Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016, 8:00 PM VILLAGE HALL – 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY 10803 MINUTES 1. Call To Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Mayor’s Report 4. Trustees’ Reports 5. Village Administrator’s Report 6. Public Comments # Agenda Items: Non-Recurring Items 7. Presentation by Representatives from Zipcar Tabled 8. Discussion on a Request made by the Ribbon Campaign for the National Approved Alliance of Mental Illness, Inc. 9. Discussion on Village-Wide Speed Limit Discussed 10. Discussion on School Crossing Guard Locations Discussed 11. Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Approved Tentative Budget 12. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a Firefighter in the Village of Approved Pelham Fire Department 13. Resolution Authorizing the Scanning and Indexing of Building Department Approved Records 14. Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Firefighter to the Position of Fire Tabled Lieutenant in the Village of Pelham Fire Department 15. Resolution Accepting a Donation of $6,100.00 from Various Donors for the Approved Purchase of a Police Canine 16. Other Business – Downtown Parking, Code Changes, Override Tax Cap Discussed Local Law Recurring Items 17. Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2015-16 Approved 18. Authorizing Accounts Payable Approved 19. Authorizing the Minutes of: N/A 20. Adjournment to Executive Session Approved Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 (Note: Public Hearing on FY 2016-17 Tentative Budget) Tuesday, April 26, 2016 (Note: FY 2016-17 Budget Adoption) Annual Organizational Meeting: Monday, April 4, 2016 Proposed Meetings for Budget Work Sessions: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 7:00 p.m. – All Department Heads Monday, March 28, 2016 7:00 p.m. – Revenue and Expense Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 1 – Meeting called to order: The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Volpe at 8:05 p.m. Present were Trustees Ferrara, Kagan, Marty and Mutti. Trustee Cassidy was absent and Trustee Reim participated via Skype. Also present were Village Administrator Yamuder and Assistant to the Village Administrator Scelza. Item # 2 – Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Volpe. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Volpe reported that a bomb threat was called into the middle and high school complex recently. The Police and Fire Departments responded in an exemplary fashion and he thanked them for their service. During the evacuation, bomb searches were conducted of the entire complex with assistance from Westchester County, City of New Rochelle and the Village Pelham Manor and he thanked them for their assistance. The Mayor also thanked John DeCicco for their generous donation of drinks and snacks for the children during the bomb scare. Mayor Volpe thanked outgoing Trustee Marty for his six years of dedicated service to the community as a member of the Board of Trustees. Mayor Volpe reported that the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget has been filed with the Village Clerk pursuant to New York State Village Law today. The tentative tax levy increase far exceeds the tax cap and the Board will have to work very hard in the coming weeks to meet the deadline of adopting a balanced budget by May 1st that stays within the tax cap. Trustees’ Report: Trustee Cassidy was absent. ******** Trustee Ferrara reminded the community that the Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Pelham Business Club will be sponsoring the Easter Bunny Boulevard event being held on Saturday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m. and she encouraged all residents to attend. Page 2 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 ******** Trustee Kagan thanked the community for coming out to vote on the recent Board of Trustees elections. He asked the Village Administrator to look into the possibility of an organic waste pickup between the months of December and April, based on recent conversations he had with members of the community. He also reported that the Community Choice Aggregation Energy program selected Con Ed Solutions as the final bidder. Residents would see a 9% savings on the regular supply and or 5% if they choose the renewable option for the energy portion of their bill. ******** Trustee Marty reported that EcoPel is finalizing their plans to donate four additional recycling bins to the community. He also said his farewells to the Board after completing six years of service as a Trustee. ******** Trustee Mutti reminded residents that leaf collection season has begun and to drive carefully. She thanked the Department of Public Works for cleaning the parks and preparing for the Spring season. ******** Trustee Reim participated via Skype and had a bad connection. Village Administrator’s Report: Village Administrator reported that Con Edison plans to close the Hutchinson River Parkway between Lincoln Avenue and Wolfs Lane to vehicular traffic on Saturday April 2 nd to Sunday April 3rd, for an electric upgrade project beginning at 10.00 PM on Saturday until Sunday at 6.00 AM. He also reviewed the tentative budget work session meeting dates with the Board. Item # 6 – Public Comments No public comments. Page 3 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Non-Recurring Items Item # 7 – Presentation by Representatives from Zipcar This item was not discussed as representatives from Zipcar were not in attendance. Page 4 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 8 – Discussion on a Request made by the Ribbon Campaign for the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Inc. Mayor Volpe explained that the Village received a request from the National Alliance of Mental Illness, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all individuals and families whose lives are affected by mental illness. They are requesting to display their ribbons throughout the downtown during the month of May to bring awareness to mental health. The Board had no objection to this request. Page 5 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 9 – Discussion on Village-Wide Speed Limit Mayor Volpe reminded the Board that he wishes to reduce the speed limit Village-wide from the current 30 MPH to 25 MPH, but he has been advised by Village Staff that the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits Villages from doing so. However streets on an individual basis can be reduced and he would like to see Wolfs Lane and Fifth Avenue between Colonial Avenue and the New Rochelle border reduced to 25 MPH. The Board discussed other traffic calming measures and the potential impacts to the budget. Page 6 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 10 – Discussion on School Crossing Guard Locations Mayor Volpe stated as a result of a recent accident near the high school / middle school complex he has asked Police Chief Benefico to look at the current School Grossing Guard Locations and report back to the Board whether the Village needs to increase/decrease staff around the schools and introduce other traffic calming measures. Chief Benefico provided the Board with a list of the current eleven locations throughout the Village where Guards are posted. Page 7 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 11 – Calling for a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget Village Administrator Yamuder led the board through a power point presentation on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget. This item was informational only and no actions were taken. Mayor Volpe stated pursuant to the New York State Village Law the Board of Trustees must call for a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget on or before the fifteenth day of April. A motion was then made by Trustee Ferrara and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget Whereas, pursuant to New York State Village Law §5-508 (3), a public hearing must be held on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget on or before the fifteenth day of April, with notice of such public hearing published in the official newspaper. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein schedules a public hearing for Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 8:00 PM or shortly thereafter, at Village Hall, 195 Sparks Avenue, to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Tentative Budget filed on March 16, 2016; and Be it further resolved, that the Village Clerk is hereby directed to publish notice of said public hearing pursuant to Village Law. Page 8 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 12 – Authorizing the Appointment of a Firefighter in the Village of Pelham Fire Department Mayor Volpe explained that after some retirements and personnel changes, there was an opening for a Firefighter in the Fire Department. After canvassing candidates and conducting interviews, the Acting Fire Chief and Village Administrator are recommending Andrew Camardella to the position. A motion was then made by Trustee Reim and seconded by Trustee Ferrara to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a Firefighter in the Village of Pelham Fire Department Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s appointment of Andrew J. Camardella of Pelham, NY to the position of Firefighter Recruit with EMT status from Civil Service Eligible List # 65-061, effective Monday, March 14, 2016 at an annual salary of $35,594.00 subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service, the current Village of Pelham Fire Department Collective Bargaining Agreement, Village of Pelham Employee Handbook and any other applicable regulations in place and for a probationary period of one (1) year; and Be it further resolved, that the Mayor, Village Administrator and Acting Fire Chief are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this appointment. Page 9 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 13 – Authorizing the Scanning and Indexing of Building Department Records After a lengthy discussion led by Mayor Volpe, a motion was then made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Ferrara to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Authorizing the Scanning and Indexing of Building Department Records Whereas, the property files for each Section/Block/Lot in the Village of Pelham (“Village”) are currently in paper form; and Whereas, the Village wishes to digitize the property files to improve access, enhance efficiency and import these records into the newly purchased Building Department software namely Municity 5; and Whereas, Image Data, Inc. is a preferred source vendor under State contract requirements which allows the Village to proceed without going to further public bidding. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the Village Administrator to execute the attached document scanning services agreement with Image Data, Inc. of Albany NY for an amount not to exceed $31,962.00; and Be it further resolved, that the Mayor, Village Administrator and Building Inspector are authorized to take the necessary actions to effect this resolution. Page 10 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 14 – Authorizing the Promotion of a Firefighter to the Position of Fire Lieutenant in the Village of Pelham Fire Department This item was tabled. Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Firefighter to the Position of Fire Lieutenant in the Village of Pelham Fire Department Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the promotion and appointment by the Mayor of Timothy W. Frusciante of New Rochelle, NY to the position of Fire Lieutenant, from Civil Service Eligible List # 75-870, effective Monday, March 21, 2016 at an annual salary of $100,477.00 subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service, for a probationary period of one (1) year; and Be it further resolved, that the Mayor, Village Administrator and Acting Fire Chief are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this appointment. Page 11 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 15 – Accepting a Donation of $6,100.00 from Various Donors for the Purchase of a Police Canine Mayor Volpe stated with the recent passing of Dutch, Chief Benefico has found some donors to help offset the costs of the purchase a new police dog. A motion was then made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Accepting a Donation of $6,100.00 from Various Donors for the Purchase of a Police Canine Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorize the acceptance of the following donations for the purchase of a police canine with thanks to the donors for their contribution to the Village of Pelham Police Department: Pelham Funeral Home $1,000.00 64 Lincoln Avenue Christopher Reim & Colleen Stokes $100.00 14 Benedict Place Joan and Patrick Sheehy $5,000.00 15 Linden Avenue Page 12 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 16 – Other Business Mayor Volpe read Local Law No. 1 of 2016 into the record. Mayor Volpe went on to explain that this is just a precaution, and that the Board has every intention of making cuts necessary to come in at or under the tax-cap. A motion was then made by Trustee Marty and seconded by Trustee Kagan to call for a public hearing on April 12, 2016 with respect to Local Law No. 1 of 2016. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Local Law No. 1 of 2016 A local law to override the real property tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law § 3-c Be enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham as follows: Section 1. Legislative Intent It is the intent of this local law to allow the Village of Pelham to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2016 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law § 3-c. Section 2. Authority This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law § 3-c, which expressly authorizes a local government’s governing body to override the property tax cap for the coming fiscal year by the adoption of a local law approved by a vote of sixty percent (60%) of said governing body. Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override The Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham, County of Westchester, is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the Village of Pelham for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2016 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law § 3-c. Section 4. Severability If a court determines that any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or the application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance, is invalid or unconstitutional, the court’s order or judgement shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder of this local law, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local Page 13 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 law or in its application to the person, firm or corporation, or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgement or order shall be rendered. Section 5. Effective Date This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State. Village Code Changes Mayor Volpe stated he is in support of small pocket development in the community. He has asked AKRF to explore changes to the Village Code to allow for smaller developments to take place in the community. This item will be addressed at a future meeting of the Board. Downtown Parking Trustee Marty updated the Board on the 100 free dining parking spaces initiative. The Board also discussed the idea of moving the two existing multi space parking meters to better locations in the Village where they will be better utilized. Page 14 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Recurring Items Item # 17 – Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2015-16 After a brief discussion led by Mayor Volpe, a motion was then made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Marty to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2015-16 Whereas, pursuant to the provisions of § 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 appropriation accounts, excess revenues or fund balances available to cover the amendments and transfers. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that pursuant to New York State Village Law § 5-520, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes and directs the proper Village officers to modify the 2015-16 Budget by making the following budget amendments and transfers (attached hereto and made part hereof). Page 15 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 18 - Authorizing the Accounts Payable Trustee Reim audited the Accounts Payable. After a brief discussion, a motion was then made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Ferrara to approve the resolution. The vote was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Resolution Authorizing the Accounts Payable Whereas, pursuant to § 5-524 of the New York State Village Law, the Board of Trustees shall audit all claims against the Village. Now, therefore, be it 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 $100,089.23 Water Fund $0.00 Capital Projects Fund $0.00 Trust and Agency Fund $2,232.50 TE Expand Trust Fund $0.00 Grand Total $102,321.73 Be it further resolved, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Page 16 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Wednesday, March 16, 2016 Item # 19 – Authorizing the Minutes of: There were no minutes requiring approval. Item # 20 – Adjournment to Executive Session A motion was made by Trustee Mutti and seconded by Trustee Ferrara to adjourn the public portion of the Board meeting at 9:50 p.m. and go into Executive Session to discuss a Collective Bargaining Proposal received. The motion was approved by a vote of six in favor, none opposed. Trustee Cassidy was absent. Respectfully submitted, Christopher Scelza Assistant to the Village Administrator Page 17