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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_10_30 Town Board Minutes o _ ��9_1_ Town of Mamaroneck // Town Board Minutes m Thursday, October 30, 2025, Conference Room E, First Floor 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 Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller Chief Paul Creazzo, Town of Mamaroneck Police Department Captain James Maher, Town of Mamaroneck Police Department Shyam Pandya, IT Director Mike Liverzani, Director, Town of Mamaroneck Ambulance District Christine Canavan, Assistant to the Town Administrator 5:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD BUDGET WORK SESSION Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King, the meeting unanimously opened at 5:06 p.m. Carried WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Police During the Police Department budget discussion, the Board reviewed the Garage/Police Cars line (page 2, line 28), noting that three new vehicles were originally requested but only two are now proposed. Tracy Yogman reported that the Town owns 139 vehicles, with 24 assigned to the Police Department. Chief Creazzo added that typically, six to eight marked cars and several unmarked units are in service on weekdays. Councilmember Nambiar asked about vehicle age, downtime, and whether replacements were premature. Chief Creazzo said parts shortages and repair delays have extended turnaround times, with one car sidelined since July. The Highway Garage is backlogged, and replacement vehicles now take five to six months to arrive. While mindful of costs, Chief Creazzo cautioned that accidents or major failures could force earlier replacements. Chief Creazzo will begin providing regular fleet condition updates. He noted that the upcoming 2028 U.S. Open at Winged Foot may require additional vehicles. Councilmember Nichinsky asked about leasing or borrowing vehicles; Chief Creazzo said that's unlikely as other municipalities need their vehicles. Town Board October 30, 2025 In summary, Chief Creazzo noted that, though deferral is possible given the difficult tax year he believes not purchasing these vehicles could affect Department readiness going forward The group also discussed hybrid and EV options, with Chief Creazzo noting that current hybrids in the fleet are achieving about 20% better fuel mileage than gas engine vehicles. Future considerations include Level 3 charging capacity and emerging sodium-ion battery technology. The Police Department equipment requests included rifle-rated response shields, completion of the portable radio upgrade (15 units to complete the project), and replacement of ten-year-old .40-caliber service weapons with 9mm handguns. Captain Maher explained that the 9mm handguns are easier to handle, less costly to maintain, and more efficient for officer qualification. Supervisor Elkind Eney asked about accreditation, and Chief Creazzo confirmed the Police Department faces potential in-house audits and spot checks. New vehicles are expected by late 2026 at roughly $77,000 each, including radios, lights, and paint. The department is currently down two staff members. Chief Creazzo emphasized that while mindful of fiscal limits, delaying key replacements or training could affect readiness and safety. 2. Fire During the Fire Department budget discussion, the Board reviewed the Garage line (#28) regarding the replacement of the Fire Chief's vehicle. Fire Chief Alex Rapp explained that the proposed new Chief's car 2231 would replace vehicle 2233, a 2013 model with over 99,000 miles. The replacement has already been deferred twice. If the current vehicle goes out of service, there is no reliable backup, as Chiefs cannot respond in personal vehicles. The department's utility vehicle also has 135,000 miles and is near the end of its useful life. The outgoing car logged 97,000 miles and incurred just over $1 ,100 in repairs this year before being towed once. Replacement was originally intended every two years but has been delayed due to budget constraints. Chief Rapp noted that this would be the third Chief's car in rotation; not all Chiefs respond at once, but one is always required to be available. Joe Russo confirmed that the most recent Chief's vehicle—a 2021 Tahoe purchased in 2023—was bought from a dealer in Canada. In the Operating Budget, Chief Rapp reported that the department expects to have 48 active volunteer members by December. He also highlighted the department's new drone program, funded by $12,000 in donations. The drone is equipped with infrared and thermal imaging for water rescue and search operations. Joe Russo, who holds an FAA license, will operate it. Once in service, the drone will assist in local searches such as at Saxon Woods and be available as a County asset for fire, flood, or rescue operations. The department currently has 14 certified Water Rescue Technicians and hopes to expand to 18. Chief Rapp noted that few nearby departments have comparable drone capabilities— Pelham Fire has one, and a few police departments operate drones primarily for surveillance. 3. IT During the Information Technology (IT) budget discussion, IT Director Shyam Pandya reported that staff training will continue, though future training videos will be shorter and more focused. Staffing levels remain strong with the ongoing support of outside consultants. Town Board October 30, 2025 Councilmember Fiddelman inquired about the Town's IT ticketing process. Pandya explained that a new system is being implemented to better track and manage service requests and to identify recurring issues. Councilmember Nambiar asked about the Town's camera systems. Pandya noted that cameras are now managed under a maintenance contract and store footage for 90 days, per retention requirements. Discussion followed on expanding camera coverage and potential integration with Police Department systems, including questions about body cameras and vehicle-based cameras. Councilmember Nambiar also asked for additional information on the IT vehicle's usage. Councilmember Nambiar then suggested that Town-owned vehicles represent an opportunity for more creative and efficient scheduling. Perhaps we could have pool cars not assigned to specific departments. He also encouraged a broader review of how cameras and data systems could be used strategically across departments. 4. Ambulance During the Ambulance District budget discussion, Ambulance Director Mike Liverzani reported that revenue continues to come in steadily. The fleet currently consists of four vehicles, with the 2010 model scheduled for auction at the next sale. One ambulance is staffed around the clock, another is used by a secondary EMT for standby coverage at football games and weekend events, and the 2017 vehicle serves primarily as a spare that may no longer be needed. Liverzani described the budget as "bare bones" and straightforward. Councilmember Nichinsky thanked Director Liverzani for implementing updated service pricing, which took effect on October 15, 2025. Liverzani noted that approximately 45-46% of ambulance revenue comes from Medicare reimbursements. Town Administrator Robson raised the question of whether the Town may eventually need a full-time paid ambulance staff, emphasizing that while not an immediate concern, it is an important long-term planning issue. Director Liverzani explained that the department currently relies on about 30-35 EMTs, but retaining qualified paramedics remains a challenge. Mamaroneck is now the only municipality in Westchester County without any full-time ambulance employees. Councilmember Fiddelman asked about potential state-level changes affecting operations. Director Liverzani confirmed that proposed requirements could push more agencies toward full-time staffing models. Town Administrator Robson added that some of the Ambulance District's governing documents and agreements may need to be updated. Liverzani also noted that Mamaroneck EMS has struggled to raise funds in recent years, while the cost of new ambulances has climbed to about $350,000, reflecting inflation and supply chain pressures throughout the industry. 5. Wrap Up Budget Discussion - Part One During the Board's budget wrap-up discussion, Councilmember Nichinsky opened by suggesting that the Citizen's Budget Committee (CBC) be invited to provide input. Town Administrator Robson noted that the CBC's written report has already been received and that several of their recommendations were incorporated into the proposed 2026 budget but agreed the Board could use their report as a framework for further discussion at the November 5th meeting, when Comptroller Yogman will need final decisions. Councilmember Nichinsky said inviting the committee to a future work session could help the Board think strategically about long-term goals. Councilmember Fiddelman preferred that the Town Board first complete its own review of the budget before meeting with the CBC, so members could pose more targeted questions. Councilmember Nichinsky observed that the proposed tax levy increase of 3.96% leaves the Town very close to the tax cap increase and believes the budget can be reduced to stay within the cap without harming operations, suggesting potential ways to reach 3.88%. Councilmember Nichinsky noted that expenses are roughly $1 million Town Board October 30, 2025 less than the prior year and that the Town is projected to end 2025 with a $3.5 million surplus due to higher revenues. The Board discussed whether some capital items currently included in the operating budget could be deferred or bonded instead. Specific items mentioned included: • #27: Pickup truck ($75,000) • #35: Ford Focus ($46,000) • #73: Police Department ID cards ($12,000) • #66: Police Department radios ($160,000; second year of a multi-year replacement; suggested spread through multiple years) Town Administrator Robson cautioned that deferring capital expenses does not eliminate them—bonding simply delays payment. Councilmember Nambiar asked how important it is to stay within the tax cap, while Supervisor Elkind Eney said the Town must balance two goals: keeping taxes as low as possible and ensuring continued investment in infrastructure and services. Councilmember Nichinsky also raised whether full staffing assumptions in the budget were realistic, noting the Town is currently down about five positions. Councilmember Nichinsky asked how long the positions have been vacant and whether the Town consistently operates below full staffing levels. Comptroller Yogman explained that vacancies differ by fund and cannot be offset across departments. In areas like the Comptroller's Department, positions have remained open for years, and staffing is already lean. The Board reviewed related topics including fund balance use, anticipated savings from new vehicles reducing repair costs, and potential reductions if NYSHIP health insurance increases come below the budgeted 10%. Councilmember King advised against reducing the estimate midyear, while Councilmember Fiddelman agreed it was safer to remain conservative. The Board also discussed capital project planning. Comptroller Yogman will confirm with bond counsel whether separate bond authorizations are needed for the Ice Rink Compressor Engineering ($120,000) and the Sheldrake Design ($326,000), noting that bonding is only appropriate if the projects will proceed. Other major items referenced included a $100,000 bond for the Town Center third-floor renovation, and a $300,000 bond for the Sheldrake project. These will need to be revisited on November 5th in order to incorporate any necessary adjustments into the numbers prior to adoption of the final budget. Lastly, the Board agreed to meet to go into an executive session to discuss litigation with Con Edison at 10 a.m. on November 5th. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Carried NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING - November 5, 2025 Respectfully submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk