Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 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. Oath of Office for Elected Trustees by Judge John Gardner, Annual Approved Organizational Meeting and Mayoral Appointments to Land Use Boards, Appointments of Committee Chairpersons, and Assignment for Board Liaisons 8. Public Hearing on the Village of Pelham Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year Approved 2015-2016 9. Resolution Authorizing the Annual Moonlight Cruisers Classic Car Show to Approved Take Place on Sunday, June 28, 2015 10. Authorization to Approve Website Update Contract with Virtual Approved Towns/Schools (VTS) 11. Resolution Authorizing Use of Funds for NYPA Trees from The Thomas Approved Fenlon Memorial Street Tree Fund 12. Other Business None Recurring Items 13. Discussion of Tax Freeze and Government Efficiency Plan Discussed 14. Authorizing Accounts Payable Approved 15. Authorizing Minutes of: March 17, 2015 Approved 16. Adjournment Approved Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (Adopt Budget) Tuesday, May 5, 2015 All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Item #1 – Meeting called to order: The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Volpe at 7:30 p.m. The following members of the Board of Trustees were present: Trustees Cassidy, Mutti, Reim, Kagan, Ferrara, 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 Volpe. Reports: Mayor Volpe Report Mayor Volpe stated that the intersection of Pelhamdale and Linden was noted as being particularly bad in terms of potholes. He said that the Board would be looking at that area and others like it for improvements. He said that he would be looking into getting some government interns possibly from Pelham high school. He said these would be paid interns out of the Mayor’s stipend. Trustees Reports: Trustee Cassidy Trustee Cassidy thanked outgoing Trustee Senerchia for his service. Trustee Ferrara Trustee Ferrara thanked all incoming members of the Village land use boards. Page 2 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 She stated she is working on the Woodland Park project. She said she understands that the Junior League of Pelham needs to get three bids to select a contractor to bring before the Village Board. Mayor Volpe asked if the Junior League of Pelham should publish the bid information in order to attract a greater number of bidders. Administrator Yamuder responded that this is usually not required if the bid numbers are under a certain amount however it would widen the bidding pool. Trustee Kagan Trustee Kagan thanked Trustee Senerchia for his service. Trustee Kagan also thanked outgoing Village Attorney Cathleen Woods King for her service. He thanked the Village departments for their work in coordinating curb-to-curb restoration by Con- Edison and other utilities when they do street-opening work in the Village. Trustee Marty None Trustee Mutti Trustee Mutti thanked Trustee Senerchia. She stated that she is working on having the hanging baskets on 5th Avenue and Wolfs Lane. She said she will have more to report at the next meeting. She said Sean Jancski will attend the next meeting on April 21 to present to the Board on the Wolfs Lane Park project. Trustee Reim Trustee Reim thanked Trustee Senerchia. He also welcomed all municipal newcomers. Village Administrator’s Report Administrator Yamuder stated that after a five-year tenure with the Village, Secretary to the Village Administrator Peter Bonington will be moving on to another position. He stated Mr. Bonington has been an asset to the Village during his time there. Page 3 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Mayor Volpe described Secretary Bonington’s conduct as exemplary and the Board thanked him for his service. Administrator Yamuder stated R&S Waste is instituting some green initiatives that include introducing two new green trucks into their fleet. These should be quieter and more efficient. He stated that tree trimming operations would begin soon. He said notices would be going out to notify residents. Item #6– Public Comment None Item #7– Organizational Resolutions and Mayor’s Committee Appointments A motion was made by Trustee Cassidy and seconded by Trustee Kagan to open the organizational meeting. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Marty was absent. Judge DeChiaro administers the oath of office to Michael J. Volpe who was elected Village Mayor on March 18, 2015; Judge Gardner administers the oath of office to Timothy Cassidy who was elected Village Trustee on March 18, 2015; Judge Gardner administers the oath of office to Xaira Ferrara who was elected Village Trustee on March 18, 2015; and Judge Gardner administers the oath of office to Susan Mutti who was elected Village Trustee on March 18, 2015. Note: Appointments by the Mayor of Village officials and staff, and appointments by the Mayor to Land Use Boards, require Board approval. ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING RESOLUTIONS 2015 RESOLUTIONS OF APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICIALS: 1. RESOLVED, that Trustee Susan Mutti is appointed by the Mayor as Deputy Mayor and while so acting is vested with all of the powers and shall perform all of the duties of Mayor; in the event Mayor Volpe and Deputy Mayor Mutti are unavailable due to absence or disability, Trustee Adam Kagan shall serve as Mayor and while so acting shall be vested with all of the Page 4 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 powers and shall perform all of the duties of Mayor. 2. RESOLVED, that Robert Yamuder, of Hawthorne, New York, is hereby re-appointed as Village Administrator, Second Deputy Village Clerk, and reappointed as Second Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. 3. RESOLVED, that Robert Yamuder, of Hawthorne, New York, is hereby re-appointed as Village Treasurer. 4. RESOLVED, that John C. Gallagher III of Pelham, is hereby appointed as Village Attorney. 5. RESOLVED, that Martha Conforti, Esq. is hereby re-appointed as Village Prosecuting Attorney for the Pelham Court. 6. RESOLVED, that Robert Wise is hereby re-appointed as Counsel to the Zoning Board of Appeals, 7. RESOLVED, that Michele Cassandra, Assessor for the Town of Pelham, is hereby re- appointed as the Assessor for the Village of Pelham. 8. RESOLVED, that John Nesi, Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Pelham, is hereby re- appointed as Receiver of Taxes for the Village of Pelham. 9. RESOLVED, that Deborah DelGrosso is hereby re-appointed as Deputy Treasurer, Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics and Water System Clerk for the Village of Pelham. 10. RESOLVED, that Terri Rouke is hereby re-appointed as Village Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Village of Pelham. 11. RESOLVED, that Sandra Shriman is hereby re-appointed as Deputy Village Clerk. 12. RESOLVED, that the First (1st) and Third (3rd) Tuesdays of every month are hereby designated as the Regularly scheduled Meeting nights of the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees (meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.), except as the schedule may be otherwise amended from time to time. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Cassidy to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. DESIGNATION OF SIGNATORIES RESOLVED, that the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Village Administrator, the Village Treasurer, and Page 5 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 the Deputy Village Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Village of Pelham. A motion was made by Trustee Kagan and seconded by Trustee Mutti to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITORIES RESOLVED, that J P Morgan/Chase Bank N.A., HSBC Bank and Hudson Valley Bank are hereby designated as depositories for the Village of Pelham respecting the various accounts the Village of Pelham maintains in the ordinary course of its business. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS RESOLVED, that the Pelham Weekly is hereby designated as the official newspaper, and the Journal News is hereby designated as the back-up official newspaper of the Village of Pelham for the ensuing official year. LAND-USE BOARD APPOINTMENTS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RESOLVED, that Michael Hartmere of Pelham is appointed by the Mayor as a member of the Village of Pelham Zoning Board of Appeals, to a five-year term that will expire on March 31, 2016. RESOLVED, that Brian Diffley of Pelham is appointed by the Mayor as a member of the Village of Pelham Zoning Board of Appeals, to a five-year term that will expire on March 31, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Kagan and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. PLANNING BOARD RESOLVED, that Matthew Margulis of Pelham, is re-appointed by the Mayor as a member of the Village of Pelham Planning Board, to a five-year term that will expire on March 31, 2020. RESOLVED, that Michael Carpenter of Pelham, is appointed by the Mayor as a member of the Village of Pelham Planning Board, to a five-year term that will expire on March 31, 2020. A motion was made by Trustee Cassidy and seconded by Trustee Reim 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, April 7, 2015 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD RESOLVED, that Matthew Maron of Pelham is appointed by the Mayor to the Village of Pelham Architectural Review Board to a three-year term that will expire on March 31, 2018. RESOLVED, that Kristin Austin of Pelham is appointed by the Mayor to the Village of Pelham Architectural Review Board to a three-year term that will expire on March 31, 2018. A motion was made by Trustee Kagan and seconded by Trustee Mutti to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. TRUSTEE LIAISON APPOINTMENTS Note: Trustee Commissioner, Liaison, and Committee appointments by the Mayor do not require Board action for advice and consent by the Board, but are included here to be entered into the minutes. Mayor Michael Volpe shall preside over collective bargaining negotiations and shall, in addition to all legal responsibilities assigned to Mayor, serve as Liaison for Employee Relations and Office Staff. He will be assisted by Trustee Kagan. Deputy Mayor Susan Mutti is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Public Works Department Liaison;  Community Liaison for Parks and Open Spaces;  Liaison for MTA/Metro North; and  Chairperson of Village Tree Committee. Trustee Timothy Cassidy is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Liaison for Shared Services; and  Liaison for Budgeting and Financial Planning. Trustee Adam Kagan is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Liaison to United Water Company;  Liaison for Public Contracting, Telecommunications & Code Changes;  Liaison for collective bargaining/Employee Relations (being assigned to the Mayor); and  HUD Liaison. Trustee Joseph Marty is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Community Liaison for Parking Issues;  Community Liaison for Downtown Redevelopment & Zoning Issues; and  Community Liaison for Environmental Issues and Liaison to EcoPel. Page 7 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Trustee Christopher Reim is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Fire Department Liaison;  Community Liaison for Sanitation Services; and  Community Liaison for Flooding Issues. Trustee Xaira Ferrara is appointed by the Mayor to serve as:  Police Department Liaison;  Liaison for Village Communications;  Liaison to Chamber of Commerce; and  Liaison to the Building Department and Land Use Committees. A motion was made by Trustee Reim and seconded by Trustee Marty to close the organizational meeting. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Item #8–Public Hearing on the Village of Pelham Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-201 Mayor Volpe stated the Board has put together a budget that is under the tax cap that is mandated by New York State. He said he expected to cut approximately $60,000 more to bring the Village significantly under the cap. He said this budget will require strong management from all departments. Administrator Yamuder said the Police Department should see some overtime reductions due to staffing changes. Trustee Cassidy stated the transfer of the water fund to United Water will help replenish the fund balance. Ciro Greco of 37 3rd Avenue asked if the proposed budget is available online. Mayor Volpe said hard copies are available upstairs and an electronic copy would be put on the web after the meeting. Trustee Kagan commented that the annual hosting cost for proposed website update needs to be added to the budget as well. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Page 8 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Summary is based on the Tentative Budget and amendments to date: The Village’s Fiscal Year runs from June 1 through May 31 every year. By State Law, Village Budgets must be adopted on or before April 30 of every year. Currently, the budget adoption is scheduled for April 21, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Home Values in Pelham increased overall by 3.372% Commercial Property Values in Pelham increased overall by 1.506 % The Tax rate has decreased by 1.065% for homeowners, and it has decreased by .431% for commercial properties. The Tax Levy was proposed at $11,066,135 up from $10,429,024. Initial Proposed Tax Levy Increase was 6.1090%, but with cuts in expenses, small increases in some revenues and a modest use of fund balance, the revised tax levy is $10,643,230 and is currently at 2.053%. The increase in the Tax Levy, combined with the increase in home values, is the most true indicator of the tax impact on the homeowner. The reason is that all properties in Pelham Village and Pelham Manor Village, within the Town of Pelham, are maintained at Full Value Assessments, which reflects changes in market values. These values are updated by the Assessor every year. Impact on the Average Homeowner: Average House Value – Using an Average assessment in Pelham of $656,397.00 vs. $636,840.00 for 2014, the average homeowners taxes would increase from $5,219.00 to $5,322.00. Tax Rates: Last Year Tentative As Revised 2014-2015 2015-2016 2015-2016 Home: $8.1949533 $8.429617 $8.107714 Non-Home: $11.3789160 $11.780035 $11.329847 The Board has already held 3 Budget Work Sessions, which have been open to and attended by the Public. Adoption is scheduled for April 21, 2015. Page 9 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Item #9– Resolution Authorizing the Annual Moonlight Cruisers Classic Car Show to Take Place on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Administrator Yamuder stated that the dates for the car show have changed. He said it will now take place on June 28th between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a rain date on July 12th. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Kagan to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the annual Moonlight Cruisers Classic Car Show to take place on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 8 am to 4 pm, and authorizes the closure of the following streets from 7am to 5pm:  the north side, westbound portion of Pelhamwood Avenue, for the staging of the car show (weather permitting rain date would be July 12th),  Fifth Avenue at Harmon. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Moonlight Cruisers will be responsible for all Village Of Pelham overtime costs and all other direct costs that are incurred by this event; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mayor and Board authorize the appropriate Village officials and staff to take the necessary and appropriate actions to allow the car show to take place, with the requirement that the Village of Pelham be provided with the insurance satisfactory to the Village’s insurance carrier by the Moonlight Cruisers. Item #10–Authorization to Approve Website Update Contract with Virtual Towns/Schools (VTS) Mayor Volpe stated the Board and Village Attorney gave some comments regarding the proposed website contract. He said he understood most comments were incorporated into the agreement. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Ferrara to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby award the contract for upgrading the website for the Village of Pelham to Virtual Towns and Schools at the total lowest qualified bid for start-up cost of six thousand, nine hundred and ninety -five dollars ($6,995.00), as a lump-sum contract.; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Village Attorney and Village Administrator are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect and execute this lump-sum contract for these services Page 10 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Item #11– Resolution Authorizing Use of Funds for NYPA Trees from The Thomas Fenlon Memorial Street Tree Fund Mayor Volpe said the Village annually takes part in a program to plant trees around the Village through the Power Authority. He said this program is buy one-get one free. Trustee Mutti stated these trees were originally supposed to be planted in the fall. She said tree care instructions will be distributed at locations that receive a tree. A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Kagan to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. WHEREAS, the Village of Pelham orders trees from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) two-for- one tree plan in which the Village can receive two trees for every one it purchases for the amount of $1,190.00; and BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes that payment of $1,190.00 to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) from a special trust account bequeathed to the Village of Pelham by Thomas B. Fenlon and known as the Thomas B.Fenlon Memorial Street Tree Fund for the purchase of these trees; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Administrator are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this payment. Item #12– Other Business None Item #13– Discussion of Tax Freeze and Government Efficiency Plan Administrator Yamuder stated the deadline for submissions to the County have been moved back. He said he would be attending a meeting to learn more about future submissions for this Plan. Item #14– Authorizing the Accounts Payable Trustee Cassidy audited the Accounts Payable. A motion was made by Trustee Cassidy and seconded by Trustee Kagan to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. RESOLUTION Page 11 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015 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 $270,151.05 Water Fund $70,551.00 Capital Projects Fund $0.00 Trust and Agency Fund $6,205.03 CD NYS Main Street Fund $0.00 H3 Fund $0.00 TE Expand Trust Fund $0.00 Grand Total $346,907.08 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Item #15– Authorizing Minutes of: March 17, 2015 A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. March 17, 2015- Approved Item #16– Adjournment A motion was made by Trustee Cassidy with a second by Trustee Mutti to adjourn the public portion of the Board meeting at 8:40 p.m. 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 12