Board of Trustees
Alright. Good evening, and welcome to our September 10 regular meeting of the Croton on Hudson Board of Trustees. I'm mayor Brian Pugh. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America
and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Born and unborn. Gay and straight.
General fund, we have 553,360 sorry. $61.54. For the water fund, we have $33,024.26. The sewer fund is $56,648.64. The capital fund is $341,730.85. The trust fund is 15,894 even.
Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Excellent. And we proceed to our featured presentation, the presentation of key to the village to Dan O'Connor, who's with us here tonight in advance of his retirement and to recognize his many years of service to the village. Dan, as you're familiar with the drill for these presentations, please join us at the podium. Members of the board, come on down. Manager, we have the key. It's yep. Oh, right there. Inside. Behind me. Okay. Fantastic. Alright.
Yeah. Guess yeah. No. No. I think we just yeah. Yeah. Just it's not worth it. Alright. We gotta take it's probably easier if we just take it out.
Alright. Alright. Oh, yeah. We'll do we'll do it. Yeah. We'll do it in a second. But since we have the journals here. And then we'll do the group photo in a minute. So, Dan, there's really not enough that can be said about you. You've guided generations of leaders in this village. You're probably one of the most consequential people in our village's history, and we're so grateful for your years of dedication and your tremendous knowledge. And we're very happy that we won't be losing out on that. This is just a transition. We're not saying goodbye. So Thank you. Thank you very much, mayor.
Dan, as as I was as I was thinking about this evening, I was looking at at this wall and realized that you've served with a lot of those mayors, with a whole bunch of managers over the time, and probably more than half of the trustees on those on those two plaques. And so you've been an incredible teacher about planning, zoning, water, signage, and just about everything else It's part of the built environment here in Croton. You are the master of Google Earth. I've never seen anyone able to able to find things as quickly as as you you can on the screen.
getting things done and and how things can't get done in Washington and sometimes even in Albany, but you've you've enabled us to get things done volunteer for some of our great organizations. Your work for the rotary is is so appreciated and has gone on for many years. You've been a great friend to all of us. You've really helped build the Croton that we know today in terms of institutional knowledge and expertise. You're the standard by which all all future village engineers will be will be measured. You're the hardest working guy that that I know, and there's great days ahead for you. I look forward to staying in touch. And since I still have a lot to learn, continuing to be your pupil. Thank you, ladies. Okay.
I'll be short. I'll be brief. I am one of those people who don't know a Croton without Dan O'Connor. So thank you for your friendship all these years, for my everything you taught me the first time I was on the board and everything that I've learned from you now. Thank you for making the transition easy. The goodbye the goodbye long. I appreciate you and always have. Thank you.
I'll just say thank you very much for all of your service. I learned last night Dan Dan and I are on the visual environment board together, and he leads that board and does a a magical job in you know, when when there's a when there's a collaboration between two people that have different points of view, Dan does an incredible job of really talking things through, laying things out, restating the points, and getting to an answer, which in government is so challenging. He said last night he's dedicated forty years. Forty years he's been in the New York State Pension Fund. Before he came to Croton, he was in Dutchess County. To be a public servant for that many years to dedicate yourself and your your intelligence and hard work is is just really something that everyone can look up to. So I really appreciate you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate it.
Kara's on her way back. Okay. Oh, she was still here. She was at back to school.
So thank you very everyone that came out for Dan. For those that wanna take this opportunity to leave, we'll give you a few seconds, and then we'll go return to our meeting. Alright. Great. Okay. Our next item of business, we proceed to our public hearings. The first one is a public hearing on the 2025 Complete Streets grant application for Westchester County. Before I open it, manager, do you wanna briefly summarize the application? Sure.
So this is a project that we're very excited about. This is a new grant program that's being done by the Westchester County Department of Planning. Complete Streets, they're looking to fund projects that will make our roadways safer for all users, vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. And so the village has put together package that would include the installation of sidewalks in two areas that are very much needed, the North Side Of Municipal Place between Maple Street and South Riverside, and then the East Side Of South Riverside between Municipal Place and Maple Street. So, you know, this is a project that we have previously submitted for a different grant that ultimately we were not successful in getting. So we're hoping that this opportunity will be more successful. And as part of the application process, Westchester County wanted us to reach out and receive feedback from residents on the project. So, you know, the board scheduled a public hearing for tonight.
Yep. Alright. Do I have a motion to open the public hearing? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. The floor is open. This is specifically for speaking to the Complete Streets application.
Alright. Seeing no one wishing to comment, do I have a motion to close the public hearing? So moved. Second.
Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Very good. Mayor, before we go to the resolution, I'll just note that we did receive a letter of support from the New York State DOT for this grant application since these are both state owned roadways. So whereas to increase non motorized accessibility available for use by its residents, the village of Cortlandt Hudson is looking to install sidewalk infrastructure along the East Side of South Riverside Avenue between Municipal Place and Maple Street and on the North Side of Municipal Place between Maple Street and South Riverside Avenue to promote walkability, reduce car reliance, enhance connectivity to the various businesses and amenities in the area, and foster healthier mobility options. And whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson is seeking funding under the Westchester County Department of Planning Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program. And whereas the cost estimate for the construction of the project is $643,170 and the cost estimate for the design and engineering is $64,317 for a total project cost of $707.04 $707,487. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees of the village of Cortlandt Hudson hereby authorizes the village manager take all necessary action to submit an application for $385,902 for the Westchester County Department of Planning Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program for financing the construction and design of the sidewalk infrastructure initiative, and upon the funding of said amount, commits to provide the match of $321,585, 50% of the estimated cost of construction. And be it further resolved, the board of trustees of the village of Cortlandt Hudson hereby affirms its commitment to work cooperatively with the county and other municipalities within the area of the proposed project.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
Mayor, this this project is not only long sought by by the community on with respect to both sidewalks for safety and connectivity, but is, you know, part of our bicycle and pedestrian master plan. And I wanted to thank all of all of those members for their their hard work on this, and and we look look forward to working with with with our county colleagues to to try to get these funds and and bring these improvements to the village.
Further discussion? Very good. All in favor? Aye. Aye. We proceed to public hearing on local law number 12 of 2025 to amend chapter chapter two zero eight trees of the village code to clarify provisions related to the tree preservation fund. Before I open the hearing, manager, would you like to briefly summarize the amendment? Sure. So
the village board earlier this summer adopted the revised tree law that was based off the model ordinance that Westchester County provided to all municipalities. And as village staff began to implement the new law, there were two questions that came up related to how the fees and how fees would interact with the tree preservation fund that was created by this new law. So we drafted local law intro 12 to, clarify that the fees will go into up to a certain amount will go into that tree preservation fund, and then otherwise, they'll go into the general fund. And, you know, we needed to update the code chapter to make those changes. Okay.
Alright. Do I have a motion to upload the excuse me, open the public hearing? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Okay. Great. The public hearing is opened on local law 12 of 2025. Anyone wishing to comment on this, this is your opportunity.
Just Ed Riely from Truesdale Drive. A point of clarification and part of village manager is that what is the fee for? Certainly, when in considering this law, if a tree is of a certain size and is near a boundary or threatens a neighbor, the best policy seems to be what we do in our neighborhood. We call the building inspector and to take a look at the tree and then get the tree cut down. So what is the fee for? Are these penalties or fines? What are they? And how much are they? Thank you.
Great question. We'll get to it. Anyone else wishing to comment on this law? Hey. Your time for the tree log. Thanks. Yeah. Alright. Seeing no one else wishing to comment, do I have a motion to close the public hearing on local law number 12? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Manager, we had a question. Would you like to address it? Sure. So the fees that are referenced in
this section of the code, right, 208Dash24, those are the fees that are paid for the tree removal permits. Right? So in the example that was provided by the commenter, right, you need to go to the engineering department, apply for a tree removal permit. I'm I don't remember the exact dollar amount of that fee. Is it something like $50? And those would be the fees that would be going into this tree preservation fund up to an annual amount of $5,000. And then anything in excess of that $5,000 would, be credited to the regular general fund. Alright.
Do I have a motion? Or do we rather, do we have a resolution? Yes. Do. Yeah. Resolution.
Whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson board of trustees recently adopted local law 10 of 2025 to replace chapter two zero eight trees of the village code, and whereas as part of this new legislation, a tree preservation fund was established, and whereas the village board provided additional guidance at the work session held on 07/23/2025 regarding the implementation of this fund, and whereas local law introductory number 12 of 2025 has been drafted to reflect these conversations. And whereas the public hearing was opened and closed on 09/10/2025, now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees hereby adopts local law introductory number 12 of 2025 to amend chapter two zero eight trees to reflect clarifications to the tree preservation fund, which upon adoption becomes local law number 15 of 2025.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
We've really seen the tree new tree law in action with the removal of trees proposed by Quaker Bridge by the counties. So in those conversations, a number trees are going to be need to be removed because of the replacement of the bridge, and the county is responsible under our new tree law to replace the trees that they're taking down if they're over a certain diameter. So some of the trees are so large in diameter that it actually counts as two trees. So we're taking down one and they have to replace two. And the number that they need to replace is in the neighborhood of about 40 trees. And they have to be substantial trees. They can't be baby trees. They have to be a a substantial tree. So, you know, in the conversations at the planning board, they talked about, well, you know, the village doesn't even have the capability to necessarily plant 40 trees or the space at at one time. So we'll plant some of the trees, but then in lieu of planting the trees, the county can provide payment according to our tree law. So this is, like, a great example of the tree law that we passed and kind of why it was important. And now we'll be getting credit from the county for taking down the trees that unfortunately need to come down to due to the building of the bridge. Point that out. Yep.
Further discussion? Alright. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Responses to questions submitted via email. No questions, mayor. Alright. Public comment on agenda items. This is your opportunity to speak to any agenda item. There will also be a second public comment period on non agenda items towards the end of the meeting. So everyone has five minutes. State your name and address.
Hey, everybody. Nora Odlandt, Van Wyck Street. I encourage you to adopt the clarifying language regarding the adoption of the IHRA IRA definition. Adopting the IRA definition without clear guidelines like those suggested in the letter by Silverglade et al risks confusion about what speech and criticism are considered antisemitic both now and ten years from now. A resolution recognizing the terrible rise in antisemitism should be able to stand on its own no matter who is serving on the board. I appreciate trustee Simon's assurances that the village only intends to adopt the first 40 words, that speech won't be infringed upon, but I'm concerned that his distinction will be missed in the future. I previously alluded to this in a email that I sent to the board prior to the resolution, but I'm going to make myself more straightforward now. In my experience as a community forum administrator for the Croton Point Facebook group, I have seen how vocal proponents of the IRA definition labeled good faith discussions or advocacy regarding Palestine as hate speech. Definitions are supposed to provide clarity into the meaning of a word, but for some who promote this definition, its vagueness seems to be the point. One member who is on the record publicly endorsing Ira for the school and the town told the admin team that a link to a story by Amnesty International acknowledging Nacht Bade was anti Semitic. She said that the post should either be removed or the offending member should be kicked out. While the offending author had posted many times about Palestine to the consternation of some in the village, I could not understand why this specific Nachba post was the one considered hate speech. Through conversation with this member, I learned that they viewed this post about Nachba as akin to saying that Israel does not have a right to exist or to self determination.
She explained that this post is an example of why we needed an agreed upon definition such as IRA. The member went on to say that by leaving this up, the admin team was making Croton an unsafe place for Jewish people to live. This broke my heart. I would never ever want to foster hate in this town. I love it. But at the same time, I truly do not see how a post about a disputed or controversial history is doing that. There are more examples like this one that I'd be happy to provide the board, but in the interest of brevity, I will say I felt unsafe remaining an admin of the group. I had parents who advocated for this definition at the schools in my messages saying they would tell everyone in town I was an anti Semite if I did not take the actions they wanted when it came to post about Palestine. I avoided going into town for about a month, and I was uncomfortable when I had to. I kept my time at summer fest short. I knew that they were not open to compromise or seeing things from a different perspective, and they feel empowered by their personal interpretation of this vague definition. I believe that the trustees and mayor who voted for this resolution truly wanted to make members of this community feel safe, and the forcefulness with which members spoke about incidents of antisemitism were heartbreaking and abhorrent and required urgency. Perhaps this is why you were not open to considering other definitions or writing your own. However, in your haste, I believe that you've unintentionally created a situation that could lead to more confusion and painful incidents down the line, like scenarios such as what I encountered as a Facebook admin where community members accused one another and the admin team of fostering hate.
I respectfully ask that the board revisit its decision and add the suggested specific language to ensure that this definition is applied fairly and clearly so protects the village from antisemitism while allowing for open discussion about legitimate political issues. This will help all residents feel welcome and safe and ensure our policies serve the entire community. Thank you for your consideration. On another matter, I'm very, very excited about the potential sidewalks. I walk that area frequently. It will be a really big improvement. Thank you all so much for your hard work towards it and for listening to me right now. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks.
I'm Andrew Courtney, Mountain Trail, forty years now a resident of Croton. I was here on August 22 when the board passed the resolution three to two, the IRA document. And since that time, what I've noticed, and I think I just heard, what this has done is it's increased the division, a fear division in our community. The IRA definition exacerbates the virus of antisemitism that already lies await and fosters a new version of it, perhaps with young people who didn't come out of the Cold War or only know the Holocaust from a teacher's description in a class. And what I've noticed since October 22 is a attention an additional tension. There's a bunch of tension out there for what's going on in this country in the first place, but this is an additional tension. And so I I I really highly recommend that the board take a look at a new document. The document would I guess you do you all have it? The the document from tonight? I I would look at that carefully as a very thoughtful and a very mindful corrective from what happened on October 22. Thank
Ed Riely from, Trousdale Drive. Over the course of the last few years, deranged leftists have attempted to assassinate a president on two occasions within the last twelve months. They've attacked Republican congressmen in a softball game, depilating one of them for life and injuring several others, including a policeman. They've attacked a senator, a sitting Republican senator, three times, and his family coming out of the Republican National Convention, assault by a neighbor that put him in a hospital for six months and being shot at. And today, one of the finest young men we have, 32 years old, has been involved in political dialogue on a kindly, friendly basis, appealing to young people between 18 and 30, was assassinated in Utah. This is a pattern of abuse by the left wing, fomented by the language they use. Hitler
So I'm gonna dedicate the next ten seconds of my time for a silent prayer to for the family of Charlie Kirk, age 31, gunned down today in a brutal assassination, leaving a wife and two children behind.
At this time, I'd like to congratulate Dan O'Connor for making it over the wall. He's been a credit to our village and a fine professional engineer in a very difficulTeatown, extremely difficulTeatown to work with. I'd like to address item seven seven v, which is five. Letter from the attorney general for civil rights regarding the signed ordinance in Croton, which is patently unconstitutional. It was patently unconstitutional. It was passed by Ghealy, a former trustee who's no longer on the on the board, and one who has since been deceased, And two members are still on the board. It was patently unconstitutional then, and it's patently unconstitutional now. You regulated the content of banners. You regulated the content of science. And you violate, hypocritically, your own law. You have a banner hanging from your property right now that violates your own laws. So all the talk of other reasons don't carry any water now, and they didn't then. Regarding other matters that are on here, under resolutions and adoption of a naming policy. I object to the naming of streets, etcetera, after
unless it's an original name, having a second name like Bogartas or Schmidt. Some names are appropriate. Elliot Way is an appropriate name. It's a new street. It's dedicated to a long serving mayor, a native. I didn't agree with him. But his accomplishment on building one of the best features of Croton is to be acknowledged, and it's appropriate. To have all these other signs is not appropriate. I think you people who dedicate your time for almost nothing should be memorialized, perhaps in the back, certainly on the walls of this place here or in the back of your seats or in the front, you know, you should be recognized for that, but not by having two street signs on each street. Regarding resolution two, I hope you clarify the village gifted donation policy. I believe that came up because there was discussion of having, which should be a private charity, if this is what it's about, a special fund
to relieve our neighbors who can't pay the rent. You were talking about having a special, you know, fund so people were not foreclosed on. I think that that's a worthy thing, but it should be done by charity. Maybe you can clarify that. Thank you. Time's expired.
Hello. My name is Orit Daly. I live on Mount Airy South. I've been resident of Croton for twenty more than twenty years now. I just wanted to thank you for accepting the IRA definition of antisemitism. We should not be concerning ourselves and Croton with legislating things that have to do with something that's happening two continents away. But I do wanna say my personal experience has been very disturbing. As somebody with a with the name Orit, which is very distinctively a Hebrew Israeli name My parents are both from Israel, but I was born and raised here in The United States. Immediately, when people meet me, they say, oh, your name is Orit. You're Israeli. So how do you feel about such and such? Do you do you think what they're doing is right? And I say, that's has nothing to do with me. We shouldn't be talking about that. As co owner of a business in town, the gallery, people come in and immediately they say, Orit, oh, that's Israeli. How do you feel about? Do you think it's right? Are you okay with what they're doing? I say, can we talk about the art? We have a beautiful business here full of art. Let's talk about that. So for those who feel like there is no antisemitism or anti Israel feeling in the community, they're completely wrong. And I do wanna say there are other people in the community who feel the same way. And I have thought many times in my life about changing my name because because I am tired of how people react to my name, but I'm also tired of hiding. I'm my grandmother survived Auschwitz. I am not her neighbors, actually, when they came to her town, pointed out the Jewish family in town because there were only two or three Jewish families in town, and they said,
there's the Schwartz family. So I'm not gonna hide, and America is actually a uniquely safe place for Jews. And I do have a sister who lives in Israel, so I do have an opinion. But that has nothing to do with my life here in Croton, and has nothing to do with my business, and that has nothing to do with my artwork. I don't make political artwork. So I do wanna say that when people say that, please don't I don't mind criticizing the government. God knows that I don't agree with what the government is doing. Okay? But the criticism of the government has gone to discrimination. My sister was traveling with her in laws who are Israeli in Europe. They asked for directions in Italy, and the man said, oh, where are you from? And her father-in-law said, Israel. The man spit on them, turned around, and walked away. So it it's putting it on a putting what's happening two continents away on an entire group of people, be it Jewish or have an Israeli connection. And I cannot hide who I am, and I don't want to hide who I am. I've been here twenty years, and I just wanna feel comfortable. So I wanna thank you for passing the IRA definition. Thank you very much. Thank
Hi. Ben Faber, Maple Street. Just two distinct topics on the agenda. The same issue that Orit was just talking about with respect to the IR definition and communication about clarifying the village's intention around antisemitism. It's relatively spontaneous. I did note, actually, to the last speaker, that she asserted that there definitely is antisemitism or at least anti Israel sentiment in Croton. With respect, Israel is committing a genocide. And if you do not have anti Israel sentiment right now, then what you have is sympathy with war criminals. Anti Israel sentiment right now is the only morally appropriate stance for any global citizen. There should be no antisemitism. It is important that there not be antisemitism. But anti Israel sentiment is not the same as antisemitism. And broadly, historically, and comparatively, the IRA definition is uniquely employed in conflation of antisemitism charges with non biased anti Israel political views.
That's bad. That's a bad policy position to have. The reason that it's uniquely bad for that is that it is substantively an absurdly bad definition. It is a nondefinitive definition. It says antisemitism is a so I don't have it in front of me because, like I said, I'm but, like, it says antisemitism is a sentiment. Right? Like, it does not define the sentiment. Right? It fails to define. There is an historical reason for this. Trustee Simon, essentially, in his speech moving to adopt it, essentially elaborated a very long bandwagon fallacy. Fallacy. His argument in favor of IRA definition specifically was almost entirely that lots of other governments have adopted it. Yes. But this was not, like, this was not, like, independent evidence. Like, the IRA committee needed a definition. This is all documentable. Right? People had like, people who were involved in the process have spoken about this. They needed a definition. That was a definition at hand, and they grabbed it because they urgently needed a definition. And then it went through further political compromising modifications to get adopted by the consensus body. And then because it was adopted by IRA, by the international organization, all all or many of the member states of the organization adopted it as a political consequence. It wasn't like an endorsement. Right? And it was just a bandwagon fallacy. Okay? There are other definitions available. Or
failing adoption of a different definition, maybe we've already done this. Let's clarify what this definition is for. Right? Let's clarify that it is not, in fact, about censoring speech. Related to that, I'm gonna also take a few seconds to address kind of a partially formed idea relating to the political banner controversy. Looking at the code on its face, it doesn't seem to be content based. It seems to be just substance you know, it just seems to be just form based. I worry about censoring speech, but I also think that maybe form based regulation is a decent idea because we spent summers upstate, and the state highway is covered with banners that say f various
political figures on both sides. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. No. No. Can we avoid interruptions? We have a long proceeding. Okay. Anyone else wishing to speak?
I'm I'm reading a statement right now on behalf of Heather Bishop from Yonge Street. I'm sorry. Could you just introduce yourself? Oh, my name is Sheryl Wong Thank you. From Longview Road. Sorry. And she's writing, regarding the, letter from various Croton on Hudson and Croton-Harmon District residents regarding the recent adoption of the IHRA definition. I wanna be clear that I oppose the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism in the first place. While I wholeheartedly reject antisemitism in all its forms, I believe the IHRA definition is problematic. It risks conflating antisemitism with legitimate political speech about Israel and Palestine. This is not in our best interest this is not in the best interest of our community, our schools, or our values of free expression. With adopting this language, we run the risk of chilling free expression, academic debate, and honest discussion in our schools and in our community. That does not make us safer. It makes us less open, less thoughtful, and less able to confront hate in all its forms. We don't need to rely on outside politically charged definition. Instead, we can affirm our opposition to antisemitism along with racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and all forms of bigotry by using language that reflects Croton's own values, clear, inclusive, and respectful of free speech. That said, I want to express my strong support for the addendum referred to the letter from various Croton residents. I want to express my strong support for the addendum now under consideration. These clarifications are essential. They make clear that advocacy for Palestinian rights, criticism of Israeli government policies, including what many experts are now calling forced displacement and engineered famine, apartheid war crimes, and genocide, discussion of the Nachba or symbols like the Kafia and Palestinian flag are all not
inherently antisemitic. If the board insists on holding on to the IHRA definition, then this addendum is the only way to prevent it from being misapplied to silence people, especially students and educators who speak up for universal human rights or question Israeli and US foreign policy. So while I continue to believe the board should never have adopted the IHRA definition, I urge you to adopt this addendum as an important safeguard for free expression and as a reflection of Croton's commitment to inclusivity, basic human rights, and First Amendment rights.
Hello. I am from Albany Post Road. I'm a junior in Croton-Harmon High School. I wanna start this speech off with a strong and elusive metaphor. When a tree grows, its roots do not apologize. They push deep into the soil searching for water, anchoring trunk so it could stain soul. Roots are not an attack, they are natural. But somehow, when some of us show of our cultural roots, we're told it's dangerous, and we're told it's anti Semitism. My connection to this isn't distant. My father is born in Palestine, and my mother's Palestinian. I was raised with that culture, that language, and those traditions running through me. It's not a hobby I picked up, it's who I am. It's in the the food we eat, stories we tell, and discussions we have. Every year, visit Palestine, I see the situation with my own eyes. It gets worse every time. It's not just headlines I'm discussing. It's first person experience. Children are dying, families are being buried under rubble, and people are watching their homes where they grew up turn into dust. And when we state this is wrong, it's somehow antisemitic. Think about that. Since when did protecting a child's life become a crime of hate? Since when did calling for dignity cause division? The truth is uncomfortable. Silence is easier for those in power. Labels like antisemitic are thrown out, not because the truth not because the words are hateful, but truth is too heavy to carry. It's easier to cover someone's mouth than to open your own eyes. Killing the message will not kill the truth. To stand for what is right is not antisemitism. It's the bare minimum of what it means to be a human. So if my words make anyone here uncomfortable, good. Growth is uncomfortable. Truth is uncomfortable. But if you can't sit with discomfort while others are sitting in rubble, then what are we truly standing here for? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir.
Hello. My name is, Hamza Ghegan. I lived in I live on Albany Post Road, and I've lived in this town my whole life. I went through these schools myself, and to be honest with you, I struggled a lot growing up as a Muslim. And I faced bullying just for my religion and where my family came from. Kids would say things, teachers sometimes didn't know how to respond, and often felt like I didn't really belong. Now my nephew and my nephew's back there, they're all back there, and one and one day I'll raise my own children here. This is why this issue is so important to me and and all of us. I want them to have a different experience than I did, one where they feel safe, they feel seen and proud of who they are. When you actually look at, you know, Ira's examples, it goes much further than protecting Jewish kids from hate. It risks shutting down, you know, my nephews and my future kids from talking about their identity and history. You know, if Mahmoud went up, you know, and talked to his talked to his classmates in the future about where he comes from and and what he's seen in in Palestine, you know, he may be, you know, he may be turned down for it, and he may be you know, he he'll get in trouble for it, he'll be afraid. For example, Ira says that calling Israel a racist endeavor may be antisemitic. But what about my nephew what about when my met nephews learn about their grandparents' history of displacement or about discrimination Palestinians face? If they speak up about that in class, will they be told they're anti Semitic? Ira also says that applying double standards to Israel could be anti Semitic, but in schools, we encourage students to ask tough questions about every government,
The US, China, Russia, anyone. Why should my nephews be treated differently just because the government they're talking about is Israel? That doesn't sound like fairness. That sounds like a double standard in itself. And I would suggest that comparing Israel to apartheid could be antisemitic, but groups like AMC International, Human Rights Watch, and even Israeli human rights organizations have made that comparison. Are my nephews going to be punished for repeating something they read in a human rights report? This is what worries me. I know what it feels like to be bullied and silenced for who we are. I don't want any of my nephews or my future children to go to go through the same thing, especially not because of a policy passed in their own hometown. I'm not alone in feeling this way. You know, many Jewish pieces including like j street, Jewish Voice for Peace, and hundreds of Jewish scholars have spoken out against Ira. They agrees it mixes up real antisemitism with legitimate legitimate debate and that it ends up hurting people. It was never meant to target. When even Jewish allies are saying this definition is harmful, that should make us stop and think, you know, is this really the right thing? Is this gonna protect all our children, or is it gonna make it worse? Is it gonna divide the community even further? I wanna live in a community where every child, Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, or otherwise, feels safe, included, and free to express who they are, but adopting IRA as it stands will not bring us closer to that. It will divide us, and it will make us and it will make us some you know, it'll make kids like my nephews, you know, feel like their stories are dangerous to say, and they'll they'll hold back to where they truly come from and, you know, what they stand for.
I asked the board to please reconsider. Fight anti Semitism, yes, but do it in a way that does not silence other children in the process because the last thing I want is for my future kids to feel the way I felt growing up here, like their identity made them a problem. They deserve better than that. We all do. Thank you.
Hi. Good evening. Alyssa Silverglade, Half Moon Bay. At the last village meeting, in response to a letter signed by some members of the clergy, you voted to adopt the Ira definition of antisemitism. And those of you who voted in favor explained that even though it was not a perfect or uncontroversial definition, you were moved by the members of the community who spoke about personal incidents of anti Semitism in Croton. And you listened compassionately about the fear in this community of the rise of anti Semitism globally. You voted to adopt Ira to show your concern and your empathy to the community. You're being asked to do the same thing here tonight for a different, but hopefully equally important group of people. We hope that you have been just as moved by personal stories told by the community members tonight. We hope you feel the same compassion about our fear of the rise of fascism globally and nationally. We're asking you to vote to adopt language to show your concern and your empathy just like you did before. You your stated intention not to let the Ira definition be weaponized here is lovely, but it's too late. It's already happening in social media, in our schools, in personal interactions. After the vote to adopt, a community member reached out to me with an earlier version of the letter on the agenda. I and about half a dozen or more community members and this original person collaborated on in finalizing the letter that's on the agenda tonight.
It was signed when we sent it in and now by almost 65 members over 65 members of the community. Sadly, many people told us that they were in alignment with the letter but would not sign it. They told us they were scared of retaliation and being labeled an anti Semite. They'd already been called an anti Semite for similar things. They're concerned about negative backlash from members of the community, many are afraid of backlash at their jobs where they've already seen people targeted and even fired for pro Palestinian sentiments, and all of this fear over a letter that just asks you to state that speech that advocates for equal rights for Palestinians is not antisemitic. That discussing Israel committing genocide, criticizing our own govern government, discussing the Nachba, displaying a Palestinian flag are not inherently anti Semitic. This stuff is pretty basic. And you'll note that the language in the letter is really soft. No one's asking you to agree that these things are true. We're just asking you to adopt language that these things are not inherently anti Semitic. And yet, people are afraid to sign, and that's the chill. That's what chilling free speech means. It's happening here in Croton under your watch. People are afraid of speaking up. But almost 70 members of this community did sign their names. Half the signers are Jewish. They are Christian, Muslim, Buddhists. There are Palestinians, people of all genders and sexualities, all skin colors. There are ex board of education trustees, ex village trustees, educators, business owners, village appointees, students, people who have lived or worked here for decades, people who grew up here, people who recently moved here, people who send their kids to school here, constituents. And we do not feel safe with the Ira language in place without these qualifiers.
And I'm sorry that we don't collectively belong to a religious congregation where a clergy member can align with their colleagues to advocate collectively on our behalf. I'm sorry, but that shouldn't matter because the village of Croton On Hudson is not a religious organization. So it must be at least equally as important to each of you to listen to your community members, to your constituency, as it was to listen to the clergy. Your last move upset a lot of people, and it's a bad time to lose support. You have a lot going on, and there's a lot to fight. So now you have this opportunity to mitigate the damage, not just to provide closure and resolution, but show that you're open, show that you can listen with discernment and compassion, and think critically, and act empathetically for the largest number of people whom you serve. Please adopt this language and move on to other pressing matters.
Good evening. My name is Rohan Hass. I reside on Albany Post Road, and I am Palestinian. A few weeks ago, I attended the town's meeting with adoption of IHRA definition of antisemitism was discussed. While I did not speak at that time, I feel it is crucial to voice my concerns now as this decision impacts me personally and profoundly. The rushed process by which the IHRA definition was adopted left many of us, including myself, feeling excluded. Despite the numerous requests to postpone the vote and to explore alternative definitions, ones that might be more inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives, the trustees and the mayor chose to move forward without addressing the community's concerns. This had led me to believe that the decision was preordained with little regard to the voices of those who would be most affected. By adopting the IHRA definition, the village has effectively created an environment where many of us feel unsafe and silenced. For me, it means that my Palestinian identity, culture, language, and history are now at risk of being labeled as inherently antisemitic. I have always been proud of my heritage, but now simply calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, condemning the killing of innocent civilians, or advocating against deliberate starvation of millions of people could be inter interpreted as antisemitic. Even expressing my right to exist as a Palestinian feels under threat. The decision to adopt this definition doesn't just hurt me. It sends a clear message to all marginalized communities that their voices, their pain, and their identities don't matter. That is not the kind of community we should be building. We should be fostering a space where dialogue, respect, and protection, and all the residents' rights are at the forefront, not where one group's interests are elevated at the expense of others.
I urge the town to reconsider its decision. It is imperative that we adopt a definition that doesn't stifle free speech or criminalize the expression of legitimate concerns. We need a definition that protects everyone's safety and dignity regardless of their background or beliefs. Lastly, mayor Pugh, after this decision, I must say that you have lost my vote. You have failed to represent the diverse, inclusive community that this town should strive to be. Thank you for listening.
My name is Sherry Horowitz. I live at 119 Maple Street. As you may know, two weeks ago, the Croton Village Board of Trustees voted three to two to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The Ira definition of antisemitism includes 11 examples of antisemitism, seven of which refer to Israel. Unfortunately, the inclusion of criticism of Israel as anti semitic has led to dire consequences for people who are critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, who advocate on behalf of the Palestinian people, and who criticize our own country for providing arms to Israel. People of all colors and religions have been picked up on the street, detained, arrested, and threatened with deportation for doing nothing more violent than standing up for Palestinian lives. I'd like to share an experience I had last week in Tarrytown while taking part in a peaceful rally in support of Palestine. I was holding a banner with two other women. The banner read, stop starving Gaza and let Gaza live. A man approached me and got this close to me, he literally screamed into my face, calling me a terrorist. Such a threatening occasion occurred because I advocated for Palestinians. I am a Jew, and this is not anti Semitism. It is an attempt to shut down public dialogue, something we clearly cannot support. On the agenda this evening is a letter to the mayor and the board of trustees which represents an attempt to clarify the fact that certain speech and certain actions are not antisemitic and should not automatically and erroneously be labeled as such. It is an attempt to draw attention to the parts of the definition of antisemitism that are problematic. The parts that have been politicized, not so much to protect Jewish people, but to protect Israel.
Although, I had no hand in creating the letter before the board, I do believe it represents excellent opportunity for the village to acknowledge that it is in fact listening to its residents, and that heard the truth on both sides of this issue. Those folks who were passionate in their desire to protect Jews were no doubt pleased when the board did in fact adopt the IRA definition. Tonight, we have the ability to also satisfy those folks, like me, who worry about the loss of our constitutional rights to gather, to protest, and to speak freely without fear of verbal or physical retribution. If the board accepts this resolution, it can be the outcome we all desire. The one we seldom actually get. Let's meet this moment with humility, honesty, and respect for all of our citizens.
Good evening. My name is Michelle Slioli. I live on Nordica Drive. I I want to thank you for placing our letter about the clarifying language regarding your adoption of the Iowa definition of antisemitism on the agenda. I understand and appreciate the board's interest in making a statement opposing antisemitism as well as your assurances that you are only adopting the first 40 words of the Ira definition. I think we can all agree on those 40 words. But your assurances that this definition, with all of its examples, which people have talked about tonight, won't be weaponized in Croton as is being done by the Trump administration and on university campuses falls flat. That is because, as I believe Elisa said, the Ira definition is already being weaponized in Croton, and several of us have already been its victims. For example and and I'm I'm going to repeat something that's been spoken about a little bit by Nora earlier. Some of the proponents of the IRA definition who lobbied for its adoption in Croton have already tried to silence pro Palestinian voices on a local Facebook group of which I am a founding member. These people harassed the administrators of that group, calling them antisemitic to such an extent that they resigned. One specific instance involved a link to a story by Amnesty International about Nachba Day, which commemorates the ethnic cleansing of some 750,000 Palestinians from their homeland in what is now Israel. One Ira proponent said the post was antisemitic because it denied Israel's right to exist as an ethnonationalist state. One of the examples of antisemitism in the Ira definition and demanded it be taken down or that the person who posted it, who was me, be kicked out of the group because it made Jewish people in Croton feel unsafe.
This is just one instance that occurred. I've learned later that other similar reactions involved posts of mine regarding critical comments Pope Francis made about Israel and genocide in Gaza and Mike Waller's anti BDS bill. I truly appreciate the admin that the administrators of the group stood behind me and my right to free speech in these circumstances. We can disagree with each other, but no one in our village should be subjected to that kind of intimidation and harassment. No one should have to fear being shunned in the community or losing their job because of one's support of Palestinians and their human rights. And whatever the feelings of those who dislike my political post, there is no risk to anyone's safety by these examples I just gave. My situation is not unique, and I think you've heard from others here, as that language has also been used to silence other Palestinian voices in Croton that I'm aware of. This is why it is important that the clarifying language we have asked for is adopted by the board. We cannot replace our concerns about antisemitism with anti Palestinian hate. Thank you for your time. Thank you.
I'm I'm sorry. That's you you can read on behalf of someone, but that's a you if you wanna read something, that's I'm reading on behalf of myself now. No. No. I'm sorry. That's not permissible. I can only read on That's correct. You can only speak once. Oh. Our first one, mister someone else. Yeah. Mister mister someone else. That's never how it's worked. I'm sorry.
I'm speaking on behalf of Cheryl Wong from Can you just pull the microphone close to two. Thank you. And can you first introduce yourself? My name is Danny Ferguson. I've lived in Croton over fifty years. I live on Alexander Lane. So I'm speaking on behalf of Cheryl Wong of Longview Road. I'm here to support the adoption of this addendum to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. The mayor and some members of the board have stated that the I r IHRA definition will not be used to stifle criticism of Israel, but in fact is the IHRA definition without the addendum codifies the systematic erasure Palestinian narratives that is already happening. Examples of the silencing can be found all around us. Just last month, a hospital worker at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan whose ancestors died in the Nazi holocaust, was fired for having a Gaza must live postcard in her workplace. This happened even as colleagues and patients around her wore yellow ribbons in support of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Croton does not exist in a vacuum, and that it must be taken into consideration. But if you if you want an example closer to home, I will give you one. Since the inception of Carrie Tompkins elementary school cultural night, the event was open to Croton residents. That is until 2024 when the Palestinian booth was staffed by Croton residents, CET families, and Palestinian friends from Ossining. After a local Zionist was offended by a map Oh, sorry. I apologize.
After a local Zionist was offended by a map of historical Palestine, the rules were changed to limit who could participate in cultural night to only include CHUFDS families. As a result, there was no Palestinian representation in 2025. Know that the number of names on the petition reflects a fear that already exists. Our neighbors are very rightfully afraid to talk about Palestine. One of my neighbors wrote to me of the adoption of the IHRA definition in this addendum and why she chose not to sign it. Quote, I agree. I think it's very a very bad idea. But I also think if your name is on the petition, there could be a a big blowout locally. Blowback. Blowback. Okay. Sorry. It is so polarizing. I am shocked that Croton and Hudson would even think about this. It's only going to cause big issues. The board may say that the IHRA definition without this would not be used to stifle factual discussion of Israel's occupation of Palestine. But the fact is, it already is, and it is happening here in Croton. If Croton wants to stand by its tenant of valuing diversity, we need to protect Palestinian narratives. And once again, this is Sheryl Wong of Longview Road. And and I'll just say I'll just add, when one of my Jewish friends sent me the letter, I thought I thought, wow. This is definitely not gonna be good for my career to add my signature to it. And I thought, like, if I had kids, I might not sign this. And so, you know, stand stand up, protect our First Amendment rights.
This has to stop. They're they're going looking for this. We we can't we excuse me. We can't have side conversations. If people wanna talk to each other, they need to
name is, I'm a student in this district from Albany Post Road, and I am Palestinian. My father back there, he's also Palestinian. My mother is my father was born and raised in Palestine. I've spent most of my life there, and I've witnessed firsthand what life is under occupation. I've seen families live in fear, fear losing their homes, their loved ones, and their futures. I walk through checkpoints where children are searched just for trying to get to school and even pray. I've seen the aftermath of bombings, the rubble of neighborhoods, and the quiet resilience of people who carry heartbreak like it's a part of everyday life. This is not something I read about in a textbook or watch online. This is my reality. This is my family's story, and this is who I am. So when I speak up for Gaza, when I call for the end of genocide, when I say that Palestinian lives matter, I'm not spreading hate. I'm speaking from a place of love, of pain, and of deep hope. I raise my voice I raise my voice because silence in the face of such suffering is not an option. But recently, I've been told sometimes directing through implication that standing with Palestine is antisemitic, that calling for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives is somehow rooted in hate. Let me be clear. It is not antisemitic to demand freedom and and dignity for Palestinians. It is not antisemitic to mourn the lives lost in Gaza or to call for end of occupation and in violence. And lastly, it is not antisemitic to want peace for all people. In fact, it is deeply harmful to weaponize the term antisemitism. In order to silence Palestinian voices, doing so not erase our our live experience,
but also underlines the real fight against antisemitism itself. No one anywhere should face hate because of their religion, ethnicity, or their identity. When this district treats my grief, my identity, or my or my advocacy as a threat, it sends a clear message that my story doesn't matter, that my family's pain doesn't belong here, that by simply existing, I am not anti Semitic. I'm a student. I am Palestinian, and I believe every life is sacred. I will not standing I will not stop standing up for my people because this is not about taking sides. This is about our shared humanity. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Anyone else wishing to comment on agenda items? Alright. Seeing no one else wishing to comment, we proceed to the consent agenda. Thank you. Do I have a motion on the consent agenda? So moved. Do I have a second?
Well, I first wanna thank everyone who came out and thank you to everyone who submitted the letter. Especially thank you to extremely well spoken high school students. I I hope you know how much it means to have you here speaking, and you you'll note there's not a ton of other high school students here, and it it it really means a lot for us to hear your voices. I think as most of you probably know, I was pretty adamantly against adopting this definition, and this is exactly why it is further dividing us. I won't relitigate my argument. I think it's I made it two weeks ago, and you have all very beautifully made it again tonight. I will just say that since that decision was made, that resolution was passed. We have already seen an increase in this division and accusations. I'm I'm literally watching it happen in the room from up here. So now we have a situation. We had a situation where we had a letter from some community the clergy asking for this definition. Now we have a situation where we have other community members who are being made unsafe. So adding this clarifying language is to make Croton a safe place for all, and that includes the the people in this room regardless of of where they're from, but that their speech is protected. I wrote down, I think, I think said, since when did calling for dignity cause division? I thought that was really great, so I just wanted to amplify that. Thank you.
Thank you. And I also wanna thank everyone for coming out and especially to the the students and families here to raise their voices. I I voted against the IHRA definition two weeks ago. I felt that it was not our place. We have a statement that is part of the fabric of this village that we do not discriminate. I did not think it was necessary to pass a polarizing definition of the IHRA, especially one that is
the the the people, and it does not it is not the right it was not the right thing to do. So what is the right thing to do? Then that I think that's the hard part. Right? I know that I don't think words are gonna mend things. I don't think if we come up with, you know, another statement, another definition, I I appreciate the addendum, but I don't know if this is gonna heal. And what what I think is gonna heal is real action on behalf of our residents and trying to come together and and really work on this. But I also think that there there really does need to be clarification that speaking for Palestinians is not anti Semitic and not something that we should be silenced. So, you know, kind of going back to our original definition of our what's on our website here, I think is perfectly fine in saying that we aim to be inclusive and a safe place for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual identity, faith, disability, language, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. That's what we stand for. So I make a motion that we reconsider the IHR definition and that we rescind it.
I'll just hold up. Can I get an opinion on the council legislatively where you're Does the motion need to be adopted? I mean, we have three separate motions right now. Yeah. So we gotta clarify the record a little bit. What's our wait. What's the what's the first motion? The first motion was to approve the consent agenda, then there was a motion to take the letter out of the consent agenda. Oh. And now you've made your third motion. So I wanted to discuss. Well, we did take the out of the consent agenda. We're not we're not talking about both consent agenda. No. You yeah. Right. As long as we we can go back to discussing I just wanted to mention a couple of other things on the just in general conversation on
the other items on the consent agenda. We yeah. We'll address that separately. This one. Yeah. Absolutely. We'll get back to that. So it's only the one motion. But
I get a little confused with consent agendas. I'm kind of new to the consent agenda. So I think the I think I think we're I'm using purposes of clarification, I guess. There's been a motion to rescind IRA. There is a second. Yeah. I guess we'll have a discussion on it. Okay. Fine. So
without having all the words in front of me, I would make common cause with some of the things that trustee Nicholson said, but not all of them. I would I continue to support those 40 words. I I continue to believe that we, in quote in Croton, you know, can work as a community to to put reality and and strength in those 40 words in terms of how we treat each other within our community. And I I continue to reject the specific examples of the of the IHRA. And and I think we can do that, and no one is gonna force us to to do that. And I I, by the way, also thank everyone for coming out tomorrow. And I feel I feel I feel strongly about the injustices that that some of you have endured and and feel you've endured. They they are not connected to the action that that we took twenty days ago. So I appreciate the letter. We got it on Sunday night. I'd like to look at it some more. I'd like to examine some of the provisions of it. I'd like to talk to there's other people I'd like to talk to within within the community, and and so we can we can have that conversation. But I'd also like to think of some other ways, and I and we are we we we discussed this on on August 20 about how do we make this a reality. And we're we're having we're having some discussions, you know, informally among ourselves about things that we can do to to try to make make that make make that real. So, you know, we'll we'll we'll stay on this issue. You know, I would like like like trustee Nicholson, I hope I'm not misstating that. So I don't I don't think we need to adopt this letter
tonight, but I appreciate it as as something that that's sincerely given as a serious letter, and I'll take it seriously. And and then with respect to the to the motion, I think I'd I'd prefer to to stay with the action that we took on August 20.
Appreciate everything that everyone said tonight and for coming forward, especially especially an an entire family to come here and tell us how they're feeling. It's very moving to see you all here together. So thank you for doing that. My remarks at our last meeting on this sort of ended with saying I thought that that the acceptance or the passing of the definition was the beginning of this conversation. And so insofar as we now have another piece of, you know, another letter submitted from the community with other consideration, I think it is a great way to point us in the direction of having some really meaningful community conversations on this topic. I don't for a variety of reasons, I I'm not I don't necessarily think that the oh, I lost the letter. Letter. Sorry. The This is what? The points, right, about it. The bullets in the letter are I am particularly comfortable with for a variety of reasons, which I will not go on about. I do think that we could provide some further clarification, but I think that we as a board need to be committed to establishing a process for what that's going to look like. That being said, my support of the IR definition does not change.
I wanna thank everyone that spoke tonight and for the folks that have family that are being personally affected by this conflict. My heart really goes out to you. I cannot imagine the grief and the anxiety of having family in a war zone in basically a permanent state of war. The our definition we've adopted as the board, as we discussed, you know, as the point has already been made, we were very narrowly focused on the 40 words. That was what was requested by the clergy, and that's how we responded. That was two weeks ago. I don't think any fundamental facts facts have changed to merit, you know, rescinding it. I think that members of the board, you know, have very strong opinions on this issue, and I don't think they're terribly likely to change. And I'm not prepared to move forward on the request in the letter at this time.
For the for myself, I guess, and for people that are here, there's one, two, three, four, five, six things included in this letter that so you've all said now that you only care about the first 40 words. So what is it in these six things that you don't think could be added that would clarify that you only are looking at the first 40 words? The motion
was to rescind. I don't know. Was there's Okay. Do we wanna vote on what's going separate motions It of different sounds like my
another motion to accept this added into the IRA definition to accept these addendums.
and and but, you know, emphasizing that our conversation is gonna continue on this. And and So I'm and I'm I don't I'm I'm gonna push back because I I just I am I want to know from one of you what is it in these six things that you are not okay with? Because it's right it's right in front of you, Len. We don't have to take it off. We don't have to take it out of the out of the room. No. I appreciate that. I'm I'm not gonna debate the individual issues because,
that the 40 word definition that we adopted is is is the most important part that You have a room full of people telling you that they feel unsafe with the 40 word definition, and they are asking for clarification that says they can fly their flag
without being accused of anti Semitism? Well, again, that's that's not part of the 40 words. And Exactly. It's in the it's in the six addendums. Right. But I I specifically have rejected the IHRA definitions. And I and I as I said earlier, I don't believe that that the pain, the situations that people have detailed have have been caused by those 40 words. But the the the the conversation will continue. I wanna look at these. Like I said earlier, we got the letter Sunday night, and I wanna look at it some more. I wanna talk to some other people and within the community. And I don't think I don't think it's I I respect the the sincerity of the people who've offered the letter, all the folks in the community. It's a serious letter. Like I said, we'll it seriously. We're not we're not dismissing it, but we're I'm I'm proposing that we not adopt it tonight. And I guess you've made the motion. I've I've I've moved to table. So I think the
Well, there was never a second, but I assume you would second the original request. Alright. No. The the the motion by by trustee Politi, I assume. We need to respect the process. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. There was public comment discussed Excuse me. Whether the definition needs to be amended.
But the definition itself should be adopted without any advance notice over objections of other trustees that it should be subject to more process. That is not sincere.
That is Excuse me. Based on Please, the audience should not be screaming out in the audience.
Stunned and obviously, I'm making a stunt. Good night. That was that was ridiculous.
Yeah. But I nor do you second. I second. Alright. There you go. Further discussion?
I you know, I I am concerned about the fact that when we list these one, two, three, four, five, six points that I I have no problem with any of them. But is it a complete list? And this is where I go back to how many words do we need to add in order to clarify something very simple that should be heartfelt and existing in this village? So I would I I I waiver on supporting these because I I I don't think it's a complete list. I think there are so many ways that we could discriminate that isn't listed here. It is a start. It is a start. That that's that's fair enough. It it is a start, but it is a start. Yes.
Well, the place for a conversation about this is not at this meeting in this forum. Yeah. The the next thing would be for us to be willing to move the conversation of this to a work session so we could have a thorough conversation about it. I'm not saying that that's that's not what's going to happen, but discussing it like this is not is not the way Yeah. Is not the way to to a consensus on this. I think that I am committed to more conversation on this. I'll agree with Nora that I don't I don't know what the right six bullets are. I don't know if there's 20. I don't know what there are. I'll also say that the IRWA definition already is accepted by you know, was passed was accepted by the Biden administration, whatever you think of them or thought of them, and the state of New York and the county of Westchester. So it wasn't so outside the box to do so here. I'm very committed to having the conversation, but we can't have it at this meeting. All of us, regardless of what page we're on, are not on this page of all of these. I think there probably are. Are these the right ones? Are there more? Should there be fewer? I don't know the answer to that, but I know that we're not gonna decide it tonight. I'd be willing to have a further conversation about it without any commitment to whether that conversation is going to result in the acceptance of some not yet determined number of supporting bullets to or clarifying bullets. But having the conversation here in this way doesn't make any sense. It just makes it so we are further dividing a divided community. So I would like to do it in a way
that we can have about it. I don't know what that looks like. I don't you know, I think there are some other, you know, area experts that we can tap into. I don't I don't know what the way to do that is, but that is the only way I personally see to move this forward. Or we're just gonna keep dividing two, three, three, two, two, three. You know? So that's what I would like to do is to figure out how and when this can fit. And I'm not saying it could go on the next work session agenda. There's other things, you know, but we need to figure out when that will be. So my issue,
and not I'm not gonna stunt, but my issue is that this should have been on a work session before we adopted Ira. So to then say, we're we won't rescind it. So we're saying we won't rescind it even though it is causing this division in our community, but we're gonna take this to a work session. I I think if we're gonna bring it to a work session, we bring the whole thing to the work session, and we open it up. And I and you're right. I don't wanna keep going back and forth because you're right. We're at a three two. We're at a stalemate. Right. But that is when that is what the work session should be. If we're bringing this to the work session, I'm bringing Ira to the work session. Well, I think it will be a my thought is it'll be a who know I don't know what the what the outcome of what happens at the work session will be. Perhaps
it will be that. But I don't You you don't comfortable have with the Ira definition. I'm not comfortable with what is being suggested in this letter. Whether or not that makes me the, you know, upsets you know, upsets every
It's yeah. I don't think you would have to limit discussion you have at a work session if you're talking about this. It's just a bullet point of what can be discussed. I just I think it would be good in good faith
to rescind Ira if we're bringing this to a work session. That's what I think that's what I think the right thing to do. I think that is what the community is asking for is for us as a board to talk more about this. We voted too quickly last in last meeting. So if we're if we're taking this to a work session, which I think we should, I thought we should have two weeks ago, then we should rescind the resolution that was passed two weeks ago. I don't have an opinion on it, but I think that was tabled already. So just I I know. But that was before we just started talking about another work session. So
Okay. Well, I don't think that the votes exist for adopting the request in the letter at this time. And, you know, fair fair question. Because when we adopted IRA, again, we explicitly limited it to the definition. I think that that was far less controversial than the exclude inclusion of the examples. Now we are being asked for, basically, in some way, the adoption of an a mirror image of the examples. I'm not convinced that that is the best path for past forward path forward for our village at this time. So I don't I don't favor their adoption tonight. Alright. I
just wanted to close just by thanking trustee Slippen for some, I think, sensible comments on that. Appreciate that.
Do I have go ahead. I was just gonna say you had a motion to approve the consent agenda, but there was no Yes. Yeah. Well, that's what I was going to say. Go to the Do I have a motion on the consent agenda? So moved. Okay. And and just wanted to discuss a couple items there. Within
the, correspondence section Second. Yep. Yes. Oh, I'm sorry. Within the correspondence section of the consent agenda, I just wanted to congratulate, school crossing guard, Lauren Tramalyni, for the triple a gold award for community traffic safety. Wanted to thank the idea committee, for their, Silver Lake signage recommendations, which I thought were, very appropriate in terms of accessibility. I wanted to thank the, the Little League, for the contribution of the, five defibrillators, and,
Fresh. Do I have a motion on the consent agenda? So moved. Do I have a second? Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
I just wanna make the point that very much appreciate idea the idea advisories committee regarding the sign. We did have a very thorough conversation at the recreation advisory committee the other night. And the recreation department has some concerns along with DPW about the safety of really advertising that the fact that people can be transported down to Silver Lake. We had a comment from the public that I think was a really good suggestion of just building the awareness amongst the staff that that is a possibility for people that they are taken down. So I think we should, you know, acknowledge the memo, but still work with the DPW and recreation department to find a safe
Media. Safe way to communicate. Right. And just to add on to my previous comments, my my comment in in in thanking the idea committee was raising the issue, bringing it to our attention. How it gets resolved, I I think, is, is gonna be based on some good work between our departments and our recreation committee and others. So, I'm glad they've started the conversation.
There. And so I just wanted to add that I was I liked the process that this followed. The idea committee had an idea and that that involved the recreation advisory committee. And so the, you know, the the concept began with one of the village committees and then was brought to another village committee where it was appropriate to have the conversation. And if something happens with any signage, it would go to another committee. But I think that all of that committee working together is so important because in order to come to the we have all these people who volunteered for these committees. Mhmm. And so to bring them together to sort of come to the right to come to the right decision, that's a process I would like to see replicated in other ways, which just leads me to how much I'm looking forward to having a conversation about committees at some time in the near future.
oh, I'm sorry. No. That's okay. But, also, we received a letter today regarding this topic about the the concept of accessibility at Silver Lake, and there seems like there's an education component with the recreation department. So I don't know how that conversation gets facilitated, facilitated, but but I I don't don't wanna wanna lose sight of that. It seems like a very minor it's a super minor in the whole scope of everything that's going on right now. But I don't wanna
I don't want to lose that. It's something that it's something that we can ensure is addressed during staff orientation next
year. Right? It's not a particularly accessible place, but I it it should I don't know what the answer to that is. But I would don't wanna Nope. I don't want people to miss out on going there because Right. Right. Staff doesn't know or they don't know to ask or whatever that is. Right.
We also And the feeling of the recreation department was it's it's just advertising
that with a sign would just be it it would be too much. To quote another letter we got, I don't wanna just make it more signy. But I don't
so but I do I do think that there's conversation to be had there. No. And back, you know, several years ago when we expanded the existing committee at the time and added the a into it and then, you know, turned it into idea. But the a is important, and I'm I'm glad that they're consistently taking a look at the the just say they do they do consistently think accessibility is more technical. The a FDA related issues. Absolutely.
Alright. So I think we can pull that out and proceed with the rest of the consent agenda. So
now procedurally, do we I guess You really don't need to pull it out because you're just accepting it for the Yeah. Fair enough. Yeah. Okay. Discussion. Alright. Very good.
I just wanted some I just realized I misspoke to, miss. You guys instant you wasn't tabled the motion. It was withdrawn. I I spoke when I spoke when I said that. Sorry. Oh, right. Okay.
Yep. Okay. Alright. So we're on to propose resolutions. Whereas the village would like to adopt the naming policy to regulate and govern the naming of village facilities and streets, and whereas the draft policy was reviewed by the village board of trustees during work sessions held in June and August 2025. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees hereby adopts the naming policy for the village of Cortlandt Hudson as attached tier two and be further resolved that such policy shall be deemed in effect immediately.
Do you have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
I I think that, you know, we had a good conversation about this. The work session, I just wanna say that, you know, a a commenter made made the comment that, you know, we need to be careful about how how many things we're naming after people. Right? I I do agree with that sentiment. And what this does is it gives us a process so that things go before the board in a formal way and they're discussed. So I I I think that it actually is helping that along that, you know, we won't go so wild naming that, you know, we have a process that we that we can follow now. So I think this is very helpful. Manager, I'm wondering just as a No. No.
Was this in the consent agenda? I was gonna say Okay. I'm I one of us is some of us are looking at it. I'm sorry. I didn't I didn't go Oh, it's all the way We're all the way down. I I just.
It's 09:30. I'm I'm sorry. I'm just so in love with the naming policy. Wanna I know you're the owner. Policy. Okay. Wait. So what's happening? I That's in that's It's already we already adopted that. We adopt we adopted the consent. It's all been adopted. Yeah. We're on b one now. Because, like, we're on a
eight a. Right? Alright. Well, thank you. Thank you, everyone. We're on b one. Catching that. Okay. So now Yeah. I'm so relieved because when I was looking at how long this agenda is still on what I said. Many k. You're right now. Eight eight a. Eight eight a. Moving moving on. Right. Okay. Right. So now we're on Brooks. Yeah. But just I did you know, as long just in the spirit of conversation, manager, you're you're probably in the best position to know this. Currently, how many streets do we have with honorary names? Two. Two. Yes. Yep.
Okay. 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 one forty two of 2023 to accept a proposal from D and 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 Street And Terrace Place. And whereas the village has applied for funding for this project from Westchester County, and whereas the village has completed part one of a short environmental assessment form and a coastal assessment form. Now therefore be it resolved as follows. One, the village board hereby determines that the proposed action is an unlisted action. Two, the village board hereby declares itself to be lead agency for seeker purposes in connection with the proposed action. Three, the village board hereby issues the EAF and CAF, which it has before it in connection with the proposed action. Four, the village board hereby refers the draft law of the EAF and the CAF to the village waterfront advisory committee for a recommendation back to the village board in accordance with village law. Five, the village board hereby directs village staff to make any other circulations and notifications regarding the proposed action as may be required by law.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
Manager, do you have any Yeah. So, basically, we we as we discussed briefly at the last meeting, Westchester County has awarded us, funding in the amount of $701,000 Amazing. To, improve the drainage structures along Brook Street, install new drainage structures on terrace, and, you know, the the culverts that exist on Brook Street obviously, Brook Street is one of the oldest streets in the village. The the culverts there are quite old and are falling apart, basically. And so they need to be replaced. So this will funding will get us halfway there because it's supposed to cost about $1,400,000 to do the whole project. And this will also help with flooding at the bottom of Brook Street. It will it's going to add additional, catch basins at the bottom there to help drain the water, faster.
So We'll get our, waterfront advisory committee working on this as soon as possible. Very good.
K. Whereas the purchase of a command vehicle for use by Croton EMS was included in the twenty twenty five, twenty twenty six capital plan, whereas the village of Croton solicited bids for solicited sealed bids for this purchase under bid number thirteen of twenty twenty five, and whereas one bid was submitted by the deadline of 08/21/2025, whereas the lowest responsible bid received was from signal five fire apparatus of Ronkonkoma, New York in the amount of $45,000, and whereas DPW has inspected the vehicle and found it to be in satisfactory condition. Now therefore be it resolved that the village manager is hereby authorized to award bid number 13Of2025 to signal five fire apparatus of Ronkonkomo, New York in the amount of $45,000 and be it further resolved, the funding for this project has been allocated in capital account H4540Dot2010Dot23447.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
EMS is Yeah. Very happy No. Absolutely. To be getting the car. Yes. Got a good deal. Yes. Yes. And, you know, they they really did a lot of the work in identifying what exactly they wanted and helping get the specs for the bid. And so just, you know, thank you to them for that. Yeah. Fantastic.
Whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson has been working with a Revan formerly known as Sol Systems on the installation of solar canopies at the Cortlandt Harmon Train Station parking lot. And whereas on 02/17/2021, the village board of trustees approved a lease agreement with Sol Systems for this project. And whereas a refund has provided an amendment to the existing lease agreement to address temporary easements related to construction, extend the operating period of the project I'm sorry. There's there's a typo here. To address temporary easements related to construction and decommissioning of the project, extend the operating period of the project to 11/30/2050, and to finalize the incentive amounts received for this project. Now therefore be it resolved that the village managers hereby authorize to execute an amendment to the lease agreement with SCS Van Wyck zero one two eight two three, Coronel Hudson LLC, to address temporary easements related to construction and decommissioning of the project, extend the operating period of the project to 11/30/2050, to finalize the incentive amount received for the project subject to the final approval of the village attorney.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson.
Discussion. Well, mayor, I know that this has been, from the start, a complicated contract and and this, latest, adjustment to it, complicated and technical, but I I think as we've been briefed by the manager and and worked with our, chairman of our sustainability committee, It's a fine deal for for the village, and I I think we will end up with not only a great solar array, but I think financially, we'll continue to do very well on this as we have done so far this year. So I think we should move forward with the signature on this amendment.
Whereas the village's slow down Croton campaign first began in 2017 and whereas Tom Smith, the village resident and former member of the advisory board for the visual environment, designed the name and logo for the campaign. And whereas an agreement has been drafted to reflect future use of the campaign, now therefore be it resolved, the village board of trustees hereby authorizes the village manager to execute the agreement with Tom Smith.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson.
I just wanna take a minute to say that I appreciate the design so much. It is iconic, and I am so grateful that Tom came up with the concept and has let the village use it for so long. I would like to see it even more prominently displayed everywhere. So I just wanna really shout him out because it is you know, it's it's almost as well recognized as our own crest. So thank you, Tom. Yep. And I would I would echo
trustee Slippen. This is our our third iteration of of slow down Croton. And mister Smith, Tom, has has been, you know, very generous with his time and his creativity. And to my knowledge, has never turned us down on particular uses, whether it's been the the lawn signs or, you know, little stickers or giveaways and things like that. He just wants to make sure that he's involved in the in the conversation. So which he should be as the as the creator.
Okay. Yeah. Iconic is exactly the right word, so I'm happy to support this. All in favor? Aye. Aye.
Alright. Whereas the village in Westchester County own adjoining properties along Grand Street, namely the village Wellfields in Croton Gorge Park. Whereas on 08/20/2025, the village board approved resolution two zero eight of 2025 to authorize the village manager to execute a license agreement in order to run electrical service lines to the caretaker's cottage in the park. And whereas Westchester County has now provided the permanent easement documentation for this area. Now therefore be it resolved that the village manager is hereby authorized to execute the easement agreement with Westchester County for the purpose of running a new electrical service to the caretaker's cottage at Croton Gorge Park.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Good. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Politi. Discussion?
Well, mayors, I think as the manager explained to us possibly two meetings ago or one, but Just one. Yeah. This is this is not gonna be a major impact or major savings of of funding for us, but it will be some. But, also, I think it it augurs well as a joint services or, you know, partnership with the county. So I'm I'm very pleased to see this and pleased to vote for it.
Whereas Daniel O'Connor, village engineer, is retiring from the village on 09/26/2025. And whereas in recognition of his unique institutional knowledge and taking into consideration the needs of the engineering department, the village board of trustees would like to retain mister Connor mister O'Connor as a consultant. And whereas a consulting agreement has been drafted by the village's labor council for the period beginning 10/01/2025 through 05/31/2026. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees hereby authorizes the village manager to execute the consulting agreement with Daniel O'Connor p e.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Polini. Discussion?
Well, think at when we honored Dan with the key to the village, I think we all talked about, you know, his his skill and his expertise, but particularly, we mentioned his institutional memory. I I think we're gonna have, I think, a wonderful transition with the the new leadership eventually of our engineering department with with Dan right there between now and and May for anything between the end of September and and May for the things that we'll we'll need him for. But and I think it'll be particularly on on history and and background on particular projects, particularly the major ones that that we're working on. So I'm glad we're gonna have an ongoing relationship with the engineer.
I don't think enough can be said about the value of Dan's expertise, his knowledge. You know, we have a village historian, Mark Jesser, who's fantastic, don't donates a ton of time to our community. But if you want a has some very stiff competition in terms of knowledge of the community's history and the history of individual properties within the village. So we would we would really benefit from having a continued professional relationship with Dan. Agreed. Yep. All in favor? Aye. That's it. Yep. Alright. We proceed to public comment on nonincentive items. Anyone wishing to speak on any topic, this is your opportunity. Please approach the podium. State your name and address.
Good evening, everyone. Carl Dibble from River Rock Supply. I live in Sleepy Hollow. Evening, Josh. Hey, Carl. I know Josh from Sleepy Hollow and a little bit here with Croton. I was involved yeah. I have two topics tonight. I was involved in a contract with HHV in the village of Croton here on a project that never happened, and I don't wanna give into any of that. But we've been the job was bonded, the bond has not been called for. And I emailed Brian on August 18, and I never got a response. And my attorney's been trying to reach out to you guys. I've been trying to reach out to the bond company many times. And I'm in a situation where now where I think from the beginning, HHV has been in control of things, and it's not so much the village of Croton is what I think from me personally. So I don't have any I never dealt with you guys, and I don't have any things with you guys. But I am asking, demanding a letter from Brian, I believe, because that's who has been going through to from the village of Troton to release the bond. I've called the bond company a million times. I've reached out to you guys. I've reached out to you three weeks ago, not gotten any response. And the bond keeps company the bond company keeps calling me and saying that they need a letter from you guys or the village or Brian to release the bond. You guys are not calling for the bond, and you're not releasing it. So I have three kids under the age of three downstairs sleeping in the car, and they need my financial help. And I can't help them with some of the money a lot of the money tied up
in this bond and in the job that never took never took place. And I'm here tonight because I have no other further, way of doing it, and I wanna bring it to the public's attention that you're holding my money back, and I believe for no reason, possibly just speculating that HHV is telling you not to release the bond. Either you're calling for the bond and the bond company was gonna have me finish the job, which never happened, or you're gonna release the bond. Today is Wednesday night. I'm demanding a letter by Friday that I could pick up or receive by email releasing the bond for the job of HHV and the entrance project so that I could get my funds back, so I could support my family and my business the way I need to. And by you guys holding this back right now for no reason, and I'm not getting any response from the emails that I sent you, I believe one Josh and my attorney Mark, I I could say is probably illegally, but when it goes to court in the future, this is gonna look really bad. You're holding my money back right now for no reason. And we've reached out to you. I've reached out to everyone, and I have no other place to reach out to than here. I'm here to talk to you trustees so that you're aware of it. And I know you're aware of some other things here because my other topic is that I made a foil request for all the emails and all the language and paperwork on this job between HHV, The Village of Croton, and myself, and whoever else was involved in it. And there was a redacted file, and the secretary said there was about a half a dozen pages that weren't gonna be
along with the with the foil request. Well, after looking at it, there was about 25 pages and many of the emails were were full page links that were blacked out. Now I'm here tonight, and I know we got one person here. Are you guys open government? Why did the board of trustees here in the village of Croton deny my foil request? And and then it went to an appeal, and you guys voted to not to not give me the redacted file on a foil request. Is this open government? Are you hiding something? Because your your thing for the foil request is that you're hiding the information that my attorney, the public, and everyone else needs to see. Now when we go to court, we probably get we'll get that taken out. But why are you guys why would you vote on something that is by by law, it was supposed to be helping Vildja Croton employees out possibly. Well, this whole contract is with HHV. HHV has nothing to do with it, and the redacted file were were I think 90% of the emails was from HHV employees to others to other subcontractors. So why would you board hold it back from me? That's my question I wanna answer tonight. And I'm like my like I was saying before, I wanna demand I wanna I I wanna letter by Friday or there's gonna be other issues going to court about not releasing the bond. My family is downstairs. If you want, I'll call them up here now. I have two one and a half year olds and a three year old. They're sleeping in the car now. They need my help. Financially, they need my help. I'm asking you guys. I want the letter. I don't know why, and I wanna answer tonight from you, Brian. Why are you holding the bond back?
You're not calling on it, and you're not releasing it. So what are you doing with the bond? Those are my two topics, foil request
and bond. So And I would like an answer tonight on these. So I'm gonna tell the bond the the the the board there has been a notice of claim by mister Debi. These are matters that are before us as counsel. I would not ask you to comment on any of this at the time. I will say that I have continued and consistently, been in contact with your attorney whenever he calls me. I consider him, a colleague and someone who I would always pick up the phone call phone to to take Carl. And if you would like to have him reach out to me, I'm happy we can we can have set up an a a a call. There was a one that I had set up previously with your counsel, and and for some reason, people could not make that meeting. I'm happy to have another meeting. So that is that is all we were gonna say on the record right now. What is what is what you're talking about? I understand. Q and a, Carl. But wait. Does does does does litigation Carl,
This litigation reach out how's Mark reach out to me, Carl? That's it. What does it have to do with the bond? Sir, the time's expired.
What about the foil request? Sir, the time's expired. No one's gonna explain? No one's gonna are you not open government, mayor?
The there was a letter that was sent to you that explained the redactions. You are welcome to re take it take it to counsel who has also gotten documents even without a foil from me just as a courtesy in relation to that. So I don't think it's an appropriate venue for any of these board members to be commenting on the same. I'm happy to sit down with Mark. You you're welcome to even participate. HHV attorneys have been welcome have been have been willing to meet as well. We are happy to have make that meeting go. I believe you were setting up a meeting without me.
Yeah. It's your counsel. It's your attorney. And HHV was gonna have their counsel and their heads. Sir, it was all my counsel. Expired. No only counsel.
Hope you guys I hope you guys think of what you did because you messed up my life, and I ain't happy about it. And I'm an American citizen born in this state. Thank you.
Does it make you guys look good, does it? I know your attorney. Ed Riely from Shrewsdale Drive. In the comment about the statements on antisemitism, it was interesting to see this crowd who were the queens of shutting people down in the First Amendment, appeal for the First Amendment, but I support their right to talk in school, in here, anywhere, and say virtually anything, unless it's directly insulting, which the chairman can throw him out for. But it's interesting, fascinating to see the queens of suppressing free speech here, demanding speech free speech. Also notice that no one and and we should say a prayer for these people. Six people were murdered in Jerusalem last week. We already forgot them already. Eight others were injured. We already forgot them. That was last week. Eight people, innocent people, minding their own business, murdered in the streets of Jerusalem, and eight other people injured, but they don't count. And October 7 didn't count. And the fact that Israel's been attacked by seven countries, have attacked Israel in the last six seven. We've never had that. Seven countries attacked one country. We've never had that. This is serious business. It's not sentimentalism.
Serious business. It's one of the problems with the diversity committee, by the way. It's serious business.
I'd like to talk to you about CVS Pharmacy. We have an ongoing boycott of CVS Pharmacy. They're one of the biggest promoters along with Walgreens of the dangerous drug, r u forty six. And it's come to my attention. It used to track this stuff. You know, in one year, Planned Parenthood killed three women with r u forty six in California. They even had one girl come back because she was 17. She came back, took the drug, wound up in a hospital dead, and that's where her father found her, didn't know anything about it. The other incidents that are happening is there's such a flooding of the market of this drug. There have been incidents again and again and again of of husbands drugging and aborting their wives, boyfriends forcing these drugs on their girlfriends or secretly making them take the drugs. And, of course, these drugs are transferred to minors on a regular basis. And your support for you of forty six is very much like your support for marijuana. It was all enthusiastic at first. But once you found out how it screws up people, especially minorities who can least afford it, you're not that fascinated with putting a clinic down the street even if you got tax revenue from it.
I'll pass these out to your clerk in a minute. I had the pleasure privilege of attending one of your DEI ID idea committees meetings last Friday, and they are a wealth a wealth of information, but for just pure humor. They couldn't understand why we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day and Columbus Day and Italian American month, which, by the way, the county, October's Italian American month, in case you don't know it. They couldn't understand why. Well, maybe it's because a lot of people in Croton were from Ireland building the railroads and the canals, or they were Italians because they built the dam. They couldn't understand that. And then this is a quote because this is really a group of priestesses. It's not a very diverse committee. There may be a man on it by name, but I've never seen this guy ever. It's all women, left wing women, white women for the most part. But here's a quote from them. It's our job to update the language. For example, we are not saying American Indian anymore. Well, maybe those chicks ought to tell The US Census Bureau not to say American Indian on the US Census. Or maybe they ought to tell the Smithsonian Institution not to have a Museum of American Indian in the Old Customs Building in New York City, or have one on near the mall in Washington DC. They're a little bit out of date. And then they didn't get the memo from the Democratic consultant who told the party most recently, among the dumbass words you don't use, which they propose, you don't use the word Latinx. It's sort of insulting to people with Hispanic background or Latin background. Thank you. Time's expired.
Alright. Seeing no one else wishing to comment, we proceed to reports. We will be deviating slightly from the normal scheduling by starting with the attorney and then the manager.
Thank you, mister mayor. I just wanna briefly touch on some a pretty important issue that was in the news really quick. The United States Supreme Court has inscribed upon it the words equal justice under law and justice the guardian of liberty. When you dedicate your life to a profession, you should take take those words seriously, and I try my best to do so. Herein, the village has been basically baselessly accused of politically targeting a person. So I, as village attorney, want to make something very clear. We were not instructed to politically target anyone by anyone. No board of trustees member asked us to do so. And if asked, we would not do it. Furthermore, it was conveyed to the individual in question through counsel that the flag would not have been deemed a violation by the village. So I wonder how the content of the banner was being targeted in any way. Needless to say, this board of trustees is made up of volunteers. This is not their day job. They dedicate their time to serve the community. They spend selfless nights working to make services that are provided to you and your neighbors, and I believe they should be entitled to your respect and basic appreciation regardless of any political or policy disagreement. Now many of you know the village of Croton On Hudson has withdrawn the violation that was referenced before. And I want to make it clear that this matter was not addressed on the merits by any court. It never made its way to court, and I am not gonna try and merit, litigate the merits of this matter in the court of public opinion. However, I wanna say this this violation was routine. Village code enforcement identified 17 noncompliant locations.
Our code enforcement team reached out and tried to work with with each property owner to seek voluntary compliance, successfully resolving most of the same. Village staff have been falsely accused of engaging in politically motivated enforcement action. I have worked with village staff both here and in many other villages. These are some of the most dedicated people you can meet. If you remember from a few years ago during COVID, we called these people essential. They pick up your garbage, and they make sure your house is in a death trap. They do not deserve to abusive, derisive mess messages of hate or threats of violence. These threats should be and are under investigation by by relevant law enforcement. Regarding the US Department of Justice's correspondence, in my opinion, it should not have been written without first obtaining relevant facts, especially from this village. Furthermore, threats of civil action against local governments was also, in my opinion, uncalled for. Our village government is not able to contend with continuous anonymous abuse of staff, threats to personnel, a federal investigation regarding a minor citation for a nonsafety related provision of this code. It's just not realistic. Given these circumstances, the village must prioritize the safety of its personnel and the conservation of taxpayer resources. Therefore, we will be working with the village manager to make related code amendments so that way he can hold uphold the spirit of fair and consistent code enforcement with an enduring belief in equal justice under law.
Manager? Yep. Thank you, mayor. I don't have too much to add to that, but I would like to share that in the month of August, the engineering department did a total of 82 inspections. They as the village attorney referenced, they do safety inspections. They do tree inspections. They do leaf blower inspections. They do property maintenance inspections. They check Oh, sure. Make sure you have house numbers for 911 I do that with calls. You know, they are a full service department of the village professionally. It's run by the village engineer. He has his staff that is well trained, certified by New York State. They are not political appointees. They are civil service appointees that have passed an exam and have been hired from a civil service list. And as the village attorney said, the criticism that was directed towards the professional staff here was unwarranted, and, you know, I hope that we can move forward from this and continue to do the job that we are here to do to protect and keep safe the residents of the village.
want to give a report about a couple of the committee meetings that I attended this week or since our last meeting. The library board is meeting again after their summer hiatus. And they there are a lot of exciting things going on at the library, of course, and a lot of good stuff to look forward to there. But the piece of the the discussion topic that was relevant to us was they're very happy to let us take over the information kiosk at Croton Commons. So that was great all around. Thank you to everyone who coordinated. It just makes sense for everyone. They were so I know you did a I know the manager did a lot of conversations with them regarding that to make it happen. So that was great all around. Arts and Humanities Committee has had a leadership change. I just wanna I know that the mayor will talk more about this later. Be I'll point to that. Yeah. But I did just wanna give a huge shout out to Ken Sargeant, who is also iconic. He's done so much many great things. He's gonna be stepping down out of the leadership position, but gratefully staying on the committee to keep the really great things that he has been part of moving forward.
Are artist They banners, which we've talked about a lot, are is still a topic of discussion, and we're excited to have the locate maybe expand it next year. And if people are interested in people have ideas, I know there I've seen in some various places people who have ideas about who these artists about artists in Croton that should be recognized. It doesn't mean just because you there's a huge list, basically. Croton is very wealthy in artists, but there's a running list. So if there is an artist that we think need should be needs to be recognized, I would really like to make sure I'd like to even maybe get something on the website or somewhere where we could have a mechanism for people to make suggestions. I don't I think there were some letters in the gazette and other things, but I just I feel like that there maybe if there's a maybe on the arts and humanities page, we could put some place, like, submit a artist for a banner. That would be that would be very easy to do. Okay. So Yeah. Sorry. I just sort of I don't mean to be coming up with ideas for you to do on the fly, but here we are. I also just wanted to say that there there is an event planned for next week. There's a drum circle at Sunesqua Park on Tuesday at 6PM. And drum it's for everyone. Like, any ages are welcome. It's at six, and drums will be provided. I'm sure you're gonna talk about this, but there's a cap a meeting about Caplan Pond on Monday at
07:00 in this room. Okay. Great. So I know there's been a lot of discussion about that and some really concerned and interested neighbors in that project. So thank you for doing that. I also I'm sure my fellow trustees are gonna say something about this. But congratulations to the school district on the ribbon cutting on the beautiful Spencer Field. It's really spectacular. I can't believe I actually can't believe my eyes, what it looks like down there. I spent a lot of days in mud and dust down there, and generations of crow knights will have no idea what they missed. I also just wanted to give a shout out to Gabby stop. Stoke. I'm probably saying her name wrong. But she was announced today as a National Merit semifinalist in Croton, which is huge news. So congratulations to her and her family and the whole school district. Just one item that I've I think that the the the letter that we talked a lot about earlier today in this meeting sort of made a late entry onto the agenda. And I don't know if it was sent out. I don't think in a I don't know what the rules are about sending out a revised agenda if there's topic on it and how you high how we highlight a revised item. I just don't know how many people in the community knew that that letter was gonna be on the agenda. It was obvious that the people who had signed the letter knew it was gonna be on the agenda. And I just for something that we know that is go is a popular topic, I think that I would just like to make sure that everyone in the community knows if something that gonna be that hot topic comes up, that that we're that we're making sure that the whole community knows. Because it it just it felt like it was very heavy in people who signed the letter. And it is a conversation with it's a multifaceted conversation. So I just wanna be thoughtful about if we're putting something on the agenda after a first version and a revised version come out. I don't know. I I don't I just wanna say that out loud that I would like to be going forward thinking about how we're doing that. I don't know. I don't we don't have to figure it out tonight, but I just wanna be thinking about it.
I'll just close by saying that there is a gun violence epidemic in this country, and it doesn't matter who is getting shot. It's an epidemic. I feel like there's a cloud over the country for a lot of reasons. And even if it's a voice I don't agree with, I'm not happy when it's silenced with a bullet. So I really feel very sad about all the gun violence that happened today,
of course, tomorrow is September 11. So I unfortunately have a work related September 11 event, so I will not be able to join the village. But I'm grateful that we will never forget. Thank you.
Couple things, couple updates from Idea, couple events coming up to save the date for. Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is going to be on Saturday, October 11 from two to five at the library. It's gonna be a very fun event. And we are also having a screening of The Arrivals on November 8, which is going to be at the Universal Unitarian Church. I don't know why that word really is not working for me. At 05:30. That's a local filmmaker. It was featured at Jacob Burns. The film itself is is only 36 minutes, but it's about some of those sanctuary seekers that were kind of dumped in New York from Texas. And they're very interesting, and there'll be a panel. It's free, so I encourage everyone to attend that. Shout out to the schools. I was late tonight because I was at back to school. And, you know, we had all had a couple tours in in recent years. But the I mean, the energy in the halls at PVC of just people being so excited for all this new stuff that that our kids get was very, very nice. To address just a couple of the comments that were made recently.
Loved the calling out of this violence against women. Forcing women to take pills of any kind, obviously, is a very violent act, has has always been. That's a male violence problem that we have. We have a gun violence epidemic. We have a a male violence epidemic. Misoprostone is is not the problem. It saves lives. It has saved my life as I have recounted plenty of times here. So that's that that pro life pro life party unless it's the life of a 24 year old woman. I was also at the idea meeting. I don't know where any of those criticisms were coming from. We're talking about the calendar, kinda going through like an annual calendar that we've had forever. Just getting the, you know, the the recognition of all of the months and all of the days that that we celebrate. So but but, yes, we're all liberal witches in the in the idea meeting. I'm gonna comment on the banner situation because I have felt very affected by it. I
live there, and I think most people know that I'm a single parent. And I have been I have never been subjected to death threats or directly tweeted about by the president. So, you know, my stance and I you know, my colleagues know this when we started talking about when we hired this code enforcement person, you know, my stance was always that if Robins has to take their vitamin banners down, then, you know, he can move his banner to the flag flagpole. That's that fair enforcement that our attorney was talking about. You know, zoning laws are supposed to be content neutral. They're supposed to apply to everyone. I want to specifically shout out Thor who is our code enforcement officer who I I think is still out of the office due to literal threats being made against his life. And also, you know, shout out to the businesses and the individuals who just brought their signage up to code without going to the DOJ when this round of tickets was handed down.
MAGA and the right wing media bully bullied us into withdrawing this without dealing with the merits. Also, as as Josh stated, they don't want to abide by the same rules that we want to abide by. And I do think that there is a a very, very tiny microcosm of what is happening around the country, which is laws for us and whatever they want for them. Know, my daughter is 10 years old, she sees that banner every day. And every day, she makes a face, and she starts to say something and every single day I stop her and I tell her that you know, we don't we don't lead with hate and we don't you know, we don't we we don't know what caused a person to have these opinions and we want to be empathetic. You know, I I know the owner of that banner has watched me have that conversation countless times, you know, saying that we match hate with love and that we want we just wanna make sure our neighbors, you know, that are affected by that banner feel feel safe. You know, I I I know that you have heard me in this room preaching this, you know, empathy beyond political affiliation and the idea that people, someone or or some people went out of their way this week to take away my sense of safety and security in my own home and in the village that I volunteer my time for is a real real punch in the gut and something that I I don't think I'll be getting over anytime soon. Despite the attacks, I do still think that the only way we get through this in this time of American authoritarianism somehow is by uniting on the local end. And I think we, you know, these conversations that we're having in here that
we're seeing this division. We're seeing this division on so many levels, and we're not going to get through. We're only ten months, however many months in. We've got years to go, and we need to be just supporting each other regardless of race, religion, gender, or political ideology. So thank you. Thank you.
Yeah. I do feel a little bit incomplete about our conversation earlier about the correspondence that we received. I do hope that we return to that conversation and really, again, taking actions is really the most important. And there is so much division out there. We we we need to work together to try to try to support each other. A couple updates, the recreation advisory committee met on Monday night. They had a lot of great successes over the summer, including working with the DPW to to install benches at BlackRock and new benches and a picnic table at the duck pond. There will be American Legion actually donated the benches at the duck Pond, so there'll be a dedication ceremony happening on Friday. Lori and Hansberry committee will be holding two events on 10/04 and ten '5, so look out for those. I just wanted to also you know, to Cara's point, we were all very affected by what happened over the the past few weeks. I'm sorry. Few weeks. Few
I just would like to read this. Serving as a village trustee in an is an honor and privilege. What I never imagined, however, was that a local code enforcement decision could end up on the president's desk within a week. That's not how I thought government worked, and frankly, it's terrifying. I will not comment on the merits of this case. That would be inappropriate. And still, I believe, perhaps naively, that the American justice system should be allowed to function as intended with each side making its arguments in the court of law. The situation should have remained a straightforward local matter, resolved through the appropriate legal channels. Instead, it became something very different. Social media amplified the story, spreading it to millions. Within days, a routine routine code dispute was on the radar of the Department of Justice, and public officials and staff were receiving death threats. So where does this leave us? Should local government ignore enforcement altogether for fear of federal scrutiny or worse, violence from extremists? We are simply trying to do our jobs, and yet we are met with vitriol and slurs. I will be honest. This climate makes me question whether continuing in public service is worth it. But I also recognize that this atmosphere of intimidation is exactly what some in power hope for, to silence officials, weaken trust in the rule of law, and make communities too afraid to enforce their own codes. Sadly, this is where we find ourselves in 2025, and we all need to do better.
Thank you. Important comments from all my colleagues. Really appreciate it. Hope everyone's listening. Just a just a few notes. And first of all, we we came from from Spencer Field here. We were all there, and it was it's beautiful. I hope people get a chance to see it. I don't I don't I don't get chance to be on the 50 yard line that much, so it was it was it but the the field is lush. They did a wonderful job there, and the spirit was terrific among all the all the folks. So it was good to join with everyone that was that was there. I should also thank the Lions for their wonderful barbecue at Senasqua on on August 21. They do great work, you know, in our village, particularly on on on the medical side where they help people with with equipment and other things that they need when they're when they're not well. On this past Sunday, the mayor and I were at the sustainability committee. So much going on. We've talked a little bit about the train station solar array tonight, but we also worked on expansion of our composting program, the the wonderful renewable diesel demonstration that we're gonna be undertaking, the possibility of some solar at the DPW parking lot, and and also some some nonfederal possible new funding that is gonna be available in 2026 for some things that we could do from New York State. So it was a a very good very good committee meeting. Thank you. Well, thank you, Lindsay. Trustee Palliddeus and I on on Monday Monday morning, early Monday morning, were with the our new rocking and rolling, great new organization, the Association of Businesses in Croton. And they but in fact, they were meeting, and we were just there. And and that's that's a real statement because they they are really running it by themselves, and we we were able to do it in the small conference room. But we have a great president
in Brian Dale of Third Universe, a great vice president in Ellen Brecker of Croton Running, a great treasurer in Riley Moeller, a great secretary in from Croton Ebikes, great secretary, Christy Goedick from Neela's Nutribar. Faith Rivers is is working on our social media, and there's so many other people from the black cap. So many other people involved. They're they're working on the specifics of the organization, and I'm just very, very proud of all all the the work they do. We started this few years back with our all business meetings, and and they are they are in the process of of really acting like a like the local chamber that we need. So I'm just couldn't be more delighted. Yesterday, as as some of know, the the mayor and I and the chief and Matthew Sherman, our immediate past bicycle and pedestrian committee chairman, had the opportunity to to meet with channel twelve to talk about our r f RRFB. Oh, it's so hard to say. Rectangular rapid flashing beacons that that just went up on Grant Wood and and some new sidewalks at Thompson And Wayland, crosswalk safety signs at Cleveland Drive and Old Post South. They did a great story. It ran late in the afternoon, probably still running. This is channel twelve. It goes on for on for quite a while. So it was great to give such a such a positive view of everything happening in in Croton. Last or next next to last, governor Hochul late last week, announced the new round of New York Forward. We've the manager and I have had, you know, some preliminary conversations with our grant writer. There was a webinar today that that I participated in along with along with with Valerie, we're we're all gonna be involved in this. So the the application,
we have a lot of work to do, a lot of thinking to do, and a lot of work to do. So we'll we'll figure out how how best to do that. The application, it's a little more condensed this time. As I said, we got the application late last week, and it's due on November 7. So we've got two months, and we've got the best grant writer in the business. But we need to sort of put our our thinking hat on together in terms of projects. Half of our projects from the previous round, I think, are real winners, and the other half, you know, need some adjustment and some additions. So we need to be working on that. And and actually, last but not least, just an announcement in the future, we've got in this very room on on September 21, the heart committee will be honoring the great Cornelia Cott for all the wonderful work she's done for fifty or sixty years in in our in our community. It's gonna be at 03:00 in as I say in this room, three to 04:15. There'll be a whole ceremony, music, food, and I think a good time will be had by all. Cornelia certainly deserves it. That's it.
So back in regular order, have some Yes. Some some some other stuff. I believe there was question, that related to waivers and affordable housing process, specifically, section Oh, yeah. 20 two thirty dash 48 c. The question is, could a waiver application be processed to this board without any process? That's not the way it would work. I mean, the the language itself, it talks about it it requires a site plan or subdivision applicant. That in itself requires an application to the building department, to the planning board, and it has to be put on an agenda there. Then if you were going to have that come here, you would have to have some type of process of referral. So you'd have a bite at the apple there, and then you'd have a bite at the apple here in least in some most regards. I think some of the confusion kind of may have been on the difference between what we call a site plan or minor site plan. And I think that really a site plan, according to your code, requires a full public hearing. Whereas a my minor site plan, it still needs to go on a planning board agenda. It can't just get passed summarily. It, yeah, it still requires process, but it doesn't require as much of a robust process. So I hope that's clarifying to the board and to the community. But if there's any questions, I'm willing to take them, try and answer them.
No. I think I think that's sufficient for right now. Okay. Well, what a year this week has been. And No. I again, I I just wanna express my appreciation for all the people that work in this building and serve this community. And it is really absurd that a a routine matter, I mean, I'm not gonna belabor the point, resulted in death threats against our staff, resulted in federal intervention. I everything on the absurdity of that has been said has been said. I I I have nothing to add to that. It's truly unfortunate. And, you know, the people folks that avail themselves to social media, especially with exaggerated and sensationalistic spin, should think carefully about the consequences that those acts can have on other people who are just doing their jobs. Hopefully, the following people will not be dissuaded from public service. Sherry Horowitz and Valerie Leis will be stepping up as co chairs of the Arts and Humanities Council, in which we'll be grateful for their work, both as members and now as leaders of that committee. And, again, I just wanna repeat what trustee Slopano said about the iconic Ken Sargeant. He brought that he really created that committee functionally and made it what it is today, and his vision is gonna he's made a lasting imprint on this village and I'm sure has many more contributions to make in the future. And, you know, it's not all about Ken, but the the Sargeant family, it's it's a family committed to community service. So we're we're so grateful for all that they're doing, and we're really thinking of Ken and his family right now.
I also wanna give some updates on the committees that I'm attached to. The conservation advisory council met in the small meeting room last week last night. There was a great update on the fantastic work the garden club is doing on the new Gottwold Circle, the progress of the trails committee over this summer, which has organized a number of cleanup, some of which I was able to participate in. And in addition to just clearing the trail of brush and so on, they also identify other areas that can be shown some TLC by our professional staff. So as a result, new trail markings are up, new signage is up. So thank you to the trails committee, and thank you to our DPW. Last but not least, thank you to the Croton Yacht Club for a great Hudson River Day. Hudson River is a true gem of this community, and River Day is an important educational event for the entire community. That concludes my remarks, manager. Thank you, mayor. Before I go, could we have a motion to approve the No. Sorry. Those require approval. Do I have mic do I have motion? Moved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Motion by Trustee Simon, second by Trustee Paulidi. Okay. Thank you.
So again, based on some of the comments that we have seen in recent days, I wanted to take an opportunity to briefly share how our government functions here on a day to day basis. I'm hoping that this will be educational for everyone watching, and, you know, maybe we'll actually put this in a newsletter one day because I think this might be helpful for everyone. The village operates under the council manager form of government in which the elected board of trustees hires professional manager to conduct the day to day operations of the village. This form of government was adopted by referendum in the village in 1971 and is the most popular form of government in The United States in communities with populations of 5,000 or more. Since 1971, the village has had five managers serving an average tenure of almost eleven years. The village manager is a nonpartisan appointed position. Manager is responsible among other duties for administering local projects, preparing the annual budget, the recruitment, retention, and dismissal of most employees, and labor negotiations with the two unions representing employees. Manager is required to keep the village board advised on the fiscal affairs of the village as well as on future needs, whether that be infrastructure, equipment, or staffing. Manager is also also authorized to declare a state of emergency in the village when conditions warrant and issue emergency orders as necessary. The village manager is the chief executive officer of the village, and the mayor is the chief elected officer of the village. The village manager and mayor work together closely to set board meeting and work session agendas and ensure that the policy decisions made by the village board are implemented by the administrative staff. The mayor presides at all village board meetings and work sessions and is typically the spokesperson for the village. The mayor works with the village board to set the community's goals and make policy decisions.
The mayor is also responsible for appointing residents to the various boards, committees, and councils of the village with the consent of the village board. Members of the village board jointly approve the annual budget for the village and local laws prepared at their direction. The village board can conduct public hearings to hear from residents on proposed legislation, special use permits, and other topics permitted under state and local law. The mayor assigns individual trustees as as board members are known to serve as liaisons to various committees and community groups where they also focus on community goals, projects, and long range planning. So that's basically the council manager format in a three minute summary. You know, if there are any questions, I can answer those. But like I said, hopefully, that's informative for
Well, one last quick point. Yes. I'm grateful for the manager's service to the community and for the service of all the managers in our past, especially the ones that I've worked per with personally. As the manager indicated, we have a tremendous consistency among our managers that not every community can boast that, and I think that's a real asset and provides continuity in government and the retention of institutional knowledge, I think it's speaks particularly well of the manager that he nothing against someone making a lateral transfer because that who knows what the future will bring, but that he rose through the ranks in our village and is a graduate of the Janine King School of Public Service. And, you know, the the value of that education, I think, is reflected in the fact that he remained you're still the chair of the or the president of the managers association? I I ended my term last at the end of August. Oh, congratulations. Congratulations. Yes. Well, that is definitely worthy of congratulations. Thank you. Yeah. Alright. Do have a motion to close? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Aye.