Public Meetings - Pleasantville, New York

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on April 29, 2025 (the agenda and transcript list the date as April 28, but the provided meeting date is used here). The meeting began at 8:00 PM after a work session at 7:00 PM. The meeting featured a lengthy public discussion on a proposal to move village elections from March to November, adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and approval of multiple resolutions including free pool memberships for village and planning boards, water rate increases, and a summer camp scholarship program. Several upcoming community events were announced: Pleasantville Day (May 17), Memorial Day services (May 26), Fire Department parade (May 30), and Memorial Plaza concerts (June 28, July 26, August 23). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Res. 2025-146): Minutes of April 14, 2025 approved. - Budget Amendments (Res. 2025-147): Transfers totaling $16,532 in General Fund and $15,414 in Water Fund; recognition of $76,430.63 in ARPA federal aid for Manville Road Corridor. - Payment of Claims (Res. 2025-148, 149): Abstracts for FYE 2025 and FYE 2026 totalling $476,607.08 and subsequent claims approved. - Workers Compensation Insurance (Res. 2025-149): Two-year agreement with Comp. Alliance at $133,172 annually authorized. - Donation of Bench (Res. 2025-151): $1,219.40 from Jerome and Debra Schulman for a park bench accepted. - Master Fee Schedule (Res. 2025-152): Updated schedule adopted, including a 10% increase in parking permit fees. - iWorQ Software (Res. 2025-153): $8,000 agreement for workflow software authorized. - Nannahagan Brook Wall Design (Res. 2025-156): Amendment 2 with Woodard & Curran for $85,000 authorized. - Zoning Amendments for Parking and Unloading (Res. 2025-157): Proposal with BFJ Planning authorized. - Grant Writing Services (Res. 2025-159): One-year agreement with Millennium Strategies for $39,600 authorized. - Music Festival Sponsorships (Res. 2025-160, 161, 162): Agreements with PAMAL Broadcasting (107.1 The Peak), RMA of New York, and Westchester SC for the Pleasantville Music Festival authorized. - Parking Restrictions for Manville Road Restriping (Res. 2025-163): No parking from 6:00 PM to 5:30 AM authorized for April 28 start. - Refuse Rates (Res. 2025-165): FY2026 rates set ($501 single-family residence, etc.). - Unpaid Water Rents Levy (Res. 2025-166): Authorization to levy unpaid water rents to 2025-2026 tax roll. - Tax Warrant (Res. 2025-167): Mayor authorized to sign FY2026 tax warrant. - ENT Sponsorship (Res. 2025-168): Sponsorship agreement for music festival authorized. Public Comments & Testimony - Election Date Change: Several residents spoke on a proposal to move village elections from March to November. Francesca Hagadis Mikhail (24 Brandon Drive) advocated for the change, citing low voter turnout (651 out of 5,500 registered voters, 11%), opportunities for early voting, budget familiarity for new trustees, and alignment with other municipalities. She requested a referendum on the November ballot. Sherry McGaffey (75 Broadway) supported moving for increased engagement but worried about loss of the nonpartisan tradition. John (a former official) noted that of 14 villages with November elections, only three (Rye Brook, Scarsdale, Briarcliff) remain nonpartisan; he recommended letting voters decide. Bernie Gordon (17 Brookfield Place) opposed moving, arguing it would decrease local engagement and increase partisan influence. Jonathan Cunningham supported higher turnout but expressed concern about partisan takeover. Tom Murphy (52 Orchard Street) supported moving and agreed to a referendum. Bill McHale (4 Middle) asked for data from other communities. Helen Near (Three Hazel Road) mentioned alignment with Mount Pleasant elections. Dan Fisher (25 Martin) supported November. Stephanie Dickinson (41 Cedar Lane), a new resident, supported November and asked for ways to get involved. A common theme was the desire to let voters decide through a referendum. - Pool Memberships: Tom Murphy spoke against Resolution 2025-154, which proposed free family pool memberships for village board members. He argued it sends the wrong message given tax increases of 42% since 2009–2010 and urged financial discipline. - Other Comments: Helen Near promoted the Westchester Sustainable Westchester residential solarize campaign, the Grid Rewards app (Con Ed), and the Recycle Coach app. Residents also noted the gas-powered equipment drop-off event on May 3. Discussion Items - Election Date Change Deliberation: The board and public engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on the merits of moving the village election to November. Trustee Nicole expressed concern about the higher likelihood of partisan races and the increased barrier to entry for candidates. Trustee David offered a dystopian view that partisan takeover is inevitable and would change the type of candidates willing to serve. Mayor Peter noted that referendums to move elections to November have never failed. Board members acknowledged the low turnout (11%) but warned that November elections might submerge village issues in national politics. No vote was taken; the board agreed to consider further public input, possibly through a town forum. - Pool Memberships Policy: During the consideration of Resolution 2025-154, Trustee Jonathan moved to amend the resolution to extend free family pool memberships to members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals as a token of appreciation for their volunteer service. The amendment was seconded and approved. Trustee Jonathan then voted against the amended resolution on personal principle, stating he did not wish to take advantage of memberships. The resolution passed with 4 in favor and 1 opposed. - FY2026 Budget Adoption: The board adopted the FY2026 budget, which increases the tax rate by 2.37% and the tax levy by 3.6459%. The budget remains tax cap compliant. Mayor noted that sales tax revenue has dipped 20% in March compared to last year. - Soldiers and Sailors Playground Reconstruction: The board created a capital account and allocated $135,000 from Parkland Reserve funds, $5,000 from General Fund contingency, and $91,000 in SAM grant funding to cover the $170,000 project. The early procurement aims to avoid pricing volatility due to tariffs and supply chain issues. - Summer Camp Scholarship Program: The board approved a $13,000 need-based scholarship program for the 2025 summer camp, targeting families eligible for free/reduced lunch. Key Outcomes - FY2026 Budget Adopted: Unanimous. - Free Pool Memberships Approved: 4-1 (Trustee Jonathan dissenting). - Summer Camp Scholarship Established: $13,000 allocated. - Water Rates Increased: 9.5% residential increase ($76.69 per 1,000 cubic feet for residents). - Soldiers and Sailors Playground Project Capitalized: $135,000 parkland reserve, $5,000 contingency, $91,000 SAM grant. - Multiple Routine Resolutions Approved: See Consent Calendar for list of unanimous approvals. - Next Meeting: May 12, 2025, with work session at 7:00 PM and regular meeting at 8:00 PM.

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held a work session on April 29, 2025, beginning at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered two main topics: a discussion with representatives from Break the Hole regarding the route for their annual "Walk Into the Light" event scheduled for June 8, 2025, and an update from Superintendent of Public Works/Village Engineer Anthony Carr on the Nannahagan Brook retaining wall improvement project. No formal votes were taken, but the board indicated it would defer to the police department's safety judgment on the walk route and received information on the wall project. Public Comments & Testimony - Representatives from Break the Hole, an organization promoting youth mental wellness, presented their case for maintaining the traditional route of the "Walk Into the Light" event. They reported the walk has been held for six years with 500–900 participants annually. They argued that the current route on Manville Road is safe, has a history of no incidents, and provides a meaningful experience (e.g., sunrise views). They expressed frustration with the police chief's request to modify the route, stating that alternative routes proposed by the chief (e.g., using sidewalks or multiple crossings) are less safe and diminish the event's impact. One representative noted that the walk is only about two miles long and reducing it further would undermine its purpose. Discussion Items - Walk Into the Light Event Route: The board discussed the police chief's concerns about safety on Manville Road, particularly the risk of a vehicle incident. The chief had proposed alternative routes that avoid Manville Road entirely or use sidewalks and multiple crossings. Break the Hole representatives countered that those alternatives introduce new hazards (e.g., narrow sidewalks, multiple road crossings) and that the current route has been safe. The board acknowledged the chief's professional judgment, with the mayor stating it would be "extremely difficult" to overrule the police department's safety assessment. Trustees noted that the village must allocate public resources and that overriding the chief could create liability. The board encouraged further negotiation between the organization and the police chief to find a compromise. - Nannahagan Brook Retaining Wall Project: Anthony Carr presented an update on the project, which involves three wall segments (1A, 1B, and 2) totaling approximately 525 feet along Lake Street. The walls are in poor condition and protect utilities (water mains, sewer lines) and the road. Estimated hard costs are about $2.6 million (including a 30% contingency), with $500,000 in grant funding from the leader's office already secured for construction and $200,000 for design. The village needs temporary and permanent easements from the Cottage School, which owns part of the wall property. A replanting plan (2-to-1 or 3-to-1) will be developed, and the Conservation Advisory Council will be consulted. Construction is targeted for late summer 2026, pending permits from the DEC and Army Corps. The board discussed scheduling, cost refinements, and the possibility of making segment 2 an alternate bid. Key Outcomes - Walk Into the Light Event: No decision was made; the board indicated it would not overrule the police chief's safety concerns and directed the organization to continue working with the chief on a route modification. - Nannahagan Brook Wall Project: The board received the information and noted the next steps: completing design, securing permits, obtaining easements, and moving toward bidding in late winter/early spring 2026. No formal action was taken.

The Village Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, preceded by a work session at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2026 budget, brief remarks from Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, discussion of several operational items, and approval of 17 resolutions. Key topics included playground reconstruction, camp scholarships, parking enforcement, outdoor seating, the annual budget, and the hiring of special counsel to contest Con Edison's rate increase. Public Hearing: FYE 2026 Village Budget - Village Administrator Eric presented the preliminary budget: General Fund appropriations of approximately $20.5 million, with a tax levy of $13,992,190, resulting in a tax rate increase of 2.37% (up from 2.25% in the tentative budget due to a decrease in assessed valuation). The Water Fund will see a 9.5% rate increase, and the Sanitation Fund a $19 increase per single-family household. - Mayor and trustee salaries were increased by $1,500 each (mayor to $7,500, trustees to $5,000), and $13,000 was added to the camp scholarship line. - Public commenter Jonathan Cunningham (14 Pedigale Lane) raised concerns about: (1) the cumulative impact of water rate increases (likely ongoing 10% annually) and the need for grant funding, noting that a prior $5M federal grant application for water tank replacement was reduced to $2.4M and then eliminated; (2) extending the 10% property tax break for volunteer firefighters (currently only for county tax) to other volunteer boards (Zoning, Planning, and the Board itself) as a recognition and recruitment tool; (3) the pool fee schedule, arguing the differential between in-village and out-of-village fees should be at least $175, and that the out-of-village individual fee of $405 vs. family fee of $875 creates an arbitrage opportunity ($4052=$810 < $875). He also suggested the fee schedule needs further tweaking. The Board acknowledged these points but stated no changes would be made this year as rates were already published. County Executive Briefing - Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins reported on the county's $2.5 billion budget, maintaining AAA bond ratings (Fitch, S&P; Moody's AA1 positive outlook), $50 million for affordable housing, $303 million for public safety, and other initiatives. He noted sales tax revenue was volatile: January +20%, February +10%, March -20% compared to prior year, attributing the drop to declining consumer confidence. He highlighted the county's reliance on $700 million in federal funding and the uncertainty around federal grants. He also mentioned progress on red-light camera legislation and the county's support for mental health and flood mitigation. Discussion Items - Soldiers and Sailors Playground Reconstruction: Superintendent Mike reported the project budget is $170,000, with $275,000 in grant funds allocated across three playgrounds ($91,000 each). Demolition is scheduled for September with a community build in October. The design includes inclusive equipment from Landscape Structures. - Camp Scholarship Applications: 15 applications received (9 for senior camp, 6 for team travel camp), totaling $19,505 in foregone tuition. $7,000 is available from the CM account, and the Board allocated an additional $13,000 to cover all applicants. Discussion included future program tweaks (e.g., limiting to senior/junior camp only, requiring a minimum payment) and potential annual fundraising. - Parking and Traffic Enforcement: Police Chief Pressner reported enhanced enforcement on Wheeler Avenue and around schools (Manville, Ashland, Bedford). Enforcement focuses on changing behavior, not just ticketing. Parking enforcement officers are sometimes pulled for crossing guard duty, but new hires have reduced this. A new loop detection system has improved traffic signal timing at Wheeler and Bedford. Specific concerns about Ashland/Bedford intersection and double parking were addressed with dedicated patrols. - Outdoor Seating: The Board discussed retaining outdoor seating at Seoul (as a public space with synergy) but not at Vela on Washington Avenue due to limited sidewalk space, nighttime-only operation, and parking concerns. The Board decided to continue the Seoul arrangement but not to extend seating to Vela. - Pool Reconstruction: Change Orders 11 ($59,731.20 for pool cover), 12 ($34,871.76 for shade canopy), and 13 ($517,534.59 for soil disposal) were authorized. Soil removal began April 15 due to PCB contamination and compaction issues. Key Outcomes (Resolutions Passed) - Res. 2025-129: Approved minutes of March 24 and April 7, 2025. - Res. 2025-130: Approved FYE 2025 budget transfers totaling $59,890 (General Fund) and $1,715 (Water Fund). - Res. 2025-131: Approved payment of claims for FYE 2025 totaling $984,891.82. - Res. 2025-132: Approved payment of claims for FYE 2026 totaling $40,500. - Res. 2025-133: Authorized Village Administrator to execute MOU continuing participation in the Westchester Power Community Choice Aggregation program (50% renewable default). - Res. 2025-134: Donated two Pleasantville Music Festival tickets to Arc Stages. - Res. 2025-135: Authorized hiring of Gabrielle Vines as Panther Club Recreation Leader (part-time, $22/hr). - Res. 2025-136: Authorized Change Orders 11, 12, 13 for pool reconstruction total $612,137.55. - Res. 2025-137: Approved Community Scholarship Fund 5K Walk/Run on May 17, 2025 (6:30-11:00 AM, road closures). - Res. 2025-138: Acknowledged Justice Court Audit for FYE 2024. - Res. 2025-139: Approved Memorial Day Parade on May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM, route from Bedford Road School to Memorial Plaza). - Res. 2025-140: Approved Holiday Lighting Ceremony on December 7, 2025, at Memorial Plaza Civic Space (6:00 PM, parking restrictions). - Res. 2025-141: Donated two Pleasantville Music Festival tickets to Select Human Services. - Res. 2025-142: Authorized hiring Joel R. Dichter of Dichter Law LLC as special counsel to represent Westchester municipalities in Con Edison's electric and gas rate case before the Public Service Commission; total fee not to exceed $100,000 split equally among participating municipalities (minimum 20; 38 have agreed, making Pleasantville's share $2,600). - Res. 2025-143: Accepted retirement of Police Officer Peter Burns (effective April 25, 2025). - Res. 2025-144: Approved surplusing of a 1992 Ford F-450 SD (estimated salvage $450). - Res. 2025-145: Accepted retirement of Police Sergeant Samuel Caccamise (effective April 22, 2025). The Board then entered executive session to discuss real property and legal matters. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2025.

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held a work session on April 15, 2025. Although the agenda and transcript list the meeting as April 14, the official timestamp used for this summary is April 15. Trustees discussed Soldiers and Sailors playground reconstruction, summer camp scholarships, parking and traffic enforcement, and outdoor seating on Washington Avenue. An executive session on real property and legal matters was scheduled for 8:30 p.m.; the regular meeting and budget public hearing were planned for 8 p.m., with County Executive Ken Jenkins expected to attend. Soldiers and Sailors Playground Reconstruction and Summer Camp Scholarships - Parks and Recreation Superintendent Michael Newman presented the Soldiers and Sailors playground reconstruction plan. The equipment will come from Landscape Structures, similar to what was installed at Nanny, with each of the three playgrounds unique and inclusive features added at Soldiers. - The project is budgeted at $170,000. A $275,000 grant, split across the three playgrounds, will contribute $91,000; the balance will be covered by parkland reserve funds and reimbursed through the grant. - Demolition is tentatively scheduled for September, with the final community build planned for the second weekend in October. - The playground will remain in the same footprint; bleachers, fencing, and swing locations are unchanged. Camp scholarship discussion: - Mr. Newman reported 9 senior camp applications ($7,695 in foregone tuition) and 6 team travel camp applications ($11,810 in foregone tuition), for a total of 15 applicants and $19,505 in foregone tuition. - Funding will come from $7,000 raised through the CM account and $13,000 allocated by the board, covering the full amount. - Trustees discussed refining eligibility (e.g., free vs. subsidized lunch), whether to exclude team travel camp to help more families, and whether a small co-pay could expand reach. Mr. Newman noted all applicants already paid a $100-per-session deposit; board members did not support refunding those deposits. - No applicants were turned down this year; the only prior rejection mentioned was an applicant outside the village. Future plans may include a durable annual fundraising program and a full-day junior camp option. Parking and Traffic Enforcement - Police Chief Erik Grutzner reported enhanced parking enforcement focused on changing driver behavior rather than generating revenue. Enforcement includes evening patrols on Wheeler Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Memorial Plaza, with targeted coverage on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m., and at least one officer in the downtown area during the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. lunch period. - Repeat offenders who leave vehicles all day after receiving one ticket may face double ticketing for extended overstays. - Dedicated enforcement has been in place at the Manville Road R.S. school pickup area for roughly a month to six weeks. Ashland Avenue is in the daily enforcement rotation, and the Ashland/Bedford Road corner is a priority due to safety hazards for children crossing. - Trustee Jonathan Cunningham suggested notifying businesses door-to-door about the increased enforcement and reassigning a less-busy crossing guard post to free up a parking enforcement officer. The Chief responded that crossing guard expectations must be maintained and that manpower comes at a cost. Outdoor Seating on Washington Avenue - The board had previously agreed to continue outdoor seating in front of Seoul. This discussion centered on Vela, with a majority of trustees opposed to returning outdoor seating there because the space is used mainly at night, is not a public gathering spot, and would eliminate three parking spaces. - Some trustees noted the Seoul space functions as a public space and benefits multiple businesses. A bookstore owner and village resident had previously asked the board to preserve those parking spaces for daytime visitors. - Options discussed included signage clarifying that the Seoul seating is open to everyone, possible small tables for two at Vela, and retractable bollards. The Washington Avenue intersection has been reprogrammed, with trustees reporting improved traffic flow, and a traffic engineering study is planned. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the work session. - The board reached consensus supporting the playground reconstruction plan and the use of grant and reserve funds. - The board confirmed the $13,000 additional allocation for camp scholarships, covering all 15 applicants. - The board decided not to re-establish outdoor seating at Vela; Seoul's outdoor seating will continue as in the past. - An executive session on real property and legal matters was scheduled at 8:30 p.m.

The meeting began with the annual organizational meeting required by state law, during which the board approved routine appointments, resolutions, and policies. The board then moved into a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2026 tentative village budget, including adjustments for raises, camp scholarships, and capital expenditures. Consent Calendar - Resolution 110: Approved appointments for Village Clerk (Alyssa Hoxtein), Deputy Village Clerk (Eric Morrissey), Deputy Village Treasurer (Christine Pinello), Associate Justice (Michael Duffy, Esq.), Prosecutor (George Capitals, Esq.), and Assessor (Lloyd Tech) for one-year terms expiring April 2026. - Resolution 111: Designated Alyssa Hoxtein as Records Access Officer and Eric Morrissey as Records Appeal Officer. - Resolution 112: Set regular meetings for 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays, with organizational meeting on the first Monday at 7 p.m.; work sessions at 7 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays from May to February, and every Monday in March and April. - Resolution 113: Established procedure for calling special meetings (by mayor or at least two trustees). - Resolution 114: Designated the Journal News as the official newspaper. - Resolution 115: Approved authorized signatures for financial transactions. - Resolution 116: Designated Bank of New York, JP Morgan Chase, Webster Bank, and others as depositories. - Resolution 117: Authorized village administrator to approve in-state conferences; out-of-state conferences require board resolution. - Resolution 118: Set standard business mileage rate per IRS guidelines. - Resolution 119: Authorized advance payment of claims for utilities, postage, etc., with liability for disallowed amounts. - Resolution 120: Authorized investment policy implementation. - Resolution 121: Adopted purchasing policy. - Resolution 122: Adopted fiscal policy. - Resolution 123: Adopted credit card policy. - Resolution 124: Approved petty cash limits: Justice Court $200, Finance $150, Village Clerk $100, Clinton Street Center $50. - Resolution 125: Approved employee policies (harassment, cyber breach notification, cybersecurity, drug-free workplace, employee handbook, equal opportunity, health emergency, sexual harassment, vehicle use, code of ethics, workplace violence). - Resolution 126: Approved mayor's appointments to boards and commissions (names listed), with addition of Edwin Kuo to Climate Smart Task Force. - Resolution 127: Authorized no parking on streets for leaf pickup April 11-12, 2025, with towing authorized. - Resolution 128: Authorized village administrator to execute documents for real estate services related to sale of village-owned property at Section 106.5, Block 1, Lot 45. Discussion Items - FYE2026 Budget Adjustments: The board discussed several adjustments to the tentative budget: - Added $1,500 raises for each board member (general fund). - Added $5,000 to the administrator's salary, split 60/30/10 among funds. - Camp scholarships: The CM account had approximately $7,500 left over from fundraising; the board debated funding level relative to prior years. In FY2025, $33,435 was spent ($21,171 village contribution, $12,263 donations). Trustees considered partial scholarships and involving the Rotary Club. It was proposed to allocate $20,000 total ($7,500 from CM account + $13,000 new budget) and discuss management further with Mike Newman. - Capital transfers: $120,000 for portable bollards, $50,000 for Soldiers and Sailors (to be potentially deferred to pool project), $40,000 for police department bulletproof glass windows. - Portable Bollards: A detailed discussion on purchasing bollards for events (cost $120,000). Mayor and several trustees supported purchase as a safety measure against vehicle attacks, comparing to concrete blocks and rental costs. One trustee dissented, citing cost and aesthetics. Ultimately, the board decided to proceed with purchase. - Other Budget Items: No parking resolution for leaf pickup and authorization for real estate services were approved early in the meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved all resolutions and appointments as listed in the consent calendar. - Tentatively agreed to keep $20,000 in the budget for camp scholarships ($7,500 from CM account + $13,000 new allocation) pending further discussion with the Rotary Club and Mike Newman. - Included $120,000 in the capital budget for portable bollards, with one trustee dissenting. - Included $40,000 for police bulletproof glass windows. - Transfers to capital for the pool project will include the $50,000 previously planned for Soldiers and Sailors if deferred. - The tax rate increase is approximately 2.3%, with about $44,000 under the levy limit, allowing breathing room for next year. - The board will post the budget for a public hearing on Monday, April 14, 2025. - The board moved into executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting at Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pleasantville, NY. The Mayor described it as an extra meeting required by state law to renew routine board resolutions and appointments. The board approved 19 resolutions covering official appointments, records officers, meeting schedules, financial institutions and policies, board and commission appointments, temporary parking restrictions, and authorization to list Village-owned property. All votes were approved by voice vote with no dissenting votes. Note: the supplied meeting timestamp says 2025-04-10, but the agenda and transcript state the meeting was held Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM. No minutes were provided. Notes on Meeting Date - The agenda and transcript date the meeting as Monday, April 7, 2025; the provided metadata date is 2025-04-10. This summary uses the metadata date in the title but identifies the source-date discrepancy. Consent Calendar / Routine Organizational Resolutions - Res. No. 2025-110: Approved one-year appointments to April 2026: Alyssa Hochstein as Village Clerk; Eric Morrissey as Deputy Village Clerk; Kristin Pungello as Deputy Village Treasurer; Michael Duffy, Esq. as Associate Justice; George Pappas, Esq. as Prosecutor; Lloyd Tasch as Assessor. - Res. No. 2025-111: Designated Alyssa Hochstein as Records Access Officer and Eric Morrissey as Records Appeal Officer. - Res. No. 2025-112: Adopted the 2025-2026 meeting schedule: regular meetings at 8:00 PM on the second and fourth Mondays, except April when the organizational meeting is the first Monday at 7:00 PM; work sessions at 7:00 PM on second and fourth Mondays from May through February and every Monday in March and April; holiday dates to be amended. - Res. No. 2025-113: Established special meeting procedure: a special meeting may be called by the Mayor or at least two trustees acting together, with notice to trustees by phone, text, or email and media/public notification as soon as practical. - Res. No. 2025-114: Designated the Journal News as the Village's official newspaper. - Res. No. 2025-115: Approved authorized signatories for financial transactions: Mayor Peter Scherer, Treasurer Noreen Regan, and Deputy Treasurer Kristin Pungello. - Res. No. 2025-116: Designated Bank of New York, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, Webster Bank, N.A., and NYCLASS as Village depositories and established payment and check-signing rules. - Res. No. 2025-117: Authorized the Village Administrator to approve in-state conferences; out-of-state conferences require Board approval by resolution. - Res. No. 2025-118: Set employee mileage reimbursement at the IRS standard business mileage rate. - Res. No. 2025-119: Authorized advance payment of claims for public utility services, postage, credit card merchant fees, freight, and express charges, with claims presented for audit at the next regular meeting. - Res. No. 2025-120: Authorized the Village Treasurer to implement the Village's Investment Policy. - Res. No. 2025-121: Adopted the Village's Purchasing Policy. - Res. No. 2025-122: Adopted the Village's Fiscal Policy. - Res. No. 2025-123: Adopted the Village's Credit Card Policy. - Res. No. 2025-124: Approved petty cash funds: Justice Court $200; Finance Department $150 for reimbursements and $100 for change; Recreation Department $100; Village Clerk $100; Clinton Street Center $50; employee out-of-pocket reimbursement cap set at $20. - Res. No. 2025-125: Approved employee policies including Anti-Harassment & Discrimination, Cyber Breach Notification, Cyber Security, Drug Free Workplace, Employee Handbook, Equal Employment Opportunity, Public Employer Health Emergency, Sexual Harassment, Vehicle Use, Code of Ethics, and Workplace Violence. - Res. No. 2025-126: Approved mayoral appointments to boards, commissions, and committees, with the addition of Edwin Kuo to the Climate Smart Task Force. Public Comments & Testimony - None were made or recorded. Discussion Items - Trustees discussed the board and commission appointment list, noting that Edwin Kuo should be added to the Climate Smart Task Force and that the Conservation Advisory Council and Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee appeared to have openings. The Village Clerk texted that people not listed were not up for reappointment; the board agreed to add Edwin Kuo and approved the list as amended. - On Res. No. 2025-127, trustees discussed concerns about the broad no-parking restrictions for the Roselle Community Build Project, including where volunteers and trucks would park, and noted that the project organizer was deciding whether to proceed due to weather. The board approved the restrictions. - On Res. No. 2025-128, the board discussed the Village-owned property at Section 106.5, Block 1, Lot 45 on Sarles Lane, describing it as an odd parcel with maintenance and dead-tree issues, but with potential for sale and productive reuse. The board authorized engaging real estate services. Key Outcomes - All 19 resolutions were approved by voice vote with no dissenting votes; Res. No. 2025-126 was amended on the floor to add Edwin Kuo to the Climate Smart Task Force. - The Mayor announced the next regular meeting will be Monday, April 14, 2025.

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The Board swore in a new police officer, received the FYE2026 tentative budget presentation, and acted on a series of resolutions covering capital projects, fees, grants, and personnel. Swearing-In Ceremony - Chief Eric Rutzner recommended Police Officer Matthew Miller for hire, citing his impeccable service record and character. The Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-92, appointing Miller at a salary of $91,226, effective March 25, 2025. The appointment is subject to a minimum of 52 weeks of probation, extendable to a maximum of 78 weeks. FYE2026 Tentative Budget Presentation - Administrator Eric Morrissey and Treasurer Noreen Regan presented a proposed $26.9 million budget for Fiscal Year Ending 2026, a $1.1 million increase over the current year across all village funds. - Tax Impact: The budget is tax cap compliant, proposing a 3.5% increase in the tax levy (against an allowable 3.9%). The tax rate is proposed to increase by 2.5% to $109.37 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The average single, two, or three-family homeowner would see an annual increase of approximately $120. - Revenue & Fund Balance: The village plans to levy $13.978 million from the tax base and utilize $350,000 from the general fund balance. - Expenses: Major cost drivers include unsettled PBA and CSEA contract negotiations, a state-mandated increase in pension contributions, and rising health insurance costs. Discretionary capital items in the tentative budget include $40,000 for bulletproof glass for the Police Department and funding for portable safety bollards. - Board Discussion: Mayor Sheer noted the achievement of a tax cap compliant budget, stating that the village was not entirely certain it could be achieved. One Trustee expressed concern about the cumulative financial burden on residents, and suggested reviewing discretionary capital items for potential cuts. Administrator Morrissey confirmed that removing items like the safety bollards would simply defer the expense to the next fiscal year. - Capital Projects: Key projects include the new pool (opening delayed to June 13, 2025), Soldiers and Sailors and Roselle playground renovations, a six-million-dollar water tank replacement project, road resurfacing, and continued work on the Manville Road and Civic Space project. - Water & Refuse: A 9.5% water rate increase is proposed to fund critical water infrastructure. The annual refuse rate is proposed to increase by $19 to $501 per single-family unit. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Ron suggested reopening Academy Street to through traffic during school dismissal to reduce parking congestion. He argued that current no-parking patterns cause unsafe conditions for children. - Mayor Sheer, Administrator Morrissey, and Trustee Paul Alvarez reported on a recent site visit to the area during pickup. A consensus emerged among trustees that a primary issue is inadequate enforcement of existing no-parking and no-standing regulations. A Trustee formally requested scheduling a work session with the Police Department to discuss enforcement strategies around schools and downtown double-parking. Key Outcomes & Votes - Police Officer Appointment: Matthew Miller appointed unanimously (Res. 2025-92). - Budget Schedule: A public hearing for the FYE2026 budget was scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM (Res. 2025-99). - Pool Fees: Amended pool fees approved, including a 10% discount on early bird and regular rates due to the construction delay, and free admission for the opening weekend of June 13-15, 2025 (Res. 2025-109). - Parkway Field Lights: Extended lighting until 10:30 PM Monday-Thursday, April 1 to September 1 (Res. 2025-105). Trustees indicated that continuing this practice long-term will require amending the local law through a public hearing. - ArtsWestchester Mural: Authorized an MOU for a grant-funded public art mural installation behind the Burns building (Res. 2025-100). - Safety Bollards: Authorized a $50,000 grant application to the NYS DHSES Critical Infrastructure Grant Program for removable safety bollards (Res. 2025-104). - Personnel Hires & Raises: Authorized the hiring of Julie Lomurno for Panther Club (Res. 2025-108) and a pay increase for Pre-School Instructors from $60 to $65 per hour (Res. 2025-107). - Capital Accounts & Budget: Authorized the creation of capital accounts for HVAC and boiler replacements at Village Hall (Res. 2025-93 & 94). Approved budget amendments for FYE2025 (Res. 2025-95) and the payment of claims totaling $544,720.80 (Res. 2025-96). - Community Support: Donated two 2025 Pleasantville Music Festival tickets to the Make-a-Wish Foundation (Res. 2025-106) and waived 2025 pool membership fees for active members of the Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps residing in the village (Res. 2025-103).

The Pleasantville Village Board of Trustees held a work session on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Village Hall, 80 Wheeler Ave, 2nd Floor, Pleasantville, NY. The agenda included discussions of spring/summer outdoor seating barriers on Wheeler and Washington Avenues, a proposed community clean-up day, a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program Memorandum of Understanding, the 2025 Community Block Party, and an 8:30 PM executive session on contractual and personnel matters. No official minutes were available; this summary is based on the agenda and raw transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Kahn, a resident of 35 Wilton and owner of the Village Bookstore, described a different perspective on the Washington Avenue barriers. She said the barriers remove about three parking spaces in front of her store from 10 AM to 4 PM while the nearby restaurant is closed, and customers with mobility issues have complained. She proposed movable barriers that would be put in place only when the restaurant is open, and suggested adding a handicapped parking space. - Eric Gigger, a resident of 15 Academy Street, expressed support for retaining the outdoor seating as a public community space. He said he uses the space with family and friends, and that the concrete barriers make it easier and safer to exit the parking lot by improving sight lines. - A resident who described his wife’s mobility challenges opposed the concrete barriers, arguing they were temporary COVID-era measures, create emergency-access and traffic problems, and should be removed. - A later commenter disagreed with the emergency-access argument, saying cars that double-park already block the street regardless of barriers. Discussion Items - Wheeler and Washington Avenue Outdoor Seating Barriers: The Board discussed whether to continue providing concrete barriers for outdoor seating in the spring and summer. The presiding official said the office had received many emails, anecdotally about half in favor and half opposed. One trustee reported speaking with many Wheeler Avenue business owners, most of whom supported the arrangement and saw the seated area as a public space; their larger concern was parking enforcement. Other trustees supported the barriers, describing them as a community amenity that increases downtown vibrancy, while one trustee raised fairness concerns about granting a benefit only to businesses that can physically host it and noted that Washington Avenue differs from Wheeler Avenue. Three trustees indicated they were already prepared to support the Wheeler Avenue arrangement. The Board also discussed requiring signage making clear that the seating is public, not reserved for any one business. A trustee expressed concern about fire/life-safety access, and the Board discussed whether movable bollards or barriers would be feasible. The Board agreed to proceed with the Wheeler Avenue public seating area and to talk with the owner of the Washington Avenue restaurant before deciding that location. - Community Clean-Up Day: The Board discussed organizing a community clean-up day around Earth Day 2025. Trustees considered scheduling it on Saturday, April 19, but noted a conflict with spring break; an email suggested April 26. The plan is to update a previous flyer, work with Mario and Mike Newman to coordinate, provide bags, and distribute the flyer to the garden club, Rotary, school, Scouts, chamber of commerce, and the village website. No final date was set. - Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) MOU: The Board discussed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Sustainable Westchester for the CCA program. Sustainable Westchester wants to negotiate a new contract early to gain rate flexibility. For the period ending February 28, 2025, the 50% renewable CCA rate was 12.178 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly below Con Edison’s 12.9 cents; the 100% renewable rate was 13.298 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly above Con Edison’s non-renewable rate. The 12-month trailing Con Edison average for 2024 was 10.257 cents per kilowatt-hour, and the 50% renewable CCA rate during that period was about two cents higher. Pleasantville has 1,828 CCA accounts, and the monthly emissions savings were cited as 5,620 metric tons of CO2. Trustees generally favored staying in the program at the 50% renewable level rather than moving to 100%, because 100% would increase residents’ energy costs by roughly 15–20%. Residents can opt up or opt out without penalty. A resolution will be placed on the next agenda. - 2025 Community Block Party: The agenda listed this as a 7:45 PM discussion item, but the transcript contains no discussion of the Community Block Party. Key Outcomes - The Board reached consensus to proceed with the concrete barriers/public seating on Wheeler Avenue for the spring/summer and to add signage identifying the area as public seating. - The Washington Avenue decision was deferred pending a conversation with the restaurant owner about possible movable barriers and terms. - The community clean-up day will be coordinated with local groups; the date remains to be finalized, with April 26 proposed. - The Board agreed to recommend continuing CCA participation at the 50% renewable tier and to place a resolution on a future agenda. - The agenda scheduled an executive session at 8:30 PM for contractual and personnel matters; no public discussion or action on that session was included in the transcript.