VILLAGE OF PELHAM

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2004, 8:00 PM

VILLAGE HALL - 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY

MINUTES

1.                  Call Public Meeting To Order

2.                  Pledge of Allegiance

3.                  Mayor’s Report

4.                  Trustees’ Reports

5.                  Village Administrator’s Report

6.                  Public Comment

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

VILLAGE OF PELHAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VILLAGE HALL - 195 SPARKS AVENUE, PELHAM, NY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2004

Mayor Michael J. Clain called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The following members of the Board of Trustees were present:

Mayor Michael J. Clain; Trustees Ciro Greco, David Merrick, Peter Potocki, Michael Rozycki and Edward Hotchkiss; Absent – Mia Homan

Village staff in attendance:

Village Administrator Richard Slingerland, Village Attorney Robert Tracy.

Item #3 – Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Clain reported on the meeting held November 9^th regarding the development of the Village Yard.  He also reported there would be a meeting of the Council of Governing Boards this weekend to discuss the uses of the Sandford Boulevard settlement funds, which would probably pay for the Glover Field parking lot improvements, the closure of Carol Place, some funding for the improvement of the Colonial Avenue traffic controls, and the rest to be determined.

Item #4 – Trustee’s Reports

Trustee Potocki reported that the Village had agreed in significant snow events when the Village uses heavy equipment to clear downtown snow it will also clear the snow along the block of Second Avenue by Saint Catherine’s Church.  To accomplish that, the Village would be setting up temporary “No Parking” restrictions to clear snow on the east side of 2^nd Avenue.  Trustee Potocki also reported back on the comparison of the Village of Pelham, Village of Pelham Manor and Eastchester Town Police Departments.

Trustee Rozycki reported that he would like to look into options that would reduce the cost of the Village’s payroll system.  Village Administrator Slingerland will follow-up.

Trustee Merrick reported that speed bumps on Fourth Avenue appear to be effective.  He also observed no increase in traffic as a result of the new Target Store.

Trustee Hotchkiss discussed the Financial Planning Committee Report and presented the new Village website, www.pelhamgov.com.  He stated the new website came at significant savings to the Village.  The Board of trustees requested that the Village Administrator identify a staff member to be responsible for site updates.  

Item #5 – Village Administrator’s Report

Administrator Slingerland had nothing new to report.

Item #6 – Public Comment

Lucy Carney of Boulevard commented on the ugly Metro North parking sign at the Train Station, as well as political ads that remained posted.  Mrs. Carney also made comments regarding Agenda Item #12.

Norma Martinez objected to the hiring of a professional planner to study the uses of the Village Hall Site as well as the hiring of a consultant for the downtown business area, stating that these items would be too costly and would not provide any assistance.  Additionally, she stated that vehicular access to and from Wolfs Lane is dangerous.  Mayor Clain responded in support of the hiring of a professional planner stating that it had been recommended by the Comprehensive Planning Committee and that the expertise was needed to move forward.

John Cassone stated that people have to get out of their cars to use the mailbox on Pelhamwood, creating traffic and safety concerns.  Village Administrator Slingerland advised he would follow up with the Post Office.

Brian Clark of the Rowing Club requested use of the Pelham Village Firehouse for winter training.  Board members commented that insurance was to be provided by the club, the members were to be supervised at all times, members would be subject to sign-in/sign-out procedures if requested by the Fire Chief and rules of conduct were to be adhered to while using the facility. 

A motion was made by Trustee Greco, with a second from Trustee Potocki to permit the Rowing Club to utilize the facility under the conditions specified and the motion carried with 6 in favor, none opposed and one absent (Homan).

Item #7 – Authorizing the appointment by the Mayor of a candidate as Assistant to the Village Administrator

The Board of Trustees and Village Administrator briefly discussed the candidate for the position of Assistant to the Village Administrator as well as his background and experience.  The candidate, Dennis DelBorgo, was present.

After discussion and on the motion of Trustee Potocki, seconded by Trustee Hotchkiss, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham by vote of six in favor, none opposed, one absent (Homan), as follows:

RESOLUTION

TO APPOINT DENNIS DELBORGO

AS ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR/TREASURER

WITH THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the appointment by the Mayor of Dennis DelBorgo as Assistant to the Village Administrator/Treasurer, and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the appointment of Dennis DelBorgo effective immediately, to the position of Assistant to the Village Administrator/Treasurer, subject to the requirements of Civil Service, at a starting salary of $35,000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Village Administrator are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this appointment.

Item #8 – Authorizing the appointment of a Police Officer Candidate in the Village of Pelham Police Department

The Board of Trustees and Village Administrator briefly discussed the candidate for the position of Police Officer with the Village of Pelham Police Department as well as his background and experience.  The candidate, Jason Pallett, was not present.

After discussion and on the motion of Trustee Greco, seconded by Trustee Potocki, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham by vote of six in favor, none opposed, one absent (Homan), as follows:

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

AND APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

OF JASON PALLETT AS A POLICE OFFICER

WITH THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the extension of an offer of employment and appointment by the Mayor of Jason Pallett, to the position of Police Officer – Grade Four (4), at a salary of $50,094 subject to the requirements of Civil Service, for an eighteen (18) month probationary period, and authorizes the Mayor, the Village Administrator and the Police Chief to take the necessary and appropriate actions to effect this offer of employment.

Item #9 – Authorizing the agreement and settlement of contract negotiations with the Pelham Local 2213 of the International Association of Fire Fighters

The Board of Trustees and the Village Administrator briefly discussed points of the settlement as well as Firefighter shift assignments.  Trustee Greco stated that new negotiations would begin January 1^st.

After discussion and on the motion of Trustee Greco, seconded by Trustee Merrick, the following resolution was adopted unanimously by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham by vote of six in favor, none opposed, one absent (Homan), as follows:

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING SETTLEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

FOR A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM

AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS (IAFF) LOCAL 2213

FOR THE PERIOD OF JUNE 1, 2002 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham hereby authorizes the settlement and signature of documents to effect the completion of contract negotiations with the Pelham Chapter of the IAFF, Local 2213, pursuant to the memorandum to the IAFF dated October 28, 2004, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rules and Regulations negotiated and as herein presented are adopted and made a part of this settlement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Village Administrator, Village Attorney and Labor Counsel are authorized to take the necessary and appropriate actions and execute any and all documents necessary to effect this settlement.

Item #10 – Authorizing a bond of the Village of Pelham in the amount of $600,000.00, with the balance of costs to purchase a new Fire Truck to come from Capital Reserves

This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Item #11 – Authorizing the award of one (1) Low-Profile 100’ Aerial Ladder Fire Apparatus delivered or approved equal contract # 2004-09 to Excelsior Fire Equipment Sales for Seagrave Fire Apparatus Aerial Ladder

This item was tabled until the next meeting.

Item #12 – Discussion and opportunity for public comment, and consideration by the Board on authorizing a two-year renewal of the contract for Garbage and Recycling Collection with Suburban Carting Corporation of Mamaroneck, New York (To be attended by a representative from Suburban Carting)

A number of comments and concerns were expressed by members of the public as well as by members of the Board of Trustees.   Trustee Hotchkiss commented on the garbage and recycling crews throwing recycling bins and garbage containers in the street and on lawns, as well as bags of trash being left behind.  Suburban Carting’s representative, Gary Hoefling stated that the practice of throwing recycling and trash containers was not permitted and those employees have been disciplined or released from employment.  In addition, bags of trash might be left behind due to the trash being a mixed load (Trash and Recyclables) and if that was the case then an “oops sticker” should be placed on the bag.

Mayor Clain requested that Suburban Carting return to the Board with options for saving on trash collection and recycling such as curbside pickup, a reduced pickup schedule and/or Village issued storage and disposal containers.  The Mayor also asked if the Village could change the conditions of the contract without rebidding it.  Village Attorney Tracy advised he would have to review how it complies with the NYS General Municipal Law, and whether the changes would be material or not.

Item #13 – Old Business / New Business

Old Business:

Village Administrator Slingerland announced that Parking Meter Keys have arrived and that the parking meter key system is up and running.  He stated that the key is used as an alternative to putting money in the meters and can be prepaid at Village Hall during regular business hours.

New Business:

The Board of Trustees discussed the bagging of parking meters for the holiday season.  There was some discussion on the actual cost/benefit that bagging the meters had on revenues for local businesses.

After discussion and on the motion of Trustee Greco, seconded by Trustee Merrick, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham by vote of five in favor, one opposed (Hotchkiss), one absent (Homan), as follows:

RESOLUTION

AUTHORIZING THE TEMORARY SUSPENSION OF FEES ON SHORT-TERM PARKING METERS IN THE VILLAGE OF PELHAM, NEW YORK

RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham that the Village shall bag all short-term meters for the holiday season, from the day after Thanksgiving to January 2^nd, maintaining all time limits on parking set forth under the Village Code.

Item #14 – Approval of accounts payable and authorization of payment

After discussion and on the motion of Trustee Rozycki, seconded by Trustee Potocki, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pelham by vote of six in favor, none opposed one absent (Homan), as follows:

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                                                        $103,031.87

Water Fund                                                                   $720.00

Capital Projects Fund                                                       $0.00

Trust and Agency Fund                                                    $0.00

H3 Fund                                                                             $0.00

                                               Grand Total             $103,751.87

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof.

Item #15 – Approval of minutes:  No minutes were on the agenda for approval.

Item #16 – Adjournment:  Mayor Clain asked for a motion to adjourn into executive session to discuss the status of issues on the table in the Police (PBA) and the Fire (IAFF) collective bargaining negotiations.  On the motion of Trustee Greco, seconded by Trustee Potocki, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn into Executive Session by vote of six in favor, none opposed, one absent (Homan).   The public portion of the Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Slingerland

Administrator/Deputy Clerk