Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010, 7:30 PM VILLAGE HALL – 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY Minutes* 1. Call To Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Mayor’s Report 4. Trustees’ Reports 5. Village Administrator’s Report 6. Public Comment Approximate Starting Time # Agenda Items: of Discussion Non-Recurring Items 7:45 p.m. 7. Resolution Authorizing The Appointment By The Mayor Of William T. Stone, Approved Jr. To The Position Of Fire Chief, Part Time, In The Village Of Pelham, NY 8. Continuing A Public Hearing Regarding Recognition Of Hillside And Approved Brookside Avenues As Public Streets-Postponed 9. Resolution Establishing a Standard Work Day for Appointed Officials Approved 10. Scheduling Public Hearing for November 16, 2010 to Increase the Village of Approved Pelham’s Water System Rates and Additional Legal Services to Challenge PSC Decision on United Water Increases 11. Resolution Authorizing the Release of Retainer for ELQ Contract 2008-04 Approved Street Milling, Repaving and Curbs Committee and Community Liaison Reports 9:00 p.m. 12. Commercial Zoning Review Discussed 13. Site Plan Review Discussed 14. B & W Site Discussed 15. Employee Benefits/HR Manual Discussed 16. Tree Committee Discussed 17. Park Improvements Discussed 18. Development (including 3rd Street RFP) Discussed 19. Parking (including FTA Parking Lot project) Discussed 20. Other Reports Discussed Recurring Items 9:30 p.m. 21. Other Business None 22. Authorizing Accounts Payable Approved 23. Authorizing Minutes of: October 5, 2010, October 19, 2010 Tabled 24. Adjournment to Executive Session 10:00 p.m. Next Scheduled Board Meetings are: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Tuesday, December 7, 2010 All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. The Agenda is subject to change. Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 2 Item #1 – Meeting called to order: The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Edward Hotchkiss at 7:30 p.m. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Mayor Edward Hotchkiss, Trustees Morris, Bullock, Breskin, and Lewis The following member of the Board of Trustees were absent: Trustee Marty and Trustee Mohan Village staff in attendance: Village Administrator Robert Yamuder, Secretary to the Village Administrator Peter Bonington Item #2 – Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Hotchkiss Reports: Mayor Hotchkiss’s Report- Mayor Hotchkiss stated the Village is working to receive money from a FEMA grant to help alleviate flooding in the Seventh and Sixth Avenue areas. He said that the Board is requesting any documentation from residents that assists the Village in building a case for the grant authorities cost benefit analysis, a mandated prerequisite before receiving the awarded money. He said flooding affidavits had been distributed in the targeted area and asked residents to fill them out and return them to Village Hall by the end of next week. He reminded residents that it is loose leaf pickup season and cautioned residents not to park over piles of leaves as it creates a fire hazard. He said the Village has recently calculated its Sales Tax revenue for the first fiscal quarter which amounts to $210,000; a figure that is higher than last year’s amount collected. Trustees Reports: Trustee Breskin- Trustee Breskin stated the Fire Department has purchased some new escape systems with funds from a grant provided by Senator Klein. He also said these systems allow the interior Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 3 certified volunteers to be reinstated to full duty and resolve one of the stipulations of the PESH violations. Trustee Bullock- Trustee Bullock stated the Pelhamwood Association held a successful block party and wished to thank the Police who were able to close off the street for the event. Trustee Lewis- Trustee Lewis stated the RFP for the 3rd Street Development is ready for legal review. He said he hopes to have it to counsel soon. Trustee Marty- Absent Trustee Mohan- Absent Trustee Morris- None Village Administrator’s Report- Administrator Yamuder said as of Monday, October 27 the DPW Yard Project began. He said the contractors are off to a good start and thanked all the people who normally park in Municipal Lot 7 for their patience while the construction is going on. He said Village Clerk and Police Chief had determined a plan for the parking of cars on selected streets for the duration of the construction. There will be no overnight parking. He said any resident with any questions can call Village Hall. He said the Village of Pelham received two awards for traffic safety from AAA. He said one was a pedestrian safety citation for a fatality free record since the early 1990’s and a traffic safety award for nine years of consistent safety. Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 4 Mr. Yamuder concluded his report by saying that in a shared purchase of salt for the coming winter, the Village of Pelham was able to save 50% on the cost of the salt needed to keep the Village’s streets and sidewalks clear in the coming months. Item #6–Public Comment- None Item #7–Resolution Authorizing The Appointment By The Mayor Of William T. Stone, Jr. To The Position Of Fire Chief, Part Time, In The Village Of Pelham, NY Trustee Breskin said in response to the resignation of Lawrence Cohen as Village Fire Chief and a after a series of interviews for prospective candidates; the Village of Pelham would like to appoint William T. Stone to the position of Fire Chief for the Village of Pelham. Trustee Breskin stated Bill Stone has been a member of the New Rochelle Fire Department for 25 years in which he rose to the rank of Deputy Chief. Trustee Breskin said he comes highly recommended and has recently been working as a consultant for Harrison. A motion was made by Trustee Breskin and seconded by Trustee Lewis to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR OF WILLIAM T. STONE, JR. TO THE POSITION OF FIRE CHIEF, PART TIME, IN THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM, NY BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorize the appointment by the Mayor of William T. Stone, Jr. of Harrison, New York, to the position of Fire Chief, Part Time, with an effective date of hire of November 4, 2010, with conditions set forth in a letter also delineating salary at fifty-five thousand dollars per year, subject to the requirements of Civil Service, for a probationary period of one (1) year and authorizes the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Village Clerk to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this appointment. Item #8–Continuing A Public Hearing Regarding Recognition Of Hillside And Brookside Avenues As Public Streets-Postponed Mayor Hotchkiss said the Board will postpone the public hearing on determining whether Brookside and Hillside are public streets until the next Board of Trustees meeting on November 16, 2010. Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 5 A motion was made by Trustee Breskin and seconded by Trustee Lewis to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. VILLAGE OF PELHAM, NY Public Hearing Regarding Recognition of Hillside and Brookside Avenues as Public Streets Public Hearing Pursuant To The Provisions Of Village Law §6-612 And Village Law §7-732 In Regard To The Recognition Of Brookside Avenue From Wolfs Lane To Its Terminus At The Hutchinson River And Hillside Avenue From Carol Avenue To Its Terminus At The Hutchinson River As Public Streets In The Village Of Pelham. Item #9–Resolution Establishing a Standard Work Day for Appointed Officials Mayor Hotchkiss said this resolution is for establishing the standard workday for municipal appointees. Trustee Lewis asked if this extended to the Trustees as well. Mayor Hotchkiss said this only applies to non-union employees who are in the retirement system. Trustee Lewis asked if employees are keeping a time card. Administrator Yamuder said employees have cards with their last three months of recorded days worked at all times. A motion was made by Trustee Breskin and seconded by Trustee Lewis to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Pelham hereby establishes the following as standard work days for appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body: Title Name Registration Standard Term Participates in Days/Month Number Work Day Begins/Ends Employer’s Time Keeping (based on (Hrs/day) System Record of Activities) (Y/N) April 2010 to Village Robert 40505315 March 2011 N/A Administrator Yamuder 8 Y April 2010 to N/A Village Clerk Terri Rouke 4044773-2 8 March 2011 Y Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 6 April 2010 to Deputy Deborah 37819455 March 2011 Treasurer DelGrosso 8 Y N/A April 2010 to Deputy Village 4118202-3 March 2011 N/A Clerk Sandra Shriman 8 Y Secretary to the April 2010 to Village 4328167-4 March 2011 Administrator Peter Bonington 8 Y N/A Item #10–Scheduling Public Hearing for November 16, 2010 to Increase the Village of Pelham’s Water System Rates Mayor Hotchkiss said this resolution pertains to the Pelham Heights Water District which the Village administrates. He said in response to the water rates increase by United Water of New Rochelle which provides water to the rest of Pelham; the Pelham Water system is proposing to raise the rates as well. He said the Board plans to hold a public hearing at the next Board of Trustees meeting on November 16, 2010. A motion was made by Trustee Morris and seconded by Trustee Breskin to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. Administrator Yamuder added that the consortium to challenge the recent decision by the Public Service Commission on the United Water rate increases is getting organized. With the permission of the Board, Mr. Yamuder asked for the Board to agree to contribute the Village of Pelham’s portion of the legal bill necessary to challenge the decision. Trustee Breskin said that anything that could be done to oppose the rate increase would be money well spent. A motion was made by Trustee Morris and seconded by Trustee Bullock to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A HEARING ON PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASES PROPOSED AT 20% ON FORMER VILLAGE RATES FOR THE PELHAM WATER SYSTEM 5911901 The Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby gives notice that there will be a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Village Hall, 195 Sparks Avenue, Pelham, New York on the Proposed 20% Water Increases of the Village of Pelham effective immediately for the Water billing Cycle ending 11/30/2010.  Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 7 In accordance with United Water New Rochelle’s 4 year rate increase plan of almost 50% approved by the PSC, the former tiered rate system has been replaced by a one tier rate plus surcharges which average a 20% increase to the Village of Pelham. A copy of thee Water rates are available at the office of the Village Clerk and may be inspected there by any interested person during office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. BE IT ENACTED BY the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham as follows: Current Proposed rate of incr. of Rates 20% to cover rate Meter size increases and pass- troughs by United Water New Rochelle & NYC DEP Base Rate 1/2" and 5/8" $50.99 $61.20 Meter Rate ¾” $56.25 $67.50 Meter Rate 1" - 1 1/4" $100 $120 Meter Rate 1 1/2" $187.50 $225 Meter Rate 2" $306.25 $367.50 Meter Rate 3" – 4” $467 $560. Consumption Rates -- cost per 100 cubic feet) First 1200 CCF $ 5.09 All CCF $6.10 next 36000 CCF $ 4.79 Next 60000 CCF $ 3.91 By Order of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Terri Rouke, Village Clerk Publication date: Friday 5, 2010 Item #11–Resolution Authorizing the Release of Retainer for ELQ Contract 2008-04 Street Milling, Repaving and Curbs Mayor Hotchkiss said this resolution is in regards to some street milling and paving that was done by ELQ Industries. He said the 5%-10% retainer the Village holds until the satisfactory completion of the work will be given back to ELQ. He said the work has been completed and checked by DPW Foreman Michael Shriman. A motion was made by Trustee Morris and seconded by Trustee Bullock to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. Resolution Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 8 Authorizing the Release of Retainer for ELQ Contract 2008-04 Street Milling, Repaving and Curbs BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham Village hereby authorizes the release of retainer in the amount of $15,637.22 for the completion of Contract 2008-04 for Milling, Paving, Curbs Catch Basin Installation and Replacements of Three Fire Hydrants, in the Village Of Pelham to ELQ Industries of New Rochelle, NY; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Administrator/Treasurer are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect and execute this for these services. Committee and Community Liaison Reports Item #12–Commercial Zoning Review Trustee Lewis said he sent his proposals and recommendations to Joel Sachs for his input. He hopes to have another draft to the Board shortly. Item #13– Site Plan Review Mayor Hotchkiss stated that Trustee Marty is not present to report but the Site Plan Committee has not met. He hopes to have another meeting with Trustee Marty soon. Item #14– B & W Site Trustee Breskin stated members of the Committee had met with the Pelham Junior League looking for grant money. Mayor Hotchkiss said RFP’s need to be written for the site itself. He said Trustee Marty will be working on this in the coming weeks. Item #15– Employee Benefits/HR Manual Trustee Bullock said he was incorporating the Board’s comments from the last Board of Trustees meeting. He hopes to have the revisions to the original draft completed by the next Board meeting. Item #16– Tree Committee Trustee Bullock said the Tree Committee has not had a meeting recently but he has been talking with members about compiling notes for a presentation. Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 9 Item #17– Park Improvements Trustee Morris said approximately eighteen of the benches purchased with the New York Main Street Grant funds have been placed in Wolfs Lane Park. She said there has been some discussion about the placement of nine of the benches by Wolfs Lane and Boulevard. She said the original intent was to place three groups of three benches in a sloping arc positioned primarily for the children at the High School and Middle School. She said the spaces were in keeping with the Master Plan for Wolfs Lane Park that was drawn up by Hank White; the landscape architect. Trustee Breskin suggested moving some of the benches in that grouping of nine by Boulevard to comply with the original plan. He said he had heard some criticism of the placement. Mayor Hotchkiss said he spoke to DPW Foreman Michael Shriman who advised waiting until the spring before any definitive action is taken on the benches. He said the benches are emplaced in concrete and thus cannot be moved easily. Trustee Lewis said in the spring when the Board assesses the placement of the benches there should be a definite plan and the Board should review it in advance. Trustee Morris also said five more bike hitch’s need to be placed in the park as well. Item #18– Development (including 3rd Street RFP) Trustee Breskin stated the RFP for 3rd Street needs to be reviewed by counsel. He said it should be ready for Board review soon. He said copies of the flow floor plans and specifications on the new firehouse should have been submitted separately to the Board already. Item #19–Parking (including FTA Parking Lot project) Mayor Hotchkiss asked Administrator Yamuder how the parking lot on 1st Street is progressing. Mr. Yamuder responded that the specifications are being completed by BET Consulting and he hopes to bid the project out shortly. He said he is hopeful that MVM Construction which is working on the DPW Yard may bid and be able to complete the job as they are already on site. Item #20– Other Reports Administrator Yamuder said that Building Inspector Russo, Village Prosecutor Martha Conforti, and he are working on the Building Code for the Village. He said Ms. Conforti is typing up the draft copy for the Board’s approval. He hopes to have the draft to the Board soon. Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 10 He said Workplace Violence Seminars are being given to all Village employees; appointed and elected. He said about 40 or so have been given the seminar thus far and he said he would make an appointment for the remaining Village employees as well as the Board to have the seminar. Item #21– Other Business None Item #22– Authorizing Accounts Payable Trustee Breskin audited the Accounts Payable. After some discussion, a motion was made by Trustee Breskin and seconded by Trustee Bullock to adopt the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustees Mohan and Marty were absent. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5-524 of the New York State Village Law, the Board of Trustees shall audit all claims against the Village. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees after audit of the following claims, authorizes payment for services rendered and materials received, for the following items that have been submitted to the Treasurer's Office for payment and authorized by the Village Administrator: Fund Name: General Fund $ 55,900.40 Water Fund $777.55 Capital Projects Fund $199,619.04 Trust and Agency Fund $ 2000.00 H3 Fund $ 0.00 TE Expandable Trust Fund $ 0.00 Grand Total $ 258,296.99 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Item #22– Authorizing Minutes of: October 5, 2010, October 19, 2010 Board Of Trustees Meeting Tuesday November 3, 2010 Page 11 Trustee Breskin asked to re-review the minutes from the September 21 Board meeting as he had some comments to incorporate. Mr. Bonington stated he needed some time to incorporate the comments from the rest of the Trustees into the minutes from the prior meetings. The Board elected to table the minutes until the next Board of Trustees meeting on November 16, 2010. October 5, 2010- Tabled October 19, 2010- Tabled Item #24– Adjournment to Executive Session A motion was made by Trustee Breskin with a second by Trustee Morris to adjourn the public portion of the board meeting at 8:35 p.m. and go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, which the Board would adjourn for the evening. The motion was approved by vote of five in favor, none opposed. Trustee Marty was absent. Respectfully submitted, Peter Bonington, Secretary to the Village Administrator