Good evening, and welcome to the April 8 regular meeting of the Croton and 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, liberty and justice for all.
• Alright. We proceed to our first item of business, the approval of vouchers. Treasurer?
Hello. Good evening. General fund, we have a $150,233.71. The water fund is $9,097.27. The sewer fund is $3,042.03. The capital fund is a $131,547.92. And the trust fund is for $1,075.71.
Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Next is the, public hearing on local local law number five of 2026 to amend chapter two thirty eight zoning of the village of code to, add certain occupational preferences for affordable housing units. Before we go into the public hearing, manager, do you wanna briefly summarize the law?
Sure. Thank you, mayor. This is a law that's been a long time in the makings. We've worked with our attorneys, with the PACE Land Use Law Center, and the Housing Action Council to identify those occupations that, you know, the village would be able to legally provide some sort of preference to in future, affordable housing, opportunities. And so, you know, based on discussions that we've had with the board members, we identified those occupations as being in the emergency services field, so police, fire, EMS, as well as in the medical field. And in addition to those, we also sought to give a preference to, veterans, you know, those who have served in the armed forces. So, this law was put together based on the data that was provided by the Housing Action Council and the PACE Land Use Law Center, and it's been circulated to the village planning board and the county planning board. We have memos, detailing their responses in the backup. The planning board was generally supportive of this law. They also asked that in the future if teachers and other other individuals who work in the school system could be included. I think this board also generally agreed with that. But just in the interest of time and looking to get something on the books, we wanted to move forward with it as it was written now. And at some point in the future, we can look at adding, you know, if the data provides for it adding, an educational, preference. The county planning board, you know, kind of gave a non opinion. You know, they said that it was you know, generally, are not in favor of occupational preferences, but they understand the need for municipalities to, you know, to provide for their, emergency services and medical field employees.
• And, you know, interestingly, they also put in the letter that they're looking at their own, that looking at the possibility of instituting their own occupational preferences. So I thought it was that was interesting. Mhmm. But they you know, the key the key point being is that they didn't disprove it. You know, they just basically kind of put it in the in the village's court. So, you know, like I said, this is going to be prospective because that was a question that I received. This doesn't apply to previous affordable housing units. Those will, you know, remain marketed as as they were. But anything new that's developed, you know, the board would be able to require these, preferences be be followed.
• Do have anything to add?
Thank you. You did a good job. I mean, I I was very happy when the the county did not, give us a the way the county operates, it's really not a super majority vote requirement. But not having to go through any of that and not having disapproval from them is it's a good thing. Yes.
Well, I I thought it was, you know, in record shows in in the backup materials, but I thought it was, it it was good. Our our goal is to have, both, both the occupational preferences, and, and support the goals of affordable housing as as defined by the county. And, ultimately, they made the determination based on the data that we can do both. You can you can have these occupational preferences and and still be fostering support for those for those important goals. So I think it's a it's really a win win all around.
Do I have a motion to enter the public hearing or open the public hearing? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye. So this is the public hearing for local law five. Anyone wishing to comment on this, this is your opportunity.
• Seeing no one wishing to comment, do I have a motion to close? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. All in favor? Aye.
• Alright. We proceed to the LWRP and EAF review for local law number five. Manager? Yep. Thank you, mayor.
So we'll start with the EAF. And just as a reminder, this is not we're just, reviewing the law itself. This is not in regards to any specific project. And so, the board just needs to respond to the questions, as to will it have no or small impact or a moderate large impact. So number one what was that? Sorry. The short EAF part two. Yeah. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning regulations? No. No. No. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land? No. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community? No. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused the establishment of a critical environmental area? No. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or affect existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking, or walkway? No. No. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities? No. No. Will the proposed action impact existing public or private water supplies? No. No. Will the proposed action impact existing public or private wastewater treatment utilities? No. No. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic, archaeological, architectural, or aesthetic resources? No. No. Will the proposed action result in adverse change to natural resources? No. Will the proposed action result in an increase in the potential for erosion, flooding, or drainage problems? No. Proposed action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health? No. No. Okay. So we'll prepare the negative declaration for the next meeting.
And, manager, I just have a quick question. Sure. Actually, I I it's a little bit unfortunate there there was no public comment here just because I think this is really bless you. Sorry. Yeah. Interesting issue that Yeah. I, you know, would have would have liked to have sort of heard from the public just to understand or just to have a just a better understanding for at the from the public at large about the impact of this. But my question comes to, like, we we would have preference, but how much is that preference weighted in the application process? And when would we make that decision in terms of carrying out
how how we would weight the preference or would that even be our decision? So that wouldn't be and feel free to jump in, but I mean, it wouldn't be our you know, we would not be selecting. Right? We have a third party administrator that does the actual, like, lottery and verification and that sort of thing. You know, the board we'll just make up a hypothetical situation here. Right? You know, a 30 unit apartment building was gonna be built on, you know, Benedict Boulevard. Mhmm. And so that would be three affordable units that would be part of that development. So you could choose. Right? You could say, alright. We want to have one unit be medical, one unit be emergency services, one unit be for veterans. Or you could, you know, say, you know, it's near the firehouse. All three of them should be emergency services. Right? So you're gonna be able to, as part of the review process, right, say that's, you know, kind of divvy up how the preferences would be applied.
• I'm just trying to think about where that would fall. Right? Because the only people in the lottery
that are showing up Correct. Right. The lottery the lottery process would still take place. Right? You would still people would still have to apply. And, you know, again, hypothetically, let's say the board decided they wanted to have emergency services in those units. And for whatever reason, only two emergency services people Mhmm. Applied for them. Then Sorry. Just Yep. I was just gonna then they would just go down the lottery, whoever was number one would then be given that third unit.
So it wouldn't be like, in these in these occupations, we would give a weight to those occupations. Like, so they would if there's a list of, let's say, Maple Commons where we had 3,000 applications Yep. Everyone in those professions would get
double score. Right? Like, they would get bumped up the list. Yeah. Exactly. They they would be you sorry. Yeah. Just just to be clear, and I just because I was making I wanted to make sure just so we so first, you have the overlay of the marketing preference. So you have to have income qual you have to qualify on an income basis. Yep. So that gets put into a pool. And then within the op the occupational preference pool, we had orders of priority. So those orders of priority were
• emergency service shall have first preference. Medical service shall have second preference. United States veterans shall have third preference. And if no qualified occupational preference is allotted from the the current pool, then the rest of the pool of qualified applicants may rent those units. So that's the sequencing of the weight, but that doesn't mean that there's not a if there's not a specific reason to adjust the the marketing preferences that when you have that application from a housing action council or a third party administrator, there might not there might be other input into that process. Yeah. You understand what I'm saying? I do. Yes. Like Right. The way you're marketing, you we we're not mark we won't market in a discriminatory way, but that doesn't mean that pools will all have the same marketing
that can come through. Does that make sense? Yep. Yep. And it's still the developer working with whoever the developer has chosen to administer the lottery that's actually gonna make the decisions. Yeah. It's
As opposed to us. Yeah. I don't does the developer choose who does it? Think so. I thought we do. Yeah. I think we do. Yeah.
So and we meaning the planning board. Right? I mean, because these applications for developments would, for the most part, now go to the planning board. Correct. But the village has picked who right. I mean, we've we've partnered with Housing Action Council to Right. Right. Right. So yeah. Once you adopt this law Yeah. Those they'll when you'd want to appoint your third party administrator,
administrative monitoring agency, that'll be a resolution that you guys put forward when you're ready to to to appoint that person or that entity.
Yeah. So to be to be clear, just to you know, since I think I said something that was a little different than what the attorney said. So the occupational preferences, right, is first with emergency services, then with the medical field, and then with the veterans. So it's not something that you would choose necessarily for each application. So I I apologize for my misspeaking there. You've already you've kind of established the the precedents in the law. You've already created that. Right? That's correct. But that but could we do a percentage of units? I I the and that's kind of where I was coming from. I I we must have talked about that at one time, but that's not we ultimately must have not decided that. So it is one two three. So if we get
a set of applicants, you know, 10 applicants for that all qualify from an income perspective, And we've got a doctor and a firefighter Yeah. On our list. The firefighter would get preference over the doctor. Correct. If the and then sorry. Just to like throw these like, and then the if that person was a doctor and a veteran, it still doesn't matter. Doc
Doctors doctors supercede. I was gonna say a veteran doctor does not supersede a fire firefighter. Yeah. But a veteran doctor firefighter might Yeah. Then then you're at the top of the list. Yeah. Yes. Might get two units. Yeah. All three. Go for it. Let's put them all. Yeah.
What's the mechanism for us to go back to the recommendation from the planning board to add in people who are in education?
Yeah. So, I mean, we did talk to Housing Action Council about that. Unfortunately, they had a they had a change in leadership. Their longtime director passed away, and so they had some changes in the staff there in addition to that. So they don't currently have the staff capability to do the research that they did for us previously. So we would have to try to find somebody and potentially we we were able to have all that work done free of charge under the county's
shared services program. I I'm not exactly sure what So do we have to issue a whole new law or can we just amend this law to add that in? We would we would have to adopt a new law at some point in the future to amend this this law. Mhmm. So But like just the par basically the paragraph establishing the order. Right. Right. Exactly. But I just, you know, I mean, I wanna if the planning board takes the time to consider the law and make the recommendation, and it's not something that we disagree with, I would like to try to incorporate it if we can. And if we can't incorporate it now, I just I guess I wanna understand
Yeah. How when moving how are we gonna how are gonna keep track of that? Do we have a timeline for that? What does it look like? I I don't Yeah. No. I mean, I we don't answer. I think we talked I mean, I think we talked about it at some point when we reviewed this law, because I think, like I said earlier, I think the board also the village board felt like they wanted to do that as well. And I went back and I had the conversation with housing action council and that's when I learned that they don't have the capability to do the same level of work that they did for us previously. So we can certainly try to find somebody else to do that for us because you need to have you need to have the data to prove that the preferences would not be discriminatory.
Right. Right? So you need to be able to It's the it's the two factors. It's it's it's both occupation
and and the goals of the affordable Correct. So Wouldn't wouldn't the teachers union have data like that?
It would It's not just teach. No. It's not because it wouldn't just be teachers. It would be everybody working in this In education. Correct. Because chances are if it was just teachers, it probably would not qualify. It would not qualify. Okay. Right? So you would need to include everybody working for school a school district, not just our school district. It would be any school district employees in, you know Teachers' aides. Yeah. Cafeteria workers, secretaries, whatever it might be. Okay. So, yeah, I mean, we you know, there are there are other avenues that we can explore, but it's not gonna be covered under the the shared service agreement that we had. So, you know, we would have to pay to have that have that work done.
And I did speak to the planning board about that, trustee. And I did they that's what they were encouraged that we said that we put in the legislative intent that we want to study it. It's just finding those avenues to study it. Yeah.
Okay. I mean, I think, you know, not forgetting about it and just making it a priority Yep. In
the near future. Yeah. I mean, we are in budget season, and if it's the case that we have to pay to get that information, that's a conversation we can have with also recognizing the possibility that the information, the data might not go our way.
Right. Absolutely. But I just just it's feel like I wanna acknowledge, you know, I wanna Yeah. I appreciate them taking the time to make a recommendation, and I I think that having a path forward for it is something I don't wanna, you know, I wanna acknowledge. The other thing I wanna ask is I know that we disbanded or dissolved, or I don't know what the right word is, the housing task force. But there still is the Croton housing Network. Network. And so what is their I I don't think they were involved in this process. But what is is it in what way is it appropriate to reach out to them or be you know, have them you know, obviously, this is, like, sort of done at this point. But what is what is our relationship with them
on this topic? Well, I mean, so they're they're not affiliated with the village. Right? They're a separate organization. I did correspond with I I don't know if Nance Chatskin is the president of that group or the board of direct whatever her title is. Yep. Still president. Yeah. So I, you know, I corresponded with her about this law.
So she's aware of it. So and I knew that she had feedback that she shared with you. So I guess I'm I was just wondering if like, is the appropriate way
include them in the process, if any? It has no impact on them because they're all previous right? They're all existing units. If if at some point in the future they were able to acquire a new building or if they built something new Mhmm. Then, you know, then they would have to, you know, be involved with the preferences. Right. But, you know, it doesn't it doesn't apply to existing units.
I mean, I think this is kind of covered by the language in the proposed local law, that says that this is subject to applicable law. Right? But in in the sense that this would not this is for the mandatory set aside units, right, when we're developing, you know, multifamily housing of a specific a certain threshold, 10 units or more, and not just generically to, let's say, affordable housing, which is to say if there was a development that like Maple Commons was funded by through the division of homes and community renewal, which obviously has its own criteria, that would be exempt, because it's receiving outside funding and that has its own statutory basis. Is that correct?
I'm not I'm not entirely sure of that. I mean, you know, even even if that was the case that they wouldn't necessarily be required to follow this law, I mean, I don't see there would there necessarily be a problem if they voluntarily Oh, no. That would be amazing. Yeah. I'm just saying that it
not that there's a conflict, but that that that there's a resolution. If they're in a conflict or a contradiction in law scenario between our policy and the poll the the statute, funding, you know, whatever affordable housing program it is. Yep. That would prevail. But this is specifically for
the affordable housing that we're requiring from developers. Yeah. We don't have the authority to override state Exactly. Federal law, even if we wanted to.
Okay. We'll move on to the LWRP review, which should be fairly quick because the WAC met and reviewed this law and found that there were no policies that were applicable. So if there are no comments from the board, we will prepare, the statement of consistency for this law as well.
I was I was absent for that particular WAC meeting, but I I applaud the hard work of those who were there, including trustee Meccariello. Thank you. Did did a good job on all 12 pages.
the signage? Yes. So we also have a request from the state DOT to do a consistency review for curve warning signage along the state roads in the village. And the sorry. The WAC met on Monday to review this and has determined that there was one policy that was consistent, policy 18, to safeguard the vital economic, social, and environmental interests of the state and of its citizens' proposed major actions in the coastal area must give full consideration to those interests and to the safeguards which the state has established to protect. So,
• that was the sole policy that they found applicable, and it was consistent. Yep. And so, if there's no other comments, we can proceed with this. Well, we actually have a vote on this later in the meeting. Okay. So Very good.
Alright. Responses to questions submitted via email, madam. No questions, mayor. Alright. Excellent. Public comment on agenda items. Anyone wishing to comment on any agenda items, this is your opportunity.
• K. Seeing no one wishing to comment on agenda items, we proceed to the report from the village manager. Okay. Alright.
Just a couple of things to talk about this evening. As many in the community are aware, the engineering department has received a change of use application from a convenience store to cannabis dispensary for 370 South Riverside Avenue. The planning board is responsible for evaluating the application in accordance with local zoning regulations and will discuss this matter at its meeting on April 14. In 2021, the village board did not take action to opt out of New York State's cannabis law related to the operation of dispensaries. As a result, cannabis dispensaries are permitted within the village. Retail establishments are permitted use in the C 2 Zoning District under the village code, and New York State has determined that the proposed location meets the applicable distance requirements in state law.
• Regarding Kaplan's Pond, I shared a proposal with the Lansbury Road neighborhood last week to conduct a water and health assessment of Kaplan's Pond. Based on some feedback received, a vote on the proposal has been postponed. The village board and I heard the community's desire not to have an air raider or any other mechanical system at Kaplan's Pond. The assessment that was gonna be undertaken was meant to identify the sources of ex excess nutrient sediment and storm water before they enter into the pond. Once identified, report that would have been prepared would have identified ways to address them before ever reaching the pond. Cornell Cooperative Extension is reviewing the proposal, and I look forward to receiving their comments. Regarding the Quaker Bridge, I've continued to ask Westchester County for a project update but have not received a response as of today. Per the last report, the county advised they were still awaiting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and that the project would be delayed past the initial completion date of June 30. In preparation for the construction work that is to come, the county has completed their tree removal along, along Quaker Bridge Road and Quaker Bridge Road East.
• Route 9, as we've gotten a number of complaints about the accumulated litter along Route 9, that is a state road, and it's, the responsibility of New York State Department of Transportation to remove that litter. Yeah. And reaching out to them, responded that the roadway is on the list to be cleaned and will hopefully be done during their April trash blitz. So, work at Guevara Park has begun as of this week. DPW has been up there doing some site clearing for the, site work that was approved by the board. Bruce will be there over the coming weeks doing things such as, you know, drainage, repairing the existing driveway, extending it, adding additional parking down near the near the house itself. So if you're in that area, you'll see some some work going on. I just wanted to say welcome and congratulations to Anna Zacharakis, who is our new, parking enforcement officer slash school crossing guard. She began, full time on Monday. So welcome, Anna. And then lastly, a reminder that yard waste pickup has resumed in the village. Areas North Of 129 get picked up on the first and third Wednesdays, and areas South Of 129 are picked up on the second and fourth Wednesdays. So that is it. Are there any questions?
I just wanna note that's not in your report. Dobbs is looking really great. Yes. So there are some new benches at Dobbs Yes. That have been installed that looks fantastic. So we I think they're on a great path to being complete, but it's amazing to see the work that's being done there. Yeah. Hopefully, you know, it it's gonna take a little bit longer just because of the the nasty winter weather. They weren't able to start as early as they hoped, so it's gonna take a little longer than expected. But yeah. So it's gonna be a really nice
And so I wanna thank you for the update about Quaker Bridge. We talked about that earlier today. Yep. What how how can we how can we be collaborating or organizing or something to try to get an answer? It just seems to me that even if the answer were, this is gonna be delayed until log something. I just it's very frustrating to me, and this is something that people I don't know if my colleagues are receiving are also getting questions, but I this is a question that people ask frequently. What's the update? It's a it's a major inconvenience Sure. Yeah. For people coming in both directions. So is there something else that we can be doing to be trying to find out an answer? Maybe not necessarily why it's taking but I'm just hearing you say that we can't get an answer is frustrating. To me And answer would be frustrating even if it's one we don't like. So can we do we have a strategy for trying to get an answer from the county?
Absent going down to their offices and knocking on the door, I mean, you know, I've I've I've reached out again today. I've asked our county legislator to to try to help us get an answer. Are they getting stonewalled by the corps really? Well, no. They're waiting they're waiting for the army corps to issue their permit. But we both the town of Cortlandt and myself have asked that they provide us with some sort of press release, talking points Exactly. Make a web make a web page 100%. You know, just something so that we when people call and we can provide information to them. Mhmm. And that's you know, we've been asking for this for a a month now, and there has been response. Nothing. So
and there's a lot of people on these emails. Right. I'm sure. So I just I guess I just wanna sort of say I wanna you know, you and I had this conversation earlier today. Yeah. And we talked about having this conversation here because having this conversation in public is where maybe it can be more effective. But I also you know, as I said, I the question comes up a lot. So Yeah. Getting getting getting some type of and if you think if you can think of something that we could be doing, you know, to be advocating. I don't know, you know, I know trustee Simon is our legis is our government liaison, so I don't know. I mean, I don't it would be for me to call the county and ask would probably be inappropriate, but maybe we have a or not. But, you know, maybe we could have a strategy for how we're gonna try to get something other than a non answer.
• Don't know how to move that forward. I'm to to work with anybody that, you know, wants to try to Yeah. I mean, we can put in for a memo from the board. I mean Yeah. Could we yeah. Could we do that? Can we send can we send a memo to the county? I just don't I don't know what or is that a waste? No. I like, you're partner with As elected officials, you could send it to We could probably send it with the town right. Mean town of Cortlandt. The town of Right. Yeah. Maybe we could so how do we how do we coordinate that, you know, with, like, a letter from all of us asking for just an, you know, an update? I mean, I think if if trustee Simon wanted to reach out to supervisor Becker and, you know, try to put together a joint letter. Mhmm. Okay. Yeah. That would be great. So if we could do if we could do that, that would And be actually, we'll be seeing some of the top county folks in a couple of different meetings in in the next
Make sure it's not But I think, like, talking about it is great, but I do think I feel like at this point, I will something in writing would be really good, I think. Mhmm. That we could point to to our constituents who are saying, how can you not have an answer? I mean, they're they're say they're suffering.
I mean, this is No. I mean, listen. It it is and it's not just I mean, obviously, can the residents are very important, but this is a major inconvenience for the fire department Right? As It's a public safety issue as well. So, you know, we have a responsibility to provide fire protection to the residents of the T Town area. Right? And so we have to send everybody all the way down Route 9 and into Crotonville and it's, yeah. It's, you know, it's not just it's not just resident inconvenience. Well, the new bridge will remedy that, but correct me if I'm wrong, the old bridge didn't take a fire truck for for some time. The old bridge, it was limited in what it could what it could take. Yes. So it wouldn't it wouldn't it wasn't able to take the ladder or the, like, the tanker, the heavy heavy equipment. Yeah. Could take a fly car. Yes. Correct. It could take the chief's cars. It could take the, you know, the EMS.
Yeah. Yeah. So if if we can have a timeline for at least a letter, you know, maybe, I don't know, target a week or two weeks, whatever, can work with schedules. I'm happy to help raise my hand to help draft something. Yeah. We'll we'll draft it very very quickly.
Alright. From there, we move to the consent agenda. Do I have a motion on the consent agenda?
Just wanna I just point out that, you know, as to trustee Nicholson's point with Dobbs Park, we're accepting one of the one of the benches was donated in memory of Yes. Mike Girardi. So that's one of the new ones that you see there. And so you're you're accepting the donation tonight.
Yes. Wonderful man. Was a coach for many many years in the little league program. And, yeah, it's wonderful to see. As well as the other bench being dedicated to mister Casey, who I knew as mister Casey, who is a social studies teacher at PVC for many, many years and really a beloved teacher. So seeing both those names on the agenda,
it's really appreciative of their their their families for donating these benches. And, of course, Kathy Girardi who brought about the donation on behalf of mister Girardi. He's still very active in a lot of our organizations and and groups. Yes.
• Alright. From there, we proceed. I
how do we handle the approved resolution? I mean, I would It was there. It was there. We put it on the agenda in case any from from the public wanted to comment on it. I mean
Okay. So we don't yeah. We don't have to we don't have to make a motion or anything. I don't know if the board has anything else they wanted to No. Just watch them. So make sure that we need to do anything else. No. We don't. Okay. Said it all last week. Yep. The proposed resolutions. Okay.
Whereas the village of Croton-on- Hudson has adopted a local waterfront revitalization program to guide the use of its waterfront in adjacent areas in a manner consistent with sound waterfront planning and environmental protection principles. Where are you? Keep going. No. You keep going down. Under we're under proposed. There you go. Whereas the village of Cardinal Hudson has received a referral for the review of curb warning signage along state roadways in the village. And whereas on 04/06/2026, the village's waterfront advisory committee reviewed the proposed project for consistency with the policies of the LWRP. Whereas the WAC has evaluated the policies of the LWRP and determined that the following policy is relevant to the proposed project, policy 18. And whereas the WAC has in issued its recommendation of consistency with the LWRP, Now, therefore, be it resolved that the village board of trustees hereby declares the proposed improvements to curb warning signage by the New York State Department of Transportation to be consistent with the village's local waterfront revitalization program.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion? Is that it all? Alright. All in favor?
Whereas local law introductory number three of 2026 has been drafted to address a number of inconsistencies within the zoning code, update certain definitions, and amend the number of file permitted on residential properties. Whereas on 02/04/2026, the village board of trustees declared itself lead agency for seeker purposes. And whereas on 03/25/2026, the village board of trustees undertook the process and review described in detail in parts two and three of the short EAF determination of significance attached here too. And whereas the village board held a public hearing to consider local launch deducting number three of 2026, which was opened and closed on 03/25/2026. And whereas based on the feedback received during and after the public hearing, the village board has decided not to amend the number of foul permitted on residential properties until further review can be undertaken. And whereas the village board has received a recommendation of consistency with the Waterfront Advisory Committee with the village's local waterfront revitalization program. And whereas village board must make its own determination of consistency with the LWRP policy standards and conditions, and whereas on 03/25/2026, the village board reviewed the LWRP policy standards and conditions. Now therefore be it resolved as follows. The village board of trustees determines that after reviewing the LWRP policy standards and conditions, none were found to be applicable for the proposed action. And be it further resolved that based upon the above, the village board of trustees confirms its determination that the proposed action to address a number of inconsistencies within the zoning code and update certain definition complies with the policy standards and conditions set forth in the village's LWRP, and be it further resolved that the village board of trustees hereby issues and adopts EAF parts two and three determination of significance attached tier two, and adopts a negative declaration in connection with this action, be and it further resolved that the village board of trustees hereby adopts local launch directory number three of 2026
• to amend chapter two thirty zoning to address a number of inconsistencies within the zoning code and update certain definitions, which upon adoption becomes local law number five of 2026.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
Well, manager, as you indicated in your memorandum, we and and as suggested by the resolution itself, we've removed the foul provisions, and we'll return to them subsequent to our planner doing some research on best practices and what some of the other communities are doing Yes. With respect to numbers and distance from setbacks and and related issues. So we'll be we will be returning to the to the foul questions. Yeah. Ho hopefully, we can have that for the the work session in May. Yeah. You know, I I imagine it won't take very long for for the planner to pull that together. To look at that. And and then we did get some feedback around nuisance pest species, pigeons.
Yes. So I think yeah. We're gonna we're gonna look at all animals and all their forms. So because there was a lot of, you know, there was a lot of feedback that came in after after we had that Yeah. Initial hearing. Yeah. So I think that will be it will give us a good it will give us a a chance to review everything and make sure that we all agree in the direction that we wanna go. Yeah. Great. So
• Alright.
• Resolution c. Did we vote on that? No. Sorry. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Thank you, manager. Okay.
Whereas it is in the best interest of the village of Courtland Hudson to take such actions as may be necessary and proper to administer the enforcement of summonses returnable to the Courtland Hudson village court and to provide for the collection of fine and penalty attendance thereto. Whereas the board of trustees wish to provide an opportunity for defendants before said court to dispose of their matters in an orderly fashion. Now therefore be it resolved that the village of Courtland Hudson, board of trustees hereby establish an initiative known and identified as the the twenty twenty six justice court amnesty and compliance project. And be it further resolved that such initiative comprised of three periods shall commence on 06/01/2026 and conclude on 08/31/2026. To be further resolved that the period of matters to be covered by such initiative shall be 01/01/2018 through 03/31/2024. And be it further resolved that the village seeks to offer a discount in the amount of 50% of the outstanding balance of fines and penalties due and owing the village court from participants covered in this initiative. And be it further resolved that the provisions of this resolution shall take effect immediately and be it further resolved that the village manager is hereby authorized to execute the agreement with Fundamental Business Service Inc and take any other actions necessary to implement this resolution.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
So this, we talked about this a little with the prosecutor Mhmm. At, last month's work session. So, you know, it came to our attention from our ticket vendor, fundamental business services, FBS, that, you know, we had a number of outstanding tickets. Not not an excessive number, but a significant number. There's, you know, about 3,000 tickets from 2018 to 2024 that are currently unpaid. Mhmm. And so the thought was to focus on the tickets that are outside the the
• window that could be, summary judgment. Right? So that more than two years old. So we're looking at those from 2018 to 2024, and, you know, 50% was chosen as the reduction so that, basically, whatever, penalties have accrued would basically be wiped away, and the people would just have to pay the act the actual fine that was incurred. Right? So Mhmm. You know, so that was the that was the idea behind that. So, you know, I had I had spoken with the judge about this previously. He was supportive of doing some sort of program. We heard from the prosecutor that he was in support of it. So I think at this point, we're ready to move forward with it. And as the I don't I don't think the resolution said it, but it says it in the agreement that FBS is responsible for all the costs. Right? This there's no cost to the village for this. You know, they take a they take a portion as they do with any with all our tickets, they take a portion of the money that comes in. Mhmm. But, you know, we'll basically be getting money that we otherwise wouldn't have gotten. Mhmm. Yeah. So. That's a good experiment. Yeah. So we'll see. We'll try this. Yeah. I you know, it's certainly we haven't done it in a long time if we've ever done it.
So it's exactly related in terms of structure, but, you know, we went years without ever having done a tax lien. And then did the first one, I think, four years ago, and it's turned out to be a useful process for us to pursue.
Yes. Absolutely. Not summary judgments, enforce the judgment, but you're good. Thank you. Yeah. I I didn't think I was saying the right thing. I was trying to come up with the right word. But You had the intent. Yeah.
Understood the context. Yes. Thank you. Thank you for moving quickly on this. I mean, this prosecutor was just recently sitting here talking to us, asking for another tool in his toolkit, you know, to to be able to address these issues. So thank you for moving swiftly on it. Yep. No no problem. I'm happy to,
to get this going. And like I said, hopefully, it's, you know, it brings some additional revenue in to, you know, to the court. Yeah.
So in the agreement, it talks about notifications being mailed out. Is there is that like, should if, hypothetically, one had one of these, long overdue tickets, should they wait till they get the notice in the mail or should they can they reach out, you know, there's something I mean, they they
if they wanted to reach out now, that would be wonderful, but the program doesn't start till June 1. Right? So they would have to they you know, at at any point, I think after June 1, if they wanted to, you know, call the court and
pay, they could do that, I would think. But the the the discount, in effect, the amnesty on on the on the penalties does not take place does not take effect until June 1. Correct. Yeah. So if somebody paid their ticket this week,
you know, that was from 2019, let's say, that the they would still be paying the full Yep. Penalties. Yeah. Yeah. And then we are also responsible for providing wide public notice via the local newspaper Yes. And village website. Yeah. That that, you know, I I I personally think that most of these tickets are probably not local people because we have right. I mean, we have ways we, you know, if anyone ever applies for any sort of parking permit, right, we run it through the and they're not allowed to they can't purchase a permit until their tickets are paid. Right? So we, you know, we have ways to check these things. Mhmm. But, you know, if it's somebody who's not local, you know, that doesn't have the same it doesn't have the same effect. So but, yeah, we we will absolutely, you know, put it through the you know, put it out through our communication channels. We'll put it in the we can put it in the newspaper and, you know, we'll see what happens.
Whereas the village is undertaking a renovation of the Dobbs Park playground and basketball court, and whereas on 09/24/2025, the village board awarded the bid for this work to Peter j Landy Inc, and whereas a change order has been submitted as part of the project to install bollard lighting along the walkway in the park, And whereas it is in the best interest of the village to have this work completed during the renovation of the park, now therefore be it resolved, that the village manager is hereby authorized to approve change order number one for bid number 12 of 20 '25 in the amount of $10,250.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
Bollard lighting is a very attractive aspect Yes. Of a park, so that's that's Yeah. This was,
I think I may have mentioned this at the last meeting. We decided to move forward with this change order. One, for the aesthetics of it. It it looks much nicer. But we've also gotten complaints in the past from neighbors in the area because, you know, they're they're bay they're basically streetlighting, right, that's in the park. And so it would shine into people's 2nd Floors and their back, you know, the it would it was a little bit of a of a nuisance for some of the neighbors. Mhmm. So, you know, this seemed like a great opportunity to fix multiple issues. Right. So
Whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson is acting as the municipal sponsor for the Van Cortlandt Manor entrance project to reconfigure the entrance, enhance site safety, and improve visitor experience at the National Historic Landmark. And whereas the village board of trustees awarded the contract for this work to Remus Industries of Ossining, New York on 12/17/2025, whereas design changes during the course of the project have resulted in change order number four being submitted. And whereas historic Hudson Valley has reviewed the proposed change order and determined that the additional work is necessary for the successful completion of the project, and whereas per the agreement executed by the village in HHV, all costs for this project that exceed the funding amount allocated by the New York State Department of Transportation are the sole responsibility of HHV, and therefore be resolved that the village board of trustees hereby authorizes the village manager to approve change order number four in the total amount of $6,997.50.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion?
I just happened to be down there, I think yesterday, and, there's there was no doubt there's a lot of work going on. Yeah. So this is this is good news and and change orders will occur from time to time. But I'm I'm glad the project really seems to be underway after after a number of bits and starts. And I've gotten a
number of calls and texts from people who just happen to be driving by on Route 9 and say, what's going on in the Blaze? Right? You know? And I'm like, don't worry. The Blaze will still be there. It's just, you know, they're they're working to enhance it.
That's what I was gonna say. Can you put out a communication update? I know it's not our project. Yep. Right? It's historic Hudson Valley. But maybe you can explain that, you know, just to folks like, hey, you might have seen
Yeah. This what our role is versus what their role is, but this is what That's a great that's a great topic. Yeah. Yeah. Good news for everybody. Yeah. Was gonna say that's a good news letter. Yeah. Yep. With some pictures.
Whereas the village of colonel Hudson orders various T shirts and polo shirts for recreational programs and village staff, and whereas on 02/19/2026, the village published a request for proposals for screened sportswear. And whereas a total of six proposals were received by the deadline of 03/19/2026, and whereas the village manager has reviewed the proposals and recommended that the contract be awarded to Empire Printing LLC of Springfield, Missouri. Now therefore be it resolved that the village manager is hereby authorized to award the contract for screened sportswear at Empire Printing LLC of Springfield, Missouri for the period of 04/01/2026 through 03/31/2028.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Nicholson. Discussion.
This is the same vendor that we've used for a number of years now. You know, their pricing was very competitive, so we're happy to continue with them.
• Alright. Public comment on non agenda items. Anyone wishing to comment on anything? This is your opportunity. Please state your name and address. You have five minutes.
Thank you. My name is Dave. I live on Farrington. Thank you for this time to speak. Have you noticed the increase in noise and air pollution since I was last here? Yeah. We all have. Trustees, mayor, it does not have to be like this. Every time I'm here, you all say, yeah. Something should be done, or I agree with you, or it's on our list. We've had four years to educate and properly enforce. It did not happen. And now we're tired of the unhealthy noise and air pollution. Regarding some questions from last meeting, Ossining does have a good idea. Total gas ban for properties under one half acre. That means houses that are close together. One crew contaminates many houses. This is the right idea, but it seems very difficult to enforce, especially in a town like Croton where we don't even have a code enforcement officer currently. And only one officer is not enough because even with the great progress from last year's 17 tickets, there are crews all over town and one officer cannot catch them all. Trustee Nicholson was a 100% right. We shouldn't be last or behind if we're gonna be progressive or committed to progress or lead the way in clean energy and green transportation. I did some research on other Westchester towns. I'll give you a copy each when I'm finished. In Ossining, there are no gas leaf blowers on properties under one half acre. This started in 2023. They have a seasonal gas ban during spring and fall, and you can only use two machines at one time. The police department enforces this. Fines start at $1.50 and rise. The population there is 30,000 people. In White Plains, complete gas leaf blower ban in '24. No exemptions. Several code enforcement officers and the police department enforce this.
• The operator and the property owner can be fined. Start at $2.50, they go to 500, then a thousand. Their population is 62,000 people. In Larchmont, we have got a complete gas leaf blower ban that started in 2020. No exemptions. Seasonal battery ban. You can only use a battery or an electric machine in Larchmont for six weeks in the spring and two months in the fall. That's it. The police department enforces that. Fines start at $2.50. They go 500, then a thousand. They have a population of 6,600 people. In Irvington, complete gas leaf blower ban from '23. 2023, no exemptions. Operator, employer, and the property owner can be fined. The police department enforces that rule. The fines start at $2.50, then they go to 500. The thing about Irvington, they have landscaper registration. They know who's doing business in their town. Does Croton? Population 6,600. And then we get to our town. Seasonal gas leaf blower ban in the summer and the winter, exemptions for town properties, exemptions for schools, exemptions for parks, enforced by a single code enforcement officer when employed on the weekdays and the police department on the weekends, fines up to $250. Population, 8,300. These other towns are completely banning gas leaf blowers with police department enforcement, and we're happy with 17 tickets in four years and a seasonal ban? Obviously, Croton is lagging embarrassingly behind. These are laws like speeding or burning tires that harm our community, spread filth, and should be taken seriously with serious penalties and consequences. Why not here in Croton? Let's do it together. Thank you. I'll see you again in two weeks.
• Thank you.
We'll follow-up. If you don't have enough, I'm just gonna Thank you. I'll be out. One more. Thank you. Thanks.
Alright. We proceed to reports from the from the members of the board, I should say. Trustee Slippen. You wanna go first, mayor? No. I'm good.
You didn't I thought you said that. Okay. So I guess thank you, Dave from Farrington, for coming Thank you. Religiously. And I guess I mean, like, yeah. I mean, I yeah. I have noticed. So I guess my question is how how do we is there a way for us to have this con like, know we have had this conversation. Is it time for us to have another conversation? How do we like, obviously, we don't have it right now right here. Is it I can't it's not I don't have power to put things on a work session. I don't it's I don't have power to refer something to the CAC or the sustainability committee or wherever this goes. But I think that it that sounds like to me maybe it would be the first step. Maybe not a whole work session topic, but maybe a referral to one of our committees where this is you know, where where they make a recommendation to us and either say to us that what we're doing is exactly right or that there's space for improvement. That's why we have these committees set up. So I am just one voice on this board, but I appreciate you coming and for years, your dedication to this topic.
• I would like us to find some way to maybe refer it to one of the committees to come back to us and have a further about this. I don't know what that looks like, but I would be in favor of doing that, in some capacity. So I don't know where it goes from here. But I I I would I would I would like to understand why we're doing things the way we are when other communities are doing it them the way they are. And maybe what we find out is what we're doing is perfectly fine for a variety of reasons, but I don't you know, it the the requests seem reasonable, and like something that one of our committees could handle. Would probably like to handle. Right? They they like to be, you know, they they I think that that I I would like to do that. So that's my suggestion on that topic. Couple other things. There was a I don't know if am I allowed to mention GoFundMe's that are happening in the Okay. So there was a fire on Palmer a few weeks ago, and there's a pretty robust GoFundMe happening. I get the sense that even small donations are really helpful. So, obviously, we can't share that on our website or in any other way, I don't think. But if you Google the, you know, GoFundMe and Palmer Avenue Fire in Croton, it will come up. Mhmm. So if people are able to help one of our neighbors, I would encourage them to do so. Also speaking of GoFundMe's and the Route 9 Cleanup, our environmental champion, John Aylor, is doing amazing work cleaning lots of things up. And he's in the pros he also set up a GoFundMe, to further that work and set up, right now he's in the process of setting up an organiz an organization that could more formalize the work that's being done.
• Right now it's being done sort of tangentially to a committee in the village, but he's trying to do so. So if you have even a little bit, that you could donate, those are two ways you can make a really huge impact in the community, right now. I wanted to say that I went to the library on Monday night for the kickoff meeting for the renovations that are happening. There's a robust website that's page on their website that talks about it. I think we're gonna be hearing a lot more about it because the library budget is voted on with the school budget, and this is gonna be a main topic there. I
• my family benefited greatly from the library. I think that everyone who lives here benefits from the library in so many ways. And there are some really exciting, you know, interesting cosmetic changes that are being proposed, but also the building is in pretty bad shape. So, I would ask that people get informed on that, you know, and and let's try to support our library, in the way that we can. I wanted to thank the neighbors of Kaplan Pond who really come out to defend their little our little ponds. And I think that and and I wanna thank the manager also because, there was I think that the intention is to do right by the neighborhood. And, you know, sometimes it takes more than one try, but we are definitely we're definitely getting there. And I know that Kaplan Pond is fabulous the way it is, but there is probably some room for improvement and work by working with the neighbors, we're definitely gonna get there.
• The oh, I'm excited to go to Little League Parade on Saturday because I've never gone before. My kids all played other sports than Little League. So, I'm really looking forward to doing that. I'm sure many of my colleagues will be there also, and many people in the village. So I wanted to say that. Also, I guess there's a big blood blood shortage, and I am pretty sure that, assembly member Levenberg is hosting a blood drive in Ossining.
I didn't write down the oh, no, I did. There's something on Monday that she's hosting. I think it's for organ donation, but I might be wrong.
Oh, maybe it is. Maybe I maybe I just was well No. It's it's a blood donation on Oh, yeah. You're right. Whatever date it is. So I will share that, and maybe you I know that we have blood drives here also. It's on April 13. That's right. We can we can put it on back. We could share that out, but I just wanted to say it, because it is another great way to if people are into donating blood, it's a really great thing to do. So maybe we could share I if you see it, maybe we could share it on our Facebook Yeah. Or wherever it is, but I did just wanna mention it. And then finally, I know there are a lot of events between now and then, but the arts and humanities committee has been working really hard for a really long time on this peace poll donation, that is the and the they worked with DPW, and the peace poll is now set up. And now there's this great collaboration between Arts and Humanities Committee and the Garden Committee, and it's just such a it was a labor of love and so thoughtfully done, and I'm so glad that it's now on the calendar for May 16, and it's all gonna come together really nicely. And I think it's, you know, with everything happening in the world right now, we're all gonna be really happy to have an opportunity to kind of celebrate peace together on May 16. So I'm looking forward to all of that coming together, and I appreciate those committees. The members of those two committees really have collaborated so nicely to make this a really beautiful, installation at the, down at the Riverwalk. So that's my report.
Thank you. And I would agree with your recommendation to ask the committees, the appropriate committees, to revisit the gas blower usage and how we approach that. So I definitely would support, getting more data on that and looking at that. Thank you. On April, the Waterfront Advisory Committee met, of which deputy mayor Simon is chair and attended along with myself. We reviewed the new proposed village sign law and the Department of Transportation, as the village manager mentioned, is going to be replacing new curve signs, which is great. They're funding it. It's federally funded, not village funded. But I think that living in our community and driving along Route 9, everyone knows how curvy it is. So getting new signs that are consistent across the state will be very helpful and appreciated.
• And so there'll be about eight eight new signs there. The other thing I just wanna mention is, on April 14, there is, an annual Westchester Countywide Holocaust commemoration, again on April 14 from twelve to one, and it's at the Garden Of Remembrance in White Plains. And it's the event is free, and it's open to the public rain or shine. I will be attending. And you too? Okay. So great. And so just wanna mention that because it is an annual event and for anyone that might be interested in going. The last thing I wanna mention, which is new for me to bring up as a new member on the board, so I hope I'm not doing something inappropriate, but you'll you'll let me know. But it's all with positive intent. It's regarding the dispensary matter. You know, my understanding is that most municipalities that have retail dispensaries have more than one, typically two or more, you know, even if they're small villages. And New York State says that there are distance requirements. So for village our size, where the law says that we can have a second, you know, to it needs to be a thousand feet apart, essentially. And a thousand feet is less than a quarter mile. So, like, if you think of it in terms of blocks, it's really not much at all. And while this does not impact the current applicant, I just wanna make a suggestion more looking forward. So I'd like to make a motion that the board of trustees direct the village planner and the appropriate staff to evaluate and prepare a potential zoning text and or map amendment regarding the siting of adult use cannabis dispensaries in the C2 Retail District. Specifically, this evaluation should consider whether such uses would be more appropriate located
• in the southernmost portion of C 2, aka the strip mall ShopRite area, which has greater parking, capacity, and access. As part of this process, I further move that this matter be referred to the Planning Board to review and recommend pursuant appropriate discreet with ample parking.
• So the planning board reviews to Village Lawn that any proposed amendments be subject to SECRA review and future public hearing before this board.
• You know, what the only thing that seems to be in this board's control is zoning law. And so, you know, we've we've opted in. We can't change that. But what we can at least have a discussion around is future zoning. And, you know, I personally would hate to see a second dispensary located within a quarter mile on the same block. And right now, our law is making that viable. And if this applicant is successful in his business or her business, you know, it could attract another business that says, hey. I want a piece of that business pie. So I would like to explore, you know, future ways to zone this that would be kind of at the you know, where there's more ample parking and toward the end of the C 2.
I'd like to I would second that motion. I also think that there is an opportunity here to you know, I I have some real concerns about the location of the applicant from a school perspective. I know that there is some legislation from at the state level looking at the loophole around preschools and daycare centers and the distance the distance between a dispensary and a day care center and a preschool. So that may get worked out at the state level, but I also think from a zoning perspective, that's something that I believe that we can take on. There's some limitations.
We could talk about it in the House Council. Give you some of the ins and outs on it. Yeah. And we could also loop in your planner as well. Yeah. We're happy to have a discussion. I don't know whether it's a motion or or Yeah. Don't know if you need it. But we could just have a conversation.
I mean, just just a a point of clarification because I look I just looked it up. The distance between the cannabis dispensaries is 2,000 feet in municipalities population less than 20,000. If your population is more than 20,000, it's a 1,000 foot distance. So we act so we have a 2,000 foot distance. So Okay. I I don't I think most of Harman would will be covered by this one. Right? You know, I don't think that C 2 is more than 2,000 feet in any one direction there. So I just I just wanted you to I just wanted you to then. Am. Yeah. No. But I Thank you for I just want you to be feel a little more comfortable with thousand. Yeah. So it's it's 2,000 feet. Okay. So but, I mean, you know, generally and, you know, mayor, I don't know if you wanna you know, you have a motion in a second. But, you know, generally, we don't refer matters to the planning board. You know, the planning board, it stated in village law how this process works. Right? The village board in a in consultation with the manager and the staff and the attorney put together legislation, and then you then you refer it to the villa the planning board for for a comment. You, you know, you have to you have to refer to the planning board. You have to refer to the county planning board. You have to refer to the Waterfront Advisory Committee. Right? There's all these steps that have to be followed. So my suggestion would be that we follow the established procedure. Yeah. I'm more than happy to have the conversation. I mean, the the attorney and myself and the planner have already had this conversation. We kind of already been talk having conversations already. Yeah. So you know? And I mean
Yeah. I don't mean to, like, buy No. I know. I'm just saying. Sidestep the normal process,
but I okay. I was gonna I I think it's a very worthy conversation to have. And we had done some preliminary maps, you know, way back in in 2022 when we were considering this that that showed where where the distances would so there's certain there's a certain unlikely hood of of that occurring just because by by the time you move in any direction, you actually are at a church or at a school. Well, yeah. I mean, the upper the upper village is boxed out completely. Right? Exactly. Because of all the churches. Yeah. So I think it's it's a worthy conversation to have. I don't know that we specifically need a motion on that. I'd I'd you'd offer We're already working on with the planner, and we're happy to move. Yeah. But I think a work a work session or a advice of council session where we can roll up our sleeves and look at the maps and discuss, you know, what what the issues are with respect to boundaries, you know, might might be the way to go. That would be great. Yeah. You know, because Why don't we do that? I I think that
another applicant could come up at any time and, you know, I I would just love to be proactive about it. Well, and I think,
you know, particularly since the mayor and I, you know, had the privilege of being on the board back back in 2021 when this when this was starting. Yeah. And we we have our our colleagues to my left, you know, that that that weren't, which which means that Mhmm. That, you know, we we should be bringing back a lot of the data and a lot of the measurements. And we actually even had I believe we had our engineering department, you know, working on some of some maps. Yeah. Made made some maps on distances. So we'll get we'll get all that be great. Refresh all that, bring it back, and have a good session. That would be really helpful because I also think that I I'd like to understand
correct me if I'm wrong, that you all were under the impression that a preschool would be counted as a school. Yes. Oh, very much so. Right. We all we all we all went we did not anticipate that the Harmon area would be The the the deemed deemed Yeah. Absolutely. Available.
school, daycare, preschool was just never came up. Yeah. So if I I mean, it really it has to it has to do with it has to do with the how that particular entity is registered with New York State, right? Whether they're licensed through the education department versus A daycare. Yeah. Versus the office of children and family services. Right? So this this, you know, I'm
I'm not doing any news flash bulletin here. This is this will not be the first failure of the cannabis board in terms of communication and interpretation of of the law. So Yeah. They they previously
changed their guidance in regards to distance requirements as to measuring from property bound
Yeah. It it's happened before, but OCM is, you know we're kind of boxed in by the OCM currently. Thank
you. I appreciate that. I think that, you know, from a, you know, we've gotten a lot of feedback and email, and there's been some conversation in the community. So I think it's nice to have a conversation in public Agree. About this this this topic because it is important, and, you know, people have a lot of feelings around it. So happy that we get we're able to have this conversation. So thank you for bringing it up. I think the Conservation Advisory Council is ready, willing, and able to take on the gas blower and relook at our our current current law there. I think that they've already done some research, and would be happy to take it up. Their next meeting is, it is the twenty first. No. I'm sorry. Yes. The twenty sixth. So they meet the fourth. No. I'm sorry. I'm in wrong month. Sorry, everybody. The twenty first. So they meet the third Tuesday of every month. So, you know, they would be the appropriate committee, and I think that they'd be willing to take it up for sure. Just to let everyone know, the Lorraine Hansberry committee met last night. I was on that meeting. They are working very hard on the Lorraine Hansberry birthday celebration, which will be on May 17 this year. That's all I have. Good.
Thank you, trustee Nicholson. First of I wish, to I wanna make sure that, or I hope, I should say, that everyone had a good Easter and Passover in Ramadan since Ramadan was just ending, I think, when we had our last meeting. So I hope everyone had a good holiday in what whatever whatever you were celebrating. Let's see. On March 27 at the mayor's request, I attended the Sustainable Westchester annual meeting, which was held at Pace University Law School, and it was the occasion of the passing of the torch from executive director, Noam Bransome, who's leaving, to the interim executive director, Tom Watson, whose career has focused on nonprofit management. And he's got a very comprehensive and, I think, impressive agenda for the period ahead that includes programs like green my power, municipal engagement, black gold, solar, and BESS support and work force development. And as I'm thinking, as we're talking about all of this, I think there's a good possibility we can engage with them a little bit on the on the question of gas powered leaf blowers. So we've got briefings from from all of their key staff at the meeting, and and I I think there's just reasons to be optimistic about sustainable Westchester's future and and and how we can we can work with them. On February 27, the mayor and I also attended the the annual Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day, where we honor the Vietnam veterans who served their country honorably and came home in many instances to a very hostile or indifferent environment. Our own American Legion, Fox Eckloff, post five zero five was very well represented among the attendees. We rotate the hosting of this on on an annual basis with with Cortlandt and and Buchanan. So it'll it'll be here probably next year, I think, is ours or the year after.
• And as I previously mentioned, speaking of of our of our team here, the the Rotary Club is spearheading a thank you event for our DPW for their courageous and tireless work during our multiple big snow events this year. Information can be found, It's first letter in this current week's Gazette, or on Facebook in the, Rotary or Croton community, Facebook pages. All the information is there. There's a QR code for people who, individually want to, wanna contribute, and all the information that you need is available for that. And that'll be, March 20 at, Sunasqua. And let's see. Just moving on.
• As of Monday, the bikes are back. As we've discussed during the past several months, the winter hibernation for bike share is officially over, and the bikes have been back since since April 6. Our planned expansion to Senasqua and North Riverside is underway, and those hubs will be operational as soon as possible. Thank you to the manager and DPW superintendent Balby, bicycle and pedestrian committee chairman Matt Arnold, and association of businesses in Croton, president Brian Dayo for their work on on the location of the expansion sites. And we're looking forward to another great bike share season in Croton. And we we've mentioned the the GoFundMe for the the unfortunate family that from Palmer that that had had the fire by pure coincidence. So the manager and I were at the fire council literally as as their work was ending. As a matter of fact, the fire council meeting was delayed for about an hour because even though the the fire was early afternoon, our our fire department was there for five and a half hours working on that and doing everything they could to to save the house. So credit to them. And and chief Columbo said, you know, very emphatically that this is a great example of why they do the training, you know, because it was the training that they constantly do week in and week out that allowed them to to save as much of of that property as possible and and, of course, to make sure there was no no injuries. So I think we owe them all a thank in that regard. And last but not least, a sad note. Some of you might have heard that Bernard Duran, who everyone knows as Butch, passed away suddenly, April 1, just a week ago today,
• at a relatively young age of 64. He built many homes in Croton over a long career, including the one my family is so happy to live in. He worked very closely with our engineering department over the years, and I think they would attest to his integrity and creativity and dedication to quality and home building. There is at least one Butch Duran house in every neighborhood in in Croton. He worked very hard on to to make Croton better. And and those houses are, in in many ways, his his own enduring legacy. I attended his funeral yesterday. It was very well attended by so many people and presided over by pastor Justin Johnson from All Saviors Lutheran. Butch was a proud resident of Croton with a great home that that he built for him and his family on on Grand. So our condolences go to his, wife, Linda, and, his daughter, Elena. Thanks.
That's it. Thank you, deputy mayor. I want to thank John Ehler for the great start to the clean committee's regular cleanups. This was at on Riverside Avenue, North Riverside area, last Saturday. And despite it being a holiday weekend, we had a pretty robust turnout. So, great credit to John for promoting it online and for continuing his service on the CAC Conservation Advisory Council despite having stepped down as chair. And John and I are in the midst of very productive conversations about furthering this concept for support for some of the through the adopt a highway program. So, hopefully, we'll have some public updates in the near future. On that, in terms of the suggestions from the board, I think it makes total sense for us to have a work session on the leaf blower topic. I would say that given where we are right now, probably after the budget, the good news is the budget is gonna be done by April 22. And then as the manager indicated, the planner and the attorney are working on the zoning front for cannabis. So I look forward to whatever update that they're gonna have on that, and I assume that will be also be forthcoming.
Yes. Yeah. You know, we have the legislation that we have previously discussed about updating the special permit language in the code. Right? Some uses will no longer require a special permit. Other uses may that currently don't require a special permit may require a special permit. So it we're gonna look at it in that in that aspect. That's good. Yeah. So more more to come on that for sure.