayor said that the Board received a letter from Maxwell K. Edmister. He asked for support for his idea for his Eagle Scout project. Manager Pierpont said that he would like to plant birdhouses in parks to re-establish the blue bird population. The Mayor asked the Village Manager if he was concerned about possible vector issues. Manager Pierpont said that feeding was not involved. The Mayor asked if it was just a place for them to lodge and was told yes. They would only be in park spaces. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that consideration for the park at Four Corners would be good because there is a pollinating garden in that park. There is going to be seating there which is partially funded by the Chamber of Commerce. She thought that would be great to do it there. Mayor Monachino asked about the number of birdhouses and was told that twelve have been proposed. Trustee Owen-Michaane spoke about lodging as opposed to feeding. He said it could be a focal point for more than just birds and a nice addition. Trustee Bennett said that they would look lovely in parks as long as they don’t bring rodents. The Mayor asked if they would damage trees and was told no. Trustee Senerchia suggested that they be on poles rather than trees. He asked the manager to find out about the issue of food. The Mayor asked to see if he really needed twelve birdhouses. Trustee Owen-Michaane thanked him for all his hard work and planning that went into this. He said that this is the last step before becoming an Eagle Scout. ---------- RESOLUTION TO SCHEDULE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS FOR JULY AND AUGUST The Board discussed the schedule for the July and August Board meetings. Monday, July 19th, and Monday, August 16th were the dates selected for the Board meetings. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Board meetings be held on Monday, July 19, 2021 and Monday, August 16, 2021. ---------- The Mayor said that there were two late entries. One is to use Shore Park and the other is for a street closing for a Block Party. REQUEST TO USE SHORE PARK Jennifer Subervi, 914 Wynnewood Road, Apt. 3D, requested the use of Shore Park on Sunday, July 4, 2021 from Noon until four o’clock in the afternoon for a family get together. The Mayor was told that the park is available on that date. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Jennifer Subervi be and hereby is granted permission to use Shore Park on Sunday, July 4, 2021 from Noon until four o’clock in the afternoon. ------------ REQUEST TO CLOSE STREET Lindsay Anderson, 437 Carol Place, requested that Carol Place between Iden Avenue and the Pelham Library be closed for a Block Party on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from two o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening with a rain date of Saturday, August 14, 2021 with the same hours. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the request from Lindsay Anderson to close Carol Place between Iden Avenue and the Pelham Library be and hereby is granted. ------------ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 28882-28933 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 28882-28933. ---------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if there were any comments or questions from the public. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that he would like to publicly mention two people. David Sparano from Manor Lane has been the Pack 3 Cubmaster for three years. He thanked him for his time and service. Trustee Owen-Michaane also mentioned Kate Douglass a Pelham High School graduate who qualified for the 200 IM relay will be swimming in the summer Olympics in Tokyo. Allison Frost, 4579 Boston Post Road, thanked the Mayor and Board members, who were able to attend, for going to the Pelham Pride party. She thanked the Village Manager for having a broken swing at Shore Park playground taken care of quickly. She asked for an update on the status of the traffic study. The Village Manager said that he has worked with the City of New Rochelle. The Village is waiting for the Governor to sign the legislation for the red light cameras. After that, we can put the work for the study on Boston Post Road out to bid. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that he hoped a company would do this and either pay for it or there would be a cost sharing involved. The Manager said that there may be an opportunity for that. Allison Frost presented a time line on former Police Chief Carpenter. It included the dates he was promoted from Lieutenant to Chief, when an anonymous complaint was made about him, when a formal complaint was made, when he attended meetings on the Governor’s Executive Order 203, when he presented a report at the Executive Order 203 meeting, and when the Executive Order 203 report was published. She said that her comments are not personal or political. She said that two police chiefs abruptly retired in scandal. In the 1990’s a female police officer sued the Village for creating a sexist and hostile workplace. She said that she did not think the Board was taking strong enough steps to protect its police officers. She wanted to know the process for hiring the next Police Chief. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that it is very difficult to investigate an anonymous complaint. It was a general statement, without signature, about morale. It was sent to the Police Commissioner’s attention. She said that this board has been incredibly proactive. When a detailed complaint was received, the board brought in outside counsel and an independent investigator. Prior to the conclusion of the investigation the Chief chose to retire which was his right under Civil Service law. Police Commissioner Bennett said that they don’t know who sent the first correspondence. It was anonymous and there were no specific allegations against anybody. It was about morale. As Police Commissioner she wanted Ms. Frost to know that she and her family are safe. Ms. Frost said that she feels safe. She said that her concern is for the police department. She spoke about a hostile work environment. The Police Commissioner said that the morale in the department is very high. Mayor Monachino Lapey that the feedback is that the officers feel very good and morale is very good. The Mayor said that we are a very approachable board, but a certain amount of information can’t be released. Police Commissioner Bennett said that we take our responsibilities very seriously and personally. She said that we have a wonderful working relationship. She said that we are all working very well together. Toby Marxuach Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, asked about the status of the Monopole and the Save the Sound lawsuit. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that there are no updates on either the Monopole or Save the Sound. She said that there is an incredible backlog on the court calendars. They are one to two years behind. Preliminary work on Boston Post Road and Esplanade has started. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that Boston Post Road is a state road. The Village has to have a state work permit and the plans that go with it. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that working on a state road was more burdensome than working on Siwanoy Place or Manor Lane. Manager Pierpont said that the issue is with the supply chain. We are waiting for materials. We have the work permit, the engineer and are waiting for supplies. Trustee Senerchia said that there is a fifteen- week lead time right now for electrical poles. He said that he is hopeful things will catch up and start moving. --------------- EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor said that we have a personnel matter regarding 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: Personnel Matter No action was taken in Executive Session. -------------- ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. -------------- Clerk