Board of Trustees

BOARD OF TRUSTEES March 27, 2023 PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Senerchia Trustee Bennett Trustee Owen-Michaane Trustee Cataldi DeLillo Attorney Cornachio Manager Luft 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 said that she’s just been informed by the Village Manager that the County does intend to pave Shore Road this fall. She said that this Board has been advocating long and hard for this. Mayor Monachino Lapey said that within a year Shore Road will be paved by the County and perhaps the New York State DOT will pave Boston Post Road. In addition to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire Department, the Village now has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Department. This means that we have agreed on all pertinent terms and numbers and now it has to be put in contract language and an actual contract. She gave accolades to Fire Commissioner Senerchia and Police Commissioner Bennett for their work. The Mayor spoke about some helpful calls that the County Executive puts together. She said that the County Executive did touch on the Governor’s budget because there are so many areas of interest to all of us. The Governor is still working with the State and Assembly and we will get any updates to the public. She said that Westchester County passed the Single Use Foodware bill. You now have to ask for plastic utensils. They are not just given as a matter of course. The County also passed the Truthful Disclosure Act. If you run for County Executive or County Legislator you have to accurately disclose your background and where you went to school. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that the hearings on the proposed increases for Con Edison are scheduled for March Twenty-Ninth and March Thirtieth. He said that the rates are going up astronomically again and the Public Service Commission, which is appointed by the Governor, is responsible for granting the increases. He urged residents to participate in the hearings if possible. ---------- MINUTES FROM THE REGULAR MEETING ON MARCH 13, 2023 The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or corrections to the minutes. Trustee Senerchia said that on page one in the third sentence it reads “the Mayor said that, said that.” the second “said that” should be deleted. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was 1  RESOLVED, that the minutes from the Regular meeting on March 13, 2023 be and hereby are approved as amended. Trustee Bennett abstained from voting because she did not attend this Board meeting. ----------- REPORTS Police Commissioner Bennett discussed the monthly report with the Police Chief. She said that February seemed to be a good month. The Chief said that larcenies continue to be down especially at ShopRite and BJ’s. He said that he would like to attribute that to better security. There were some coyote sightings. He said that they start to raise their young and they do look for food. He said that residents should not leave pet food outside. They should watch cats, small dogs and small children because coyotes will go after them. He said if you see a coyote, you should not run because they will chase you. He said make yourself seem as large as possible and make loud noises. The Chief also spoke about an incident of trespassing on property on Shore Road. The Chief said Officers Cimaglia and Zalesny apprehended the suspect. The resident was home at the time. He said that residents should never hesitate to call the Police. He reminded people to keep residences and cars locked. Police Commissioner Bennett said that a lovely note was received from a couple in Long Island. Police Officer Pompilio and Sergeant Uyeki came to their aid. The Chief said that it was another job well done. A suspicious vehicle was reported on James Street. The problem was that their tire had blown out. The officers assured them that it would be safe to leave their car. He said that Officer Pompilio did a great job calming them down. They were very shaken. The people from Long Island were kind enough to write a note about their experience. Police Chief Atkins reminded residents that gas leaf blowers are allowed during the Spring Clean- Up between March 15th and April 15th. They may be used on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays that are not legal holidays from eight o’clock in the morning until five-thirty at night and on Saturdays from Noon until four o’clock in the afternoon. They may not be used on Sundays or Mondays. They may not be used after April 15th. The Mayor and Board thanked the Chief for his report. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Police report be and hereby is adopted. ------------ INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF THE TENTATIVE 2023-2024 VILLAGE BUDGET Mayor Monachino Lapey said that hard copies of the Tentative Budget are available at Village Hall and are online as well. She said that that the Village is tax cap compliant. She asked the Village Manager for a brief introduction on the budget. Manager Luft said that this budget is tax cap compliant. The tax levy is two- point seven six percent, which is the tax cap, and this budget is two- point seven four percent. It maintains all existing Village services and supports the operating needs of each department and the functions of this Village. ------------ RESOLUTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR THE 2023-2024 VILAGE BUDGET 2 After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Public Hearing for the 2023-2024 Village Budget be and hereby is set for Monday, April 10, 2023 at 8:15 p.m. ----------- REQUEST FROM LISA REILLY TO USE SHORE PARK ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023 Lisa Reilly, 35 Beech Tree Lane, requested the use of Shore Park on behalf of the Montessori School on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 with at rain date of Thursday, June 8, for the Annual End of Year Picnic. REQUEST FROM STACY CIAMPI-HANNAN TO USE SHORE PARK ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 Stacy Ciampi-Hannan, 620 Pelhamdale Avenue Apt. 41, requested the use of Shore Park on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from two o’clock in the afternoon until five o’clock in the afternoon for a family picnic with a rain date of Sunday, June 25, 2023. After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the requests from Lisa Reilly and Stacy Ciampi- Hannan be and hereby are granted. ------------ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTRACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 31036-31108 After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to sign Vouchers Numbers 31036-31108. ------------- PUBLIC COMMENT The Mayor said that this was the last Board meeting for Trustee Cataldi DeLillo and Trustee Senerchia. She said that they served the community with distinction. She said that Trustee Senerchia was a rock and ally. The Mayor said that he just negotiated an incredible contract. He is a great dad and a friend. She said that she was going to miss him. The Mayor said that she worked with Trustee Cataldi DeLillo on the Site Based Council. She said that she is a gem of a thinker. She said she has been her wingman and it has been an amazing ride. She thanked them both for their outstanding service to the community and wished them the best. Trustee Bennett said that it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with them. She said that their dedication to the Village and residents has been second to none. She said that Trustee Senerchia’s knowledge of the Village and his ability to cut to the chase has been invaluable. She said that Trustee Cataldi DeLillo has the ability to organize everything and break things down so they can be understood. She said their friendship has been extraordinarily special. Trustee Bennett thanked them for their service and said that they will be missed. Trustee Owen-Michaane said that both Trustees were great mentors and their contributions were priceless. He said that they are leaving big shoes to fill. 3 Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that this was her last Village meeting as Trustee and Deputy Mayor. She said that it has been her pleasure to serve on the Board for the better part of eight years. She said that serving the community has been an incredible experience. She thanked past Board members and the current Board, the Village Attorney, the members of the lower boards as well as the past and present Village administration. In particular, she thanked Mayor Monachino Lapey for the level of talent and dedications she brings to the Village. She said that her commitment to the community will never end. She said that she leaves knowing that the Board is in faithful and capable hands. Trustee Senerchia thanked all the residents for allowing him to serve. He said that it was a very difficult decision to not run again. He said that he enjoyed his time here. He got to know the departments and administration. He said that the Village was extremely lucky to have Mayor Lapey. He said that the Village is in great hands with the two incoming elected officials and the new Village Manager. He said that he is very comfortable leaving the Village in the capable hands of the administration and staff. The Mayor thanked them both. John Pierpont, retired Village Manager 1006 Prospect Avenue, offered his thanks to Trustee Cataldi DeLillo and Trustee Senerchia. He said that he enjoyed working with them and said that they were focused on the Village of Pelham Manor. He thanked them for all their work. Toby Marxuach Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, asked about the old “Knuckleheads” building on Boston Post Road. Manager Luft said that it is in the works. There were some delays with the design as well as some supply chain issues. Sheh said that some work has been done. Toby Marxuach Gusciora asked about the status of the Save the Sound and Monopole lawsuits and was told that the Village is still in litigation. Attorney Cornachio said that a lot of effort was made to try to get to a settlement. The Village will probably start the discovery process. He said that there is nothing new on the Monopole. The Village is still waiting on appeal. There have been no oral arguments. It is still in the Second Department. ------------ EXECUTIVE SESSION No action was taken in Executive Session. -------------- ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. -------------- Clerk 4