Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024, 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. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc.; Local 1000, AFSCME, ALF-CIO, Westchester Local 860 (June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2029) Representing the Village’s Parking Enforcement Officers and School Crossing Guards Unit # 917801 9. Other Business Recurring Items 10. Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2023-24 11. Authorizing Accounts Payable 12. Authorizing Minutes of: January 9, 2024 Work Session, Regular Meeting and Executive Session 13. Adjournment Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Item # 1 - Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Mullen called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM. Item # 2 - Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Mullen led the Pledge at 8:00 PM. Item # 3 - Roll Call: Attendee Name Present Absent Late Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee McGreal ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Otondi (Virtual) ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Administrator Scelza ☒ ☐ ☐ Item # 4 - Village Trustees’ Report: Village Trustee Eldahry – Thank the School Board of Education for the opportunity to present about flood mitigation efforts. Village Trustee McGreal – nothing to report. Village Trustee Mohan- nothing to report. Village Trustee Otondi – nothing to report. Village Trustee Solomon – Echoed Village Trustee Eldahry’s thanks to the School Board. Pedestrian safety update on Cliff and Boulevard as well as Wolfs and Colonial. Most of the efforts that had been previously discussed in November have been completed. There are one or two items that we are waiting for supplies which should be accomplished in a week or two. A shout out to the Pelham Music Festival at the Pelham Country Club this past weekend. It was an amazing event and we are proud of our talented musicians and singers. Congratulations to DaniLee’s on their re-opening after their expansion. Deputy Mayor Carpenter – nothing to report. Item # 5 - Village Administrator’s Report: Nothing to report. Item # 6 - Mayor’s Report Congratulations to DaniLee’s Helping Hands on their re-opening post expansion. Westchester County has committed 16 million dollars to the flood mitigation efforts – this request was put into the capital budget to the County. There is a process involved to utilize the funds. Senator Gillibrand’s office shared a few grants they think will be the best fit for the Village and can support us with their office Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the future. Thank you to the School Board for having the opportunity to speak regarding the flood mitigation. Item # 7 - Public Comments Thelma Bowling, 515 7th Ave – Has been a resident for 23 years and has been flooded a number of times. In August ’21, it was so bad that she could have used a boat. The area she lives in fills up like a bathtub and she has five pumps in her house. She can’t cure the problem in her house but the problem is outside her house. She can’t handle the flooding anymore. The fire department is great and will come help if needed, but in the interim the house and walls get destroyed. She pays the high taxes and feels that some of that money can be used to alleviate the flooding. Her neighbors are not present but she feels that many of them would feel the same way as her. Peter Carmardella, 56 Linden Ave – Thank you to the Board. Thank you to looking into if the pumps can be placed underground. In regard to the $16 million, was that part of the original budget? Mayor Mullen responded that it brings the cost of the project down. The ask of the engineer was to help stop the flooding, which may come with big sticker shock but there is a lot of grant money out there. We have been in communications frequently with the County Legislator which is how we got the $16 million. Follow up questions – when the pumps would actually run? Putting the pumps in the holding tanks at Julianne’s park how does the water travel to the holding tank. Mayor Mullen responded that when the pumps turn on is when the water comes in and rises to a certain level it will automatically kick the pumps on. The process of looking at timing and the flow is all permitted by the State. Village Administrator Scelza addressed the water flow question by outlining the way the flow and pressure moves. Gary Hyer, 408 4th Ave – Has been on Boards before and is a long resident of the Village and wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Mayor and Trustees for pursuing a plan, finally, that looks to address flood mitigation. This has been a problem going on 70+ years, and as an engineer himself, this is the first time he has really seen a good, comprehensive plan. Arthur Long, 165 Boulevard – Of the 245 houses, is there a back of the envelope how many are in the North Pelham area and how many are in the Highbrook Area. The Mayor responded that he did not know exactly. Arthur posed a follow up question regarding eminent domain/compensation for houses. The Mayor responded he does not know, he is not an attorney. Arthur noted that Bronxville, when doing their project, the estimate and the bids did not quite match up; Is the projected cost right now a fair estimate for the tax payer going forward? Mayor Mullen responded that once through the grant process we will have a better understanding of costs. There is no reason to doubt the numbers received from the engineer. The bids come in higher with these projects due to the delay between when plans are received and when going out to bid when costs can be higher. Arthur noted the red-lining map that went out in 1977, there hasn’t been red-lining effects in 30 or so years, what’s driving those living there would be a socio-economic issue. The Mayor responded that might be more of a philosophical conversation surrounding red-lining and it is important history to keep in mind. Arthur noted a statement that the Mayor made, as a practical matter of the agencies giving the grants, would not look well upon focusing on one area. What is the basis whereby these grants are targeted towards particular areas or based on conversations with local elected officials. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Mayor Mullen responded that he personally will not advocate for fixing flooding in only one location in Pelham when we have an opportunity to protect the whole community that has flooding in more than one area. We are going to fix flooding as a whole Village or not at all as there is no fair way to fix one spot and not the other. Most grant programs are going to look at the realities of neighborhoods to determine if communities qualify for them or not. In a competitive grant process where many are trying to get the funds, there are decision makers who look at the various needs of the applicants. Our grant writing firm helps with the process. Arthur clarified that if the disparity in the neighborhoods were different, how much of this is going to be covered by the government and the tax payer? It sounds like there is nothing in writing but ultimately what is done will affect the tax burden in the entire Village. Astiney Montelle, 516 6th Ave – The Village helped her empty out 4 feet of water that was in her basement. Requested clarification of when the pumps will be running – will it stop the flooding while it is happening. The Mayor responded yes, the whole system is getting upgraded. There will be bigger pipes throughout the Village that will flow into an even larger network of pipes. The purpose is to get the flow happening regardless of size of storm. Astiney asked if she heard correctly about a storm warning system? The Mayor responded that they program the flow of the pumps that drain the tank with the timing of the Hutchinson River in mind. Astiney also asked that there was a post on Facebook that at some point in the 1960s there was a plan to mitigate this flooding – do we know why this plan did not proceed? One of the other residents present was able to answer the question that there was a plan but what happened is that there was an administrative change (a new mayor) and the plan was put on the back burner. There was funding and some work was done on First St. but that was all. Rachel Berkowitz Bardolf, 455 3rd Ave – Rachel asked what the timeframe is for this project. Rachel noted that the mayor wrote in a letter to the school board that this project could span many years, what is the definition of “many years”? The Mayor responded that it is tough to pin down. A few factors are involved; the first being if we got a memorandum of understanding from the School District, we submit our grant applications (the grant cycle can take 12-18 months), and some other work can occur during that time. But once the grant cycle is completed, then the bids go out and then construction can occur, which could take a few years in itself. The Mayor and Board is trying to overlap as much as possible to expedite the process. But in all, the process will take years to complete. This big approach is a result of learning from past projects that were explored. Rachel followed up with the concern of how long the park/lot will be out of commission. It is regularly used as there is constantly people utilizing the lot which Rachel can see from her home. Concern over how long of a disruption this will be for those in the surrounding community. Full transparency over how long this will actually take will benefit all. Mayor Mullen responded that for the park piece, the sense is it will be out of commission for 6-12 months but it all is based on geo-technical results. Rachel followed up regarding the chatter on Facebook regarding the pumps – perhaps a little one on one for the community specifically regarding the pumps could affect the residents or not. Do diesel pumps actually have to be used? Are there other alternatives to consider. The health and safety is a concern for people who live in the surrounding areas – will it affect their health? The Mayor has a sense that even if you run the pumps with a hard line, you will still have to have a back up diesel generator. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc.; Local 1000, AFSCME, ALF-CIO, Westchester Local 860 (June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2029) Representing the Village’s Parking Enforcement Officers and School Crossing Guards Unit # 917801 Whereas, the Village of Pelham (“Village”) and the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc.; Local 1000, AFSCME, ALF-CIO, Westchester Local 860 representing the Village’s Parking Enforcement Officers and School Crossing Guards (“Union”) are parties to a Collective Bargaining Agreement that expires on May 31, 2024; and Whereas, changes to the terms and conditions of employment were agreed upon by the parties and placed in the form of a Memorandum of Agreement dated January 5, 2024 (attached hereto and made apart hereof); and Whereas, the membership of the Union approved the terms and conditions contained in the Memorandum of Agreement; and Whereas, the Memorandum of Agreement between the Village and the Union regarding the terms and conditions of employment for the period of June 1, 2024 through and including May 31, 2029, is being presented for approval by the Village Board of Trustees. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Memorandum of Agreement between the Village and the Union dated January 5, 2024, regarding the terms and conditions of employment for the period of June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2029 is hereby approved; and Be it further resolved, that the Mayor and Village Administrator are hereby authorized to execute a Memorandum of Agreement for the period of June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2029, between the Village and the Union incorporating terms and conditions of said Memorandum of Agreement. Vote Record - Item # 8 – Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc.; Local 1000, AFSCME, ALF-CIO, Westchester Local 860 (June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2029) Representing the Village’s Parking Enforcement Officers and School Crossing Guards Unit # 917801 - 8:52 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee McGreal ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Item # 9 – Other Business Previously discussed at work session - The Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day parade is March 24, 2024. Mayor Mullen noted that the Chiefs and Village Trustees are welcome to attend. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Recurring Items Item # 10 – Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2023-24 Whereas, pursuant to the provisions of § 5-520 of the New York State Village Law, the Village 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 Village Administrator/ Treasurer to modify the 2023-24 Budget by making the following budget amendments and transfers (items attached hereto and made part hereof). Vote Record - Item # 10 – Authorizing Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2023-24 – 8:53 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee McGreal ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Item # 11 - 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) $ 307,168.60 Capital Projects Fund (H) $ 40,624.06 Trust & Agency (T) $ 0.00 Private Purpose Trust Fund (TE) $ 0.00 Grand Total $347,792.66 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 # 11 – Authorizing the Accounts Payable – 8:53 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee McGreal 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Item # 12 - Authorizing Minutes of: December 12, 2023 Organizational Meeting, Regular Meeting and Executive Session Vote Record - Item # 12 – Authorizing the Minutes of December 12, 2023 Organizational Meeting, Regular Meeting and Executive Session – 8:54 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☐Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee McGreal ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Item # 13 - Adjournment A motion was made by Village Trustee Solomon and seconded by Village Trustee McGreal and voted unanimously by all to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:55 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Sarah LoPuzzo Village Clerk