VILLAGE OF PELHAM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, 7:30 PM

VILLAGE HALL - 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY

MEETING MINUTES

1.                  Call Public Meeting To Order – 7:30 p.m.

2.                  Pledge of Allegiance

3.                  Mayor’s Report

4.                  Trustees’ Reports

5.                  Village Administrator’s Report

6.                  Public Comment                                                                                 Approximate

                                                                                                                                     Starting Time

      #       Agenda Items:                                                                                             of Discussion

Next Meetings are as follows:

Tuesday, September 20, 2005 and Tuesday, October 4, 2005

* Agenda is subject to change until the night of the meeting.

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VILLAGE HALL - 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005

Mayor Michael Clain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. for an Executive Session on Personnel, for the Board to interview a candidate for a management position in the Pelham Fire Department, and the Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Mayor Michael Clain called the public portion of the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m., and the Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The following members of the Board of Trustees were present:

All present -- Mayor Michael Clain, Trustees Ciro Greco, Mia Homan, Edward Hotchkiss, David Merrick, Peter Potocki and Michael Rozycki.

Village staff in attendance:

Village Administrator Richard Slingerland.

As the first item of business, Mayor Clain introduced retiring Crossing Guards Nancy Fendrich, and presented them with certificates of appreciation for their many years of service to the Village of Pelham.

Item #7 -- Hearing on the appeal by Mr. DeAngelis for an awning application for 135-139 Wolfs Lane.

The Board took this matter first so that ARB member Brian Chabrunn attending the meeting could leave for another obligation at 8 p.m.  * See the following memo from the Architectural Review Board on this application.

______________________________________________________________________

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Board of Trustees

Cc:                  Len Russo, Building Inspector, Village of Pelham

                        Rich Slingerland, Village Administrator Village of Pelham

FROM:            Nigel Scott-Williams, Barbara Bartlett, Brian Chabrunn, Ron Czajka,

Paul Tapogna, Architectural Review Board

DATE:                        August 31, 2005

SUBJECT:     135-139 Wolfs Lane, Awnings

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Mr. D’Angelis’s last submission, at the August 21^st meeting, was changed and drawn to meet the requirements of the Village Code.  The awnings and frames were clearly within the fenestration and the entire soldier course of brick was exposed.  However, in checking the notations on the drawing we found that the awnings would again be wider than the fenestration, even though the drawing did not show this and when quizzed about how much room the installer would need on the brick piers and why seven inches, he didn’t know.  When asked how it was to be installed on the soldier course he was again vague.  At this point we lost our confidence in Mr. D’Angelis’s ability to get any drawing approved by us that an installer could follow and suggested that he return with an awning contractor so that we could agree on how these awnings could and should be installed.

Instead, he again returned to the Village Board for relief.

We strongly suggest that he have an awning contractor submit drawings and attend the ARB meeting with Mr. D’Angelis to agree on how to install the awnings and explain the rationale for doing so.  Mr. D’Angelis has no esperience in installing awnings and has stubbornly refused any advice on this mater including hiring an awning contractor to get the permit (at a cost of about $250.00).

______________________________________________________________________

The Board discussed Mr. DeAngelis’s appeal, which he had made to them for the third time, claiming that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) had denied him a fair review of his application.  Brian Chabrunn, ARB Member, attended the meeting to present the position and record of the ARB.  In sum, after a few minutes of discussion, Mr. Chabrunn suggested Mr. DeAngelis follow the ARB’s recommendation stated in their memo, and hire a qualified and experienced awning contractor.  The Board agreed with his recommendation and the discussion ended.

Item #3 – Mayor’s Report:

Mayor Clain reported that a Public Hearing had been scheduled to present preliminary plans for Village owned property behind Village Hall.  He reported that a preliminary plan for improvements to the Wolfs Lane Open Space was nearly complete.  He also reminded everyone that the Pelham Fire Department would be hosting a 9/11 Ceremony at the Firehouse beginning at 8:30am. 

Item #4 – Trustees’ Reports: 

Trustee Greco reported on the ongoing Fire Department union negotiations; that there had been a big fire in Pelham Manor and Pelham’s Fire Department had provided instrumental assistance.

Trustee Potocki reported that there had been recent covert operations in response to recent muggings around the Village, and that they would continue.  He mentioned that the Police would be making alcohol enforcement stops, and enforcement of other traffic violations would continue from time to time.  He reported that the Police would check underage drinking areas near the Hutchinson School playground.  Next he mentioned that he had circulated an e-mail about parking spots on First Street between Wolfs Lane and Corlies Avenue, and would recommend they be changed to reflect general parking around the rest of the Village, that it would help residential parking, and help open up more spaces on Wolfs Lane and 5^th Avenue by creating pre-paid merchant parking on Saturdays.  Next he mentioned he had met with Chief Benefico, Middle school Principal Longobardi, and a member of the school Board, to discuss the 6 parking spaces on Franklin Place, and that they would be looking for ways to increase parking in that area, but in line with the Fire Inspectors recommendations, they would maintain a clear area for pick-up and drop offs, that would also serve as Fire and emergency vehicle access.  Trustee Homan objected to creating more traffic on Franklin, saying that it could create a parking nightmare in Pelham.  Trustee Potocki and Trustee Homan discussed whether Franklin was school property or a Village street, and Trustee Merrick asked whether creating more parking would cause traffic congestion.  Trustee Potocki mentioned that the signs were already installed “No Parking, Drop Off Zone”, and although the Board did not enact any changes at this time, they agreed that the signs should remain until they made a final decision. 

Trustee Merrick commented that the new parking would require better traffic management on Wolfs Lane.  Administrator Slingerland advised the Board that the Code Section 90-42 still listed a “No Left Turn from Franklin onto Wolfs Lane, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., school days”.

Trustee Rozycki reported on school safety, and suggested the Village explore the cost of installing permanent, or portable, digital read-out speed boxes/devices.

Trustee Merrick reported that the stairs just south of the Pelham Railroad Station were covered in garbage and needed to be cleaned.  He also mentioned that the Helen Harper Memorial Plaque would be ready soon, and said he would contact Ms. Harper’s family in order to arrange for a little ceremony in her memory.

Trustee Hotchkiss asked about the status of the call management system, and a Village calendar on the website.  He recommended the Village put one on the website more like the school’s.  He also asked for the status of the Code Revision Committee with regard to limitations on new 2-family homes.  Trustee Greco reported that he would be going back to the drawing Board on this issue with the Committee, to refine their recommendations.

Item #5 – Village Administrator’s Report

Administrator Slingerland reported that the school lights (flashing yellows) are now working.  The posted speed limit in the School Zone should be 15 MPH, as set forth in the Village Code.

Trustee Greco departed at approximately 9 p.m.

Item #6 – Public Comment: 

John Walsh of Nyac Avenue asked whether a Taxi Stand was being established on Nyac.  The Board advised him that it was a mistake, that the actual location was on Corlies.  Mr. Walsh thanked the Board and departed.

Mr. Jose’ Rosa of 2^nd Avenue stated that there are many children who live on the block of 2^nd Avenue between 2^nd and 3^rd Streets, and asked for a “Slow – Children at Play” sign.  He also asked that the Police review traffic on the block for speeding and other violations.

Item #8 -- Authorization for the Village to establish a Village credit card account with JP Morgan Chase.

The Administrator presented a request to the Board to establish a credit card, to manage the Village’s website and make emergency purchases.  The Board raised concerns about allowing a $5,000 limit on a credit card, and amended the resolution to require the Administrator to call the Mayor or a Board member in advance before making any purchase.

A motion was made by Trustee Merrick, with a second by Trustee Rozycki to adopt the resolution, as amended.  The motion passed by vote of five in favor, Trustees Homan and Greco absent.  Trustee Homan later asked that her vote be added to the record in favor of this resolution.

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM

TO ESTABLISH A VILLAGE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT

WITH JP MORGAN CHASE

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the Village to enter into an agreement for a VISA/Mastercard credit card for Village purchases, at a maximum limit of $5,000 for the credit line account, for use only on authorized purchases for the Village of Pelham and its departments that have been authorized in advance by the Mayor or any Trustee in conformance with the Village’s purchasing policy, that such purchases may be made by the Village Administrator/ Treasurer, and that such purchases on the credit account must comply with all policies set forth as the most current in effect as stated in the Village of Pelham’s purchasing policy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Village Administrator/Treasurer are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to sign this agreement and any necessary and appropriate documents, and the appropriate Village officials including the Village Attorney are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this agreement.

Item #9 -- Authorizing a change to the Capital Budget – DPW Equipment, to reprogram monies from the purchase of a new dump-body, to a plow and equipment for the newly purchased light-dump truck.

The Administrator submitted an amended resolution, but there it was held for one meeting in order for it to be recalculated.

RESOLUTION, AS AMENDED -- TABLED.

AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO

THE 2005-2006 CAPITAL BUDGET FOR DPW EQUIPMENT

TO REPROGRAM MONIES FROM

THE PURCHASE OF A NEW TRUCK DUMP-BODY

TO A PLOW AND EQUIPMENT

FOR THE NEWLY PURCHASED LIGHT-DUMP TRUCK

Item #10 -- Authorization of a Grant Agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approximately $109,000 for sewer remediation work (already completed).

The Administrator explained that this agreement had been submitted a year ago, but that he thought it had been approved and handled electronically, as the FTA agreement had been.  The EPA explained that they expected the signed agreement, and it was submitted this evening for the Board’s approval.

A motion was made by Trustee Merrick, with a second by Trustee Homan to adopt the resolution, as amended.  The motion passed unanimously with Greco absent.

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (USEPA)

FOR $109,000 FOR SEWER REPAIR AND REHABILITATION WORK

IN THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM, NEW YORK

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham authorizes the Village to enter into a grant agreement with the U.S.E.P.A. and gratefully authorizes the Village to accept and utilize these funds in the amount of one hundred and nine thousand dollars ($109,000) with the total project funding split of 55% USEPA and 45% Village of Pelham (which translates into a Village match for this grant in the amount of $89,181.82), and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and Village Administrator/Treasurer are authorized to execute this agreement, and the Administrator/Treasurer is authorized to make the necessary and appropriate assurances, and all appropriate Village Officials are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this agreement and accept these funds (for projects already completed).

Item #11 -- Authorization and approval of accounts payable.

A motion was made by Trustee Merrick, with a second by Trustee Rozycki to adopt the resolution.  The motion passed unanimously with Trustee Greco absent.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5-524 of the New York State Village Law, the Board of Trustees shall audit all claims against the Village.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees after audit of the following claims, authorizes payment for services rendered and materials received, for the following items that have been submitted to the Treasurer's Office for payment and authorized by the Village Administrator:

Fund Name:                                                               Amount

General Fund                                                        $201,301.27

Water Fund                                                              $21,727.45

Capital Projects Fund                                               $4,725.00

Trust and Agency Fund                                                    $0.00

H3 Fund                                                                             $0.00

                                               Grand Total             $227,753.72

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof.

Item #12 -- Old Business/New Business:

Trustee Greco asked about the status of the report on the County Control and Police and Fire Emergency dispatch and 911 response.  The Board asked for Glen Cappello, the Town’s EMS Coordinator, to attend the Board Meeting on September 20, 2005, and explain the County Control 911 dispatch system.

The Village Administrator reported on the request for a Taxi Permit space on First Street, mentioned that it would not eliminate an existing parking meter, and the Board approved of the issue.  On the motion of Trustee Homan, seconded by Trustee Rozycki, the Board the following:

RESOLUTION

TO AMEND THE CODE AND ESTABLISH A TAXI PERMIT PARKING

ONLY IN THE FIRST SPACE OUT OF THE TRAIN STATION ON FIRST STREET.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby establishes a “Taxi Permit Parking Only” in the first parking space from the Train Station on First Street, west of Corlies Avenue.

The Administrator mentioned that he would be submitting an list of additions to the “pre-paid” authorizations for the accounts payable, to include such payments as Westchester County for the dog license payments.  He mentioned that the First Street storm drain sewer relocation contract would be rebid soon, approximately on Friday September 16^th, and it would include the sanitary sewer relocation as an alternative, and the contract would detail the average trench depths to be more clear about the work to be done.

Item #13 – Minutes:  No minutes were ready for review and approval at this time.

Item #14 – Adjournment:  A motion was made by Trustee Homan, with a second by Trustee Merrick to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.  The motion was passed unanimously, with Trustee Greco absent.  The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis DelBorgo, Administrative Aide

Richard Slingerland, Administrator/Deputy Clerk