https://sleepyhollow.localarchives.org/files/original/35f0441efb1297799dd9c9d1cc0a1ae1.pdf e563e96db5a2c93f92f505fd9c9512b7 PDF Text Text The Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow held a Special Session Meeting on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, New York. Present: Mayor Kenneth G. Wray Deputy Mayor Jennifer Lobato-Church Bruce Campbell Dorothy Handelman Glenn Rosenbloom Evelyn Stupel Karin Wompa, Trustees Also Present: Paula A. McCarthy Tompkins, Village Clerk Janet Gandolfo, Village Counsel Gregory Camp, Police Chief Richard Gross, General Foreman At 7:02 p.m. Mayor Wray called the Special Session meeting to order with a pledge to the flag. Mayor announcements: Mayor Wray stated that Police Officer Rosario is currently in the hospital and showing steady signs of improvement following a medical emergency on July 27, which caused him to go into cardiac arrest. Mayor Wray stated that a recent resolution to promote Police Officer Nelson has been revisited and for legal considerations the Board of Trustees is desirous of appointing Paul Nelson to the position of Sergeant effective immediately. Trustee Handelman moved, seconded by Trustee Rosenbloom. Motion was unanimous. (Resolution attached) Police Officer Nelson then took the Oath of Office with Mayor Wray to the position of Police Sergeant. Mayor Wray asked the Board for a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Motion was denied. Trustee Wompa made a motion to move fonward with the resolution on hand, to hire a new Police Officer. She stated the Board of Trustees has previously discussed this matter and have agreed to it. Trustee Rosenbloom stated he was not aware of any agreements made by the Board and that there were several outstanding questions, which the Village Administrator would be �investigating and report bacl< to the Board, and to better inform the Board Trustee Rosenbloom would like to discuss it in Executive Session. Trustee Campbell responded and suggested tliat Trustee Rosenbloom vote against the resolution on hand since this matter has been discussed at length and he feels there's nothing new to add to it. Trustee Campbell stated that the candidate chosen for the Police Officer position is a young, vibrant member of the community; he is accomplished and has played professional football. During the interview, he found him to be a qualified candidate and he will be a great role model for the citizens of our community. He stated that in light of our need, to have one police officer entering the academy in August, and the Chiefs recommendation. Trustee Wompa's motion to move forward with this resolution is in order and the Board should move ahead with it. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated for the record that she has recused herself from this matter, as her brother is one of the candidates under consideration for the Police Officer's position. As a result, she stated that she was not Involved in conversations about the candidates and was not privy to any communications made In any executive sessions, nor would she be involved in the actions of the Board this evening. Trustee Wompa moved, seconded by Trustee Campbell to hire new police Officer Antonio Guzzo, effective July 30, 2014. Motion was unanimous. (Resolution attached) Trustee Rosenbloom addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated he is pleased with the hiring of Antonio Guzzo for the position of Police Officer, but he feels that the Police Dept. needs additional support, due to current Officers being out on medical leave, medical restrictions, several retirements, and significant overtime. Reduced public safety is also a concern at this time. Trustee Rosenbloom described Gregory Lobato, the second candidate, to be outstanding, has terrific qualifications and a distinguished background. He scored #11 in the Westchester County Police Exam out of 3000 candidates. He was promoted numerous times by the United States Marine Corp., and had tremendous responsibility overseeing combat and military police platoons. Trustee Rosenbloom stated he would like to move on a resolution to hire Gregory Lobato for the position of Police Officer. Trustee Rosenbloom moved. Mayor Wray seconded, after stepping down as Chair. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church, who took over the role of chair, asked for a roll call: Mayor Wray and Trustee Rosenbloom voted: Yes Trustees: Wompa, Handelman, Stupel and Campbell voted: No Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church: Abstained. (Resolution attached) Motion to hire Gregory Lobato to the position of Police Officer is denied. �Public Comments; At this time l^ayor Wray opened the meeting to Public: David Schroedel. of Sleepy Hollow, addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and with much appreciation complimented the Police Department and the Sleepy Hollow Volunteer Ambulance Corps for their quick and efficient response to a medical emergency at his home on July 27th. Mr. Schroedel then identified himself as a former Village Trustee and former Police Commissioner of Sleepy Hollow, and spoke out regarding the motion just defeated 4-2 by the Board of Trustees regarding the hiring of Gregory Lobato as entry level patrolman. He noted that Mr. Lobato has been a resident of Sleepy Hollow his entire life, is a former Marine Corps Captain, a respected Veteran who served our Country with honor and distinction and who led almost 190 Marine MP's during his tours, both overseas and at home. Mr. Schroedel noted that Mr. Lobato has undergraduate and graduate degrees, scored #11 on the Westchester County Police Officer Exam out of 3000 candidates - in the top 1/3 or 1% and enjoyed the unqualified recommendation to appointment by the Chief of Police and the entire leadership team of the SHPD. He then stated that he'd never seen such a qualified applicant during his years on the Board and wondered how the Board could substitute their personal judgments for the objective record. Mr. Schroedel pleaded with the Board of Trustees to listen to the public comments and reconsider their decision. David Cahn. a retired United States Marine Coronel, addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that Greg Lobato is a highly decorated Captain of Marines and will serve our town well. (See written statement attached) Chick Galleta of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that he is currently one of the Trustees of the VFW Post 1939, and on behalf of the VFW, he requested the Board to strongly consider Greg Lobato for the position of Police Officer. (See written statement attached) Susan Fiorelia - addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that her Dad, a former Sleepy Hollow Police Officer, would be very proud to know that her son, Gregory Lobato joined the Military. She stated that Board members do not know the Village as well as lifelong residents do. Mrs. Fiorelia read out loud an email she received from her son, Greg Lobato in 2004 from Fallujah, Iraq: ''my email is about to get turned off. I will not be able to reach anyone for a while. I will be safe; remember no news is good news. Mom and Dad, I will try to call. Love you all." Mrs. Fiorelli stated that she did not hear from her son for 3 weeks following that email, and hopes that Board Members never have to experience that with their children. She ended her comment by saying that the Village Board does not know what they're missing by not hiring her son, a war vet. Thomas Capossela. of Sleepy Hollow and a former Board Member, addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated Board members should put their differences aside with �Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church and hire Gregory Lobato. He also stated that he would not have recused himself, as Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church did. If It was his brother being considered. Mario Belanich. of Sleepy Hollow, addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that the Board of Trustees should hire local residents, who pay taxes and care about the local merchants. He suggested putting personal feelings aside. Josephine Galoano of Sleepy Hollow, addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated that the Board of Trustees should hire two policemen. Mrs. Galgano stated there Is another qualified candidate that should be hired. She stated that at previous Board meetings residents had complaint about safety concerns in their neighborhoods, and asked the Board to reconsider their decision, since the Police Department should be better prepared. Chick Galleta addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees for a second time, and asked for the Board's opinion regarding all the people's comments. He said this is not a personnel matter and he would like to hear from the Board members. Trustee Womoa stated that she respects all the support shown for Mr. Lobato but personnel matters cannot be discussed in public, only in Executive Session. She agrees that the Police Department needs additional Police Officers and It will be discussed forward. She reiterated that it is inappropriate to discuss personnel matters in public. Trustee Campbeli stated that the Village has a good policy to keep all personnel discussions confidential, to protect the candidates. He also stated that he resents the insinuation made by the public that he may be anti-veteran. He stated that his father was a Marine who fought in WWII and he respects all veterans. Trustee Rosenbloom stated that he agrees with all comments from the public and would like the other Board members to give a reason for their decision. He stated he has heard some of their reasons but doesn't understand it. He also thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Trustee Campbell responded that it would be totally Inappropriate to discuss this matter In public. Thomas Capossela addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees a second time and stated that he disagrees with the Trustees comments that this is a personnel matter since the candidate in discussion has not been hired. He would like to know why the Board of Trustees does not want to hire Gregory Lobato, a gentleman and a qualified Veteran. �There were no further comments at this time. Mayor thanked the public for attending. At 8:15 pm, on motion by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Trustee Wompa the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Paula A. McCarthy T o m p k i n ^ Village Clerk �Meeting Date: 07/29/2014 Resolution #: 07/112/2014 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW AMENDING RESOLUTION PROMOTING POLICE OFFICER PAUL NELSON Whereas, the Board of Trustees (BOT) passed a resolution on July 22, 2014 promoting Police Officer Paul Nelson to the position of Sergeant of Police, (Resolution #:07/104/2014), and Whereas, for legal and other considerations the Board of Trustees is desirous of anfiending said resolution; Now, therefore, be it resolved the Board of Trustees amends the previously adopted resolution promoting Police Officer Paul Nelson to the position of Sergeant as follows: The Board of Trustees hereby promotes Police Officer Paul Nelson to the rank of Sergeant of Police, from Civil Service Eligible List 07-075, said promotion to become effective July 29, 2014 at an annual salary of $109,878.00; and Be it further resolved said promotion is subject to a minimum period of probation of 12 weeks and a maximum period of 52 weeks and the approval of the Westchester County Department of Human Resources. Moved: Trustee Campbell Seconded: Trustee Rosenbloom Vote: 6-0 �Meeting Date: 07/29/2014 Resolution #: 07/113/2014 Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow Appointing Police Officer WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has canvassed civil service eligible list #69-589, NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow hereby nfiakes the following appointment to the Sleepy Hollow Police Department; Antonio Guzzo of Sleepy Hollow, at an annual starting salary of $45,930.00; BE rr FURTHER RESOLVED said appointment is effective July, 30^ 2014 and contingent upon his satisfactory completion of any and all remaining preemployment screening tests and subject to Civil Service Rules and a probationary period of between 12 and 78 weeks. Move: Trustee Wompa Seconded: Trustee Campbell Vote: 6-0 �Meeting Date: 07/29/2014 Resolution #: 07/114/2014 Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow Appointing Police Officer WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has canvassed civil service eligible list #69-589, NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow hereby makes the following appointment to the Sleepy Hollow Police Department; Gregory Lobato, at an annual starting salary of $45,930.00; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED said appointment is effective July, 30% 2014 and contingent upon his satisfactory completion of any and all remaining preemployment screening tests and subject to Civil Service Rules and a probationary period of between 12 and 78 weel<s. Move: Trustee Rosenbloom Second: Mayor Wray Vote: 4-2 Motion: Denied Roll Call bv Deputy Mavor Lobato-Church: (Mayor Wray stepped down as Chair for the purpose of this vote) Trustee Rosenbloom and Mayor Wray voted: Yes Trustees: Wompa, Stupel, Handelman and Campbell voted: No Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church voted: Abstained �^ '1 ! i !• 1 ! I ! I 14-4 rrtrrrr: David Cahn, Colonel, USMC (Ret) The US Marine Corps has the finest training in the world. Best managed organizations take advantage of the best options available to them. Fortune 500 companies trip over each other recruiting leaders like Greg. This highly decorated Captain of Marines has proven himself in the most arduous of conditions. He has a MBA and was a MP, Military Police, Platoon Commander in Fallujah, Iraq. I can guarantee he is Mission focused and will always put his teams needs ahead of his own Anyone who wrote a blank check for his country, who had a job that required him to paint his blood type on his boots, deserves all we can do for him. Whatever preconceived negative notion you have about Marines is obviously incorrect. He will serve your town well. Hire this vet. �On July 2014, I attended the Sleepy Hollow Board of Trustees meeting, regarding the appointment of a police officer to the village of Sleepy Hollow. I was ^polled' and disappointed that the Board appointed a nonveteran, overlooking an outstanding war hero, Mr. Greg Lobato, a veteran of the Iraq War. In addition to being a highly decorated Marine Corp Captain, Mr. Lobato was also the Operations Officer of the Military Police Department at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California. If those qualifications were not enough, Mr. Lobato also holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Many of the same Trustees who voted for the candidate who received the appointment are a visible presence at Sleepy Hollow veteran's events throughout the year. In my opinion, they will be looked upon as hypocrites for failing to support a qualified combat veteran. Mr. Lobato, as a lifelong resident of Sleepy Hollow, loves his country and community, and deserved the opportunity to serve as a police officer for Sleepy Hollow. I served my country during World War II, and I served my village in many capacities: as a volunteer firefighter for 60 years, as Fire Commissioner for 10 years, and as Deputy Mayor for 10 years. My war experience taught me the importance of giving back to my community. I'm left to wonder why the Board of Trustees failed to give Mr. Lobato the same opportunity. ^O . A / � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes & Resolutions-2014 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource MINS_TRUST_2014-07-29_Special-Session Subject The topic of the resource Board of Trustees Minutes-2014 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Village of Sleepy Hollow All Rights Reserved. Type The nature or genre of the resource Text