Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_01_28 Town Board Minutes o v479_1_ Town of Mamaroneck 0 / o Town Board Minutes W 1 j m Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Courtroom, Second 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 ABSENT: Andrew Regenstreich, Councilmember ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator William Maker Jr., Town Attorney Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller Robert P. Wasp, Town Engineer 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 King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the meeting unanimously opened at 5:03 p.m. Carried WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Discussion - SEQR Review - 851 Fenimore Road and 227 Griffen Avenue Town Administrator Meredith Robson introduced a memorandum from Deputy Town Engineer Carol Murray regarding the Winged Foot Golf Club project at 851 Fenimore Road and 227 Griffen Avenue. Administrator Robson explained that the project involves a site plan amendment and a wetland and watercourse permit for the relocation of a drainage inlet within a watercourse. The Planning Board classified the proposal as a Type I action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), designated itself as Lead Agency for a coordinated review, and requested confirmation that the Town Board had no objection. The Town Board is an involved agency, and the matter was presented for discussion only. Town Engineer Robert Wasp joined the discussion by telephone and explained that the public hearing began before the Planning Board in December. Engineer Wasp stated that the proposal is a standard site plan and permit application for which the Town Board would not typically assume Lead Agency status. Town Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney confirmed that the project involves the removal of 26 trees. Town Attorney William Maker Jr. noted that the Town Board may submit comments, but the project approvals rest with the Planning Board. Attorney Maker also referenced the R- 20 zoning district and briefly reviewed the next steps in the process. Town Board January 28, 2026 The Town Board reached consensus that it had no objection to the Planning Board serving as Lead Agency for the SEQRA review. No formal action was taken. 2. Salary Authorization - Police Department The Town Board reviewed the proposed appointment of Police Officer Michael Vezyrakis as a Probationary Police Officer, effective January 29, 2026, at an annual salary of $84,144. 3. Discussion - Construction Management Services Proposal Town Engineer Wasp introduced a proposal from CALGI Construction Company, Inc. for construction management services for the Parks Building and Sign Shop Reconstruction project. Engineer Wasp explained that the construction contract had already been awarded and that CALGI would provide construction-phase management services, including part-time on-site supervision and construction administration, during an anticipated ten-month construction period. The project was ready to begin, and a part-time construction manager would supplement the Engineering Department's oversight while allowing Town staff to remain focused on other capital projects and permitting responsibilities. Supervisor Elkind Eney referenced issues experienced on prior projects involving CALGI, including the Fire Department and Ice Rink locker room renovations. Engineer Wasp explained that those issues were design-related and confirmed that a detail- oriented field inspector had been assigned to the project and could be identified in the agreement. The Town Board discussed whether the agreement should identify a preferred individual for the field inspector role and agreed that this issue should not delay consideration of the proposal. 4. Discussion - EV Charging Station Rates and Idling Fees Engineer Wasp presented proposed modifications to the Town's electric vehicle charging rates and a proposed idling fee. Engineer Wasp explained that the Town's rate of$0.30 per kilowatt-hour, established by Local Law No. 3-2020, was below the regional average and no longer reflected current electricity, data subscription, and maintenance costs. The Engineering Department recommended increasing the rate to $0.40 per kilowatt-hour, which would remain below the surveyed regional average of $0.44. The Town currently operates eight public charging ports at four locations. Engineer Wasp also outlined a proposed $5.00-per-hour idling fee, to be assessed after a 30-minute grace period following completion of a charging session, to discourage vehicles from remaining connected after charging was complete. The Town Board expressed support in increasing the charging rate to $0.40 per kilowatt- hour but wanted further information and discussion about the proposed idling fee. The Town Board deferred further discussion and action to a future meeting. 5. Discussion - Recreation Fee Subsidy Guidance The Town Administrator requested guidance regarding Recreation Department fee subsidies in advance of the Recreation Commission's February 10, 2026, meeting, when fees for the upcoming summer pool season were expected to be finalized. Supervisor Elkind Eney explained that the purpose of the discussion was to establish an overall philosophy for subsidizing pool operations rather than to set specific rates. Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that discussions with the school district indicated that its budget did not include a line item for pool charges. Supervisor Elkind Eney and Town Administrator Robson had requested additional information and clarification from the district. Administrator Robson advised that the Recreation Commission would benefit from clear direction concerning how much, if any, of the difference between expenditures and revenues the Town was willing to subsidize. Town Administrator Robson asked the Town Board to prioritize options discussed during the November joint meeting of Town Board January 28, 2026 the Recreation Commission and Town Board and shared comments received from Budget Committee member Ian Rhodes. See Attachment A. Councilmember Moss noted that pool fees are closely connected to overall recreation fees and revenues, making the issue broader than pool operations alone. Councilmember Robin Nichinsky stated that some level of subsidy may be appropriate and questioned how much additional cost residents should bear for a compromised facility, suggesting that any increase in resident fees be moderate. The Town Board discussed full, partial, or no subsidy of pool operations; whether camp use should be included in the subsidy analysis; whether camps should be charged for use of the Hommocks Pool; and whether nonresident fees should be increased. The Town Board also requested clarification regarding the status of the retractable pool roof. Town Comptroller Tracy Yogman reminded the Town Board that the proposed facility improvements would add approximately $500,000 in annual debt service, which would equate to approximately $165 per household on the average tax bill. 6. ADDED: Long Island Sound Watershed Intermunicipal Council (LISWIC) Town Administrator Robson introduced draft organizational documents for the proposed reestablishment of the Long Island Sound Watershed Intermunicipal Council (LISWIC), including an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) and Bylaws, noting that the initiative had been discussed previously. The documents establish a cooperative framework among 14 Westchester County municipalities with jurisdiction over the Long Island Sound watershed, pursuant to General Municipal Law §239-n and Article 5-G. The purpose of LISWIC is to promote regional coordination on shared priorities including flood mitigation, stormwater management, shoreline and wetland protection, water quality, resilience planning, information sharing, intermunicipal project coordination, and joint advocacy for grant funding and legislative initiatives. The Town Board was advised that the documents would ultimately require approval by each participating governing body, and that the item was presented for discussion only, with formal action anticipated at a future meeting. Supervisor Elkind Eney emphasized the importance of a regional approach to watershed issues that impact neighboring municipalities and noted the added influence such collaboration can provide when pursuing grants or legislative support. Town Attorney Maker described the IMA and Bylaws as standard organizational documents that primarily establish structure and serve an educational purpose. Councilmember Moss asked questions regarding municipal eligibility and participation, and Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that some municipalities, including Mount Vernon, had not yet formally joined, and that others, such as New Rochelle, had not yet attended a meeting. The Town Administrator explained that anticipated costs were minimal and largely related to information sharing and coordination. Supervisor Elkind Eney requested that any conceptual comments be provided by February 4, to be shared with Tiffany Zezula, and indicated that absent comments, she would report that the Town Board had no substantive concerns. 7. Request for Executive Session Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the Town Board unanimously agreed to enter into an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person or persons. Carried Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the Town Board unanimously agreed to resume the Work Session. Carried Town Board January 28, 2026 8. Updates The Town Board received brief updates concerning Friends of Town of Mamaroneck Recreation, an upcoming Fields for Kids meeting, and a resident letter regarding a welcome packet. 9. Changes to Regular Meeting Agenda 8:00 PM TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING The Town Board meeting convened in the Courtroom located on the second floor of the Town Center. The public was able 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 8:05 p.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 January 28, 2026, meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session in Conference Room A, starting at 5:00 pm, which was open to the Public. The major news this month is the significant snowfall and persistent deep freeze our community is experiencing. I hope, by now, that everyone is warm and safe and has dug out. A few important reminders: It is essential to stay informed during weather events and emergencies. We send email blasts, text messages, and robocalls. Please sign up on our website to receive these alerts so you are aware of service changes, parking restrictions, and other critical emergency information. According to the Town Code, if you own, rent or are responsible for property next to a public sidewalk you are required to clear snow and ice from that sidewalk within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling to keep the pathways safe. Additionally, the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department (TMFD) requests that you clear snow and ice from any fire hydrants near your property to ensure they are accessible in emergencies. Finally, some well-earned thank-yous! A heartfelt thankyou to the Highway Department for their outstanding service during this storm. They started work 3:00 am Sunday and have been working tirelessly since to ensure that our roads are clear and safely passable. It fills me with pride when you can tell by the condition of the roads that you are entering the Town of Mamaroneck—this reflects the dedication and commitment of our team. So, thank you to John Barreto and your staff! The TMFD—the volunteers left their families at 8:00 am on Sunday to be on call at the firehouse for the duration of the storm, ready to respond to any emergency during very challenging conditions. As a result, all apparatus were staffed and ready to respond, ensuring that our community remained protected during this difficult and demanding event. In addition, they prepared and served meals to 60 people who were working through the duration of the storm. This teamwork and dedication are remarkable. The Ambulance and Police Departments were also fully staffed and responded as needed through difficult conditions. Finally, I want to thank Meredith Robson, our Town Administrator, who stayed overnight at the Town Center, master-minding the entire operation! Town Board January 28, 2026 I know I speak for the whole Town Board expressing our pride in all our emergency responders and our staff. RESIDENT COMMENTS Supervisor Elkind Eney asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Town Board and there was no one. 1. Call to Order Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, the Board of Fire Commissioners was unanimously declared open. Present were the following Members of the Commission: Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney Commissioner: Jeffery L. King Commissioner: Robin Nichinsky Commissioner: Darren Moss Carried 2. Fire Claims Moved by Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, it was RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commissioners hereby authorizes payment of the Fire Department claim in the amount of$21,486.63, certified by Fire Chief Alex Rapp and submitted to the Comptroller's Office. See Attachment B. Carried 3. Drone Donation Moved by Commissioner Nichinsky, seconded by Commissioner King, WHEREAS, through the fundraising efforts of the volunteer firefighters of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department, two DJI Matrice 4DT drones valued at $24,000 were donated to the Fire District; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire District hereby accepts this generous donation and authorizes the Town Administrator to execute any documents necessary for the acceptance and transfer of ownership. Carried 4. Other Fire Department Business Moved by Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Nichinsky, the Board of Fire Commissioners unanimously agreed to adjourn, and the Town Board reconvened. Carried 1. Consideration of Construction Management Services Proposal Town Administrator Meredith S. Robson presented the amended agreement with CALGI Construction Company, Inc. for construction management services for the Parks Building and Sign Shop Reconstruction project, as discussed during the Work Session. Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Nichinsky, it was Town Board January 28, 2026 RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the amended agreement with CALGI Construction Company, Inc. for construction management services for the Parks Building and Sign Shop Reconstruction project in an amount not to exceed$325,760 and authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the agreement and any related documents necessary to carry out its implementation. Carried 2. DEFERRED - Consideration of EV Charging Station Rates and Idling Fees As discussed during the Work Session, the Town Board deferred this item to a future meeting. No action was taken. 3. Consideration of Salary Authorization - Police Department Moved by Councilmember Nichinsky, seconded by Councilmember King, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves the appointment of Police Officer Michael Vezyrakis as a Probationary Police Officer in the Town of Mamaroneck, effective January 29, 2026, at an annual salary of$84,144. Carried REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL Councilmember Nichinsky • Thanked the Highway Department for keeping us safe. • Enjoyed the beautiful snow. Councilmember King • Thanked the Highway Department for keeping us safe. Councilmember Moss • Thankful for attending his first official Town Board Meeting. • Hopes that everyone is at home staying safe and warm. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Town Attorney Maker Jr. reminded residents that mail deposited at a local post office will be transported to a regional processing center before it is postmarked. Because State law requires the Receiver of Taxes to rely on the postmark when determining whether a mailed tax payment was timely, Attorney Maker encouraged residents to consider paying in person, using the Town's online payment portal, or requesting a postmark at the post office counter. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember King, seconded by Councilmember Moss, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Carried REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING - FEBRUARY 4, 2026 Submitted by Allison May, Town Clerk Town Board January 28, 2026 Attachment A Comments regarding Town of Mamaroneck,Town Board Agenda,Wednesday,January 28, 2026,Work Session,4.Discussion—Recreation Fee Subsidy Guidance I respectfully submit the following comments for your consideration. As you know,the Town Board is charged with determining the priorities for the Town and in turn the priorities for Recreation and other departments. Further,the funding for activities for the Town is through a combination of the Operating Fund (and other similar funds)and the Capital Fund. I am not a"break even"absolutist with regard to the pool.I believe,similar to the approach in other areas of the Town,property tax revenues should be considered to assist in covering the costs of the pool.This provides many benefits to community,including reducing the user fee costs which make the pool accessible to more members of the community. I do believe there should be"guardrails"for the amount of property tax revenues that are used to support the pool. The property tax funding of the pool has increased significantly over the past several years,from approximately$135,000 in 2017 to approximately$600,000 for the current year—an increase of $465,000 or almost 350%. If a guardrail was in place that limited property tax support to$250,000 per year,the cumulative funds from 2017 to today that would have been available was approximately $1.25 million. Depending on the priority of the pool as compared to other priorities,this is$1.25 million that could have been invested elsewhere in the Town.Provided below is further financial information. Cumulative funds(2017-2025)that could have been available for other priorities Cap Pool support at$150K $ 1,904,413 Cap Pool support at$250K $ 1,252,736 Cumulative funds post COVID that could have been available for other priorities Cap Pool support at$150K $ 1,239,426 Cap Pool support at$250K $ 839,426 Town Board January 28, 2026 Attachment B TOWN OF MAMARONECK FROM: TRACY YOGMAN-TOWN COMPTROLLER RE: Fire Claims Date January 28,2026 The following Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department claims have been certified by Chief Alex Rapp and submitted to the Comptroller's Office for payment: VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT AAA Emergency Supply Co. Scott airpaks test and parts,fire extiguishers inspections,hydrotest recharge $ 5,190.63 Amazon Office supplies-chargers,containers,calendars,mop heads $ 241.15 Bound Tree Medical LLC Medical supplies $ 1,112.78 Byram Mason&Building Supply Corp. Salt for snow/ice $ 237.50 Chatsworth Cleaners Uniform maintenance $ 87.97 Embassy Cleaners Uniform maintenance $ 26.00 Emergency Responder Products Firefighter uniforms-long sleeve polos,hats $ 2,160.80 Galls LLC Firefighter uniforms-shirts and shoes $ 87.41 r Hi-Tech Fire&Safety Firefighting hoods(6) $ 315.00 r K.R.B.Supply Inc. Supplies-zipties,nuts/bolts $ 24.90 Knox Company Key box system for the the two new fire engines $ 2,506.00 Mario Vitti Roofing&Siding Repair roof leak in the second floor hall $ 450.00 Motorola Solutions Multi-unit portable charger for two new fire engines and mounting kit $ 4,484.48 Peter Kraczar Reimbursement for drone certification test $ 175.00 Replacement of flushometer in second floor mens room,relocate eyewash and water filter Precision Plumbing&Heating Contracting Inc line per OSHA requirements $ 3,710.00 Tony's Nursery Inc. Holiday wreaths,bows $ 51.17 Verizon Fire HQ Svc 01/10/26-2/9/26 $ 309.16 Village Paint Supply Inc. Paint supplies for auditorium wall repair and trophy cabinet $ 174.98 Village Pizza&Pasta Meal for truck operations and search techniques training $ 141.70 Total $ 21,486.63 f Page 37 of 48