Board of Trustees Meeting
Alright. Welcome to our July 5, regular meeting with the court on Hudson's 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 for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Alright. Our first item of business is the approval of vouchers.
For tonight's vouchers, the totals are as follows. The General Fund is $115,594.02. The Water Fund, $2,077.52. The Sewer Fund, $217.86. The Capital Fund, $66,572.40. The Trust Fund, $9,880.22 for a grand total of $194,342.02. And manager Healy had and might have mentioned that looking through other municipalities audits, we're we're going to begin just keeping in the minutes the the claim numbers that are approved in each each audit. So for tonight, the lowest the starting claim number is 21227020, and the highest is 21227340. And that just includes the range of claims either being paid or some of them were deleted just as far as correcting any clerical errors for this this warrant.
Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion by Trustee Gulalia, second by Trustee Simon. All in favor? Aye. All
right. We proceed to the public hearings. First public hearing is on local law number eight of 2022 to amend various chapters of the village code to update provisions related to fees,
which was held over from our previous meeting. Before we open the hearing, manager, would you like to briefly summarize the changes? Sure. Thank you, mayor. So based on the feedback that we had received from
both the superintendent of schools and at our last meeting, we have amended local law introductory number eight to remove the references to the change to the film chapter. So we're gonna remove that change and take a comprehensive look at our film chapter and decide what changes need to be made there in addition to to further explaining what would be required of students, if anything. And so the local law now just references the three previous changes that were in there, which were
Correct. So it refers to the building permits, fees, the extension fee being codified as well as the games of chance license, that fee, and then
the revised one. Yeah. Thank you. That one. And then this is the vending in the parks. So it's just which these are all things that are currently in practice. We're just codifying them so that it's it doesn't leave it any room for for error.
Right. Any members of the public wishing to comment on local law number eight of 2022, please approach the podium.
Seeing no one wishing to comment, do I have a motion to close the public hearing? Second. Motion by Trustee Horowitz, second by Trustee Simon. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Do I have a motion on the resolution?
Do like me to read it? Okay. Whereas the village would like to amend various chapters of the village code to update provisions related to fees, and whereas local introductory number eight of 2022 has been drafted to reflect such language, and whereas a public hearing on local introductory number eight was opened on June 21 and closed on 07/05/2022. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees hereby adopts local law introductory number eight of 2022 to amend various chapters of the village code to update provisions related to fees, which upon adoptions become adoption becomes local law number eight of 2022.
Aye. Mayor, if I could just add one really just a footnote to this conversation insofar as we're we're gonna take another look down the road at the whole question of, fees for filming. And and I think, you know, we ought to be charging, whatever is appropriate and necessary and fair from the point of view of the village. But, I think also, you know, given the explosion of, filming work from Hollywood and other places that's taking place in Westchester County, one thing I'd love to do is is see if there are ways that, that we should be things that we should be pursuing, to encourage more filming in the in the Croton area. It's great locations, great backgrounds, and and I think we could we could definitely benefit from that as some of our neighbors already are from Yonkers on North. Yeah. The the unfortunate thing, which trustee Galelli knows what I'm gonna say, is that we fall outside the 35 mile radius from Manhattan.
And so that's Union markets. Yes. Yeah. Well, we need to start talking to the Canadians then.
We can, you know, we can absolutely look at things to help market us, you know, if that would be Yeah. You know, worthwhile. Yeah. It's interesting because I I know someone who was
in in the field more in front of the camera, but they they were they were filming in in Tarrytown. So I guess Mhmm. Is Tarrytown within Yes. Than the 35? Okay. So it's about a 10 mile difference. So well, whatever. But it's I think it's something. You know? Yes. It's you know, we we have things that no one can compete with in terms of, you know, visual backgrounds and things of that nature. So Yep. I look forward to working on that.
Okay. We've received a public hearing on local law number 10 of 2022. Do I have a motion? Motion by Trustee Horowitz, second by Trustee Rosellas. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright, the public hearing is open. Anyone wishing to comment can approach the podium. Seeing no one wishing to comment, do I have a motion to close? So moved. Do I have a second? Motion by trustee Simon, second by trustee Goeli. All in favor? Aye.
Whereas the village would like to amend chapter one thirty five of the village code modifying enforcement and collection of fees for excess garbage and rubbish. And whereas local law introductory number 10 of 2022 has been drafted to reflect such language, and whereas a public hearing on local law introductory number 10 was opened and closed on 07/05/2022. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of ees hereby adopts local law introductory number 10 of 2022 to amend chapter one thirty five of the Village Code modifying enforcement and collection of fees for excess garbage and rubbish, which upon adoption becomes local law number nine of 2022.
Motion Second. Motion by trustee Horowitz, seconded up by trustee Simon. You know what it says? Yeah.
That that's that's incorrect. It should be number nine because we just did number eight. So yeah. And you read it. Read it. I knew what it was supposed to say. Yes. Sorry about that.
Okay. This is only we're only talking oh, can we No. No. Go ahead. Yeah. Talking here about the one extra
No. The all this all this is doing is codifying the practice where if somebody does not pay their commercial garbage bill, that it gets added to their tax bill at the end of the year. Okay. Yep.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Public hearing on the special permit renewal for at the T Mobile location at 1 Van Wyck Street. Do I have a motion? Motion by Trustee Horowitz. Do have a second? Second. Second by, Trustee Simon. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Yes.
Please proceed. Hi. Good evening. My name is Michael Sheridan, attorney with Snyder and Snyder, the attorneys for T Mobile in connection with the application. As we just stated, T Mobile is looking to, recertify its special permit in connection with its existing facility here at Village Hall. My understanding is that a draft resolution has been prepared and we request that, if there are no further comments, the Board, close the public hearing and approve the, recertification of the special permit.
I fully support that. This is the the second extension of the after the original one, five years each, right? So That's correct.
All in favor? Aye. Great. The public hearing is closed. Resolution. Whereas at a village board meeting on 10/15/2007, T Mobile Northeast LLC was issued a telecommunications special permit to co locate a personal wireless facility at 1 Van Wyck Street. And whereas the special permit was renewed by the village board on 11/25/2013 and 09/17/2018. And whereas the telecommunication special permit will expire on 10/15/2022 and must be renewed in accordance with the telecommunications chapter of the village code. And whereas the village has received a special permit renewal application from T Mobile. And whereas the village has received a special oh, that's just the same thing. And and the associated $2,500 fee from T Mobile Northeast LLC for a renewal of a special permit for a personal wireless facility at 1 Van Wyck Street. And whereas an antenna site RF compliance assessment and report dated 02/01/2022
has been submitted and indicates that the calculated maximum RF level at the site is 900 that can't be right. 921.58% of the FCC maximum permissible exposure limit, and whereas the public hearing on the permit renewal was open and closed on 07/05/2022. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board of trustees does hereby issue a special a renewal of the telecommunications special permit to T Mobile Northeast LLC for the colocation of a personal wireless facility at 1 Van Wyck Street with the following conditions. This permit expires on 10/15/2027 and must be renewed in accordance with the telecommunication chapter of the village code. That the T Mobile facility shall, at all times during the life of the facility, comply with the applicable FCC regulations pertaining to radio frequency emissions, including such regulations as applicable to accumulative radio frequency emissions. Any necessary mitigation measures to ensure compliance shall follow FCC requirements, procedures, and protocols.
Then in accordance with section two zero six dash five b of the village code, antennas shall be subject to state and fight federal regulations pertaining to non ionizing radiation and other health hazards related to such facilities. The owner of the antenna shall submit to the board of trustees evidence of compliance with the FCC standards on a yearly basis. If new more restrictive standards are adopted, the antenna shall be made to comply or continued operations may be restricted or prohibited by the board of trustees. The cost of verification of compliance shall be borne by the owner and operator of the personal wireless facility. Four, that T Mobile is advised that the village may switch to a different emergency services communication system in the future, and that the T Mobile system must be operated to prohibit interference, including implementation of any FCC re rebranding plan to current and future village wireless systems.
That five. That any additional monthly cost charged by the village's fire alarm company for the fire smoke detector and strobe horn in the T Mobile facility shall be paid by T Mobile. The lease agreement with T Mobile shall be amended to reflect the payment of this additional cost if required by the village via written notification to T Mobile Northeast LLC. Six, as required in the telecommunications chapter, the village code, the applicant must post a bond in an amount to be determined by the village engineer to cover the cost of removing and disposing of the tower, antenna, and associated facilities. In the event that a tower is not removed within ninety days of the cessation of operations at a site, the tower and associated facilities may be removed by the village and the cost of removal assessed against the property, the bond, or both. Seven, that proper radio frequency and antenna location warning signs be posted and maintained in the attic near the access to the roof and on the roof. Eight, that T Mobile shall provide a basic radio frequency safety course appropriate for village DPW employees if requested by the village.
just want to look and see what that number is supposed to be, if you don't mind. I thought that was just an esoteric
what that I think just just to clarify that, and I'm I'm not an RF engineer, and I I won't claim to be one, but I think that is in front of one of the antennas on the on on the roof of the building as as the roof slopes down. So it's in an area that is virtually impossible to For somebody to access? To somebody to access. If you look at the the report on page, the FCCRF compliance report on page eight, you can see what it is at ground level, and it's anywhere from 0.15%, you know, and I see a number as high as 2.30%. So the numbers around the building where most people will be Are very low. Very low. Great.
Thank you. Thank you. Alright. Responses to questions submitted via email. None, mayor. Okay. Presentation from Sustainable Westchester.
Good evening, everybody. William. I think I'm thwarted by our security here in terms of maybe giving you an actual PowerPoint. I don't know if anyone is really sad about that or not. We're gonna cover everything that we're gonna cover just orally and a few hand gestures, I guess. I think that's fine. Thank you. Yeah. So so we're we're here again yet again this year because the procurement process has taken a little bit more time and been a little bit more challenging than anyone had hoped. And as you all know, this is now round three of our efforts to secure a new contract for the Westchester power program. And I guess for the for the viewing audience, should just reintroduce. I'm Dan Welch. I'm with Sustainable Westchester, and I I run the Westchester energy program, community energy program that 29 municipalities in Westchester County are members of, including Pugh and Croton. So back to the
where we are now. Because of those those first two misses, we fell off our our schedule in the sense that, you know, we had to be in a certain place in order to have continuity of our contracts. Our last contract ended just a few days ago on June 30. We would have had to have one in in place for people to roll over and roll into. So the on the communication side of things, we we saw that coming after the second miss because just all the different compliance pieces that are out there are are such that we could have never hit that schedule at that point. So we did send out a letter to every participating resident and small business letting them know that they were gonna get the the con ed switch letter, which is just an automated letter which says, you know, you're being switched to back to con ed, of course, with no context or anything. So we laid it out for them exactly how we got to where we got to and what the plan was, which is to to go back out and give it another shot and that they should keep their eye out, you know, supposing
everything falls into place. They would see a and notification letter, a program notification letter such as they've seen many times in the past, but a few months down the road. So that's kind of the the how how we got here part. And then in terms of, what we're doing now, as you know, first of all, thank you very much for for, moving that the MOU through. We've got about 17 in hand now out of the 24 municipalities. And, of course, there's always, you know, bringing 24 municipalities to a unified action is still more of an art than a science, it seems. And we're I've always got a few left at the end there. But we're targeting the week of the eleventh. Probably, right now, we've issued the RFP, and it looks like the end of that week, the fifteenth, for the bidding process. And so that would be in time for us to then move on to the next piece, which is on the pre, mailing work that has to go on preparing the mailing, getting the getting the data.
We have to do post, award, meetings as as required by the DPS for informational compliance, taking us up to a a mailing, which would happen around the beginning of September, maybe the first week in September. That thirty days goes into October. You leave a little space for the enrollment process after that. So the nominal start date based on all this would be November 1. That is to say, people would roll in to the program again on their first meter read date in November 1. By way of sort of the market context, of course, you know, there's been a tremendous huge movement in the market. That's again why we're here. And it already started last year before the the unfortunate international events in Ukraine started. And and so we've sort of been through this process once before on the NiSeg side of the aggregation, and, that was the end of last year. We also missed our our mark there and had to postpone. They they reenrolled in March,
But that was already, we were already seeing these prices starting to go up based on the, new exporting capabilities that have been put in place in connection with higher price overseas markets. So now we're adding the the Ukraine situation and all that volatility just continued to go up. What's interesting is that all that context is not expected to go away, but we have a a very near term and short term, event which is common and has actually knocked prices down a good bet. So gas had gone, natural gas, which is the driver for the for the electricity, sort of what sets the electric market pricing, had tripled since our last contract. But it's seen a dip of something like 17% in just the past week because a major facility, the Freeport LNG facility closed down, which stopped a lot of these exports, which means the product's coming back into The States, which is driving the price down, storage up.
So this is all, you know, nobody wants to be a a day trader around around natural gas or anything. But it's all to say that, you know, we have the the the makings here of a little bit of luck, not to jinx ourselves, where where the longer term prognosis is still pushing things up, but short term, we get a little dip and maybe that's a good time to to go out for our for our beds. So as I say, that's that's in the works for just, you know, a week and a half from now. I'm sure you have lots of questions, but that's kind of the the basic overview of where we are.
I don't have a lot of questions, but I would make the comment that a lot of people that I know are very anxious for this to come to fruition. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They did not like getting that letter that it was
No. No. It's we're all pretty darn disappointed. And, you know, folks having been protected from the roller coaster for the past year and a half of the previous contract is kind of a a rude new, you know, new thing, and and there's enough going on that that, you know, who who needs that. But so it's our goal to to bring people back off of that roller coaster as soon as we can with the most competitive offering that we can find. I should note also that in the beginning of the year, remember we laid out a plan where we were looking to do a short term extension, and then we were gonna follow that with our new updated procurement process. We are still working on the latter, working with Calpine to put together all the pieces which would enhance our procurement capabilities by allowing us to reach into the wholesale market. Right now, when we administer a contractor, broker a contract, essentially,
it's it's we can only go to the ESCOs because they're the only ones who are authorized to serve at the retail level. But we are working on a way of packaging up wholesale supply, so we'll be able to pass that through as as a retail supply that can be consumed by by participants. And so we that's still the the place we want to go. We still are very excited about that for for several reasons. One is expanding the the sourcing. But then also thinking about this long term, you know, our vision has always been to actually green the electrons, the physical electrons coming into Westchester. In order to do that, we'd wanna have long term contracts with developers who are putting in new facilities, probably in Upstate New York. We would have to do the same thing with that. If you had some bilateral arrangement with those developers, you'd start to package it up so it ended up as retail supply. So we're kind of building the tool set,
which will to help us in the future and also help to increase the competitive bidding in the near term while we're still working on this level. So that's still in in the works. But in the meantime, given where we are today and that's not not ready, and that short term contract doesn't look very good anymore because it pushes us out so that we are sitting right smack in the most expensive part of the the year in the the, you know, the January, February months, which are amazingly high priced right now. So we're better off looking at a kind of traditional, you know, one, two, probably two year contract in order to kind of get away from all this.
Dan, actually. First, it's good to see you again. And your presentation was even better than your PowerPoint. And I want to thank you for actually, you anticipated my second question which would be what would we be looking at for a new long term contract? Would it be three years, two years, one year? We'll ask as we normally do for multiple terms. You know, one, eighteen months, two Yep. Three years even, just so we can see if there's a sweet spot in there. Right. And my first question was really, I I don't spend too much time worrying about Con Ed, but I do wonder, is there an impact on them that we would feel with them all of a sudden getting an additional 90,000 accounts or so to deal with?
Not one that you would feel, but we are required when we're dropping that many customers to get in touch with them and alert them. And there was so there was a dialogue with with Con Ed that's happened. So so, you know, nobody will be They're willing to receive. Or anything. Yes. They're obliged to. Yes. But we're also obliged to, you know, work closely with them to make sure it's a smooth swap. Yeah.
What kind of savings do you think could be realized through this idea of direct purchases from producers other than the Rescos?
I I frankly would not say we're going to see anything really huge. I mean, they're still going out in the same market. We still got the same stack of of, you know, cost adders above the above the energy part. But we're opening the hood on this, so we will know what those other pieces are and what they cost, and and we'll know what the energy cost is. It'll also enable us to start purchasing in a more, nimble fashion. So we may not go for two year contracts. We may do energy blocks, leave a little bit open so that we can actually have you know, if the market's at x, we can set a a trigger for 10% of it at x minus something. And if it comes, it comes, and we get a little a little kicker there. So it's it's building the tools to be a little bit more flexible and not not get stuck in a given place. But I don't think we're gonna see a a huge break from the market.
Any further questions? No. Well, thank you very much for your presentation. Great. Well, thanks everybody again for your support and
Yes. Okay. So the WAC has reviewed this for consistency with the LWRP, and they have a couple policies which they have said are applicable and consistent. So as as is our practice, we will run down those policies. The first one is policy one a. Existing planning and zoning documents should be reviewed and amended where necessary to ensure development within the community is consistent with adopted goals and policies.
Yeah. I see okay. Sorry. Policy seven f, construction activity of any kind must not cause a measurable increase in erosion or flooding at the site of such activity or impact other locations. Construction activity shall be times that spawning that should be spawning, right, of andronomous fish species and shellfish will not adversely be affected. He's doing I did seven Oh, no. We're 11 a. 11 a matter. We didn't do seven seven. Seven f as you know. I know. I was reading it off your memo. Your memo has seven f included. Oh, well, no, we eliminated that. We're having a banner day here today. Okay.
I guess rereading the memo It was a go through a It was a crazy memo. Exact all of the numbers again. But Okay. It was on our initial list, which was why it showed up in the memo. Okay. And then Right. Karen probably just left it there. Okay. So strike
seven f. Okay. Go straight 11 a. 11 a. Okay. Policy 11 a, erosion and sediment control measures shall be undertaken in order to safeguard persons, protect property, prevent damage to the environment, and promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating, and controlling the design, construction, use, and maintenance of any development or other activity which disturbs or breaks the topsoil or results in earth movement? Yes. Okay. And then policy 13? 13. Okay. The construction or reconstruction of erosion protection structures shall be undertaken only if they have a reasonable probability of controlling erosion for at least thirty years as demonstrated in design and construction standards and or assured maintenance or replacement programs? Yes. Yes. Yes. And then policy 37 a, standards and specifications for the control of nonpoint source discharge is set forth in Westchester County's best management practice manual
or other recognized reference shall be utilized during development of any site.
I I read the policy 13. Yeah. I went that first. Yeah. I went in the order. Just one way. Correct. Yes. Okay. Very good. Okay. And then the rest were found to not be applicable.
Sorry. No, was just going to say this is such a worthwhile project in addition to the good work that the WAC did and is so visibly evident that that is necessary when you when you drive by that retaining wall. So I'm just very very grateful that we've got the funding ultimately to do this.
Alright. First item of correspondence is a request from village engineer, Dan O'Connor, for an extension of a building permit at 20 Darby Avenue. They're looking for an extension for the rest of the year due to supply chain issues.
Alright. The next item is a memo from myself regarding the Mervyn Oak. As we know, we or the village requested community members to submit their ideas and thoughts about the Merman Oak. And, you know, we had a very strong response. Almost 50 emails were received. And, you know, I I listed here the most common themes throughout the emails, which were in the the top item was to create benches and picnic tables from the tree to be placed in Vesalo and other parks. Another top idea was using a slice of the tree's trunk to create a memorial and then denoting various important events on the the rings of the tree, which, you know, seems like it would be a very neat idea. A third idea, which was submitted by a number of people, was using a portion of the lumber to either give or sell as commemorative mementos of the tree. And then we also heard about creating some sort of art installation from any leftover wood.
And then finally, people would like to see new trees planted as a memorial. And so, you know, we had I had met with various village officials a couple weeks ago regarding what we would be able to do with with the tree and the the wood. And, you know, we had many of these same ideas, and so we've already started to save the lumber to be used for future benches and tables. And the girl scouts have offered to plant a new tree in the park, which we have accepted. So, you know, thank you to everyone who gave their their thoughts, and, you know, we look forward to making some of these things happen.
It's manager, I'd I'd say it's very easy to be an all of the above Yes. Yeah. Advocate for I think these are all great ideas. Just I I think I know the answer to this, but this suggests that the the miller that we've brought on is already working and and and doing what
Yes. I I believe so. Because some, you know, some has been some of the smaller limbs were able to be cut Right. With the, you know, the DPW or Goldens.
But obviously, the trunk is so large that they need to bring this special miller. So Yeah. And so I I think that's it's great that that that part of the effort's already underway. I think the Girl Scout planting of the tree is also terrific. And, you know, I would hope that we would figure out the right kind of ceremony for for that when we get around to that, possibly even depending on the timing and connection with our 120 or something like that. Even if even if it's already planted, but to do something there. That's a nice idea. Yeah. And I was I'm thinking also that the slice with the the with the rings and the history also could be a very significant part of the the January. So all all all good things.
Number one and two, like the most, actually. Yeah. And to the extent that we could tie it in with our anniversary celebration. Alright. And then the third item is also a memo from myself regarding news that we learned last week that the Croton Gorge unique area has been closed for by DEC for the remainder of the season. You know, a portion of the trail was determined to actually go on to private property. And at the request of that property owner, the trail was closed to prevent trespassing. And while DEC was trying to determine how to best proceed with this season, they ultimately decided to close the area and then develop a plan to be reviewed in the fall as to future access. So as you can see, signage has been posted. In addition to what I've written here, I was in touch with the town supervisor's office, doctor Becker, and they will be deploying their message board sign to let people know that the area is closed as well.
And on our side of the river, we'll have police officers and park rangers helping to to inform people and let them know, you know, where they can where they can go if they are looking for some recreation.
somehow resolving that private property issue and Yes. The extent that it could be here? Yeah. I believe they're gonna they're developing a long range strategic plan, will be made available to us, hopefully, this September for the board's review and comment. And I believe that will have a number of alternatives as, you know, as to allowing access on the property. One of the one of the alternatives that has been discussed is I think it it probably has a better name than Circle Circle Trail, But it's just basically a trail that would start in one place and go around and then end at the same point that you started. Yeah. And then, you know, but that would be something that had to be developed. Right? So it's not something that they could easily do. Those are actually my favorite kind of trail because you you you get less lost. That's true. Yes. It
would have to involve a construction of a new trail at some in some place, some location, whatever their solution before they can open it.
Okay. We proceed to public comment on agenda items. Anyone wishing to comment on agenda agenda items, please approach the podium. Alright. Seeing no one wishing to comment, we proceed to proposed resolutions.
Whereas the legislature of the state of New York adopted the freedom of information law, public officers law article six, and whereas it is in the public's interest to have access to records of the government in accordance with the provisions of the freedom of information law, and whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson wants to promote the interest of the public by providing access to records of the law in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law, and whereas in 1974, the village of Cortlandt Hudson adopted rules and regulations to implement the legislative intent of the Freedom of Information Law. And whereas on 05/01/2000, the 1974 resolution was repealed and updated. And whereas the village wishes to update and revise its rules and regulations relating to access to public records under the Freedom of Information Law. Now therefore be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cortlandt Hudson hereby repeals the rules and regulations adopted on 05/01/2000
and any amendments thereto, which were enacted to implement the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law. And be it further resolved that the Board of Trustees of the village of Cortlandt Hudson hereby adopts the appended rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law. And be it further resolved that should the appended rules and regulations conflict with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law, then the rules and regulations are to be deemed amended to conform to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law. And I will not read the entire policy, but the only item that has changed is on section seven, where it previously section seven c, it previously deemed the Board of Trustees as the appeals officer, and that has changed to be the village manager.
in the in the law, the state law, it allows people the ability to appeal a decision. So for example, if somebody requested a record from the village and we denied it saying that it didn't exist or that giving it out would violate somebody's privacy and the person had reason to believe that we denied it unfairly, then they could appeal. And previously, that appeal would have to be heard by the board of trustees. But now, I you know, the village manager will be able to hear that appeal. And, you know, the rationale behind that is that it will simply allow people a quicker response to hearing their to determining if their appeal is valid or not.
And, manager, just from my own experience, having served on on this board over less than two years, these are very these occur very infrequently.
Correct. Yes. We you know, the village the village clerk ever. Yeah. The village clerk deals with hundreds of FOIL requests each year, and, you know, we get less than one a year, for sure. I mean, it's probably maybe two or three a decade. So You mean those that are challenged? Those that are challenged. Yes. Yeah. I mean, you know, I've been here, you know, four and a half years now almost, and we've only had one in my time. So So that's the whole change in the law? Yeah. Nothing else changed. Just that one change. Okay. Yep.
Second. Motion by Trustee Horowitz, second by Trustee Simon. Discussion? All in favor? Aye.
Whereas the village board of trustees has received a special permit application from the group for a 29 unit multifamily development at 1380 Albany Post Road, and whereas the project is located within the North End gateway overlay district of the village where multifamily developments are allowed by special permit. And whereas the board of trustees has previously issued a negative declaration under SECRA and a statement of consistency with the village's LWRP in connection to this project on 03/07/2022. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board hereby refers the special permit application to the village planning board in accordance with village law. Do I have a motion? So moved.
As it states, we've already done some of the necessary preliminary work, so it's we can pass this on to the Planning Board right now for their oversight and processing of it.
Whereas the need exists to secure a license plate reader system for use by the village police department, And whereas on 06/21/2022, the village of Cortlandt Hudson adopted resolution number ninety seven dash twenty twenty two authorizing the purchase of a license plate reader system, including equipment and related services and software for the village police department, and whereas the village desires to contract with Recreation Systems Inc of Columbia, Maryland to install software licenses for the license plate reader system, and whereas the contract has been drafted for a perpetual software license at a cost of $9,716. Now therefore be it resolved that the village manager is authorized to execute the contract with Recre Systems Inc of Columbia, Maryland for annual maintenance and perpetual software licensing at a cost of $9,716 and be it further resolved that funding is available for this contract in the following account, a $31.20
dot 2,000 police equipment.
Do I have a second? Second. Motion by Trustee Horowitz, second by Trustee Simon. Discussion?
The village received a request for a local waterfront revitalization program, LWRP, consistency review from the New York State Department of State and the Westchester County Department of Planning for the Grand Street retaining wall project. And whereas the village board has received a recommendation of consistency from the Water Fund Advisory Committee with the village's local waterfront revitalization program. Whereas, the village board must make its own determination of consistency with the LWRP policy standards and conditions. And whereas on 07/05/2022, the village board of trustees undertook the process of LWRP consistency review for the Grand Street retaining wall project attached tier two. Now therefore be it resolved as follows, the village board of trustees makes the following findings regarding the applicability of the LWRP policies and the consistency of the proposed action with those policies and conditions of the LWRP,
which are found applicable. Those policies are there. We will remove seven f. And the remaining policies and conditions of the LWRP not specifically discussed above were reviewed and found to not be applicable and be it further resolved as follows based upon the above, the village board of trustees confirms its determination that the proposed action, a project to replace a 100 foot retaining wall at 25 And 33 Grant Street in the village of Cortlandt Hudson complies with the policy standards and conditions set forth in the village's LWRP.
So moved. Motion by Trustee Simon, second by Trustee Clooney. All in favor? Aye. Aye.
move ahead? We are working with the county. The county actually just sent comments today to Ron, the assistant village engineer, regarding, you know, markups on the plan. So it's happening. But, you know, there's also a holdup with the funding from HUD. The county has not actually received the HUD money yet. Oh, okay. So we're it's actually hopefully going to work out in our favor that we'll have all the paperwork and everything set. So by the time the money actually arrives, we can immediately start the project. But to answer your question directly, I don't know when it will start because it depends on when the money comes.
Whereas the village of Cortlandt Hudson has been working to improve the Nordica Drive sewage and pump station for a number of years. And whereas phase one of this project, which included installing a new electrical panel, automatic transfer switch, diesel generator for backup power, a new pump control panel, and safety improvements was completed a few years ago. And whereas the village has been working with Linkstar Engineering to create design and bid documents for phase two of the project. And whereas one of the two pumps located inside the station recently failed leading to an emergency situation. And whereas general municipal law section one zero three dash four allows for the board to let a contract without public bidding where necessary due to a public emergency arising out of an unforeseen occurrence or condition. And whereas superintendent of public works Frank Balbi has received a proposal for the cost of two new pumps and materials in the amount of $71,000,
and whereas superintendent Balbi has estimated the cost of labor to install the pumps to be $80,000. Now therefore be it resolved that the village board hereby declares the failure of the Nordica Drive sewage and pump station pump to be an emergency situation. And be it further resolved, the village manager is authorized to accept the proposal from Reiner Pump in the not to exceed amount of $71,000. And be it further resolved that the village manager is authorized to proceed in the not to exceed amount of $80,000 for labor related costs in this project, and be it further resolved that the funding for such project is available in the following capital line, H8120Dot2102Dot09180.
Do I have a motion? Motion by Trustee Horowitz, seconded by Trustee Rosales. Discussion?
Which account is that? That is the capital account for this project. Okay. So the first two numbers of the last line, the 09180. The 2009 is the the fiscal year that the project was established. So as you can see, it was fourteen years ago. So we've been doing this for for a while. Sounds good. Yeah. But, yeah, that's that account is just for this project. Alright.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Public comment on non agenda items. Seeing no one wishing to comment, we move to the approval of minutes. I didn't have any. Yep, no changes here. Do I have a motion on the June 21 minutes? So moved. Do I have a second? Motion by Trustee Simon, second by Trustee Horowitz. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Alright. Reports. Trustee Rosales. Not for me this one. Okay. Trustee Simon. Well, thank you, Mayor. Earlier
this afternoon, we had a meeting with a number of members of the Nordica Drive neighborhood. They've got some concerns regarding some of the development that's occurring there, and I I think it was a very positive meeting. We learned, a good deal about what their concerns are, and I I think we came up with some practical ideas on, on on how to improve the situation that's currently before them, but also, you know, some some longer term ideas for how how development should occur in the future that I I think are worth considerations. I was very glad to be there and be there with my colleagues here on the board, as well as, our village engineer and assistant engineer. So I think that was a it was a positive thing, and I was I was very glad that we were able to do it. A week ago, Sunday, we had our sustainability committee meeting on the twenty sixth, and that was an opportunity to to sort of acknowledge that we had enacted the stretch code. Many of the sustainability
commembers worked very hard on that. We also got a good update on the, installation of the solar roof at, the Washington Engine Company as well as next steps on our, train station solar project. Mayor and I were were there as, as liaisons, and it was a very good meeting. Similarly, a couple of days later, we, mayor and I and and the manager were there at the fire council, and, they're gonna have a very busy summer ahead, lots of training, a lot of activities going on there. The fire fair that, that that is always a highlight of the year is, October 2. That's a Sunday at 11:45. And and, of course, many of the members of the of the fire council were were present when we accepted the funding from Senator Harcom for our new fireboat. So that was that was good. I'll yield to to Trustee Gollilly to talk about the the planning board and the and the WAC. And I'll just just two final things is the the cannabis
board has now established a cannabis advisory board, which had its first meeting last week, which I attended on online. It's made up of, members of the of the practitioners community, both, on the retail or in the, medical sides, future future retail, agricultural sides. So their their job is to advise the overall board, which is putting in place the rules and regulations for for the industry. Nothing specific in in that meeting or or in the previous meeting that the board had regarding the the franchising on the on the municipal side, but hopefully that comes soon. And then just last but not least, happy fourth to everyone. It was a shame that the day had to be marred by the terrible tragedy at Highland Park near where my wife Linda comes from originally. And it's second paragraph of the declaration of independence that that we celebrate is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So it shows we still have a ways to go on on all that. Hopefully, we get there eventually. That's it.
Alright. Since Trustee Simon passed off the Planning Board to me, I will just say that they had a relatively uneventful meeting this week and are currently just they've scheduled a public hearing with regard to a new shed for this Croton Sailing School down at Senesco Park. One thing I I'll just check, but manager Healy, I managed to I imagine you're gonna talk about the CONED meeting. Right? Yes. Okay. So I won't say anything about that. We'll move on from that. But I did want to thank the DPW, and I'm pretty certain it was the DPW that did it for cleaning and trimming all of the trees and bushes and the growth along Elliot Way there that was obscuring. It got to the point where you were walking along a waterfront sidewalk and you couldn't see the water because and it was pretty dense and pretty thick. And now it's all trimmed back so that when you're walking along Elliot Way, the bridge between 0.5 Moon Bay and and Senesqua Park,
It's all clear and you can look out over the waters, which is a big job and but needed, but I'm very a lot of people are happy that it's done now. I I just wanna throw out there that some people have commented to me, and I've observed it myself, that there seem to be a lot of geese around on the waterfront leaving the usual geese debris. And a few years ago, many years ago, I guess, we had where this was happening, we had those fake wolves, I guess they were, or foxes. They were fake. And but and they also used them on golf courses in places too, and they moved them around and apparently they had some good effect in terms of keeping the geese away. Unfortunately, all of them were stolen. All the fake dogs and wolves were stolen, so we never replaced them. But if this is becoming a serious problem again, we might consider going back and trying to do that again and maybe find some way to make them unstealable.
That's Did the keys took them? No, the keys didn't take them. But, and like Trustee Simon, I'd like to wish everyone a happy fourth and year following. And I would like to also remind people that for the rest of this summer, there are free bus rides on the Beeline buses anywhere in Westchester County anytime day or night. You can get on that bus and ride for free and with the price of gas, it might be worth exploring a little. That's all. Thank you.
Thank you. That is a great thing. I was so happy to see that.
Just a reminder, the water bills are due on the fifteenth. Yes.
So, as Sherry just said, the water bills are due on the fifteenth. Tax bills were actually due this past Friday, July 1. So if you have not paid your taxes, there's now a penalty on your on your bill. So please contact the treasurer's office. Daniel would love to hear from you. As trustee Galele said, we are having a community meeting tomorrow at 07:00 in this room to discuss the impending Con Ed project on Grand Street. Anyone who lives in that area from Harrison Street down to the Dummy Light should plan to attend either in person. Or if you can't be here, watch on channel seventy eight or the livestream on the website. Representatives from Con Edison will be here to explain the project. And, you know, if you have any questions or concerns, we'll be happy to to try and and help you with those. I also want to remind everyone that, you know, the summer concert series has begun down at the park.
They had we've had two so far, and the there are five more, I believe. They go until the first week of August. So, you know, for they're Friday nights. Come on down. There's no fee. So it's just a nice way to to to spend some time in the village. And, you know, the first week, we did not have a a food vendor there, But I believe the remaining weeks do have vendors signed up. So, you know, you can come down and get get a bite to eat or something to drink as well. So And those start at six or seven? Seven, I believe. 07:00. Yes.
That's it. Alright. And we'll have a report. I will request a moment of silence in the honor of Michael Calcutti, twenty plus retired now, a village year twenty plus year retired village employee, former village fire chief.
Thank you. Do I have a motion to close?