BOARD OF TRUSTEES June 24, 2019
PRESENT: Mayor Monachino Lapey Trustee Annunziata Trustee Senerchia Trustee Bennett Trustee Cataldi DeLillo Attorney Cornachio Manager Pierpont
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND FIRE SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT
Mayor Monachino Lapey led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance and notified those in attendance where the fire exits were located. The Mayor welcomed everyone. She said that the village has new video equipment which will continue to promote transparency.
The Mayor spoke about New York State Department of Transportation’s decision to place a monopole on their property heading south on Boston Post Road near the Hutchinson River Parkway entrance. He asked the Village Manager to give addition details on the location.
Manager Pierpont said that the proposal is to place it south at exit seven on the Hutchinson River Parkway at the clover leaf that connects to the southbound Hutchinson River Parkway.
The representatives from the Department of Transportation were invited to attend tonight’s Board meeting but they were not able to attend.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she is looking forward to their coming in to discuss this proposal.
Mayor Monachino Lapey spoke about a series of events in the City of Mount Vernon that have impacts on our residents. She said that a significant number of complaints about the noise level of ninety decibel levels in yards in Pelham Manor were reported to her and our police department. There were reports of houses that were shaking. The Mayor said that we are continuing the dialogue with Mount Vernon and we are continuing to make headway. We are working with Westchester County Executive George Latimer and County Legislator Terry Clements.
There was a fireworks display at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Memorial Field is city owned and that presented a fact pattern to deal with. The Mayor credited Police Chief Carpenter who suited up and was ready to help. There were a few noise complaints but it went off as well as could be expected.
Trustee Bennett thanked Chief Carpenter.
Manager Pierpont said that it was a big improvement over the Fathers’ Day concert.
Trustee Annunziata said that the Village has to keep up its guard. He said another event is planned for July 7th. He said that he thought we had an agreement with Mount Vernon but it fell apart.
The Mayor said that Mount Vernon Mayor Thomas felt the agreement was being honored. There is a meeting scheduled with Mayor Thomas’ executive staff. Mr. Migliore from the Mayor’s office will meet with representatives from Pelham Manor.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she could clearly hear the noise and confirmed that it was very loud. She said that she supported engaging in conversation.
The Mayor said that tomorrow the Village Manager and Trustees Annunziata and Bennett will be meeting with the Department of Transportation about Boston Post Road, the Four Corners and the Esplanade. The Mayor said that the Village has been evaluating this for months and years. She said that the Village monitors the area with speed tracking and traffic enforcement. She said that we take this seriously.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that she was glad that the Village is communicating with DOT because it is their road. She wants to see what they have to say.
Trustee Bennett said that she was looking forward to meeting with them to see what they have to say.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that she met with Senator Biaggi in January and sent a follow-up letter in February.
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MINUTES
The Mayor asked if there were any questions, comments or corrections to the minutes. Trustee Annunziata and Trustee Cataldi DeLillo had a few corrections to the minutes from the public hearing.
Trustee Annunziata said that in the public hearing minutes in the fifth paragraph it should read that it prevents a large shift of tax burden to those in the homestead class.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that in the public hearing minutes under the school board it should be noted that the school board passes a resolution. The Village passes a law, but the school board passes a resolution.
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the minutes from the June 10, 2019 Public Hearing and the June 10, 2019 Regular Meeting be and hereby are approved as amended.
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SET BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JULY AND AUGUST
The Mayor said that in recognition of people’s vacations it is the Board’s custom to have one meeting in July and one meeting in August.
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the meetings for July and August be and hereby are set for July 22, 2019 and August 26, 2019.
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REQUEST FROM ANNE O’BEIRNE – PROJECT COMMUNITY COLOR RUN
Anne O’Beirne, 10 Westward Lane, requested the use of Village streets for the Project Community Color Run for Sunday, May 17, 2020 from ten o’clock in the morning until approximately twelve o’clock in the afternoon. The rain date would be Sunday, May 31, 2020. The annual run would benefit Project Community Inc. which is a locally based charity that gives individuals health care knowledge through programs.
This is an event that has been permitted in the past.
Trustee Annunziata commented that this year’s Color Run went off fine as it always does.
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the request from Anne O’Beirne to have the Project Community Color Run on streets in Pelham Manor on Sunday, May 17, 2020 with a rain date of Sunday, May 31, 2020 be and hereby is granted.
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ABSTACT OF VOUCHERS NUMBERS 26394-26463
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to sign abstract of vouchers numbers 26394-26463.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Monachino Lapey asked if there was any comment from the public.
Norman Pure, 616 Timpson Street spoke about the noise complaints regarding Mount Vernon’s activities and suggested that they follow their own ordinances regarding noise. He said if they adhered to their own ordinance the problem would be solved.
Mr. Pure also spoke about his communication with various agencies to obtain a noise barrier along the Hutchinson River Parkway near Timpson Street and Murray Street.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Board of Trustees became involved with trying to help. The Board sent a letter to Senator Klein.
Senator Klein’s office became involved and tried to get funding for a study to see if the sound barrier was feasible. The study was not funded in that particular round of state funding.
Mr. Pure said that then Senator Klein did come down last year to listen to the noise in front of his neighbor’s house. He said that he has worked with members of Senator Biaggi’s staff
Mr. Pure introduced his neighbor Kim Riegel from 652 Timpson Street.
Ms. Riegel spoke about measurements for Pelham Manor’s noise ordinance. She said that the noise levels at her house and the surrounding areas are quite high.
Justin Goodyear, 855 James Street, asked about planting a tree in the public right of way.
Manager Pierpont said that to plant a tree on public property you would need permission, which is usually granted. The area would have to be checked for utilities to make sure a tree would be able to grow in that area without disturbing wires.
John Angrisani, 906 Split Rock Road, said he met with the Mayor, Manager Pierpont and the Police Chief after his neighbor at 4466 Boston Post Road came to the last Board meeting. Mr. Angrisani read a statement in response his neighbor’s allegations and said he considered her accusations slanderous and he would be taking legal action to protect his family and himself. He thanked Chief Carpenter, Detective Sergeant Sancho, the Village Manager and the Mayor for their time.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Board was very sorry all this has happened and said she and the Board cannot comment on the facts of this case. She said that she hopes Mr. Angrisani will be able to walk away or find common ground but doesn’t know if that will be possible.
Jeanine McDermott, 464 Murray Street, said that her house was one of the houses that was shaking. She also said that she wanted a crossing guard at Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue. Steve Hutchinson, 494 Wolfs Lane, thanked the Mayor for meeting with Mount Vernon. He read a statement and said that this is a problem that needs to be addressed. It goes from a minor annoyance to noise pollution. He said that last year’s concerts were loud but this year’s are worse. He said that something has to be done.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that they are evaluating options. She said that she told Mayor Thomas something went horribly awry.
Maurice Owen-Michaane, 457 Siwanoy Avenue, said that a Siwanoy parent, age fifty- two, recently passed away from cancer. He has three young children and a Go Fund Me page is being set up to help. He said that information will be on Facebook shortly.
Trustee Senerchia spoke about a full-time crossing guard at Wolfs Lane and Colonial Avenue and said that he’s had that conversation with the school and Village of Pelham.
Todd Cross, 5 Manning Circle, Village of Pelham had prepared remarks. He said that he is a pedestrian safety advocate since his daughter was hit by a car near the service station about one hundred feet from the intersection of Wolfs Lane and Sparks Avenue. He said that she was lucky to walk away. She was hit by a car going twenty miles per hour. He said that one of ten kids hit at forty miles per hour walks away. He said that most offenders, using smart phones and navigation apps, are Pelham residents. He compared the number of children going to school every day to the number of people running in a marathon.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that his commitment is nothing short of astounding. She said that the Board will continue its dialogue.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that this is a walkable community. It’s who we are. She said that we are looking at all avenues.
Trustee Senerchia said that the day after the accident another child was on her cell phone at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Boulevard. She was looking at her phone which is part of the issue. He said that he has had that conversation with his children.
Dominic Stobart, 464 Esplanade, said that he has volunteered to work on traffic safety and bicycle safety at the beginning of the school year.
Trustee Annunziata said that there is a tremendous volume of traffic and he has seen kids with headphones on Iden, Stellar, and Wolfs and they are not looking at the traffic at all.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo asked if pedestrian safety could be piggy backed onto the DARE program.
Manager Pierpont said that the Village’s DARE program has been modified to include an extra class on traffic safety.
Village Attorney Cornachio asked if the letter has been shared with state representatives and was told that Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is aware.
The Village Attorney said that the Post Road is a state road.
Erica Winter, 923 Esplande, made a request for a pedestrian crossing at Esplanade and Boston Post Road. She said that she spoke with Edward Goff from DOT and he told her that a letter or resolution from the Board of Trustees was all that was needed.
The Mayor said that she met with Senator Biaggi, requested state funding, and sent a letter. She said that there is more than one way to accomplish our objectives. The Mayor said that we’re meeting with the DOT. We’ve been successful at getting a four way stop.
Manager Pierpont said that DOT is a large bureaucracy. He said that has had the pleasure of dealing with regional directors, engineers and people associated with the Safe Routes to Schools program. He said he spoke with Ed Goff and Mr. Goff didn’t know that he was meeting with the DOT. It did not sound like this would happen with just a letter. The Village Manager said that he understands how important this is to the Village and the Board. He said that he couldn’t explain Mr. Goff’s choice of words. He said that we’ve presented data to DOT.
Erica Winter said she asked about data being required and Ed Goff said no.
Trustee Senerchia was surprised that Mr. Goff was just going on your word. He said his dealings have not been so.
Erica Winter suggested that the Board do a resolution or letter.
Trustee Bennett said that the Board needs to find out the process when we meet. She said that we’re all committed to safety.
Erica Winter said that she counted twenty-four people who ran a light, blocked the box and prevented children from crossing the street.
The Mayor said that Chief Carpenter has been tremendously responsive and Mr. Pierpont met with you today. The Police Department is tremendously committed to this. She said that she is not aware that DOT will put in a pedestrian crossing signal without some kind of data analysis. The Mayor said that not everyone wants the same thing. We do owe everyone an opportunity to comment if we’re going to act.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that the Board has an agenda and a resolution needs to be thought out and placed on the public agenda so everyone can see if before the meeting. She said that it may seem obstructive to your goal, but everyone’s rights are equal in this community. We’re not saying no. We’re listening.
Trustee Senerchia said that he was sure that there has to be some kind of study, with regional data, done before a pedestrian crossing would be put in. There are placement, wiring and timing issues involved.
The Mayor spoke about looking at other things in tandem.
Trustee Annunziata said that he would be at the meeting with DOT.
Erica Winter said that Julie Fair, 119 Country Club Lane, still wants a crossing guard.
The Mayor said that you have our continued support and we will keep in touch with the public.
Toby Marxuach-Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, spoke about a crossing guard for September and the cost associated with that and a sustainable traffic committee.
The Mayor said that the Board is looking at a crossing guard and would look into a committee. She said that we represent you at this level and we would be happy to look into it.
Debbie Winstead, 14 Witherbee Avenue, asked about data.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said the number of children in the County, number of people, number of cars, would be included in a traffic study/count. The Village would provide data and if DOT moved forward, they would come up with data within our realm.
Manager Pierpont said that after the meeting he will let the Board of Trustees what happens and he is sure they would direct him to put something on Facebook.
Debbie Winsted spoke about a new paradigm going to where the people are. It looks at the behavior of people. She said it was up to us to keep safe. We have to modify behavior. A traffic signal would be an example of this.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo asked if she had information on what something successful would look like.
Debbie Winstead said no but said that there was interest in establishing a sustainable traffic safety committee.
Trustee Cataldi DeLillo said that there was a more regional question. It’s mportant not to move a problem to another location. She said that is why these things do get studied.
David Joachim, 4520 Boston Post Road, said that he realized that it was his responsibility to tell his kid to look up, but said that he takes his scooter to the train station and the traffic is deplorable. He said people go through stop signs at Esplanade and Wolfs Lane. He spoke about using his GoPro camera to publicly shame people who practice this behavior. He said behavior can be modified.
Amy Goodman, 1242 Pelhamdale Avenue, spoke in favor of having a crossing guard.
Manager Pierpont said that there is no crossing guard in the budget but said he is working with the Chief and Board of Trustees on an all way red. A controlled intersection is pretty safe.
Nick Ferrara, 442 Esplanade, spoke about painting a cross hatch design similar to the one near the high school. He also suggested a Don’t Block the Box sign. He also asked who he can call about noise complaints.
Mayor Monachino Lapey said that the Mayor from Mount Vernon has a vision for Mount Vernon that may not be our vision. She said that we are committed to collaboration. She had a cordial conversation with Mayor Thomas, but said that there is a gap in understanding. She said that we are not opposed to events, but we’re protective of quality of life. She said that several lawyers are looking at this.
Jessyka Calzolaio, 1436 Roosevelt Avenue, spoke about speeding on Pelhamdale Avenue. She said that the Pelham Manor police have been issuing tickets. The number is staggering and the speeding hasn’t been as bad. She said that there is nowhere to cross the street at Rockledge Drive. She spoke about Roosevelt Avenue, Bolton Road and Mount Tom Road. She thought a curb from Bolton to Roosevelt would help the situation.
Toby Marxuach-Gusciora, 901 Plymouth Street, asked about the status of the e-commerce proposal and was told that the Village is waiting to hear back. They have met with New York City.
Alexy Scholl, 1076 Grant Avenue, said that on Colonial, on the Target side of the street, the crosswalk signal does not work. It has not been working for a long time.
Manager Pierpont said that is located in the City of Mount Vernon. He said that when you cross the creek by the entrance to the Hutch you are in Mount Vernon. He said that he would mention to DOT that the signal is not working.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the Board be and hereby is authorized to conduct an Executive Session to discuss the following:
Personnel Matter
No action was taken in Executive Session.
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RESUMPTION OF REGULAR MEETING
SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
After discussion and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the following salary adjustments be and hereby ae approved effective June 1, 2019.
Police Chief $ 178,500 $6,500 Longevity Police Lieutenant $ 160,000 $2,500 Longevity Fire Chief $ 205,000 $15,000 Longevity $10,000 (DPW Administration)
DPW Foreman $ 95,750 $ 3,500 Longevity Personnel Manager/Deputy Clerk $ 101,250 $ 7,500 Longevity Deputy Treasurer $ 82,000 $ 6,000 Longevity Intermediate Acct Clerk-Typist $ 37.90 Per Hour $ 1,000 Longevity Intermediate Acct Clerk-Typist $ 42,850 $ 5,000 Longevity Intermediate Acct Clerk-Typist $ 38,500 $ 5,000 Longevity Intermediate Acct Clerk-Typist $ 43,500 $ 5,000 Longevity Intermediate Clerk (P/T) $ 13.50 Per Hour Code Enforcement Officer $ 30.00 Per Hour (15 hrs/wk) Crossing Guards $ 26.65 Per Hour
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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