Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017, 8:00 PM VILLAGE HALL – 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY 10803 MINUTES 1. Call To Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Swearing In of Trustee Potocki 5. Mayor’s Report 6. Trustees’ Reports 7. Village Administrator’s Report 8. Public Comments 9. Recognition of Pelham Memorial High School Rugby Team # Agenda Items: Non-Recurring Items 10. Resolution Appointing Interim Village Administrator 11. Eagle Scout Service Project at the Highbrook Highline 12. Presentation on a Proposed Residential Development Project at 185 Lincoln Avenue 13. Solarize Westchester Presentation 14. Resolution Approving Site Plan Modification by David Maken at 409 Third Avenue 15. Resolution Appointing Seasonal Intern in the Building Department 16. Discussion on Capital Budget Planning 17. Other Business Recurring Items 18. Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2016-17 19. Authorizing Accounts Payable 20. Authorizing the Minutes of: 21. Adjournment to Executive Session (if needed) Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 (Summer Schedule) Tuesday, August 15, 2017 (Summer Schedule) Tuesday, September 5, 2017 All meetings start at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. *The Agenda is subject to change.* Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 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. Item # 2 – Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Volpe. Item # 3 – Roll Call: Present were Trustees Ferrara, Kagan, Mullen, Potocki, Reinke, and Spira-Cohen. Interim Village Administrator John Gallagher and Assistant to the Village Administrator Christopher Scelza were present. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Volpe commended the Fire Department on their excellent response time and efforts in putting out two fires recently: a fire at the public house and a fire between 4th avenue and Lincoln avenue. Mayor Volpe would like to thank the Fire Department and our friends in Mount Vernon for their service. Mayor Volpe attended a shared services meeting with his colleagues in Westchester County to discuss consolidating government operations in order to reduce costs through their collective buying power. Under New York State Law, the Mayor must attend three shared services meetings and then he and his colleagues must submit a plan to the Governor, and the deadline for the plan is September 15th. Mayor Volpe thanked the Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino for arranging the shared services meeting. Mayor Volpe reported that the interest arbitration meeting with the Police Department has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 28th. Mayor Volpe has appointed Trustee Mullen as the Fire Department liaison. Mayor Volpe announced his office hours, so he will be available every Wednesday from 8:30am- 11:30am. Page 2 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Trustees’ Report: Trustee Ferrara reported that the Department of Public Works will repair the pillars on Pelhamwood Avenue, however, the Pelham Preservation Garden Society would like to partner with the Village on this project, so the repair will be done either in house or in collaboration with the Pelham Preservation Society. ******** Trustee Kagan thanked the Fire Department for inviting him and Trustee Mullen to participate in the fire training course, and he walked away with a new found appreciation for their work. Trustee Kagan and Trustee Ferrara met with the Police leadership to discuss the immigration resolution, and they have incorporated the Police department’s operational concerns into the new draft. Trustee Mullen would like to thank Maryanne Joyce for her continued assistance in this matter. Trustee Mullen, Trustee Potocki, and Mayor Volpe have been working with Mayor Thomas of Mount Vernon to mitigate the traffic on Lincoln Avenue (bordering Mount Vernon) through traffic signal timing changes including a delayed left turn arrow for westbound traffic trying to enter the Hutchinson River Parkway southbound. ******** Trustee Mullen welcomed Trustee Potocki to the Board, and he reported that they both met with Anthony Oliveri from Dolph Rotfeld Engineering regarding the storm water drainage system. Trustee Mullen thanked Westchester County Legislator James Maisano and Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett for arranging a meeting with the Westchester County Film Office; Trustee Mullen met with Natasha Caputo, the Director of Film and Tourism, and George Oros, the Director of Economic Development, to discuss ways to attract film, television, and commercial production to the Village. Trustee Mullen and Trustee Kagan participated in the fire department training course, so Trustee Mullen understands their budgetary needs better, and he views the Fire Department as an asset to the Village. Trustee Mullen thanks the Fire Department for their service. ******** Trustee Potocki stated that he is glad to be back on the Board. ******** Trustee Reinke discussed her site visit to Scarsdale where she learned about composting techniques and preferential pricing from their vendors, so she would like to implement a composting program before the Village negotiates a new waste contract. ******** Page 3 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Trustee Spira-Cohen reported that we are halfway through our two year contract with Westchester Power in the community choice aggregation program, so the Village will have to enter into a new agreement in February. Trustee Spira-Cohen said she will keep the Board informed on the offerings available for the LED street light conversion process. Village Administrator’s Report: There was no report. Item # 8 – Public Comments Susan Mutti, 4th Avenue, would like the Board to plant trees in the vacant tree wells on Wolfs Lane, and she would like the Board to move forward with the Tree Committee. Christian Privat, 92 Young Avenue, is concerned that the Board is removing more trees than they are replacing, so he encourages the Board to plant more trees. Page 4 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 9 – Recognition of Pelham Memorial High School Rugby Team Mayor Volpe wanted to congratulate the Pelham Memorial High School Rugby team on winning the New York State Division 1, Tier 2 Championship for the second time since their inaugural season in 2015. The celebration for the Pelham Memorial High School Rugby team will precede the concert at the Town Gazebo on Monday, June 26th at 7pm. Page 5 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Non-Recurring Items Item # 10 – Appointing Interim Village Administrator Resolution Appointing Interim Village Administrator Whereas, Robert A. Yamuder tendered his resignation as Village Administrator effective May 26, 2017. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s appointment of John C. Gallagher III of Pelham, New York, effective June 21, 2017, as Interim Village Administrator pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of the Pelham Village Code and in amount not to exceed $11,000.00 per month; and Be it further resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute a contract with Interim Village Administrator John C. Gallagher III. Motion by: Trustee Mullen Seconded by: Trustee Ferrara Vote: 7-0 Page 6 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 11 – Eagle Scout Service Project at the Highbrook Highline Eagle Scout candidate Michael Ruggiero previously received final approval from the Board of Trustees to move ahead with his "Rails and Trails" Highbrook Highline project. The trail will include: 2 wooden benches, 4 historical signs, and an Highbrook Highline overhead sign created by his Scout Troop 11 of New Rochelle. Superior Excavating LLC (Mike Errico and Sam Borelli Jr.) will donate its services to clear and grade the trail area located on the former New York, Westchester, and Boston Railroad property owned by the Village, so grading will be completed in late July then Ruggiero and his volunteers will work to complete the first phase of the project in August and September. Page 7 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 12 – Presentation on a Proposed Residential Development Project at 185 Lincoln Avenue Representatives from Lincoln Pelham Partners, LLC presented their new proposal to develop 185 Lincoln Avenue by building five townhouses. The five townhouse style residences would be clustered towards the front of the property, so there will be 2 parking spaces inside each unit on the ground floor, and 1 parking space for each unit outside for visitors. After listening to the description of the proposal, the Board decided to send the proposal to the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board. A $20,000 retainer will be paid by the Lincoln Pelham Partners, LLC to cover Village costs for consultants and other review expenses. Page 8 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 13 – Solarize Westchester Presentation Nina Orville, the project manager of Solarize Westchester, presented the Solarize Westchester program, which promotes the use of solar energy in communities across Westchester County. Solarize Westchester was launched in 2014 by the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (and is now run by Sustainable Westchester) to assist communities in organizing to educate residents about solar energy opportunities, and to work together through a shared purchasing model to purchase energy at a discounted rate. Trustee Potocki and Mayor asked about the Real Property Tax Exemption, and Ms. Orville clarified that Section 487 of the NYS Real Property Tax law, provides a 15 year real property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, including solar systems. This law only applies to the value that a solar system adds to the assessed value of the property. Solarize Westchester requests submissions (RFIs) from Westchester County communities to participate in the Solarize campaign, so Ms. Orville will return to the Village in the Fall when the RFI is due. Page 9 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 14 – Approving Site Plan Modification by David Makan at 409 Third Avenue The Board authorized Mr. Makan to move forward as long as he adheres to the Architectural Review Board’s plans. Mr. Makan has until the next Board of Trustees meetings on July 18th and August 15th to make the necessary changes, or he will not get the site plan approved. Resolution Approving Site Plan Modification by David Makan at 409 Third Avenue Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein approves the Site Plan Modification submitted by David Makan based on the review and recommendation of the Architectural Review Board (approval memo attached hereto and made apart hereof) which address changes made to the the original approved drawings for a single-family dwelling at 409 Third Avenue; and Be it further resolved, that work shall be performed as shown on drawings A-3, A-4, Plans prepared for Architectural Review Board by Gotham Design are dated 4/6/2017 with revisions on 5/11/2017, 5/30/2017 and 6/9/2017 as per Architectural Review Board comments; and Be it further resolved, these modifications are subject to the procedures, regulations and requirements of the Pelham Village Code, New York State Building Code and Village of Pelham Building Department; and Be it further resolved, that the Mayor, Interim Village Administrator, and Building Inspector are authorized to take the necessary appropriate actions to effect this approval, including the imposition of additional conditions and requirements as may be necessary. No deviations from the site plan without prior approvals from applicable Board or Agency. Page 10 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 15 – Appointing Seasonal Intern in the Building Department Resolution Appointing Seasonal Intern in the Building Department Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s appointment of Jared Jones of Pelham, New York, effective June 19, 2017, as a Seasonal Intern reporting to the Building Inspector, with an hourly pay of $12.00 and subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service. Motion by: Trustee Ferrara Seconded by: Trustee Reinke Vote: 7-0 Page 11 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 16 – Discussion on Capital Budget Planning Mayor Volpe would like the Department Heads to outline their Capital Budget priorities, so they can refinance debt in September. Mayor Volpe encourages the Board to meet with the Department heads and the Village Staff over the next couple of months. Page 12 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 17 – Other Business Wolfs Lane Park Mayor Volpe reported that there is $20,000 left over in the grant, so he would like to move ahead with the planting plan up the specified amount, and an additional $4,000 from the Junior League will be used for supplemental planting. Mayor Volpe stated that the pergola will be completed in about a month Nyac Ave and Boulevard Accident Trustee Reinke reported that a student was hit by a car at the intersection of Nyac and Boulevard, and people do not obey the signage at that intersection. Mayor Volpe said he will collaborate with Michael Shriman and Trustee Ferrara on adding appropriate signage. The Board’s Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Goals Trustee Mullen reported that the Board will be publishing their goals for fiscal year 2017-2018 on the website; the document will outline the purpose of each committee, their tasks, the liaisons, and the committee chairs. As the liaison for public communications, Trustee Mullen met with Trustee Kagan to discuss strategies on how to facilitate dialogue with the public. Trustee Mullen said the biggest obstacle to communication is the community’s obliviousness to the Board’s achievements, research, and collaboration with the Village staff. Trustee Mullen believes the Board needs to work on engaging the community, so they can gain different perspectives and ideas on projects that the Board has not yet considered. Page 13 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Recurring Items Item # 18 – Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2016-17 Resolution Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2016-17 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 Deputy Village Treasurer to modify the 2016-17 Budget by making the following budget amendments and transfers (attached hereto and made part hereof). Motion by: Trustee Reinke Seconded by: Trustee Potocki Vote: 7-0 Page 14 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 19 - Authorizing the Accounts Payable Trustee Spira-Cohen audited the Accounts Payable. 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 vouchers, 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 $304,242.54 Capital Projects Fund $5,992.58 Trust and Agency Fund $350.00 TE Expandable Trust Fund $0.00 Grand Total $310,585.12 Be it further resolved, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Motion by: Trustee Reinke Seconded by: Trustee Ferrara Vote: 7-0 Page 15 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Item # 20 – Authorizing the Minutes of: There were no minutes. Item # 21 – Adjournment to Executive Session The public portion of the Board meeting was adjourned at 10:27 p.m. to enter into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter and a litigation matter after which time the Board would adjourn for the evening. Respectfully submitted, Christopher Scelza Assistant to the Village Administrator Page 16