Mayor & Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, 8:05 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 Appointment of a School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) 9. Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) 10. Resolution Authorizing Special Event Request from Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 11. Resolution Authorizing Architectural Agreement for The North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project Pump Station 12. Other Business – Resolution to Reschedule the September 23, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting; Resolution to Authorize Engagement of Consultant to Perform a Blight Study Under General Municipal Law Articles 15 and 15A, and Article 18-C, § 970-b in Connection with the Redevelopment of the Wolfs Lane Corridor Recurring Items 13. Authorizing Accounts Payable 14. Authorizing Minutes of: June 24th 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting and July 8th 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting 15. Adjournment Next Regularly Scheduled BOT Meetings: Thursday, September 25, 2025 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Item # 1 - Meeting Called to Order: Mayor Mullen called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM. Item # 2 - Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Mullen led the pledge at 8:05 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 – nothing to report. Village Trustee Mohan – absent. Village Trustee Otondi – nothing to report. Village Trustee Solomon – nothing to report. Deputy Mayor Carpenter – nothing to report. Item # 5 - Village Administrator’s Report: The parking lot renovation behind the Municipal Center was completed on Labor Day weekend. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience during the construction. Prior to the start of the school year, the Village has completed their annual paving program. Sixth Avenue as well as Third Street, Corlies, and Nyac were repaved and restriped. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Item # 6 - Mayor’s Report Thank you to the Westchester County Association and its leader, Michael Romita, as well as the Regional Plan Association, for hosting a valuable webinar today at 4 PM focused on the Village of Pelham’s approach to growth. It was a well-attended event with around 130 participants, including representatives from county, state, and federal levels. The discussion highlighted the Village’s progress and received positive feedback, recognizing the ongoing efforts from past leadership under Mayor Volpe to the present. It was a meaningful opportunity to showcase Pelham’s accomplishments and acknowledge the contributions of the many community members who made it all possible. The annual 9/11 ceremony, hosted by the American Legion Post 50, will be held this Thursday at 8:30 AM on Harmon Place. All are welcome to join! The Village of Pelham is mourning the loss of Terri Rouke, a beloved former Village Clerk who served the community with dedication for many years. Terri joined the Village staff in 2001, initially working with the Police Department before moving to Village Hall, where she became known as the “heart of Village Hall.” Her thoughtful and supportive approach made a lasting impact on every trustee and mayor she worked with. Her deep understanding of the Village and her generous spirit made her an invaluable presence and a joy to work with. Terri will be deeply missed, and the Village extends its heartfelt condolences to her family and all who knew and loved her. Item # 7 - Public Comments No public comment noted. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Non-Recurring Items Item # 8 – Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a School Crossing Guard (Part- Time) Whereas, Susan Torres, by letter dated August 20, 2025, and effective August 29, 2025, submitted her letter of resignation as School Crossing Guard for the Village of Pelham. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the appointment by the Mayor of Brenda Di Capua of Eastchester, NY to the position of School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) Job Class Code 0141-02, effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a one-year (1 Year) probationary period, at an annual salary of $11,424.00 subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service; 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 Appointment of a School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) – 8:13 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Item # 9 – Resolution Authorizing the Appointment of a School Crossing Guard (Part- Time) Whereas, Jamie Cabarrocas, by letter dated August 20, 2025, and effective August 29, 2025, submitted her letter of resignation as School Crossing Guard for the Village of Pelham. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby confirms the appointment by the Mayor of Kristen G. Whalen of Pelham, NY to the position of School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) Job Class Code 0141-02, effective Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a one-year (1 Year) probationary period, at an annual salary of $11,424.00 subject to the requirements of Westchester County Civil Service; 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 School Crossing Guard (Part-Time) – 8:14 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 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, September 9, 2025 Item # 10 - Resolution Authorizing Special Event Request from Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 Whereas, on July 9, 2025, Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 submitted a special event and street closure request for the section of 5th Avenue between Lincoln Ave and 3rd street for certain hours on Saturday, October 4th, 2025; and Whereas, Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 shall reimburse the Village for all costs incurred by the Village as a result of the event, including but not limited to Police Department and Department of Public Works overtime, and provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the Village as an additional insured in a form and amount satisfactory to the Village. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein authorizes the appropriate Village officials and staff to take the necessary and appropriate actions to allow this event to take place. Vote Record - Item # 10 – Resolution Authorizing Special Event Request from Pelham Professional Firefighters Local 2213 – 8:15 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 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, September 9, 2025 Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing Architectural Agreement for The North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project Pump Station Be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the Village Administrator to execute the attached Proposal for Professional Services and Fee Schedule dated January 9, 2025, from AI Engineers, Inc., Dolph Rotfeld Engineering Division for professional architectural services for the North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project Pump Station in an amount not to exceed $392,466; and Be it further resolved, that funding will be a combination of Local, Federal and State resources and that said funds shall be deposited in the appropriate Capital Budget Accounts for the North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project as determined by the Village Administrator/Treasurer. Vote Record - Item # 11 – Resolution Authorizing Architectural Agreement for The North Pelham Watershed Flood Mitigation Project Pump Station – 8:16 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 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, September 9, 2025 Item # 12 - Other Business Resolution to Reschedule the September 23, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting WHEREAS, the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees had previously scheduled a regular meeting for Tuesday, September 23, 2025; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that rescheduling the meeting is necessary and in the best interest of the Board and the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the regular meeting of the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, is hereby rescheduled to Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM to be held at Village Hall; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that notice of this change shall be provided to the public in accordance with applicable law and Village procedures. Vote Record – Resolution to Reschedule the September 23, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting – 8:17 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Resolution to Authorize Engagement of Consultant to Perform a Blight Study Under General Municipal Law Articles 15 and 15A, and Article 18-C, § 970-b in Connection with the Redevelopment of the Wolfs Lane Corridor Whereas, in April of 2008, the Village of Pelham (the “Village”) passed a Comprehensive Plan, which constituted an update from the prior plan previously adopted in 2007 (the “Comprehensive Plan”); and Whereas, the population of the Village has been steadily increasing; and Whereas, the Comprehensive Plan was developed with the intent of achieving a balance between suburban residential and downtown economic perspectives, and a balance between growth and conservation of the existing quality of life; namely, the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in order to maintain Village character, promote economic development in the Village’s downtown, and to sustain and promote the prosperity and unique qualities of the Village; and Whereas, pursuant to its Comprehensive Plan vision of a mixed-use, pedestrian friendly and transit- oriented Village Downtown, the Village Board of Trustees have determined to hold a vote to authorize the engagement of a consultant to prepare a blight study for the anticipated and desired redevelopment in a core area of the Village. The Village has identified potential incidences of blight in the Wolfs Lane corridor; and Whereas, the proposed blight study will identify land use issues that could benefit from Village intervention to foster economic growth, improve infrastructure, alleviate urban blight, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Village of Pelham. The proposed blight study will: • Identify areas affected by blight and analyze contributing factors; • Assess the social, economic, and environmental impact of blight on the downtown in general, and on Wolfs Lane; • Develop data-driven recommendations for redevelopment and revitalization; and • Engage local stakeholders to understand community concerns and priorities. Whereas, the study area shall include the following properties situated on Wolfs Lane: (1) 163 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, New York; (2) 151 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, New York; (3) 149 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, New York; and (4) 175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, New York (hereinafter, collectively, the “Study Area”); and Whereas, in order to explore the potential for redevelopment and in order to determine whether redevelopment of the Study Area is warranted, the Village would like to retain NHB Planning Group LLC (hereinafter referred to as the “Consultant”) to undertake a blight determination study to survey and analyze the Study Area; to conclude if the Study Area is underperforming and to identify and determine if the properties included in the Study Area constitute blight under Articles 15 and 15A, and Article 18-C § 970-b of the General Municipal Law (the “GML”); and Whereas, the purpose of the blight determination study is to document the extent of blight in the Study Area or portions thereof. If evidence is found to support a finding of blight, the study will facilitate the redevelopment and/or potential property acquisition by the Village for purposes of advancing redevelopment in a subsequent redevelopment plan, pursuant to GML Articles 15 and 15A, and Article 18-C § 970-b. Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham herein authorizes the Village Administrator to move forward with the engagement of NHB Planning Group LLC to conduct a blight study in the Study Area in order to further the goals of its Comprehensive Plan and the potential redevelopment of the Study Area, together with such other and further investigations as Village staff, engineering consultants, and counsel may deem necessary, as per the attached proposal from NHB Planning LLC, dated June 16, 2025, in an amount not to exceed Eight Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 ($8,500.00). Vote Record – Resolution to Authorize Engagement of Consultant to Perform a Blight Study Under General Municipal Law Articles 15 and 15A, and Article 18-C, § 970-b in Connection with the Redevelopment of the Wolfs Lane Corridor – 8:20 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Recurring Items Item # 13 - Authorizing Accounts Payable Village Trustee Eldahry 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) $ 247,058.59 Capital Projects Fund (H) $ 223,382.05 Trust & Agency (T) $ 10,589.38 Private Purpose Trust Fund (TE) $ 0.00 Grand Total $481,030.02 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 # 13 – Resolution Authorizing Accounts Payable – 8:22 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 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, September 9, 2025 Item # 14 - Authorizing Minutes of: June 24, 2025 and July 8, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Vote Record - Item # 14 – Resolution Authorizing the Minutes of June 24, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting – 8:24 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent ☒Approved Mayor Mullen ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Approved as Deputy Mayor Carpenter ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Amended Village Trustee Eldahry 2nd ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Tabled Village Trustee Howell ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐Withdrawn Village Trustee Mohan ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐Discussed Village Trustee Otondi ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Village Trustee Solomon Motion ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Vote Record - Item # 14 – Resolution Authorizing the Minutes of July 8, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting – 8:24 PM Village of Pelham Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 9, 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 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ Item # 15 – Adjournment A motion was made by Village Trustee Solomon, seconded by Village Trustee Otondi, voted unanimously at 8:25 PM to adjourn for the evening. Respectfully submitted, Adriana Rugova, Village Clerk