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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024_01_10 Town Board Minutes o _ ��9_1_ Town of Mamaroneck // Town Board Minutes m Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Courtroom, Second Floor of n Town Center 5:00 PM FOUNDED 1661 PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilmember Jeffery L. King, Councilmember Robin Nichinsky, Councilmember Anant Nambiar, Councilmember ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator William Maker Jr., Town Attorney 5:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION CALL TO ORDER The Work Session of the Town Board was called to order by Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney. Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky, the Work Session unanimously opened at 5:02 p.m. WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Review of the 2024 Organizational Agenda 2. Board Training Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney reviewed the roles of the Town Board and Administration. The Town Attorney William Maker, Jr. reviewed his role next, described what is covered in executive session, and reviewed how Board members could best function in the role of committee liaison. Town Clerk Allison May reviewed her roles and responsibilities next. 3. Updates Supervisor Elkind Eney relayed that Tiffany Zezula requested clarification on whether to or not to include all resident comments in the final version of the Town Comprehensive Plan. Comments that did not make it into the final Plan could either not be included at all, or they could go into an appendix. The Board preferred to include all of the comments in an appendix, ensuring that anyone that had submitted a comment to the Town's Comprehensive Plan would be able to find their comment either in the Comprehensive Plan itself, or in an appendix. Town Board January 10, 2024 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Town Supervisor Elkind Eney at 8 p.m. Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that the Town Board met for a Work Session beginning at five o'clock this evening. Town Supervisor Elkind Eney welcomed everyone to this first meeting of the Mamaroneck Town Council of 2024. The Town Supervisor continued, this is a special meeting because we swear in the newly elected and re-elected Town officials and attend to the organizational requirements of the Town. Before we proceed to the swearing in ceremonies, I want to give a big thank you to LMC- Media who is livestreaming and broadcasting this event so that our residents, colleagues, friends, family and all those interested, but cannot be here, can watch. LMC provides an invaluable service to our community. Not only do they broadcast local government meetings so that the public can be informed, but they also broadcast community events, parades, etc. They are the thread that binds all of our communities together. I also want to acknowledge all of the elected officials that are here with us today. Former town supervisor and former town Justice Dolores Battalia will swear me in. I want to thank my dear friend and colleague for coming out of retirement for the 7th time for my swearing in ceremony. 8:00 PM TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING The Town Board meeting convened in the Courtroom Located on the second floor at the Town Center. The Public was to view the meeting on cable access television (Optimum 76/ Fios 35) or on LMCMedia.org AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK 1. SWEARING IN OF THE TOWN'S ELECTED OFFICIALS Jaine Elkind Eney, the Town Supervisor, was sworn in by the Honorable Dolores Battalia. Jeffery King, Councilmember, was sworn in also by the Honorable Dolores Battalia. Anant Nambiar, Councilmember, was sworn in by Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney. Jean Marie Brescia, Town Justice, was sworn in by Town Justice Ronald Meister. Allison May, Town Clerk, was sworn in by Town Justice Jean Marie Brescia. 2. THE TOWN SUPERVISOR'S ANNUAL ADDRESS The Town Supervisor stated, now it's time for the 2024 Supervisor's Annual Address. This is my annual report to you on some of the highlights of 2023 and what we expect to look forward to in 2024; it's my opportunity to share with the Community what the Town is involved in throughout the year. Here are some of the highlights: Town Comprehensive Plan - We are almost done with our Comprehensive Plan, Together Our Mamaroneck. As you may recall, a Comprehensive Plan is a framework and vision for the future of our community. It sets forth goals; it's a road map for the future actions by the Town Board. We will complete the environmental review process next month, then once the Plan is adopted, we will prepare an Implementation Plan consisting of specific actions to be taken by the Board to achieve the goals set forth in the Comprehensive Plan. We will be exploring such topics as revising the Town's Land Use Laws; creating more housing opportunities, affordable housing being an Town Board January 10, 2024 integral part of that; creating enhanced pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; improving our recreational facilities and parks; and mitigating and adapting to climate change; and reducing the Town's carbon footprint and safeguarding the health of our ecosystem. Flooding - Flooding is perhaps the most pressing issue in our community. This year we took great strides in addressing this issue. For the first time ever, the Town is in the process of doing a comprehensive evaluation of our storm water sewers. As a result of the study, we will be able to identify defects in the system and repair them, which should then reduce severity and occurrence of floods. The cost of the study is $367,000. The Town received a $300,000 grant from the County -- thank you, George, and Catherine -- and a $225,000 grant from FEMA to conduct the study. With the remaining funds, we are going to start to design the solutions identified in the study. On top of that, the County plans to repave Murray Avenue, a County Road, in 2024. At our request, the County added another $500,000 to their County Budget for the repaving project so that while the road is open, any drainage defects identified in the study along Murray Avenue, and particularly at the intersection of Murray Avenue and Colonial Road, can be addressed. Steve, Shelley, George, and Catherine, be ready, once we design "fixes" to the problems identified in the study, we will be coming to you for more funds to implement them. Environment - The Town, a 31 year "Tree City USA" is engaging in a robust program to increase the planting of street trees. The Town received a generous donation of $55,000 from the Virginia A McGuire Foundation to be used for planting 100 trees along the Town's streets and 10 trees on Town property. This is a wonderful gift to the Town, and we look forward to purchasing and planting the trees starting early this year. Among other environmental initiatives that the Town engaged in in 2023 were Energy Smart Homes, Grid Rewards and Repair Café. Initiatives we are looking forward to in 2024 include, examining our leaf-blower law with the help of the Sustainability Collaborative, and adding EV chargers in the Washington Square area to be funded 100% with grant money, to enable apartment dwellers there to make the decision to purchase EVs if they so choose. With the help of the Sustainability Collaborative, we are also looking into programs that will fund the installation of additional solar panels on municipal facilities, where appropriate and instituting a Climate Smart Communities Task Force to help us achieve Silver Status. (We were recertified at the Bronze Level last year.) Infrastructure - We continue to make improvements to our infrastructure. In addition to our regularly scheduled program of paving streets and repairing sidewalks, curbs and catch basins, we are building a lot of bridges this year. We are in the process of rebuilding the Waverly Avenue Bridge, which is owned by the Town, even though it is situated in the Village of Mamaroneck. Engineering consultants retained by the Town recommended, for public safety, that the bridge be rebuilt and for flood mitigation purposes that it be widened at the same time, as the bridge is located at a constriction point that exacerbates flooding. The cost of the project is $4.53 million but the Town received grants totaling approximately $3.835 million that will fund the majority of the project. The Town received a $769,200 grant from the NYSDOT Bridge NY program that will fund the replacement of the superstructure of a bridge on Rockland Avenue. Thank you, Shelley, and Steve. Recreation -- On the Recreation front, this year we completed the renovation to the Memorial Park playground. The fabulous playground got rave reviews from the children of all ages in attendance at the ribbon cutting, who readily admitted that playing at the playground beats screen time. Town Board January 10, 2024 In 2024 we hope to complete a design plan for a much-needed renovation/upgrade of our pool facility. The design is being funded, in part, by a SAM grant. Thank you again, Shelley and Steve. In the spring we will be renovating/upgrading our Senior Center funded by a $308,000 grant obtained for us by Congressman Bowman. Thank you, Congressman Bowman. And we will be working with Fields for Kids on a renovation of the Town fields behind the Hommocks School, which will include an outside rink, if I have anything to say about it. Technology - We have also been using technology to provide services to our residents more efficiently. One example of this is the new online portal. Through our new online portal, Town residents now have easier access to their Town government and are able to conduct their business on the Town's website from the convenience of their homes twenty-four-seven. For example, the public can file for permits, request information, and so much more. I'm delighted that this will make access to our government easier and will allow our employees to use their time more efficiently to serve our residents in other ways. Finances - The Town maintained its Moody's AAA rating. This is the highest possible financial rating and allows the Town to borrow money for essential capital projects at the lowest possible interest rate. The Town's 2023 Budget was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and sets an example for other governments to follow. This is the 4th consecutive year that the Town has received this award. Kudos to Town Comptroller Tracy Yogman as we go for five in a row! First Responders - On a sad note, for the first time ever, two of our volunteer firefighters', Dennis Tortorella and Brian Payne, names were added to the Fallen Firefighters' Memorials in Albany and in Westchester County. They both left the safety of their homes here and ran down to the city to serve on 9.11 .2001 . They died post 9.11 as a result of 9.11 related illnesses. This year, in proximity to Girl Scout Rock (which is a memorial to those members of our community who died on September 11th), we plan to add a 9.11 first responders memorial dedicated to all first responders from our community who died post 9.11 of 9.11 related illnesses. I would be remiss if I didn't mention all of our first responders, both volunteer and career. Our Police Chief and our Police Captain are right here. As Town Supervisor, I am extremely proud to know that our residents receive the finest emergency service possible. As a resident of the Town myself, they make me feel incredibly safe. lsrael-Hamas/Antisemitism - In the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, we held a Tri-Municipal Vigil for the State of Israel. Hundreds gathered to speak up, to stand in solidarity with the State of Israel, to grieve collectively, to hold each other up and to find peace and comfort in our community. We issued a Tri-Municipal statement against hate, particularly antisemitism, to let people know that the Town of Mamaroneck and the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck have zero tolerance for antisemitism and hate in all forms. We want everyone in our community to feel safe, and to know that we value ALL members of our community. These are only some of the highlights of what is going on in the Town. I did not mention anywhere near all the achievements, accomplishments, legislation, events and meetings that took place in 2023. The list is exhaustive; if I went through it all, we'd have to serve you breakfast! We are proud of what is going on in the Town and we want you to know all about it; and there are some things, like emergency notifications, that you NEED to know. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE go to http://www.townofmamaroneckny.org and press the gold circle "sign up for alerts" to sign up for Town news and notifications...and my monthly newsletter. Town Board January 10, 2024 And we want to hear from you! Ours is a representative government, so we want to hear what you're thinking. Call us, write to us, visit us! Our doors are always open. All of this accomplishment doesn't just happen. None of this would be possible without our dedicated, professional, caring staff. They exemplify the highest level of public service. They work tirelessly under the leadership of our Town Administrator, Meredith Robson. The staff thrives under her management style; she collaborates with them to determine what needs to be done and then they take ownership of the solutions. She also encourages them to take advantage of professional training opportunities, whenever available, so that they are exposed to current best practices. We are also blessed with many community-minded residents, some here in the room tonight, who volunteer their time and energy to serve on our many boards and commissions. I am also looking forward to continuing to collaborate with our sister villages—the Village of Larchmont and the Village of Mamaroneck, and my sister Chief Elected Officials, Sarah Bauer, Mayor of Larchmont and Sharon Torres, Mayor of Mamaroneck on matters of mutual interest. And we are so fortunate to have representatives on the federal, state and county level who have all been incredibly responsive to the Town when we seek assistance on any number of issues. No matter what time of night or day, I know that I can pick up the phone and call any one of them. And I have. Sometimes they even call me, just to check in to see if we need anything. Finally, I am proud to be working with my colleagues on the Town Board —Sabrina Fiddelman, Jeffery King, Robin Nichinsky, and the newest member of the team, Anant Nambiar. They are committed to the Town and our residents, and to providing services in the best way possible. They work tirelessly and diligently, looking to the future, willing to ask the tough questions and to make the hard decisions when necessary. It is truly a labor of love. I look forward to continuing working with the entire community in 2024 to keep the Town moving forward, thank you. 3. DEPUTY TOWN SUPERVISOR BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor does hereby appoint Sabrina Fiddelman, as Deputy Town Supervisor, effective January 1, 2024, and terminating December 31, 2024. 4. BUDGET OFFICER BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck does hereby appoint Meredith Robson as Budget Officer effective January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Carried 5. TOWN COMPTROLLER Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman BE IT RESOLVED, that Tracy Yogman is hereby reappointed Comptroller of the Town of Mamaroneck, for a term of two years commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. Town Board January 10, 2024 Carried 6. RECEIVER OF TAXES Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, it was RESOLVED, that Tracy Yogman is hereby reappointed Receiver of Taxes of the Town of Mamaroneck, for a term of two years commencing January 1, 2024, terminating on December 31, 2025, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that Tracy Yogman is also hereby reappointed Deputy Receiver of Taxes of the Town of Mamaroneck, for a term of two years commencing January 1, 2024, terminating on December 31, 2025. Carried 7. MARRIAGE OFFICERS Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember King, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck does hereby appoint Jaine Elkind Eney and Allison May as Marriage Officers effective January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Carried 8. REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does hereby appoint Allison May as Registrar of Vital Statistics, Records Management Officer, and Records Access Officer effective January 1, 2024, said term to expire on December 31, 2027, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mamaroneck Town Board does appoint Laura DeMuro as Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics, effective January 1, 2024, said term to expire on December 31, 2027. Carried 9. APPOINTMENT OF CIVIL OFFICERS Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, BE IT RESOLVED, that Jay Reynolds is hereby reappointed as Civil Officer of the Town of Mamaroneck to serve a term of office of one-year, effective January 1, 2024, and terminating on December 31, 2024, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that George Mgrditchian is hereby reappointed as Civil Officer of the Town of Mamaroneck to serve a term of office of one-year, effective January 1, 2024, and terminating on December 31, 2024, and Town Board January 10, 2024 BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that Thomas Poretto is hereby reappointed as Civil Officer of the Town of Mamaroneck to serve a term of office of one-year, effective January 1, 2024, and terminating on December 31, 2024, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointments shall be effective immediately upon the appointees taking and subscribing to the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law. Carried 10. DESIGNATION OF TOWN BOARD MEETINGS Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED, that the 2024 Regular Meetings of the Town Board be held at 740 W. Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck beginning at 5:00 PM on the following dates: January 10 and January 24 July TBD February 7 and February 21 August TBD March 6 and March 20 September 4 and September 18 April 3 and April 17 October 4 and October 18 May 1 and May 15 November 6 and November 20 June 5 and June 26 December 4 and December 18 And, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said meetings, dates and places may be changed at the pleasure of the Board upon notice being given. Carried 11. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, it was RESOLVED, that The Journal News is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the Town of Mamaroneck for the purpose of publishing legal notices during 2024. Carried 12. DESIGNATION OF DEPOSITORIES OF FUNDS Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED, that the following banks and trust companies are hereby designated as depositories for funds of the Town of Mamaroneck for the year 2024 to be: NYCLASS Investment Pool The Bank of New York Mellon JP Morgan Chase Bank, Mamaroneck Wilmington Trust Town Board January 10, 2024 Webster Bank Carried 13. DESIGNATION OF BANK SIGNATURES Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King, it was RESOLVED, that all authority heretofore granted to withdraw funds, draw checks, transfer funds and other orders upon the Town of Mamaroneck accounts maintained at the aforesaid banks hereby is rescinded and revoked and hereafter such withdrawals, checks, transfers, and other orders shall be authorized electronically. External transfers and checks require dual authorization either by signature or electronic approvals. Checks require signatures by the Town Supervisor and the Comptroller; external electronic transfers require electronic approval by the Town Supervisor or the Comptroller and Payroll Supervisor or Deputy Receiver of Taxes. Carried 14. OFFICIAL UNDERTAKING OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, WHEREAS, various sections of Town Law and Public Officers Law require that certain officials execute an Official Undertaking, and WHEREAS, we, the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck require the Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Town Justices and Town Comptroller execute an Official Undertaking as required by law, and WHEREAS, Jaine Elkind Eney, of the Town of Mamaroneck, has been elected to the Office of Supervisor of the Town of Mamaroneck effective January 1, 2024, and WHEREAS, Tracy Yogman, of Great Neck, NY, has been appointed to the Offices of Town Comptroller and Tax Collector for the Town of Mamaroneck, effective January 1, 2024, and WHEREAS, Jean Marie Brescia, of the Town of Mamaroneck, has been elected to the Office of Town Justice of the Town of Mamaroneck, effective January 1, 2024, and WHEREAS, Allison May, of the Town of Mamaroneck, has been elected to the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Mamaroneck effective January 1, 2024, and NOW, THEREFORE, the respective Officer above, does hereby undertake with the Town of Mamaroneck that we will faithfully perform and discharge the duties of our office, and will promptly account for and pay over all moneys or property received as a Town Officer, in accordance with the law, and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town of Mamaroneck does and shall maintain coverage, presently with the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal; $1,000,000 limit per occurrence and$2,000,000 aggregate limit, for the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Town Justices and Town Comptroller/Tax Collector, to indemnify against losses through the failure of the Officers, covered thereunder, to faithfully perform their duties or to properly account for all monies or property received by virtue Town Board January 10, 2024 of their positions or employment, and through fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by the Officers covered thereunder. Carried 15. DEPUTY TOWN CLERKS BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk hereby appoints Laura DeMuro and Jennifer Gonzalez as Deputy Town Clerks, effective January 1, 2024, expiring on December 31, 2027. 16. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman BE IT RESOLVED, that Charles Toothill be reappointed as Member E of the Board of Architectural Review, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Edward Jacobson shall serve as Chairperson of the Board of Architectural Review for the year 2024. Carried 17. BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman BE IT RESOLVED, that Cary Sleeper be reappointed as Member A of the Board of Assessment Review, said term shall expire on September 30, 2028. Carried 18. BOARD OF ETHICS Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar BE IT RESOLVED, that Carol Scharff be reappointed to the position of Member E of the Board of Ethics, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that Robert Degen shall serve as the Chairperson of the Board of Ethics for the year 2024. Carried 19. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman BE IT RESOLVED, that Colin Barrett be reappointed to the position of Member 5 of the Coastal Zone Management Commission, said term shall expire on August 31, 2026. Carried Town Board January 10, 2024 20. HOUSING AUTHORITY Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King BE IT RESOLVED, that Christie Philbrick-Wheaton be reappointed as Member A of the Housing Authority, said term shall expire on December 31, 2028, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Joseph Mileto be reappointed as Member D of the Housing Authority, said term shall expire on December 31, 2028. Carried 21. PLANNING BOARD Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky BE IT RESOLVED, that Edmund R. Papazian be reappointed as Member A of the Planning Board, said term shall expire on December 31, 2028, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ralph Engel shall serve as Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year 2024, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Elizabeth Cooney shall serve as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year 2024. Carried 22. RECREATION COMMITTEE Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar BE IT RESOLVED, that Joyce Callahan be appointed to the position of Member F of the Recreation Committee, said term shall expire on December 31, 2025. Carried 23. SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATIVE Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky BE IT RESOLVED, that June Wallach be reappointed as Member H of the Sustainability Collaborative, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Arlene Novich be reappointed as Member I of the Sustainability Collaborative, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mitch Green be reappointed as Member J of the Sustainability Collaborative, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mark Kramer shall serve as Chairperson of the Sustainability Collaborative for the year 2024. Town Board January 10, 2024 Carried 24. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman BE IT RESOLVED, that Virginia Picciotto be reappointed as Member B of the Traffic Committee, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Robert Blaufarb be reappointed as Member E of the Traffic Committee, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Camille Odierna be reappointed as Member F of the Traffic Committee, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that Abby Katz be appointed as Member G of the Traffic Committee, said term shall expire on December 31, 2026, and BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that Doris Block shall serve as the Chairperson of the Traffic Committee for the year 2024. Carried 25. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky BE IT RESOLVED, that Jonathan Sacks be reappointed as Member A of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said term shall expire on December 31, 2028, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Randy Heller be reappointed as Member B of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said term shall expire on December 31, 2028, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Arthur Wexler shall serve as Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the year 2024. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the foregoing appointments shall be effective immediately upon the appointees taking and subscribing to the oath mandated by section 25 of the New York Town Law. Carried ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember King, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:35pm. Carried NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING: January 24, 2024 Submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk