Board Highlights September 29, 2025

Greenway Update

The Board of Trustees (BOT) heard a presentation on the first phase of the Greenway project which will address approximately a half mile along the Sheldrake river in Washingtonville and the Industrial Area.  Armed with a grant for the design there are four goals to be achieved; flood impact mitigation, uninterrupted connectivity along the rivers, space for recreation, education and stewardship and also provide governance and management of the Greenway project.  Three sites are priorities at the Village’s Salt Shed, Ogden Park and the Rockland Bird Walk.  The total cost of this part of the project is approximately $3.5 million.  Grant applications will be sought to reduce the burden on taxpayers and coordinated with other Village efforts to avoid internal competition for grant monies.  See presentation HERE.

Holiday Lights

After much discussion and consideration, the BOT voted to enter into a lease to buy arrangement for holiday decorations along Mamaroneck Avenue and the entrance to Harbor Island.  Village staff will do the installation during regular time (not overtime) in order to save money and after three years, the Village will own the decorations at no additional cost.  They are expected to have a 15-20 year useful life.  Funding is included in the capital budget.  See HERE.

Updated Website

After hearing complaints about the Village website for years, the BOT approved a contract with CivicPlus to update and expand it.  Action was required because the current website will not be supported beginning in 2026.  It is expected that the website will integrate recreation and other Village functions, and the contract includes employee training.  See HERE.

Public Relations Firm

The BOT approved a three month contract with Nicholas & Lence for $6,000/month to provide press releases and other media matters.  See HERE. The goal as stated is to help the Village inform the community about important matters.  The firm will also advise on the website design and content.

Garbage Code Amended

After much discussion at many work sessions, the BOT voted on two changes that were easily agreed upon – that all garbage must be in containers with closed and secured lids and fines should be increased.

Fines for first convictions stand at “not exceeding $250” but increase thereafter.  Second convictions not to exceed $375 and third convictions up to $500.  No mention of any increase after three.

Village Manager Kathleen Gill said that the changes will be widely noticed to all businesses and property owners before enforcement begins. Meanwhile, the BOT will continue discussions on other changes to the code, including time restrictions for putting garbage to the curb.

Changes to BOT Meeting Procedures

As the trial period for the new BOT meeting procedures nears an end, members are considering the best way forward.  After individual members were asked for comments, Mayor Torres announced there was agreement that the BOT should go back to two work sessions and  two regular/legislative meetings per month.  There was also agreement that no votes should be taken until the public had opportunities to comment on the matters at hand.

The question of when the two work sessions and two regular meetings should be held remains.  Mayor Torres favors four separate meetings per month while other members want to go back to having work sessions and regular meetings on the same night.  Holding both meetings on the same night often led to many late nights, which is difficult for members with full time jobs and the staff.  However, four separate meetings a month could also be onerous on the staff and public as well as difficult to schedule as other Boards use the courtroom for meetings (Zoning, Planning, HCZMC for example).  Discussions will continue.