Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES June 27, 2022 PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Senerchia Trustee Bennett Trustee Owen-Michaane Trustee Cataldi DeLillo 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 Mayor Monachino Lapey opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. She spoke about the high school prom and local high school graduations. She noted that Cami Cornachio, the daughter of our Village Attorney, and her own daughter graduated. After the last few difficult years, she wished the graduates well and a covid free life going forward. She asked Police Commissioner Bennett to say a few words about the storms. Police Commissioner Bennett said that due to Ida and the June Second storm many lost cars. She said that if a severe storm is forecast and residents are concerned about their cars, they should move them to higher ground and contact the Police Department. They should call 738-1000 and tell the person on the Police Desk the location of the car, the license plate and the type of car. The Mayor said that tonight a new Fire Chief will take the Oath of Office. She said that this is one of the happiest tasks of her position. The Mayor said that under the code, the Village Manager is the appointing officer. His appointment needs the ratification by the Board for the positions of Police Chief, Fire Chief and DPW Superintendent. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that she thinks highly of Chief Ruggiero’s tenure and she thinks that Michael Greco is someone who will be an invaluable replacement and have a progressive sensibility. She said that she was honored to move forward with this. Trustee Senerchia said that the fire service is Mike’s life and is second only to his family. He is very dedicated to the fire service and he has known him for over forty years. He said that they grew up together. He is a lifelong resident and still resides in our Village. He is engaged with the community and emulates all that is good. Trustee Senerchia said that he has big shoes to fill, but he assured the community that we are confident that Mike will lead the department in a new direction. He said that he is honored to call him a friend. ----------- ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO FIRE CHIEF MICHAEL GRECO The Mayor read the bio for Michael Greco which said that he began his career as a volunteer fire fighter in 1995. In 1999 he became a lieutenant with the volunteers. In July of 2002 he became a career fire fighter. He was promoted to Captain in November 2009 and assisted the Fire Chief with many things such as grant writing, the fire prevention program in elementary schools and getting the new radio system. Some of his training includes Fire Officer 1 and 2 and Fire Inspector 1 and 2. He started as a volunteer who rose through all ranks to become Chief. 1 Mayor Monachino Lapey administered the Oath of Office to Michael Greco. All in attendance congratulated the new Fire Chief. ---------- MINUTES FROM THE MAY 23, 2022 REGULAR MEETING The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or corrections on the minutes. The Mayor had two edits. Under the Opening Remarks on page one in the first sentence in the second paragraph that reads “The New York State DOT issued a positive declaration regarding SEQR and the momopole”, the word proposed should be inserted before the word monopole. In the final sentence in the same paragraph after the wording “that there is a heightened burden on the company.” the words and an environmental impact statement is required should be added. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes from the May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved as amended. ----------- REPORTS Fire Commissioner Senerchia reviewed the monthly report with Fire Chief Greco. The Fire Commissioner said that it was another busy month. He asked him about a child locked in a car. The Chief said that two children were locked in a car on the Esplanade. He said that the department has a special tool it took two minutes to get them out. The Fire Commissioner asked about a vehicle fire. Chief Greco spoke about a vehicle fire and said that the FDNY arrived just prior to the Village Fire Department. As they were putting out the fire, it was discovered that two individuals were in the car. The Village cleaned up the site and the scene was turned over to the FDNY per our mutual aid agreement. He said that the process worked very well. The Fire Commissioner said that there were wires down, alarms, vehicle accidents on I-95 and The Hutch. The Board thanked the Chief for his report. The Village Treasurer said that this was a preliminary report for May. The Village ended its fiscal year in May. The opening balance was seven point one million dollars and the closing balance for the month was six point seven million dollars. Non property tax revenues included three hundred fifty eight thousand dollars from a sales tax payment, thirty one thousand five hundred dollars from a cable franchise tv payment, seventy seven thousand five hundred dollars in building permit fees and fifty four thousand three hundred fifty nine dollars in State Aid/AIM funds. ----------- 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. ----------- SET BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JULY AND AUGUST 2 The Mayor said that traditionally the Board has one meeting in July and one meeting in August to in recognition of vacations and the need for a quorum to take action. The dates of July 11th and August 22nd seemed to be the best for the Board. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the meetings for the Board of Trustees be and hereby are scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022 and Monday, August 22, 2022. ------------ RESOLUTION DECLARING THE VILLAGE LEAD AGENCY WITH REGARD TO PELHAM COUNTRY CLUB’S SITE PLAN AMENDMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey said this Board referred the proposed site plan amendment to the Planning Board for review. Manager Pierpont said that the Planning Board met on June 23, 2022. He said that this is a small second story addition on a flat roof the Pelham Country Club. It is for simulated golf training for off season use. The Planning Board considered the proposal and unanimously approved the site plan amendment. There are procedural steps because the site plan amendment is within five hundred feet of another municipality (The City of New Rochelle) The City of New Rochelle and the Westchester County Planning Board were noticed and the Village is waiting for any comment regarding the proposal. While the Village is waiting, the Village Board can declare itself Lead Agency in this process. Trustee Senerchia pointed out that the proposed addition does not exceed the height of the current building. Trustee Owen-Michaane asked if this was an administrative process and was told that it is the first step in SEQR review. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Village Board of Trustees hereby declares itself Lead Agency with regard to the site plan amendment for the Pelham Country Club ------------- STORMWATER UPDATE Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Village experience two intense storms – Ida and the June 2nd storm. Inches of water came down in a short time frame. It was a traumatic time. The Mayor said that we talked about this at our last meeting. We have an ongoing relationship with AI Engineering which acquired Dolph Rotfeld Engineering. They do a lot of work for similarly situated municipalities. She said that after the last meeting she, Trustee Cataldi DeLillo, and Manager Pierpont met with Danny Peluso, project manager, and Anthony Oliveri, licensed Engineer, from AI Engineering. She asked the Village Manager to give a little more detail on this. Manager Pierpont spoke about drainage, where it goes, what we’ve been working on and continue to do. Maps were posted on the Village’s website in advance of this meeting. He said that there are five target areas for interim measures to improve capture of runoff into pipes and marginal capacity improvement. There will be a comprehensive study of our entire stormwater system which would include cleaning, lining and surveying. He spoke about Target Areas that have the most street ponding and flooding. These streets included Iden Avenue, Murray Street, and Carol Place. These streets are in the federal flood zone. He also mentioned Highbrook, Manor Lane, Pelhamdale Avenue, Monroe, Edgemere,Hunter, Roosevelt and Bolton. He said that he will be meeting with the engineers tomorrow. This Friday the Village will be going out to bid for general 3 storm system improvements. The Village will be looking at each of these areas to see if there is an opportunity to take interim mitigation measures. The Village Manager went over the time frame for actions that the Village has taken. It goes back to the Village taking part, with many municipalities, with Westchester County in an All Hazard Mitigation Plan to be submitted to FEMA. This meeting took place on July 13, 2021. The Plan was submitted to the County in October 2021 and the Board approved the submission of the Hazard Mitigation Grant in December 2021. The Village submitted its FEMA application on June 1, 2022. It was for cleaning, televising, mapping, surveying and inspection. We expect work by the end of this year and a GIS application by the first quarter of 2023. This will include modeling our system and the cost benefit analysis it can provide will show the best way to spend tax dollars. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that there will be an advanced tool for mapping that will be computer based. It will be able to show what the infrastructure will look like under the street and will allow us to develop scenarios regarding cost benefit analyses and determine the best way to spend money. The Village Manager spoke about where storm drain systems discharge is received. He said that the Village has received very good intermunicipal cooperation from the Thruway Authority. They have been very helpful in cleaning their property. Amtrak’s drainage channels have not been cleaned. The Village is fastidious about maintaining our system, but if silt is built up downstream it restricts the ability of our system. Trustee Owen Michaane said that several residents reached out to the congresswoman’s office to help us. . Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that when it comes to interfacing with the City of New York she will recuse herself. The Mayor said that we are meticulous about the Village’s one point two mile area. She said that we are looking to have the engineers come to the Board meeting on July 11th. Trustee Owen-Michaane asked if the Amtrak collection system was a New York City system. Manager Pierpont said that he can say factually that the system is not owned, operated, or maintained by the Village of Pelham Manor. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that New York City systems are outside our purview. The Manager said that all receiving systems need to be properly maintained to work at designed capacity. Trustee Owen-Michaane suggested residents reach out to your Congressmen. He said that our system is only as good as the neighbor systems we live next to. Erica Winter, 923 Esplanade, spoke about property owners at 434 Pelhamdale Avenue, 440 Pelhamdale and 428 Pelhamdale Avenue who were not able to attend this meeting. 434 Pelhamdale Avenue flooded and the map doesn’t seem to indicate that and 440 and 428 Pelhamdale might not be on that map. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that those addresses can be added. Marlene Wasilchak, 1325 Bolton Avenue, said that five years ago their property didn’t flood. She shared pictures of her flooded basement and said that Brendan McCormick was unable to come tonight but was very interested in the Village continuing to work on this problem. Manager Pierpont said that the intensity of the storms has changed. Ben Midberry, 127 Manor Lane, said that the Village was responsive to our concerns and he appreciated it. He wanted to know how target areas were determined, and was told they are determined from our historic knowledge of road ponding and from severe events flooding. 4 .Ben Midberry spoke about a large lake that forms by Reed Avenue and was told that the Village Manager will be happy to look at it. Meredith Shur, 131 Manor Lane, said that the water comes down Siwanoy. The five catch basins were clear but they become completely overwhelmed. She said that her yard and Ben’s yard are overwhelmed and the water goes to the neighbors on Reed Avenue. She asked that the Target Area be extended and was told that can be done. She was also told that mitigation areas may take place outside target areas. Ben Midberry spoke about rain gardens and thought that they might reduce water saturation. The Mayor said that rain gardens are effective for smaller storms and for lower level remediation. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that a rain garden is an infiltration through a soil engineered system. The soils are designed to be more porous and trim some the minor flow. She said that when they are used appropriately, they are effective. She that it is a tool in the tool box. The Village Manager said that the goal is to reduce the frequency and impact of street flooding and to make sure the system is working at its capacity. Ben Argyle, 440 Pelhamdale Avenue, asked if there were clear and obvious issues that need to be addressed. He spoke about the engineers report, what are we asking Congressman Reilly from NYC to do, and the root causes for flooding Manager Pierpont said that there are many factors and the Village needs to take a comprehensive look to reduce street flooding. We have to look upstream and downstream and make sure the system is working at its capacity and mitigate and minimize street flooding. He said that the engineers report will be available in the Fall. He said that interim mediation will provide some relief. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that people should be asking Kevin Reilly to help get the pipes cleaned out. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that we’re looking at root causes, She said that we’re not just putting catch basins on Highbrook. She gave the example that Heywood was just paved. She spoke about capacity and capture. The Mayor said that we’re looking at adding lines up Fowler, Pelham Manor Road, and Wihterbee. We’re looking at going further up the line. We’re looking at going uphill to try to intercept water. Manager Pierpont said that a root cause of flooding was the intensity of the rainfall. Trustee Senerchia said that cross connections, damaged pipes and illicit connections could be causes. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo asked what Mr. Argyle was concerned about. Ben Argyle said that the root cause analysis is a process that has been talked about a lot and he said that he was concerned about the focus on built drainage as opposed to other things like permeable pavement. Toby Marxuach Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, spoke about short term solutions. The Village Manager is meeting with the engineers tomorrow and there may be opportunities for improvements to system capacity. Toby Marxuach Gusciora said that New York City may not cooperate with us and was told that the Village has asked Senator Biaggi for help. Toby Marxuach Gusciora said that the only one who responds is Amy Paulin. 5 Meredith Shur wanted to know how much money this is going to cost and was told that the Village is spending two million dollars for stormwater improvements over the next few years. The Village has applied to FEMA for ninety percent reimbursement. Approximately one million dollars so far has been transferred from the Geneal Fund to the Capital Fund and we may have another allocation after the Fiscal Year is closed. The Engineers Report will give us a better road map. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that as we roll this out, we’ll see how much money we have and how much money we need. Trustee Senerchia said that it is very hard to put a number on this because we don’t know the whole scope and costs are up. The Village has applied or a new FEMA grant for 1.75 million dollars in improvements. We gave them an outline of the plan that we have. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that we were working on the Hazard Mitigation Plan before Ida. The Mayor said yes and that Ida informed our approach. Trustee Owen Michaane asked if there was a dollar cap from FEMA and the Village Manager said that he doesn’t know that there is. Toby Marxuach Gusciora mentioned that there is another application for FEMA grants due on July 29th. The Mayor took the information and said the Board will look at it. Meredith Shur asked about the Village hiring a consultant for the FEMA grants and was told that the Village’s engineering firm is very adept at navigating FEMA. ------------- RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 30114-30172 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 30114-30172. -------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if there were any comments or questions. Erica Winter,923 Esplanade, spoke about a Three Way/All Way Stop at the intersection of Pelhamdale and Grant Avenue. Trustee Senerchia said that people won’t be able to get out of the driveway. Amy Goodman spoke in favor of a crosswalk across Grant Avenue. Manager Pierpont said that there is a vertical curve there but we will take a look. We’ll have the traffic engineer who has expertise in this field review the request. Trustee Owen-Michaane spoke about drivers doing rolling stops and thought that this created a false sense of security. 6 Steve Shekane, 917 Washington Avenue, asked about the status of the new pizza shop on Boston Post Road, flooding and debris on Boston Post Road and the status of the monopole. The Village Manager said that the new pizza place has a valid building permit. He has spoken with the contractor and was told that there was some disagreement with the principals on some interior design features that have yet to be resolved. He said that Boston Post Road is a state road and the Village doesn’t do repair work on state roads. He said that we could look at the debris. The Mayor said we have asked the State to repair Boston Post Road and the work is being moved up on their schedule. It may be done in 2023 or 2024. The Village Attorney said the Village is waiting for the Court to address an appeal that’s been perfected on the monopole. He said it could take two years with the back up in the court system. The Village Manager said that they have to do an Environmental Impact Statement. Mr. Shekane said that there is more uncertainty. The Village Attorney said that it is out of our control. Mayor Monachino said that we’ve done everything within our control and we have competent local and specialized counsel on this. --------------- EXECUTIVE SESSION The Mayor said that there were issues regarding an employment matter and a legal 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 – 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 7