Board Highlights May 12, 2025

Meeting Format Changed

The May 12th meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) saw the implementation of a 2 month trial period during which the meeting format has changed.  Designed to have the meeting run more smoothly, the two meetings per month will be divided into Work Sessions followed by a Public Meeting and a Legislative Meeting.  The May 12th meeting was primarily a work session.

For the Work Session portion of the meeting, BOT members and staff sat around a conference table, a format that clearly fostered more discussion than past meetings.  Meetings are still televised live on LMC Media and taped for later viewing.  Work Sessions do not allow for public comment as has been the past practice.

There were 17 items on the agenda – all determined to be routine.  Two minor items were voted at this meeting (a budget transfer within a department and closing Mt. Pleasant Ave during Memorial Day ceremonies) but others will be added to the agenda for the 5/27 meeting.

Staff reports that were previously given at a Regular Meeting were also given at this Work Session.

Some members of the public were clearly confused by the changes and a few voiced concern that the BOT would be making decisions without public knowledge or input.

As usual, another meeting followed the Work Session, but the agenda was very light.  The public was allowed to comment on anything, and each speaker was given a full five minutes to speak.

This change is “a work in progress” and will be evaluated after two months.

Leaf Blower Law

Apparently in response to complaints that the ban on gasoline powered leaf blowers is not being enforced, the BOT is taking another look at the current Village law and those of other communities.  Trustee Maria DeRose compiled some data (see HERE) and discussion will continue.

Apparently, word had spread and by the start of the second part of the meeting at 7:30, it was standing room only with many representatives of the landscaping community.  During the public comment period, about 10 people spoke and they were evenly divided between those in favor of and those against the ban on gas powered blowers.

Rats and Garbage

In response to the ongoing problem with rats in several parts of the Village, Village Manager Kathleen Gill proposed several actions.  First, engage an exterminator to evaluate the situation, determine the cause (is it just garbage?) and then develop a plan of action.  Gill estimates the professional evaluation cost would be $250/hour for 3-4 hours.

Gill would also like to hire two part-time Code Enforcement Officers so the current code requirements that all garbage be placed in tightly closed bins are enforced.  Gill suggested that the Village might purchase appropriate bins and resell them to property owners as a convenience.  The last proposal is to restrict the time periods when garbage can be put at the curb.  Currently, some property owners put the trash out the afternoon before pick-up day.

Last year, the Village spent $435,000 on the rat problem but no maintenance plan was put in place after the mass extermination and the rats have returned.

Parking Spaces on Mamaroneck Avenue

Working with the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, the Village is looking for ways to encourage more turnover of the parking spaces on the Avenue.  The first step would be to change the time that meters are in force in the Philips Park lot (behind the Avenue) from 6 PM to 5 PM.  It is hoped that more people would park there if they don’t have to feed the meters.  The BOT agreed and this will be on a future agenda for a vote.

Other ideas include allowing employees of Avenue businesses to park at Harbor Island, changing the meter times at the Hunter Tier lot, and moving vehicles with commercial parking permits further from the Avenue.  New signage reflecting any changes and improved lighting would also be installed.

Gaglione Sworn In

Police Chief PJ Trujillo presented Sergeant Joseph Gaglione to be promoted to Lieutenant.  Surrounded by family, friends and department members, he was sworn in by Mayor Sharon Torres.  Lieutenant Gaglione began his career with the Village of Mamaroneck in January 2009 as a patrolman and Chief Trujillo described him as a someone who will lead by example.

Flood Mitigation Committee (FMC)

A new seven member flood committee was appointed by the Board of Trustees.  Members are Josh Lanza, Sue Deschensky, Michael Tietze, James Abbate, Brian Williams, Roxanne Brucciani and Peggy Jackson.  A chair for the committee will be appointed from this group at a later date.

Interim Village Attorney Appointed

With the recent resignation of Village Attorney Robert Spolzino (see article HERE) the BOT appointed the firm of Tobin, Bernadon & Wazny LLP of White Plains.  They also currently serve as the Village Prosecutors in the Village Court.

Concerns about Battery Energy Storage Systems

Continuing the review of how best to regulate these systems to protect Village residents, businesses and firefighters, Fire Chief Tom Seimsen and Building Inspector Scott Ransom attended the meeting to discuss the topic with the BOT.  Chief Seimsen pointed out that there was limited expertise in handling fires coming from batteries and the recommendation of “let it burn” is not an option for our Village.  The Village has been dealing with smaller scale electric vehicle battery fires, but hazmat experts are still developing information to effectively and safely fight battery fire incidents.  Building Inspector Ransom mentioned his concern about the size of these storage systems and zoning compliance issues.  Mayor Torres asked about ebikes stored in multi-family dwellings and how to best regulate them to provide safety information to both residents and first responders.  Village Manager Gill reported that municipalities are regulating battery powered devices and will research what might be most effective for the Village of Mamaroneck.  See HERE for the planning consultant’s report.

Lieutenant Gaglione, Mayor Torres and Chief Trujillo