Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025, 8:15 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 Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works 9. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a Laborer in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works 10. Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Laborer with Special Skills in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works 11. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with NYSERDA for a $236,087 Grant to Purchase Electric Vehicles, Electric Off-Road Utility Vehicles, Electric Landscaping Equipment and Establishing Capital Project 12. Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles 13. Resolution Authorizing Sewer/Stormwater Maintenance and Access Easement Agreement with Pelham Green 2, LLC. 14. Resolution Authorizing Attendance at the NYCOM Fall Training School (9/15/25 – 9/19/25) 15. Other Business Recurring Items 16. Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25 17. Authorizing Accounts Payable 18. Adjournment Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Item # 1 - Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Mullen called the meeting to order at 8:15 PM. Item # 2 - Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Mullen led the pledge at 8:15 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 – absent. Village Trustee Howell – nothing to report. Village Trustee Mohan - The natural resources inventory, in development since February, is now in draft form and will be presented to the Board in September. In July, the Fire Department handled 96 calls, gave and received mutual aid, and supported local summer camps. The annual 9/11 ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m. Lieutenant Mullen has begun permit inspections, working to streamline the process, and nox boxes are now required for all commercial and apartment buildings. Firefighter Aiden Reynolds graduated on July 11 th and has started onboard training. Village Trustee Otondi – nothing to report. Village Trustee Solomon – There are two updates to report. First, discussions are underway with Administrator Scelza regarding the Westchester County Complete Streets Grant Program, with a submission deadline of September 19th. They are currently evaluating several options. Second, efforts to improve Village communications and transparency continue, including a meeting with Civics Plus about implementing Civic Clerk, a cloud-based agenda and meeting management software. This tool would centralize agendas, minutes, and videos, enable livestreaming, and streamline processes for Village Hall and the board. If approved, a launch is anticipated around December or January. Deputy Mayor Carpenter – nothing to report. Item # 5 - Village Administrator’s Report: Administrator Scelza provided three quick updates. First, field work for the Fiscal Year 25 Audit is complete, with statements to be presented to the Village Board in October. The 2025 road repaving Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2025 has been finished, including sections of Nyac Avenue, Corlies Avenue, 6th Avenue, 3rd Street, and areas around the Municipal Center. The parking lot rehabilitation behind the Municipal Center is substantially complete, with only final touches like membrane coating and landscaping remaining. Lastly, the Department of Public Works will begin its annual restriping of crosswalks, parking spots, and road markings ahead of the school year. Item # 6 - Mayor’s Report Mayor Mullen shares his well wishes for a wonderful summer and hopes everyone is enjoying the season! Item # 7 - Public Comments David Cooper: David Cooper, on behalf of Pelham Green, is seeking authorization to finalize an easement agreement with the Village for sewer, waterline, and stormwater management improvements related to their mixed-use development across the street. These improvements, located within the Village right-of-way, require Department of Health approval, which hinges on securing easement rights for access and maintenance. The agreement also covers two stormwater separators beneath the sidewalk. They are requesting approval for the Mayor and Board to sign the document to move forward with the county review process. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works Whereas, Gerald Tew has submitted his formal notice of retirement, effective July 31, 2025, as a Motor Equipment Operator in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s promotion of Joseph Larios of Poughkeepsie, NY, to the position of Motor Equipment Operator, Job Class Code 0427-02, effective and retroactive to Monday, August 11, 2025, at an annual salary of $86,700, for a one (1) year probationary period, subject to the requirements of the New York Civil Service Law, the Westchester County Civil Service Rules, and the Village of Pelham Employee Handbook; and Be it further resolved, that the Village Administrator is authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to affect this appointment. Vote Record - Item # 8 – Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Motor Equipment Operator in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works – 8:28 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 9 – Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a Laborer in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the appointment by the Mayor of Anthony Ibarra of Yonkers, NY, to the position of Laborer, First, Job Class Code 0425-05, effective and retroactive to Monday, August 11, 2025, at an annual salary of $75,480, for a one (1) year probationary period, subject to the requirements of the New York Civil Service Law, the Westchester County Civil Service Rules, and the Village of Pelham Employee Handbook; and Be it further resolved, that the Village Administrator is authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to affect this appointment. Vote Record - Item # 9 – Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a Laborer in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works – 8:29 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 10 - Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Laborer with Special Skills in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works Whereas, the position of Laborer with Special Skills has been identified as necessary to support ongoing departmental operations; and Whereas, Vincent Pizzutiello has demonstrated the qualifications and competencies required for this position; and Whereas, General Foreman Robert Giustino has formally recommended Mr. Pizzutiello for promotion. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the Mayor’s promotion of Vincent Pizzutiello of Pelham, NY, to the position of Laborer with Special Skills, in accordance with Article VII, Section 3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective and retroactive to Monday, August 11, 2025, at an annual salary of $84,252, for a one (1) year probationary period, subject to the requirements of the New York Civil Service Law, the Westchester County Civil Service Rules, and the Village of Pelham Employee Handbook; and Vote Record - Item # 10 – Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of a Laborer to Laborer with Special Skills in the Village of Pelham Department of Public Works – 8:30 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with NYSERDA for a $236,087 Grant to Purchase Electric Vehicles, Electric Off-Road Utility Vehicles, Electric Landscaping Equipment and Establishing Capital Project Whereas, the Village of Pelham (“Village”) has been selected to receive a Clean Energy Communities Grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) in the amount of $236,087.00, for the acquisition of electric road vehicles, electric off-road utility vehicles, and electric landscaping equipment for the Village of Pelham Police Department and the Department of Public Works; and Whereas, the Grant program requires signing an Agreement with NYSERDA; and Whereas, Village management recommends the establishment of a Capital Project in accordance with the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Grant awarded in the amount of $236,087.00; Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the Village Administrator to sign an Agreement with NYSERDA and to accept the Grant; and Be it further resolved, the respective Capital Project and project budget is established, as follows: Increase: Capital Projects Fund Appropriations Account No. Account Description Amount Natural Resources – 2025 NYSERDA CEC EV H.8790.201 Grant 249326 $236,087.00 Increase: Capital Projects Fund Revenues Account No. Account Description Amount State Aid – 2025 NYSERDA CEC EV Grant H.3398 249326 $236,087.00 Vote Record - Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with NYSERDA for a $236,087 Grant to Purchase Electric Vehicles, Electric Off-Road Utility Vehicles, Electric Landscaping Equipment and Establishing Capital Project – 8:31 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 12 - Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles Whereas, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has offered the Village of Pelham (“Village”) a Grant under the Clean Energy Communities Program in the amount of $236,087 to support the purchase of two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles for use by the Village of Pelham Police Department; and Whereas, the Village contacted the vendor having the New York State Contract for Chevrolet through their authorized dealer Denooyer Chevrolet, Inc., 127 Wolf Road, Colonie, New York 12205 ; and Whereas, the Village received a quote in the amount of $115,423; and Whereas, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (the “SEQRA Act”) and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York, being 6 NYCRR Part 617, as amended (the “Regulations”), the Project constitutes a “Type II Action” under 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(31) and no further action under the SEQRA Act and the Regulations is required. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the Village Administrator to purchase off of New York State Contract PC69048 two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles, through Denooyer Chevrolet, Inc., 127 Wolf Road, Colonie, New York 12205, in the amount of $115,423; and Be it further resolved, that the Village Administrator is authorized to undertake such administrative acts as may be required to effectuate this purchase. Vote Record - Item # 12 – Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two (2) 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicles – 8:32 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 13 - Resolution Authorizing Sewer/Stormwater Maintenance and Access Easement Agreement with Pelham Green 2, LLC. Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein authorizes the Village Administrator to execute the attached Sewer/Stormwater Maintenance and Access Easement Agreement between Pelham Green 2, LLC., and the Village of Pelham. Vote Record - Item # 13 – Resolution Authorizing Sewer/Stormwater Maintenance and Access Easement Agreement with Pelham Green 2, LLC. – 8:27 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 14 – Resolution Authorizing Attendance at the NYCOM Fall Training School (9/15/25 – 9/19/25) Whereas, the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials (“NYCOM”) is an association of, and for, cities and villages in New York. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active statewide network focused on the singular purpose of finding the most effective means of providing essential municipal services; and Whereas, NYCOM hosts its Fall Training School in Lake Placid each year; and Whereas, Attendance at this training event is permitted by § 77-b of the General Municipal Law. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein authorizes Village Clerk Rugova to attend the Fall Training School at the Conference Center at Lake Placid on behalf of the Village of Pelham from Monday, September 15, 2025 to Friday, September 19, 2025, with cost of said meeting including travel, hotel and registration fees not to exceed $1,900.00 to be covered by the Village. Vote Record - Item # 14 – Resolution Authorizing Attendance at the NYCOM Fall Training School (9/15/25 – 9/19/25) – 8:33 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 15 - Other Business No other business noted. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Recurring Items Item # 16 - Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25 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 and Deputy Village Treasurer to modify the 2024-25 Budget by making the following budget year-end amendments and transfers (items attached hereto and made part hereof). Vote Record - Item # 16 – Authorizing Year-End Budget Amendments and Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25 – 8:34 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 17 - 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/Treasurer and Deputy Village Treasurer: Fund Name: Amount General Fund (A) $ 732,632.82 Capital Projects Fund (H) $ 626,431.44 Trust & Agency (T) $ 1,970.00 Private Purpose Trust Fund (TE) $ 0.00 Grand Total $1,361,034.26 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 # 17 – Resolution Authorizing Accounts Payable – 8:35 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 12, 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, August 12, 2025 Item # 18 – Adjournment A motion was made by Village Trustee Solomon, seconded by Village Trustee Howell, voted unanimously at 8:35 PM to adjourn for the evening. Respectfully submitted, Adriana Rugova, Village Clerk