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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_02_19 Town Board Minutes o _ ��9_1_ Town of Mamaroneck 0 Town Board Minutes W 1� j m Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Conference Room C, First n Floor of Town Center 5:00 PM FOUNDED 1661 PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilmember Jeffery L. King, Councilmember Anant Nambiar, Councilmember ABSENT: Allison May, Town Clerk Robin Nichinsky, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT: Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator William Maker Jr., Town Attorney Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller Marc Romero, Assistant to the Town Administrator Christine Canavan, Assistant to the Town Administrator Jennifer Gonzalez, Deputy Town Clerk 5:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Discussion - Town Supervisor Immigration Statement County Legislator and attorney David Imamura and Town Attorney William Maker Jr. reviewed the statement and found no necessary changes. There is no need for a Town Board vote; it will be presented to both the Village of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont. The statement aligns with police policy. Council members agreed with the statement, stressing wanting to use positive language and prioritizing safety for all residents. Councilmember King recounted a car accident his wife witnessed on Thursday, February 13, where a man of color was struck by a vehicle and felt he was not helped, while the Caucasian driver received help. 2. Discussion - Lead Agency - Solar Energy Law The Town Board reviewed the proposed resolution and saw no issues with the Town becoming the lead agency. 3. Discussion - Proposed "Overtime Parking at a Parking Space Designated Exclusively for the Parking of Electric Vehicles" Law Supervisor Elkind Eney mentioned that there are additional New York State fines if someone is parked in a handicapped spot without a permit and the Town fine for that is $100.00. The Board would like to regulate if someone is parked overtime in an Electric Vehicle parking spot. The Board thought that a fine of$100.00 was too steep, deciding that the fine should be $50.00. Attorney Maker will revise the proposed law for the next scheduled meeting. Councilmember Nambiar entered the meeting at 5:16pm. Town Board February 19, 2025 4. Discussion - Red Light Cameras Attorney Maker has been in communication with Pelham Manor Village Manager Lindsey Luft as they have red light cameras. The police department must review the footage from red light cameras and must have a clear visual of the vehicle's license plate to process a ticket. It was discussed whether a service can be hired to review the footage and the cost for that. Multiple intersections were highlighted as problematic: the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Chatsworth Avenue; Weaver Street and Boston Post Road; Chatsworth Avenue and Myrtle Avenue; Palmer Avenue and Weaver Street. Councilmember King emphasized safety concerns, vehicles turning at four-way intersections, where 'no turn on red' signs are posted, creating issues. Councilmember Nambiar while agreeing with the safety concerns; disagreed with using red light cameras, citing potential new problems and lack of effectiveness. The Board agreed that there are serious issues with current traffic behavior. Concerns about accidents and red-light running were voiced. The possibility of generating revenue through red light cameras was discussed, but also the thought that red light enforcement might not be the best solution for revenue. Instead, it may be better to consider enforcing school zone regulations. Resident Mark Kramer asked if it was okay to speak. Mr. Kramer stated that a police car with flashing lights may work to slow people down. The Board noted that while they can target enforcement, the police cannot always be there and will be an expensive alternative. Councilmember King worried that someone is going to get hurt, seriously hurt. Supervisor Elkind Eney suggested email blasts and a temporary increase in police presence. Councilmember King suggested three months. Administrator Robson will discuss enforcement options with Police Chief Creazzo. The speed bumps on Colonial Avenue were mentioned and how speed bumps were a measure to deter speeding. Visibility issues with signs at key intersections were discussed, as well as the timeline for the flashing lights at the North Chatsworth Avenue intersection. Those flashing lights are scheduled to come this week and hopefully will be installed as soon as possible. 5. Discussion - Award of Bid TA-25-02 - Landscape Maintenance Services Town Cemeteries & Right of Ways - Years 2025 & 2026 Administrator Robson explained that the Town has been pleased with past work by Ironwood Industries, Inc., who provided the lowest bid at $40,000.00. It was a close bid, as ACL Property Maintenance came in this year at $40,200.00. The maintenance services will cover various Town road rights-of-way and cemeteries throughout the Unincorporated Area. The price is comparable to prior years, even though a different company will be providing the services. 6. Discussion - Rejection of Bid TA-24-11A - Senior Center Renovations Administrator Robson stated that this is the second attempt to bid out the Senior Center Renovations, and the price was still over budget. The Town will now concentrate on the parts of the project that we have grant funding for. The price for steel and other materials is a concern. The removal of Asbestos was discussed and if needs to happen immediately. Town Board February 19, 2025 7. Discussion - 2025 Millennium Strategies Service Agreement Supervisor Elkind Eney said that this is the same contract that the Town has had with Millennium Strategies previously. Administrator Robson added that Town staff works with Millenium frequently and they have helped the Town secure a few grants. The Board then discussed the consultants and the grant writing process. 8. Discussion - 2024 Operating Budget Amendments Comptroller Yogman recommended several 2024 operating budget amendments to close out 2024. The amendments include an increase in the appropriated fund balance for the Streetlighting District due to unexpected repairs and maintenance of the 2017 bucket truck, and for the Garbage District because of extensive repairs needed for three garbage trucks. Additionally, a budget amendment is proposed to increase ambulance fee revenue to cover the costs of EMT and Paramedic services in the Ambulance District. 9. Discussion - Support of School Zone at the Hommocks Intersection Supervisor Elkind Eney shared that the School Zone designation means the speed limit will be reduced to twenty miles per hour during school hours. In the past, Hommocks Middle School was excluded since it is not on Boston Post Road. Supervisor Elkind Eney wants to approve the resolution tonight so that the Town can send a copy of it to Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis. 10. Request for Executive Session Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, the Town Board agreed to enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person or persons and litigation with Larchmont, the potential sale of land, and litigation on the Tree Law. Carried Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, the Town Board unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting. Carried 11. Updates • The Town is looking to fill seats on the Board of Architectural Review. • November 2026 marks the Larchmont Library's centennial. • Councilmember Fiddelman attended a seminar at the recent NYAOT meeting, where they discussed that by 2027 water treatment facilities must address PFAS (forever chemicals). Councilmember Fiddelman asked whether Westchester Joint Water Work's plant would comply with that requirement. • Councilmember King mentioned that Town Recreation's Teen Travel Camp sold out in just three minutes. • Implementation Plan — The Board will discuss further during the March 3rd Board Meeting. Councilmember Nambiar requested any materials be sent in advance. Administrator Robson stated there would be a format, but not a draft of the plan. Then, the process of the implementation plan was discussed. Administrator Robson mentioned that Pracademic Partners will review the comprehensive plan and comments, to determine feasibility and explained that the focus is on how to proceed to the next step. Town Board February 19, 2025 • Flood Study Public Meeting Date -- Administrator Robson wanted to set a date for the public meeting. Administrator Robson confirmed that the Town has applied for a Long Island Sound grant and is waiting to see if it is awarded. The Board requested quarterly updates, but this was not feasible. Supervisor Elkind Eney proposed scheduling the meeting before the typical flooding period, which is usually around late March to early April. The Board agreed that the meeting date should be separate from a Town Board meeting. 12. Changes to Regular Meeting Agenda • Add Item number 7, Resolution Advocating Establishment of School Zone on Boston Post Road near the Hommocks School. • Add Item number 8, Appointment to the Planning Board. 8:00 PM TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING The Town Board meeting convened in Conference Room C Located on the first floor at the Town Center. The Public was to view the meeting on cable access television (Optimum 76/ Fios 35) or on LMCMedia.org CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Town Supervisor Elkind Eney at 8:15p.m. The Town Supervisor noted that the Town Board met for a Work Session beginning at 5:00 p.m. this evening, which was open to the public. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Welcome to the February 19, 2025, meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session in Conference Room D, starting at 5:00pm, which was open to the Public. On February 11 , I attended the Summit meeting on Emergency Preparedness, one of my favorite subjects. I am always so impressed by the level of emergency preparedness that we have available to us. To so many of us, emergency preparedness is out of sight, out of mind. But we are never out of their minds, as they constantly are working to develop new strategies in case of emergency; when we need them. February 13th was a day filled with events: 1 . I attended a Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce breakfast. There were two speakers, Joe Liberti from MHS speaking about the OCRA program, specifically a parking project that will inform the business community; and Newly elected Ken Jenkins, County Executive who discussed several county programs available to the business community 2. I attended a TVS (Town Village School) lunch meeting at which we discussed the immigrant issue in light of the policies of the new administration. We also discussed development in the community and its impact on traffic and the school population. 3. That evening, I attended a WMOA meeting. The new executive director of AOT spoke about the new and improved organization which offers many resources to our communities. On February 14, I, along with Anant, attended a press conference given by State Senator Shelley Mayer to protest the proposed ConEd rate hikes that are currently before the NYS PSC for approval. Many elected officials, and residents spoke about the undue burden placed on all of us as a result of ConEd's excessive charges. Although it's bitterly cold outside, the Recreation Department has planned the Town's spring and summertime programming! Their 2025 Spring/Summer Brochure is now available, located on our website's Recreation page. Check out our sports and fitness classes, senior center activities, summer camps for your kids, pool and ice-skating information and even our summer concert and movie schedule is up! I'd like to wish former Town Supervisor Valerie O'Keeffe a very happy birthday. Town Board February 19, 2025 Councilmember Nambiar added that the February 14th press conference had great representation by elected officials as well as from the community and many residents brought their Con Edison bills. In general, most bills were forty percent usage of gas and electric and sixty percent of the bill was delivery charge. RESIDENT COMMENTS Supervisor Elkind Eney asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board and there was no one. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS 1. Call to Order Commissioner Elkind Eney called the meeting to order, then on motion of Commissioner Nambiar, and seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Sabrina Fiddelman Commissioner: Anant Nambiar 2. Fire Claims 2-19-25 Moved by Commissioner Nambiar, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners hereby approves the attached list of fire claims in the amount of$16,283.98. Carried 3. Other Fire Department Business There being no further business to come before the Fire Commission, on motion of Commissioner Nambiar, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, the Commission unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK 1. Consideration of - Lead Agency Solar Energy Law Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, it was REVOLVED that the Town Board hereby designates itself as the Lead Agency pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Act for the review of the proposed "Solar Energy Law". Carried 2. Consideration of - Award of Bid TA-25-02 - Landscape Maintenance Services Town Cemeteries & Right of Ways - Years 2025 & 2026 Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby awards bid TA-25-02 "Landscape Maintenance Services Town Cemeteries & Right of Ways— Years 2025 & 2026" to Ironwood Industries, Inc. for an amount not to exceed$40,000 for work in 2025 with the option to renew in 2026 for an additional year and hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the agreement and year extension, if warranted, and any related documents necessary to carry out its implementation. Carried Town Board February 19, 2025 3. Consideration of - Rejection of Bid TA-24-11A - Senior Center Renovations Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby rejects Bid TA-24-11A - Senior Center Renovations because it exceeds budget estimates. Carried 4. Consideration of - 2025 Millennium Strategies Service Agreement Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approves the agreement with Millennium Strategies for grant consulting services from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, for an amount not to exceed$42,000 and hereby authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to carry out its implementation. Carried 5. Consideration of - 2024 Operating Budget Amendments Comptroller Yogman explained that only three operating budget amendments were needed to close 2024, and that otherwise the Town was able to close the year without affecting the budget amount by moving money between budget lines. Comptroller Yogman said first budget amendment is necessary because repairs were needed for some of our older trucks and vehicles that caused one budget line to go over. The third budget amendment is necessary for the Ambulance District because the Town needed to spend more hours on our EMT's to provide services to our community. Comptroller Yogman stated that the Town has the ambulance revenue to support that, because ambulance revenue exceeded budget. Comptroller Yogman requested an increase in the ambulance revenue and salary for EMT's. Councilmember Fiddelman made a plea for EMT's and paramedics to come and join the Town of Mamaroneck. Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Comptroller to make the necessary budget amendments, as presented. Carried 6. Consideration of - Appointment to the Zoning Board Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby appoint Dan Smith to the Zoning Board, as Alternate A, said term to expire December 31, 2025. Carried 7. Resolution Advocating Establishment of School Zone on Boston Post Road near the Hommocks School Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, WHEREAS the intersection of the Boston Post Road and Weaver Street is one of the most traveled intersections in the Town of Mamaroneck, and WHEREAS, the students of the Hommocks School cross that intersection on their way to and from school on each school day, and WHEREAS, due to the hours of the school day and the reduced sunlight in the winter, there are many days when the students cross this intersection when visibility is limited for both pedestrians and motorists, and Town Board February 19, 2025 WHEREAS, there have been vehicular accidents and near-accidents in the vicinity of this intersection, and WHEREAS, the Mamaroneck Union Free School District has formally requested that a section of the Boston Post Road in each direction from its intersection with Weaver Street be designated a school zone. NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in the interest of public safety, especially the safety of the Town's children, the Town Board joins in the request made by the Mamaroneck Union Free School District through its Supervisor of Transportation, Liju Thomas, in his letter to Assemblyman Steven Otis and Senator Shelley Mayer dated February 12, 2025 that a school zone be established along a section of the Boston Post Road in each direction from its intersection with Weaver Street, the exact length of which to be determined by the New York State Department of Transportation in consultation with the Town of Mamaroneck and the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. Carried 8. Consideration of - Appointment to the Planning Board, Alternate Member 1 Moved by Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby appoint James Carroll to the Planning Board, as Alternate member 1, said term to expire December 31, 2027. Carried REPORTS OF MINUTES 1. Report of Minutes of February 5, 2025. Moved by Councilmember Fiddelman, seconded by Councilmember Nambiar, it was RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approves the minutes of February 5, 2025. Carried REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL Councilmember Nambiar • Announced his endorsement as the Democratic candidate for District 7 in Westchester County. • Attended several events and press conferences, which he enjoyed and have kept him busy. • Will attend a Planning Board meeting scheduled for tomorrow, followed by a Zoning Board meeting next week. Councilmember Fiddelman • Attended a Larchmont-Mamaroneck Summit meeting on February 11 focusing on emergency preparedness. The speakers were Susan Spear, Commissioner of Westchester County Emergency Services, and Richard Valentine, Village of Larchmont Fire Chief. The next discussion will be on water quality. • Attended a Larchmont Library Board meeting and reminded everyone that their library cards expire every three years. The library now has a new app, the Westchester Library Mobile Service App. • A meeting will be held on February 20th at 7 p.m. at the Larchmont Village Center, titled "Researching Your Larchmont/Mamaroneck House" with Barbara Davis. • Earlier in the week, attended the New York Association of Towns (NYAOT) annual meeting alongside Deputy Town Clerk Jennifer Gonzalez and Town Judge Ron Meister. The opening meeting featured speakers such as Senator Chuck Schumer Town Board February 19, 2025 and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Expressed gratitude to NYAOT and the Town of Mamaroneck. TOWN CLERK'S REPORT Deputy Clerk Jennifer Gonzalez attended NYAOT earlier in the week for the first time. Thought it was a valuable learning experience and is grateful for the opportunity to have been able to go and connect with some fellow clerks as well. COMPTROLLER'S REPORT Comptroller Yogman reminded residents to pay their second half of the school taxes if they have not done so because penalties are adding up. Reminders will be sent to those who have not paid in full. Town and County taxes are due in April. Website notifications and email reminders will be sent out. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Attorney Maker will be heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his son. While there, they will attend a basketball game and visit Mader's German Restaurant. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilmember Nambiar, seconded by Councilmember Fiddelman, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Carried REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING - March 5, 2025 Respectfully submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk