Documents › Board Of Trustees, 2025-10-29

minutes 10 pages

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in the Georgianna Grant Meeting Room at the Stanley Kellerhouse Municipal Building, Van Wyck Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. 1. Mayor Pugh called the regular meeting to order at 7:00pm and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee Simon made a motion to approve the following Fiscal Year Vouchers, Claims numbered 26002367-26002603. The Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 4-0 Vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). $119,609.14 Water Fund $5,035.98 Sewer Fund $1,491.36 Capital Fund $300,408.65 Trust Fund $2,670.63 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A motion to open a Public Hearing on Local Law Introductory No. 13 of 2025 to create a rental registry for landlords was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). Village Manager Healy advised that in 2021 our Housing Task Force recommended creating a rental registry, this is not a new concept and many communities in our area have adopted this as well. Village Manager Healy stated that while multi-family properties, which are defined as three or more units, are inspected on a regular basis, two family rental units that are not owner occupied are not currently inspected. Village Manager Healy went on to explain that these inspections are to make sure that these units have proper ingress and egress as well as working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that they meet minimum standards for light and ventilation. Trustee Politi – arrived at 7:13pm Deputy Village Treasurer Rachel Sibrizzi Trustee Slippen Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 There being no comments to come before the Board, a motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). Resolution #237-2025 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). WHEREAS, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson desires to create a rental registry for landlords to protect the health and welfare of its residents who rent; and WHEREAS, this recommendation arose from the Housing Task Force report submitted to the Village Board of Trustees; and WHEREAS, Local Law Introductory No. 13 of 2025 has been drafted for such purposes; and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was opened and closed on October 8, 2025, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Board of Trustees hereby adopts Local Law Introductory No. 13 of 2025 to amend Chapter 186, Rental Housing, in the Village Code to create a rental registry for landlords, which upon adoption becomes Local Law No. 16 of 2025. Mayor Pugh stated that while there is verification of these structures when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, this Law is to make sure that changes have not been made to any of these structures. Mayor Pugh asked if an inspection comes back and the property is found unsafe and not habitable, what is the tenant to do. Village Manager Healy stated that if a unit is found not habitable the tenant would have to vacate. A motion to open a Public Hearing on Local Law Introductory No. 15 of 2025 to amend Chapter 50, Residency Requirements of the Village Code to reflect state law was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). October 8, 2025 There being no comments to come before the Board, a motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). Resolution #238-2025 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 4-0 vote. (Trustee Politi was not present at the time of the vote). WHEREAS, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson desires to update the residency requirements in Chapter 50 of the Village Code in accordance with state law; and WHEREAS, Local Law Introductory No. 15 of 2025 has been drafted for such purposes; and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was opened and closed on October 8, 2025, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Board of Trustees hereby adopts Local Law Introductory No. 15 of 2025 to amend Chapter 50, Residency Requirements, in the Village Code in accordance with state law, which upon adoption becomes Local Law No. 17 of 2025. Trustee Simon thanked Senator Harckham and Assemblywoman Levenberg for helping the Village get this legislation passed. 4. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY EMAIL - None. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS - AGENDA ITEMS Ed Riely, 110 Truesdale Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that it is understandable, in light of things that have happened in the past with respect to overcrowding, to want to inspect housing units, but he believes the Rental Registry could be seen as another way to garnish more fees from the community. Mr. Riely addressed the proposed "Rifle Jack" Peterson memorial sign and explained that since the Village owns a piece of the cemetery property, they will need permission from the Village. 6. CONSENT AGENDA: October 8, 2025 On Motion by Trustee Simon and seconded by Trustee Politi the Board approved the Consent Agenda. Motion was approved with a 5-0 Vote. 1. Letter from Westchester County announcing the induction of Vic Conte into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame for his designation into the Senior Hall Fame. 10/91de4dbefdadb9795bc50463a4f61fa3e2e2511a.pdf 2. Letter from Vic Conte, President of the Croton-on-Hudson Lions Club, requesting permission to sell Christmas trees on South Riverside Avenue for an annual fundraiser. 10/13585b68a27fe01012d5d6b66200041505ecbfa3.pdf 3. Letter from NYS Department of State requesting a consistency review for new pavement markings along state highways in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. 10/eff521bf5f0a7a8064126b25b160f2db463be6be.pdf 4. Memo from Village Manager Bryan Healy regarding the proposed John "Rifle Jack" Peterson monument. Village Manager Healy explained that we do not own land in the Cemetery, just the right-of-way, the Code allows for the Village Engineer to issue permits for improvements within the street lines and the Village Engineer will be able to issue the permit for sign. On motion by Trustee Nicholson and seconded by Trustee Simon the Board of Trustees requested that the “Riffle Jack” memorial be referred to the Village Historian and Recreation Advisory Committee for their comment. Motion was approved with a 5-0 vote. 09/93724e4e9699fc6cd5cc0c47af480a90245482fe.pdf Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 5. Memo from Village Manager Bryan Healy regarding a bench donation for Cleveland Drive in honor of Tony Farano. 10/895ff8dbc3b24773406c7fba92c04fcd61178381.pdf b. RESOLUTIONS: Resolution #239-2025 – Justice Court Grant On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 5-0 vote. WHEREAS, the State of New York Unified Court System is soliciting applications. from local governments under the Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) to assist local Justice Courts with needed equipment, automation, furniture, supplies and training; and WHEREAS, the funding available under the JCAP would facilitate local efforts in upgrading the security of the court clerk’s office, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Board of the Village of Croton- on-Hudson authorizes the Croton-on-Hudson Village Court to apply for a JCAP grant in the 2025-2026 grant cycle up to $30,000. Motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session held on September 24, 2025, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 5-0 vote. Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on September 24, 2025, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee and approved with a 5-0 vote. Resolution #240-2025 Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 5-0 vote. WHEREAS, flooding issues along Brook Street have existed for many years in the Village; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Village Board of Trustees adopted Resolution 142-2023 to accept a proposal from D&B Engineers to conduct an updated drainage study along the Brook Street drainage basin; and WHEREAS, the study has been completed and a preferred alternate has been selected to improve drainage along Brook Street and Terrace Place; and WHEREAS, the Village has applied for funding for this project from Westchester County; and WHEREAS, on September 10, 2025, the Village Board of Trustees declared itself Lead Agency for SEQRA purposes; and WHEREAS, on September 24, 2025, the Village Board of Trustees undertook the process and review described in detail in Parts 2 and 3 of the Short EAF “Determination of Significance” attached hereto; and WHEREAS, the Village Board has received a recommendation of consistency from the Waterfront Advisory Committee with the Village’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; and WHEREAS, the Village Board must make its own determination of consistency with the LWRP policy standards and conditions; and WHEREAS, on September 24, 2025, the Village Board reviewed the LWRP policy standards and conditions, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED as follows: The Village Board of Trustees makes the following findings regarding the applicability of the LWRP policies and the consistency of the Proposed Action with those policies and conditions of the LWRP: Policy 1: Restore, revitalize, and redevelop deteriorated and underutilized waterfront areas for commercial, industrial, cultural, recreational and other compatible uses. October 8, 2025 Policy 7E: Runoff from public and private parking lots and from storm sewer overflows shall be effectively managed so as to prevent oil, grease, and other contaminants from polluting surface and ground water and impact to the significant fish and wildlife habitats. Policy 7F: Construction activity of any kind must not cause a measurable increase in erosion or flooding at the site of such activity, or impact other locations. Construction activity in the Croton River and Hudson River spawning areas shall be timed so that spawning of anadromous fish species and shellfish will not be adversely affected. Policy 7G: Construction activity of any kind must not cause significant degradation of water quality or impact identified significant fish and wildlife habitats. Policy 12: Activities or development in the coastal area will be undertaken so as to minimize damage to natural resources and property from flooding and erosion by protecting natural protective features including beaches, dunes, barrier islands and bluffs. Policy 13: The construction or reconstruction of erosion protection structures shall be undertaken only if they have a reasonable probability of controlling erosion for at least thirty years as demonstrated in design and construction standards and/or assured maintenance or replacement programs. Policy 14: Activities and development, including the construction or reconstruction of erosion protection structures, shall be undertaken so that there will be no measurable increase in erosion or flooding at the site of such activities or development, or at other locations. Policy 30: Ensuring that municipal, industrial, and commercial discharges of pollutants into coastal waters conform to state and national water quality standards. Policy 33: Implementing Best Management Practices to control stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows. Policy 33A: The flow of stormwater discharge shall be controlled to limit the flow of pollutants from street and parking areas, etc. directly into the river and water bodies. Policy 2 (Section IV) – Address drainage systems that lead to erosion on steep slopes. The objective of this project is to promote activities that will control soil erosion and sedimentation caused by stormwater runoff. These issues are most significant along the steep banks of the Croton River Gorge, and Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the remaining policies and conditions of the LWRP were found not to be applicable; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that based upon the above, the Village Board of Trustees confirms its determination that the Proposed Action, the Brook Street Drainage Improvements Project, complies with the policy standards and conditions set forth in the Village’s LWRP; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Village Board of Trustees hereby issues and adopts the EAF Parts 2 and 3 Determination of Significance attached hereto and adopts a Negative Declaration in connection with this action. Resolution #241-2025 On motion of TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, seconded by TRUSTEE SIMON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 5-0 vote. WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has installed stormwater drainage at the end of Loconto Street to reduce flooding and washout conditions that occur during heavy rainfalls; and WHEREAS, the drainage system extends onto the property of 8 Loconto Street; and WHEREAS, a utility easement agreement has been drafted to provide access for maintenance and repair of the system when necessary, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Board hereby authorizes the Village Manager to execute the utility easement agreement with the owner of 8 Loconto Street to allow access for maintenance and repair of the stormwater drainage system. Resolution #242-2025 On motion of TRUSTEE NICHOLSON, seconded by TRUSTEE SIMON, the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 5-0 vote. WHEREAS, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson is undertaking the Harmon Firehouse Addition project located at 30 Wayne Street; and Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 WHEREAS, the Village entered into a contract with Tierney & Courtney Overhead Door Sales Co., Inc., to furnish the garage doors for the project under Bid No. 07-2025; and WHEREAS, an additional scope of work, a second row of windows in each door, was added to the bid, necessitating a change order; and WHEREAS, the total cost of the additional work outlined in Change Order No. 1 totals $3,500; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works has reviewed the proposed change order and has determined that the additional work is necessary for the successful completion of the project, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Manager to approve Change Order No. 1 with Tierney & Courtney Overhead Door Sales Co., Inc., for the Harmon Firehouse Addition project in the total amount of $3,500; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that funding for such work is available in account H4540.2102.23445. 8. PUBLIC COMMENT – NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Ed Riely, 110 Truesdale Drive, Croton on Hudson, addressed the boycott of CVS with respect to abortion drugs, and objected to the flying of a trans-gender flag in the Village. 9. REPORTS: Trustee Politi advised that a Hispanic Heritage celebration will be held at the Library this weekend and addressed comments made by Mr. Riely. Trustee Simon advised that Octoberfest and Rev Fest 250 were well attended, on September 28th the Rotary held their annual Car Show; on September 30th he had the honor of bagging groceries at Shoprite along with Village Manager Healy to help raise funds for Croton Caring; the Lorraine Hansberry Coalition held special events this past weekend, on October 5th the Sustainability Committee met and talked about the train station solar array, the diesel pilot program as well as an update on the Solarize Westchester Campaign, Croton’s Association of Businesses is now official and they look forward to getting more local businesses to join, the Planning Board met last night and talked about Village Board of Trustees October 8, 2025 amendments to the site plan at 25 South Riverside for ADA access and ADU Recreational fees. Joshua Subin addressed a question regarding the Rental Registry and referred everyone to 186-5 A1 of the Village Code where it lists the exemptions. Mayor Pugh referred to some comments made this evening and stated that he is extremely concerned with demonizing certain people in our community. Mayor Pugh advised that the diesel pilot program is about improving air quality and our climate and it is being funded out of our Sustainability Fund, had the opportunity to attend one of the Lorraine Hansberry presentations this weekend and commended the Fire Department on a wonderful Fire Fair. Village Manager Healy stated that he is pleased to welcome our new Village Engineer, Vincent Salanitro, our Department of Public Works has completed their annual resurfacing project; Scenic Drive West, Lower North Highland, Cleveland between Benedict and Piney Point Avenue and Penfield between Benedict and Oneida have been paved and thanked everyone for their cooperation, the Village received a grant from Worker’s Compensation in the amount of $3,400 for its Confined Spaces Training, Superintendent of Public Works Frank Balbi advised that the current Yield Sign on Morningside will be converted to a Stop Sign on October 14th , Village offices will be closed Monday in honor of Columbus Day, and reminded everyone to be on the lookout for messages and updates with respect to possible rain storms this weekend. There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion to close the meeting was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 5-0 vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:46pm.