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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_04_22 Town Board Minutes Town Board April 22, 2026 roll of chicken wire, a shoe, an eight-foot metal pipe, and a ceramic toy. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who participated, as well as Trader Joe's for providing refreshments. On April 19, Recreation Superintendent Jill Fisher, Councilmember King, Congressman George Latimer, and I attended the Town's Little Bunny Hop 5K Run. Councilmember Moss also participated in the race. A total of 543 runners registered, and approximately 455 participated. This event continues to be a successful and well-attended community event. On April 20, Jeff, Andrew, Darren and I, along with Town Clerk May and Abby Katz, a former Town Councilmember and member of the Traffic Committee, attended an open house hosted by the New York State Department of Transportation regarding proposed safety enhancements on Boston Post Road. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback, and additional details are available on the Town's website. Upcoming events in the Town include Arbor Day on April 24, where a tree will be planted in honor of retired Town Arborist Jimmy Kiney in recognition of his 28 years of service. The Icebreaker Hockey Tournament will take place on April 25 through April 28 and will include multiple days of community activities. The Town's Compost Giveaway will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Maxwell Avenue Recycling Center. Residents are reminded to bring appropriate containers, with a limit of 35 gallons per vehicle. I would also like to share an important message from the Town Police Department regarding elder fraud prevention. Recently, one of our senior residents was the victim of a scam. Older adults are often targeted due to perceived savings, isolation, and unfamiliarity with evolving technology. Common scams include fake emergency calls from relatives, impersonation of banks or government agencies, tech support schemes, and fraudulent charity requests. Warning signs include requests for secrecy, unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cash, and demands for immediate action. Residents are encouraged to verify requests independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share sensitive personal information. Town detectives will be providing a presentation at the Senior Center on this topic, and additional information will be included in an upcoming newsletter. PUBLIC HEARING(S) 1. Public Hearing - "Revision of the Senior Citizens Tax Exemption" Law The following Notice of Public Hearing is entered into the record as follows: LEGAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 130 of the Town Law of the State of New York, a Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible, to consider the "Revision of the Senior Citizens Tax Exemption" law, at the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. Purpose: The County of Westchester has determined that social security benefits that are not subject to federal income taxation should not be included in determining whether a senior citizen with limited income qualifies for a partial exemption from County real property taxes and if so, the amount of that exemption. The Town Board wishes to coordinate its senior citizen exemption law with respect to the Town's real property taxes. Since making this change requires amending the Town Code, the Town Board is taking this opportunity to streamline the article in the Town Code that provides for a senior citizen tax exemption. You may also view the meeting on local municipal access television (Cablevision 75, 76, 77 or Verizon 34, 35, 36) or on LMC Media's website, https://lmcmedia.org. The full text of this document can be viewed on the Town's website, https://www.townofmamaroneckny.gov/calendar.aspx, or by calling the Town Clerk's Office at 914-381-7870, for a mailed copy. Town Board April 22, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK Published: April 14, 2026 Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King, the public hearing was unanimously opened. Carried Town Attorney Maker explained that the proposed local law would amend the calculation of income for purposes of the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption by excluding the portion of Social Security benefits that is not subject to federal income taxation. Attorney Maker noted that under current State law, such untaxed benefits are included in income calculations, which may reduce or eliminate eligibility for certain seniors under the sliding-scale exemption structure. Supervisor Elkind Eney clarified that the Town already provides a senior exemption and that the proposed amendment is a targeted modification intended to expand eligibility for qualifying seniors. The Town Supervisor further noted that due to the taxable status date, the Board must act at this meeting for the change to take effect for the current year. Michael Gottfried, Town resident, expressed support for the amendment but urged the Town Board to undertake a broader review of the senior exemption program in the future. Mr. Gottfried suggested that the Finance Committee undertake a broader review of the exemption program, including exemption levels, administrative consistency, and overall equity among taxpayers. Thomas Murphy, speaking in his capacity as Reporter with The Larchmont Loop, asked clarifying questions regarding the applicability of the exemption, confirming that it applies only to Town taxes and not to special districts such as fire or ambulance. Mr. Murphy also inquired about income caps and how they are adjusted over time, with the Town Attorney explaining that such thresholds are governed by State law and local adoption. Councilmembers Nichinsky and Moss both acknowledged the importance of reviewing the exemption program more comprehensively in the future, while noting the need to proceed with the current amendment due to statutory timing constraints. Moved by Town Supervisor Elkind Eney, seconded by Councilmember King, the public hearing was unanimously closed. Carried Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the following local law was approved: Local Law No. 3 - 2026 This local law shall be known as the "Revision of the Senior Citizens Tax Exemption" law. BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck Section 1 — Purpose: The County of Westchester has determined that social security benefits that are not subject to federal income taxation should not be included in determining whether a senior citizen with limited income qualifies for a partial exemption from County real property taxes and if so, the amount of that exemption. The Town Board wishes to coordinate its senior citizen exemption law with respect to the Town's real property taxes. Since making this change