Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015, 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 # Agenda Items: Non-Recurring Items 7. Resolution Authorizing the Village Administrator to Attend the Annual Approved NYSCMA Conference 8. Other Business Discussed Recurring Items 9. Discussion of Tax Freeze and Government Efficiency Plan Discussed 10. Authorizing Budget Transfers Approved 11. Authorizing Accounts Payable Approved 12. Authorizing Minutes of: February 17, 2015, March 3, 2015 Approved 13. Adjournment Approved Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 (Organizational Meeting and Open Budget Public Hearing) Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (Adopt Budget) Proposed Meetings for Budget Work Sessions: Thursday, March 19, 2015- Fire Dept. / Police Dept. Monday, March 23, 2015- Building Dept. / DPW Tuesday, March 24, 2015- Revenue/Expense All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Item #1 – Meeting called to order: The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Cassidy at 7:30 p.m. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Trustees Senerchia, Mutti, Reim, Kagan, Volpe, and Marty The following members of the Board of Trustees were absent: Village staff in attendance: Administrator Yamuder, Secretary to the Village Administrator Peter Bonington Item #2 – Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Cassidy. Reports: Mayor Cassidy Report Mayor Cassidy stated that the budget work sessions would begin on March 19th and will continue through the 24th. He said the polls for Election Day open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. He stated the any requests for pothole repair should be directed to Village Hall either by phone or to info@pelhamgov.com. He commented on the Pelham Manor debates stating he felt some information presented was not accurate, specifically the difference between tax rates. He said he was not aware of any discussions of a merger between the Villages; only in terms of cost-sharing. He said he was disappointed at the tone of the meeting and the math was off. He said Trustee Senerchia will be present at the budget sessions despite his term ending after this meeting. He said the Board has a responsibility to develop a budget that utilizes expertise from members who have been present on the Board for the year. Page 2 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 He thanked Trustee Senerchia for his efforts and accomplishments on the Board. He also thanked Cathy Woods-King. Trustees Reports: Trustee Kagan Trustee Kagan thanked the Administrator for his diligence on securing reimbursement from ExteNet. He said at this time the Village has been paid in full. He thanked Cathy Woods-King for her service as Village attorney. He stated the application to transfer the Pelham Heights water district to United Water is still being reviewed by the Public Service Commission. He stated that he felt potholes would be a topic of discussion for the evening. He said however, potholes are an issue in many other municipalities, not just Pelham. Trustee Marty Trustee Marty reported that EcoPel would like to install more recycling cans around the Village. He said next meeting he would prepare a map of proposed locations. He said EcoPel will be providing the funds to install these receptacles, aside from possible painting there would be no additional costs to the Village. Administrator Yamuder added that grants have traditionally offset the cost to the Village on trash containers in the past. He stated the new Police Annual Report has been very informative and suggested the Department heads could attend a meeting once a quarter to apprise the Board on the status of their respective departments. Trustee Mutti Trustee Mutti thanked the DPW for their work around the Village. She stated that Sean Jancski would be presenting on the April 21st meeting. She invited the public to come and ask questions. Page 3 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 She thanked Mayor Cassidy for his service and leadership approach on the Board of Trustees. She said she has enjoyed working on the Board and thanked the Village staff for their assistance to her during her term. She also thanked Trustee Senerchia and Cathy Woods-King for their service. Trustee Reim Trustee Reim thanked the DPW for their efforts at filling potholes around the Village. He reminded the public that budget work sessions are beginning and stated that this is an important time of year. He thanked Cathy Woods-King for her service as well. Trustee Senerchia Trustee Senerchia said the new Chamber President will be hosting a relaunch party for the Chamber and invited people to attend. He also invited anyone interested to participate in the Business Development Committee that has been discussed at past meetings. He finished his report by thanking the members of the community and the Board for allowing him to serve on the Pelham Board of Trustees. Trustee Volpe Trustee Volpe wished the community a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. He thanked Trustee Senerchia for his service on the Board and hoped he could serve again in some capacity in the future. He reminded the public that tomorrow is Election Day and urged people to go out and vote. Village Administrator’s Report Administrator Yamuder thanked the Trustees for their kind words. He said it was a pleasure working with Trustee Senerchia. He stated that ExteNet has paid the Village in full at this time. He stated the time of the Car Show approved at the last meeting has changed. He said it will take place to Sunday, June 21st with a rain date on the 28th. He said he would prepare an amended resolution for the Board. Page 4 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 He stated the Tentative Budget has been filed as of Friday, March 13th ahead of the mandated deadline. He read off a series of highlights from the last fiscal year and some projections for the coming year. He apprised the Board of the current state of the budget saying that they were tracking well with the budget for Fiscal Year 2014-15. Mayor Cassidy stated this is a Tentative Budget and represents a good starting point but clearly shows some issues the Board will have to work on. He said the Village is doing well working within an aggressive budget from last year. Trustee Volpe added he will be joining by Skype or by phone for budget session on March 24th. Item #6– Public Comment Mary Quinton of Corona Avenue speaking for the Pelham Preservation and Garden Society requested placing new hanging baskets on the light posts along Wolfs Lane and 5th Avenue. She said the Society is proposing to pay for the plants and pots. The Village would have to maintain them after placing them on the poles. Trustee Mutti stated the Village has tried this initiative in the past. She stated last year, a total of 102 smaller pots where used which did not allow the plants to thrive despite consistent DPW attention. She said the proposal would call for fewer pots, approximately 20, located at certain intersections. Mayor Cassidy stated that this is a budget item and this is his first time hearing this proposal. He said the Board must consider any and all costs to the Village. He said they are entering into their budget cycle and will consider it while the Board deliberates. The Mayor suggested that perhaps next week, there would be more information available for the Society. Item #7– Resolution Authorizing the Village Administrator to Attend the Annual NYSCMA Conference Administrator Yamuder requested the Board’s approval to attend this national conference the provide training for administrator’s. He said this is in the budget for this year. A motion was made by Trustee Reim and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. WHEREAS, the New York State City/County Management Association will hold its annual training program and business meeting in Saratoga Springs from Sunday May 17, 2015 to Wednesday May 20, 2015; Page 5 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the Village Administrator Robert Yamuder to attend the Annual NYSCMA Conference with funds that have been budgeted for Administrative training. Item #8– Other Business Trustee Kagan asked if there were any comments on the Virtual Towns-Schools contract. He submitted several comments. Administrator Yamuder stated that Village attorney Cathy Woods-King will also be looking at the contract. Trustee Volpe suggested a call between Trustee Kagan and the Village attorney to make sure they are all on the same page as far as their comments. Item #9–Discussion of Tax Freeze and Government Efficiency Plan Trustee Kagan asked about a letter the Board received regarding the deadline for the submission to Westchester County is April 20th. Administrator Yamuder stated that he distributed this letter because it informs participating municipalities that they must submit to the County on the 20th to be including in their filing to the State. Trustee Volpe stated that the Board has already resolved to join the County’s subject to the Board’s review of that the Plan. He said however, the County has not provided a Plan at this time so the Board is awaiting the actual document. He said participating with the County will likely be most efficient at this time however the Village can look into developing its own plan in the future. Administrator Yamuder recommended that the Village create its own plan as well as participate with the County. Item #10– Authorizing Budget Transfers These Budget Amendments and Transfers were requested by Finance Director Shirley Brown. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Senerchia to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Page 6 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 RESOLUTION Re: Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2014-15 Whereas, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-520 of the New York State Village Law, the Board of Trustees, by resolution, may increase existing Appropriations by transferring funds from the unexpended balance of another appropriation, from the contingent account, from available cash surplus or unanticipated revenues within a fund, or by borrowing, and Whereas, in all cases, there are sufficient unexpended balances in other appropriations accounts, excess revenues or fund balances available to cover the transfers, now therefore be it Resolved, that pursuant to Village Law Section 5-520, the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes and directs the proper Village officers to modify the 2014-15 Budget by making the following amendments and rollovers: Item #11– Authorizing the Accounts Payable Trustee Reim audited the Accounts Payable. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Volpe to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. 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: Amount General Fund $132,603.74 Water Fund $875.39 Capital Projects Fund $0.00 Trust and Agency Fund $350.00 CD NYS Main Street Fund $0.00 H3 Fund $0.00 TE Expand Trust Fund $0.00 Page 7 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Grand Total $133,829.13 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Item #12–Authorizing Minutes of: February 17, 2015, March 3, 2015 A motion was made by Trustee Kagan and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Volpe abstained. February 17, 2015- Approved A motion was made by Trustee Kagan and seconded by Trustee Senerchia to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. March 3, 2015- Approved Item #13– Adjournment to Executive Session A motion was made by Trustee Mutti with a second by Trustee Marty to adjourn the public portion of the Board meeting at 8:30 pm at which time the Board would adjourn for the evening. The motion was approved by vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Respectfully submitted, Peter Bonington, Secretary to the Village Administrator Page 8