Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025, 8:03 PM MUNICIPAL CENTER - 200 FIFTH 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 Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article XI Entitled Public Urination and Defecation 9. Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article X Entitled Prohibition Against Certain Forms of Aggressive Solicitation 10. Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 4 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Redefine “Public Space” 11. Resolution Authorizing Consulting Agreement 12. Other Business – Affordable Housing Recurring Items 13. Authorizing Accounts Payable 14. Authorizing Minutes of: May 27, 2025 Regular Meeting 15. Adjournment Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (Summer Schedule) Tuesday, August 12, 2025 (Summer Schedule) Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 1 - Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Mullen called the meeting to order at 8:03 PM. Item # 2 - Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Mullen led the pledge at 8:03 PM. Item # 3 - Roll Call: Attendee Name Present Absent Late Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon ☒ ☐ ☐ Village Administrator Scelza ☒ ☐ ☐ Item # 4 - Village Trustees’ Report: Village Trustee Eldahry – nothing to report. Village Trustee Howell – the Arts Council will be holding their annual Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 15th at Wolfs Lane Park from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Happy Father’s Day! Village Trustee Mohan – in May, the Fire Department responded to 84 calls. Earlier this week, the Town sponsored an Award’s Ceremony for all those involved in the life saving effort for Pelham Manor Fire Chief, John Gerken. Thank you to all those that attended. A few updates from Fire Chief Benkwitt, there have been a few houses in the Village where gas leaks have been occurring, so he asks that all homeowners make sure their information is up to date with the Village in case the Fire Department has to contact you. Veolia will also be flushing hydrants, which can cause some brown water. In terms of the Natural Resources Inventory, a productive meeting was held with several key participants involved in local conservation efforts. Attendees included Millie McGrath from the county's NRI efforts, Sarah Powell, who provided the NRI grant through Sea Grants, and Megan Long, from Save the Sound. Greg Spock represented the SAB, and Allison Anderson attended on behalf of the Junior League’s conservation initiatives. Other attendees included Ty Monterella, Heather Eliser, and Yenna Chan. The group discussed ongoing conservation projects at both the village and community group levels. A draft report is expected by the end of the month. Village Trustee Otondi – nothing to report. Village Trustee Solomon Deputy Mayor Carpenter – nothing to report. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 5 - Village Administrator’s Report: Nothing to report. Item # 6 - Mayor’s Report Congratulations to Village Trustee Solomon on receiving the Education Award at the New York State Conference of Mayors. A thank you to all who attended our Municipal Center Ribbon Cutting and 50 th Anniversary Celebration, as well as the Pelham Examiner for their quick publication of the story. Item # 7 - Public Comments No public comment noted. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article XI Entitled Public Urination and Defecation Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has proposed a local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Code of the Village of Pelham to add a new Article XI entitled Public Urination and Defecation; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has determined that the adoption of the local law is a Type II Action and are therefore not subject to the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby calls for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter on a proposed local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code. This meeting will be held at 200 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York; and Be it further resolved, that those members of the public who want to attend/participate in the public hearing remotely, access will be available via the Zoom platform: Please click this URL to join the public hearing remotely: https://zoom.us/j/98917409392?pwd=U09KN2MxTnJHWEU2Nm9ndWxQSEgwZz09 Join by Telephone: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 989 1740 9392 Passcode: 030699 Be it further resolved, that the Village Clerk is hereby directed to publish notice of said public hearing. Vote Record - Item # 8 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 2 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article XI Entitled Public Urination and Defecation – 8:19 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 9 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article X Entitled Prohibition Against Certain Forms of Aggressive Solicitation Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has proposed a local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Code of the Village of Pelham to add a new Article X entitled Prohibition Against Certain Forms of Aggressive Solicitation; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has determined that the adoption of the local law is a Type II Action and are therefore not subject to the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby calls for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter on a proposed local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code. This meeting will be held at 200 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York; and Be it further resolved, that those members of the public who want to attend/participate in the public hearing remotely, access will be available via the Zoom platform: Please click this URL to join the public hearing remotely: https://zoom.us/j/98917409392?pwd=U09KN2MxTnJHWEU2Nm9ndWxQSEgwZz09 Join by Telephone: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 989 1740 9392 Passcode: 030699 Be it further resolved, that the Village Clerk is hereby directed to publish notice of said public hearing. Vote Record - Item # 9 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article X Entitled Prohibition Against Certain Forms of Aggressive Solicitation – 8:20 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 10 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 4 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Redefine “Public Space” Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has proposed a local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Code of the Village of Pelham to redefine “public space”; and Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham has determined that the adoption of the local law is a Type II Action and are therefore not subject to the requirements of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby calls for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. or soon thereafter on a proposed local law to amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code. This meeting will be held at 200 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, New York; and Be it further resolved, that those members of the public who want to attend/participate in the public hearing remotely, access will be available via the Zoom platform: Please click this URL to join the public hearing remotely: https://zoom.us/j/98917409392?pwd=U09KN2MxTnJHWEU2Nm9ndWxQSEgwZz09 Join by Telephone: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 989 1740 9392 Passcode: 030699 Be it further resolved, that the Village Clerk is hereby directed to publish notice of said public hearing. Vote Record - Item # 10 – Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing on Local Law No. 3 of 2025 to Amend Chapter 68 of the Pelham Village Code to Add a New Article X Entitled Prohibition Against Certain Forms of Aggressive Solicitation – 8:21 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing Consulting Agreement Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein authorizes the Village Administrator to execute a Consulting Agreement with James DiNapoli; and Be it further resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham directs the Village Administrator to consult with Village Labor Counsel to determine if consideration is required. If so, the Village Board of Trustees approves an amount not to exceed $1.00. Vote Record - Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing Consulting Agreement – 8:22 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☐Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 12 – Other Business Affordable Housing – Mayor Mullen emphasizes the urgent need to consider a draft ordinance requiring affordable housing as part of larger development projects. This initiative aligns with previously adopted GEIs (Greenhouse Gas Emission Initiatives), reflects county expectations, and is necessary for future collaborations, especially on flood mitigation efforts. While the ordinance follows a model seen across the county, it must be tailored to local development conditions. Concerns remain about whether adding affordability requirements might discourage development by reducing potential revenue, especially given past limitations with the BDFZ. A draft is being prepared by the planner and is expected to be reviewed in the next Work Session. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Recurring Items Item # 13 - Authorizing Accounts Payable Village Trustee Otondi 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/Treasurer and Deputy Village Treasurer: Fund Name: Amount General Fund (A) $1,212,776.84 Capital Projects Fund (H) $ 268,095.50 Trust & Agency (T) $ 0.00 Private Purpose Trust Fund (TE) $ 0.00 Grand Total $1,478,081.67 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 Accounts Payable – 8:29 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Item # 14 - Authorizing Minutes of: May 27, 2025 Regular Meeting Vote Record - Item # 13 – Resolution Authorizing the Minutes of May 27, 2025 Regular Meeting – 8:29 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☐Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Item # 15 - Adjournment A motion was made by Village Trustee Solomon, seconded by Village Trustee Eldahry, voted unanimously at 8:30 PM to adjourn for the evening. Respectfully submitted, Adriana Rugova, Village Clerk