Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES September 29, 2022 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 Mayor Monachino Lapey opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The Mayor wished a Happy Rosh Hashanah to all those that celebrate and said that she hoped they enjoyed their holiday. The Mayor asked the Deputy Mayor to share some of her insights from the conference she attended. Deputy Mayor Cataldi DeLillo attended the International Water Congress in Copenhagen. She said that she found the experience to be not only enlightening but, in some ways, profound. She had personal conversations with policy leaders, scientists, engineers and activists from all over the world. They were from many countries such as Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Portugal as well as Los Angeles and Washington County, Oregon. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she found some strong parallels to our life here in Pelham Manor. She said that it is clear that the water cycle issue being driven by climate change is a global issue. It is an issue that impacts all citizens of this world and not just the citizens of Pelham Manor. People throughout the world are seeing more frequent intense storms that have at times overwhelmed their engineered systems. She found that like us they are partnering and collaborating with other jurisdictions. She said that as DPW Commissioner she looks forward to continuing our progress at the local level by incorporating these tools she has garnered on the international stage. The Mayor said that this was really amazing. She said that the Village has someone who is invited to these types of conferences and recognized on the international stage. She said that she is someone who is learning the latest technology and thinking. The Mayor thanked Trustee Cataldi DeLillo for her update. ----------- MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 REGULAR MEETING The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or corrections to the minutes. There were no questions, comments or corrections. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she would be abstaining from voting on these minutes because she was not at the meeting. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was RESOLVED, that the minutes from the September 12, 2022 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved. 1  Trustee Cataldi DeLillo abstained from voting on the minutes. ----------- REPORTS Fire Commissioner Senerchia reviewed the monthly report with Chief Greco. The Chief discussed Fire Prevention week. Members of the Fire Department will visit Prospect Hill and Siwanoy schools. Huguenot Nursery School, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will come to the Fire House. Fire Commissioner Senerchia said that this is a good time to test smoke alarm batteries. He said that chimneys and flues should also be serviced. The Fire Chief reminded people not to park on leaves or pile leaves in front of fire hydrants. He spoke about an extraction on the Hutchinson River Parkway ramp. The vehicle landed on the service road to Glover Field and the person was taken to the hospital. There were twelve in service training sessions and there was an FDNY symposium on batteries which are a big issue. The Fire Commissioner said that batteries for e-bikes, scooters and cell phones are very volatile. The Chief spoke about the color renderings for Engine One. The apparatus should be ready by the end of December or the beginning of January. He said that Firefighter Hade is doing well in the Academy. Fire Commissioner Senerchia said that there was some volunteer training completed and they should be congratulated as well. Mayor Monachino Lapey credited the Chief for getting the Department back into the elementary schools. The Mayor and Board thanked the Fire Chief. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Fire report be and hereby is approved. ----------- REQUEST TO USE SHORE PARK The Mayor said that this was an add-on to the agenda. The request was received after the agenda was distributed. Christina Marion, 4782 Boston Post Road, requested the use of Shore Park on Sunday, October 16, 2022 from eleven o’clock in the morning until two o’clock in the afternoon for a birthday party. A rain date of Sunday, October 23, 2022 with the same hours was also requested. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the request from Christina Marion to use Shore Park on October 16, 2022 with a rain date of October 23, 2022 be and hereby is approved. ------------- RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 30409-30466 After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded it was unanimously 2  RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to sign Abstract of Vouchers Numbers 30409 - 30466. -------------- PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Monachino Lapey opened the public comment period and asked if there were any comments or questions. Tai Montanarella, 464 Esplanade, spoke about the possibility of reducing the speed limit on the Boston Post Road to the Bronx to twenty-five miles per hour, reminding residents about the leaf blower regulations, leaf mulching and leaf pile practices, public education for municipalities, bagging leaves all year and the benefits and efficiencies associated with doing that. The Village collects leaves and composts them. All grass clippings, every organic and leaf waste, will get mulched. There is enough mulch for residents at no charge and the balance is used by the contractor. Previously, the leaves were trucked out, one truckload at a time. It was not efficient. This program has reduced the Village’s cost by fifty percent. It has worked out well. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo spoke about the circular economy and the public and private partnership that the Village has for this program. Tai Montanarella spoke about turf to meadow, reducing lawn and planting along the back border or edge of Veterans’ Park, Stormwater Management, holistic green infrastructure, rain barrels, swales, and the possibility of the Village being a stakeholder in the Save the Sound Hutchinson River Watershed Plan. Mr. Mongiello, 889 James Street, spoke about a depression in Boston Post Road that is causing excessive noise when traffic drives over it, loud mufflers on vehicles using Boston Post Road and the condition of Exit 7 at Boston Post Road where the grass has been ripped up and black topped. He asked if the Monopole was going to go there. He was told that the Monopole is not scheduled to go there. This area is for the DOT’s butterfly project. Samantha Hinton, 6 Bon Mar Road, asked about the migrants being moved to Orchard Beach. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo recused herself from this discussion because she is an employee of the City of New York. The Village Manager said that the Police Department is in close contact with the 45 District. There has been some police presence. This is a processing facility for migrants. The Village is aware of it and is keeping an eye on things. The Maor said that she has spoken with County Legislator Terry Clements and departments that might be able to assist. She said that we want the facility to work well and public safety not to be compromised. Samantha Hinton spoke about an issue with violence last Halloween. She wants everyone to have a safe experience. The Mayor said that we amp up our coverage on Halloween. Trustee Senerchia said that there was an isolated incident last year on Wolfs Lane close to the High School. The Mayor said that prior to adjourning the meeting Village Manager John Pierpont asked to make a statement. Manager John Pierpont said that he filed papers for retirement. He said that it has been an honor 3 and privilege to serve as the Village Manager of Pelham Manor. He said that the majority of his career has been in Pelham Manor. It has been special. He said that for twenty- seven years he has had the support and confidence of the Board and your predecessors all who serve as volunteers. He thanked the staff, who are dedicated and professional. They are good people who want to serve. He said that he has always been proud of them. He thanked his family. He said that it is not easy to live in the place where you manage. He would not have been able to do it without their support and understanding. He acknowledged his predecessor Richard Blessing who was a titan among managers in Westchester. He provided efficient and effective government. He and other Managers like Lowell Tooley from Scarsdale, Sam Kissinger from New Rochelle, and Bob McEvoy from Schenectady County were mentors for a generation of managers. He said Dick Blessing was in Pelham Manor for more than two decades. Manager Pierpont said that it was his wish to leave Pelham Manor as well maintained and fiscally sound as Dick Blessing left it. He said that under the Board’s guidance the new manager will do a fine job. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that this was a weighty announcement. She said that this Board is in very close communication with John Pierpont. The Board is committed to a seamless transition. The effective government in Pelham Manor is due to John Pierpont’s competency. She said that his record speaks for itself. She said that he did not have to make this type of announcement. The Mayor said that we will find a replacement who will continue his good work. Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she, like Mr. Pierpont, loves this community. She said that it was a pleasure serving with him. She thanked him and wished him the best of luck. Trustee Bennett said that is has been an honor working with John Pierpont. She said that his knowledge and his record speak for itself. She said that the Village always came first. She said that he exhibited a sense of fairness. She said that he should enjoy his grandchildren and said that he will be sorely missed. Trustee Owen-Michaane, said that when he came to the Village in 2015 for a permit he was in and out in twenty minutes. He thought that he was an honest and reasonable person. As s member of the Zoning Board and Board of Trustees he has been a great mentor and teacher. He always considered what was best for the Village. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that he will miss him. He thanked him for his service. Trustee Senerchia thanked him for everything. He said that his shoes will be extremely difficult to fill. Manager Pierpont said that he wished he could say it was all him. Said that we’ve had some really good people here on a consulting basis. They are the best and brightest and they also deserve credit. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that there will be more to come in the weeks and months ahead. She said that there will be a smooth transition. --------------- 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. -------------- 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. -------------- Clerk 5