https://sleepyhollow.localarchives.org/files/original/decaa37ee7243f50b90b4559a545b9a7.pdf 09a2d2b6fa2b5638e750b56872e44e17 PDF Text Text The Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow held a meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 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: Anthony P. Giaccio, Village Administrator Paula A. McCarthy Tompkins, Village Clerk Janet Gandolfo, Village Counsel Sean E. McCarthy, Village Building Inspector Gregory Camp, Police Chief At 7:02 p.m. Mayor Wray called the meeting to order with a pledge to the flag and a moment of silence for Mary Galgano, Anthony "Chubby" Morabito and Frank O'Brien, all longtime residents of North Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Mayor Wray called upon several members of the Police Department and Sleepy Hollow Volunteer Ambulance Corp. to honor them for their recent life savings actions of a Sleepy Hollow Police Officer. Honorees were. Sleepy Hollow Officer Giannetti, Officer Fortunado, Sergeant Corona and Sergeant Giannpicolo and Officer Infante of Tarrytown. Honorees from the Sleepy Hollow Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Assistant Chief Ibarra, along with John Cabezas, Kayla Capello, and Julia Antoinette. Mayor Wray presented all members with a life saving award and thanked them for their heroic rescue. At this time, many cheers and applause from the public filled the room. Public Hearing: Parking and Traffic Flow on Old Broadway Mayor opened the meeting to the public and evoked the 3 minute rule. Village Clerk read the notice aloud for the record. Anthony Landi of Old Broadway in Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and suggested that the traffic go south bound one way and asked to have restricted hours for alternate parking. Mr. Landi is concerned about speeding traffic as well and stated he has reached out to the DOT. Mayor Wray stated this concern will be addressed. �Don Cateano of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated that he has been a resident of our community for 60 years. He recommends the Board does a study of the traffic right of way and parking on Old Broadway. Trustee Wompa stated that she and Trustee Handelman studied the situation regarding Mr. Landl's concerns and reported on It. (See attached) Trustee Handelman expressed concerned about parking safety In that area. Trustee Campbell agreed and discussion ensued. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church and Trustee Rosenbloom also toured the area, and stated she would discuss their findings at a future work session. At this time, the Village Clerk read aloud for the record a letter from Jeffrey Shumeida (See attached) There were no further comments at this time. Trustee Handelman made a motion to close the public hearing. Trustee Stupel seconded. Motion carried. Approval of Warrants: Trustee Wompa moved, seconded by trustee Campbell to approve the warrant as submitted and authorize the Village Treasurer to pay bills In the total of $309, 134.14. Carried: Unanimous. Approval of Minutes: Trustee Campbell asked to table the Minutes of July, 29, 2014. (tabled) Trustee Campbell moved to approve the Minutes of September 2, 2014. Trustee Stupel seconded, subject to minor typographical errors changes. Carried: 6-0 Mayor announcements: Mayor Wray stated that SHHS Is joining the ALS Ice bucket challenge, at 3:30pm this Fridav for students and staff. Mayor Wray asked Trustee Stupel to resign her post as Village Trustee for an ethics code violation. Mayor Wray stated that Trustee Stupel should have recused herself from a vote related to a certificate of occupancy requirement for one and two family homes, because she Intended on selling her home once the vote had passed. Mayor Wray said that this was a conflict of interest because Trustee Stupel may have financially benefitted from the vote. �Trustee Stupel responded and stated that she did sell her home and she did nothing wrong. She stated that the issue had been under discussion since two years ago and again recently when It was passed unanimously by all the trustees and it wouldn't have mattered whether she voted on it or not, the outcome would have been the same. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated she was on the Board two years prior when this Issue was brought up and It was dismissed because Mr. McCarthy, the Building Inspector explained then that his Department could handle the situation. Trustee Wompa stated that this discussion is inappropriate and the Board should move on to more pressing matters on the agenda. Mayor Wray stated that the Integrity of the Board is by far the most Important. Department Head Reports: Anthony Giaccio, Village Administrator (see report attached) Trustee Wompa stated that Mr. Joe Cotter recently donated $10,000. for a circus tent to be used during Halloween festivities. Robin Pell, Recreation Supervisor reported that the "meals on wheels" program will be provided by Kendal on Hudson Instead of Phelps Hospital. The after-school program has started and there are 55 kids in the program. Staff provides the kids with homework assistance and supervision at the playground. The parks are rented until October and lighthouse tours are is being scheduled. Sale ads for Halloween are almost completed. There are football and soccer teams (Wolfpack & AYSO) Mrs. Pell requested a "wish list" Including Items such as a new vehicle, new picnic tables and grills, exercise equipment for the senior center, new copy machine and a door buzzer for the front door at the Senior Center. Richard Gross reported that the problem at the pump station has been resolved. Paving reimbursements will be approximately $111,000. Trees are being pruned and brush is being pick up. The water parks at Sykes and Barnhart will be turned off October 2014. Discussion ensued amongs Trustees regarding paving schedules and brush pick up. Mayor Wray suggested discussions of the sidewalks repair at a future Work Session. Police Chief Camp: rc;pp attached report) Deputy Lobato-Church asked if speeding can be monitored more closely for public safety since schools just opened. �Trustee Campbell asked why the Police Dept. have acquired more overtime. Chief Camp stated that due to sick leaves and vacations, Officers are working more shifts. Trustee Handelman stated she feels traffic on Rt 448 over speeds. Trustee Campbell asked for an update on Rt 9's project. Mr. Giaccio responded that Rt 9 will be started in early fall. Pat Haaaertv Fire Chief reported that the Fire Department responded to several calls for the months of June, July and August of 2014. Public Comments: Mayor Wray opened the meeting to the public and evoked the 3 minute rule. David Schroedel. of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees in a written statement, (see attached statement) Frank Benoscate of Sleepy Hollow, addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated that he hopes the Board re-considers hiring Greg Lobato for the position of Police Officer. He also complimented Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church for expressing her feelings to the public about this situation. Hughe Jones a resident of Sleepy Hollow for 41 years addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that the Village needs a fully functioning Police Department and the Board of Trustees should put their political differences aside and compromise. Jim Simmons, an attorney on behalf of the Chilean Community addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked if the Chilean festival could stay on Valley Street to celebrate their annual celebration. He stated they would not impact Santorini restaurant. Armando "Chicic" Galieta of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked why the Board did not hire Mr. Gregory Lobato for the position of Police Officer. Trustee Campbell thanked Mr. David Schroedel for supplying the Board with a copy of the open meetings law. Trustee Campbell stated that Mr. Schroedel had quoted from a letter by the Executive Director of the Department of State to claim there is no law barring public disclosure of what is said in Executive Sessions. Trustee Campbell pointed out that the letter concludes by saying 'inappropriate disclosures could work against the interests of a public body as a whole and the public generally. Further, a unilateral disclosure by a member of a public body might serve to defeat or circumvent the principles under which those bodies are intended to operate. Disclosures could result in unwarranted invasions of personal privacy even though there may be no statute that prohibits disclosure, release of information could �be damaging to individuals and the functioning of government/' Edna Belanich of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked why the Board did not hire Greg Lobato for the position of Police Officer on the Chiefs recommendation. She stated Board Members were elected by the residents of this community and they deserve an explanation. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated she disagrees with Trustee Campbell's interpretation of the open meetings law. She stated that anything discussed In executive session may be discussed in public at the Board's discretion, unless there is a state statute or other law prohibiting it. Trustee Wompa stated that she agrees with Mr. Campbell's interpretation of the open meetings law. Tom Capposella - addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that the five members who have Board control are not doing anything to benefit the Village at this time. Discussion ensued. Payid Schroedel - addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated he never asked for the Board to share their executive session discussions. He stated that Trustee Campbell has an obligation to the public to reveal why the decision was made to not hire Mr. Lobato to the position of Police Officer. He also stated that Trustee Stupel sold her house with an Illegal apartment and financially benefited from it. Trustee Stupel - responded by stating that the cottage at 141 Kelbourne Ave was a legal, non-conforming structure that was grandfathered in for many years, with its own meter, and that it was and always has been legal. Eli Samaris of Sleepy Hollow and owner of the Santorlnl Restaurant addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked to have the Chilean Festival Celebration moved elsewhere to keep the street opened. He is concerned about It affecting his business, which is a seven day a week operation, and he is a heart patient also concerned about emergency vehicles not being able to get through. Don Cateano - addressed the Mayor and the Board and asked if any members of the Board were related to each other. Frank Benoscat - addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated that one of the Trustees should make a motion to hire Mr. Greg Lobato. Mario Belanich - addressed the Mayor and the Board asked how a member of the Board can ask for Police protection but is opposed to hiring a new officer; he also asked if Trustees Stupel had an illegal apartment on her property. �Mr. Belanlch also stated that all resolutions should be voted on at Board Meetings, not at Works Sessions. A member of the Chilean Community addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated that it would be upsetting to the community if the festival was moved out of Valley Street. He stated it takes a long time to prepare for this celebration and moving it at this time would be difficult and upsetting to the community. Frank Occhipinti of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Trustees and stated that Is it embarrassing to see Board members arguing with each other. He then asked if Trustee Stupel recently sold her home and did her apartment hold a Certificate of Occupancy. He also asked who her attorney was at the closing. Ms. Gandolfo responded and stated that Mr. Occhipinti statements were inappropriate, and that Mr. McCarthy confirmed that she does in fact have a CoO for her home since 2008. Discussion ensued. Trustee Wompa moved to close public comments. Trustee Campbell seconded it. Trustee Rosenbloom opposed to closing the public comments and asked if anyone else would like to address the Board. Trustee Campbell agreed but stated that since Mayor Wray has lost control of the meeting and there is no head way being made. Trustee Rosenbloom stated to Mr. Campbell that the Board does not have the right to not let the public speak. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated that everyone, including Board members should respect each other and work together for the betterment of the Village. Trustee Wompa stated that this evening has been disgraceful and Board members do not profit from the hours spent working for the Village. She stated she's here on behalf of the whole Village. Trustee Wompa explained that at a previous executive session two candidates had been discussed and the same evening information was revealed to the public before final decisions were made. Trustee Wompa then stated that Mr. Lobato was arrogant and disrespectful to solicit people to attend the next Board and protest against Board Members. She stated that in October of 2013, the Board was asked to create a position for a candidate who was unnamed at that time. Trustee Handelman stated that she would like to hear from the public and asked that remarks remain considered and respectful. �Discussion ensued. Motion to close public hearing was denied. Public Comments remain opened to the public. George Samaris of Sleepy Hollow and owner of Santorini Restaurant addressed the Mayor and the Board and stated closing the street for the Chilean festivities would hurt the business at his restaurant. Francisco Mejias owner of the Los Andres bakery addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked if he can hold the festivities on Valley Street one last time. Princess Mejias co-owner of the Los Andres bakery addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and asked if the festivities can be held on Valley Street one last time. Josephine Galqano of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated she is not happy to see the Board arguing, and asked the Board to share their reasons for not hiring Greg Lobato and to re-consider him to the position of Police Officer. Franic Occhipinti addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that Trustee Stupel sold her house without a CoO for her apartment. He stated this Board is a disgrace. Etiis Samari stated that the Rock of Salvation has held parties with lots of people at Sykes Park. He stated if the street is closed how emergency vehicles will get through. Trustee Wompa asked if it would be possible to hold the Chilean Festival at Sykes Park. Jessica Mejias the owner of Los Andres bakery, stated that the festival is convenient of Valley Street, and the Chilean Organization always clean up after themselves. She stated all plans have been made, and its short notice to move elsewhere; she said its about the community. Trustee Handelman asked if the Chilean Festival Organizers have considered compensating Santorini restaurant for their loss of customers due to road closure on that day. Trustee Campbell stated that a request to close Valley Street for this celebration should have come to the Board sooner and a lot has been taking for granted. He said there are banners everywhere advertising the festival on Valley Street. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church - stated this festival has taken place in the Village for several years, and is well attended, and thanked Ms. Mejias for trying to come up with solutions. She asked what Is the capacity of the Sykes Park to hold this festival. Trustee Wompa stated she is disappointed at some of her fellow ex-Trustees and that she would never divulge staff matters in public. She stated that NYS Law mandates that the Board of Trustees hire and appoint Police Officers. She stated the last police candidate was hired at the highest salary on the recommendation of Trustee Rosenbloom and Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church. Trustee Wompa stated that Mr. Lobato seek support from the public to attend the meetings �She stated that staffing the Police Department at this time Is questionable regarding transfers and promotions. She stated recent hiring actions were circumvented and done out of order and i^lr. Lobato has threatened the Board with action. She stated that instead of trying to work things out amongst Board members, a sad display has occurred. She put forth a resolution to hire Mr. Guzzo so he wouldn't be collateral damage. A resolution was put fonward to hire Mr. Lobato by Trustee Rosenbloom out of order and this situation has turned into a witch hunt. She stated she would never disparage members of the Board as it has been done to here. Trustee Wompa stated that choices by the Board are made in the best interest of the Village. Mayor Wray stated that Trustee Wompa's speech was confusing and that he did ask the Board for an executive session at a previous meeting to discuss this Issue and motion was denied. Trustee Rosenbloom stated he too is a bit confused since he had previously asked for an executive session to discuss some unanswered questions, because no decisions had been made. Trustee Rosenbloom stated that there were two good candidates for the Police Officer(s) position and members of the Board were left wondering why only one Officer was hired. Trustee Rosenbloom also stated he disagrees with some of Trustee Wompa's recollection of events. He stated that the public Is upset and they have the right to know why the Board makes decisions, he reiterated that this Is how they are Informed and they deserve to know. He stated that the Board'a actions leave the public to believe that this is petty politics and personal bias. Trustee Wompa responded to Trustee Rosenbloom's statement and explained that hiring Mr. Lobato would be a bad addition to the Police Department, it would show favoritism since Mr. Lobato's sister is a Board member and she has manipulated the staffing In the Police Department for the past year. Trustee Rosenbloom stated that the Board Is here to serve the public and thanked Trustee Wompa for her statement. Trustee Stupel - stated that upon hiring new personnel, certain information should not be released In public. Trustee Campbell - stated that a long executive session took place to discuss all the candidates, and Trustee Rosenbloom should not be confused. He said the Board cannot be specific in public regarding candidates detailed information; it has never been done before Trustee Campbell sated it Is absurd to think Board Members are anti-veteran; veterans have been hired in the past. Trustee Campbell also stated that recent meetings have been like a circus and a stage spectacle, and certain Board members that are used to getting their way, are not getting their way this time and are not stomping their feet. He stated that people, from as far as Pennsylvania were recruited to attend Board meetings �and shout insults at Board Members in support of Mr. Lobato. Trustee Campbell stated that Mr. Lobato Is a strong candidate on paper but there were Issues with his candidacy; he stated that Board members do work with the Police Chief, but NY State Law mandates that the Board has the duty of hiring Police Officers, and each Trustee Is a Police Commissioner and Board members will not shrink from making decisions. He is pleased with the recent package of candidates for a Police Officer transfer, many people have been hired in the past and this kind of intimidation has never happened here before. He stated the Board will make sure the Village of Sleepy Hollow Is adequately staffed. Trustee Wompa stated she's disappointed that the leader of this Board did not reach out to discuss his matter sooner. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated that a Board member had discussed not hiring Mr. Lobato at a seniors' function on July 24, 2014. She stated the Board makes decisions to hire staff and always considers the Department Head's recommendation. She asked if the Chief's recommendation was ever considered in the case of Mr. Lobato. Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church stated she had previously revealed to the entire Board that Mr. Lobato, a candidate for Police Officer was her brother. She stated that the public has the right to attend meetings and ask questions and recent Board member's actions have been embarrassing. Mayor Wray responded and stated that at the meeting of July 29, 2014, a decision had already been made in regards to hiring a Police Officer, and a motion for an executive session was denied by the majority of the Board members. Mayor Wray announced that this Sunday there will be a ceremony at Patriots Park at 8:30 am In memory of 9/11. Resolutions - See attached Discussion ensued regarding the LDC Discussion ensued regarding the location of the Chilean Festival event New Business: Trustee Wompa reported that the first meeting took place with the planning consultants, and have made suggestions on how to enhance zoning codes. Public meetings will be set up to reach out to the public. Public Comments: Mayor Wray opened the meeting to the public and evoked the 3 minute rule. Gregory Lobato of Sleepy Hollow addressed the Mayor and the Board of Trustees and stated that he has never solicit anyone to protest at board meetings and bash board members, he has never spoken about his hiring situation to the press and he has nothing �personal against any members of the Board. Mr. Lobato stated that he is still seeking a position in Law Enforcement. There were no further comments from the public at this time. At 11:05 p.m. on motion by Trustee Campbell, seconded by Deputy Mayor Lobato-Church the meeting was adjourned. / R e s p e c t f u l l y Submitted, I Paula A. McCarthy Tompkins Village Clerk �Public Hearing Notice Village of Sleepy Hollow Please take notice that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sleepy Hollow does hereby call for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 2014. at 7:00 pm or soon thereafter, in Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, New York, to hear and consider comments from the public regarding parking and traffic flow on Old Broadway, including: 1) Designating Old Broadway as an one-way street heading northbound; and/or 2) Restricting parking on both sides of the street to 2 hours at all times; and/or 3) Eliminating all on-street parking All taxpayers and residents are entitled to attend and be heard at said hearing. Village Hall is handicap accessible. By Order of the Board of Trustees: Paula A. McCarthy Tompkins Village Clerk Dated: August 2014 �September 9 , 2 0 1 4 PRESENTATION BOT 1. C i k ^ - ^ ^ ^ During the m o n t h o f August: a. 5 Domestic Incidents resulting In 0 arrests b. 7 arrests f o r t h e m o n t h i. II. Hi. 2 felony arrests 4 m i s d e m e a n o r arrests 1 violations o f PL o r Local Code c. 55 medical aid calls d. 18 t r a f f i c accidents i. 9 along Rt 9 1. 1 w i t h t r e e limb @ Cemetery 2. 1 w i t h t r e e opposite Peabody, 2 injured 3. 2 @ Chestnut 4. 1 @ Depeyster, 1 injured 5. 1 @ Hemlock 6. 1 @ Plerson 7. 1 (S) Beekman 8. 1 @ Farrington 11. 1 w i t h injuries o n Pokahoe Hi. 3 m i n o r in parking lots Iv. 2 w i t h dogs (Beekman, Cedar) V. 2 vehicles parked o n street/sideswipe-left scene vl. 1 o n Valley pulling f r o m parking space 2. New hire A n t o n i o Guzzo is in t h e Police Academy 3. Department still struggles w i t h a n u m b e r o f officers o u t f o r medical reasons a. Present strength o f 24 Includes I. 5 Patrol Officers o u t f o r various medical reasons 1. II. b. M a y have 1 o r 2 back in October, none o f t h e o t h e r 3 expected t o return soon 1 in police academy Excluding t h e Chief, 17 staff are available f o r d u t y i. 18 m i n i m u m t o fill p a t r o l schedu le 1. 13 available a. 4. Children are back t o school, crossing guards are w o r k i n g a. 5. I expect OT needs t o continue but at a lesser pace t h a n June t h r u August M o t o r i s t s obey crossing guards b. Stop f o r school bus loading/unloading c. W a t c h f o r children Fall is coming, leaves will be falling...roads w i l l be slippery " f e p ^ l ^ �9-9-14 David Schroedel - 487 Munroe Avenue I can appreciate the personal resistance and even resentment you might feel at getting public pressure on a matter of employment. But Mr. Lobato presents an exceptional case, as evidenced by the continuing show of public interest. At the conclusion of your work session of 9/2, Trustee Campbell made a remark which seemed to imply that, based on the previous public meetings, conversations that had taken place in executive session had been leaked, and that he was uncomfortable speaking his mind within them going forward. You should be under no illusions. Despite my arguments to you on this matter, to the best of my knowledge there has been no public airing of Executive Session discussions fueling the turn-out in support of M r . Lobato at recent meetings. To assume so is to misread the reasons for the broad base of support he has in this community and beyond. Moreover, to publicly impugn the integrity of fellow Board members in this matter is cynical. Perhaps you four should look to your own public and private comments for the true source of public concern. Your quotes in the media have done little to dispel the impression that your decision in this matter was not based on the candidate merit or the best interests of the Village. Those of us who come to publicly speak on behalf of Mr. Lobato do so because whatever the truth about your reasoning, the entire process has lacked transparency and been unfair. W e are not alone in that belief; the Journal News saw fit to publish an editorial calling for you to explain yourselves. �As I said, I have tried to convince you that, based on the law, your Executive Session discussions on this matter should be made public. In response to Counsel's dismissal of my argument, several weeks ago I provided the Clerk with copies of the Open Meeting Law, and the Open Meetings Committee Advisory Opinion, so that each of you could read them for yourselves. If you've done so, you should understand that the issue isn't whether you may discuss things in Executive Session, it is whether the public has a right to observe how you arrive at important decisions. On this, despite Counsel's advice to you, the law is clear. To conduct your deliberations and share your opinions only in private, and then simply vote on a matter in public, deprives citizens of the right to witness the process and is antithetical to democracy. This is not about protecting the privacy of M r . Lobato's application or his personnel records, it is about disclosing your personal thinking, your decision making, your actions. I had hoped that by now, the Board would have contacted Robert Freeman of the Committee on Open Meetings Law for clarification in this specific matter. Perhaps you did. If so, I think the public deserves to hear what you learned. M y own conclusion is that in your decision to block Mr. Lobato from appointment despite his outstanding personal history, test scores, recommendations from the PD, and the endorsement of at least two fellow Trustees, you have twice failed in your duty to properly inform the public. M y grandmother used to tell me that good and bad things come in threes. And even in baseball, you get three strikes. So I ask you tonight for a third time. �I ask you to consider that in the spring of 2001, on the day of his college graduation, Mr. Lobato received his commission in the US Marine Corps and went on active duty in August, and just weeks before 9/11. I ask you to remember that this young man gave years of his life to stand between the bad intentions of some truly awful people and all of us here in this room tonight. I'm not asking you to endorse the war in Iraq, or to hire every vet; just this one, this son of our Village. Hasn't Greg Lobato earned the right to prove himself capable as an entry-level, patrolman? Please, suspend the rules and appoint him tonight. You can still make this right. � 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_2014-09-09 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