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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_05_18 Town Board Minutes o ��9_1_ Town of Mamaroneck // Town Board Minutes m Monday, May 18, 2026, Conference Room D, n First Floor of Town Center 5:00 PM FOUNDED 1661 PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor Jeffery L. King, Councilmember Robin Nichinsky, Councilmember Darren Moss, Councilmember Andrew Regenstreich, Councilmember ABSENT: Allison May, Town Clerk William Maker Jr., Town Attorney ALSO PRESENT: Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller Gary Evans, Consultant/Assistant to the Town Administrator Jennifer Gonzalez, Deputy Town Clerk 5:00 PM SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD The Special Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Town Supervisor Elkind Eney. Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the Special Meeting unanimously opened at 5:06 p.m. Carried WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Budget Committee Report The Town Board reviewed the Budget Committee Report and discussed Town Administrator Meredith Robson's and Town Comptroller Tracy Yogman's response to the Budget Committee's recommendations. The discussion focused on improving the annual budget development process by beginning policy discussions earlier, providing the Board with broader financial context sooner, and strengthening long-range financial planning. Comptroller Yogman explained that although the formal budget process begins in August and the Tentative Budget is due in October pursuant to New York State law, providing preliminary projections earlier in the year would allow the Board to begin discussing priorities before specific budget numbers are finalized. Administrator Robson stressed that early projections necessarily involve estimates, particularly for variable costs such as pensions, employee benefits, fuel, and snow removal, but agreed that earlier strategic discussions would be beneficial. The Board discussed the importance of expanding long-range capital planning. The Board recognized that capital improvements remain a significant driver of future budget needs and discussed the importance of expanding long-range capital planning. The Board also recognized the value of the Budget Committee's continued Town Board May 18, 2026 involvement in reviewing long-term financial issues and agreed that the Budget Committee's future role should be further defined. The discussion also included program-based budgeting, an approach that evaluates the costs and effectiveness of individual programs rather than a department as a whole. Comptroller Yogman explained that this approach is increasingly being adopted by municipalities and would require significant planning and implementation. Administrator Robson recommended introducing the process gradually, beginning with one or two departments. The Board also discussed opportunities to improve operational efficiency while maintaining community services, emphasizing that fiscal responsibility must be balanced with maintaining quality of life services provided to residents. The Board agreed that clearly communicating these decisions and priorities to Town residents will remain an important part of the budget process. Administrator Robson concluded that beginning strategic budget discussions earlier while gradually implementing program-based budgeting would strengthen the Town's long-term financial planning. 2. Discussion Goals & Priorities Supervisor Elkind Eney reviewed the Town Board's 2025 Goals and Priorities (See Attachment A) and led a discussion regarding implementation progress and objectives for the current planning period: 1. The Board discussed the future role of the Budget Committee, including defining its long-term responsibilities and determining how it can best support the Town Board's budget development and financial planning process. 2. Administrator Robson is currently drafting the implementation plan, with the goal of having it completed by July. 3. Regarding the Larchmont Mamaroneck Joint Garbage Commission reorganization, the MLU yard proposal was submitted, but the Village of Larchmont Board of Trustees returned comments indicating several areas that were unclear. Once the Town Board is aligned and the revisions are received from the Commission's attorney, Supervisor Elkind Eney will prepare a letter to the Village of Larchmont. 4. The public relations plan related to the sanitation reorganization has been completed. 5. The Board discussed the status of workforce housing at the Hommocks Park Apartments. Supervisor Elkind Eney explained that the changes to State housing regulations affected the Town's local workforce housing preferences and resulted in firefighters no longer qualifying for certain units. The Board emphasized the importance of supporting opportunities for emergency responders to reside within the community. Supervisor Elkind Eney indicated she would follow up with Nixon Peabody regarding previously requested legal guidance. 6. The Board received an update regarding the Town seal and logo project. The consultant submitted a revised proposal, which will be reviewed at the next meeting. 7. The Board received an update on ongoing environmental initiatives, including an upcoming submission for additional sustainability certification points and continued integration of environmentally sustainable practices into the Town's purchasing policy. 8. Administrator Robson reported that a revised employment contract is expected to be presented at the next meeting. Because of the extent of the revisions, no redlined version was prepared. The Board also anticipated convening an executive session to discuss personnel matters and open positions. 9. The Board discussed local traffic congestion and the importance of greater coordination with neighboring municipalities. Potential improvements discussed Town Board May 18, 2026 included traffic signal coordination, joint planning efforts, and continued discussions regarding intersections including Chatsworth Avenue/Palmer Avenue and Myrtle Boulevard/Murray Avenue. Councilmember King agreed to follow up with the Village of Larchmont Traffic Committee. 10.Councilmember King reported on a site visit to MetLife Stadium attended by Supervisor Elkind Eney, Administrator Robson, Town Engineer Robert Wasp, and Superintendent of Recreation Jill Fisher to observe a presentation on hybrid turf technology utilizing sustainable fibers designed to reduce field temperatures and significantly increase playable hours. The Board discussed its potential to reduce field temperatures and significantly increase playable hours, while recognizing additional evaluation would be necessary to determine whether the technology is appropriate for local conditions. 11 .The public meeting updating Town Stormwater improvements will be held on June 3, 2026. 12.The Board discussed recreation operations and policies, including the possible formation of a working group. Administrator Robson noted that fundraising activities must be conducted through a nonprofit organization rather than the Town. Councilmember King suggested inviting representatives of the nonprofit to participate in a future discussion. The Board also discussed the development of a Capital Infrastructure and Investment Strategy, which Assistant to the Town Administrator Gary Evans will continue reviewing with the Town Board. Administrator Robson emphasized that implementation represents one component of the Town's broader strategic planning process. Additional discussion focused on improving the tracking of follow-up items, finalizing summer meeting dates, and scheduling an additional special meeting to continue the Board's goal-setting process. ADJOURNMENT On motion of Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Carried REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING — MAY 20, 2026 Respectfully submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk Town Board May 18, 2026 Attachment A 2025 Town Board Goals/Priorities: (not in priority order} 1. Establish a Budget Committee,set timeline and parameters 2. Implementation plan and resulting actions 3. LMJGC reorganization 4. Public Relations Plan related to developments and sanitation reorganization 5. Affordable housing 6. Town seal 7. Environmental initiatives 8. Departmental staffing/personnel issues 9. Possible traffic committee overlap with Villages 10. Hommocks fields decisions 11. Stormwater drainage study follow up 12. Review of recreation operations and policies