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minutes 44 pages

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the Georgianna Grant Meeting Room at the Stanley Kellerhouse Municipal Building, Van Wyck Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. A motion to enter into an Executive Session at 6:30pm to discuss personnel matters involving specific individuals 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). Meeting resumed. 1. Mayor Pugh called the 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 24252255-24252477. The Motion was seconded by Trustee Politi and approved with a 5-0 Vote. $2,290,160.02 Water Fund $88,716.29 Sewer Fund $14,857.38 Capital Fund $274,393.25 Trust Fund - Debt Fund - 3. Proclamation presented to Pete Tsagarakis of the Croton Colonial Diner on his recognition by the H.E.A.R.T. Committee. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Public Hearing #1 A Motion to open a public hearing to consider the adoption of Local Law Introductory No. 14 of 2024, adding Chapter 8, Assessments, Real Property Tax, to the Code of the Village of Croton on Hudson and terminate the Village’s status Mayor Pugh Trustee Politi Village Manager Bryan Healy Trustee Murtaugh Village Attorney Linda Whitehead Trustee Nicholson Village Treasurer Daniel Tucker Trustee Simon Assistant to the Village Manager Emily Mancini Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 as an assessment unit was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Nicholson and approved with a 5-0 vote. Village Treasurer Tucker explained the following: Tax Levy - is the amount established when a Village adopts its Budget. The tax cap is a cap on the increase of that Tax Levy based on the previous year’s Levy, this is also based on the State’s assigned growth rate based on the growth of the Assessment Roll as well as an inflation factor. Assessment Roll - is the Roll of all the parcels in the Village, each property is assessed according to the market value, the State has guidelines on how assessments are done, but a level of discretion is given to every Assessor in preparing an accurate assessed value on a piece of property, the roll is updated every year based on building permits, new construction, or demolition, the Village publishes a Tentative Assessment Roll on February 1st, after the Roll is published a Grievance Day is held for property owners to grieve/contest the assessed value of their property, Village’s Final Assessment Roll is published on April 1st and that Roll is used in tandem with the Village Budget to produce the Village’s Tax Bill. Tax Rate - is determined once a Budget is established, once the Final Assessment Roll is established a taxable value is established for each parcel in the Village. Village Treasurer Tucker emphasized that this proposal is not a Revaluation, a Revaluation is when an Assessing Unit attempts to overhaul the entire Assessment Roll and bring all properties closer to market values, the last time a Revaluation was done was in 1967. Village Treasurer Tucker stated that what this Local Law is proposing is that the Village would no longer be an Assessing Unit and would use the Town of Cortlandt’s Assessment Roll. Village Treasurer Tucker stated that Senior, Veterans, and Star Exemptions would continue to exist. To view the following back-up documents, you may click on to the following links: Excerpts from Study: 11/fdba2820454df905247d60ccac83e72615e23cd4.pdf Assessment Memo: 11/7837601a241254a6edb4f2c4cf348a5dddc89270.pdf Trustee Murtaugh asked why the Town would value a property differently? November 20, 2024 Village Manager Healy explained that assessing is not an exact science, there are guidelines that the State recommends, but one Assessor may assess something differently than another, and properties can have one assessment on the Town Roll and a different one of the Village Roll. Village Treasurer Tucker explained that currently if you wanted to grieve both your Village and Town Taxes you would have to appear in both the Town and the Village, if this proposal went through, residents would only appear before the Town Assessor. Village Manager Healy explained that this was prompted because the Village Assessor and Assessing functions are within the Engineering Department, and because the Engineering Department is an extremely busy office and handles many functions, the village hired a consultant to do an overview of that department to get a full understanding of the functions the staff performs. Village Manager Healy advised that 70% of Villages in New York State have abolished their Assessing Unit. Village Attorney Whitehead advised that this Local Law is subject to a Permissive Referendum. To view the entire Local Law, you may log onto the following: 11/c084823a54f4dc5a7ccfc36c203799e90e848dd9.pdf PUBLIC COMMENTS: Erica Laudon, 124 Penfield Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that many homeowners who have done renovations have had their homes reassessed at both the Town and Village level and would like to understand why there is an assumption that homes have not been reassessed since 1967. Ms. Laudon asked how the Village defines vacant land, she has a piece of land that is unbuildable and would that be considered at the same market value as a buildable piece of property. Lauren Davis, 14 Hamilton Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that she does not understand how this is going to work, it looks like her taxes will go up a lot, and it does not appear to be fair. Jim Miller, 18 Wolf Road, Croton on Hudson, asked that this information be shared on a property-by-property basis so that everyone understands how this will affect them so that we can make an educated decision. November 20, 2024 Michael Mamone, 19 Young Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that it is apparent that no one understands the implications and the summary given this evening is not going to cut it in terms of explaining the impacts. Mr. Mamone stated that before you have a public hearing residents need to understand in detail what the implications are, there are so many issues involved, and taxation is complicated. Peter Schuyler, Olcott Avenue, Croton on Hudson, asked if someone gets their assessment reduced at the Town level how does that effect their Village assessment and vice versa? Ed Riely, 110 Truesdale Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that the total savings in eliminating the Assessor position is less than the price for the proposed clock the Village is anticipating purchasing, and requested that the Village prepare a detailed analysis for every taxpayer in Croton so that the voters will be able to vote with full knowledge of the effect on their taxes. Mr. Riely stated that there is movement to push for a referendum to bring Village elections back to March as well as instituting a referendum for the sale of public property and suggested that these three referendums be held at the same time to save the Village money. Mr. Riely also suggested that maybe the Board petition to become a Village/Town so that we would not have to pay taxes to the Town of Cortlandt. Barry Scheer, 40 Irving Avenue, Croton on Hudson, asked if the increases are total dollars or are they based on a per thousand assessed value, currently the Town of Cortlandt does not tax properties that have telephone and Con-Edison poles, and asked if those properties in the Village would be exempt from paying taxes if the Town took over that function, what would the effect on taxes be in Croton if the Town reduced assessments on large commercial properties in Croton, would that increase the taxes on all individual homeowners in Croton. Phyllis Morrow, 61 Nordica Drive , Croton on Hudson, stated that it was difficult to hear the discussion and asked that the Board to do a better job when presenting something as important as this. Ms. Morrow also suggested that handouts be given to everyone to make it easier to better understand what is being discussed. Brian Lee, 21 Arrowcrest Drive, Croton on Hudson, encouraged the Board to share more information with the community and while he has not had a chance to look at the information to understand if he is on the winners of loser’s side, but it is important for everyone to understand the redistribution of taxes. Michael Ribosh, Wood Road Croton on Hudson, emphasized that everyone needs to be notified about the impact, and while it has been presented that taxpayers would not have to do two grievances, and there would be $32,000 in savings, he does not see an Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 advantage to the homeowners, and encouraged the Board not to vote on this at this time. Valerie Leis, 74 Radnor Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that she doesn’t know what the impacts will be on individual homeowners and as a realtor in Croton it would be difficult to explain to a prospective homeowner the impacts, there are also rumblings that the Town is considering a revaluation and this would simplify the process for the entire Town but it would have huge implications on taxes in Croton. On motion by Trustee Simon and seconded by Trustee Politi the written comments will be added to the meeting record. Motion was approved with a 5-0 vote. Discussion Mayor Pugh stated that we’ve heard comments this evening regarding impacts on individuals and understands why some people would want to know that information if there was going to be a referendum, but he does not think that is the basis on which the Board should act, but the question of distributional impact is an important factor and referred to the following table in the consultant’s report. Table 16: Consolidation of Assessment Function Approximate Impact on Village Tax Bills Increase in Tax Bill Decrease in Tax Bill Number of Properties Number of Properties $0 $1-$99 $100-$199 $200-$399 $400-$599 $600-$799 $800-$999 $1,000-$1,199 $1,200-$1,399 $1,400-$1,599 $1,600-$1,799 $1,800-$1,999 $2,000-$4,999 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$14,999 $15,000-$19,999 $20,000-$24,999 Total Properties 1,363 1,676 Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 Mayor Pugh stated that the Town’s tax assessment determines the tax assessment for 75% of everyone’s property tax bill (Town, School and County) and the remedy for anyone who believes they are being taxed unfairly can grieve their assessment with the Town. Trustee Politi emphasized that this is not a revaluation of properties, it is simply using the existing assessment that the Town already uses. Village Manager Healy stated that most of the grievances that come to the Board are people who are responding to solicitation letters they receive, but for a successful grievance you need to provide documentation that shows why you believe your assessment is too high. Village Manager Healy explained that while there has not been a total revaluation of properties since 1967, the law allows for a reassessment whenever a Building Permit has been issued, that Building Permit has a description and cost associated with the project and the Assessor takes that information into consideration when determining a value of the property, with respect to vacant land, the State has different property codes and the Assessor takes into question whether or not it is a building lot, if it is not a buildable lot it will have a lower value, the question if there would be two grievance days, if the Village did abolish the Assessing function, the Village would no longer have a grievance day, it would be one grievance day with the Town. Trustee Murtaugh said that he believes that Mr. Schuyler’s question was if you successfully grieve your Village assessment, would that be reflected in your Town assessment and currently the answer would be no, grieving at the Town level successfully has no impact on your Village assessment. Village Attorney Whitehead stated that if the Village abolished their Assessing unit, there would be no such thing as a Village assessment, there would only be one assessment that would be used for all Village, Town, School and County taxes. Village Treasurer Tucker stated that someone’s tax burden is based on their assessment, the total assessment value of the Village’s roll is $53 million and the total of the Town’s Assessment value is $21 million, so the grand total is going down and it is that ratio that makes viewing the impact on individual properties so nuanced because it is not as simple as an assessed value change, Trustee Simon suggested that we do not vote on this tonight and put it over until the New Year, this way the impact would not be felt until 2026, and while some properties will not get the decrease for another year, those residents who would be getting an increase will have the opportunity to better understand what the numbers are. November 20, 2024 Trustee Nicholson stated that she supports keeping the Public Hearing open because we will have the opportunity to educate, communicate and distribute information to the public so that they have the information needed to make a wise decision. Trustee Nicholson explained that the context of this decision is based on the fact that the Village has hired a consultant to look at our Engineering Department, and the Board will be receiving the full report in the New Year which will allow us to look at the resources in that Department so we can have a better understanding of the work that is taking place on a daily basis. Trustee Nicholson stated that while residents are only looking at the $30,000 figure, which does not seem like a lot of money, this is part of a larger conversation about the various functions of the Engineering Department. Village Manager Healy explained that the $30,000 does not take into account the Assistant Village Engineer who spends time compiling data to give to the Assessor, and the time the Office Assistants are spending helping people fill out the Exemption paperwork and there is a lot of uncalculated expense in personnel that assists the Assessor. Trustee Politi stated that it is not the $30,000 that appeals to us, but rather that this is a duplicative function, we are a small Village, and this is a huge function that we would be able to take out of the Engineering Department’s workload. Mayor Pugh stated that the primary motivation is from a managerial and operational efficiency standpoint, it is an important responsibility and important task that is currently the responsibility of a part time employee and, if we are being honest, it is a peripheral obligation of the Engineering Department aside from its core responsibility which is code enforcement and public safety and he also does not want to be dismissive of $30,000 especially when we are operating in world of a 2% property Tax Cap. Trustee Simon stated that the Public Hearing this evening has been very helpful in terms of a roadmap of the additional information the public wants, and opportunity for the Board to explain what we are thinking of doing and what gaps are out there that need to be filled in terms of everyone’s understanding of what we should do next. Mayor Pugh stated that under the status-quo we are paying more than what we have to, but we have to look at the distributional effects that we have to think about and consider those that are going to be negatively affected by the transition, but that is part of the reason why we are looking at a longer period of time to give people the opportunity to go through the legal remedies available. November 20, 2024 There being no further comments to come before ethe Board a motion to close the Public Hearing was made by Trustee Simon. Motion was seconded by Trustee Politi and approved with a 4-1 vote, with Trustee Nicholson voting Nay. 5. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL: E-mail from Colleen Beyer, 19 Wells Avenue, Croton on Hudson, dated November 20th, states that since the board is considering spending substantial funds on improvements to the Maple Commons pocket park, she was wondering if there was any concern about the lack of maintenance of their landscaping, there is no grass, and the bushes all look dead. E-mail from Jessica Dieckman, 58 Thompson Avenue, Croton on Hudson, states that before any changes are made homeowners need a clear understanding of what will happen with their taxes, please do not move forward with anything until current residents have a clear understanding of what will happen. 6. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter from Doreen Dunn, Secretary of the Croton Fire Patrol, requesting approval to host a Santa Breakfast fundraiser at the Harmon Firehouse on Sunday, December 8, 2024. On motion by Trustee Politi and seconded by Trustee Simon the Board of Trustees approved the request from the Croton Fire Patrol to host a Santa Breakfast fundraiser at the Harmon Firehouse on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Motion was approved with a 5-0 vote. b. Membership changes from the Croton Fire Department. 11/a6586e98b83e9088a685fbadc070d4ce91148bc4.pdf https://play.champds.com/ATT/crotononhudsonny/2024- 11/1123b96ae67aa73a6462fc1e567b7c82727bdc2a.pdf 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS: Jim Miller, 18 Wolf Road, Croton on Hudson, stated that the issue is when a tax bill would be due, and if the Board moved on this, it would push that June Village tax Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 bill to April and might put a burden on some residents when they have to pay all four tax bills at one time. Ed Riely, 110 Truesdale Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that the Village needs a bigger screen, to make it easier for the public to see presentation, emphasized that the New York State Retirement System should drop the defined benefit plan or modify it dramatically, they also need to change how they treat overtime in retirement benefits, asked for each zoning change on the agenda to be itemized. Michael Mamone, 19 Young Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that he does not support electric vehicles for the police department, encouraged the Board to make sure that the public understands the effects on taxes by eliminating the Village assessing unit, objects to spending $10,000 on a clock, and would like to know more about the $160,000 expenditure for underground drainage at the train station for the solar canopy. Phyllis Morrow, 61 Nordica Drive, Croton on Hudson, said that she would like to hear an explanation on item F regarding an agreement with U-Audit, thanked DPW for all the work they are doing at the Firehouse, suggested using the $10,000 the Village is spending on the clock and get an assistant for the Assessor and is concerned that the Village does not know the impacts on assessments with respect to some of the proposed developments. 8. RESOLUTIONS: Resolution #211-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 Police Department anticipates a vacancy in the rank of Police Sergeant in the near future, and WHEREAS Chief of Police John H. Nikitopoulos has recommended Michael DellaDonna for promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Michael DellaDonna is hereby appointed to the rank of Police Sergeant in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Police Department, effective December 2, 2024, at an annual salary of $149,204.92, per the current Croton Police Association bargaining agreement. November 20, 2024 Resolution #212-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 a vacancy in the Croton Police Department currently exists for the position of Police Officer, and WHEREAS Chief of Police John H. Nikitopoulos has interviewed several candidates for the position and recommends the hiring of Paul Twyman for the position of Police Officer, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Paul Twyman is hereby appointed as a Police Officer in the Croton-on-Hudson Police Department as of November 21, 2024, at an annual salary of $71,876.58, pending the passage of medical exams and approval from the Westchester County Department of Human Resources, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the official start date on payroll for Mr. Twyman shall be determined by the Chief of Police upon completion of the above-stated exams and approvals. Resolution #213-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 until 2024, cities, villages, and towns across New York State had not received an increase in unrestricted state aid, known as Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding, for 15 years, significantly impacting their ability to provide essential services to their residents, and WHEREAS after a prolonged period without financial support, local governments finally received an increase of $50 million in unrestricted state aid, and WHEREAS the Village of Croton-on-Hudson expresses its gratitude for the $50 million increase in unrestricted state aid, recognizing it as a positive step toward addressing long-standing funding challenges, and WHEREAS the State has referred to this new aid as Temporary Municipal Assistance, suggesting that such an increase may not continue, thereby jeopardizing the sustainability of crucial municipal programs and services, and Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 WHEREAS the property tax cap further limits the ability of local governments to properly fund the programs and services their residents need, and WHEREAS increased and ongoing state aid for local governments is vital for maintaining infrastructure, public safety, housing, and other municipal services, and WHEREAS the challenges of inflation, increasing costs of labor and supplies, and the end of extraordinary federal aid only accentuate the need for consistent and predictable funding to effectively plan for the future and meet the growing needs of residents, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village of Croton-on-Hudson calls upon Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to commit to continuing the additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid in the 2025-26 State Budget and beyond, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village of Croton-on-Hudson urges state officials to recognize the need for a long-term plan that ensures consistent and predictable increases in financial support for local governments that keep pace with inflation, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Peter Harckham, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, and the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM). Resolution #214-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, 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. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that upon the recommendation of the Village Manager, the Board of Trustees hereby approves a Stipulation of Agreement dated November 13, 2024, between the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and Local 456, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Resolution #215-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, 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. November 20, 2024 WHEREAS the Village of Croton-on-Hudson has been awarded a grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) under the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program, in the amount of $100,000, and WHEREAS this grant is designated to support the purchase of two electric vehicles for the Village Police Department fleet, enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency, and WHEREAS DASNY requires a formal agreement with the Village to govern the disbursement of grant funds and to outline the specific terms and conditions of grant compliance, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Manager to sign the Grant Disbursement Agreement with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and to execute any additional documents necessary for the acceptance and administration of the grant funds. Village Manager Healy emphasized that these vehicles are not additional cars and explained that this is on the agenda now because the State of New York took a long time to reimburse the Village for these grant funds. Trustee Simon stated that from conversations with our officers, they support these vehicles. Resolution #216-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 seeks to engage U-Audit Associates, LLC, to review the Village’s gross receipts tax revenue to ensure the Village is receiving all funds which it is due, and WHEREAS the Village will pay U-Audit a fee based on identified refunds or savings, as detailed in the Agreement, with the fee payable upon receipt of refunds or verification of cost reductions, and WHEREAS there is no cost for this service if no outstanding revenue is located, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board of Trustees authorizes the Village Manager to sign the agreement with U-Audit Associates, LLC. November 20, 2024 Resolution #217-2024 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 Volunteer Fire Department Service Award Program was approved by referendum in 2003, and WHEREAS Penflex, Inc. provides actuarial and administrative services necessary to administer this program, and WHEREAS the Village has received the annual Service Fee Agreement from Penflex for the period November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2025, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Manager is hereby authorized to sign the 2024-2025 Volunteer Fire Department Service Fee Agreement in the estimated amount of $7,200, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funding for this agreement has been allocated in the Fire Department - Contractual budget line A3410.4000. Resolution #218-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, 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 STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign Program is an overtime, added, patrol effort to enforce the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws against intoxicated and impaired driving (DWI/DWAI) in Westchester County, and WHEREAS the Croton-on-Hudson Police Department wishes to participate in this program, and WHEREAS the Village may seek reimbursement from the County for an amount not to exceed $20,000 for costs related to this program, and WHEREAS the commencement date of this agreement is October 1, 2024, and terminates on September 30, 2025, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Manager to execute the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign Program Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 Inter-Municipal Agreement with Westchester County for the period between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Resolution #219-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 WHEREAS the Village entered into a contract with Construction Plus Services LLC for the completion of this project under Bid No. 04-2024, and WHEREAS an additional scope of work, the installation of concrete blocking in the first- floor window wells, was added to the bid, necessitating a change order, and WHEREAS the total cost of the additional work outlined in Change Order No. 3 totals $9,950; and WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works has reviewed the proposed change orders and has determined that 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. 3 in the total amount of $9,950. Resolution #220-2024 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 Village of Croton-on-Hudson seeks to amend the Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson by adding a new Chapter 186 entitled "Rental Housing" to implement the provisions of the Good Cause Eviction Law enacted by the State of New York, and WHEREAS Local Law Introductory No. 15 of 2024 was drafted for such purposes, and WHEREAS the Village Board of Trustees has previously discussed this legislation at their October 16, 2024, work session, Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public Hearing on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Georgianna Grant Meeting Room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building to consider Local Law Introductory No. 15 of 2024 to amend the Code of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson by adding a new Chapter 186 entitled "Rental Housing" to implement the provisions of the Good Cause Eviction Law enacted by the State of New York. Resolution #221-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson seeks to amend and update various provisions of Chapter 230, Zoning, of the Village Code to align the zoning regulations with current planning and development needs, and WHEREAS Local Law Introductory No. 12 of 2024 was drafted for such purposes, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board of Trustees hereby schedules a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Georgianna Grant Meeting Room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building to consider Local Law Introductory No. 12 of 2024 to amend and update various provisions of Chapter 230, Zoning, of the Village Code to align the zoning regulations with current planning and development needs. To view Village Manager Healy’s memo highlighting changes to the Code you may log onto the following: 11/47678810e4f1658d7382679a02ab745b2e4b8537.pdf Village Attorney Whitehead explained that the Board made changes as recommended by the Planning Board, the word “Permanent has been changed to read “Non-Transient, and we have also made a provision where a border does not have to be a family member. Resolution #222-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI the following resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York with a 5-0 vote. November 20, 2024 WHEREAS the Village has received its New York State and Local Retirement System invoices for the current fiscal year, and WHEREAS the state provides the Village with an estimate to use for budgeting purposes, which was significantly under forecast this year; and WHEREAS the amount invoiced is a total of $120,108 over budget ($28,261 for the NYS ERS and $91,847 for the NYS PFRS), NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Village Treasurer to amend the 2024-2025 Adopted Budget to transfer $120,108 from the fund balance – assigned – future retirement expenditures as follows: A9010.8000 NYS ERS $25,826.73 A9015.8000 NYS PRS $91,847.00 WATER EXPENSES Increase F9010.8000 NYS ERS $ 2,362.62 SEWER EXPENSES Increase G9010.8000 NYS ERS $ 71.65 DISCUSSION: Village Manager Healy advised that the estimates that we have been receiving from the New York State Retirement Systems have not been accurate and suggested that during the budget process we increase the estimate by 10-20% to try to avoid this from happening every year, we are also scheduled to get the results of our Audit at our December Work Session and following the Audit results, he recommended that the Board allocate some money to replenish this reserve. Resolution #223-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, 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 construction of Maple Commons was completed earlier this year, and WHEREAS a pocket park at the intersection of Maple Street and Municipal Place was constructed as part of the development, and Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 WHEREAS while the park is privately owned and maintained, it is open to all residents of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and their guests, and WHEREAS the Village of Croton-on-Hudson would like to install an electric clock in the park at a cost not to exceed $16,706, and WHEREAS the Village has received two donations for this project in the total amount of $6,000, and WHEREAS the Village Board would like to fund the remaining cost of the clock using existing parkland funds, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Village Board accepts the two donations from Clean Path New York and Regan Development Corporation with gratitude, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village Board authorizes the Village Treasurer to make the following budget transfers: DECREASE A.730.22412 (Parkland Deposits): $ 9,037.81 T.37 (Parkland Deposits): $ 1,668.19 INCREASE T.94003 (Maple Commons Park): $10,706.00 DISCUSSION: On motion by Trustee Murtaugh and seconded by Trustee Nicholson the Board approved suspending the Rules of Procedure to allow Steven Krisky to address the Board. The motion was approved with a 5-0 vote. Mr. Krisky stated that street clocks are a symbol of consistency in changing times, they are an analog representation of where we are at any given moment, a guide/sign-post, that helps to confirm if you are early, late or exactly on time and believes this is exactly the right time to create a Croton icon that we can take pride in. Mr. Krisky stated that when the Planning Board was working through the application process for Maple Commons, it was clear that a small public amenity would be needed and we agreed that the pocket park at Maple Commons needed either a significant piece of art or some kind of impressive totem, and after some discussion we agreed that a traditional street clock would be an appropriate place, and believes that once the clock is up and running, it will be something for people to enjoy. November 20, 2024 Village Manager Healy advised that these funds are not tax-payer funds, these are funds that were set aside specifically for improving parkland and cannot be used for any other purpose, these funds were paid by developers who were required to put funds in a special account through the In Lieu of Parkland Fees statute. Resolution #224-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE MURTAUGH, 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 heating system at the Grand Street Firehouse is not fully functional at this time, and WHEREAS the Dept. of Public Works has received an estimate to replace one of the circulator pumps at a cost of $5,800, and WHEREAS the buildings and grounds sub-account in the Fire Department budget account does not have sufficient funds available due to other unforeseen repairs to the building’s air conditioning system earlier this year, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the Village Board authorizes the Village Treasurer to transfer $5,800 from contingency account A1990.4000 to the following account: A3410.4600 – Fire-Buildings & Grounds - $5,800 Resolution #225-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 solar canopy project at the Croton-Harmon Train Station is nearing completion, and WHEREAS while the solar canopies were installed through a third-party, the Village is responsible for the installation of the underground drainage, and WHEREAS the Grand Street Retaining Wall Replacement project is completed with a surplus of $70,000, and WHEREAS the Village has received more interest and earnings than budgeted in the current fiscal year, and Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 WHEREAS full funding for the installation of the drainage was not included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2025 budget, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Village Board authorizes the Village Treasurer to make the following budget transfers: DECREASE A.1000.2401 (Interest & Earnings): $90,000 H.5110.2106.23439 (Grand St. Wall Replacement): $70,000 INCREASE H.5650.2106.25503 (Solar Canopy Drainage Install): $160,000 DISCUSSION: Mayor Pugh explained that the installation of drainage was not included in the Bid Specifications for the installation of the solar array, but after Lindsay Audin, Chair of our Sustainability Committee, was reviewing other solar array projects in our Region, he concluded that drainage would be necessary to be able to maintain the potential of significant snow melt events where a lot of precipitation could be appearing on the parking lot quickly and having a drainage system would get it away from the array before it could re-freeze and become a hazard. Mayor Pugh stated that it was deemed to be more economically beneficial if we just paid for the project upfront. Village Manager Healy advised that our DPW is overseeing this project, they are working with the contractors, and this is being done at a fraction of the cost of what the solar company was telling us it would cost. Resolution #226-2024 On motion of TRUSTEE SIMON, seconded by TRUSTEE POLITI, 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 Historic Hudson Valley requested police services for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze this year, and WHEREAS police officers are assigned conduct traffic control, as well as to ensure safety for residents and visitors to the Village, and WHEREAS police officers were also requested to conduct special details for DWI patrols and river patrols, and Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 WHEREAS, Historic Hudson Valley and New York State have agreed to pay the cost of the overtime for these officers, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Village Treasurer is authorized to amend the General Fund 2024-2025 budget in the amount of $12,074.72. A3120.1200 - Personnel Services - Overtime $12,074.72 GENERAL REVENUES Increase Revenue A1000.3089 - State Aid – Other $3,810.84 A3120.1520 - Police Fees $8,263.88 AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Village Treasurer is authorized to transfer $28,785.47 from A3120.1520 into capital account H3120.2010.24479 for final setup costs related to the new police department boat. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Michael Mamone, 19 Young Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that commercial cars in the Harmon area are parking in front of their homes all day long, the paving project on Young and Oneida was not unnecessary, objects to using parkland fees for a clock, suggested that the Village hold a celebration to celebrate America, asked that the Dog Ordinance be enforced, believes that the Gotwald Circle project would have looked better if it was cobblestone vs the granite and would have been a tenth of the cost, and emphasized that bikes, e-bikes, and mopeds do not belong on the roadways. Peter Schuyler, Olcott Avenue, Croton on Hudson, stated that during the development of Maple Commons he represented a number of homeowners on Wells Avenue, one of the requests was that a sidewalk be put up along the property of 1 Wells Avenue, and he they received a letter from the Planning Board endorsing their request, and requested that the installation of this sidewalk be added to the Village list of projects. Steven Krisky stated that he supports the sidewalk on Wells Avenue, it will connect Maple Commons and all the pedestrian and bike traffic in that part of the Village, Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 all the way to Senasqua and Croton Landing and hopes that we can find the means in the future to do that. Phyllis Morrow, 61 Nordica Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that the paving costs are covered under Chips money. Ed Riely, 110 Truesdale Drive, Croton on Hudson, stated that he is concerned that the Board will be eliminating free speech by eliminating public comments on non- agenda items, reminded everyone that there is a boycott against CVS which is the major purveyor of a deadly abortion pill, there has also been picketing at Village Hall for those people who are endorsing abortion, the Board should have invited landlords in during the work session when they spoke about the Good Cause for Eviction Local Law that is being proposed, concerned that only one fireman was there to talk about LOT A, it was a poor meeting and probably did not get the truth about wood frames. Mr. Riely complimented the Planning Board for their good input regarding the LOT A proposal and ADU’s and is concerned that this Board is against single-family housing. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the minutes as amended of the Regular Meeting held on October 23, 2024, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Murtaugh and approved with a 5-0 vote. Motion to approve the minutes of the Work Session held on November 6, 2024, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Murtaugh and approved with a 5-0 vote. Motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting held on November 13, 2024, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Murtaugh and approved with a 5-0 vote. Motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session held on November 13, 2024, was made by Trustee Simon. The motion was seconded by Trustee Murtaugh and approved with a 5-0 vote. 11. REPORTS: Trustee Nicholson thanked Trustee Murtaugh for his dedication to the village and will miss him not being on the Board, a wonderful Veterans Day ceremony was held and thanked our Veterans for their service, the Recreation Advisory Committee will be meeting on December 10th, the annual Christmas Tree lighting Village Board of Trustees November 20, 2024 will be held on December 5th, a new drainage system was put in at the duck pond, two additional racks were installed at Echo launch this summer and contributed to an estimated revenue of $20,000 and thanked the DPW and Recreation Department for their work on this. Trustee Simon thanked the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber for a successful Halloween and dog parade, thanked Keiko Niccolini and the Sustainability Committee for coming up with the pumpkin composting idea, the Sustainability Committee met on October 27th to talk about the solar canopy, the Lions Club held their 85th Anniversary celebration on October 27th, on November 1st he attended the NYCOM Legislative Conference, on November 9th a Revolution on the Hudson- Living History Experience event will be held at Croton Point Park, for more information you may log onto the following website: https://www.rw250.org/revolution-on-the-hudson-event, attended the Veteran’s Day ceremony, last Thursday attended the Westchester Municipal Officials meeting where Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado spoke, attended the H.E.A.R.T. celebration honoring Pete Tsagarakis of the Croton Colonial Diner. Trustee Simon highlighted all the wonderful things Trustee Murtaugh has done for the Village, this is not good-bye but rather a time-out and looks forward to seeing him serve our Village once again. Trustee Murtaugh made the following statement: Since this is my last meeting as a Trustee, I would like to share my thoughts on the proposed project at Croton Point Avenue, aka Lot A. First of all, if this were a private project I would be mute on the subject. Since this has the village’s fingerprints all over it, and we are selling village property, I think there is a higher need for some clarity on just exactly what my position is. Let me be clear right from the outset, I am in favor of selling this excess parcel for the immediate 2.3 million sale price, which goes right into the village coffers, which benefits all taxpayers, supporters or not. I am in favor of increasing the taxable value of the vacant portion, which pays zero tax dollars today. If eventually approved, the project will raze the existing adjacent office building and combine the parcels to build the proposed 100-unit owner occupied building. I am in favor of the vastly improved assessment to that parcel that this proposal provides. I am in favor of a project that allows families to buy into housing security. November 20, 2024 I am in favor of a location that is close to mass transit, Route 9, and within easy walking distance to parks and shopping. Yet, I am not blind to the concerns of those opposed to this project. I have listened carefully to the points raised and have distilled my thoughts about them. Some of the easy ones first: Parking: to those who are concerned that inadequate parking is being planned, my rebuttal is that there is a giant parking facility across the street. If an owner has more than one car, they will need to pay for using the village lot. It is that simple, they will not be migrating into Harmon, which is fear. Stress on DPW: There will be one more pick up for the sanitation crew. Not a big deal. If the building requires a second weekly pick up the village charges extra for that, or a private carter can be engaged. Water needs: The capacity of the water and sewer service has been proven to be able to handle the needs of this proposed building. Specifically, water as it relates to fire safety has also been addressed. The fire department has assessed and made several suggestions to the physical plant which have been accepted by the developer. Furthermore, the village is looking to extend a water line from Wayne Street which, if completed, would have larger diameter piping which would also benefit the Wayne Street neighborhood with the elimination of a water “dead end”. By the way, this would be a cost that the developer would cover. If the extension does not go through, the building has perfectly acceptable plans for on-site water in case of a fire emergency. Fire truck access has been signed off on by the Chief. I do not have any expectation that the police will be impacted by the addition of these condominium units, other than routine call for service. Nor does the Chief of Police. Views from Wayne street. I have visited Wayne Street numerous times personally, and as recently as two days ago. With the leaves on trees, the view is not impacted, there is dense growth which eliminates any possible view of the existing or planned building at that site. This week, with most of the leaves off, I observed that the mountains on the west side of the Hudson were significantly higher than the top of the existing MNR buildings. Granted the proposed building could potentially be higher, the sun still sets below the horizon before the new building blocks it. Traffic: Long before Half Moon Bay the train station traffic was heavy at morning and evening peaks. I remember this as a child while picking up my commuter father, and as a commuter myself for 45 years, from 1975 through 2020. Traffic today is lower along Croton Point Avenue than it was in 2019, and based on new work strategies I would expect that CPA traffic will not return to pre-2019 levels, even with the addition of new housing at Lot A. November 20, 2024 Lastly and importantly, the impact of school aged children. The Maple Commons property has three-bedroom units that attract families with children. This LOT A proposal has no three- bedroom units. Will there be school children, certainly, without a doubt. Current school enrollment, all demographic trends, statewide, nationwide , indeed show globally that the birth rate is declining. The fear that the schools will be inundated with new students is a fear which is unreasonable on its face. There are too many indicators to debunk that. I may not have addressed every concern that may exist, but I think that this shows that deliberation and finding solutions to issues will make this an even better project. The important role the Planning Board plays has yet to happen. This project will continue to be enhanced by their input. If the deliberations between the Planning Board and the developer result in changes to the size, scale or aesthetics of the project , I will be fine with that. This give and take will ultimately produce a better product. The Village Board relies heavily upon the Planning Board’s efforts and respects their non-binding opinions. What I don’t want is fear of the unknown, or fear of change to stifle the progress of our village. There has been outcry in the past over change. The Harmon rezoning of 15 years ago is a prime example. The pushback cost the village hundreds of thousands of dollars, and now the current objectors hold up 379 South Riverside as a model of smart growth. There were those against the Riverwalk, the acquisition of the train station parking lot. There was opposition to Half Moon Bay. There was probably push back when Bari Manor was proposed, though I was only 5 years old so I can’t say for sure. In a nutshell, three of us on this village board were raised in this village. To suggest that we are destroying or ruining Croton to satisfy some statewide mandate is preposterous. We merely want to see our village grow and create a wider tax base, which benefits all taxpayers. We want to see growth which brings more people into our businesses, our houses of worship, our volunteer community, our recreation programs, and yes, even our schools. With growth our community will continue to thrive. We are fortunate to live in a very desirable community with good infrastructure, highly ranked schools, unparalleled natural beauty and a willingness to accept change. If 100 families can buy homes in Croton for $350,000, that is great. If the number is 80 that would be fine, too. Whatever the final unit count is, I want to be able to feel good about being part of the solution, rather than a roadblock. Trustee Politi stated that she does not support moving our election to March because she believes it is a way to lead to voter suppression, the Board is not eliminating public comment, but we discussed shortening the time period, thanked the Girl Scouts for sending letters to Veterans and making a special delivery to some of our homebound Veterans. Trustee Politi thanked Trustee Murtaugh for all he has done for our community, it has been great sitting next to him and he will be missed. November 20, 2024 Mayor Pugh thanked Trustee Murtaugh for his service and for always saying yes when he is called upon to serve our Village. Mayor Pugh thanked the Croton Yacht Club, CET, the American Legion and our Boys and Girl Scouts for helping to make Veterans Day a memorable day for our Veterans. Mayor Pugh advised that John Ealer has agreed to serve as the Chair of the Conservation Advisory Council. Village Manager Healy updated the community on the current drought conditions and advised that New York State has declared a drought warning for Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, as a result of the warning the DEP has paused the Delaware Aqueduct Protect, for more information you may log onto the following: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-and-mayor-adams-provide-update-statewide- drought#:~:text=Governor%20Kathy%20Hochul%20and%20Mayor%20Eric%20Adams%20today,an d%20declining%20levels%20of%20streamflow%20and%20ground%20water. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/current-drought-conditions Village Manager Healy advised that our DPW is working hard to pick up leaves and because Governor Hochul’s Congestion Pricing plan is coming back, we are expecting a slight increase in people using mass transportation, but it is something we can handle. There being no further comments 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 10:40pm Respectfully submitted, Judy Weintraub, Board Secretary ___________________________ Paula DiSanto, Village Clerk Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NV via Croton-on-Hudson NV <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 3:56 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.•.,.. I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 3:55pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Village Manager's Office Please include any questions or comments: Before any changes are made home owners need a clear understanding of what will happen with their taxes. Please don't move forward with anything until current residents have a clear understanding of what will happen. Please read these comments at tonight's meeting. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Jessica Email Address: ==Address== Street: 58 Thompson Ave City: Croton-on-Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34041 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Tuesday, November 19, 2024 5:06 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.*** I Submitted on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 5:06pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: Regarding the assessor agenda item: It is hard to comment when you don't know how a pending Board item impacts you. I cannot conceive of any reason why the village has not published a spreadsheet with all of the estimated property level tax changes. It should have been in the meeting backup materials. tt is all public information, and it is all information that the village already has. In fact, the Village has already done the work at a higher level to figure out an estimated equivalent rate for Cortlandt and to determine the number of impacted properties, so do the right thing and show it to us. It's not that simple for residents to do if they don't understand how to calculate the tax amounts or don't know where to go to find the rolls much less how to read them. Most probably don't understand. It's not fair to make people try to figure this out themselves and then ask them to vote on it. How do you make an intelligent public comment when you don't know how something affects you? I also noticed there's an item (9d) referencing a Teamsters contract/agreement, but the contract/agreement is not included in the materials. I googled and other towns seem to include them as backup for similar agenda items. It's not exactly government in the sunshine if we don't know what the board is agreeing to. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Chris Killian Email Address: ====Address== Street: Glengary Road City: Croton on Hudson State: New York Zipcode: Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/33956 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Tuesday, November 19, 2024 5:34 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments !***CAUTION: External sender.***! Submitted on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 5:33pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Village Manager's Office Please include any questions or comments: Please provide information on how our taxes Will be impacted by this change in the assessor's office. It's very confusing. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Lauren davis Email Address: ==Address== Street: 14 Hamilton City: Croton State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https:llwww.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/33961 l Bryan Healy From: Sent: To: Erica Laudon Corwin Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:31 PM Bryan Healy REVISED: Question for Mayor and Board of Trustees at 11/20 Meeting !***CAUTION: External sender.•••! Hi Mr. Healy, Please put my REVISED question on the record for the meeting tomorrow (11/20) with the Croton Board ofTrustees and Mayor Brian Pugh: My mother and I live in homes in Croton which were both recently reassessed due to additions and/or renovations. How will this new system of Town Property Assessment Rolls impact these two properties and the amount of village tax owed each year? Will the village taxes increase or decrease? The charts you provided in your agenda documentation are confusing and ultimately do not provide a transparent analysis on how this change in assessment will impact homeowners. Erica Loudon 124 Penfield Avenue Croton, NY l Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10:53 AM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I **"'CAUTION: External sender."'""" I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 10:52am Submitted values are: Choose One: Village Manager's Office Please include any questions or comments: In order for residents to make informed decisions, they need to be informed. The village should mail out to each household the projected tax changes that would take place in the event that this resolution is passed and voted on. Many simply DO NOT know about this- similar to all of your housing initiatives. Also, I find it very interesting that the village is looking to conserve $32,000 a year with the elimination of the assessor role, which will adversely impact many current residents financially since their taxes will go up. However, there seemed to be no hesitation to forgive developers of all affordable housing over $500,000 of park fees as in the case of Lot A, should it be built. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Susan Skrelja Email Address: ==Address== Street: City: State: New York Zipcode: Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/33991 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10:58 AM To: Manager's Offke Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.*** I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 10:57am Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: Contemplating a decision to significantly alter the property tax structure without giving the public the full set of facts shows exactly what you think of us, and it's disgusting. (Read this verbatim during the meeting. Do not summarize.) ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Daniel Bennett Email Address: ==Address== Street: 40 Van Wyck Street City: Croton on Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https:ljwww.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/33996 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10:58 AM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.•** I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 -10:SSam Submitted values are: Choose One: Village Manager's Office Please include any questions or comments: According to this calculation, my taxes will go up around $1200. Approximately this makes no sense to me. This is an affordable tax hike for a person of my age and in my financial position please help me. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Lauren David Email Address: ==Address== Street: 14 Hamilton ave City: Croton State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https:ljwww.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34001 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 11 :38 AM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments !***CAUTION: External sender.***! Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 11:37am Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: If you are considering making a change that will affect the communities taxes, you should be provided updates to how the change will affect each home owner. The residents of this town need to know the full picture before a change is proposed. This feels very post election sneaky. If the village is worrying about saving the salary of the accessor, maybe should consider not giving tax breaks to the new developers. All the recent changes in town are negatively affecting the homeowners. This will also negatively affect homes that have apartments, do you not think that increasing property taxes will also increase rent? That goes directly against the affordable housing initiative in town. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Heather Miranda Email Address: ==Address== Street: 40 Darby Avenue City: Croton on Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https:llwww.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34011 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1 :11 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.*** I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 1:11pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: What will the village do for the households that are facing large tax increases? I'm looking at a $2000 increase in 1 year! I'm currently paying $13,000 this would put me over $15,000. My home is 1500 sq/ft on a .13 lot. This is not equitable. This would unfortunately make us consider relocating due to the increase cost of living. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Brett Miranda Email Address: ==Address:::= Street: 40 Darby Ave City: Croton On Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Poor Croton Family Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34026 l Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1 :56 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender. 0* I Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 1:55pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: As a senior citizen on a fixed income, I am very concerned about the board's intent to terminate the village's tax assessor and to hand over that role to the town of Cortlandt without knowing exactly what that means to my tax bill. The list being shared on Facebook showing how many can expect increases vs decreases as well as the supposed formula to calculate your own tax change do nothing to make this clear to me, and I'm sure the same can be said for many others. Before moving ahead, you need to make clear just how much of jump, up or down, this would mean for every household in this village, where many are not even aware this is happening. A significant tax increase could mean some will no longer be able to afford their homes. Certainly, ironic when the board is forgiving taxes for people who do not yet live here. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Rosemary Hawkins Email Address: ==Address== Street: 90 Hastings Ave City: Croton on Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34031 Bryan Healy From: Sent: To: Cc: Feed the Birds! Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:57 PM Bryan Healy Emily Giovanni Comments for Assessor Public Hearing 11/20/24 I ***CAUTION: External sender.•** I Bryan: As I cannot attend this Public Hearing, I respectfully request my comments be read into, and made part of the hearing's public record. Every single homeowner needs to be made aware of what they'll be voting for. Nothing should move forward until each household is notified exactly how they'll be affected. Robert Armanini 10 Thompson Avenue Croton on Hudson Sent from my iPhone J Bryan Healy From: Sent: To: Cc: Domna Candido Tuesday, November 19, 2024 4:32 PM Bryan Healy Brian Pugh; Len Simon; Ian Murtaugh; Nora Nicholson; Cara Politi; Emily Giovanni Re: Upcoming 11/20/24 Public Hearing on Terminating the Village's Status as an Assessment Unit. I ***CAUTION: External sender.*** I Dear Mgr. Healy, At the 11/6/24 Board of Trustees meeting, at which the Public Hearing on terminating Croton on Hudson's status as an Assessment Unit and transferring that responsibility to the Town of Cortlandt was last discussed, an issue of great concern emerged about how such a change would affect the property taxes of Croton residents. Trustee Murtaugh raised some very important concrete concerns about how certain Croton residents would face an increase in their taxes, and how that would not be the case for others. Since, as you are aware, Mayor Pugh was pushing to rush through that whole conversation, it was very disconcerting to find out, only after Trustee Murtaugh insisted on pursuing that aspect of the conversation and only after Mayor Pugh blatantly admitted that there will be "winners and losers" if this change is effected, that certain Croton residents will be detrimentally impacted if this change is made. That realization was all the more outrageous since Mayor Pugh's flippant response indicated that he didn't seem to care about that disparate treatment resulting in certain residents, including Trustee Murtaugh, being the "losers." It was obvious from that Nov. 6th discussion that you were already in receipt of specific information relating to residents' properties, including that of Trustee Murtaugh, when he requested that more complete and specific information be revealed about the rise in taxes for the other so-called "losers." Mayor Pugh, insisting that he was in some rush, indicated that full disclosure of information would be provided to residents prior to holding the Public Hearing ... the one that is scheduled to be held tomorrow (11/20/24) with this issue on the agenda. Yet, to date, we have not received such information. Instead, we have been provided with a bunch of historical documents and carefully selected portions of current documents that tells us NOTHING SPECIFIC that is of any real use to residents who might be particularly interested because they might unknowingly be in the "loser" category! As you well know, we received the following: THE SPIN per Bryan Healy (in "Assessment Memo", BoT 11/20/24 Agenda on Village Site): "You will see that the study concluded that more properties (1,676) will see a decrease in their Village tax bill, if the Village's assessment function was to be discontinued, than would see an increase in their Village tax bill (1,363). The Village Treasurer took a deeper dive into this data and was able to break it down into the three main categories of property classification: residential, commercial and vacant land. The median residential parcel in the Village would see a decrease in their Village tax bill of $27.95 and the median vacant land parcel in the Village would see a decrease in their Village tax bill of $116. 32. The median commercial parcel in the Village would see an increase in their Village tax bill of $226.35." From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Wednesday, November 20, 2024 2:29 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments !* .. CAUTION: External sender.***! Submitted on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 2:29pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: Since the board is considering spending substantial funds on an improvement to the Maple Commons pocket park I was wondering if there was any concern about the lack of maintenance of their landscaping. There is no grass and the bushes all look dead. I understand there has been a water shortage as of late but it has looked this way since the landscaping was installed. The board talks a lot about the look of the gateway district so I am wondering if this is something that can be addressed to the developers of the project and remedied at their cost. Not ours. ==Please provide the following information== Your Name: Colleen Beyrer Email Address: ==Address== Street: 19 Welts Ave City: Croton Hdsn State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/34036 Bryan Healy From: Sent: Croton-on-Hudson NY via Croton-on-Hudson NY <cmsmailer@civicplus.com> Monday, November 18, 2024 5:15 PM To: Manager's Office Subject: Form submission from: Send Us Comments I ***CAUTION: External sender.**• I Submitted on Monday, November 18, 2024 - 5:15pm Submitted values are: Choose One: Public Comments for Board Meeting Please include any questions or comments: Electric bicycle acquisition: Survey Crotonites to determine interest before acquiring electric bikes Determine maintenance costs Determine method of checking them out for use and return procedures Determine Village liability and insurance costs ==Please provide the following information="' Your Name: Sandra Kolk Email Address: "'"'Address== Street: 114 Elmore Avenue City: Croton-on-Hudson State: New York Zipcode: 10520 Organization: Phone Number: The results of this submission may be viewed at: https:ljwww.crotononhudson-ny.gov/node/2/submission/33951