Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES December 13, 2021 PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Bennett Trustee Owen-Michaane Trustee Cataldi DeLillo Attorney Cornachio Manager Pierpont ABSENT: Trustee Senerchia 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 Mayor Monachino Lapey opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The Mayor spoke about the Governor’s announcement that in person attendees must provide proof of vaccination. Under New York State law, proof of vaccination must be shown to enter Village Hall. She said that the Village is in compliance with that mandate. The Mayor said that the internet provider is reporting that the service is slow and said people may be more comfortable in keeping up in real time with FIOS channel 46 or Altice channel 75. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that there were two distinguished guests in attendance this evening. Paul McLaughin, who is the son of former Village Trustee and Village Attorney Matthew McLaughlin, and Ash Seecharran, whose brother Sanjay recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, are here. She welcomed them to the meeting. The Mayor said that Trustee Senerchia cannot be here this evening for personal reasons. The Mayor said Trustee Senerchia had lengthy conversations with her about subjects on the agenda and he has been in close contact with the Village Manager. The Mayor said that this is the last meeting of 2021. She said that we have muddled though the pandemic. She said that it’s been a long haul and she is incredibly proud of the work product put forth by this administration, our first responders and everyone working at Village Hall and said that there has been no diminution or reduction of any services and said that we remain fully open. The Mayor said that many similarly situated municipalities cannot make that statement and she said that we retain our commitment to this Village. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo agreed and she said that it warmed her heart that when people, and private companies, are struggling financially, we have continued our services and taken no steps toward increasing our financial risk. She credited the village manager for that. The Mayor said that while not every passing can be acknowledged, she did want to mention two younger gentlemen who recently passed away. Allye Migliarini grew up here. He was a well known contractor and his family is known in the Village. She said that he and his father helped renovate the police booth at the Four Corners. Allye Migliarini had an underlying condition and died several weeks ago. The Mayor also mentioned the passing of Chris Kalyvas who was a very accomplished CPA and a wonderful human being. He had coached two different teams with her husband. Both men were active in the community and the two gentlemen were under fifty-five years old. She said that our thoughts and prayers go to the Migliarini and Kalyvas families. Trustee Bennett that she knew Allye personally and said that he dedicated so much time to coaching children and young adults. She said that he and his dad, Tulio, helped with the last Eagle Scout project in the Village which was refurbishing the gazebo in Shore Park. She said that they gave much needed financial help to the project. She said that he and Chris will be sorely 1 missed. She extended her condolences to both families. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she knew Allye as a boy and as a man. She said that her children and his children went to school together. She said that he comes from a wonderful family. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Board of Trustees is very accessible and reminded residents that the best way to reach us is through Village Hall at (914) 738-8820 or e-mail. She said that someone picks up the phone at Village Hall. She said that Fran Nese keeps the Village Manager’s schedule. She said that Facebook is a wonderful tool and a great social media resource, but should not be the point of contact for us. We cannot monitor and police it continuously and there will be gaps. She said that we are here for you. She suggested that residents send us an e-mail. She said that we try to get back to you within twenty- four hours. She also suggested that certain trustees should not be tagged by forums that the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner cannot be part of because of their gender. The Mayor also said that the Village Manager will sit down with you to discuss your concerns. She said that a concern about the Village’s tree planting program was recently raised on social media and she asked the Village Manager to briefly speak about the tree program so that everyone is on the same page. Manager Pierpont spoke about tree maintenance and planting. He said that normally fifty trees are planted every year. This year ninety trees were planted as part of a program with the New York Power Authority. It is a buy one and get one free program. We got ninety trees and paid for forty- five. He said that the first thing we do is to try to fill the requests we receive from residents. He said that residents should call 738-1000 or write to village hall and tell us their address and that they would like a tree in front of their house. Their names go on a list. He said that a well- known and highly regarded landscape architect gave him guidance on where trees could be planted and the method of how they should be planted. He suggested that five varieties be planted in case there is a blight on one of the tree types. He suggested that they be planted in groupings of seven or eight trees. The manager said if you look at Esplanade you will see this type of grouping. It was recommended that the trees be planted between twenty and twenty- two feet apart. He said that we try to do that, but there are obstructions such as gas pipes, gas valves, overhead service, and street signs so that some trees may be planted eighteen feet apart. The Village Manager said that this is a robust program and he said that every year the Board has supported this program. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that she, Trustee Bennett and Trustee Owen-Michaane enjoyed meeting the leadership at Crab du Jour a new restaurant in the Pelham Manor Shopping Plaza on Pelham Parkway. They attended the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting and wished them well. ----------- MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 22, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAW 5 OF 2021, PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH CABLEVISION/ALTICE AND THE NOVEMBER 22, 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 November 22, 2021 Public Hearing on Local Law 5 of 2021, the Public Hearing on the Cable Franchise Agreement with Cablevision/Altice and the November 22, 2021 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved as distributed. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo abstained from voting because she was not present at the November 22, 2021 Board meeting. ----------- REPORTS The Mayor discussed the Fire report with Chief Ruggiero. It was a relatively slow month, but he said that after the past two months it was a welcome relief. He spoke about routine events such as 2 calls related to cooking. The Mayor and Board thanked Chief Ruggiero for his report. Police Commissioner Bennett discussed the Police report with Chief Atkins. The Village of Pelham Manor received the Silver Award for Traffic Safety from Triple AAA. Chief Atkins spoke about child safety seat installations and inspections and said that four members of the department are certified to do that work. He said that the Village is participating in the Click It or Ticket program which encourages drivers to wear their seat belts or risk receiving a ticket. Traffic enforcement was discussed. The speed trailer was out which alerts drivers that they are going over the speed limit. There were three hundred forty- seven incidents in November including an attempted burglary and a burglary at the Four Corners. Chief Atkins said that the glass at 4 Corners Pizza was broken and the inside of Number One Chinese had cash taken. They also went into Fashion Care cleaners. The Chief said that evidence was collected and sent to Westchester County for further investigation. Police Commissioner Bennett reminded residents to lock their cars. The Chief said that there has been an uptick in theft from vehicles. He said that people should lock their cars. He said that this is a crime of opportunity. He said that residents should call the Police if they see something unusual. The Mayor and Board thanked Chief Atkins for his report. The DPW Superintendent spoke about organic waste. He said that over ninety per cent of what was collected was recycled. Emergency clearing and televising of sewer pipes was done as well as planting ninety trees. The Village Clerk said that the Building Department was busy and letters in lieu were steady. Trustee Owen-Michaane noted that forty-eight building permits were issued. The Village Clerk said that the month of November finished strong. He said that the Village is in good shape. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Fire, Police, DPW and Village Clerk reports be and hereby are approved. ----------- SIGNAGE PLAN FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON PELHAMDALE AVENUE AT MOUNT TOM ROAD Mayor Monachino Lapey asked the Village Manager to give some background on this plan. Manager Pierpont said that approximately one and a half to two years ago residents discussed the need for crosswalks at Pelhamdale Avenue and Mount Tom Road. Moving the stop sign from Roosevelt Avenue was proposed by a licensed professional engineer. Subsequently an alternative to that plan, which was less disturbing but creates a safe place for pedestrians, was proposed. Trustee Bennett said that she thought the crosswalk and lines on the street are a wonderful addition. The plan will include a pedestrian crossing sign at Pelhamdale Avenue and a ladder crosswalk. This adds four new signs. There will be two new Pedestrian Crosswalk Ahead signs and two 3 Pedestrian Crossing signs. The manager said that this was also a licensed engineer’s plan. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that he thought this plan provided ample signage for crosswalks. The Manager said that there would be a new plaque that says that oncoming traffic does not stop. He said that it is not necessary for the Board to make a motion on this. Amy Goodman, 1246 Pelhamdale Avenue questioned whether or not there would be a four way stop at Mount Tom. Manager Pierpont said that a four way stop was not proposed. He said that there will not be a three way stop at Mount Tom Road. There will be a sign the reminds people that it is State law to Yield to Pedestrians in a Crosswalk. Trustee Bennett said that said that there will be a crosswalk and lines on the street. Adam Gerber, 1317 Roosevelt Avenue, thanked the Board of Trustees. He said that he thought that this sounds like a wonderful plan. Nick Childs, 1309 Pelhamdale Avenue, thanked the Board for hearing what he and his wife said. He said that he appreciated being kept in the loop by the Board and Village Manager. ---------- ACTION ON LOCAL LAW 6 OF 2021 After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing on Local Law 6 of 2021 be and hereby is held open for written comment only until the next Board meeting on January 10, 2022 and that no action be taken on the Local Law at this time. ---------- RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH SENSYS GATSO REGARDING RED LIGHT CAMERAS After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the contract with Sensys Gatso regarding red light cameras be and hereby is held over for discussion until the next Board meeting on January 10, 2022. ------------ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO SIGN THE CONTRACT WITH KENYON PIPELINE INSPECTION, LLC FOR SEWER SYSTEM REHABILITATION FOR TRENCHLESS LINING Mayor Monachino Lapey asked the Village Manager to give an executive summary on this contract. Manager Pierpont said that this is an ongoing sewer system program. It will put new lining into the sewer system which is very old. Trenchless is just that. If there are three existing manholes you would go continuously to the next manhole. The new lining would be put into the existing sewer line He said that our sewers are very old and this is all part of our program which was originally started with the City of New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont and the Village of Pelham Manor. New Rochelle is going a different way and will not be continuing with this portion of the grant. Mamaroneck will be taking the lead. This work is being done through a grant and the work will be reimbursed at forty percent. He said that the prices for this work are very good. Funds that are reimbursed will be reinvested in our sewers. The Mayor said that she felt comfortable with this agreement because Dolph Rothfeld Engineering 4 had recommended this firm. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Village Manager be and hereby is authorized to sign the contract with Kenyon Pipeline Inspection, LLC for sewer system rehabilitation for trenchless lining. ------------ RESOLUTION STATING THE POLLING PLACE AND HOURS THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN DURING THE MARCH 15, 2022 ELECTION The Mayor said that this is a resolution to state the polling place and the hours the polls will be open for the Village election. The Mayor thought that these hours gave the greatest access to the polls for residents. WHEREAS, the next General Election will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees must designate by Resolution the polling place and state the hours the polls will be open, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The Board of Trustees designates the Fire Headquarters, 4 Penfield Place, Pelham Manor, New York as the polling place and that the polls be and hereby will be open between the hours of six o’clock in the morning (6:00 a.m.) and nine o’clock in the evening ( 9:00 p.m.) ------------ ACTION ON CABLE FRANCHISE RENEWAL AGREEMENT After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement with Cablevison of Southern Westchester be and hereby is approved and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager be and hereby is authorized to sign the Cable Franchise Renewal Agreement. ------------ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO SIGN 2021/2022 MUNICIPAL SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT, SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT AND ADJUSTMENT/CALCULATION WORKSHEET (Five Year Agreement with DOT) This is a supplemental agreement and adjustment calculation worksheet. It is for a five- year plan with the Department of Transportation. The Village agrees to do snow control and snow clearing for the Boston Post Road which is a State-owned road. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Village Manager be and hereby is authorized to sign the 2021/2022 Municipal Snow and Ice Agreement, Supplemental Agreement and Adjustment/Calculation Worksheet. ------------- RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 29419-29476 5 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 29419-29476. ---------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if anyone had any comments or questions Amy Goodman, 1242 Pelhamdale Avenue, spoke about the burglary at the Four Corners. Police Commissioner Bennett said that the burglary took place in December and the Police report is for November, but she thought that it should be discussed because it has gotten so much attention. Amy Goodman spoke about the traffic accident at the primary school and asked if the officer who comes into the schools could speak to children about safety. Police Commissioner Bennett said that what happened was awful. She said that the Police Chief, Lieutenant and she discussed the accident and have been in touch with the principal from Prospect Hill. They have also been in touch with Triple AAA. She said that this was discussed and taken care of last week. The officer assigned to the schools will also be discussing bicycle safety at Prospect Hill and Siwanoy elementary schools. Amy Goodman thanked them for their work on that. Cindy Courtien, 1041 Clay Avenue, thought that some parents could also benefit from traffic safety reminders. She said many parents open their car doors and let their children out in the middle of the street and don’t have them walk up to the corner or where the crossing guard is located. Toby Marxuach Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, asked for a status update on the Save the Sound lawsuit and the Monopole. Attorney Cornachio said that we have not received an update from outside counsel on Save the Sound and he said that we are waiting for the court to make a decision on the Village’s appeal on the Monopole. Allison Frost, 4579 Boston Post Road, asked about the status of the elevator for Village Hall and a Freedom of Information Request from Lohud. Manager Pierpont said that the Village is waiting for the State Historic Preservation Office to give its approval to move forward with this project. He said that he believes the FOIL request was answered but will check on that. Gianni Magnani, 435 Carol Place, wished the Mayor, the Trustees, the Village Manager, the Village Attorney, everyone on the office staff and all residents of this Village, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year and, more than ever, a healthy New Year. ------------- EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor said that there was an issue regarding a personnel matter and ongoing litigation. 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: 6  Personnel Matter and Litigation No action was taken in Executive Session. RESUMPTION OF REGULAR MEETING SALARY ADJUSTMENT After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the following salary adjustments be and hereby are approved: Village Manager $ 184,500.00 Effective January 1, 2022 Village Clerk $ 39,500.00 Effective January 1, 2022 To be paid in equal weekly payments with an additional payment of $36,300.00 in the first pay period of January and a longevity payment of $36,500 in the first pay period of June and be it further RESOLVED, that the Village Manager’s annual housing allowance of $1,500 be paid on June 1. -------------- ADJOURNMENT The Mayor and Board wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. -------------- Clerk 7