Board of Trustees

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF PIERMONT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING May 14, 2024 Present: Mayor Bruce Tucker, Deputy Mayor Mark Blomquist, Trustee Rob Burns, Trustee Nathan Mitchell, Trustee Michael Wright, Rudy Zodda for Village Attorney, and Jennifer DeYorgi Maher Village Clerk-Treasurer. Not Present: Lino Sciarretta, Esq Mayor Bruce Tucker called the meeting to order and lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #1 Approval of Meeting Minutes Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve the minutes for April 16, 2024, and April 29, 2024. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays. Item #2 Approval of Warrant Trustee Blomquist made a motion to approve Warrant #051424 in the amount of $418,556.24. The motion was seconded by Trustee Burns and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #3 Department Reports Department of Public Works - Highway Superintendent Tom Temple was not present. Police Department – Chief Hurley stated for the month of April there were 117 summonses issued 476 calls for service were completed 106 Grandview the remaining 370 were in Piermont. Chief Hurley stated the Rockland County awarded the Village of Piermont Police Department $15,000.00 for Law Enforcement Program to compensate for Police Officer overtime. He reported almost all the Officers have completed the Project Connect Training. The Piermont Police Department needs to enter into an agreement with Rockland County for Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, a Resolution is required. The Piermont Police Department was awarded approximately $170,000.00 for the NYS Law Enforcement Technology Grant. Mayor Tucker will need to sign an agreement with the State, a Resolution is required. Chief Hurley stated May 19th through June 2nd the Piermont Police Department will be participating in Buckle up New York, which is covered by State Funding. Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve the Resolution for the MOU for Project Connect for the Piermont Police Department to receive $15,000.00 from Rockland County. The motion was seconded by Trustee Burns and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve the Resolution for the Piermont Police Department to receive $168,000.00 for the NYS Law Enforcement Technology Grant. The motion was seconded by Trustee Burns and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Building Department - Building Inspector Charles Schaub was not present. Parks Department – Dan Sherman was not present. Fire Department – Fire Chief Larry Cabrera stated for the month of April the Piermont Fire Department responded to 28 emergencies, 14 EMS calls ,14 Fire calls. He stated the Fire Department had their first angle rescue of the season. He stated he will need a Resolution to adopt the Rockland County Fire Mutual Aid Plan. This needs to be done every five years, there are no major changes. Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve the Resolution to adopt the Piermont Fire Department – Empire Hose CO. #1 to participate in the Rockland County Fire Mutual Aid Plan. The motion was seconded by Trustee Burns and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Village of Piermont Board of Trustee Minutes May 14, 2024 Page 2 of 6 RESOLUTION NO: 0514-24 VILLAGE OF PIERMONT RESOLUTION BY THE VILLAGE OF PIERMONT BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE PIERMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT – EMPIRE HOSE CO. #1 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ROCKLAND COUNTY FIRE MUTUAL AID PLAN Trustee Blomquist offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLVED that this Board encourages the participation of the Piermont Fire Department – Empire Hose Co. #1 in the Rockland County Fire Mutual Aid Plan as now in force and as amended from time to time and certifies to the Legislature of Rockland County through its County Fire Coordinator that no restriction exists against “outside service” by such fire company Piermont Fire Department – Empire Hose Co. #1 within the meaning of Section 209 of the General Municipal Law which would affect the power of such fire company Piermont Fire Department – Empire Hose Co. #1 to participate in such plan. And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be filed with the County Fire Coordinator. Trustee Mitchell seconded this resolution and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #4 - Old Business Village Clerk-Treasurer asked if there were any updates on the Pier Inspection. Trustee Mitchell stated he expects the inspection to be done this weekend of May 18, 2024. Mayor Tucker had no old business to discuss. Trustee Blomquist had no old business to discuss. Trustee Burns had no old business to discuss. Trustee Mitchell had no old business to discuss. Trustee Wright had no old business to discuss. Item# 5 New Business Village Clerk-Treasurer stated she received a 30-day Waiver request from Trata on the River LLC at 701 Piermont Avenue. Village Clerk-Treasurer stated she received the annual renewal notice from Travelers Insurance. The premium has increased 17%, flood locations deductibles increased to $100,000.00 and Inland Marine/FD miscellaneous property deductible increased to $5,000.00. Village Clerk-Treasurer asked the Village Board to appoint Michael Bettmann Jr. to MEO II position effective June 1, 2024. He was promoted to MEO I last year. The one year required probation by the Rockland County Department of Personnel has been met. Superintendent Tom Temple would like him to move into the MEO II position, the only change will be his title with the County. Village Clerk-Treasurer stated Bill Limandri a resident who works for Laborie Medical in Orangeburg would like to volunteer for around five hours the week of May 20, 2024. Village Clerk Treasurer stated she received notification from Donna Silberman from The County of Rockland stating they are launching a Mobile Passport Office for people to renew or apply for a new passport. Village of Piermont Board of Trustee Minutes May 14, 2024 Page 3 of 6 Item# 5 New Business (Continued) Village Clerk Treasurer stated she received an email from June Starke in opposition of the 447- 477 Piermont Avenue building project. Trustee Burns made a motion to approve the 30-day Waiver for the SLA for Trata on the River LLC at 701 Piermont Avenue. The motion was seconded by Trustee Mitchell and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Trustee Mitchell made a motion to Appoint Michael Bettmann Jr to MEO II effective June 1, 2024. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Mayor Tucker stated the five-year contract for recycling with Rockland Green is expiring, He will be meeting with them Wednesday May 22, 2024, to review the new proposal. Trustee Blomquist had no new business to discuss. Trustee Burns had no new business to discuss. Trustee Mitchell had no new business to discuss. Trustee Wright had no new business to discuss. Item #6 Public Comment Laurie Lehey – 381 Ferdon Ave stated she opposes property 447-477 Piermont Avenue Dennis Hardy – 21 Gair Street thanked the Mayor and Board for opening Public Comment in the beginning of the Village Board Meeting. He opposes property 447-477 Piermont Avenue. He would like the Board to place a moratorium on any projects in the CBM District. Kate McCabe – 320 Ash Street stated she opposes 447-477 Piermont Avenue; she feels it changes the character of the Village. She would like to see the Village’s use of technology improved. Alexis Starke – 153 Hudson Terrace stated she opposes 447-477 Piermont Avenue; she would like the Village Board to repeal the CBM Zone. She would like open and green space to be preserved for the public and the environment. Janice Young – 20 Ladik Street stated she opposes 447-477 Piermont Avenue; she does not want to live in an overdeveloped area. She has concerns about flooding, parking, traffic congestion, noise pollution sewage containment and land that was allocated for public use. She would like the Village Board to repeal the CBM Zone. Item #7 Continuation of Public Hearing - Request for Special Permit and waiver for Piermont Developers LLC (447-477 Piermont Avenue) POSTPONED Postponed to June 11, 2024, Board of Trustee Meeting. Village of Piermont Board of Trustee Minutes May 14, 2024 Page 4 of 6 Item #8 Review Arbor Hill Tree Risk Assessment report for the trees out on the Landing and along Ferry Road Mayor Tucker stated that the Landing hired Bartlett Tree Experts to access the trees on the Landing and along Ferry Road. The Village of Piermont hired Arbor Hill, an arborist, to review the recommendations of Barlett Tree Experts on the Landing and along Ferry Road. Mayor Tucker reviewed Arbor Hill’s recommendations at the meeting. The next step will be to get a quote from a tree removal company to do the recommended work. The Arborist received a letter from Angela Schimizzi from the New York State Department of Environmental conservation, Mayor Tucker read the letter from Angela, in the letter Angela recommended avoiding tree removal between April 15th and August 1st due to the presence of breeding endangered and threatened marsh birds that are present. Joan Scheffold asked if anyone on the Board has walked the property where the trees are going to be cut down? Mayor Tucker stated that is the reason why this is being done. Item #9 Review draft local law “No right on red from Piermont Avenue onto Highland Avenue Mayor Tucker stated this is a request from Orangetown at the intersection known as “Kips Corner”. They are requesting that the Village have a “No Right on Red” Local Law as you come down Piermont Ave and make a right on Highland heading back to 9W. Public Hearing scheduled for June 11, 2024 Item #10 Review request from the Piermont Public Library to hold an annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:15pm. They are requesting that all fees be waived and the street in front of Library to be closed to vehicle traffic Mayor Tucker made a motion to approve the Piermont Public Library to hold an annual Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:15pm. All fees will be waived and the street in front of Library will be closed to vehicle traffic. The motion was seconded by Trustee Burns and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #11 Resolution to approve the Memorial Day Watch Fire – Wednesday, May 29, 2024, on the Piermont Pier Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve the Memorial Day Watch Fire – Wednesday, May 29, 2024, on the Pier. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #12 Request from Piermont Landing to have amplified music on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 12:00pm-4:00pm Trustee Mitchell made a motion to approve Piermont Landing to have amplified music on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 12:00pm-4:00pm. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Village of Piermont Board of Trustee Minutes May 14, 2024 Page 5 of 5 Item #13 Review request from Il Panini Fiorentino at 453 Piermont Avenue to waive the 30-day advance notice to the Municipality for a Liquor License Trustee Burns made a motion to waive the 30-day SLA advance notice for Il Panini Fiorentino at 453 Piermont Avenue. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #14 Resolution to adopt the Rockland County Fire Mutual Aid Plan which includes changes/updates Resolution was accepted during Chief Cabrera’s Fire Department Report. Item #15 Review and accept Village of Piermont Financial Audit report May 31, 2023 Trustee Blomquist reviewed the Financial Report, he will have a formal report prepared at the next Board of Trustees Meeting on June 11, 2024. Mayor Tucker made a motion to accept the Village of Piermont Financial Audit May 31, 2023. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #16 Resolution to adopt 2024 Base Proportions Mayor Tucker made a motion to adopt 2024 Base Proportions 2023. The motion was seconded by Trustee Mitchell and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #17 Resolution to adopt the 2024 Tax Warrant Mayor Tucker made a motion to adopt the 2024 Tax Warrant in the amount of $5,372,160.00. The motion was seconded by Trustee Wright and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #18 Resolution to create a new Seasonal Laborer position for the Department of Public Works Trustee Burns made a motion to approve a new Seasonal Laborer position for the Department of Public Works. The motion was seconded by Trustee Mitchell and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #19 Resolution to appoint Christian Catania to the newly created position Secretary, Planning and Zoning Boards Trustee Burns made a motion to appoint Christian Catania to the newly created position Secretary, Planning and Zoning Boards. The motion was seconded by Trustee Mitchell and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Village of Piermont Board of Trustee Minutes May 14, 2024 Page 6 of 6 Item #20 Review and approve 2024-2025 Capital Budget Mayor Tucker stated the price of the Darkwater Vision Camera on the Piermont Fire Departments Capital Project seemed high. Trustee Mitchell stated the camera is needed; the Fire Department will price around for a lesser price. That item was removed from the Piermont Fire Department’s Capital items. Mayor Tucker made a motion to approve 2024-2025 Capital Budget in the amount of $320,269.32. Village Hall in the amount of $68,500.00, Fire Department in the amount of $59,119.32, Police Department in the amount of $20,000.00 and DPW in the amount of $172,650.00. The motion was seconded by Trustee Blomquist and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Item #21 Adjournment Trustee Burns made a motion at 7:38pm to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Trustee Mitchell and so carried with a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer DeYorgi Maher Clerk-Treasurer