White Plains Urban Renewal Agency

A Special Meeting of the Common Council held Monday, March 31, 2025, called for six thirty o’clock in the Common Council Chamber Mayor Roach presiding and the following members present:, Mr. Brasch, Mr. Frei-Pearson, Mr. Martin, Mr Payne, Mrs. Puja and Ms. Presser. The Mayor granted the pleasure of the floor to Noam Bramson of Sustainable Westchester. Westchester Power Presentation White Plains March 31, 2025 AN URGENT CHALLENGE Global Crisis Local Impacts Intensifying Inequalities ● Urban Heat Islands ● Poor Air Quality ● Inadequate Housing ● Vulnerability to Flooding ● Financial Burdens 5 New York is Falling Short New York’s 2030 Goals Energy Use is Rising Especially the building and transportation sectors, with AI and computing coming on fast. Electricity from Renewable Energy 70% Emissions are Increasing Up 8% since the pandemic. Going in the wrong direction. GHG Emission Reduction (from 1990) Clean Energy is Not Keeping Up 40% Statewide solar capacity rising at 20% per year, less than half the necessary pace. It’s Getting Worse - No Time to Waste A Positive Opportunity 8 Sustainable Westchester A Model of Regional Collaboration, Created By and For the Municipalities of Westchester County 45 Members Cities, Towns & Villages The County Government Leadership Volunteer Board Public Officials, Advocates, Subject-Matter Experts Staff A Team of 20 Across 4 Departments Decades of Experience Impact, Partnerships, and Innovation Impactful Programming A track record of delivering solutions through a range of effective programs touching more than 150,000 households. ● Solar & Battery Storage ● Building Decarbonization ● Green Workforce Development ● Westchester Power CCA Wide-Ranging Partnerships ● Municipal and County Leaders ● NYSERDA and Clean Energy Hubs ● US Department of Energy ● Businesses, Not-for-Profits, and Foundations ● Volunteer Advocates Culture of Innovation Firsts in New York State: ● Residential Demand-Response ● Community Choice Aggregation ● Sunshine-to-EV Fast Chargers ● Community Solar in Westchester  WHAT IS CCA? (COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION) Electricity 101: Delivery vs. Supply DELIVERY Always a utility responsibility SUPPLY Consumers have choices Alone: Consumers Have Limited Power Together: More Power, A Better Deal  WESTCHESTER POWER CCA First and Largest CCA in New York State 26 Municipalities 130,000 Residents and Small Businesses How Does It Work? How Does It Work? 1 MUNICIPALITIES JOIN TOGETHER How Does It Work? 1 MUNICIPALITIES JOIN TOGETHER 2 OPEN BIDDING PROCESS How Does It Work? 1 MUNICIPALITIES JOIN TOGETHER 2 OPEN BIDDING PROCESS 3 CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY How Does It Work? 1 MUNICIPALITIES JOIN TOGETHER 2 4 OPEN BIDDING PROCESS PUBLIC NOTIFICATION 3 CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY How Does It Work? 1 MUNICIPALITIES JOIN TOGETHER 2 4 OPEN BIDDING PROCESS PUBLIC NOTIFICATION 3 5 CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSUMER CHOICE  WESTCHESTER POWER IS A CORNERSTONE OF REGIONAL CLIMATE ACTION A Success Story Provide Clean Energy GOALS Expand Consumer Choice Cap Electricity Costs Provide Clean Energy 2024 76,473 Cars Off The Road* 327,852 $42,620,754 Metric Tons Social Cost Averted** of Carbon 5,421,061 New Trees Planted* * Ref. EPA Calculator, ** NY DEC Guidelines for State Agencies, @ 2% discount rate Provide Clean Energy 2024 All Other 327,852 Municipal Actions Metric Tons Combined of Carbon Expand Consumer Choice ESCOs DEFAULT Utility Traditional Expand Consumer Choice Westchester Power DEFAULT ESCOs ESCOs DEFAULT Utility Utility Traditional CCA Cap Electricity Costs UTILITY RATES HAVE VARIED from 4 cents to 22 cents since program launch. WP PREDICTABLE FIXED-RATE never exceeds the contract level. EMPOWERMENT Consumer Can Always Opt-Out (And It’s Easy) OPTING OUT IS SIMPLE, customers can: 1. Mail (Before Enrollment) 2. Online at sustainablewestchester.org/wp/con-ed-area-choosesupply 3. Email westchesterpower@sustainablewestchester.org 4. Phone at (914) 242-4725 ext.111 NEVER ANY FEES OR PENALTIES COME AND GO AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE ONCE & DONE: You remain out of the program unless you choose to opt back in. Robust Communication & Engagement Post Contract Award Period 2 Public Meetings 2 Virtual Information Sessions 8 Supplemental: 4 Electronic & 4 Physical 30-Day Opt-out Period (Post-Letter, Pre-Enrollment) 1 Public Meeting 2 Virtual Information Sessions 8 Supplemental: 4 Electronic & 4 Physical Electronic Outreach Includes: (a) Digital Advertisements (b) Television or Radio Coverage or (c) Municipal Communications. Physical Outreach Includes: (a) Posters/Flyers (b) Newspaper Print Advertisements (c) Municipal Communications (d) Additional Mailings Such as Postcards (e) Inserts in Tax or Water Bills or (f) Tabling Events. Plus Detailed Monthly Reports to Municipal Leaders Why is the Opt-Out Formula Necessary? VIABILITY The only practical model IMPACT Clean energy uptake at scale THERE IS ALWAYS A DEFAULT !!! Not whether, but what Foundation for Other Services Added Value Opt-In Programs Available Now EnergySmart Homes (4,800 households assisted.) GridRewards (5,000 customers, saving nearly $250,000.) Community Solar (3,000 subscribers for 40 MWdcs of CDG capacity.) Community Education Energy Kit Sessions Deep Engagement with DACs Individualized Assistance Mobilization of Local Volunteers and Committees Awaiting DPS Review Opt-Out CDG (91,000 households in Westchester DACs. 11 MWdc already under contract able to serve 2,750 households.) Energy Leadership & Agency Residents & Businesses Municipalities Make the best choices for Advance community-wide values and ourselves from a broader priorities through intentional menu of options. decision-making. Price Enhanced Competition & Options Predictability Clean, Renewable Power Environmental Action Consumer Protection RATES Competitive Renewable Rates Current Snapshot - Con Ed Westchester Power Con Edison Current Contract* Jan Feb March 11.06 12.19 12.91 TBD 50% 12.18 100% 13.30 * Note Rate Reduction in May: -0.09 Competitive Renewable Rates Historic Performance Year Con Ed Avg WP Renewable WP Standard 2016 8.01 7.68 7.38 2017 8.41 7.68 7.38 2018 8.55 7.68 7.38 2019 6.46 7.96 7.71 2020 5.64 7.96 7.71 2021 7.23 7.41 6.75 2022 10.38 9.34 8.40 2023 9.36 15.13 13.36 2024 10.09 15.08 13.68 Since 2016 8.24 9.66 8.42 ABOVE BELOW Importantly, Westchester Power has Utility Utility typically beaten ESCO pricing for Price Price renewable energy. Uncertainty, But Choices Can Optimize Costs With CCA, you can always choose the ConEd WP lowest rate CHOICE Uncertainty, But Choices Can Optimize Costs Without CCA, you are stuck with the ConEd WP utility (or an ESCO) NO CHOICE Low & Moderate Income Protections/Assistance Not Enrolled in CCA Guaranteed Savings Community Solar HEAP Home Energy Assistance Program GridRewards UAP Utility Assistance Program EmPower+ WHY ACT QUICKLY? Earlier Approval Helps Optimize Procurement Requested Timing Current contract runs through November 30. Requesting approval of MOU as soon as possible, and no later than April 19. Also selection of 50%/100% default. Benefits Flexibility to schedule award when market is most favorable and/or to re-bid if necessary. Take advantage of “shoulder months,” prior to the price pressure of the summer season. Reduce exposure to the risks of national/global turmoil. Additional Context Higher utility delivery charges highlight the value of stable fixed rates on the supply side. AGENCY & IMPACT What Can We Do? Local Leadership for Global Impact MODEL COUNTY 10th LARGEST GLOBAL GDP INSPIRATION & IMPACT “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” John Wesley Westchester Power Program Cleaner Energy THANK YOU! More Choices Questions Capped Costs  The Mayor granted the pleasure of the floor to Neil Alexander of Cuddy and Feder who represented the applicant for the property at 60 South Broadway. He said that a buyer has been identified for the property. The Mayor granted the pleasure of the floor to Commissioner of Public Works to discuss the following Capital Projects:  CAPITAL PROJECTS BOARD MUNICIPAL BUILDING 255 MAIN STREET ● WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601 (914) 422-1206 ● FAX: (914) 422-1469 THOMAS M. ROACH MAYOR TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS Included in the FY 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program as recently amended by the Capital Projects Board is a project for roof and wall repairs at Fire Station #2 for $1,500,000. This project will provide a new roof and repair the north wall to repair and prevent water damage. On August 5, 2024 the Common Council approved $150,000 for the design phase of the project. An additional amount of $76,000 is now being requested for additional testing and structural design services. Submitted herewith is legislation which would authorize the Mayor to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into various contracts to undertake the Fire Station #2 design. This legislation also authorizes the Mayor to direct the Budget Director to amend the Operating Budget and also to amend the Capital Projects Fund by amending Capital Project No C5653, entitled “Fire Station #2 Roof and Wall Repairs” as follows: INCREASE REVENUES: A021-09999 Appropriated Fund Balance $76,000 INCREASE EXPENDITURES: A022-9.401 Contribution to Capital Projects Fund $76,000 Original Revised REVENUES Budget Amendment Budget C5653-09910 General Fund Contribution $150,000 $ 76,000 $226,000 EXPENDITURES C5653-8.101 Design services $150,000 $76,000 $226,000 It is requested that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to receive and disburse funds accordingly. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Thomas M. Roach, Mayor Chairman, Capital Projects Board Date: March 25, 2025 “THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK” www.whiteplainsny.gov  CAPITAL PROJECTS BOARD MUNICIPAL BUILDING 255 MAIN STREET ● WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601 (914) 422-1206 ● FAX: (914) 422-1469 THOMAS M. ROACH MAYOR TO THE HONORABLE MEMEBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS Included in FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program is a project to reconstruct portions of various streets. This communication requests funding for reconstruction and paving, but can include drainage and other related underground utility installations and improvements along with curbing, sidewalk, streetscape items, street lighting, tree replacement, signage, guiderail and routine re-grading and re-shaping of the pavement cross section and minor realignment changes. The entire cost for this project that was included in the Capital Improvement Program is $4,300,000. The project will later be amended to reflect CHIPS and DOT funding once the exact funding amount has been established in the NYS Budget. Submitted herewith is legislation which would authorize the Mayor to direct the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into various contracts as required to complete the capital improvements. The attached legislation authorizes the Mayor to direct the Budget Director to amend the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5663, entitled “Miscellaneous Street Reconstruction FY 25” as follows: REVENUES: C5663-08810 Serial Bonds $2,525,000 EXPENDITURES: C5663-4.005 Finance and Auditing $ 25,000 C5663-8.203 Street/Rights-of-Way 2,500,000 $2,525,000 It is further requested that issuance of $2,525,000 in serial bonds be authorized and that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to advance funds from the General Fund to this project pending the receipt of the bond proceeds. Finally, it is requested that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to receive and disburse funds accordingly. Respectfully submitted, Thomas M. Roach, Mayor Chairman, Capital Projects Board Date: March 18, 2025 “THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK” www.whiteplainsny.gov  CAPITAL PROJECTS BOARD MUNICIPAL BUILDING 255 MAIN STREET ● WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601 (914) 422-1206 ● FAX: (914) 422-1469 THOMAS M. ROACH MAYOR TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS The Capital Projects Board has amended the FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program by adding a Capital Project entitled “Ebersole Ice Rink Cooling Tower” at a cost of $300,000. This project is for the replacement of the cooling tower at Ebersole Ice Rink. Submitted herewith is legislation which authorizes the Commissioner of Purchase and the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into various purchase orders and contracts as required to complete the project. The legislation also authorizes the Mayor to direct the Budget Director to amend the Operating Budget and also to amend the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5664, entitled “Ebersole Ice Rink Cooling Tower,” as follows: INCREASE REVENUES: A021-09999 Appropriated Fund Balance $300,000 INCREASE EXPENDITURES: A022-9.401 Contribution to Capital Projects Fund $300,000 REVENUES: C5664-09910 General Fund Contribution $300,000 EXPENDITURES: C5664-8.106 Major Additions-Improvements $300,000 It is requested that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to receive and disburse funds accordingly. Respectfully submitted, Thomas M. Roach, Mayor Chairman, Capital Projects Board Dated: March 18, 2025 “THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK” www.whiteplainsny.gov  CAPITAL PROJECTS BOARD MUNICIPAL BUILDING 255 MAIN STREET ● WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601 (914) 422-1206 ● FAX: (914) 422-1469 THOMAS M. ROACH MAYOR TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS The Capital Projects Board has amended the FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program by adding a Capital Project entitled “Traffic Light Pole Replacement” at a cost of $470,000. This project is for the design and replacement of traffic poles at Hamilton Avenue/Cottage Place and Bank Street/Irving Place. Submitted herewith is legislation which authorizes the Commissioner of Purchase and the Commissioner of Public Works to enter into various purchase orders and contracts as required to complete the project. The legislation also authorizes the Mayor to direct the Budget Director to amend the Capital Projects Fund by establishing Capital Project No. C5665, entitled “Traffic Light Pole Replacement,” as follows: REVENUES: C5665-08810 Serial Bonds $474,700 EXPENDITURES: C5665-4.005 Finance/Auditing $ 4,700 C5665-8.106 Major Additions-Improvements 470,000 $474,700 It is further requested that issuance of $474,700 in serial bonds be authorized and that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to advance funds from the General Fund to this project pending the receipt of the bond proceeds. Finally, it is requested that the Mayor be authorized to direct the Commissioner of Finance to receive and disburse funds accordingly. . Respectfully submitted, Thomas M. Roach, Mayor Chairman, Capital Projects Board Dated: March 18, 2025 “THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK” www.whiteplainsny.gov  On motion of Council President, seconded, and duly carried, the Common Council adjourned the meeting. ____________________ Jill Iannetta City Clerk