Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2023, 8:00 PM VILLAGE HALL - 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY 10803 Join by Zoom Video: https://zoom.us/j/98917409392?pwd=U09KN2MxTnJHWEU2Nm9ndWxQSEgwZz09 Join by Telephone: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 989 1740 9392 Passcode: 030699 AGENDA ITEMS 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Village Trustees’ Reports 5. Village Administrator’s Report 6. Mayor’s Report 7. Public Comments Non-Recurring Items 8. Site Plan Application at 101 Wolfs Lane (Vertical Community Development, LLC.) 9. Resolution Establishing Emissions Reduction Goals 10. Resolution Authorizing Shared Service Inter-Municipal Agreement – NYSDEC Grant for “Recycling App” 11. Other Business Recurring Items 12. Authorizing Accounts Payable 13. Authorizing Minutes of: October 24, 2023 Work Session, Regular Meeting & Executive Session 14. Adjournment Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Tuesday, December 12, 2023 (Note: Organizational Meeting) Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Item # 1 - Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Mullen called the meeting to order at 8:21 PM. Item # 2 - Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Mullen led the Pledge at 8:21 PM. Item # 3 - Roll Call: Attendee Name Present Absent Late Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Hill-Ries (Virtual; 8:28pm) ☐ ☐ ☒ Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee McGreal ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Administrator Scelza ☒ ☐ ☐ Item # 4 - Village Trustees’ Report: Village Trustee Hill-Ries - Village Trustee Kamal Eldahry – nothing to report. Village Trustee McGreal – nothing to report. Village Trustee Otondi – nothing to report. Village Trustee Solomon – nothing to report. Deputy Mayor Carpenter – Happy Thanksgiving to all! Item # 5 - Village Administrator’s Report: Reviewed the amended sanitation schedule for the upcoming holiday week next week of 11/20/23. Item # 6 - Mayor’s Report Mayor Mullen asked Village Trustee Solomon to read an announcement regarding a big congratulations to our Pelham High School music students. On November 4th and 5th at New Rochelle High School the Annual Area All-State Festival took place. Participants are selected based on scores from the previous spring and is for the most dedicated and skilled students in Westchester County. Pelham High School had 12 participants this year. Mayor Mullen congratulated the election winners from last week’s election and thank you to the folks that ran in the election as well. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Mayor Mullen had the opportunity to join County Executive George Latimer and Ken Jenkins on the Westchester County update; gave the chance to let everyone know about the Pelham Half Marathon and Winter Wonderland followed by the Pelham Tree Lighting. Mayor Mullen also met with the School District Facilities Committee to give a brief update on our flood mitigation plans. Thank you to the School District for their cooperation in this for the overall service of the public. The Mayor anticipates more meetings with the School District in the future. The Mayor also met with the Junior League of Pelham regarding playground upgrades and timeline coordination for the upgrades and the flood project. Thank you to Pelham Post 50 for the Veteran’s Celebration on Saturday, November 11. Mayor Mullen met with the Finance Policy Committee for the New York Conference of Mayors who are gearing up for the Legislative Session to discuss increasing state aid for funding for municipalities, capital exclusions, and ongoing funding for sewer and water infrastructure. Item # 7 - Public Comments Brian Diffley, 392 Washington Ave – watched both of the sewer presentation videos and felt they were informative but felt they don’t help the situation on his block. Brian does have background on this issue as he does it for a living. The water that comes towards his home comes from New Rochelle, would love to meet with the engineer to understand why he gets so much water in his area. Would love to have a resolution for his area – would love to be part of the solution. Offered some opinions on resolutions which would help mitigate the issue in his area. Brian noted the Village of Pelham Manor had drainage issues in 1943 and quoted a document from 1943 which noted the same issues. He is grateful that steps are being taken to mitigate the issues now. Mayor Mullen responded that generally the plan is to build the main artery and then have the conversations about what connects, which may be why there is not a specific plan to address the issue in his exact area but it is part of the process. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Site Plan Application at 101 Wolfs Lane (Vertical Community Development, LLC.) Resolution Pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the General Municipal Law and the Westchester County Administrative Code Regarding the Application of 101 Wolfs Lane Vertical Community Developnment, LLC. 141 W. 36th Street, 14th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tax Map ID: 163.44-1-2 Whereas, Vertical Community Development, LLC (the “Applicant”) is the contract vendee for the property identified as 101 Wolfs Lane and has submitted a Site Plan Application for a five-story (60 feet) mixed-use project that would be developed with 73 residential units, approximately 2,400 square feet of ground floor retail, and 99 off-street parking spaces; and Whereas, the proposed project is comprised of a single .67-acre parcel that has two zoning designations. One portion of the site is zoned Business District 1 (Bus-1) and the other portion is zoned Residential M-1 (Res M-1). Both portions are located within the Village’s Business District Floating Zone (“BDFZ”) and may, if approved by the Village Board of Trustees, be developed jointly per the authority provided within the BDFZ; and Whereas, the proposed action also includes a request that the Village grant an easement over a portion of Village-owned parking lot west of the site to accommodate access to the Applicant’s parking facilities from Sparks Avenue; and Whereas, the Applicant has submitted the following documents:  Site Plan Application and Declaration of Intent to Develop;  Full Environmental Assessment Form with supplemental studies on land use and zoning, and fiscal impacts, traffic, historic resources, and utilities;  List of property owners within 200 feet of the property;  Survey of the property;  Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPP); and  Site Plan drawings, floor plans, and renderings. Whereas, the Village Board of Trustees has reviewed and considered the Environmental Assessment From and supplemental documents submitted by the Applicant; and Whereas, the Village Board of Trustees has determined that: o The proposed action is subject to the requirements of SEQRA; Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 o The proposed action is an Unlisted Action; o The proposed action is not located in an agricultural district; and o There are no other involved agencies. Whereas, the Village Board of Trustees has determined that General Municipal Law § 239-n and Westchester County Administrative Code § 277.61 require that the proposed action be referred to the Westchester County Planning Board for review and comment and directs the Village Clerk to make that referral; and Whereas, the Village Board of Trustees has determined that the Code of the Village of Pelham § 98- 106.3(C) requires that the proposed action be referred to the Village of Pelham Planning Board and Architectural Review Board and directs the Village Clerk to make that referral. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has determined that because there are no other involved agencies, it will serve as lead agency for purposes of the SEQRA review, in accordance with 6 NYCRR § 617.6(b). Vote Record - Item # 8 – Resolution Pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the General Municipal Law and the Westchester County Administrative Code Regarding the Application of 101 Wolfs Lane – 10:09 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ 101 Wolfs Lane Supporting Documentation Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Item # 9 – Resolution Establishing Emission Reduction Goals Whereas, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that human activity has unequivocally warmed the planet, largely from burning fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, methane), which, if continued unabated, will cause increasingly dire risks of harm to life and safety, the environment, infrastructure, and quality of life of communities; Whereas, climate change poses serious impacts around the world — more intense heat waves, droughts, coastal storms, and heavy downpours — and some effects are already being felt in the Village of Pelham in the form of hotter summers, flooding, and increased threats from wind and storms; Whereas, scientists, policymakers, business leaders, public health experts, and economists recognize that immediate, bold actions will reduce the long-term risks of climate change; Whereas, municipalities across the nation, recognizing the gravity of climate change, are taking leadership roles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, foster a regenerative economy, and prepare to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change to protect infrastructure, the environment, and communities, especially the most vulnerable; Whereas, on February 11, 2020, the Village of Pelham committed to participating in Westchester’s Climate Action Planning Institute, a regional leadership program guiding local governments in developing their Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories and Climate Action Plans; and Whereas, on August 8, 2023, the draft 2019 Inventory of Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions report was presented to the Village Board of Trustees. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that all Village departments will unite their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal government operations, targeting a substantial 50% reduction below 2019 levels by 2030; and Be it further resolved, that the Village will actively track its advancements toward the set target, periodically reassessing it as part of an adaptive management approach. This process will consider updated information, evolving policies, and technological advancements; and Be it further resolved, that the Village Administrator, in collaboration with all departments, will design a comprehensive framework for measuring and monitoring our progress. This framework may encompass annual budget metrics and regular progress updates to provide the Mayor and Village Board of Trustees with valuable insights into plan performance. Turn to Page 6 for Vote Record Chart Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Vote Record - Item # 9 – Resolution Establishing Emission Reduction Goals – 10:16 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Item # 10 – Resolution Authorizing Shared Service Inter-Municipal Agreement – NYSDEC Grant for “Recycling App” Whereas, the Village of Pelham seeks to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement with eighteen (18) Westchester Municipalities and Sustainable Westchester, Inc., to apply for a grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for support of the “Recycle Right” mobile application; and Whereas, the Village of Tarrytown will serve as the lead municipality for the grant application and subsequent funding disbursement. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the Village Administrator to execute the Inter-Municipal Agreement attached hereto for the “Recycle Right App” grant application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Vote Record - Item # 10 – Resolution Authorizing Shared Service Inter-Municipal Agreement – NYSDEC Grant for “Recycling App” – 10:17 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Item # 11 – Other Business – Free Parking on Small Business Saturday Whereas, The Village of Pelham recognizes Small Business Saturday on November 25, 2023. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorize free parking in the Village on Saturday, November 25, 2023 Small Business Saturday. Vote Record - Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing Free Parking in the Village on Small Business Saturday – 10:17 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Deputy Mayor Carpenter has asked Administrator Scelza to draft a local law to match the sidewalk café permit to the new Outdoor dining zoning timeline. A draft can be anticipated at the next meeting. Mayor Mullen noted that there may be some future amendments for the Village Code that have been noted by the Village Building Inspector. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Recurring Items Item # 12 - Authorizing Accounts Payable Deputy Mayor Carpenter is auditing 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 Deputy Village Treasurer: Fund Name: Amount General Fund (A) $434,347.55 Capital Projects Fund (H) $183,983.66 Trust & Agency (T) $ 1,005.00 Private Purpose Trust Fund (TE) $ 2,881.00 Grand Total $622,217.21 Be it further resolved, that the Village Board of Trustees hereby approves payment of the above- mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. Vote Record - Item # 12 - Resolution Authorizing the Accounts Payable – 10:22PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Item # 13 - Authorizing Minutes of: October 24, 2023 Work Session, Regular Meeting and Executive Session Vote Record - Item # 13 – Authorizing the Minutes of October 24, 2023 Work Session, Regular Meeting and Executive Session – 10:22 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☐Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Hill-Ries ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Item # 14 - Adjournment A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Carpenter at 11:23PM and seconded by Village Trustee Solomon and voted unanimously by all to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.