Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES July 19, 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. The Mayor opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. She said that she was glad to see all the Police Officers and extended family and friends. She said that it was a great evening. Mayor Monachino Lapey personally acknowledged the passing of Bob Tritsch who was a former Village of Pelham Manor Mayor and served in many volunteer capacities. She said that he was a role model for so many and we will miss him. - - - - - -- - - - - - - - OPENING REMARKS The Mayor spoke about some of the improvements at Four Corners. The Pelham Chamber of Commerce donated one thousand dollars toward the purchase of benches and tables which are behind the police booth in Veterans’ Park. She said that they are comfortable and well positioned. She said that we are working with Town Historian Art Scinta to improve the area where the Friedland properties are located. The Mayor said that the Village also had a shredder event. She was not able to be there because she attended the Court of Honor for Eagle Scout Alexander Michailoff. She asked Trustee Owen-Michaane to speak about the mobile shredder. Trustee Owen-Michaane spoke about Westchester County’s mobile shredder which was at the Village’s recycling facility on Spring Road. The Village had a police officer there to help with traffic and a DPW worker to help the County workers. He said for some people it was the first time they had been to the Village’s recycling center on Spring Road. He said that there was a steady stream of cars. He said that he got a lot of positive feedback. People liked having the shredder and it was well attended. -------------- RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF POLICE CHIEF The Mayor spoke about the confirming appointment of the Police Chief. She said that the Village Manager is the appointment officer under our code and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustee and asks for the Board’s ratification for your recommendations through resolution for the positions of Police Chief, Fire Chief and DPW Superintendent. The Mayor asked the Village Manager if he had a recommendation to make to the Board. Manager Pierpont said that he recommended Thomas Atkins for the position of Police Chief. He said that he has worked with him for twenty-six years. He said that he has demonstrated professionalism and courtesy. He brings a new management style to the department and he thinks that he will be able to build on the great work that has happened in the department in the last few years, and he can continue to make improvements and deliver the services that the Board wants. The Manager said that his is thoughtful and deliberate. He’s patient and understands and works well with the public and the member of the department. The Manager said that he understands the mission and vision the Board has set for this department and has the ability to instill those values of service to the community that the Board requires. Police Commissioner Bennett agreed with the manager. She said that she has known him since her children were small. She said that Lieutenant Atkins was always attentive, responsible and compassionate. He brings all that training, intelligence, patience, calmness as well as a common- sense approach that the Police Department needs right now. She said that he is going to be wonderful and she said that she looks forward to working with him. Mayor Monachino Lapey read his bio which said he graduated from Cardinal Hayes Memorial High School and Mercy College where he earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. The Mayor said that he began his career as a Police Officer in the Village of Pelham Manor in 1985. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1993 and promoted to Lieutenant in 2017. He is married to his wife Eileen and has two sons James and Liam. The Mayor said that she has dealt directly with Lieutenant Atkins. He has a blend of gritty police competency with public relations skills. She said that he has her full support. Trustee Senerchia said that he has known Lieutenant Atkins for some time and said that his blend of tact is much needed. Trustee Senerchia noted the presence of the Police Department in the house tonight and said that it was a strong show of support. He said that speaks volumes for Lieutenant Atkins and Sergeant Greg Sancho. The Village Manager said that there is no list for Police Chief right now and the Chief would be appointed provisionally and he will be provisional until a valid list is established and someone is appointed from that list. There was a motion confirming Lieutenant Atkins to the position of Police Chief. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the appointment of Thomas Atkins to Police Chief be and hereby is confirmed. ------------ OATH OF OFFICE FOR POLICE CHIEF Mayor Monachino Lapey administered the Oath of Office to Thomas Atkins. All in attendance congratulated Police Chief Atkins. OFFICE OF OFFICE FOR POLICE LIEUTENANT Mayor Monachino Lapey said that Detective Sergeant Gregory Sancho is being promoted to Lieutenant. He started his Police career in 2006 as a Police Officer with the Maybrook Police Department in Orange County New York. In May of 2009, he transferred to the Pelham Manor Police Department. In 2015, he was re assigned to the detective division. On August 21, 2017, he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, a position in which he was instrumental in the successful prosecution of numerous criminal cases. The Mayor said that she has had many occasions dealing with Detective Sergeant Sancho. She said that his calm, approachable demeanor combined with his professional work ethic and experience will be an asset in his new role of Police Lieutenant. The Mayor said that he is conversant in Spanish and said that we are thankful for that additional credential. Police Commissioner Bennett said that she has had the honor of working with him. She spoke about his attention to detail and his ability to speak to residents. She said that he is kind and an asset to the Police Department. She said that she looked forward to working with him. Mayor Monachino Lapey administered the Oath of Office to Gregory Sancho. All in attendance congratulated Police Lieutenant Sancho. Trustee Owen Michaane spoke about the two appointments and said that it shows a great deal of unity and strong morale in the Department. He congratulation Chief Atkins and Lieutenant Sancho. ------------- MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 28, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING AND THE JUNE 28, 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 unanimously RESOLVED, that the minutes from the June 28, 2021 Public Hearing and June 28, 2021 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved as distributed. ------------ REPORTS Police Commissioner Bennett discussed the monthly report with Chief Atkins. She said that there were three hundred twenty- seven incidents. She mentioned the BJ’s tragedy and commended Officer Luiso for his bravery. Police Chief Atkinss said that there was a burglary at The Smoke Shop on Boson Post Road. The glass door was broken and the suspect was gone. A carton of cigarettes was dropped near the parkway and there might be additional evidence that will lead to a suspect. The Police Commissioner spoke about a case of identity fraud. She asked the Chief s a case of identity theft. She asked the Chief to give some quick guidelines on this. Chief Atkins gave some guidelines to help protect residents from identity fraud. He said to check your bank accounts and credit cards apps. He said that if you get a call from your bank asking for information, it’s probably not your bank. He recommended that you call your bank and not use the number that just called you. Chief Atkins said that there was one DWI arrest, and there was a stolen car with juvenile subjects in the vehicle. He said that the rank and file officers were responsible for these arrests. He said that they get it done. Trustee Senerchia said that there were one hundred eighty- eight tickets written for the month of June. There were seven speeding tickets written. He said that the officers are out there and people are getting tickets for going through intersections and stop signs. He said that many tickets were written for those things. He thanked them for their good work. Police Commissioner Bennett said that the officers are out there every day. Trustee Owen-Michaane thanked Officer Luiso. He said that there was loud music in Mount Vernon after midnight and Pelham Manor and Mount Vernon Police Departments were able to help alleviate this situation. He said that it was good cooperation and collaboration. The DPW Superintendent said that during the month some street lights were replaced, seventeen tons of yard waste were recycled, and all catch basins were cleaned which is part of the storm water program. The Village Clerk said that the Building Department remains busy with building permits and notices of violation. The violations are mostly for bags of yard waste put out on the wrong day. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that there were fifty-nine building permits for June. He said that it looks like things may not be slowing down. The Village Clerk agreed with him. There were seven applications, which is a healthy number, to the Zoning Board of Appeals which reflects activity in building. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Police, DPW and Village Clerk reports be and hereby are approved. ----------- RESOLUTION FOR MULTI-MODAL PROJECT – PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT BOSTON POST ROAD AND ESPLANADE This is the next step with paperwork that needs to be sent for this project. It authorizes the Village Manager to sign paperwork for reimbursement for the grant. RESOLUTION FOR MULTI-MODAL #4 PROJECT PIN # 8MA440.30A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT THE INTERSECTION OF BOSTON POST ROAD AND ESPLANADE Authorizing the implementation and funding of the State Multi-Modal Program aid and eligible costs, of a capital project, and appropriating funds thereof. WHEREAS, a Project for the survey, design, engineering work and installation of pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection of Boston Post Road (US 1) and Esplanade, Village of Pelham Manor P.I.N. 8MA440.30A (the Project) is eligible for funding under title 23 US. Code, as amended, and New York State Multi-Modal Program administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, and WHEREAS, the Village of Pelham Manor desires to advance the Project by making a commitment of advance funding of the non-local share and funding of the full local share of the costs of the Project, NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Pelham Manor Board hereby approves the above- subject project and be it further RESOLVED, the Manager of the Village of Pelham Manor be and hereby is authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and /or Multi-Modal Program Funding on behalf of the Village of Pelham Manor with NYSDOT in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality’s funding of project costs and permanent funding of the local share of federal- aid and all Project costs that are not eligible and be it further RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of New York by attaching it to any required and/or appropriate Agreements executed in connection with the Project between the Village of Pelham Manor and the State of New York, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Resolution for the Multi-Modal Project – Pedestrian Crossing at Boston Post Road be and hereby is adopted. ---------- REQUESTS TO USE SHORE PARK Jennifer Persaud, 485 Carol Place, requested the use of Shore Park for a family picnic on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from two o’clock in the afternoon until nine o’clock in the evening with a rain date of Sunday, September 5, 2021 with the same time. Stephen Byfield, 640 Timpson Street, requested the use of Shore Park for a birthday party on Sunday, September 19, 2021 from ten o’clock in the morning until two o’clock in the afternoon with a rain date of Sunday, September 26, 2021 with the same hours. Request from Ravneeta and Manish Consul, 576 Manor Lane, to use Shore Park for a birthday party on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from Noon until fur o’clock in the afternoon. Request from Frank Jaklitsch, 1076 Hunter Avenue, to use Shore Park for a birthday party on Friday, August 13, 2021 from four o’clock in the afternoon until six o’clock in the evening with a rain date of Monday, August 16, 2021from four o’clock in the afternoon until six o’clock in the evening. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Jennifer Persaud, Stephen Byfield, Ravneeta and Mannish Consul and Frank Jaklitsch be and hereby are granted permission to use Shore Park. ------------ REQUEST TO CLOSE STREETS Joanna McCormick, 1314 Bolton Road, requested that Bolton Road be closed from Pelhamdale Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue for a Block Party on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from Noon until ten o’clock in the evening with a rain date of Sunday, September 12, 2021 with the same hours. Request from Julie Fair, 119 Country Club Lane, to use the Esplanade from Grant Avenue to Boston Post Road and Weihman Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from nine o’clock in the morning until eleven o’clock in the morning for a charity “Dog Walk-A-Thon” to raise funds for Amplify Science Research at Pelham Memorial High School. The rain date would be Sunday, October 24, 2021. There was discussion about whether this was a request for a street closure. Manager Pierpont the street wouldn’t be closed. The route would be similar to the 5K run. He said that the loop could be done on the sidewalk. They wouldn’t need to get a permit. He said that he could work out the details with Ms. Fair. The Mayor said that she thought this was a great idea. Julie Fair, 119 County Club Lane, said that she would coordinate with Mr. Pierpont. There was not action required for this request. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the request from Joann McCormick to close Bolton Road from Pelhamdale Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue be and hereby is granted. ------------ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 28934-29006 VOUCHER NUMBERS 28941 and 28942 WERE VOIDED 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 28934-29006. The Mayor said that Voucher Numbers 28941 and 28942 were voiced. ---------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if there were any comments or questions from the public. Tracey Gardner, 921 Grant Avenue, congratulated Chief Atkins on his promotion, but expressed frustration with the process of hiring a Chief. She said that on June Twelfth at a Coffee and Chat hiring a new Police was discussed. She was told the goal was to stabilize the Police Department and then hire a new Chief. She thought that this was done under the cloak of darkness. She said that that there was no opportunity for public discourse. She said that there was no opportunity to discuss what type of Chief would be best for our community. She thought the process felt very opaque. She said that she harbored no ill will toward Chief Atkins. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that this Board is committed to transparency. There is public comment at every meeting and people can e-mail and call all of the Board members. The Village Manager said that he does the hiring except for the Fire Chief and Police Chief. He said that he does give recommendations to the Board. He said that he considered the department, the capabilities and skill set which Chief Atkins exhibited and he felt very comfortable making that recommendation. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo thanked her for coming to the park for the Coffee and Chat. She said that her comments to Ms. Gardner about the Police Department were accurately reflected. Trustee Bennett said that it seemed clear to her, since Lieutenant Atkins was recommended, given his experience, capabilities, and the trust and confidence of the officers, that the this was the right decision. Tracey Gardner said that it seemed like a lost opportunity for the community to come together. She had a problem with the process. She thought that in the future the Board could provide a public forum that would provide more opportunity for public discourse. Allison Frost, 4579 Boston Post Road, asked about the Traffic Study on Boston Post Road and was told that there is no update at this time. She asked why the former Police Chief wasn’t suspended. The Mayor said that the Board had outside counsel and they followed the advice of counsel. She reassured Ms. Frost and pointed out how many Police Officers attended the swearing in. Trustee Bennett said the said that the Board was transparent. She said that once there was an allegation it was acted on right away. She said that the Board honors privacy and the person who made the complaint asked that it be kept confidential. We followed the letter of the law. There was no force involved. She said that we are a land of laws. The Village Manager said that the former Chief was out of the office at a certain point. On counsel’s advice, we cannot speak about this. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that Facebook is a one dimensional platform. It does not give the whole story. He said that the time line has been mentioned by the Board. He said in February an anonymous complaint was received about morale in the Police Department. When the Board received another complaint from an officer, it took action. He said that we’ve given as much information as legally possible. Trustee Owen -Michaane spoke about things being written online about what may or may not have happened. He said it was very irresponsible to the whole process. He asked who would feel safe to come forward. He said that to say that there is no transparency is just not the case. Trustee Owen- Michaane said that we now have a provisional Chief. He was already running the department. He said that there has been transparency. He said that she is not going to jail for talking about someone’s employment history. Allison Frost asked about a provisional appointment and was told that there is no current promotional list from Civil Service. The Chief will take the test when it is offered by Westchester County. When he passes the test, he will become permanent subject to a probationary period. The Mayor said that there were allegations and the Chief retired. Trustee Bennett said that there were allegations. She said that we want the highest level of police work and training, but we can’t control people. Allison Frost said that if she were a CEO of a company and the last two people who had been second in command left under suspicious circumstances she would look at that. She said that we have to change. The Mayor said that the Village Police Department has changed since 2015. It now has a Vision Statement, a training manual, and the DARE program. She said that this Board has done a tremendous amount of work. She said that much has been accomplished in six years. Trustee Bennett said that the Board acted in a split second. We have a new Chief. The minute something was brought to our attention we acted on it. She suggested that Ms. Frost call the Chief in the morning. She told her not to hesitate in making an appointment to see him. Allison Frost said that she would do that and share the information. She said that private conversation does not equal public discourse. She said that the community wanted to be involved, to be able to talk about what values the community wanted in a new Chief. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo commented on the Board’s responsibilities as an employer. The employers responsibility is to make sure those employed understand what the rules are. We have a training program. Our expectation is that the rules will be followed. We take our government responsibilities seriously. She said to look at the fact pattern. She said that we set the framework, provided the training and we took action. Allison Frost said that we have a difference of opinion. She would say that something is not right. Toby Marxuach-Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, asked if there were any updates on Save the Sound or the Monopole. Village Attorney Cornachio said that they are still pending. He said that we are waiting on the Court. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that these delays in litigation are due to the Court. Emily Pauley, 60 Beech Tree Lane, said that she found the recordings of the meetings on Facebook and the website to be very helpful. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that we have live recordings and have made incredible strides. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that the Village has so many platforms. We’ve gone from nothing to many platforms such as Facebook, Vimeo, cable tv and Fios. --------------- EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor said that there was a personnel matter regarding a personnel matter. 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