Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2019, 7:30 PM VILLAGE HALL – 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY 10803 Minutes 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Trustees’ Reports 5. Village Administrator’s Report 6. Mayor’s Report 7. Public Comments # Agenda Items: Non-Recurring Items 8. Presentation on a Proposed Development Project at 48 First Street 9. Discussion Regarding Village Block Parties 10. Discussion on Traffic Safety 11. Resolution Accepting the Fiscal Year 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant 12. Resolution Appointing Superintendent of Public Works/Building Inspector Recurring Items 13. Authorizing Accounts Payable 14. Adjournment to Executive Session Next Regularly Scheduled BoT Meetings: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Tuesday, November 12, 2019 All meetings start at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted. *The agenda is subject to change* Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 1 – Meeting called to order: The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Mullen at 7:30 pm. Item # 2 – Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Mullen. Item # 3 – Roll Call: Attendee Name Present Absent Late Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ Trustee Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ Trustee Kagan ☒ ☐ ☐ Trustee Kamal Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ Trustee Potocki ☐ ☒ ☐ Trustee Spira-Cohen ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Administrator Small ☐ ☒ ☐ Asst. Village Administrator Scelza ☒ ☐ ☐ Asst. to the Village Admin. Farrell ☐ ☒ ☐ Trustees’ Report: Trustee Carpenter had nothing to report. Trustee Hill-Ries had nothing to report. Trustee Kagan discussed the Village’s first mutual aid drill and thought it was successful. He thanked the departments and officers involved. Trustee Kamal-Eldahry mentioned the contract submission within the Refuse Committee Westchester Municipal Officials Association’s (WMOA) It enables the municipalities to participate in the County's Solid Waste Disposal Program. Trustee Potocki was absent. Trustee Spira-Cohen reiterated the AAA award for our Police Department regarding pedestrian traffic safety issues. She also noted the near completion of changeover to LED street lights. Assistant Village Administrator’s Report: Assistant Administrator/Village Treasurer, Chris Scelza reminded residents fall leaf collection season begins October 15 running through December 16. The Department of Public Works picks up every day on a revolving basis section by section throughout the village. He also mentioned the paving schedule (weather permitting) in connection with the approved capital budget for this fiscal year. This process includes ADA accessible sidewalk ramps and curbing, followed by the actual repaving operation in the next couple weeks. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Lastly, he discussed two presentations for the November 12 meeting, including the report on compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board Statement 75, which relates to accounting and financial reporting for post-employment benefits other than pensions, which is a requirement. Followed by a report on those charged with governance in combination with our audited financial statements for a fiscal year ending in May 31st, 2019. Mayor’s Report Mayor Mullen noted our garbage services have been extended to October 18, per Westchester County.He also mentioned the paving schedule as posted online. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 7 – Public Comments Susan Mutti of the Friends of the Highbrook Highline thanked all who helped lay the path connecting Young Avenue. She discussed her desired next steps for the space. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Presentation on a Proposed Development Project at 48 First Street Steve Wrabel, of the law firm McCullough, Goldberger & Stoudt presented on a proposed development project at 48 First Street. He described the project as a terrific opportunity to revitalize the now-vacant property. He suggested this would be a great fit for this neighborhood, which is multi- family residential and walking distance to the Metro-North train station. Building owners, Mark Lehman and Wolfe Lukraf discussed why they are interested in redeveloping their property and their experience with real estate development. Mr. Lehman mentioned the momentum currently surrounding lower Westchester and Pelham in particular. They shared their reasoning on building apartments rather than condominiums. All eight units would be two bedrooms with two bathrooms a full kitchen, dining room and a living space. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 9 - Discussion Regarding Village Block Parties Mayor Mullen said it’s standard to require hold harmless agreement. The goal is to ensure the Village is not liable for something that happens on public property. If we’re going to allow block parties, we need to make sure the Village, unless the Village intends to manage the block party and run the block party, then we need to limit our risk. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 10 – Discussion on Traffic Safety This discussion was tabled. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 11 – Resolution Accepting the Fiscal Year 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Resolution Accepting the Fiscal Year 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Whereas, the Village of Pelham was notified of a SAFER Grant Award to hire up to 3 additional Fire Fighters with a grant of up to $440,053.95, and Whereas, the purpose of the SAFER Grant Program is to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to assist in increasing the number of firefighters, and Whereas, the SAFER Grant helps communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards, and Whereas, the SAFER Grant assists local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities to respond to emergencies, and Whereas, the SAFER Grant helps to enhance staffing levels, which should help to reduce response times and increase the number of trained personnel assembled at the incident scene, and Whereas, the Fire Chief recommends acceptance of the SAFER Grant, and Whereas, the SAFER Grant will allow for the hiring of two additional firefighters to support equal staffing levels and positively impact emergency response capacity, aid the delivery of emergency services, and reduce the cost of adding emergency personnel; Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby accepts the 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and authorizes the Mayor and Village Administrator to take all necessary actions to accept, modify and administer the SAFER Grant. Vote Record - Item # 11 – Resolution Accepting the Fiscal Year 2018 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Trustee Carpenter Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Trustee Kagan ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Trustee Kamal Eldahry Second ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Trustee Potocki ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Trustee Spira-Cohen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Trustee Carpenter and Fire Chief DiNapoli discussed details regarding the SAFER grant and the options related to the Pelham Fire Department and the Village as a whole. They also presented what happens when the grant funding is gone, and the Village must support said hires and the process of accepting the grant. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 12 – Resolution Appointing Superintendent of Public Works/Building Inspector Resolution Appointing Superintendent of Public Works/Building Inspector Be It Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s appointment of Joseph C. Senerchia of Pelham Manor, NY as Superintendent of Public Works/Building Inspector from Westchester County Civil Service Eligible List # 65-311, effective Friday, October 11, 2019, at an annual salary of $158,100.00, subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service; and Be It Further Resolved, that the Mayor and Village Administrator are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this appointment. Vote Record - Item # 12 – Resolution Appointing Superintendent of Public Works/Building Inspector Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Trustee Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Trustee Kagan Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Trustee Kamal Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Trustee Potocki ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Trustee Spira-Cohen Second ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 13 – Other Business Mayor Mullen asked the other Trustees how they should open the Highbrook Highline park area and what to do about the fence. Deputy Mayor Kagan suggested getting the opinions of department heads as well as Susan Mutti on the safety of the area. Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Recurring Items Item # 14 - Authorizing the Accounts Payable Trustee Carpenter 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 of the Village of Pelham 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 and Village Treasurer: Fund Name: Amount General Fund $58,102.80 Capital Projects Fund $21,165.00 Trust and Agency Fund $0.00 TE Private Purpose Trust Fund $0.00 Grand Total $79,267.80 Be it further resolved, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Vote Record - Item # 14 – Resolution Authorizing the Accounts Payable Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Trustee Carpenter Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled ☐Withdrawn Trustee Kagan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Trustee Kamal Eldahry Second ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Trustee Potocki ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Trustee Spira-Cohen ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Item # 15 – Adjournment to Executive Session Vote Record - Item # 15 – Adjournment to Executive Session Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Thursday, October 10, 2019 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Trustee Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Trustee Hill-Ries Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Trustee Kagan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Trustee Kamal Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Trustee Potocki ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Trustee Spira-Cohen Second ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ The public portion of the Board of Trustees meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. After which time, the Board of Trustees would adjourn for the evening. Respectfully submitted, Cara R. Farrell, Secretary to the Village Administrator